MANY Canberrans will recall raising a bucket load of cash for a second mobile humidicrib for the Canberra Hospital. We hit the $180,000 target in September 2009, but ERIC (short for the emergency retrieval intensive care cot) still hasn’t arrived!

Prof Alison Kent, at the hospital’s neonatal ward, says it’s being manufactured through NSW Health and they’ve had significant delays.

“It’s a completely new design and it’s a complicated process of incorporating the latest technology required to transport babies,” she says.
And while Prof Kent maintains no lives have been put at risk due to the delays, she says everyone at the hospital is looking forward to its arrival.

“It’s a bit like the building going on outside, we’re all waiting with anticipation for its completion because it will just be better for everyone involved.”

I can confirm the prototype will arrive for trials within the next few weeks.

Wild about truffles

THE annual Fireside Festival is underway throughout the Canberra region. And my hot tip is the Annual Black Diamond Truffle Dinner at Lambert’s Vineyard on Saturday, August 13.

The chef behind it all is Chris Whitlock. He calls himself a country boy, but word has it he’s one talented man in the Lambert’s kitchen. And he loves living in the Canberra region. “We’re lucky to be in such a unique part of the world where we have great local produce and a festival that really celebrates that,” he says.

Whitlock did his apprenticeship at the award-winning Tetsuya’s in Sydney so experimenting with food is something he loves to do. “We’ve created something really unique for Fireside with a seven-course degustation menu incorporating local truffles into both savoury and sweet dishes,” he says.

The rare, wild mushroom is an expensive ingredient to work with and adding it to the shopping list will set you back $2000 a kilo! “It’s really hard to cultivate. A local farmer may produce just 10 to 15 kilos in a year,” Chris says.

At that price, I think it’s safe to say there’s one ingredient I won’t be experimenting with anytime soon. For all event details and bookings head to www.firesidefestival.com.au

The thighs have it!

NEARLY every woman has a body bit she wishes she could change. For me, it’s the thighs. Let’s just say mine have a very close relationship! So when I heard about a fat-melting machine that apparently produces visible results in just one session – me and my thighs were naturally off to investigate.

The “machine” known as Cell IQ, is a laser which targets fat cells making the membrane permeable and allowing the fat to escape. And the first place in Canberra to get a hold of the new technology is Fernwood Belconnen.

But Chelsea Williams, the club’s Cell IQ manager warns against the device being used as the easy way out. “We had one client lose 29cms off her tummy in four weeks, but you have to do 30 minutes of exercise immediately after and maintain a healthy diet and exercise regime,” she says.

So who’s had the treatment? Well now, that’s a secret but I can confirm men have been asking for after-hours access!

Putting the zip into VIP   

THERE’S no denying Peter Stubbs, CEO, Thoroughbred Park enjoys a wine or two. So it’s a safe bet to say the latest construction work at the track might see him indulge in a few celebratory glasses come September.

Originally built in 1962, it’s fair to say the so-called VIP and functions area was nothing more than an embarrassment. Not anymore. The Rich Reward Room and the Silks Room have been completely gutted and renovations are in full-swing.

“We’re very excited because the fit-out will enable us to provide unique, state-of-the-art facilities,” Peter says.

The refurb will be complete for the first race day of spring – the ACTAB Tony Campbell Memorial Cup Race Day, Friday, September 2.
“People won’t recognise the place,” says Peter. Cheers to that, Stubbsie!

Lisa welcomes your feedback, thoughts and item ideas at lisa@citynews.com.au or follow Lisa on Twitter @Lisa_Ridgley