Pat Reilly New: Smart Paying Tribute to a Home and Sydney Legend Technology Automate Your House and Cloud Data Storage

february 2014 - FREE

www.sydneyobserver.com.au

Sydney girls go for Olympic glory in Sochi Bobsleigh duo on track for speed show

Back to school essentials Sydney’s top students share their secrets Pat Reilly New: smart Paying tribute to a home and Sydney legend technology Automate your house and cloud data storage

WELLBEING• travel • HOME & GARDEN • food & Wine • education Design and Construction of: Decks • Pergolas • Carports Handrails • Stainless Steel Wire Lattice panels • Privacy Screens Lychgates • Picket Fences and Gates FULL RANGE OF SERVICES FOR THE DIY HANDYMAN AND TRADESMAN

SHOWROOM AND TIMBER SALES AT 5 Chilvers Road, Thornleigh OPEN Mon – Fri 7.30am – 5pm Saturday – 8.00am – 3.00pm FREE Measure and Quote FREE LOCAL DELIVERY Phone 9980 7611 Email: [email protected] www.thomsonsoutdoorpine.com.au On now

SUPER SALE

33% OFF* 30% OFF* 25% OFF* 25% OFF* Platine stone baths Fluid and Blade accessory ranges Vista basins Freestanding baths

20% OFF* 20% OFF* 15% OFF* 15% OFF* All tapware All toilet suites All vanities Gala by Roca basins

Balmain – 565 Darling Street, Rozelle, tel 9555 2284 *Conditions apply Brookvale – 764 Pittwater Road, tel 9939 2284 Crows Nest – 188 Willoughby Road, tel 9437 5001 Australia-wide delivery Waverley – 263 Bronte Road, tel 9387 4334 bathroomwarehouse.com.au In memory of Mayor Pat Reilly From the team Sydney Observer pays tribute to the late Willoughby Mayor Pat Reilly ...... 13 Welcome to the new look Sydney Observ- er. It’s February 2014 and for most of us it’s back to work and school. We have been busy over the summer planning and creating a new design and focus for the magazine and this year is set to be a huge one for Sydney Observer online and social media Shooting bobsleigh stars take news and information. This will allow you to re- aim at Sochi ceive Sydney’s foremost lifestyle and current Bobsleigh star Astrid Radjenovic talks about affairs information when you need it. landing the dream run at the 2014 Sochi Winter In response to a growing audience and Olympic Games ...... 16 reader requests, we’ve broadened our editorial focus to include more Sydney-wide content and general information on education and technology, all while staying true to our home in the North Shore. Speaking of educa- North Shore Schools stave off tion, this issue will help parents and students capacity crisis make the back-to-school transition easy. Overcrowded public schools on the North Shore We hope you enjoy reading the new are nearing capacity and struggling to cope with Sydney Observer, and, as always, we wel- increasing enrolment pressure ...... 18 come your feedback to ensure our coverage remains insightful. We look forward to hearing from you in 2014. Follow us on twitter and find us on facebook. Backup to school with cloud- based data storage services The Sydney Observer editorial team Along with new shoes, stationery and school [email protected] timetable, take a look at the latest in cloud-based backup services this February to keep assignments february 2014 - free and homework safe across multiple devices...... 28

www.sydneyobserver.com.au

Sydney girls go for Olympic glory in Sochi Bobsleigh duo on track Mystical Morocco: the rugged for speed show Back to gateway to Africa school essentials Sydney’s top students Prepare to immerse yourself in the sun-drenched share their secrets capital of North African culture ...... 36 Pat reilly New: smart Paying tribute to a home and Sydney legend technology Automate your house 36 and cloud data storage

WELLBEING• travEL • HOME & GarDEN • f OOD & WINE • EDucatION

PUBLISHED BY: Kamdha Pty. Ltd. SYDNEY OBSERVER is a monthly magazine published distribution by PMP Distribution by Kamdha Pty Ltd (ABN 97 098 661 959). Sydney Sydney Observer is distributed to all Ku-ring-gai plus selected EDITORIAL CONSULTANT: Rodney Gedda Observer magazine, its Publisher and Editor, hereby adjacent areas of Hornsby, Lane Cove and Willoughby. Additional senior journalist: Kieran Gair expressly disclaim to the full extent permitted by the copies are available from local libraries, selected retail outlets and law, all and any liability arising from any negligence council offices. We personally deliver to businesses in most suburban ([email protected]) shopping areas in order to remain community-focused and personal. whatsoever of the Publishers including damage, Contributors: Rosie Russell, Tess Gibney, Mike consequential damages, liability, expenses, costs to Home, Commercial and Bulk Delivery Fairbairn, Madhu Manohar, Dr Ian Sweeney, Jane any person and/or business/company arising from • Chatswood • North Wahroonga • Turramurra Curran, Karla Davies, Prof. Raewyn Connell and any action or inaction by any person in connection • East Killara • Pymble • Wahroonga Jonathan O’Dea with any copy or arising from reliance on any copy • East Lindfield • Roseville • Waitara which is published or failed to be published by the • Gordon • Roseville Chase • Warrawee Designer: Anna Benner Publishers. The copyright of all material published • Killara • South Turramurra • West Pymble ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE: Kaye Willatt in the Sydney Observer magazine is owned by the • Lindfield • St Ives • Willoughby Publisher, Kamdha Pty Ltd, and must not be used • North Turramurra • St Ives Chase ([email protected]) in any form without the written permission of the BOOKING DEADLINE: 20th of the month publisher. This copyright includes all advertisements Commercial and Bulk Drop unless photo-ready material is provided by the P (02) 9884 8699 • F (02) 9884 8799 • Beecroft • Normanhurst • Pennant Hills advertiser. • Epping • North Epping • Thornleigh ADDRESS: PO Box 420, Killara NSW 2071 www.kamdha.com • Hornsby • St Leonards

4 sydneyobserver.com Best value & quality German kitchens at amazing prices Fully installed with stone benchtops from $19,990

Bathroom custom design and installation from $18,990* *subject to existing plumbing

9917 7000 0402 815 662 150 Mowbray Rd,Willoughby Open 7 days a week! From THE READERS Summer Party article home run To identify what I ‘loved’ about the Sydney Observer I can’t just pick one. The article on Anna Bamford was second to none. It inspired my daughter and taught her drama can be fun. The Summer Party article was also a home run! It energised me to think about having one in the warm sun! Leah Rigney, Turramurra The real santa's helpers I loved reading about “Santa’s Real Helpers” in your latest issue. While most of us are spending Christmas Day celebrating and thinking only about food and presents, there is a dedicated group of doctors, nurses, firefighters, lifeguards, police and care Realstaff Helpers”. who will Merry be working Christmas on to Christmas you all! Day. I truly commend them on their sacrifice and selflessness. They are indeed “Santa’s Katrina Chen, Pymble Princes street still a hit with the locals I loved your focus on Princes Street. I have lived around the cor- If you would like to enter any of the giveaway draws, tell us in 50 words or less, what you liked in this month’s ner for 27 years. It has seen many changes but the shops still maintain magazine. The best entries will be published* and go in that community spirit welcoming locals and visitors alike. Shame the the running for our monthly giveaway in the next issue article did not mention all the shops there. The vets are lovely, butch- of the magazine. PO Box 420, Killara NSW 2071 or er fabulous, hairdressers stylish and a gluten free shop. email [email protected] with your name, address, Sheila Bowditch, Turramurra and contact number by the 25th of the month.

*By sending a letter or e-mail to enter the giveaway the sender authorises any use of it as content by Sydney Observer. Wards Pharmacy 4 U “because we care”

OPeN 7 DayS FRee DeliVeRieS Phone orders welcome Local family owned and run Friendly personalised customer service

• BIODERMA-NUXE Alterations • Remodelling • Repair • DIABETES SUB-AGENT (exclusive affordable Engagements • Weddings • Anniversaries • FRee WEBSTER PACKING skincare from France) • SURGICAL AIDS Together we can design an original piece of jewellery • BIOGLAN • CRUTCHES/ NEBULISERS/ and quote while you wait. If you have your own gold BREAST PUMPS FOR HIRE • SUKIN SKIN CARE • COMPLIMENTARY GIFT BAGS • BLOOMS VITAMINS • Whether to save or sentimental we can reuse. WITH ALL GIFT PURCHASES • CARUSO’S NATURAL • Also buy unwanted gold and jewellery. • SCENTED CANDLES HEALTH onsite • BIOCEUTICALS workshop • ETHICAL NUTRIENTS

Shop 5, 176 Fox Valley Road, Catherine Ward Wahroonga NSW 2076 B.Pharm.M.P.S Phone 9489 6566 Fax 9487 2674 [email protected] 1A William St, Hornsby • ph: 9476 4711 e-mail: [email protected]

6 sydneyobserver.com

Opinion Tackling Alcohol and Drug-Related Violence Jonathon O’Dea

As the Member for Davidson and father As part of a range of increased of teenage boys, I welcome the strong new fines and penalties, illegal supply and measures introduced by the NSW O’Farrell possession of steroids will attract up to Government to tackle the problem of al- 25 years jail. cohol and drug-related violence on Complementing recently enhanced Sydney streets. police numbers and powers, police will be The measures include eight-year able to impose immediate, temporary CBD mandatory minimum sentences for those precinct bans on trouble makers, while convicted under new one punch laws improved public transport will operate where the offender is intoxicated by drugs from Kings Cross. or alcohol, plus new mandatory minimum Furthermore, a community awareness sentences for violent assaults where the and media campaign will address the offender is similarly intoxicated. culture of binge drinking. Everyone can A new risk-based licensing scheme play a part to help stop unacceptable will apply to venues and outlets, including behaviour. 1:30 am lockouts and 3:00 am ‘last drinks’ rules will be introduced across an expanded Sydney CBD. A new state-wide Jonathon O’Dea is the Liberal member 10:00 pm closing time will apply to all for Davidson. He lives in Lindfield with his bottle shops and liquor stores. wife and four children.

Jorian Blanch & Co Jonathan O’Dea With Richard Fischer Member for Davidson As the local MP for the Davidson electorate it is my pleasure  Conveyancing to serve constituents and our community, including by:  Guardianship ● Representing your interests in NSW Parliament  Powers of Attorney ● Taking concerns directly to appropriate Ministers for  Wills and Probate responses ● Advising about rights and further action people can take  Aged Care Law ● Advocating for more resources for local groups and communities ● Organising congratulatory messages for 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries as well as for 90th and Proudly servicing the local 100th birthdays

community for over 40 years Please visit my website www.jonathanodea.com.au to provide feedback and access links to my latest Telephone 9144 1102 at Turramurra or speeches and media releases. 9449 4422 at Pymble Office Suite 8A, 12-18 Tryon Road, Lindfield NSW 2070 Phone: 9880 7400 Fax: 9880 7488 1269 Pacific Hwy, Turramurra. 2074 Email: [email protected] www.jonathanodea.com.au Email: [email protected] Authorised by Jonathan O’Dea MP using parliamentary entitlements

8 sydneyobserver.com Opinion Confronting Sydney's toxic mix of masculinity, alcohol and violence

