160204 citynews

ROBERT MACKLIN / DISGRACE OF THE HOMELESS HEROES

Libs hold edge in tight election fight

MICHAEL MOORE Bookies and booze, sport’s fine line TIM GAVEL Finding the day to shake hands

JOHN GRIFFITHS Get carried away into autumn

CEDRIC BRYANT

MONKEY BUSINESS

THE CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS LOOM

news / veterans under stress

Disgrace of homeless heroes

Veterans who have carried the fight against the Islamist radicals now represent almost one in 10 of the homeless people living in their cars or on the streets of our major capitals,” writes author ROBERT MACKLIN in this special report

A NATIONAL scandal is about to descend on Defence Minister Marise Payne.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of Australian servicemen are caught in a mental trap from which there seems no escaping. And the ADF is dragging its feet in solving the problem. Indeed, its policies and attitudes are making it worse.

The horror of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has swept through our elite Special Forces units – the SAS and the Commandos – leaving a trail of mental wreckage in its wake. Veterans who have carried the fight against the Islamist radicals now represent almost one in 10 of the homeless people living in their cars or on the streets of our major capitals. While the last report into homeless veterans in 2008 said there were more than 3000 living on the street, since then some 40,000 troops have been engaged in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zones. And though the Department of Veterans’ Affairs is assisting where it can, there are no proactive policies from the ADF to seek out the men and women needing treatment. The Army’s attitude is that they are “no longer our problem”.

I have been drawn into the issue as the author of four books of biography and history of SAS soldiers and our Special Forces via a rising number of desperate emails from the families of Special Forces soldiers.

The most recent this month was typical (only the names are changed to protect privacy):

Dear Mr Macklin,

My name is Laura J and I am the mother of a former SAS soldier. I believe that my son is suffering from severe PTSD but he is not having any

off you are assumed to be a malingerer.”

treatment. He has largely isolated himself from his family - brother, father and particularly from me.

I’ve been trying to contact him for several months and finally I received a vicious and cruel email from him that has left me completely devastated.

I’m sorry to impose on you like this but I’m desperate. I have been told that if it wasn’t for his two-and-a-half-year-old-daughter my son would probably have suicided.

My son’s name is RJ.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email.

Sincerely LJ

She then asked if I could introduce her to Perth-based Stuart “Nev” Bonner, one of our most outstanding SAS soldiers and the subject of my biography “Redback One”, who is also suffering from PTSD. He was happy to oblige. “These days I’m focusing on helping injured servicemen and women through the WA SAS Association, so I’m glad to contribute,” he says.

The symptoms are devastating to the individual.

As one soldier described it: “There are extreme reactions to what’s going on around you.

“It was as if someone had placed a magnifying glass over my normal emotional responses. At times I’d be hyper-alert, at others so brain-fogged that no amount of stimulants could enliven me, and no amount of alcohol could relax me – hours of fear, weeks of hyper-vigilance. The common thread was not a tendency to violence but rather toward self-hate. It was the fear of being permanently broken.”

Stuart Bonner says there are “two sides” to the Australian attitude.

“One side provides support and acceptance –government bodies like DVA and VVCS (Veterans and Veterans’ Families Counselling Service),”

index contacts

Arts &

he says.

“The other side is unsupportive and dismissive.”

These are to be found in the Defence Department and the ADF.

“[These] people think that injured persons are claiming services and support they don’t deserve,” he says.

“I have met some opponents who are openly critical when in fact they are doing their former colleagues a significant disservice. There is a long held belief in Defence that if you take time off you are assumed to be a malingerer, unless the injury is visibly obvious.

“The attitude has served a valid if callous purpose – to force personnel to disregard their injuries and fight on despite the consequences. It is a form of abuse that relies on peer pressure to achieve an aim – perhaps mateship abused to achieve an end.

“Another is the financial reason to demonise the injured: to reduce Defence Department and therefore Government costs. Influencing the sick and needy to refrain from making a claim for support is a way to reduce these costs.”

Another veteran volunteering to assist his mates suffering from PTSD through the charity Soldier On is Geoff Evans who says the experience with DVA can be a compounding factor.

“The time taken to resolve bureaucratic issues can be overwhelming,” he says.

In fact he is haunted by one case where the delays proved fatal. The soldier, Matthew Tonkin, overdosed and died. His outstanding DVA claims were processed two weeks after his death.

Next week: What’s to be done?

Robert Macklin is the author of “Redback One, the True Story of an Australian SAS Hero” (Hachette Australia, rrp $35).

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Still wrestling with ourselves after all these years

AUSTRALIA Day provided a special focus for the week’s news as, once again, we wrestled with our evolving national identity.

The choice as Australian of the Year of former Chief of Army, David Morrison, who attempted to transform the military’s attitude to women, was widely applauded. Whether his reforms will endure is yet to be seen, but they were undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

OUR Aboriginal compatriots made the usual protests that “Invasion Day” was no occasion for celebration. And there seems to be increasing sympathy for their position.

Prominent Aboriginal figure Noel Pearson regretted passing up the opportunity to take his cause into the Federal Parliament. But he and other indigenous leaders already have their hands full in developing an agreed position for Aboriginal recognition in the Constitution.

THE republic movement also took the chance to press its case. Chair Peter FitzSimons presented a “declaration” in support of an Australian Head of State from all the state premiers and chief ministers except WA’s Colin Barnett . And while the movement still has to grapple with the method of choosing a president, if they are finally successful that date would

undoubtedly resolve the perennial problem of a real Australia Day. And PM Malcolm Turnbull’s reluctance to revisit the issue until the death of the Queen must be increasingly frustrating to the movement’s leaders.

MEANWHILE, former PM Tony Abbott headed to America to address an anti-gay, anti-abortion group while promising to remain in Parliament for the foreseeable future. Some government supporters are concerned

ROBERT MACKLIN

he’ll be a thorn in Turnbull’s side; others see his American trip as an indicator that the “Mad Monk” is back; and as he veers to the right he’ll become increasingly irrelevant.

ANOTHER former PM, the redoubtable Kevin Rudd, was back in the news as Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced she would back his quest to become UN Secretary-General. They were close even when on opposing sides of the Parliament. And the job has been in Rudd’s sights even before he gained the Prime Ministership. His current campaign to achieve it is typically unrelenting.

CLOSER to home, Canberra public servants came

PM Malcolm Turnbull’s reluctance to revisit the republic issue until the death of the Queen must be increasingly frustrating to the movement’s leaders.

under increasing pressure to sacrifice their idiosyncratic attachment to a 4.51pm knock-off time for a rounded out 5pm. And if that will secure them new industrial agreements, it’s hard to see why they’re quibbling.

LIBERAL Deputy Leader Alistair Coe fired a shot across the bows of the Gungahlin tram with the announcement that a Lib Government would trial selfdriving cars in the ACT. This is the kind of new technology that will reduce traffic and make light rail an expensive white elephant.

AND the Libs stole a march on Labor with the preselection of candidates with an Asian background – Jacob Vadakkedathu of Indian heritage and Elizabeth Lee of the Chinese diaspora. If elected they would help to reflect the true multi-cultural nature of Canberra’s population.

FINALLY, yet another sex-and-booze scandal among that gang of toughs, the National Rugby League. Eastern Suburbs player, Mitchell Pearce, was videoed making unwanted advances to a woman and then a dog during a drunken night out.

Sounds like the NRL needs a lesson in changing attitudes. A job for David Morrison perhaps?

robert@robertmacklin.com

I believe there is an urgent need for reform in Australia’s care and protection system, particularly in relation to adoption.

The more I hear from people who have been through the adoption process, or cared for foster children, the better I can understand what the government can do to help our most vulnerable children.

If you are interested in sharing your experience with me please contact my office on 02 6247 6444 or send an email to senator.seselja@aph.gov.au

Anyinformationsharedwithmeormyofficeisdonesoin absoluteconfidenceandwillnotbenotbemadepublicwithout explicitconsent.

Serious message in remembering Michael

By Kate Meikle

THE team at Callaghans Business Services is preparing for the second charity golf day on February 26 to raise funds for Bowel Cancer Australia in the name of their former partner.

The Michael Williams Memorial Trust is in honour of Callaghans’ financial planning partner, who died from bowel cancer in October, 2014, aged 32.

“We decided to choose a golf day to raise money for Bowel Cancer Australia through the Michael Williams Memorial Trust as Michael was a keen golfer who loved nothing more than a day out of the office networking with his industry peers,” says Callaghans’ partner, Justin Corkran.

“We were blown away with the success of last year’s golf day. Not only was it a beautiful day but, we managed to raise $23,000 and had many comments that it was the best golf day many of the players have ever been involved in.”

Michael grew up in Albury and moved to Canberra once he had finished his degree in financial

planning. Justin says that Michael worked at Callaghans for five years and built many strong relationships with his clients and was very well respected in the industry.

“We really hope that we can also raise awareness of bowel cancer. If holding a golf day each year means that just a handful more people get screened much earlier in their life, such as in their 20s and 30s rather than waiting till they’re in their 50s, then it may save lives and

prove to be a bigger success than we may ever realise,” says Justin.

Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in Australia, with one in 12 people developing it in their lifetime.

The risk of bowel cancer increases with age, with people over the age of 50 being at the highest risk, but it can strike at any time as was the case with Michael.

Currently fewer than 40 per cent of cases are being detected

early and one of Bowel Cancer Australia’s main campaigns is to raise awareness for early detection which gives treatment a 90 per cent success rate.

