180215 citynews

Labor hell-bent to get us into apartments

MICHAEL MOORE

Be careful what you wish for, Shane

JON STANHOPE

Conflict service ‘on its knees’ for funds

SHAWN VAN DER LINDEN

Eager Liberal takes to the light rail

DANIELLE NOHRA

Our

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NEWS So many questions, Candice on buses and trams

A CAREER in politics seemed natural for Candice Burch who, as a 14-year-old, would read the paper daily and become “worked up” about what the government of the day was or wasn’t doing.

So when Candice, 29, of Kingston, was elected in a countback for the inner seat of Kurrajong in December, following the death of Liberal incumbent Steve Doszpot, she was surprised but not unprepared.

She left the Department of Finance last July and went to Canada for a couple of months [on a two-year working visa], not expecting to be entering politics so soon.

Candice’s South African parents fell in love with Australia when visiting her grandparents in the early ‘80s.

“They were just mind blown by the different life. It was the simple stuff that you could go down to the park on a Saturday morning with your child and you would be perfectly safe,” she says.

“They always say they got on the plane to go home and mum turned to dad and said: ‘So we’re applying to emigrate?’ and dad said: ‘Yep!’ It was the easiest decision they ever made.”

The family initially lived in Kalgoorlie, where toddler Candice’s only sibling, her sister, was born, before moving to Sydney where they grew up.

Newly minted MLA and opposition spokesperson on transport Candice Burch tells reporter DANIELLE NOHRA she wants to see people using the tram and the community getting value for money out of it

Candice moved to Canberra about 11 years ago to study economics and political science at ANU and during that time joined the ANU Liberal Club, the Young Liberals and then the Canberra Liberals.

Following the recent shadow ministry reshuffle by Opposition Leader Alistair Coe, Candice hopes to bring new ideas and new perspectives under her portfolios of Transport and Public Sector Management.

“I want to be able to question, ‘why do we do it that way?’ and, ‘is there a better way of doing things?’,” she says.

One unavoidable item under her new transport portfolio, which Candice wants to question is the light rail.

“In many ways the last election was a referendum on the tram and we accept that we lost that,” she says.

“So it’s about putting all options on the table and figuring out how to best integrate the tram into the transport system and what the best transport system is for Canberra, moving forward 10 or 20 years.

“For a lot of people [such as families dropping children to school before work], something like the tram into the city is just never going to be acces -

sible, it’s never going to suit them.

“So I think it’s about making sure that there’s facilities to get people on to the tram in the first place.

“Now that we have the tram, I want to see people using it. I want to see us getting value for money out of it.”

In order to do this, Candice plans on consulting the community as much as possible which, she says, the ACT government is lacking.

“When I’m out and about in the community that’s the most common complaint we hear, is that they’re just not listening,” she says.

The ACT government has ignored complaints from the Mitchell com munity, who are outraged that the tram is bypassing their suburb, which Candice says is “absurd”.

“The impact that it’s having on businesses at the moment with traffic and congestion, and then the fact that they’re losing out because they’re not getting a stop shows that they’re completely neglected.”

you want to get from Tuggeranong to Belconnen, you have to go through the Woden town centre and the city town centre along the way.

“Given that we live in a city where people don’t go into the city for work and go home again, there’s a lot of movement across the city.

“There are probably a lot of people that could be using transport, that would prefer to be using public transport but it’s just not reliable or

Under Candice’s portfolio of Public Sector Management, she is passionate about enabling the public service to do the best job that it can do.

“Making sure we have the right skills and technology so the public sector can be the best it can be going forward,” she says.

“It’s not about job cuts, it’s about making sure we’re investing in the right skills and technology today to take our public service through the next 10 or 20 years.

“And also that service delivery component in making sure that government is easy and accessible to people,” she says.

Candice also wants to highlight the many parts of Canberra that are completely underserviced by buses, such as new areas such as the Molonglo Valley.

“And I still cannot believe Oaks Estate still doesn’t have a bus out there,” she says.