Professor Raewyn Connell found remarkably few. Studies involving millions of people show that men and type of content makes up a large part of The ongoing public outcry in Sydney women as sexes are psychologically very popularshows, movieentertainment thrillers and and it thedraws like. a large This about “alcohol-fuelled violence” has many audience. So the media is feeding narratives people asking whether the city’s young men our stereotypes, but the evidence is strong, about how young men can gain excitement, are out of control. Violence between men in sosimilar. we cannot This finding explain goes male against involvement many in of success and respect through aggression, Australia is concerning, however, the half- confrontation and dominance. But what hidden epidemics of family violence, sex- between the mentalities of the sexes. makes young men take up such stories in ual harassment and rape are wider prob- severeFurthermore, violence by we generalised can’t blame differences a “criminal real life? lems than street bashings by strangers. Alcohol-fuelled violence often involves But the street violence is worrying and has some kind of masculinity challenge. For caught more media attention than other Is this spate of instance, when a group of young men confront bouncers at a social venue. Is this spate of violence really alcohol- violence really Masculinity is a pattern of conduct that fuelled?serious offences. Drinking is often part of the lead- alcohol-fuelled? up to violent episodes, but alcohol can’t of masculinity and some are more honoured meaningfully be called a “fuel” of any thanmust others.be learned. For There young are men, multiple masculinity forms particular behaviour. It is sometimes a type” of human being. Criminologists have, is often in question or challenged and the depressant and sometimes a stimulant. In presence of an audience is important. Some many situations it’s more likely to make you where patterns of violent behaviour might of Sydney’s recent violent episodes are in feel sleepy or ill than encourage you to hit however, identified social circumstances so-called “zones of exception” – places and out with someone. It’s the circumstances high levels of social inequality, situations times in which ordinary social rules are of drinking, rather than the chemical itself, inbe which learned. there These is circumstances cultural emphasis include on supposed to Fashionnot apply. Design that we need to understand. male dominance and confrontations As a community we& need to look hard Can we blame the “male brain”, with authority. at the social situationsDressmaking in which violence is testosterone, or genetics? Are young men Is the the media contributing to the happening. And we need to ask what else hangovers from a primitive world where is happeningFashion in theseDesignCourses young mens’ lives. from what people see on a television &Fashion Design bed-time stories. More than 100 years of screenproblem? to how There they is noact directon the correlation street, but Professor Raewyn Connell holds a University males used to fight cave bears? Those are Dressmaking& research looking for broad psychological Chair at theCourses facultyDressmaking of education, University “action” movies, body-contact sports, crime of SydneyFashion Design there is a relentless flow of images in Courses differences between men and women has & have something on your mind? Tell us in 300 words Dressmakingand send it to [email protected] Courses

Specialising in Full-time CoursesFashionPart-time, Design Saturday Sportswear, Pants Short Courses &and Evening Study Tailoring,Specialising Evening in WearFull-time CoursesWorkshops Part-time, Saturday Specialising in Full-timeDressmaking Courses OptionsPart-time, Available Saturday Sportswear, Pants Short Courses and Evening Study Pattern DesignSportswear, PantsHSC MentoringShort Courses and Evening Study Tailoring, Evening Wear Workshops OptionsCourses Available Tailoring, Evening WearSewing ClassesWorkshops Job-readyOptions Available Skills for DrapingPattern Design Techniques HSC Mentoring Pattern Design HSC Mentoring a Fashion Career DrapingFashion Techniques Illustration Sewing Classes Job-ready Skills for Draping Techniques Sewing Classes Job-ready Skills for Fashion Illustration a Fashion Career Fashion Illustration a Fashion Career

Specialising in Full-time Courses Part-time, Saturday Sportswear,ALLALL Pants SKILL SKILLALL ShortSKILL Courses and Evening Study Tailoring, Evening Wear Workshops Options Available 02 9449 145002 9449 1450 PatternLEVELS DesignLEVELSLEVELSHSC Mentoring 02 9449 1450 www.in2mode.com.auwww.in2mode.com.auwww.in2mode.com.au WELCOME!WELCOME!WELCOME! Job-ready Skills for Draping Techniques Sewing [email protected]@[email protected] Suite 7, Harvard HouseSuite - 859 7,a Paci cHarvard Fashion Highway House - 859Career Paci c Highway Fashion Illustration SuitePymble 7, NSW Harvard 2073 HousePymble - NSW859 2073Paci c Highway Specialising in Full-time Courses PymblePart-time, NSW 2073 Saturday Sportswear, Pants Short Courses and Evening Study Tailoring, Evening Wear Workshops Options Available Pattern Design HSC Mentoring sydneyobserver.com 9 ALLDraping SKILL Techniques Sewing Classes Job-ready Skills for Fashion Illustration a Fashion Career LEVELS 02 9449 1450 WELCOME! www.in2mode.com.au [email protected] Suite 7, Harvard House - 859 Paci c Highway ALL SKILL Pymble NSW 2073

LEVELS 02 9449 1450 WELCOME! www.in2mode.com.au [email protected] Suite 7, Harvard House - 859 Paci c Highway Pymble NSW 2073 Snippets

Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Woolworths to Centre set to reopen in 2014 convert Crows After enduring a third summer without their local pool, Pymble residents have Nest supermarket welcomed council’s announcement Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre will reopen into $40 million in August. - retail hub cant facelift. In addition to the 50m pool, the new Fitness and Aquatic Centre will have Crows Nest Woolworths is set to be an indoorClosed pool, since gym, January water 2012, play theequipment, former West an indoor Pymble and pool outdoor has undergone toddlers pool, a signifi a ca- demolished by June this year and replaced fe, more carparking and meeting rooms. Despite initial plans to have the pool completed by Christmas 2012, wet weather current size. during demolition and excavation, the availability of subcontractors and design clashes by aThe five-storey new Woolworths shopping will centre include double a base its along the way hindered the construction progress of the multi-purpose sports facility. ment carpark with an extra 164 car spaces, six speciality stores and a sushi counter and- pizza bar. furtherThe setbacks. pool can be accessed all year round and with both internal pools finished and the specialistThe YMCA pool has nearlybeen appointed completed, to Ku-ring-gaimanage the council pool and is confidentprovide a ofrange avoiding of water- any based and non-water activities. Regional Development Manager Richard Fees for the programs and multi-visit passes are yet to be determined. ArmitageThis wouldsaid the see first the stage carpark of construction and exist would begin in the first half of this year. Willoughby by-election to - anding store demolished. bounded by Falcon St, Alexander St, cost up to $300,000 Burlington St and Willoughby Lane, closed Willoughby Council is - able to shop at nearby Woolworths stores ly’s position as Mayor, however, everyone in the municipality will be required to vote, whileArmitage construction said customerswas underway. would still be which could cost up to $300,000.considering the options for a by-election to fill Pat Reil - that the new public car park, supermarket quired to determine who will take over his position. According to the Electoral Com- “With everything going to plan, we hope mission,Councillor a vote Reillymust bedied held late within last month three months.after a short illness and a by-election is re Willoughby Council General Manager, Nick Tobin, can decide whether the election and shops will open in mid- to late-2015,” should be administered by the council or by the Electoral Commission. However, the Armitage said. 2012 local election was administered by the Electoral Commission and cost Willough- About 300 jobs are expected to be cre- by council $305,000. onceated duringit opens. the construction period and 120 But with only a three month period to organise a by-election, it is likely the Elec- jobs will be added to the new Woolworths toral Commission will administer the next Mayoral vote which will again come at a sig- last year.The Joint Regional Planning Panel ap- proved the development on December 10 nificant cost for Willoughby Council.

10 sydneyobserver.com

Local News Council plans a sell-out for Ku-ring-gai's largest playgroup

Kieran Gair

The future of Ku-ring-gai’s largest play- - group will be in doubt if a planned sale of munity Land’. However, the council voted A council spokeswoman said the coun- Pymble House goes ahead. be sold as the area was classified as ‘Com cilHall purchased and five parks the chamber and reserves. building in De- Despite a $21,000 state government Land’ so that Pymble House could be sold to cember 2012 with a loan of $22.4 million. grant for the renovation of Pymble House, fundto change new councilthe classification chambers. to ‘Operational However, Justine Clements said parents Ku-ring-gai council has voted to reclassify Secretary Justine Clements said 120 and the community are very disappointed - families are registered with the playgroup - velopers to buy the building. and given the size of Pymble House, there ty assets. the land,Acting effectively CEO of Playgrouppaving the NSW,way for Cris de are no other suitable venues. with“It’s council’s disappointing decision itto is sell counting off communi on sell- Townley said the grant Pymble House Play- “We are the biggest playgroup in the ing community assets to pay for the new group received was used to improve the fa- zone and need a facility we can use every council building,” Clements said. cilities and to extend the bike track used by day,” Clements said. Cris Townley is hoping Ku-ring-gai families and the local community. “There aren’t any community halls or - “There will be a great sense of loss if other places we could hold our playgroup tive venue to house the 120 families regis- Ku-ring-gai council decides to sell Pymble teredcouncil with will Pymble be open House to finding Playgroup. an alterna House. The kids and families will no long- year olds.” “If the council does decide to sell, we er have a safe environment to meet and play and Somecertainly 19 othernot one council set up properties for under have five every week,” Townley said. also been earmarked for sale, including the a new suitable location for Pymble House Previously, Pymble House could not Lifeline support service, Ku-ring-gai Town Playgroup,”look forward Townley to working said. with them to find

Spoil the one you love this Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Ritual $99 includes TEA & SWEETHEART CHOCOLATE ON ARRIVAL CLASSIC FACIAL & REFRESH PEDICURE Couple’s Ritual* $176 includes TEA & SWEETHEART CHOCOLATES ON ARRIVAL Instore or Online CLASSIC FACIAL & 30min RELAX MASSAGE FOR TWO *Couple must come in together.

12 sydneyobserver.com Local News

However, Reilly’s nephew, best-selling In memory - opment of the Concourse and Chatswood’s of Mayor civicfiction centre, writer, home Matthew to a Reilly,library, said concert the devel hall, theatre and studios were among his uncle’s

Pat Reilly A champion of community-building projects,most significant Reilly refered achievements. to himself as the “Min- Sydney Observer pays ister for Footpaths”. With an eye for practa- cality, he worked to ensure that Willoughby tribute to the late residents had access to world-class commu- Willoughby Mayor Pat Reilly nity resources. Kieran Gair Matthew Reilly believes his uncle’s devo- tion to Willoughby was so strong that when Pat Reilly, one of Australia’s longest serv- Nick Tobin said the passing of Reilly was an his aunt Beth married Pat: “She also got the ing Mayors, was farewelled late last month incredible loss for the local community. city of Willoughby as her in-laws.” by hundreds of mourners at Our Lady of Do- “No words can describe the immense A musician at heart, Reilly would per- lours Church in Chatswood. contribution he made to the City of Willough- form as Elvis at retirement homes, charity Reilly was remembered as the quintes- by and to its people,” Tobin said. events and school fund-raisers. At last year’s sential Australian larrikin – a local champi- “Pat was the type of person you meet community Christmas party on the Con- on who would dress up as Elvis and imper- once in a lifetime, and we are all so fortunate course, local families and friends were treat- sonate the occasional Prime Minister. But to have shared him in our lives.” ed to Reilly’s last performance, his rendition the larger-than-life Mayor of Willoughby He served on Willougby Council for of When You’re Smiling (The Whole World was rembered most for his committment to three decades, was elected as Mayor in 1997 Smiles With You). his family and local community. and nearly snatched the safe Liberal seat of Reilly is survived by his wife Beth and Willoughby Council General Manager, Willoughby from Gladys Berejiklian in 2003. daughter Sophie.