Michael Williams Memorial Golf Day, 11am, February 26, Federal Golf Club, Red Hill. More details from leong.tang@callaghans. com.au or 6256 6000. Donate at callaghans.com.au

Bookies and booze, sport’s fine line

I GET the impression sport is struggling to tread the fine line between social responsibility and financial sustainability.

Take the sponsorship of sports, such as tennis, by bookmakers. When watching a game on television we are bombarded with invitations to bet on the outcome, albeit with the reminder to “bet responsibly”.

It has become an extremely lucrative revenue source for many sports, not just tennis. Tennis officials, I kid you not, then say they are shocked and concerned by the possibility of match fixing involving bookmakers and players “tanking”.

Australia has a significant alcohol problem among young males, yet the uniform of the Australian cricket team is emblazoned with “VB”.

There is a growing issue with obesity, with sport supposedly leading the fight against the disease. Yet KFC appears as one of the major sponsors of cricket in this country and McDonald’s has been prominent in its sponsorship at the Australian Open tennis. What sort of message does that send to impressionable youth?

In the wake of the behaviour of Nick Kyrgios at the Open, where he abused the umpire, Australian Open boss, Craig Tiley, while not condoning his on-court antics came out and said that Kyrgios was good for business.

briefly

Meet ’60s stars

THE National Film and Sound Archive is hosting a swinging ‘60s night on Friday, February 5, with a free evening of retro entertainment titled “Teenage Dream 1966”. It will feature a ‘60s karaoke and costume competition, a classic car display and screenings of the forgotten Aussie film gem “Funny Things Happen Down Under” (featuring Olivia Newton-John) and a restored episode from November 1966 of “The Go!! Show” including Canberra TV commercials from that era. It will be followed by a Q&A with stars of the show: singers Normie Rowe and Little Pattie (Patricia Amphlett), and producer Dennis Smith.

Op shop’s bag sale

THE op shop at the church hall at 82 Limestone Avenue is starting the New Year with a “fill-a-bag-for-$5” sale, 10am-2pm, on Saturday, February 6. The shop also features food, tea and coffee and customers are invited to bring along their musical instruments and play along with the group called Jammalong. On sale are books, shoes and bric-a-brac, including glassware and Christmas decorations. The shop is open Fridays and on the first Saturday of the month.

Squadron’s centenary

THE dedication of a plaque marking the centenary of the formation of No.3 Squadron will be made at the RAAF Memorial Grove, Federal Highway, Majura, 11am, on Thursday, February 11. Past and current members of 3 Squadron, the RAAF Association and local and federal politicians will attend the ceremony. The squadron was formed 100 years ago at Point Cook, Victoria, as part of the fledgling Australian Flying Corps.

Then you have sports organisations saying that it was vital to have a level playing field when it comes to performance-enhancing drugs. But as soon as the Court of Arbitration for Sport banned 34 past and present Essendon players for 12 months in the wake of the supplement scandal you had some in the AFL community questioning whether their code should be part of World Anti-Doping.

Sports organisations sign up to WADA for a number of reasons, with one of these being that drug-free conditions provide some measure of a “level playing field”. If this was not the case and drugs became part of the athlete’s routine, the price to the athlete’s health over time could be immeasurable.

While specific drug taking is considered illegal, the taking of performance-enhancing drugs is clearly cheating to get results.

There is also the issue of Federal government funding for facilities that would disappear if they didn’t adhere to the ASADA testing program.

The issue is more complex than it first appears, yet the point remains; performance-enhancing drugs do not have a place in sport.

Sport, it would appear, is still searching for its moral compass.

OVER the past three years Canberra has evolved into a virtual satellite suburb of Western Sydney. The Western Sydney Wanderers, the Sydney Thunder and GWS all regard Canberra as part of their catchment.

The worry is that people who make decisions on expansion will be under the impression that Canberra doesn’t need its own ACT-based teams in the A League, the Big Bash and the AFL because we are already aligned to existing clubs in Western Sydney.

Mind you, I think Canberra has missed the boat when it comes to having its own AFL team.

Canberra’s history is dotted with attempts to change this. Let’s hope that in the future, it becomes a possibility.

Monkey business looms for Chinese New Year

THE Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival in China, is celebrated for 16 days, starting with New Year’s Eve and culminating in the Lantern Festival. Each of the 16 days symbolises something different to welcome in a prosperous, plentiful and lucky New Year.

As it’s a lunar festival, the date of Chinese New Year changes annually and this year it falls on Monday, February 8.

Sam Wong, patron of the ACT Chinese Australian Association, says there will be many celebrations happening all over Canberra, including spectacular traditional colourful lion dances held from February 5-14 at various locations around town.

“In particular, the lion dancing that will be on the forecourt of Parliament House on February 9 will be worth attending, as it’s the first time Chinese New Year has been celebrated there and it’s a free event arranged through the Australian Parliamentary Friendship Group with China,” he says.

At the National Multicultural Festival (February 12-14), the Chinese Spring Festival celebrations will take place on Sunday, February 14, which will also feature lion dancing, as well

grumpy

as community performances and martial arts.

This year is the Year of the Monkey, which is the ninth in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, so monkey symbols will feature heavily in New Year decorations.

John Wong, vice-president of the Australian Chinese Catholic Community, says that the Chinese New Year celebrations start on New Year’s Eve – Sunday, February 7 this year – with a traditional family reunion dinner.

“Family always has to come together for New Year’s Eve, and we have fish, which symbolises plenty, and dumplings, which symbolise being reunited back together,” he says.

“We would also make a lot of Chinese festive food, including a Chinese cake often made from radish, depending on the region, to eat on New Year’s Day to symbolise prosperity.”

John says that in the morning on New Year’s Day, it’s traditional for the children to pay respects to their parents and wish them Happy New Year before doing anything else.

“Traditionally, New Year’s Day is reserved for close family only, and we share a meal together,” he says.

“After the feast, we often give red

packets or red envelopes containing money to the children. It’s usual to only give red packets once you are married, and it’s like pocket money for

them, to spend or save as they wish.

It’s believed to bring good luck.

Hell-bent on heartbreak bollards

WHILE a large proportion of cars are equipped with blind-spot technology and reversing cameras to stop us backing over playing children, nothing prepares the unsuspecting Canberra driver for the short-yellowpole phenomenon.

This “street art” has become an all-too-familiar sight in suburban carparks.

While it’s a great idea to reserve a spot next to an accessible car space to allow extra room to enter or exit a vehicle, there’s no point in placing an immovable object at small-child height bang in the middle of an empty space that serves no other purpose than to cause significant damage to vehicles and keep our local panel beaters busy.

More puzzling is the alarming efficiency at which these “booby traps” get replaced. No sooner do I spot one flattened than a new one magically materialises within a day or two.

When is the local government going to realise these short, yellow, heavy steel bollards cause significant heartache to a great number of Canberra

drivers that have the misfortune of coming off second best when they come into contact with them? Would it not make sense to simply remove them? The benefits would be immediate. Hundreds of thousands of infrastructure and maintenance dollars from the Budget would be saved by not having to erect them in the first place and then not having to replace damaged ones. Motorists would also save by not having to deal with the stress of a damaged car, a costly repair bill, and having their

insurance premiums rise.

Grumpy is an occasional column dedicated purely to things that get up your nose. Readers are invited to vent (no more than 300 words, please) at editor@citynews.com.au

NASIS ELLIS

“So you stay home so you don’t get into any arguments!”

Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival is the final event of Chinese New Year and can be celebrated at the Beijing Garden, Lennox Gardens in Yarralumla.

The garden will be decorated with Chinese lanterns and lights, with performances of Chinese traditional music, children’s dances, martial arts, lion dance, a hand-made lantern competition and a lantern parade. Bring your own lanterns or buy one there. Saturday, February 27, 6pm-9pm, at Beijing Garden, Lennox Gardens, Flynn Place, Yarralumla. Entry is free.

Lantern-making workshop

Learn how to make a Chinese lantern in preparation for the Lantern Festival. Adults and children welcome.

Sunday, February 21, 1.30pm-3.30pm, at the Cook Community Hub, 41 Templeton Street, Cook. Cost is $3 per person. Bookings essential to acfsevent@gmail.com, or call 6254 7732.

“On the second day we would visit relatives and friends, and on the third day it’s recovery day, because you will have been eating and celebrating a lot.

Chinese horoscope for 2016, Page 22-23.

cw@dvcs.org.au

Libs hold an edge in tight fight

THE 2016 ACT Election will be a tight contest. The Katy Gallagher factor is all but gone, the rates issues that dominated the 2012 election have lost steam, and the light rail debate seems to be losing impact.

Labor has been in power since 2001, so they are asking the people of Canberra to give them a fifth term, potentially delivering 19 years in government.

On the other hand, the Liberals faced a devastating Abbott factor only a few months ago, but that is now gone. Changes to the electoral boundaries and the increase by eight to an Assembly of 25 members presents some interesting possibilities – mostly favouring the major parties. With a change from three to five electorates, although it is much more difficult to predict the outcome of the 2016 election, it is possible to do some extrapolation.

The results of the 80 polling booths can be examined and mapped on to the new electorates. From this we can create a baseline of how the last election would have panned out had it been conducted in five rather than three electorates.

The idea of Canberra as a Labor town has merit. However, at the last election the Liberals did win the popularity race beating Labor by just 41 votes out of 220,000. With eight seats each Labor was able to negotiate with the Greens’ Shane Rattenbury bringing him into the ministry and forming a strong, stable minority government.