“I also find it mind-boggling that if

“I want to make sure it’s easy to navigate and make sure there’s a bit more of a client focus.”

But portfolios aside, representing her local area is really important and something that Candice will be focusing on.

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Letters 8

News 3-10

Politics 10

Socials 14

Cover: Rotary’s Michael Rabey and the Canberra World Peace Bell. Photo by Photo by Andrew Campbell. Story Page 7.

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SEVEN DAYS

Of salacious secrets and Sam’s lurve for Laura

THE nation’s classified documents are securely back under lock and (spare) key, but what of Canberra’s other, more salacious, “political” secrets?

Has Barnaby’s “Bundle of Joyce” turned turning a blind eye on its head in regard to politicians’ away-from-home hanky panky? Not since Laurie Oakes’ expose on the Gareth Evans/Cheryl Kernot affair have the sex-scandal spot fires been fanned so dangerously close to a bushfire, beyond even the reach of those employed to douse titillating tabloid titbits.

ON that other political scuttlebutt staple – leadership speculation – Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek looms as a serious contender.

On election night, December 3, 2007, the member for Sydney and I chatted as we slowly shuffled forward in a long queue for entry to the National Tally Room at Epic. I stated the bleeding obvious that in a few hours she’d be a government minister. Plibersek smiled and diplomatically said: “One step at a time, Mike”. It’s time she took the next step.

dose of dorin

“Conversations with Katter: On politics, life and the things that matter”. The book may sell marginally better across the border in Queanbeyan where the member for Kennedy prefers to bunk down when in Canberra. In 2016 Katter described Canberra as a “soulless place” adding that “Queanbeyan is more personable; if you say hello to a person they smile”. And on “things that matter”, is it acceptable for such books to be littered with typos?

WHILE Lyle and Bob aren’t fans of the real Canberra, actor Sam Neill has reportedly fallen for the city, or at least one of its inhabitants. According to a piece in “The Australian” promoted as “Sam Neill’s Canberra romance”, the NZ-born thespian and “The Australian Financial Review’s” political editor Laura Tingle are “an item”.

Ms Tingle, daughter of former radio journalist and founder of the NSW Shooters Party John Tingle, did not comment on the report.

WAS former ACL boss Lyle Shelton referring to the political bubble or the world’s third-best city when he suggested Canberra was busted? On joining Cory Bernardi’s conservative movement

Shelton declared: “After living in Canberra for more than a decade, fighting for truth and freedom, I can tell you that Canberra is broken”. Surely Lyle, no media novice, hasn’t made the same irritating mistake many Canberra bashers make when venting against the Federal government, ignoring the existence of a lively city filled with real Australians.

RELUCTANT “political bubble” dweller Bob Katter is back in print but my tip is real Canberrans won’t be busting down the doors of book sellers for a copy of

FORMER Canberra boy Paul McDermott’s many talents are back on display.

The one-time Doug Anthony All-Star, sporting a full grey beard and heavy rimmed specs excels as ringmaster of ABC TV’s “Think Tank” quiz show (weeknights at six). The 55-year-old, who began his artistic journey at Dickson College, delivers wit and intelligence sadly missing in the 6pm game-show genre.

THERE was irony in the selling of a frontbench shake-up by ACT Opposition Leader Alistair Coe, which CM Andrew

Barr predictably sniped, was “shuffling the deckchairs”. In adding the troublesome Planning portfolio to Mark Parton’s work pile, the man who leads the nation’s longest-serving opposition heaped praise on the former disc-jockey. Coe said that Parton was a “great communicator” and that the added responsibility would “complement” his existing roles. Coe can revamp as often as he likes, but until there’s a “great communicator” leading the Canberra Liberals he’ll remain Opposition Leader.