sydneyobserver.com 13 Young skin secrets: science meets big business Are anti-ageing creams the path to youthful skin or clever pseudo-science? Kieran Gair Anti-ageing is big business. With imag- “There’s no evidence from any large er, using sunscreen products, wearing hats es of models parading through magazines peer-reviewed study to back up the anti- and trying to avoid the sun where possible and saturating our television screens, the ageing claims made by skin cream manu- will all reduce the Sun’s ability to age your billion dollar beauty and cosmetic indus- facturers,” Schumack says. “Of those stud- skin. In the short-term you may even get try is built on what seems to be our biggest ies that have been done, they are almost al- fear – growing old. But do any of the prod- ways sponsored by the skin cream compa- of ageing.” ucts that promise to smooth wrinkles, re- some“In slight Sydney, recovery in the from middle the visibleof the effectsday in move lines and make sun spots evaporate for experts to take these results seriously.” actually work? nies Australians themselves, spend and this more makes than it$300 difficult mil- From non-surgical face lifts and anti- lion each year on anti-ageing creams and the minutesummer walk it only to the takes bank about and 10back minutes again toat world’s leading cosmetic and beauty com- lunchburn non-tanned time in the skin. Sun So without if you sunscreen do a five for sexual dysfunction and heart disease, the pany, L’Oreal, recorded sales of over $5 bil- marketplacewrinkle fillers dedicated to treatments to making that people are used ap- Shumack says. pear younger continues to grow. However, - you’veHowever, effectively while almost some been skin sunburnt,” creams Associate Professor Dr Stephen Schumack, lion in the Asia-Pacific region for 2012 and- may make the skin appear fresher and feel president of the Australasian College of Der- sorits global Schumack profits argues exceeded there $3is onlybillion. one How skin smoother, a study conducted by the Queens- matologists and consultant dermatologist at creamever, despite that is these proven lucrative to slow profits, down Profes the ef- land Institute of Medical Research late last Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital, argues fects of ageing – sunscreen. year proves that applying sunscreen daily is the claims made by the creators of anti-age- “Although some products will slight- the only way to keep skin looking younger. ing creams are not backed up by reliable sci- ly improve texture and colour with regular The study, held over the course of four and a use so that the skin feels smoother and soft- half years, concluded that no detectable age- entific evidence. 14 sydneyobserver.com On the agenda

ing of the skin could be seen among the 900 prescription-only RETIN-A and RETRIEVE The TGA established the products were cos- men and women who applied sunscreen al- creams may help restore normal functioning metic and would at best mask the appear- most every day. of damaged cells. However, Schumack still ance of wrinkles, but not make them disap- The participants were all aged between believes most anti-ageing skin creams will pear. 30 and 55 and, on average, those who did ap- only ever work temporarily and are not de- Professor of Media and Communications ply sunscreen most days had 24 per cent less signed to actually reverse skin ageing. at the University of Sydney, Dr Olaf Werder, skin ageing than people who used sunscreen “Sun exposure, age and genetics contrib- - only occasionally or not at all. ute to ageing skin. So it’s a big leap to go from ence consumers expectations of anti-ageing Senior Scientist, Professor Adele Green, your skin looking and feeling a little better to products,argues that it is although society’s advertisingobsession with can youth influ - that makes anti-ageing such a big industry. the evidence to back up the claim that sun- “You cannot really blame an industry for screenwho led protects the study, skin said from the ageing. team finally had say that I’ve got some definite anti-ageing ac- jumping on a societal trend if money can be “This has been one of those beauty tips dencetivity from for anti-ageing product a b products or c,” Schumack may be says.lack- made in the process. As long as people want However, while the scientific evi- to pretend they do not get older, an industry we can back it up with science: protecting paigns has proved to be highly persuasive. that seemingly can facilitate in that endeav- yourselfyou often from hear skin quoted, cancer but by for using the sunscreen first time Ining, 2007 the the effectiveness Therapeutic Goodsof advertising Administar cam- regularly has the added bonus of keeping you ion (TGA) ordered several cosmetic man- “I tend to believe that in a more and looking younger. And the study has shown ufacturers, including Clinique, Estee Laud- moreour will youth-obsessed do very well,” cultureWerder we says. wish things that up to [a person’s] middle age, so it’s not er, Payot and Lancôme, to stop advertis- on products more so than they really suggest ing products that claimed to have wrinkle While sunscreen remains the easiest and removal capabilities. While the anti-ageing business is boom- cheapesttoo late to anti-ageing make a difference.” cream, some products on their own.” - containing peptides can potentially stimu- manufacturers were advertising creams, se- vour of anti-ageing creams, experts advise late the development of collagen and elas- rumsThe and TGA peels determined that misled the consumers five beauty in- usinging without sunscreen much and scientific shade instead evidence of expect in fa- tin. Creams containing antioxidants and vi- to believing they were therapeutic formula- ing to turn back time with the next anti-wrin- tamin A, particularly Tretinoin, found in the

Young skin secrets: tions able to make a physiological difference. kle “miracle” cream. science meets big business Explore the world in free public lectures hosted by Australians Studying Abroad. All lectures are illustrated. For all lectures, places are limited and people wishing to attend are advised to book well in advance.

Lecture Theatre, The Australian Museum, Cnr College & William St, Sydney

Sunday 23 February 2014 1.00-1.50pm Christians and Muslims: Shaping the Uniqueness of Spain - Christopher Wood Bookings: Tel 03 9822 6899 2.20-3.10pm Woven Treasures: Oriental Carpets in European Paintings, from Henry VIII to Matisse email: [email protected] - Dr Susan Scollay 3.20-4.10pm Romanian Cultural Identity: Where many Worlds Meet - Christopher Wood

Sunday 2 March 2014 1.00-1.50pm Over the Alps to Rome and Naples: The Italy of the Grand Tourist - Dr Lisa Beaven 2.20-3.10pm Secret Places of Rome: Piazzas and Palaces, Gardens and Churches - Dr David Marshall 3.20-4.10pm In the Footsteps of Odysseus: The Greeks in the West - Prof. Frank Sear

Sydney Sunday 23 March 2014 1.00-1.50pm Châteaux, Villas and Gardens of France and Italy - John Patrick 2.20-3.10pm The Rise of the English Country House - Richard Heathcote 3.20-4.10pm Great Royal Collections and Palace Museums of Europe - Kenneth W. Park www.asatours.com.au

sydneyobserver.com 15 Shooting bobsleigh stars take aim at Sochi

Bobsleigh star Astrid Radjenovic talks about landing the dream run at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games

Kieran Gair

On February 18 world class teams will hit the bobsleigh track in So- You’re looking at your third Winter Olympics, do you feel chi, Russia for a shot at Olympic glory. Northern Sydney girl Astrid Rad- more prepared and experienced this time? jenovic and her team mate Jana Pittman will be lining up alongside the bobsleigh track with the best of them and Sydney Observer got the run down on what it’s like to take the plunge down the icy course. women’sI have definitely bobsleigh had is strongera much better than ever preparation so it never and gets lead easier! up thisBe- - time than for any other games. However, saying that, the field in nancial backing that teams like the USA and Germany get, it seems and support, every year is a battle to just be here competing, but I With no track coach, no home circuit and nowhere near the fi- ing the smallest nation in the world cup field with the least funding lenge. But with a new $20,000 sled (paid for through a public ap- years since Vancouver. peal)the two and local the girls gritty are determination facing off against that saw an the insurmountable team take sev - chal am definitely feeling happy with what I have done over the last four enth place at a world contest last year, Radjenovic, the team’s pilot, What sacrifices do you have to make to ensure you’re will be measuring up the icy track that could lead her and Pittman prepared for a Winter Olympics and how grueling is your to victory. training regime? Known as the “Formula One on ice”, the bobsleigh is one of the Bobsleigh training is all power-based, so it does take a toll on the body to be constantly lifting heavy weights, doing jumps and mountain steering a sled through a twisting, narrow track hitting throws, pushing a heavy sled and sprinting – all at a heavier bod- sharphighest turns profile at the sports mind-altering at the Winter speed Olympics. of 130km/h Descending is undoubtedly down a yweight than is natural for me. The last month of racing here was a rush that would curdle the blood of any hardened thrill seeker. But for Radjenovic, shooting down the bobsleigh track is as peaceful as it is sensational. Beforethe first that time it wasever hard I’ve hadto get a physiotherapistout of bed every travel morning! with our team, so that has made a huge difference with backing up each week.

16 sydneyobserver.com What do you enjoy most about your always be paying to take runs overseas on I love the place and have really missed it sport and what do you find the tracks. Luckily the German Bobsleigh since I left six years ago. I’m currently living most challenging? Federation has helped me out in the last 3 in Brisbane to stay close to my parents who The one minute, twice a day that I’m actu- years and let me train together with their have retired on the Gold Coast, but I hope to ally going down the bobsleigh track is the program. move back to the northern suburbs of Syd- most peaceful and enjoyable part of my ney eventually! sport. For that one minute I’m not having to What are your goals for the - 2014 Olympics? How did your upbringing influence your tion, equipment, managing the team, cook- sporting career - did you always want ingthink dinner about or logistics, training. flights, The most accommoda challeng- will have to be happy with a top 12 result, to be an Olympian? ing part is having to manage the team. It’s a With the field so competitive this year, we I was always sports mad and sport has tak- huge job and not fun when you are trying to are all strong, so really we can only do our en my attention day in and day out since I perform as an athlete. bestif we andmake be it. proud The first that 17 with teams such in thea disad field- was six years old. I lived right next to a soc- vantage we have been competitive against cer club and always had great encourage- Is it difficult having to travel so often all big nations in winter sports. ment and support to pursue being an ath- for training? lete, from both my parents and the local To date, what has been your schools and clubs. I always loved the Olym- overseas is enjoyable and a great experi- biggest achievement? pics and having an opportunity to take up a Asence, much it also as takes spending a toll fiveon family, months social a year life Being here every season! Three Olympics winter sport was something I jumped at, as and your career. After Sochi I intend to make in a non-funded winter sport is a huge task, I love travelling and trying new and danger- up for the last 11 years and try and spend and every time I step on the start block I ous things! more time with my family. It’s also a drag feel lucky that I’ve persisted so long in mak- sometimes to have to pack up your suitcase, ing the team happen. I am also proud that Who inspires you and what would you bobsleigh and tools every week and drive to I’ve gone almost every season (eight now) say to children who dream of following the next venue, it’s draining! with no track coach and still feel that I drive in your footsteps? a bobsleigh as good as the top pilots in I generally took inspiration from anyone What were the benefits, or who worked hard to achieve a goal. After disadvantages, of growing up so far - away from decent snowfields? theYou field. grew up in Northern Sydney and derstand how important it is to “follow a The main problem is access to a bobsleigh went to school in Wahroonga, do you dream”11 years and on whatand offthat in means. bobsleigh No matter I now theun track. Not having your own home track can still live in the area? odds, if you keep at it for long enough you make things harder and more expensive, to I lived in northern Sydney for 24 years.

can find your way to your dream.

Australian women’s bobsleigh super duo Astrid Radjenovic and Jana Pittman (right) going for gold in Sochi.

sydneyobserver.com 17 North Shore Schools stave off capacity crisis Overcrowded public schools on the North Shore are nearing capacity and struggling to cope with increasing enrolment pressure

Tess Gibney

Early last year vice president of the Northern Sydney Region- al Council of Parents and Citizens Associations, Steph Croft, declared public schools on the lower to mid-North Shore to be in “crisis” and experiencing some of the “worst overcrowding and lack of capacity in the state”. According to the Northern Sydney Regional Council of Parents and Citizens Association, there has been a 23 per cent growth in student

public schools. numbers in the past six years at 26 of the most affected North Shore years, Croft says the previous allotment of one new building a yearWith for the an North increase Shore of more area was than the 5000 primary students catalyst in just for five the association’s lobbying. “The main reason we started lobbying was because Northern Syd- ney – an area which includes 167 public schools – was only being al- located one new building a year, and that was if we were lucky,” Croft says. “To have that enormous growth and only one new building is just not enough.”