Under the new system it is almost inevitable that all the major parties will gain two members in each of the electorates. The challenge is always in the fifth seat. A strong showing, a third prominent candidate, or a brilliant campaign is how that third final seat will be won in each electorate.

The idea of Canberra as a Labor town has merit. However, at the last election the Liberals did win the popularity race beating Labor by just 41 votes out of 220,000.

A strong Greens’ candidate or an outstanding independent could shake the tree and undo this relatively cosy arrangement. In the central Canberra seat of Molonglo at last election, while Labor and Liberals shared three seats each in a seven-member electorate, Shane Rattenbury took the final seat. He might do the same in the new seat of Kurrajong (which largely replaces Molonglo). A strong centralist or right-wing candidate in any of the electorates could do the same for the Liberals.

Malcolm Baalman (for seven years my senior advisor in the Assembly) has provided me with an extrapolation from the results at the last election.

The ABC’s Antony Green has done a similar exercise – but did not deal with the third of the votes that were not cast in polling booths on the day.

The difference does give an edge to the Liberals in Malcolm’s hypothetical scenario, compared to Antony Green, who leaves a deciding seat in the Gungahlin electorate of Yerrabi as “difficult to allocate”. In both scenarios it really is too close to draw a strong conclusion. Indications are, however, that in a 25-member electorate (applied to last election) there would most likely have been a strong Liberal showing – but the result would probably have been, very narrowly, a similar Labor-Green government in power.

In this hypothetical case, the Tuggeranong seat of Brindabella would favour the Liberals giving them three of the five seats, while the final Belconnen seat of Ginninderra and the Weston Creek seat of Murrumbidgee would have gone to the Greens.

The most revealing part of this exercise is that the battle for the numbers in the Assembly is really most likely to be closest in two electorates; Yerrabi (where the light rail is largely favoured) appears in better form for Labor as it boasts new minister Meegan Fitzharris and has some other prominent candidates to improve the Labor chances for the third seat. In Murrumbidgee, with Brianna Heseltine (of Mr Fluffy fame) shunned, the Labor candidates are relatively unknown to the general public. In contrast, the Greens will run former MLA, Caroline Le Couteur, who narrowly missed out at the last election.

One dark horse across all electorates is Vote Canberra (votecanberra.org). A bit like the “preference whisperer” federally, this group is working to support independents and improve their chances with none of their executive permitted to be candidates.

The Liberals have not chosen their candidates. This differentiates the party from Labor and the Greens, who completed preselection around a year prior to the election. No doubt, the Liberals will be looking to place prominent candidates in the electorates where unknown candidates make Labor and the Greens more vulnerable.

Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health.

Religious arguments ‘ridiculously’ simplistic

AS a Muslim, I have to say that I find John Farrands’ arguments (letters, CN, January 28) ridiculously simplistic.

I have known dozens of women who have got divorces, although it works slightly differently, in that the imam pronounces the word “Talaq” (I divorce) on behalf of the woman. My mother-in-law has been divorced several times, mostly on her own initiative.

Islam is a complex web with many shades of practice and Islamic fiqh (jurisprudence) demands studies on the same level as civil law.

The offensive part of this is his

selective quoting from the Koran – it is possible to do that with the Bible as well. His sentence about “the situation in Europe” is so vague as to be useless and his selection of Ayaan Hirsi Ali is very partial; she is a populist writer with an axe to grind. I am somewhat familiar with Muslim feminist writing and I can tell you that most of it is more measured than hers.

Anyway, I would hardly put myself up as an exemplary apologist for Islam, but I do find this kind of crap pathetic.

Back-to-school butterflies

I STILL get butterflies in my stomach when I think of my first day at school. The anticipation of seeing friends, and a few people I’d rather not face, finding out who my teachers would be, all that homework, study and exams. Okay perhaps they were knots in my stomach. But those nerves weren’t all bad, they were also about excitement and anticipation for the year ahead.

For over 3.6 million students across Australia heading to primary and secondary school over the next few weeks there will no doubt be plenty of butterflies.

Headspace, the national youth mental health foundation, provides support for young people aged 12 to 25 who are struggling with their mental wellbeing.

General mental health and wellbeing resources can be found at headspace.org.au. For online and telephone support please visit eheadspace.org.au or call 1800 650890, between 9am and 1am.

Chris Tanti, CEO, headspace

For some children it’s particularly difficult as they face extra pressures like getting the best grades, or dealing with bullying, and others may be dealing with mental health issues like anxiety or depression. If you are a young person with something going on, or a parent with concerns about your child, you don’t have to handle things alone.

Now the birds have flown

THERE was the Birdman Rally, the Canberra International Dragway, the V8 Supercars, the Australian Long Track GP, the much maligned powerboats and now the National Poultry Show is gone.

Who cares? I do as each of these facilities or events attracted considerable local, region, interstate and international competitors and attendance returning many millions to the ACT, with an economy that can use all the help it can get.

As Chief Minister Barr, Mr Rattenbury and Mr Corbell seem intent on digging an ever increasing hole for ACT citizens before the 2016 election, perhaps now is a good

time for supporters of the above to push for the return of such activities to the ACT.

I can hear the hissing and cursing of those cocooned in their own little ACT worlds and to those good people I say there are many in the ACT who hiss and curse at the costs and blowouts of the Alexander Maconochie Centre, the arboretum, Floriade, the tram, the beach volleyball courts amongst a plethora of extremities and, of course, the ACT Greens Labor government’s continual caving in to the cyclists of the ACT.

Michael Attwell, Dunlop

Drug-affected logic

IF the Australian community expects any substantial reduction in illicit drug use in 2016, I suspect they will be disappointed.

The drug elites who drafted Australia’s illicit drug strategy 35 years ago still ride shotgun today to ensure no directional changes are made by the 35-year-old creaky coach carrying the unsuccessful policy, and the sheriff’s horses must be of similar age as they can’t catch it.

A national illicit drug strategy

that says to our young folk: we realise you may choose to use

illicit drugs and if you do, try to ensure you use them safely is surely drug-affected.

This is like a road traffic authority saying to those at a pedestrian crossing: we realise that you may choose to cross against the red light and, if you do, try to ensure you cross safely. This surely would constitute mental disorder. Why then is such an approach stupid for pedestrians, but presented as common sense for prospective drug users?

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Sakyamuni Buddhist Centre

Abbot & Sangha is hereby cordially inviting the Canberra and region communities to join in celebrating the YEAR of the MONKEY.

VENUE: Van Hanh Monastery, 32 Archibald St, LYNEHAM. Mobile: 0412 224 553

TIMES/DATE: 7pm-1am, Sunday, February 7

SPECIALTIES:

** Buddhism Books for Free (dozens of titles to suit all ages)

** Gourmet Vegetarian Foods Stalls (monastic menu/stylist – Eat in / Take Away)

** Annual Community Dinner (all are invited): 6.30-7.30pm only

** Abbot & VIPs well wishing addresses & gifts presentation to all: 8.45pm

** Crackers & Lion Dances: 9pm & midnight

** Everyone gets a piece of NY Gift

** Celebrating the Maitreya (future) Buddha & the Year of the Monkey: 00:15am TEMPLE OPEN DAYS:

Monday 8 to Wednesday 10, January – 6am-8pm daily. ALL WELCOME

INDOOR

FAST NEWS FIRST

lowbrow

Finding the day to shake hands

BACK in the mid 1990s I worked in a London cinema and, with Australia Day approaching, whipped up a poster for a celebratory barbecue at my house.

I was surprised to walk past the notice board and find my poster crumpled up in a nearby bin.

I put another one up and later that day caught a Bangladeshi colleague tearing it down.

“Australia Day is racist,” he proclaimed.

This prompted an unedifying bureaucratic skirmish in the company until middle management decided that unilaterally declaring the Australian national holiday to be racist was probably going to be worse for business than the hurt feelings of one Bangladeshi. No-one thanked us for dragging them into the argument.

But it got me thinking about the day and that hasn’t stopped over the intervening 20 years.

This year for all the flag-waving, fly-pasts, and self-congratulation there’s also been some pretty heated debate. People on both sides probably need to calm down before anyone does anything seriously

Australia Day – Another reason for Australians to have a day off, to over cook anything on a semi-hygienic barbecue and get drunk.” – Urban Dictionary

regrettable (not to mention un-Australian) and someone gets hurt.

Some want the date moved simply because there is controversy. Personally, I think this is the worst thing that could be done.

People are upset because of a day that celebrates the injustice of indigenous dispossession and subsequent disadvantage.

How does moving the date address that dispossession and disadvantage? It only means we stop thinking and talking about it, which is nice for those of us who benefit from it in a way I suppose.

It’s been more than 200 years since the First Fleet arrived and began the settlement that, for better or worse, often better, would become what we think of as Australia.

Indigenous Australians are without doubt, on average, disadvantaged compared to the rest of the nation as a result.

At the same time we’re coming up on a thousand years since the Norman Conquest of England and if you spend some time there you’ll notice that in the more advantaged social circles the names take on a decidedly Norman skew. Names like Beaumont, Chamberlain, Devereux.

This is not to make light of indigenous dispossession. It is to point out that even after a thousand years, and centuries of equality under the law, intergenerational disadvantage flowing from dispossession is still clearly evident in one of the wealthiest and most successful nations in history.

