THE Queen is heading to Australia to attend the CHOGM meeting in Perth October 28-30, but “Confidential” has heard whispers the nation’s capital could well be on her itinerary.

According to a brief statement issued by Buckingham Palace: ‘’The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will visit Australia… this visit will include the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth.’’

It sounds as though there’s more to her trip than CHOGM. Could preparations already be underway in Yarralumla?

The Queen was last in Oz for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006.

Ivan and his ‘chick magnet’

THE first car TransACT’s CEO Ivan Slavich ever owned was a 1970 Volkswagen Beetle. That’s what “Confidential” has been told, after the high-flyer was overheard reminiscing about his youth at a function recently.

“It was a blue 1500cc,” says Ivan. “I’d head down Woodville Road to see my mates in Cabramatta with the stereo up as loud as it would go.”

“I think the stereo was worth more than the car, but it was a real chick magnet.”

Now the chairman of the Canberra International Electric Vehicle Festival, the motoring enthusiast had reason to reminisce. “Electric is the way of the future and in Canberra we are so far ahead in comparison to the rest of the world,” says Ivan.

The Canberra festival is the largest in the world. And now in its third year, the event boasts more than 40 vehicles on show including the $300,000 Tesla Roadster. Be part of the action, Sunday, September 25 on the lawns of old Parliament House. Entry is free.

Emergency exit

YOU’VE got to be careful who you buy a drink for these days. Well, at least that’s what one high-profile businessman discovered while socialising at one of Canberra’s night spots recently.

According to insiders, the eligible bachelor was buying drinks for some flirtatious women when things got a little out of hand. Keen for a quick and creative escape, he was allegedly aided by bouncers who lead him out an emergency exit.

Treasure under Floriade

IT seems Commonwealth Park might just be the place to discover some buried treasure. And it’s none other than Tim the Yowie Man who wants to dig it up.

When pressed, Tim told “CityNews” that six large aluminium tetrahedrons were buried by a bulldozer in a trench 4m wide and 20m long in Commonwealth Park in March, 1975.

The tetrahedrons belonged to Australian sculptor Bert Flugelman, who came to prominence in the ‘70s and ‘80s. The artist produced huge geometric public sculptures for many public spaces across the country, including the infamous cones in the National Gallery of Australia’s Sculpture Garden.

“I think it’s been long enough,” says Tim. “I don’t know anyone who has seen the artwork, because it’s buried!”

Tim claims there’s a plaque near Nerang Pool in Commonwealth Park, indicating approximately (but not exactly) where the tetrahedrons are concealed.

Could the National Capital Authority consider partially exposing them as a special treat for the remainder of Floriade?

“The thought crossed my mind that I could disguise myself as a gardener and go into Floriade with a shovel one day and start digging near the sign,” Tim says. “Anyone with me?”

You’re on your own, Tim!

Blogger burns bridges

A WELL-known Canberra blogger seems to have burnt some bridges after insulting a major local sporting venue recently.

“Confidential” has learnt the popular site allegedly posted potentially damaging, incorrect comments regarding some legislation and then boldly asked the venue to advertise.

Insiders say people have a right to express their opinion, but it should at least be an educated one. Perhaps the local boy could devote more time to researching before posting.

Brumbies v Raiders?

“CONFIDENTIAL” has heard rumblings of a possible battle of the footy codes in the not-too-distant future. Canberra’s only indoor adult “playground”, better known as the Synergy Self Defence gauntlet obstacle course, will soon play host to a couple of ACT Brumbies players who will be put through their paces and pushed to the max.

Modelled on military-style endurance circuits, the two storeys of fitness-station mayhem will test even the fittest, strongest and toughest individual.

Will the Canberra Raiders respond to the challenge and try to beat the Brumbies’ gauntlet times?

Synergy Self Defence, at Unit 4/76 Sheppard Street, Hume, officially opens to the public at 10am, Saturday, September 24.

Speed sponsorship

IT SEEMS things are hotting up between our favourite basketballers and their gaggle of sponsors. “Confidential” has heard the TransACT Canberra Capitals will be getting up close and personal with the team’s sponsors at the season launch at HaHa Bar in Belconnen, September 28.

Head coach Carrie Graf, captain Jess Bibby, towering centre Marianna Tolo and power forward Carly Wilson will, apparently, “speed date” the team’s sponsors exchanging fun facts about themselves in an effort to get to know each other better!

Perhaps another ACT team of a different sporting code might find themselves doing something similar in the not-too-distant future. “Confidential” has heard whispers that a certain sponsorship might be about to come to an end.