North Shore, has undertaken an emergency respite development at neighbouringOverflowing Chatswood Chatswood High PublicSchool to School, alleviate situated the pressure on the of lowerover- crowding due to a surge in enrolments. A long awaited relief for the school, the new Chatswood primary

on an unused piece of land at the far side of the Chatswood High School oval,bush thecampus campus is set will to hostbe open 16 demountable on the first day classrooms of Term one, for students2014. Built in years three and four. “This is great news for Chatswood Public School,” Croft says. “It just did not have enough room for all the enrolments it was getting this year, and so it has worked really hard to get it underway.” Last year’s state budget was a welcome announcement for North Shore schools, with Education Minister Adrian Piccoli introducing a - dress the stress of over-enrolment. $70 The million plan dollar includes Northern a new Sydneyhigh school Schools at Crows plan to Nest specifically (previously ad

Shore, a major upgrade of Mowbray Public School and extra class- roomshome to at Bradfield Chatswood College), Public a School, new primary Artamon school Public for School,the lower Harbord North Public School and Lane Cove West Public School. Parts of the plan will commence this year, with the goal to have the new high school at Crows Nest completed and ready for students in 2015. State Liberal member for the seat of Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea,

18 sydneyobserver.com Education

says the government has dedicated sub- Killara than it was originally planned for.” tinue to maintain excellent standards in ed- North Shore Schools stantial money to the development of new With support from the NSW Premier, ucation, some primary and high schools are school buildings. O’Dea recently secured the go-ahead for an- jam packed – leaving little room for vigorous stave off capacity crisis “There’s a real commitment to it,” O’Dea other new building on the site, access to land activity and necessary playground space. says. “In my electorate, Davidson, we have across the road from the high school that “Killara High School currently has 23 de- seen major capital works [get] underway.” was used for informal parking and the estab- mountable classrooms on its oval. I’ve seen Overcrowded public schools on the North Shore At capacity, and in demand due to con- lishment of a new senior high school on the evidence of more playground injuries,” Croft sistently excellent academic results, Killara former site of UTS Ku-ring-gai. says. “It is hard because kids do need space to are nearing capacity and struggling to cope with High School is set to receive $7,900,000 as “Hopefully these initiatives will help run around, and that’s why it’s really critical increasing enrolment pressure part of a multi-million dollar upgrade of the to further relieve ongoing enrolment pres- that we have good planning for where the de- school’s facilities. sures and issues of overcrowding at mountable classes are going to go.” Consisting of a new block and school-wide schools throughout the lower North Shore,” As numbers continue to swell, North refurbishments, O’Dea says that although it is O’Dea says. Shore parents and citizens are crossing their an outstanding improvement, one building is Steph Croft says that despite some fan- unlikely to be enough for the barrage of enrol- tastic outcomes in the second half of last year, ment requests at the popular high school. the Parents and Citizens Association is still fingers for additional developments in 2014. “A school like Killara is under high de- working closely alongside the Department “a schoolIn 2013 in its alone own right”. there was an increase of mand, and the number of people in the area of Education to ensure “better systems are 661 “Astudents standard in primarythe area school – what is Croft around says 600 is is just continuing to grow and grow. The new in place”. students… so that’s more than one primary With anecdotal evidence suggesting over- school in just one year.” enrolment pressures in the area. The school crowding in schools can result in increased “We’re delighted that once the govern- hasbuilding amassed alone a willhuge not amount be sufficient of demountable to tackle playground injuries, Croft and her colleagues ment was made aware of the problem, it re- classrooms over several years and it needs are committed to making sure proper plan- sponded promptly to that problem,” she says. substantial funding allocation for new capital ning of demountable class installations “But we still need more because the growth is works,” O’Dea says. is established. just so massive. I’m hoping we get some more “There are a hundred more students at Though schools on the North Shore con- good announcements in the next budget.”

MICHAEL New college EDGLEY’S crafts careers in fashion Gain job-ready skills for a fashion career at in2Mode Fashion Design FOR THE FIRST TIME 5 MOTORBIKES 1 GLOBE College SPLITTING IN HALF Sydney has a brand new couture and fashion design college. BEAUTIFUL STATE OF THE ART TENT, Located in Pymble, in2Mode combines classical techniques FULLY AIR CONDITIONED used in the French couture houses with cutting-edge design & ALL CHAIR SEATING methods. Its unique draping program enables students to pro-

bridal wear and women’s tailoring. duceIn2Mode’s beautiful, Professional well-fitted garments Design Course including and eveningshort courses wear, GET YOUR weekdays, Saturdays and in the evenings. Skills-based work- TICKETS areshops delivered are also flexibly available as full-time for sewers and who part-time would courses, like to perfect run on NOW !! ST IVES SHOWGROUNDS particular garments, as well as HSC Mentoring for students un- 19TH FEBRUARY - 9 MARCH dertaking major works. FOR SHOW TIMES AND INFORMATION MORE INFO: 0429 MOSCOW (0429 667 269) TICKET DIRECT 1300 798 550 ONLINE MoscowCircus.com.au TicketDirect.com.au FAMILY PASS $130‘A’ RESERVE (2 Adults 2 Children) From $16 child $25 Adult ‘B’ RESERVE LIMITED SEATS Call 9449 1450 or visit www.in2mode.com.au. only available 1 hour prior to show times. Service fees apply. Programme subject to change.

sydneyobserver.com 19 Education

Class act: 2013 school academic achievers share their secrets

Students of the class of 2013 spoke with Sydney Observer about what it takes to succeed in the HSC

Alexandra McHugh 99.70 Wenona, North Sydney Alex McHugh initially found English to be a very tedious subject, however, by year 10

she once found frustrating. She credits her teachers for her success in English and her abilityMcHugh, to securewho came a scholarship first in the to state study in AdvancedAdvanced ScienceEnglish, at had the come University to love of the Sydney subject as part of the Talented Student Program. “The teachers I have had at Wenona are incredibly dedicated and passionate and that is contagious,” McHugh says. “That passion passes on to the students.” McHugh stresses that feedback is an integral part of preparing for the HSC exams. The practice essays, the meetings before school, after school and at lunch times with her teachers were what kept her mind sharp and notes organised.

Susan Keighery Brigidine College, St Ives 98.90 Susan Keighery chose Drama, Visual Arts and Design and Technology over subjects she viewed as the ‘traditional’ choices. While friends, parents or teachers might expect you to choose subjects like mathematics, Keighery decided to focus on the creative and performing arts. “It is not the subject that paves the pathway to academic success, it is an individual’s genuine interest in a subject which inspires dedication to their studies and does not make learning a chore,” Keighery says. While Keighery chose the subjects that mirrored her interests and passions, stress was still a constant part of the HSC experience. However, she found that friends provided a cru- cial support network during the most stressful periods throughout the year. “Friends were undoubtedly the main stress-reliever. Having friends to call in those moments of panic or to go out with to celebrate the small milestones along the way, served as a constant reminder that we were all pushing through the HSC together,” she says.

20 sydneyobserver.com Education

Anthony Spiteri, St Aloysius College, Milsons Point 99.90 For Anthony Spiteri keeping a clear mind during year 12 was a matter of balancing his studies with sporting commitments and spending time with friends. He says the key to his success was keeping everything in perspective and maintaining a consistent work ethic throughout the year. “It is important not to be daunted by the challenges and demands of the HSC year. You must take one step at a time as you progress through year 12,” Spiteri says. An aspiring actuarial student, Spiteri focused on his strengths to ensure he would be prepared for his chosen course at University. Studying Extension two Mathematics, Advanced English and Economics allowed him to pursue his interests while also focusing on his talents. The key to achieving your goals, Spiteri says, is to always seek feedback from your teachers. “Remember that your teachers are your most important resource in year 12,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to always ask questions and send in draft responses to gain their valuable feedback.”

YOUR CHILDREN ARE AMAZING ALREADY. WE JUST 98.90 HELP THEM Maths & English FREE ASSESSMENT PROVE IT. BOOK NOW!

numberworksnwords.comnumberworksnwords com From Kindy to Year 10, NumberWorks’nWords after-school tuition brings out the best in Aussie students by: St Ives Ph 9440 3030 • tailoring lessons according to each individual’s needs • setting achievable goals and monitoring their progress • developing our own programmes using only qualiﬁ ed Maths and English experts

sydneyobserver.com 21 Education 99.40 Alex Gan 99.70 Madelin 99.45 St Pius X College, Strupitis-Haddrick Jessica Woodhouse Chatswood Brigidine College, St Ives Roseville College, While other students might have focused As a self declared ‘maths-science’ guy, Alex solely on the academic aspect of year 12, With an aspiration to make it as a lawyer, Jes- Gan studied Physics, Chemistry and Exten- Madelin Strupitis-Haddrick spent her last sica Woodhouse believes that preparation is sion two Mathematics for his HSC. While year of school as the editor of Brigidine’s the key to academic success. many people may cringe at the sound of student newspaper, captain of the debating “I found that it was far less stressful when team and performed as a singer in the school you felt extremely prepared, so I tried to con- musical. Strupitis-Haddrick believes that the tinually keep on top of my homework, study courses,studying for the Gan, most it was difficult a matter mathematics of study- reason for her success in the HSC was due to notes and practice papers,” Woodhouse says. ingcourse what and he theenjoyed two most.most difficult science early preparation. Woodhouse is undoubtedly an all-round- “I loved mathematics and physics, “Any revision you do throughout the er. While she remembers Legal Studies as her however, I had great teachers for all my year ends up being extremely useful and favourite subject, she also studied Extension when you start getting desperate towards two Mathematics, Ancient History and Chem- ways,” Gan says. the end, you will be thanking your past self istry. With such a heavy workload Woodhouse subjectsGan believesso I enjoyed that thethem best all wayin different to clear for the work you have already done,” Strupi- found reading and extracurricular activities, your mind is to exercise and keep up any tis-Haddrick says. like debating, kept her relaxed and focused. sports you are involved in. But whether it was learning about dif- “I participated in school sport and de- “Even if you feel like you need to do a ferent cultures or religions, challenging her- bating throughout years 11 and 12, as well lot of study, sport helps clear your mind self with math problems or studying the ro- as plenty of reading, and I’m extremely glad I and puts things into perspective as well mantic era of literature, Strupitis-Haddrick did because it allowed me to take my mind of believes that to do well in your HSC you have studying,” Woodhouse says. he says. to enjoy the subjects you choose. as keeping your body fit and healthy,”

From Kindergarten to Year 12, Roseville girls engage in enriching Our graduates are typically confident, articulate and learning experiences that challenge and empower them to pursue independent young women who embrace life’s array of their personal best across the spectrum of College life – both within opportunities with enthusiasm and passion. More than the classroom and beyond. 50% of our Class of 2013 attained ATARs over 90. We congratulate all of our girls on their exceptional results. A non-selective school, Roseville has educated and Inspiring and Involved transformed the lives of girls and young women for more than 105 years. Contact our Registrar to book a personalised tour, tailored to your interests, by calling 9884 1109 or by 27 Bancroft Avenue, Roseville Girls emailing [email protected]. 9884 1100 www.rosevillecollege.com A school within the Anglican Schools Corporation

22 sydneyobserver.com Large enough for choice, small enough to care Open Day Friday 7 March, 9.15am – 11.45am Quality teaching and Enter via Yardley Avenue or Unwin Road quality learning ● Visit our school on a normal school day ● View our grounds and facilities A co-educational environment ● Experience open classrooms & learning that fosters healthy centres in action relationships in a Catholic ● Meet our Principal, students, teachers and parents environment Prospective Parent Information Evening Tuesday 11 March, 7pm Light of Christ Centre, Enter via Unwin Road For further information regarding enrolments please contact the College Registrar or Phone: 02 9487 3555 or Congratulations Email: [email protected] | www.stleos.nsw.edu.au to Year 12 2013 on your outstanding HSC results ● College Dux: Angus Berg 98.05 ATAR ● 222 Band 5’s Awarded ● 51 mentions in BOS Distinguished Achiever’s List ● 36% received ATAR above 80 ● 10% above 90 ● 24 HSC subjects above state mean ● 78 students accepted into their first choice university course ● 4 nominations for Art Express and InTech ● 14 First Places in the Diocese Remembering The King's School With an ATAR of 99.95, Matthew Jacob reflects on his years at The King’s School, Parramatta, one of Australia’s oldest educational institutions

For me King’s is an institution where - - the only limits to what you can achieve are - those which you place on yourself. It is a cal partWhile of myI was life by at noKing’s. means The a opportunigifted ath- Captain (Dalmas House); Captain of Debat- tylete to bytrain any twice measure, a week sport with formed a game aon criti the ing; Mock Trial; Piano (Grade 8); Basketball (5ths); Football (4ths); Twelve Club mem close-knit community of staff and students bership; and Honour Colours in Academics thewhich most everybody well-known is proud programs to be a the part school of. weekend provided a perfect opportunity to and Debating. For example, the Cadet Corps is one of strengthen relationships with friends and Some other fond memories of King’s - put aside the pressures of school life – and include the annual Head of the River and offers. Serving as the Adjutant of the unit in Whatgain the extra-curricular inherent health benefits. activities did greatGPS athletics school. carnivals in which made you 2013 was truly the most incredible experi you get involved in? feel incredibly proud to be a part of this ence. In particular, the Passing Out Parade- My other co-curricular achievements at the oriesheld at of the Corps end Camps of second in years term gone is something by. Another key attribute at King’s is the I will never forget, in addition to fond mem depth of extraordinary talent in all areas, school included: School Monitor; House which you are constantly surrounded by.