I have some ideas for how we could go about trying to address these issues. But as a white man I can at least see that imposing my ideas on other people won’t fly any more.

What we could do is empower real democratic bodies in indigenous groupings, give them real returns on the use of their land, a blow for miners and pastoralists to be sure. It’s amazing how gobs of real money can level the playing field. Access to good food, education and medicine make for a great start.

Then we could encourage those groupings to form a true representative body that can meet as equals with the Australian government and hammer out a way to share the continent fairly.

The day they shake hands is one I’d nominate as a new Australia Day. Preferably something in spring?

John Griffiths is the CityNews.com.au editor

JOHN GRIFFITHS

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Canberra Confidential

Suits ignore the forgotten heroes

VIETNAM vet John Verhelst, who served in South Vietnam with the Australian Army as a conscript over 10-months in 1970/1, these days lives in Merimbula and is president of Headquarters 1st Australian Task Force, which was based at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province from 1966 until late 1971 and encountered much enemy action.

Every two years since the late ‘90s the group, all now in their late 60s, 70s and 80s, has held a reunion and in October plans to meet up in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.

“With objectives to improve health and well-being and to reduce social isolation, the reunion plays a significant role,” says John.

“Due to the financial situation of many of our members (over 45 per cent of our disabled members live in poverty and they find it extremely difficult attending these reunions) we seek sponsorship from Australian companies.”

And how did the grateful corporate sector respond? In October John sent more than 220 letters to companies. To date he’s heard back positively from Dick Smith (“as always”) and a catering company in Melbourne. He’s had negative responses from about 10 companies and “a deathly silence from the others”.

“I thought it could be of interest for you to be aware of this ‘generosity’ of our larger, in most cases, mostprofitable companies,” he says.

“Yes, we as an association are aware that companies are inundated with financial sponsorship requests, however I do feel we are forgotten (or in many cases the decision makers probably have no idea what we went through).”

Help for John can be sent to PO Box 685, Merimbula, NSW 2548. The website is hq1atf.org

Yoga heads for hills

MUSICIAN Xavier Rudd will headline the Wanderlust yoga and music festival to be held in Thredbo, February 18-21. Wanderlust will bring together yoga and meditation instructors, speakers, performers, artists and chefs for the four-day celebration of “mindful living”. Festival director, Jonnie Halstead, says: “Xavier personifies what Wanderlust is all about – the perfect fusion of conscious roots, deeper connection and good-time summer vibes!”

Wanderlust produces the festivals worldwide and this year will be the first one of its kind at the Thredbo Alpine Village.

International yoga teacher Elena Brower, who has been teaching yoga and meditation since 1999, will be there offering what she calls yoga and meditation as a way to approach the world with realistic reverence and gratitude.

Wanderlust Festival, Thredbo Alpine Village, February 18-21, tickets at wanderlust.com

Hanson starts gnashing

AND a Happy New Year to the Labor Party… Jeremy Hanson has started gnashing his ideological teeth with his first newsletter of the election year. Usually the Opposition Leader’s notes are chummy and benign, but this time he’s taking big bites out of Labor’s vulnerable bottom with snarling commentary on the state of health, police cuts, education and this doozy under the heading “15 years of ACT Labor is enough”: “Through its ownership of hundreds of poker machines, ACT Labor is also ripping an extraordinary $25 million a year out of some of Canberra’s poorest families, through what most ethical people consider both morally corrupt and a gross conflict of interest.

“Andrew Barr now wants to spend billions of dollars on a tram network and continue his massive rates increases, which are hurting so many people.”

Accountants in lurve

“I picked accountants, as they get such a bad press from the literati. I’ve known quite a few, and they all seemed human to me,” says Aitkin.

Copies of the book are at Harry Hartog, Dymocks, Beyond Q, the NLA bookshop, Paperchain and via Kindle

THAT old joke – What do accountants use for contraception? Their personalities – plays perfectly into the modus operandi behind local author Don Aitkin’s new book, “The Canonbury Tales”. He says it’s a novel based on a set of connected stories about love and romantic encounters told by a group of accountants and finance people marooned for one evening at a resort, where all they can do is talk.

IT’S been a top night at Smith’s Alternative in Civic, great music, great jokes, great craic then nature calls. Where to go? Well certainly not through this door; this is not the toilet door, turn left, not here, go away, the door implores. And yet out they go, blind to the signs and out through the alarmed door to the chagrin (that’s putting it politely) of the management.

Photos by ANDREW FINCH

Valentine’s Day Searching for the international day

FEBRUARY 14 is the day people all over the world send Valentine’s cards, flowers, chocolates or gifts to the one they love. But why is it our day of romance?

It’s generally believed that Valentine’s Day is named after two of the many early Christian martyrs called Valentine.

Among the popular theories is that one Valentine was a third-century priest in Rome, who married young couples in secret after a decree by

the Emperor Claudius that young men serve in the army instead of marrying.

Predictably, he was jailed and sentenced to death, but the story goes that he became friendly with his jailer’s daughter, writing the original “Valentines” to her.

The letters spoke of his undying love and signed off with “from your Valentine”.

Equally, another theory suggests it may not have been very romantic at all and that the chosen date may have been an attempt by the Catholic church to “Christianise” a Roman feast:

Relax together in an aromatic spa before enjoying an Indigenous inspired Kodo Massage rejuvenate, balance or purify.

February 14 was, in ancient Rome, a celebration of the goddess Juno, queen of the Roman pantheon.

It was around the 17th century that Valentine’s Day was celebrated on a mass level, and by the middle of the 18th century it was taking on a commercial feel, with small tokens and handwritten gifts being exchanged between lovers and friends. Today, it’s a special day for sweethearts young and old in celebration of romance and love! So why not spoil your Valentine this year? Read on for ideas how!

Authentic spa experience

JINDII Eco Spa, located in the tranquil surrounds of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, is committed to providing an authentic Australian indigenous spa experience.

“My inspiration for Jindii Eco Spa comes from the Australian landscape, indigenous culture and ancient healing wisdoms,” says owner Bianca Prichard.

“I want my guests to be immersed in the beauty of our environment.

“We offer an engaging, nurturing and balanced approach to support our clients through their individual journey to health and well-being.

“Our mission is to encourage and enhance health and wellbeing through self-awareness and through the nurturing of one’s self.”

With a large menu of exquisite and effective spa treatments using only the finest in Australian organic spa products, Jindii Eco Spa uses Australian botanical products and takes a “tread lightly” approach to the environment in a globally sustainable way.

“We also offer a suite of lifestyle classes, including yoga, to help you take the spa experience home with you,” says Bianca. Weekly Dru Yoga classes are suitable for anyone, any age and any body and are held from 6pm7.30pm on Tuesdays.

Jindii Eco Spa, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton. Bookings to 6257 8777 or visit Jindii Eco Spa’s Facebook page.

of love’s real meaning

Swing dancing for lovers

JUMPTOWN Swing committee member Leonie Casey says that swing dancing is a fun, lively and social dance that is perfect for couples or for those interested in meeting new people.

Offering six-week courses across the year, held at various parts of town, Jumptown Swing is a not-for-profit organisation that encourages everyone to have a go at the dancing style that originated in the US in the ‘30s, and is a bridge between the Charleston and rock ‘n’ roll dancing.

“We aim to have you dancing after six weeks,” says Leonie.

“Swing dancing is like video games, it’s easy to learn but difficult to master. But as long as you can follow a beat and know your left to your right most of the time, you’ll be fine!”

Leonie says that a lot of people get hooked on swing dancing and particularly enjoy going to the fortnightly social dance night. Leonie recalls that she invited her partner of five years to go swing dancing with her during the early days of their courtship, and they both love dancing together to this day!

Photo by: Greg Stoodley Photography

“If you have a sweetheart and want to spend more time with them, swing dancing is a great way to have fun together,” says Leonie.

Gift vouchers for Valentine’s Day are available as well as private classes for couples wanting a more intimate experience, or to learn a dance for their upcoming wedding.

Jumptown Swing, visit jumptown.org

Roses, that big romantic gesture

VALENTINE’S Day is all about a big romantic gesture and there’s no better way to do it than by presenting your loved one with a stunning bunch of roses.

Arum Floral Design, at the Rydges Capital Hill hotel near Manuka, offers a 24/7 service, by Paris-trained florist Djiwo Grenet and her team.

“We have a beautiful selection of Valentine’s Day roses in any colour,” says Djiwo.

“Our roses can be arranged in classic boxes or as a bouquet wrapped in paper. We also offer stunning orchids or mixed arrangements,” she says.

Arum Floral Design will take Valentine bookings ahead of time and offer a discount for early orders, or can help you get the right flowers for your sweetheart on the day.

Delivery is also available.

And Djiwo’s favourite pick for Valentine’s Day flowers?

She says she can’t go past the beauty of garden roses or orchids for this special occasion.

Arum Floral Design, arumstudio.com.au or contact Djiwo on arumstudio@gmail.com or call 0450 323452.

Valentine’s Day advertising feature

State-of-the-art, skin-care solutions

THE team at boutique beauty clinic, The Beauty Cottage, provide a deeply relaxing, nourishing and pleasurable salon experience, specialising in waxing, tinting, eyebrow shaping and contouring, and luxurious facials.

Salon director, Lesley Barber says: “We’re committed to helping you achieve the best version of you.

“With state-of-the-art skin care solutions, our carefully selected and best quality products, and our therapeutic skills, we treat your skin to rejuvenate, hydrate, smooth and clear.”