IN a city of rapidly vanishing parking spots comes an innovative concept. “You are ILLEGALLY parked flyers” are popping up under the windscreen wipers of scores of vehicles illegally parked at the Canberra International Sports and Aquatic Centre in Belconnen. No, the ACT government hasn’t gone soft on parking miscreants. It appears that at peak time paid parking (operated by CISAC) is at a premium, tempting many to

The cost of a free hearing test

I’ve been an audiologist for a long time, and it’s been my experience that audiology used to be about the patient, not sales. A recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers revealed just 20 companies sell up to 84% of all hearing aids in Australia, and this is alarming not just because of the corporate domination, but also because of the focus on “sell”.

There is no doubt large corporations are taking advantage of the rising hearing aid market, and patients are increasingly suffering for it. The Global Outlook and Forecast Report 2018-2023 expects the global hearing aids market to cross $9 billion USD by 2023, projecting it to be a profitable industry. This means corporations have an increasing incentive to interfere with clinical decision-making if it means more sales and greater profits. Audiologists are bound by a code of conduct to not let financial considerations drive their decisions regarding patients’ needs, but management interference is exponentially forcing the upselling of hearing aids.

door to sell you an expensive hearing aid. As I call it, it is “Greed ahead of need.” As hearing loss patients you are increasingly at risk of putting your trust into the hands of someone with a financial motivesomeone who takes thousands of dollars from an unsuspecting patient, a patient who trusts them because they believe they are dealing with a professional, not a salesperson.

“As hearing loss patients you are increasingly at risk of putting your trust into the hands of someone with a financial motive…”

– Dr Vass

The bottom line is this: beware of what someone is telling you when it comes to your hearing. Always seek a second opinion, and keep in mind it is always best to seek the advice of an independent audiologist who can give you professional advice without the pressure of sales commissions or bullying tactics from management.

This is why I am offering free second opinion consultations to those who are concerned about the assessment they have received. If you have a copy of your audiogram and would like a second opinion, visit drvasshearing.com.au or call 6282 2717 to book a second opinion consultation with me, free of charge.

Too often it begins with a ‘Free Hearing Test’. There is no such thing. A free hearing test is a means to get you through the

Dr William Vass has been a part of the hearing health industry in Canberra for over 20 years and is the only independent Doctor of Audiology in the ACT.

OPINION

Be careful what you wish for, Shane

ACT Justice Minister Shane Rattenbury, a member of the Greens, has written to the Federal Attorney-General to request that the Commonwealth make further amendments to the Marriage Act to allow gay couples who went through a ceremony of marriage after the passage of the now expunged ACT Marriage Equality (Same Sex) Act 2013 to have the date of that ceremony recorded as the formal date of their marriage in the event that they marry under the Marriage Act 1961

At a Federal level the Greens are the only one of the three major parties that can claim to have maintained an unequivocal position of principle on same-sex marriage.

The Greens are entitled to the high moral ground on this issue (and also on our response to the refugee crisis, which the Labor and Liberal Parties have created) and it must be a little galling to them, accepting that the process was extremely messy, that it was a Liberal government that delivered same-sex marriage (as an aside, it may be the only positive thing the history books will have to say about Malcolm Turnbull’s prime ministership).

The ALP, having repeatedly embarrassed itself in recent years by refusing to support gay marriage and by actively opposing efforts by states and territories, including the ACT, to formally recognise same-sex relationships by legislating, for example,

It may be that I remain a tad sensitive about the treatment the ACT government received at the hands of both the Howard Liberal and Rudd Labor governments.

for civil unions, battled to gain any legitimacy in the debate. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and the ALP more broadly are generally seen in the community as having agreed to support same-sex marriage only when the polling suggested it was inevitable. Labor was caught out, again, leading from behind.

In this context the move by Rattenbury is understandable. He is keen to continue to bask in the glow of the high moral ground, which the Greens rightly occupy on this issue – at least nationally. While I imagine his request will fall on deaf ears I would be cautious if I were Shane about opening up debate about further amendments to the Marriage Act to provide for the retrospective application of its provisions. It is almost certain that if the Act came up again for debate that there would be a conga line of conservatives with a rash of other amendments that he would not find as appealing.