LEARN ITALIAN AND TRAVEL TO ITALY Fun classes in small groups for adults and kids at all levels.

ONE-OFF SEMINARS: The essential Travellers Seminar New in 2014 which focuses on language, Luxury shopping trip to customs, itineraries and practical Milan, the world capital of useful information. Join our global learning community, educating and empowering fashion and style. Indulge in young women to serve and shape their world. STUDY TRIPS: Our next a week of shopping, food and destination is stunning Taormina, culture at its very best! Tour Morning Sicily. Explore Sicily and learn Find out about Wenona’s scholarships, caring community, Italian. Lots of social activities and global outlook, impressive HSC results and vibrant cooking classes included. learning environment. Naati accredited translations and linguistic consulting Join us on Tuesday 25 March CONTACT US! Visit www.wenona.nsw.edu.au for details, M: 0401 627 665 email [email protected] [email protected] or phone +61 (02) 9409 4440. Wenona School, 176 Walker Street, www.italianconnections.com.au North Sydney. @Wenona_School Facebook/italianconnections

24 sydneyobserver.com Education

Whether it is the familiar names which dec- What are you planning on doing in one aspect in HSC success and it is some- orate the walls or the outstanding musi- 2014? thing that cannot be done alone. In Years’ cians, athletes and thespians all around you, I will be studying a vertical double degree 11 and 12 especially, the relationships I there are no shortage of role models and at the Australian National University – Pol- formed with my teachers played a crit- sources of inspiration. itics/Philosophy/Economics & Juris Doctor ical role in achieving my HSC goals. For (PPE/JD) – having been awarded a Tuck- me they were not only mentors inside the How does it feel to have achieved well Scholarship to study there. classroom but outside it and helped to your ATAR? foster the close-knit sense of community It is an incredibly rewarding feeling to have What are your career aspirations? that is unique to King’s. In the lead up to achieved all my goals and to see how all the After completing my degree at ANU, I would hard work from my teachers, parents and love the opportunity to pursue further to my teacher to mark at any time of day study opportunities overseas. In regards to andmy final night exams, and receive I knew a promptI could sendreply. work The the school as a whole perform so well aca- a career, I aspire to take up a role in public school also provides amazing opportuni- other staff has paid off. It is also great to see www.kings.edu.au, (02 9683 8555) demically and I have no doubt this will only - ties through daytime and after-school tu- Pennant Hills Road, North Parramatta NSW PO Box 1 Parramatta NSW 2124 continue to improve further into the future. ing in the judiciary. tors in the CLL and the extra-curricular Cricos No: 02326F ABN: 24 481 364 152 office, whether it is parliamentary or serv programs through the Old Boys’ networks How did your parents feel about How did King’s help you to achieve all play an integral role in creating an en- your achievement? your HSC success? vironment which promotes achievement My parents were thrilled with the result I truly believe that the student is really in all areas. and I know they are both extremely happy for me. They also feel immensely grateful to the school for providing me with every op- received along the way. portunity and to all the support from staff I NORTH SHORE Atkinson’s DANCE ACADEMY Dance Academy Lindfield, Killara, Gordon, Turramurra Principal: Anne Gray Tel: 9983 0365 www.northshoredanceacademy.com.au

Classes Available: ● R.A.D Ballet, all ages ● Ballet ● Adult tap, jazz & ballet ● C.D.A Jazz/Contemporary ● Jazz ● Hip Hop ● Tap ● Contemporary ● Jazz Funk ● Stretch & Technique ● Character ● Tiny Tots 3-4 Years ● Eisteddfod Groups - Solos ● Pilates ● Annual Concert ● HSC Dance

Enquiries Contact: 9948 1015

Principal: L.Atkinson A.R.A.D, R.A.D Dancer teachers diploma, C.D.A Reg. Teacher Winner Ryde Eisteddfod Ines Winner Sydney Eisteddfod www.atkinsonsdanceacademy.com.au Hargreaves Winner Northern Beaches Eisteddfod

sydneyobserver.com 25 Education

Back to school and this year it's BYO computer

What to look for Scores of laptops are available, Portability Memory and RAM but which is best for your child? More than likely, the computer will be carted to and from minimum of 4GB to keep the For RAM, Keen recommends a Rosie Russell school everyday, so it’s essential computer running smoothly that it doesn’t weigh too much and a minimum of 250GB hard With the end of the state government’s student laptop program, and is durable. Laptops come in disk drive for data storage. many schools are asking students to bring their own laptop, or even smartphone, to school. kilograms and around 12-inches Notebook type isa rangerecommended of sizes, but if it under is being two - carried around a lot. subcategories of laptops, ly usedSchools in the have workplace different is policiesBOYD (Bring concerning Your Owncomputer Device), devices, which so includingThere are ultraportablesmany different (or meansit is best people to check can bringfirst before in any headingtype of device to the they store. like. A term regular Wi-fi connectivity “ultrabooks”), netbooks, Some schools have more detailed requirements, while others Many schools are now set up Chromebooks running Google supply their students with their own device. It also depends on if with wireless connectivity, Chrome OS and Macbooks from your school supports Mac OS X or Windows, however, many schools which is now standard in all that were ready for the government’s Digital Education Revolution notebooks. Check with your depends heavily on what the (DER) program set students up to use Windows. school for the exact Wi-Fi schoolApple. Keenis using. says “I thewouldn’t decision Harvey Norman Broadway store manager, Josh Keen, recom- recommend a netbook or the most out of the a tablet for school. Either a “You need something that’s going to handle all the applications wirelessspecifications network. required to get Windows or Mac laptop – it’s mends staying away from the “extra frills” many computers offer. really up to the people using it.” Keen says. “You only need a pretty basic machine for school use.” Battery life students need for school, like Office and any image editing software,” Power outlets aren’t always Accesories great buying advice to parents. Firstly, before you go out looking, give easily accessible, so having yourselfCHOICE a price Australia, range and a consumer stick to it. interestsSecondly, magazine,shop around gives to small some- to keep it safe, and Keen - battery that can last the whole recommendsA laptop case alsois essential investing - schoola good daybattery is best, life andis key. if you’reA er shops and online, although stick to the bigger brand names. And fi not sure about a model, many thumb drive or external nally, be aware that extended warranties don’t offer much more pro- Web sites have done their own harddrivein antivirus for software, easy data a USB tection over standard Australian consumer rights. experiments and reviews transportation, a printer and as oneThere of the is abest huge value range for of money. laptops that fit many of the above crite on this. ria, but Keen recommends the ASUS Ultrabook with an i3 processor Microsoft Office. 26 sydneyobserver.com From the Principal Back to school a time for positive return

Jane Curran setbacks and this is where parents play a arm themselves with the right language pivotal role in guiding their thinking. to guide their children forward in the School can be a little daunting for many There is a lot of research to suggest children as it represents a major change in that a positive environment will provide negativity in their life if they have a healthy their daily lives. It might seem confronting optimal functioning and optimal learning. ratioevent of of three a setback. parts Children positive can to one fend part off Questions which call for a judgement such negative. When they share with parents age, but children adapt and are supported as “what was school like today?” need to the disappointments of their day, or the byfor aa teacher child to whose begin dayschool is dedicated at five years to one of be replaced by questions which guide the class and who makes adjustments for each child into a positive mindset. Questions like important that they are guided towards a individual student to foster their emotional “what did you like best about today?” And solutiondifficulties with they language have with around friends, how it the is and psychological wellbeing. “what were the three best moments you Secondary school often provides had today?” choices they made, and would they make the the greatest challenge to a child about to These questions distract adolescents samechild choicesmight have now acted they have differently, experienced what embark on an adolescent journey – with all and children from the negative thoughts the disappointment. the speed humps. Suddenly a student faces that block development and learning. They These discussions allow adolescents turn around their perceptions and, with to develop a new understanding and help navigates multiple classrooms and, often, the use of positive language, encourage them deal with problems. Parents should experiencesdifferent teachers new for transport different methods. subjects, students to use positive language that School bags are heavier and student changes their understanding. may be nothing worth defending. Parents responsibilities increase. not simply fly to their defence as there Amid these changes, however, the expressing this such as “dolphin-shark children the chance to develop the skills single greatest issue facing many young thoughts”Many and theorists “warm usefuzzies, different cold pricklies”, ways of might also find that they are denying their people is forging new friendships. Many are but they come down to that simple division Children will become adults and they need frightened that no-one will sit with them between being happy and content with life tothat reason help and them act “fight as adults their and own there battles”. will or speak to them and, girls especially, are or being reduced by it. Each parent wants be no better models for them than their the best for their child and this cannot be parents and their teachers, the central impact on the way they perceive school. achieved by encouraging them to focus on adults in their developing lives. veryWhen relational a student which can arrives have at a significant secondary the negative aspects of their day. Teachers school it is important for parents to maintain are keenly aware of this and it is an easy Jane Curran is Principal at Brigidine communication with them at a time way to work in partnership with your College, St Ives. Curran has worked in when their friends can replace parents as child’s teachers to ensure optimal learning. both state and independent schools It would be naïve to assume that life throughout NSW and in girls’ education the capacity to thrive in spite of occasional can always be positive so parents need to for the past 15 years confidantes. Students also need to develop

The ideal environment

✔ Furniture that grows with children and fits like a glove ✔ From Pre-school to university and beyond ✔ Height adjustable desks and fully adjustable chairs ✔ Supports children’s posture, promotes a healthy back ✔ An investment in children’s health and education ✔ See the full range of study desks and chairs in store

84 Pacific Highway, Roseville NSW 2069

sydneyobserver.com 27 Backup to school with cloud-based data storage services

Along with new shoes, stationery and school timetable, take a look at the latest in cloud-based backup services this February to keep assignments and homework safe across multiple devices

Rodney Gedda

PC backups have traditionally been per- Cloud-based backup services work by formed with removable media like CDs, transmitting the data over the Internet to the SkyDrive DVDs and external storage devices. Today’s “cloud” where it is stored on server equip- Pricing: From $US25/yr for 50GB mix of desktops, notebooks, tablet comput- ment managed by the service provider. Free option: Yes, 7GB ers and smartphones calls for a more mod- Sydney Observer Operating systems: Windows ern approach to data backups and the many (including Phone), Mac, iOS, Android cloud-based storage services provide a sim- cloudIn this storage first edition services of the that help back- Business support: Yes technology section, we take a look at five URL: www.skydrive.com event of a problem. external media. ple way to keep files safe and accessible in the up and share files without the need for SkyDrive is Microsoft’s cloud backup service and can be used with Win- dows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android and its Dropbox is one of the better known cloud own Windows Phone mobile operat- Dropbox storage services and has made a name of ing system. SkyDrive is accessed with a itself as one of the pioneers of the indus- standard Microsoft account and is also Pricing: From $US9.99/ try since launching in 2008. Dropbox is month for 100GB available for a wide range of client oper- Free option: 2GB, up to 16GB with ating systems, including Windows, Mac, hostingpart of the services, Office365 can suitebe accessed of products. via a referrals iOS, Android and Linux. This compatibil- regularSkyDrive, Web like browser. most of Ability the other to work file Operating systems: Windows, Mac, ity makes Dropbox ideal for people with Linux, iOS, Android a range of devices. Dropbox also has a Note: Microsoft has recently rebranded Business support: Yes number of applications available for it in SkyDrivewith Office as documents OneDrive.” isto alsothe end a feature. of the URL: www.dropbox.com addition to the regular backup service. SkyDrive summary text.