Lesley promises that customers will feel relaxed, refreshed and glowing to float through your week ahead!

After suffering from rosacea and sensitive skin, Lesley discovered her true passion within the industry. She says she simply loves helping all her clients look and

Flowers and gifts galore

“WE are so much more than just flowers” says Lynne Newman, of Ivy Flowers and Gifts, Curtin.

Seven years ago, Lynne was studying floristry at CIT when the shop in Curtin came up for sale, so she made the decision to open Ivy Flowers and Gifts. What began as a few flowers and a couple of candles has steadily grown into a boutique shop with gifts for all occasions.

Ivy Flowers and Gifts carries many well known Australian brands, Elk jewellery and bags, Ecoya candles, Thurlby Herb Farm products, funky Jubly-Umph necklaces and brooches as well as cards, cushions and bags, made by local designers depicting scenes from around Canberra. To complement these products there are also soaps, fragrances and body lotions from Italy, France and America, and many products for men, including The Damn Handsome Beard Kit, Fossil wallets and Acca Kappa men’s cologne.

Ivy Flowers and Gifts also specialises in flowers and hampers for all occasions, and delivers locally, nationally, internationally and twice a day to all Canberra hospitals and nursing homes.

Lynne suggests that to avoid disappointing that special person in your life pre-order flowers for St Valentine’s Day.

“Ivy Flowers and Gifts will be open on Sunday, February 14 for all our loved-up customers, just in case you forget to order your flowers before then,” she says.

Ivy Flowers and Gifts, 2/3 Curtin Place, Curtin. Call 62824725 or visit facebook.com/ivyflowersandgifts

feel their best through a focus on skin care and specialist beauty treatments that are more than skin deep, and match each client’s individual skin type.

“Our salon is renowned for luxury facials which help eliminate the signs of ageing, restore youthful and soft looking complexions, and balance and soothe sensitive skins,” she says.

Lesley is also a skilled waxer and master brow-shaper.

“I advise on the best shape for your face and work with you to achieve your dream brows,” she says. Gift vouchers for a luxurious salon experience are available for Valentine’s Day.

The Beauty Cottage, Anthony Rolfe Avenue, Gungahlin. Appointments at 0437 248055, email info@thebeautycottage.com.au or visit the Beauty Cottage Canberra’s Facebook page.

“Kaelee”... One of the Australian Talented Youth Project’s dance showcases.

Young, talented and on show

By Helen Musa

FOR the fourth time, the Australian Talented Youth Project is running in Canberra right now and will conclude with a slap-up, concert finale at Parliament House on February 10.

The brainchild of Canberra music educationist Dr Jolanta Gallagher, the project sees young people aged 15 to 23 from the NT, Queensland, Tasmania, WA, NSW and the ACT converging on the ANU School of Music for a weeklong residential program.

This year, Dr Gallagher tells us, the focus will be on contemporary and Aboriginal dance, jazz and classical singing with digital arts and elements of poetry, led by soprano Louise Page, jazz players John Mackey and Miroslav Bukovsky, dancers Liz Lea and Alison Plevey and digital artist Jean-Philippe Desmarais.

Among the participants are two young Aboriginal dancers, one from Cairn and one from Lesmurdie, WA, as well as a classical singer from Alice Springs.

All the young artists will engage in free experimental work and visits to galleries, art studios, concerts and dance performances and sessions in community leadership, producing and marketing.

Established in Canberra during 2006 under the patronage of Sir William and Lady Deane, the Talented

By Helen Musa

THE Canberra Multicultural Fringe is almost upon us and there’s a new initiative – Canberra’s first multilingual poetry event.

To be sure, there will be the “all singing, all dancing theatrical extravaganza” from artists such as Alison Plevey, Qwire, MC Wizz and Mr Tim. And there’s the promise of a racy, late-night variety show hosted by Chris Endrey, of “In Canberra Tonight”, and Alison McGregor on February 12.

But the new kid on the block, “Mother Tongue Multilingual Mic”, looks diversity right in the face as it aims to showcase “the beauty and variety of the world’s languages”.

Audiences can expect Canberra poets to weave stories in Bengali, Indonesian, Persian, Igbo and Hindi, all under the watchful eye of MC, the Zimbabwean musician and Red Cross social worker, Felix Machiridza.

Fluid transition between languages is the name of the game these days. From Sydney comes showcase performer Liz Dakash, wellknown from the Bankstown Poetry Slam and for her seamless performances in Arabic, Bulgarian and English. Dakash won the 2014 Amnesty International “Eye for Eye” Poetry Slam and the 2015 Sydney Multicultural Poetry Slam.

“CityNews” caught up with the organisers Jacqui Malins and Lauren Harvey, both poets based in Canberra, but they’re keen to keep a low profile and let poets from more diverse backgrounds than theirs have the centre stage.

Youth Project has seen 51 young artists benefit from such programs, in which they are matched with high-calibre mentors.

Among the 51 alumni since 2006 are some outstanding successes, most notably Charlotte Martin, a young dancer from a small town in WA, who became a principal in two Cirque du Soleil seasons in New York, and toured with the company in the US and Canada. As well, about 30 per cent of the participating students end up at the ANU School of Music or School of Art. So, as Dr Gallagher says, the project also promotes Canberra as a vibrant cultural centre.

Australian Talented Youth Project performance, Parliament House, 4.15pm (allow time for parking and security), February 10. Free admission, no bookings required, all welcome.

As you’d expect from a pair of poets, they wax poetic, saying: “If poetry is food for the soul, then the many languages we speak offer a banquet”.

Malins and Harvey have been watching the rising interest in multilingual performance poetry in Sydney, noting that it doesn’t always work because of translation problems, with the

usual mainstage solution involving translated poems projected up on huge screens well beyond their financial resources.

To get around this, they’ve asked each performer to present a brief précis at the beginning of their poem. So far, the pair have been very pleased and even surprised at the response to their callout and are confident of a lively event.

But they’re taking no chances, so they’ve also engaged the musical group Tapestries of Sound led by Mahesh Radhakrishnan, with Indian classical dance from Jennifer White.

Other eyes will be on this event; Sunday, February 21 is the UNESCO-designated International Mother Language Day and the Canberra Mother Language Movement committee, which is organising a lakeside walk and entertainment, is keen to pick up on this very desirable craze in previously monolingual Australia.

Mother Tongue poetry showcase, Canberra Multicultural Fringe venue, Bailey’s Corner carpark, 2pm–4pm, Saturday, February 13. Fringe, February 12-13.

“Spotlight” (M)

entertainment

BOSTON has a large Catholic population.

“Spotlight” tells how the “Boston Globe” newspaper investigated the Catholic church’s concealment of its failure to deal effectively with priests who abused children.

Priests, laity and lawyers did not want the story told. Even some parishioners believed it should not be. A small team of reporters toiled hard to overcome powerful pressures to drop it.

New editor-in-chief Marty Baron (Liev Schreiber) arrives to give a fresh focus to Spotlight, the “Globe’s” small unit that, under Walter “Robby” Robinson (Michael Keaton), investigates and publishes confronting stories about concealed public malfeasances.

It’s a dramatically powerful thriller, uncluttered by chases, fights, romantic diversions or intrusions into team-members’ private lives. Its tensions build as the team encounters myriad obstacles. Its close shaves aren’t the contrivances of writers’ overheated imaginations. Its heroes and villains are not exaggeration. Writer/director Tom McCarthy has staged many of his film’s events in their actual exterior locations.

Spotlight journalists Mike (Mark Ruffalo) and Sacha (Rachel McAdams) are footsoldiers pounding pavements, ringing doorbells, scanning court records and press cuttings, confronting lawyers unwilling or scared to co-operate, treading warily among victims and abusers. The process makes for absorbing cinema.

Two films recently screened here have been about journalists investigating real-life public issues. In “Truth”, shown here from

“Spotlight”... A dramatically powerful thriller, uncluttered by chases, fights, romantic diversions or intrusions into team-members’ private lives.

December 3, TV journalists ultimately were losers. In “Spotlight”, print journalists are winners on a grand scale.

At Palace Electric

“Dirty Grandpa”

(MA)

IN our nanny state, the MA15+ classification for films not meeting the criteria for R but too strong for M puts parents in charge of deciding what adolescent Johnny and Mary may see and imposes a duty on exhibitors to make judgment calls about the age of unaccompanied youthful patrons.

For this film starring Robert de Niro, crammed with about 15 per cent gutter language, drug supply and use, moments cataloguing just about every variation to

which genitals may be put in the quest for satisfaction, and overt co-operation between law enforcers and law breakers, MA is totally appropriate – in theory, at least.

This little homily is offered less as a warning to parents of adolescents than an attempt to explain how a film about a grandfather who, the day after his wife’s funeral, whisks away his grandson (Zac Ephron), about to marry next Saturday, to drive him to Florida to farewell an old army buddy whose days are about to run out, went into profit in its first week. That’s not a bad result for any film. It embraces the full range of dramatic possibilities, from

raucous laughter to mournful grief, domestic warmth to heartbreaking disappointment, gentle affection to terrible brutality. All delivered in a matrix of incredible stupidity that coalesces into a kind of rationality as The End gets nigh.

For John Phillips, the opportunity to write a screenplay for directing by Dan Mazer, whose career to date has not deviated from the path defined by Sacha Baron Cohen, may well have felt like being given the key to a candy store. For de Niro, playing Grandpa is a doddle. In his early 70s, he looks better stripped to the waist than many would-be-ifthey-could-be actors half his age.

At Hoyts and Dendy

“Looking For Grace” (M)

WRITER/director Sue Brooks, whose filmography may be short but is undeniably choice, turns out films at six-year intervals.

Between her most impressive (in my humble opinion) film “Japanese Story” (2003) and this gentle, unhurried, observant tragic comedy played out in a family not overburdened by brains, only “Subdivision” (2009) intervenes.

Extended tracking shots using a camera carried on a drone admire WA’s flatland wheatbelt, where communities are few and life should be relatively uncomplicated. But for Denise (Radha Mitchell) and Dan (Richard

Roxburgh), it suddenly and uncomfortably turns pear-shaped when their adolescent daughter Grace (Odessa Young) goes missing, along with money from the family’s safe. Denise and Dan engage retired enquiry agent Tom (Terry Norris) to help them find Grace. Brooks’ screenplay moves this quartet of principal characters around in time and space, observing particular moments from a variety of angles and dramatic points of view, often wonderfully comical. Its passages just getting on with getting on are intelligent. The dramatic low points are agreeable. The high points may be sparse but their messages resonate beyond their immediate moments.

The supporting cast is great. In Dan’s furniture store, the office assistant (Amanda Woodhams) is spectacular. The sales assistant (Tasma Walton) is a temptation to infidelity; she and Dan share a deliciously comic sequence of unfulfilled lust.

The drama offers surprises that please and surprises that distress. Happy ending? Satisfying conclusion? Depends on what you expect. Final impression? The huge beauty of the Austral ian landscape is awesome.

At Palace Electric

they go, but they keep on coming...

I’M stuffed before I start. Start to munch, that is, my way through the new eateries that have burst on to the foodie scene.

I’m craving for a full-time assistant who can track the restaurants, cafes, bars and bakeries rising in every part of the city like magnificent soufflés. More than a dozen in the inner south alone.

Listing all the newbies would give me indigestion, but a (random) sampling is in order.

So there’s Soi Noodle Bar, Bunda Street, with its “build-your-own noodle soup” option; also on Bunda Street is Mister Zee’s, specialising in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Picnic is a pop-up bar on the terrace at the National Library. Buvette Bistro and Wine Bar (French) is at Hotel Realm. Avesta in Manuka is dishing up Kurdish meals. Cibo in Phillip has opened. Pickled Pear, Dundas Court, has, too.

On the Foreshore (Eastlake Parade alone), there’s heaps, including Beef

and Barley, a burger joint; Cinnabar, Asian fusion and modern Chinese cuisine; Molto Italian, and 7th and Bake Patisserie Café.

It’s mind boggling and don’t get me started on the half-dozen or so newbies due to open soon, such as Guild at Bailey’s Corner and The Pedlar café/pub in Campbell.

But do all these places have the right ingredients to survive?

Although I’m still hunting for official stats, it seems that for every place opening there’s one that bids us farewell. Perhaps it’s not one-for-one but it has to be pretty close.

A friend and I recently sat at an inner-south bar and listed, in less than 10 minutes off the top of our heads, the places that have closed in the inner south alone in the past year or so. The total was 20.

The latest one (sadly) is Ox at East Hotel. Also on the list is Malamay in Barton (although Chairman and Yip is moving in, having closed in the city).

Then there’s Mecca Bah, Camellia, Kingston Grind, Rum Bar, Kennedy Room and many more.

Some re-open under a new owner or another name, but some don’t.

Some owners retire or are “over it”. Some close because of gruesome battles with greedy landlords. Some are sick of staffing issues (and costs).

Some don’t have the formula right.

Some don’t have the expertise And some simply struggle to survive in this tight and highly competitive market.

By Helen Musa

COMEDIAN Lawrence Mooney is coming to Canberra to trial material for his newest show. Best known as the host of “Dirty Laundry Live” on ABC TV, he’ll be up close and personal at Courtyard Studio at 7.30pm from February 3-10, bookings to canberraticketing.com.au or 6275 2700.

IN Amy Herzog’s play “4000 Miles”, the winner of the 2012 Obie for Best New American Play, 21-year-old Leo rocks up unannounced at the Manhattan apartment of his 91-year-old Jewish grandmother Vera and stays. This couch-surfing comedy-drama is coming to The Q, February 11-13, Bookings to theq.net.au or 6285 6290.

TUGGERANONG Arts Centre will host a pre-Valentine’s Day screening of the documentary “Love Between the Covers” followed by a Q&A with Canberra romance writers Rhyll Biest, Bec Fleming, Stella Francis/Estelle Muspratt, Elyse Huntington and Justine Lewis at the Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway, noon to 3pm, Saturday, February, 13, all welcome.

CANBERRA/Braidwood artist

Colin Grant is exhibiting canvases as large as 1.2m high at Agora Gallery in Chelsea, New York City, from February 12 to March 3. The artist describes his most recent work as an inquiry into the intersection of “two worlds, the visible and the invisible.”

“WE May Never Meet Again” pays tribute to Amy Winehouse’s lifelong love of jazz in a concert led by ANU jazz graduate Joe McEvilly, Melbourne nine-piece Movement 9 and vocalist Elly Poletti. At The Street Theatre, Friday February 12. Then Chris Abrahams, Lloyd Swanton and Tony Buck (Sydney trio The Necks) will be back at The Street as part of their national tour on Saturday February, 13. Bookings to thestreet.org.au or 6247 1223.

THE Australian Rugby Choir, Canberra’s largest male community choir, is beginning its annual recruitment drive with a new members’ welcome night at 7pm on Thursday, February 11 in Curtin Primary School. There’s no obligation to join and prospective members get three free visits. More information at

rugbychoir.org.au or call 6291 9038.

“FUTURES” is the first in a series of six emerging arts showcases to be run in Canberra this year by “RAW: natural born artists,” with a mission to provide independent artists of all creative genres with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity. At

Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, 6.30pm, Friday, February 12. Bookings to RAWartists.org/canberra/futures or at the door.

CONGRATULATIONS to CSO conductor and artistic director Nick Milton on having been named a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the arts in the Australia Day honours list.

WHEN we had our nursery in Yass, 25 years ago, the traditional time to plant was spring.

In the US, garden centres always recommended autumn planting and the more I looked into this the more sense it made. With further information from the American Nurseryman’s Association, I decided to promote autumn planting.

And still do. It’s an important and colourful time in the garden with Lagerstroemias (or Crepe Mytle) and many Hebe varieties flowering from late summer well into autumn.

Then we have a wonderful range of perennial plants including Asters or Michaelmas daisies with pink and purple flowers and Salvias with too many varieties and colours to mention. Echinacea or cone flowers in the deep pinkish/purple, used in many alternate medicines, stand bold in clumps half a metre tall.

One of the showiest perennials is Sedum “Autumn Joy”, which is so easy to propagate.

The list of autumn perennials is endless, so go and get carried away at the local garden centre. Finally, let’s not forget the good old hydrangeas, which flower well into

IN our harsh climate, when we can have 30C temperatures in September,

it seems like abuse to expose plants to the extremes of heat and even sudden late frosts into November.

The worst ordeal for plants is scorching hot winds. By planting in autumn, around late March/April, we avoid all that stress.

Even with low temperatures and frosts, in our climate the ground stays warm and the roots continue to grow, especially with the addition of the right organic plant nutrients.

As a trial, try planting in spring with some of the same in autumn. When I say plants, I am excluding annuals. Then in 12 months’ time, dig them up and you’ll be amazed at the difference in root growth.

Such trials were carried out by students at the old School of Horticulture in Weston as part of their training.

Of course, the other main planting time for all deciduous plants is winter.

ALTHOUGH a few weeks off, the Lanyon Plant Fair, the biggest event for real gardeners in the Canberra calendar, on March 12-13 will feature more than 40 stalls, many with rare plants and associated garden products, along with talks and demonstrations.

Jottings…

• Wait until bulbs arrive in your local garden centre so you can select the largest, healthiest ones.

• Dead head rhododendrons and lightly prune azaleas.

• Leave hydrangeas for the flowers to die off and use them in floral arrangements.

• Trim lavenders that have finished flowering, but not too deeply into the old wood.

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The New Moon and Uranus bring out your independent side, which can express itself as selfishness. By all means do your own thing, but don’t neglect the needs and feelings of others. Attached Aries – do something wildly romantic with your partner on Valentine’s Day, as you strive to bring more adventure and excitement into the relationship. Love at first sight is likely for some single Rams. But is it really long-term love, or just a fabulously flirtatious fling?

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

How’s your career? Are you overdue for a pay rise or a promotion? Is it time to look for a better job? This week the challenge is to make work a pleasure, rather than a chore. Wednesday is a wonderful day to enjoy connecting with foreign friends via email, Skype and social networking. And make sure you put in a major effort this Valentine’s Day. “Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone. It has to be made like bread, remade all the time, made new” – Ursula Le Guin.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

You’re at your curious best, as the New Moon stimulates your brain cells so you’re eager to learn something new via travel, study, reading or research. You prefer love to be all fun and frivolity, with no heavy demands or expectations. But it’s certainly not working out that way at the moment. With Saturn sauntering through your relationship zone, your quote for Valentine’s Day is from William Barclay: “Love always involves responsibility, and love always involves sacrifice.”