28 sydneyobserver.com technology OwnCloud Pricing: Free, you pay for storage Operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android Business support: Yes URL: www.owncloud.org

OwnCloud is a file storage application that is free and open- source (you can get the source code). You can subscribe to- it through an OwnCloud service provider or run the applica tion yourself at your home, school or business. OwnCloud of fers file synchronisation and a number of other applications like a calendar and address book. OwnCloud was created to address privacy concerns about having personal data stored in public cloud services. iCloud Pricing: $AUD21 for 10GB Free option: Yes, 5GB Operating systems: Mac, iOS, Windows Business support: No URL: www.icloud.com

Apple has unified its storage and app access services under the iCloud banner and gets you started with 5GB of storage for your documents with iTunes purchases not counting against the free storage quota. iCloud is not just for file storage as it- unifies Apple’s cloud services including content, settings, Web browsing and passwords. While the service does support Win dows, to get the most out of it you want to be using a Mac or iOS device. Specials on Desktops, Google Drive Notebooks, Pricing: From $US2.49 for 25GB Printers.... Free option: Yes, 5GB Operating systems: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome OS Business support: Yes URL: drive.google.com

Google is the giant of online services like Internet search and email, but it only released a cloud backup service in the form- of Google Drive in mid-2012. Google Drive offers 5GB free and- 15GB of cloud storage space shared across a number of Goog le services, including Google Drive, Gmail and Google+ (Goog- le’s social network) photos. Google Drive clients are available for most operating systems including Windows, Mac, iOS, An droid and Google’s own Chrome OS.

sydneyobserver.com 29 Sydney Home

Make your house 'sexy' with a modern smart home system A smart home -

is a house that embraces the benefits of twen ty first century technology. When you’re looking for the right TV Is it time to buy into the smart remote or flicking several light switches to turn the house into a disco, a smart home starts thinking for you. home phenomenon? Wired from the ground up, a smart home allows you to control most technological aspects of your house from a single device. The Mike Fairbairn wiring converges onto a central hub allowing you to add and remove components easily. The price tag for a smart home can seem over the top but the benefits are there in the long run. Smart homes save you money in water and electricity bill reductions and they add value to your home creating a serious selling point when the time comes to- move on. Smart homes are no longer reserved for those living in the new est and most expensive pads. Smart homes have come a long way since we first started seeing them 20 years ago – only at the highest end of the property market. 30 sydneyobserver.com Sydney Home

What constitutes a averaged size house will cost around $40,000 Real estate specialist at Belle Property smart home? to $50,000, however, this is including all Mosman, Brad Rogan, says: “If you compare Principal of Smart Home Works, Guy Holden, the lighting and audio components many two identical houses, one with a smart sys- shed some light on what smart homes are, people put in anyway. “So why not have it tem and one without, we would expect the where they have come from and where they all integrated?” smart home to sell much faster.” are going. So while smart homes may not be add- When Holden says he wants to “rid peo- Picture the ing value to your house yet, it does increase ple’s houses of wall acne”, he is referring to possibilities your selling power. Smart homes are un- the multitude of switches we have on our You arrive home late from work, having doubtedly the future, and as Holden says, “it walls. Rather than turning the living room in- stopped by the shops on the way. Your smart is just plain sexy”. to a mini light show while you try to remem- home system can be controlled from your ber which switch does what, Holden says the smart phone allowing you to press ‘open Control your home - house’ from the driveway. The front door un- from your smartphone ing the lighting to a central system. locks, the hallway to the kitchen is illuminat- The central system for your house is control- first “Gettingstep towards an electrician a smart hometo connect is connect fancy ed and the front porch light comes on and digital dimmers to your lights means you are you are now free to walk straight from the - just creating an expensive light switch. In- car to the kitchen with your shopping. ers,led via so thean app kids on can your work smartphone. the TV but Different not sur- tegration is what a smart home is really all You are in the study working and listen- priselevels youof security with blasting can be givenmusic to in different the middle us about [and] connecting everything to a cen- ing to some music. It’s time for a snack so in- of the night. tral system is what we do,” Holden says. Your phone connects directly to the cen- “Once you have the central system you you are working on to the television and the tral system so if a delivery from your latest can start to hook everything up to it, that is musicstead of you turning are listening everything to into off theyou kitchen. shift what online shopping splurge has arrived and you when things start getting really sexy.” are at work, the home intercom is connected Is a smart home worth to your phone, so you can see who is at the The cost is in the investment? front door no matter where you are. the cabling Holden believes investing in a smart home is You can unlock the front door or even The price of a smart home lies in the ca- have a security box put in which can be un- bling and the central system. So the ide- will make life easier for years to come. locked, all from your phone. The more you al time to make your home smart is during a cost-effective“People are spending and beneficial that extra exercise $10,000 that connect to the system the more you can con- a renovation. on a bath that you will only use once a trol. From lighting and audio all the way to Holden points out that while you can year. Why not spend that extra $10,000 - on doing your lighting and audio proper- tive and reliable with wired technology. ly? Suddenly your house is so much more floor heating and the dishwasher. use a“Anyone wireless doing system, a renovation it is more atcost the effec mo- accessible,” Holden says. More info: ment should consider laying their house He also points out that if you are not Go to www.smarthomeworks.com.au with the cabling,” Holden says. putting a smart system into your house to find out how you can make your He estimates to completely integrate an someone down the track will be. home smart. WAHROONGA OPTOMETRIST NORTH SHORE We offer: DENTURE & ● Professional eyecare advice MOUTHGUARD CLINIC ● A full range of fashion spectacle frames • Natural looking dentures ● Many brand names • Deal directly with the maker The practice also arranges to send used spectacles to developing countries. If you have any unwanted spectacles that • We use the latest techniques you do not use please leave them with us for disbursement. • You’ll have well-fitting dentures & a great smile! OPTOMETRISTS •Natural looking dentures ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA •Deal directly with the maker9418 4922 •We use the latest techniques Mark Hornitzky, B.Optom. (UNSW) 7/2 ST JOHN’S AVE, GORDON •You’ll have well-fitting(Opposite dentures train station) 3/2 Redleaf Ave. Wahroonga Phone 9487 3551 & a great smile! 9418 4922 2 ST JOHN’S AVE, GORDON sydneyobserver.com 31 (Opposite train station) Capture the spirit of a February rose garden Homeotic mutants are red, violets are blue

Karla Davies Photos: Simone Cottrell and Jaime Plaza

Roses are in fact homeotic mutants With the romantic month of February upon us, the notion of giv- ing your partner roses as a sign of your love would not quite hit the spot if you described your gift as a bunch of “homeotic mutants”, but horticulturally speaking, that’s exactly what they are. The rose itself is a double-rose and is in fact a mutant. If you look at a rose you can see that all or most of the stamens (the pol-

have been replaced by petals and such a thing is referred to as a homeoticlen-bearing mutant! male part of the flower) in the middle of the flower

Brookvale Brookvale * CUSHION CLEARANCE SUMMER FUN IN THE POOL ON NOW!

35% OFF * SELECTED OUTDOOR CUSHIONS! 20% OFF We have a huge range of cushions to clear. Update your outdoors today. POOL INFLATABLES *This offer is only valid until 28/2/14 on presenting the original copy of the advertisement to *This offer is only valid until 28/2/14 on presenting the original copy of the advertisement to Clark Rubber Brookvale for redemption. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. FSO8137 Clark Rubber Brookvale for redemption. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. FSO8137

PITTWATER RD Brookvale 9907 3377

Roundabout

HARBORD RD 59 Winbourne Rd WINBOURNE RD CLARK RUBBER clarkrubber.com.au

32 sydneyobserver.com Sydney Home

Ideal conditions, and tips, for and that the appropriate nutrition is pro- Take time to smell the roses as growing a romantic rose garden vided. Roses also need to be watered well the end of Summer draws near You can take some tips from the Royal Bo- and pests and diseases must be controlled Summer is an amazing time to visit the Pal- tanic Garden, Sydney because the roses that ace Rose Garden at the Royal Botanic Gar- grow there can be grown in most places den, Sydney where 1800 roses take centre around Australia except for the tropics. effectively.fungal diseases such as black spot, rust and stage with a backdrop view of the Harbour The conditions in Sydney mirror the powderyRoses mildew are not must difficult be keptto maintain under con but- Bridge. The Palace Rose Garden opened in Australian environment in general where, trol. The Royal Botanic Gardens uses ef- November 2006 and was re-established just except for a few locations, traditional roses fective non-chemical methods and em- over seven years ago. The new Garden is set do not do well, especially those from the ploys sustainable horticultural practices. in part of the old Palace Gardens. northern hemisphere. There are many hy- The parasitic rose aphid wasp, spiders, la- The Palace Rose Garden features ap- brid roses grown in Australia and produced proximately 90 cultivars which were chosen here to suit our climate. In most Australian lace wings help to control insects. Horticul- for their sustainability in Sydney’s warm, cities the climate is warm and humid, espe- turistsdy birds also and spraytheir larvae, fortnightly saw fly with larvae Eco-Oil, and humid and wet coastal conditions. July is cially over summer, and this also favours a a non-toxic plant oil based insecticide and the best time to plant roses in Sydney and number of pests and diseases. Eco-Carb, a non-toxic, bicarbonate-soda this is when they are the best value. Like horticulturists at the Royal Botan- based fungicide. Caterpillars are controlled ic Gardens, if you are planning to grow your by spraying with Success Neo, a non-tox- Sydney with the main peaks in the warmer own roses, it is important to select cultivars ic insecticide. It is also vitally important to seasonsRoses of spring, flower summer throughout and autumn. the year in that are appropriate for the location. The clean your tools to prevent disease trans- Karla Davies is the Public Relations next key element is soil preparation. You mission and take diseased leaves away to Manager at the Royal Botanic Gardens ONLY 2 x TWO BEDROOM AVAILABLE need to make sure the soil is well draining reduce re-infection. and Domain Trust, Sydney AVAILABLE NOW For SaleONLY 2 xAVAILABLE TWO BEDROOM AVAILABLE NOW ForMacKillop Sale Grange Retirement MacKillopVillage is Grange situated Retirement in Mosman, Villageon Sydney’s is situated beautiful in Mosman, North Shore. on Sydney’s beautiful North Shore. Our modern self-care apartments offer complete Ourprivacy modern whilst self-care providing apartments the offer advantage complete of living in a caring privacy whilst providing the advantage of living in a caring communitycommunity environment. environment. Mackillop Mackillop Grange offers Grange on-site offers on-site managementmanagement and anda 24 ahour 24 medical hour medical alert. alert. SecureSecure your your chance chance today today to live atto this live exclusive at this exclusive address in the heart of Mosman. address in the heart of Mosman. Be quick, only 2x two bedroom apartments available. CallBe quick,our office only for 2xan twoinspection. bedroom apartments available. Call our office for an inspection.

28 Wudgong Street, Mosman DEANDESIGN.COM.AU Phone: (02) 8969 3240 Email: [email protected]

www.mackillopgrange.com.au28 Wudgong Street, Mosman DEANDESIGN.COM.AU Phone: (02) 8969 3240 Email: [email protected] sydneyobserver.com 33 www.mackillopgrange.com.au wellbeing Initial planning key to tooth loss treatment

Ian Sweeney

The effect of losing a tooth has many may be performed. lost tooth to be replaced without interfer- far reaching consequences. Research has Ridge Preservation involves packing ing with the surrounding teeth. shown that up to 30 per cent of the volume Occasionally it is possible to place an of supporting bone may be lost within the material that will help to maintain as much - bonethe extraction volume as socket possible. with A a protective bio-compatible mem- however this depends on many factors. In traction of a tooth. brane may also be placed to cover the mate- theseimplant cases, at theridge time preservation of tooth will extraction; not be first Teeththree to are four supported months following by bone. the Once ex rial, prior to suturing the gum. The socket is - a tooth is lost, the supporting bone will then left for a number of months while the mains the key to long term functional and - bio-compatible material either becomes re- aestheticrequired; success. however initial planning still re models. As the bone shrinks, the amount of placed by new bone or becomes incorporat- Ridge preservation is not always re- gumshrink overlying as the extraction the bone socketalso shrinks, heals and poten required as occasionally dental implants may Following a suitable healing time, a be able to be placed at the time of tooth A loss of supporting bone and gum may 3-dimensionaled into the new scan bone of that the forms site may (fig 3).be tak- tially affecting a person’s smile (fig 2). whether this is possible, however the key to the construction of a denture. However, if a that has formed. Dental implants may then longextraction. term functional Many factors and aesthetic will determine success patientbe compensated does not wish for if to the wear final a denture, outcome the is been toplaced determine into the the new exact bone, amount allowing of bone the remains the initial planning. issue of tissue loss needs to be addressed. Prior to a tooth being removed thought must be given to what will replace the missing tooth. If a patient does not wish to wear a denture to replace the missing tooth, a FIG 1 FIG 2 FIG 3 FIG 4 procedure known as ‘Ridge Preservation’ Sydney Observer proudly supports 1958 - 20122014 COMPUTER PALS FOR SENIORS Turramurra 54 Helping Seniors 5456 to keep up with the kids OPEN DAY Wed 19th March, 2014 for: 10am - 2pm Centre for Seniors • Beginners & Advanced Gilroy Lane, Turramurra • Internet, Email, iPads • Understanding Your Computer • Photos and Slides to Disc and More... Ph: 9418 1228 price’s pharmacy 2 philip mall, west pymble, 2073. ph: 9498 5552 - Fax: 9498 7537

34 sydneyobserver.com wellbeing A hearing ENJOY HASSLE FREE device that CLEAR HEARING! CAN do it all

AUDiOHEALTH are offering you a FREE TRIAL* of the long wear With the new Lyric hearing device you get a hearing aid that CAN do what everyone wants it to do. invisible Lyric hearing device.

A hearing aid that CAN disappear. HEARING AID A hearing aid that CAN win a popularity contest. FREE A hearing aid that CAN be lived with, not lived around. TRIAL! A hearing aid that CAN improve relationships with you as well as others. * A hearing aid that CAN be worn all day every day and every night as well. A hearing device that CAN stay in the ear for up to four months at a time. All the benefits of outstanding sound quality... but with no hearing aid in sight! John Magee, director of the innovative family practice AUDiO- The Lyric hearing aid can remain in the ear for up to four months requiring no handling as it is so readily accepted by people wanting ultimate discretion, at all.AUDiOHEALTH can help find a hearing HEALTH says he is very pleased that he is able to offer this device- solution that suits your lifestyle. vice to anyone who is a candidate”, says John. So with the proof of thecomfort pudding and beingconvenience. in the eating “We and are nothingoffering to a losefree buttrial your of the hear de-

Statistics show the main reason people delay taking action to Call 9418 1622 improveing loss now their is hearing an excellent is the timebelief to that take they up thiswill specialbe perceived offer. as being less than normal if they are seen using a hearing device. The Initial Consultation FREE Lyric overcomes this obstacle as no one will be aware that you are *Conditions Apply wearing it. ST MARCH 2014 The other lovely feature, explains John is that as you subscribe BOOK BEFORE 1 to this device rather than purchasing it outright we are able to upgrade your device when new technology becomes available. AUDiOHEALTH have also had some surprises with age being no barrier to the uptake of the device and with people citing rea- sons such as convenience for their desire to have it, that is, you Suite 26/767 Pacific Highway a battery. wearSo it ifand your forget new it year’s and don’t resolution need to is fiddleto improve at all oryour even quality change of GORDON VILLAGE ARCADE life then improving your hearing will certainly do this. Contact the www.audiohealth.com.au friendly team at the clinic on 9418 1622 or visit them at the Gor- don Village Arcade.

sydneyobserver.com 35 Where to go: Mystical MARRAKESH Situated at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is best known for the chaotic and overwhelming souks bordering Jemaa el-Fnaa (the Morocco: commercial centre of Marrakesh’s old city). Peppered with tiny, vibrant shops, the city’s market sells everything from silver laden with glisten- ing stones to woven rugs and worn, embroidered leather. Narrow and intricate alleyways take you deeper into the heart the rugged of the musty, bamboo covered souks to reveal exotic spices and Mid- dle Eastern glassware. Be sure to thoroughly explore the centre of the UNESCO world heritage listed Jemaa el-Fnaa too, where sleepy snakes gateway bob to the rhythm of their charmers and identical stalls selling fresh orange juice abound. You could happily pass a whole day – or days, even to Africa the chaos. – in the fortified old city (medina), simply wandering and absorbing CHEFCHAOUEN Aptly nicknamed the blue pearl, gorgeous Chefchaouen is a popular Prepare to immerse yourself destination for European tourists and backpackers in the balmy sum- in the sun-drenched capital of mer months. Nestled in the shadow of the arching Rif Mountains, the North African culture traditional medina houses and blue-washed buildings climb steadi- as Tangier, Marrakesh and Fes, Chefchaouen is an ideal destination for Tess Gibney peoplely upwards. wanting Significantly to take a less break frantic from than the otherat-times Moroccan exhausting cities rigour such of travel. Frenetic, sweaty and disarmingly foreign, it’s hard to com- Like much of Morocco, Chefchaouen is a sensory experience; an ex- prehend the bustling port city of Tangier in Morocco’s North is less plosion of colour and sound that both soothes and excites the soul. The than a 45 minute ferry ride from mainland Europe. Though simi- Plaza Uta el Hamam, at the centre of the medina, is a spirited mix of lar in climate to the southernmost coast of Spain, the likeness ends abruptly there. Tangier is the tantalising, assaulting entry to Africa, majestic mountains which are most beautiful at sunset. Though you couldSpanish easily and spend Arabian your influences, days idly and exploring offers the an narrowimpressive and viewintertwin of the- in awe-inspiring, mystical Morocco. Whether you arrive from Eu- ing blue streets, try to conquer the sprawling mountains and their mini- and a prelude of sorts to the vast cultural differences that lie ahead- ature villages – on your own or with a guide. Similarly, the Ras El Ma (lit- ist hub of Marrakesh, your experience in the country will undoubt- erally the “head of water”) – a waterfall to the east of the medina – is a edlyrope bevia rich, boat stimulating over the Strait and, of at Gibraltar times, unpredictable. or fly directly into the tour picturesque place to watch the residents of Chefchaouen converge.

36 sydneyobserver.com Travel

What to do: ATLAS MOUNTAIN DRIVE The Tizi N’tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains is one of the most spectacular (albeit challenging) roads in North Africa. Hairpin corners weave steadily up wards as if into the sky; with kilometres separating the vehicle from the arid land below. If you’re heading to the Sahara from Marrakesh, this is the way you’ll travel – and it’s well worth it. The majestic views are interspersed by quirky road- locals unfazed by both the dizzying height and heat. side stalls selling moon rocks and Moroccan trinkets, effervescent CAMPING IN THE SAHARA If you’re going to visit the Sahara, you may as well go ahead and sleep in it. A wonderful way to immerse yourself totally in the de- cidedly other worldly desert, there aren’t really any words to describe the magic of falling asleep under a perfect sky and waking up at sunrise to an expansive sea of orange. Not to mention the ride to the camp – on a camel. It’s just something you have to do, and most to and from the desert. hotels in the major cities offer packages that include transportation HAMMAM No authentic Moroccan experience is complete without a trip to a traditional ‘hammam’. Similar to ancient Turkish bathhouses, a visit to a Moroccan hammam is both cultural, cleansing and perhaps the best way to meet and interact with locals. A ritual component of Moroccan life, most Moroccans generally go once a week to rejuve- nate and unwind. But don’t go expecting anything fancy, as many of the local hammams are sparse and basic – it’s more about the social nature of the bathhouse than anything else. Nonetheless, it’s always a refreshing respite from the relentless heat and chaos of Moroccan cities. Go, relent and let yourself be scrubbed until your skin is raw. Just remember to take your own soap and shampoo!

SUMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER! 2nd sunday Gordon of every month BEFORE Lose those unwanted kilos 2 shakes a day and still enjoy Markets your favourite healthy foods. Plus more energy everyday.

Full support available. (middle level) Call today to get started Full 30 day money back guarantee 9 Feb, 9th Mar & 13 april Gordon station Council Park 8.30am to 3pm Ros Dodd 0412 957 557 underCover AFTER Independent Consultant Protected from heat and rain! Information: www.gordonmarkets.com.au Healthier wellbeing through nutrition! Bookings: Message Service (02) 9418 2373

sydneyobserver.com 37 Travel An elegant retreat, in the heart of the Southern Highlands

A stunning rural property nestled on the outskirts of Bowral in the New South Wales Southern Highlands, Peppers Craigieburn possesses a reputation as one of the regions premier venues for accommodation, leisure stays, confer- encing, weddings and retreats. - - ble stays,Reflecting service the and style food and has elegance been entrenched of the original in Peppers homestead, Craigieburn’s Peppers Craigiehistory burn was originally built in 1887 and welcomed its first guests in 1910. Memora Within easy reach of Sydney, Canberra and the South Coast, Peppers Craigie- burnfor over is set 100 in years. the beautiful Southern Highlands, an area renowned for its national

relaxing escape. parks, antique shopping and cool climate wines ultimately offering an idyllic and More info: Call 02 4862 8000 or email [email protected] Peppers Craigieburn. Centennial Road , Bowral, 2576, NSW.

38 sydneyobserver.com Food & Wine An elegant retreat, in Treat yourself to the heart of the summer breakfast Southern Highlands on Sydney's Northern Beaches Thirty minutes from the city, but a mile away from care, we look at places you have to visit for a mind-blowing breakfast before the end of summer

Rosie Russell

Summer is coming to a close, but the clear, sunny mornings and beau- SeaChange Cafe tiful Sydney days aren’t stopping any time soon. The Northern Beaches If you want to get a true experience of the Northern Beaches lifestyle, is famous for some of the best beaches in Sydney and with their relaxed, you can’t go past SeaChange. The atmosphere is somehow energetic leisurely reputation, there’s no better place for a long breakfast while enjoying the quintessential Australian beach-bound summer. businessand laid backwith atan the eclectic same mix time, of withregulars Bob andMarley is always filtering busy. through The food the age, so start your day with a good breakfast before you go exploring the speakers and friendly staff that seem to know all the locals. It’s a small The Northern Beaches has a lot to offer with attractions for every is great value for money and you have the option of picking something- many walking trails, beaches, markets and views on offer. ice,from as the well menu as a greator making ‘locals’ your atmosphere. own meal from the variety of food on Many things make a cafe great, and it’s hard to find that perfect display. This cafe is a breath of fresh air, with quick and fantastic serv yourcombination day. of food, atmosphere, location and coffee, however, we We recommend: Fisherman’s omelette with fresh salmon, red have scoured the Northern Beaches for some of the best places to start onion, capers, eggs, potato and Swiss cheese. The Boathouse Location: 20 The Strand, Dee Why Opening times: Sunday & Monday 6:30am to 5pm; Tuesday to Saturday 6:30am to 9:30pm Situated right on the water, The Boathouse gives a fantastic view no- cious.matter Not where only you do theysit in create the rustic-themed a unique dining cafe. experience, Serving fresh but theyproduce also and modern Australian cuisine, the breakfast menu is varied and deli

linesell localcan get produce long. Although like flowers, the breadmenu andcan fruit.be pricey, The onlyit’s worth trick is it tofor snag the a table early and to avoid peak times, like Sunday brunch, as the order