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Relationships are put under the microscope, as you work on deepening the connection between you and loved ones. It’s also the perfect time to reboot a joint financial arrangement. With Venus in your partnership zone, Valentine’s Day should be extra romantic. Singles – look for a potential partner who you can really talk to. Your motto for the moment? “Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze” – Carolyn Gold Heilbrun.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

You prefer to be the star of the show but, if you focus on others for a change and pay close attention to the way you communicate, then your relationships will improve. Venus and Jupiter encourage you to come up with creative and proactive ways to make more money. Increasing cash flow – while decreasing spending - is the secret to future success. Your motto for Valentine’s Day is from the writer George Sand: “There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Turn your attention to health, diet and fitness as the New Moon activates your wellbeing zone. Is some tweaking necessary so you can look and feel more fit and fabulous in 2016? When it comes to a child, teenager or friend, make sure you provide plenty of support and listen to their concerns. Attached Virgos – give your lover the right royal romantic treatment on Valentine’s Day. Singles – love, creativity and children are linked in surprisingly wonderful ways.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

The New Moon fires up your entertainment zone, which may prompt you to swing into mega-party mode. For quieter Librans, the stars favour spending quality time with family and friends – especially on Wednesday. When it comes to love, romance and close relationships are you feeling brave? Your quote for Valentine’s Day is from Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu: “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Monday night’s New Moon puts you in the mood to shake up your domestic routine. So do something different that makes your heart sing. Wednesday is wonderful for group activities and social media, as you’re influenced by innovative new ideas. True love comes when the time is right so resist the urge to be a controlling Scorpio. As actress Loretta Young declared: “Love isn’t something you find. Love is something that finds you.” So relax and go with the flow.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Fun, excitement, thrills and spills are on the agenda on Wednesday so be prepared for a wild card. Concentrating on developing a second stream of income looks promising but you need to be patient. Attached Archers – you’ll feel romantic on Valentine’s Day as you spoil your partner; wear your heart on your sleeve, or play out a secret fantasy with your lover. Single Sagittarians – don’t be overly impressed by looks and money. A true soul mate connection comes from within.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Venus is vamping through your sign (until February 17) so it’s time to be fabulously flirtatious and irresistibly charming. Attached Capricorns – you’re set for a sophisticated and sexy Valentine’s Day. Romance, stylish surroundings and gourmet food are calling! Singles – love is likely with a tender Taurus, a charming Cancer or a fellow Capricorn. Or an old romance could be retrieved, revamped and rekindled – but do you really want to do that dance again?

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

With the New Moon in your sign (and Chinese New Year) it’s time for a completely fresh start. You’re feeling independent and inventive but also reckless and rebellious, so strive to use your electric energy in positive and productive ways. Attached Aquarians – romance is in the air but the energy is behind the scenes suggesting a private, magical Valentine’s Day. Singles – amazing signs and unexpected synchronicities could lead you to your soul mate. Trust your instincts.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your imagination and intuition are boosted by the New Moon. So make sure you channel your energy into creative, spiritual or solo pursuits, otherwise you’ll just feel confused and overwhelmed. Singles – be proactive about making new connections online. Attached Pisceans – with Venus in your aspirations zone, find a dream you can share together. “Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but of looking outward together in the same direction” – Antoine St Exupery.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2016 Daily astrology updates at twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore

General knowledge crossword No. 534

Mitch came to see me, totally confused.

“One of my mates at work has received a letter from the Australian Taxation Office saying that they are checking up on work expenses of information technology professionals,” he said.

“I think it would be a good idea if you could explain to me what I can and can’t claim because everyone I speak to has a different opinion and I am totally confused.”

Down

4 Name a shunt inserted by surgery to circumvent obstructions.

7 What is the final abode of the righteous?

8 What is an aggregation of persons of the same ethnic family?

9 To have driven a car backwards, is to have done what?

11 Which bituminous substance is used to cover roads, etc?

13 Which healer practises treating the body by rubbing, kneading, or the like?

15 What is a whole number, as distinguished from a fraction?

17 What is a district, falling under the pastoral care of a bishop?

20 Name a three-sided figure.

23 Which term in racing, describes a horse not expected to win?

24 What is an ulster?

25 To be dormant is to be what?

1 Name the Australian WWII heroine, known as the “White Mouse”, Nancy ...

2 What do we call persons undergoing training?

3 Which term describes the young of goats?

4 Caisson disease is more commonly known as the what?

5 To be of inequal quality, is to be what?

6 What is a group of fishes, crowded fairly close together?

9 Name a device for cleaning the barrel of a rifle.

10 Which term implies that which takes place before the appointed time?

12 Name a species of Australian melaleuca (2-4).

14 Which agricultural implement is used for mowing grass by hand?

16 What do we call a man formerly employed as a harem attendant?

18 What are fetters and chains?

19 Which strip of leather is used for sharpening razors?

21 In the ancient Roman calendar, what was the 15th March?

22 Which soil is composed of clay and sand?

Sudoku medium No. 167

It’s this confusion in the IT industry that’s one of the reasons for the ATO interest, I told him.

“As you know, many of the people in your industry are contractors and, as such, they are covered by the Personal Services Income rules,” I told him.

“To answer your question, you can claim the normal work deductions including car, travel, uniform, self education, phone and computers in your tax return.

“As I understand it, you are a contractor working for a company and your work comes through an agency that sources the contracts and then pays the company”.

Mitch said that was right and that he worked for a company under his own contract and the other three employees also had their own individual contracts.

“So that makes you an IT contractor covered by the PSI rules,” I said.

“As there are four of you working in one company under separate contracts, the ATO approach is that each or you is in receipt of PSI and the PSI rules apply to each of you.”

I asked Mitch if he salary sacrificed his car as part of his package. “Yes, I do, “ he replied. “And I was thinking of packaging a second car for my wife as some of the other guys do”.

I alerted him to the ATO’s position that, under the PSI rules, only one car can be claimed for private use when you are subject to the PSI rules.

“You can’t be serious,” said Mitch, “Lots of the other guys package more than one car”.

However, I quoted to Mitch from an ATO publication on PSI income for companies, partnerships and trusts in which it says: “If your personal services are contracted through a company, partnership or trust that is subject to the PSI rules, it is only allowed to claim expenses for one car used for private purposes.”

Disappointed, Mitch agreed the wording was clear and that a second car was now out of the question.

If you are an IT contractor and, like Mitch, and need guidance on your deductions and, in particular, claiming car expenses contact the expert, friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd

The Chinese New Year will be celebrated on Monday, February 8 and, as astrologer NEIL SOMERVILLE predicts, the Year of the Monkey will be one of considerable scope and possibility. To find your sign and prospects for the year ahead, look up the animal ruling your year of birth. As each Chinese year begins late in January or early February, if you were born around this time do check the actual year dates to find out which sign you were born under.

Rat

1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

With charm, style and a friendly manner, Rats get on well with most. They are great at spotting opportunities and have good skills and judgment. Rats like company and particularly value family and social life. Rats will soon sense change and opportunities are in the air, and will set about activities with renewed determination. Prospects are good this year and, in work, Rats can make important advances and put strengths to good use. March, June, and October can see encouraging developments but chances need to be actively pursued. This is also an excellent year for personal development, with new skills and interests benefiting. Income can improve but, with expensive plans and possibility of travel, outgoings need to be watched. Social life will see an increase in activity and with new friends and, for some, romance is potentially significant. With ambitious plans for home and busy lifestyles, there needs to be good communication and support between family members. The more that can be shared and undertaken together the better. A lively and rewarding year.

Tip for the year: Seize the moment, acting on plans and key wants. With determination, a great deal can happen and be started upon.

astrology

Your Chinese Horoscope

and do not like to leave things to chance. Loyal to loved ones, Oxen are admired for their dependable, no-nonsense ways.

Oxen may not always feel comfortable with the fast pace of this Monkey year but it can open up some good opportunities. It is a year to move with the times and act well on chance. In work, new positions taken on and changes taking place can be significant, both in furthering skills and preparing the way for later successes. April, May, September and November could see encouraging developments. Progress made can help finances and with carefully considered purchases pleasing. With a busy lifestyle, Oxen need to spread out commitments, preserving time for self and to enjoy interests. Social life can also benefit, with Oxen gaining from support and goodwill received, with new friends and contacts helpful. Domestically an active year with many decisions, plans and home improvements to carry through. Here Oxen will be central to much. A busy and personally rewarding year.

Tip for the year: Build on skills. By advancing self and knowledge, more chances and opportunities can follow on.

Famous Oxen: Barack Obama, Meryl Streep, Bruce Springsteen and Keira Knightley.

Tiger

1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Active, enthusiastic and interested in much, Tigers set about their activities with considerable energy. Full of ideas, they are creative and inventive. They are also prepared to take chances to get what they want. Tigers enjoy socialising and have widespread interests.

A promising year but care is needed. While you may have exciting hopes and plans, do not proceed regardless. Take note of views and conditions around you. Rushing or spreading attention in too many directions could prevent you from getting the results you desire.

Home life will be busy with quality time together and good communication important. March, July and August could be special months, including socially. Romantic prospects promising. Watch spending and look after valuables. A loss could upset. In work and interests, skills can reward and ideas encouraged but do focus your efforts. A satisfying year offering change and good chance.

Tip for the year: Value relations with those around, building support and remaining aware of viewpoints.

Famous Tigers: The Queen, Tom Cruise, Stevie Wonder and Lady Gaga.