Wepanorama recommend: views and the food organic that quinoais both uniquewith yoghurt, and incredibly grated apple, fresh. mango, fresh dates and toasted nuts. Location: 1151 Barrenjoey Rd, Palm Beach Opening times: 7:30am to 4pm daily Armchair Collective

from the commuter-stop window, or a long, relaxing meal of fresh food This place was made for breakfasts, whether you want a quick coffee home ware store as well. Sitting at one of the communal tables, the sur- withrounds a great are a atmosphere.bit hectic, but It’s they not only only add a cafe, to the but eccentricity a florist and and lifestyle charm

fantastic that you’ll want to keep adding on to your order. With quick of the place. The menu isn’t overly expensive, but everything looks so- tion, this cafe is the ultimate way to spend a summer morning. service and an outside area to take full advantage of the premier loca We recommend: wild mushroom bruschetta with balsamic reduction, fetta cheese and pine nuts on rye toast. Location: 9 Darley Street East, Mona Vale Opening times: 7:30am to 4pm daily

sydneyobserver.com 39 WHATS ON February 2014 8 - 16 Feb Australian Open of Surfing 1 February - 1 March 2014 Month of Love 7:30am (free) An action-packed nine days of surfing, Varying times skating, art and music is set to hit Manly this Lots-a-love themed events happening in summer, with the Australian Open of Darling Harbour. Eat your heart out with Surfing 2014. dinner for two deals, loved up cocktails and 8 February – 1 March dreamy desserts. Play around with cheeky Snow White Where: Manly Beach photo booths and old school dance moves. ($20 - $24) Contact: www.australianopenofsurfing.com There is an open air cinema too! Well-known children’s author Helen Martin Where: Darling Harbour has adapted one of the Brothers Grimm’s 1 February - 22 March Contact: [email protected] most popular and enduring fairy tales. The Poetry Competition: Don’t be production, which is suitable for children from Afraid of the Dark 3 to 10 years old, will run twice daily in the (free) summer school holidays and then on Saturdays City of Sydney Library and Sydney until mid March. Observatory are running an all ages Poetry Where: Macquarie University, Gate 2, Gymnasium Competition in the lead-up to Earth Hour (29 Road, North Ryde March). Compose a ’don’t be afraid of the dark’ Contact: www.mstyp.org.au themed poem and submit your entries to the State Library. Where: www.sydneyobservatory.com.au Contact: [email protected] 1 February - 1 March The Cool Hunter Pop-up Store 14 February 10am – 6pm (free) The Cool Hunter founder Bill Tikos is curating The Notebook for V Day a pop-up store in Sydney’s CBD. The store 8.30pm ($13 - $20) will stock a rotating collection of desirable It’s Valentine’s Day, so why fight it? Take your art, fashion and homewares from local and loved one to see the Notebook. A special $60 international designers. package includes two tickets, two glasses of bubbles and a red rose, but normally priced Where: Martin Place, CBD Contact: www.thecoolhunter.com.au tickets are also available. 7 February Where: Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, 380 4 – 25 February Food Truck Fridays Military Rd, Cremorne Contact: 9908 4344 Gym Without Walls 5pm (free) 6am – 7am ($10) New in 2014! Streetfest Food Trucks United Start the working day on the right foot and – a monthly celebration of the food truck get your heart pumping in the great outdoors! initiative. The trucks will gather and trade from Where: Bicentennial Park - Golden Grove area 5pm at Belmore Park near Central station, in a bid to liven up Sydney after dark. Where: West Pymble Where: Belmore Park, Eddy Ave, Haymarket Contact: [email protected] Contact: www.foodtrucksunited.com.au 6 February - 27 March Salt Meats Cheese Pop-Up 9am – 5:30am (free) 7 February – 28 February 19 February The food-shopping wonderland exclusive to Twilight at Taronga Toddlers and Tadpoles Alexandria is setting up shop in the CBD for 7:30pm ($35 - $69) 10am -11:30am ($10 child, $5 adult ) all to enjoy. Salt Meats Cheese will be serving The hugely popular open-air summer concert Join experienced Rangers for a fun morning of breakfast and lunch on Martin Place alongside series returns to Taronga Zoo this February. play-based investigation and discovery. Each a shop full of their best imported goods, and Bring your own picnic, rug or chair for a wild Wednesday kids can explore a different bush on Thursday nights the pop-up will become a night out under the stars. There will be a theme and incorporate story telling, craft, cooking school. different performace every week. bush walks and gardening activities. Where: Martin Place, CBD Where: Taronga Zoo, Mosman Where: Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, St Ives Contact: 9224 8333 Contact: 131 500 Contact: Rosemary Forbes-Smith 9424 0353

40 sydneyobserver.com 511 PACIFIC HIGHWAY, MT. COLAHPH: 9987 4500

Crosswords G G G D C U D E A E E T L I address, andcontact number Box 420,Killara NSW2071oremail and published* go intherunning for ourmonthlybe giveaway inthenextwill issueofthemagazine. entries best The magazine. month’s this in liked you less, or what words 50 in us tell draws, giveaway the of any enter to like would you If R U R E E L L M M R C R A A A S A A L L I G N N R B E P P G O D C R N A S E V A E S I M N R S T T I O G D R N R N A E T I G D R N P S Rating: 8 6 4 1 5 G R E A B S E A L L I O O N H A E S Handy 3363(Glancing) G O D R U R H U C A A T T T 9 2 8 U H R H E S A T by the25thofmonth. N R U C A S E A A V E T T I 7 9 W M D N N give away A E watching films in a whole new atmosphere. Prepare to stretch outunderthestarsandenjoy while the natural world hums around you. You can lose yourself in the drama of theatre Australia’s best location for an open air cinema. Amphitheatre in Centennial Park is undoubtedly some of the greatest films beneath the stars. Cinema invites everyone to come and watch to classic or blockbuster films, the Moonlight Sydney experience. From contemporary to cult, out at the Moonlight Cinema is a quintessential Summer sun setting in the background, a night With bats flying languidly overhead and the 3X Double Passes

[email protected] G C N N U N S E A E T T I I The newly renovated Belevedere 6 2 5 2 1 8 sudoku 9 digits 1to9. every 3x3box containsthe column, every row and sothateveryFill thegrid 9 8 2 6 3 1 4 5 7 1 3 4 5 9 7 6 8 2 3 8 7

5 6 7 4 2 8 9 3 1 8 7 6 2 5

9 1 4 3 with your 5 3 3 2 1 7 6 4 8 9 5 Novice 0988 4 5 9 1 8 3 7 2 6 4 6 7 2 9 5 8 1 6 3 7 4 name 6 4 8 3 7 5 2 1 9 Visit ournew website! 1 9 3 2 6 7 1 3 9 4 2 5 6 8 PO PO , SCOOTERS? Washer Service Northside Washing Machine &Dryers, repairs &sales providing qualityyogaclassestothelocalcommunity. Yoga! Everyonewelcome!Beginners- Advanced Strengthen your body. Improve your energy levels and feel truly fit. Join us in 2014 our 35rd year of and feeltrulyfit.Joinusin2014our35rdyearof Experienced &qualified Teachers. Stretchand Power Chairs&Scooters TEST DRIVEONE TODAY! Over 35years experience c a the n Enquiries andBookings: ph: 94579162/94818505 overing theh Graeme Shepherdson ll majorbrands www.kuringgaiyoga.com.au OPEN 7DAYS Mob: 0418679596 orth s sydneyobserver.com hore areas ills and authorised agent 9144 7622 Join usin2008our29thyearofproviding Improve yourenergylevelsandfeeltrulyfit. Quality yogaclassestothelocalcommunity. Ph 91447622www.kuringgaiyoga.com.au 41

Experienced Teachers Monday –Saturday, DayandEvening crn PacificHwy&Livingstone Ave. the North Shore! Experienced &qualified Teachers. Stretch andStrengthenyourbody.

Professional

at PymbleUnitingchurchhall, 27 years on

Enquiries andBookings: Beginners -Advanced.

Everyone welcome! Classes held: Yoga

1167668 Puzzles

Crosswords Handy 3363 (Glancing) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Across 1. Looking quickly 19. Most expensive 5. Plot 21. The pair

9 10 9. Parents’ mums 24. Applauds 10. Ontario city 25. Tailless ape (5-4) 11 12. Walking 27. Beverage server ponderously 28. Agreeable 12 13 13. Favourite retreat 29. Least moist 14. Work team 30. Cul-de-sacs (4,4) 16. Curtail

14 15 16 Down 1. Chuckle 11. Years 17 18 2. Wake-up clocks 15. Intense dislikes 3. Obtain by begging 17. Schooled 19 20 21 4. Approaching 18. Squid 20. Trampled (on) 22 23 6. Fierce (competition) (3-6) 21. Raised writing

24 25 26 7. Withdraw to safe 22. Exert FINDAWORD place 23. Brings together 8. Executing (law) 26. Sentry duty CROSS off these watery words as you find them. Competition 27 28 The letters left over will spell out the mystery answer. Write this into the coupon on page 51. Win 1 of 2

29 Rainy 30 Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the ANCHOR SAIL digits 1 to 9. Day Prize Rating: BLUE SALT Packs 6 Wordsearch BOAT 8 2 4 1 SEAL Find all the M S L L E H S H E T T words listed 7 6 1 5 3 CALM hidden in the 6 2 9 SEAWEED S A U I N E S S L L A grid of let- CREST ters. They can 9 5 8 7 SHALLOW be found in 1 3 2 DEEP H H K R A I I E A A O straight lines A T A W F S H L H S L up, down, 4 9 8 7 3 DOLPHIN SHARK forwards, 5 8 9 6 backwards or FISH SHELLS R S E L B B E P W U F even diagonally. 2 The leftover let- FLOAT K E E U L B N P L P R ters will reveal Novice 0988 SQUID the mystery 9 1 5 8 3 4 2 6 7 D R M A N O Z I R O H answer. 8 3 6 7 2 5 9 4 1 HORIZON 2 4 7 6 1 9 5 8 3 SURF 6 5 4 2 7 1 8 3 9 OCEAN E C E M G A W R H T D ANCHOR HORIZON 3 9SHALLOW2 5 6 8 1 7 4 BLUE OCEAN 1 7SHARK8 9 4 3 6 5 2 SWIMMER BOAT OCTOPUS 4 6SHELLS9 1 8 7 3 2 5 OCTOPUS E S Q U I D E C W C A 5 8 3 4 9 2 7 1 6 CALM PEBBLES 7 2SQUID1 3 5 6 4 9 8 CREST RIPPLES SURF PEBBLES WATER P R E T A W N C V O E DEEP SAIL SWIMMER DOLPHIN SALT WATER RIPPLES WHALE S M L A C A S B O A T FISH SEAL WHALE FLOAT SEAWEED

Solution: 42 sydneyobserver.com Novice 0988 © Lovatts Puzzles BRANCH OUT FILL in the missing words. Each word can be linked with the two words below it to make a well-known word or phrase. For example FROG can make LEAPFROG and FROGMARCH. SOLUTION: QUICKSAND and The left-hand word is always a prefix and the right-hand word is always a suffix. SANDFLY, COWBOY and BOYFRIEND. SANDPAPER and Example: PAPERBOY making PAPER the FROG top word. LEAP MARCH

QUICK FLY COW FRIEND

CC87_Pg052_72_Comp.indd 64 23/10/2013 12:19:58 PM Adventist Aged Care 9847 0600 (Wahroonga) 8834 6100 (Kings Langley) www.aacsyd.org.au Wahroonga, Kings Langley, Hornsby

Servicing the Northern Suburbs & Northern Beaches

At Pymble Hi-Fi, we have the time and patience to assess your home entertainment needs and identify the best solution for your environment. Our team has over 30 years experience and can provide you with helpful, professional advice on a variety of projects including: • HiFi and Home Theatre Systems • Prewire of New or Existing Homes • Multiroom Audio-Visual Setups • Home Automation

We invite you to re-discover the excitement that the best of the world of movies and music has to offer! Phone Kyle Fairhall: 02-9983 9273 or email: [email protected] Visit our Showrooms: 69 Grandview Street, Pymble (opposite railway station)