Rabbits have a quiet, easygoing manner. They enjoy company and conversation, as well as an appreciation of the finer things in life. Rabbits are observant and careful and good at judging situations. Their views and advice are often highly valued.

A reasonable although sometimes tricky year. With swift-moving developments, Rabbits may sometimes find themselves outside their comfort zone, but amid all the activity can be important benefits. In work, changing situations or new positions taken on could bring added pressure but give Rabbits an excellent chance to develop in new ways. May, September and October could see encouraging developments, with successes to build on. Money matters need careful handling and Rabbits should give extra attention to self, diet and fitness levels. Home life will be busy and, with key decisions, there needs to be good dialogue and flexibility over domestic arrangements. Socially Rabbits will be in demand and with a pleasing mix of things to do, although a difference with another may concern. Rabbits need to be alert and despite the year’s challenges it can offer some good opportunities, with successes well deserved

Tip for the year: Be forthcoming at times of concern and with worries shared, worries are often considerably eased.

Famous Rabbits: Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Brad Pitt and Will.i.am.

Dragon

1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

Born under the sign of luck, Dragons have great determination. They are resourceful, active and use their personality and strengths well. Dragons also have style, are sociable, enjoy many interests and have a mind of their own.

A year of good opportunity although, while much can go well, Dragons need to watch their independent tendencies. This is the year for joining with others and building support. In work, prospects are encouraging, with many progressing and taking on new roles. May, August and November could see key developments. Personal interests can also develop well, with new ideas inspiring and adding variety to the lifestyles of many. With travel possibilities, an active social life and good romantic prospects, Dragons will be kept busy and with celebrations also to enjoy. Much practical activity will be seen in many a home although, while enthusiastic, Dragons need to be careful not to over commit, ideally tackling one project at a time. Spending needs to be watched but, with so much to do and enjoy, this can be a full and rewarding year.

Snake

1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Snakes are quietly ambitious. They know what they want and are prepared to work hard and wait patiently for the right moment. Snakes can be quiet and reserved, but they enjoy wide interests and are loyal to those close to them. Interesting times ahead, although Snakes will need to be thorough in their various activities. Risks or acting without support could lead to disappointment. Home life will be busy, especially with relations to assist and plans to arrange. Snakes should also take up social opportunities, with some contacts helpful to current undertakings. A good year to extend personal interests, with new activities furthering skills and knowledge. In work, developments can move swiftly, with openings encouraging Snakes to progress or leading to an ideal opportunity elsewhere. March, September and October could be potentially significant. Improving income will allow many to go ahead with key plans, especially accommodation-wise. With much to do, Snakes need to pace themselves and spread out commitments but, with care, a fulfilling year and one encouraging personal growth Tip for the year: Give quality time to others, talking over plans and any concerns. Support and good dialogue will make a difference to much.

Famous Snakes: JK Rowling, Paul Simon, Oprah Winfrey and Bob Dylan.

Horse

1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Determined, reliable and hard working, Oxen put much energy in what they do. They are thorough and well organised,

1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Tip for the year: Make and act on plans. With purpose and drawing on support much can be accomplished and enjoyed.

Famous Dragons: Russell Crowe, Adele, Rihanna and George Clooney.

Strong-willed and hard-working, Horses have considerable style. They enjoy activity and have an adventurous, outgoing nature. They like company and conversation and present themselves well but, being independentminded, set about much in their own individual way. A year of fine opportunity. Horses will enjoy the vitality and chances the Monkey year offers, with their efforts bringing good results. In work, their strengths can lead to many taking on a greater role or transferring to something different. These can be encouraging times when Horses can impress. March, May and June could see important developments. While income can increase, outgoings will be high and Horses should watch spending levels. Horses will value the support and friendship of many, with shared activities favoured. Inspired and supported well, a lot is set to happen, with some major hopes realised. Home life too could see ambitious plans going ahead, including some moving although, with much being decided upon, the more that can be planned and agreed on in advance, the better. A busy and often lucky year.

Tip for the year: Act on hopes and plans. With resolve, a great deal can be accomplished and a lot enjoyed.

Famous Horses: Sir Paul McCartney, Barbra

for 2016, the Year of the Monkey

Streisand, R Kelly and Jennifer Lawrence.

Goat

1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Observant, caring and sociable, Goats like company and have a good understanding of human nature. They also attach much importance to home life. Born under the sign of art, Goats are creative and enjoy the finer things in life.

A busy year and, while pressures will be considerable, there is much for Goats to do and gain. However to get the best from the year, Goats need to liaise with those around them, talking over plans and seeking advice. The better the communication, the better many an outcome. In work, fast moving developments can create some interesting openings, with chances to advance and broaden skills. With an active lifestyle, outgoings will be high and need watching. Also with ambitious home plans, these need to be costed and talked through, with combined effort leading to a lot going ahead. Creative projects can also bring pleasure this year, with new ideas and activities inspiring. April, July and December could see much social activity and a chance to extend their network of friends. Drawing on support available, Goats can do well this year, enjoying much that happens and opens up

Tip for the year: Further skills and interests. With commitment, this can be a constructive and potentially important time.

Famous Goats: Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis, Nicole Kidman and Whoopi Goldberg.

Monkey

1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Resourceful and good at spotting opportunities,

Monkeys like to keep active and are interested in much. They have good memories and, with their sense of fun, enjoy company, conversation, and an often busy home and social life.

Excited and inspired that this is their own year, Monkeys will set about much with great enthusiasm. And, with luck and goodwill on their side, this can be a special year. On a personal level, Monkeys will find themselves in demand with activities and good times to enjoy and, for the unattached, romantic prospects are excellent. Interests can also have a good social element, as well as helping develop talents and ideas. Travel chances will also tempt and in many Monkey homes there will be successes and occasions to celebrate. In work, some exciting possibilities can arise and, by acting determinedly, Monkeys can make the advances and changes they have long been wanting. February, April and May could see encouraging developments. Monkeys can fare well financially, often bettering their position and making some useful buys, especially equipment-wise. A successful year with the chance for Monkeys to use talents and qualities well.

Tip for the year: Stay focused. With determination, there is much to do and be gained and with fortune favouring the bold.

Famous Monkeys: Kylie Minogue, Daniel Craig, Tom Hanks and Jennifer Aniston.

Rooster

1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Roosters have considerable style and dignity. They enjoy company and conversation and are interested and informed about much. Roosters also like to be well organised, and to think and plan ahead.

A challenging year, with the year’s fast-moving developments bringing times of concern and pressure. Roosters like structure, and could find activities and plans altering as situations change. In work, Roosters need to be flexible and adapt as required. Also, by using chances to further skills, current

prospects can be helped, with the progress made an important stepping stone to later advances. In view of considerable outgoings and spending on home, finances need good management. During the year, Roosters will have many demands on time and should balance out activities: preserving time for loved ones, socialising and to spend on interests. Also by joining with others, useful assistance can be given and more appreciated. April, August and September could be personally rewarding months. A demanding year but one which can leave a significant legacy, with skills and chances to take further

Tip for the year: Allow time for interests and consider ways to improve lifestyle balance. Positive changes can have important and sometimes surprising impact.

Famous Roosters: The Duchess of Cambridge, Cate Blanchett, Dolly Parton and Beyoncé.

Dog

1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Loyal and caring, Dogs are very protective of loved ones. They are also direct and straightforward in manner, and prepared to stand up for their beliefs. Dogs have a tendency to worry but are dependable and much respected.

An encouraging year with good chances emerging. To do well, Dogs need to act determinedly on aims and respond quickly to chances. Monkey years favour action and initiative. The Dog’s personal life could see an upturn in activity, with key plans progressing well and much to share with others. New interests and friendships are favoured and, similarly in home life, there will be much to do and decide on, including some ambitious projects. Here good discussion and early planning will help. In work, the Dog’s skills may be put to greater use, with the chance of new responsibilities. Also an excellent year to build contacts and raise profile with April, September and November seeing encouraging developments. In view of general busyness, attention to lifestyle balance can benefit and, with many outgoings, spending needs

careful control. A year of good possibility

Tip for the year: Act determinedly, holding faith with yourself and key wants. With resolve, much can become possible and get to open up.

Famous Dogs: The Duke of Cambridge, Madonna, Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Lopez.

Pig

1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Outgoing, kindly and trusting, Pigs enjoy good relations with many, with their home and social life especially important. They also like their pleasures and the finer things in life. Pigs are hardworking, and use their skills and opportunities well.

A reasonable year and while situations may not always be straightforward, the Monkey year will have its enjoyable elements. In work, delays, problems and changes could affect many but, by rising to challenges, Pigs can gain valuable experience, prove themselves in new ways and good headway is possible. May, July and November could see important developments. Pigs need to be careful in money matters and wary of risk. Also when in company, Pigs should be attentive taking note of views of others. A lapse or misunderstanding could embarrass. Despite the cautionary aspects, Monkey years favour activity, with Pigs enjoying an often lively lifestyle and the chance to try new interests. For the unattached, romantic prospects are promising. In home life, practical projects could be time consuming but with the outcomes and quality time together appreciated. An active and varied year

Tip for the year: Take note of developing situations and be prepared to adapt. With flexibility and willingness, important benefits and gains can be enjoyed.

Famous Pigs: Sir Elton John, James Patterson, Steven Spielberg and Woody Allen.

Neil Somerville is the author of “Your Chinese Horoscope 2016”, published by Thorsons. ©2015 Neil Somerville. Distributed by Knight Features.