The difficulty with Shane’s proposal, as well intentioned as it is, is that the ACT’s Marriage Equality (Same Sex) Act was found by the High Court to be, in effect, unconstitutional. It was beyond the power of the

ACT Legislative Assembly to legislate on the subject of marriage so the Act was void and of no force or legal effect. The consequence being that any marriage purported to have been created by the Act was similarly void and, as a matter of law, considered to have never occurred.

As one who sees same-sex marriage as quite unremarkable, I found the recent conniptions we have suffered on the subject both disconcerting and disquieting. I am sure there are many people who don’t support same-sex marriage who feel the same. My discomfort was generated not just by the incivility and, at times, nasty tone generated by both sides of the argument but by the breathtaking hypocrisy of so many of the members of the Labor and Liberal Parties who were active in the debate.

It may be that I remain a tad sensitive about the treatment the ACT government received at the hands of both the Howard Liberal and Rudd Labor governments which, over a

period of almost 10 years, successively stymied almost every attempt my Government made to formally recognise same-sex relationships in order to complete the removal of all legislative discrimination against the gay community of Canberra.

I was, of course, far more upset by the craven attitude of the Labor Party during that time, including its support for the Howard amendments to the Marriage Act in 2004, than I was at the Liberal Party because it did nothing less than I would have expected of it whereas my party, the ALP, jettisoned a core value and its stated commitment to human rights as unselfconsciously as a snake discarding a skin.

Jon Stanhope was chief minister from 2001 to 2011 and represented Ginninderra for the Labor Party from 1998. He is the only chief minister to have governed with a majority in the Assembly.

on 2CA

RADIO personality Paul Holmes, pictured, will present 2CA’s breakfast program from February 26.

He replaces Frank Vincent who was dismissed from the station last month under the cloud of harassment and bullying accusations. Paul Holmes, who has been a broadcaster for almost 40 years, is best known in Sydney for his many years at Sydney’s 2Day FM working alongside Wendy Harmer, Peter Moon, Jamie Dunn and Agro, and more recently at WSFM and Hot Tomato on the Gold Coast.

“It’s official, I’m now a Canberran! It’s my kind of music on 2CA,” he says.

“I can’t wait to have some fun exploring the capital and waking up Canberra”.

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Wednesday

Time: 6pm – 8pm

Date: 14 March 2018

Venue: Town Centre Vikings (Tuggeranong)

Address: Corner of Athllon Drive & Rowland Rees Crescent, Greenway, ACT

For whom the bell tolls… In the foreground, Rotary’s Michael Rabey, left, architect Fred Kasparek, centre with spade, and the group who have been helping with the project… “I feel there’s been a guiding hand throughout the process, says Michael.”

Peace bell poised to peal across the lake

By Kathryn Vukovljak

CANBERRA’S Rotary World Peace Bell has been erected on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin and will be unveiled in a ceremony on February 23, says Michael Rabey, Canberra Rotary Peace Bell project co-ordinator.

gratulations on the completion of the Canberra Rotary Peace Bell project from Seiko Takase, administrative director of the Association for the Preservation of the UN Peace Bell and daughter of Chiyoji Nakagawa, who donated the first World Peace Bell to the UN in 1954.

“Mr Nakagawa had appealed for the spirit of ‘One World’ to be realised and called on every human being to work together, hand in hand, for peace,” Michael says.

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The bronze bell is located in a specially designed pavilion at Lennox Gardens, home of the Beijing Gardens in the Nara Peace Park, and will be officially opened at 10.30am on Friday, February 23.

“It’s been four years of hard work, and I feel there’s been a guiding hand throughout the process,” says Michael.

“Whenever things have been needed they have just turned up, it’s been wonderful.”

Michael says the process of bringing the 23rd World Peace Bell to Canberra started in 2014 when he visited Christchurch with his wife in the midst of the devastation following the earthquake.

“We saw the Christchurch Peace Bell in the Botanic Gardens there, which had been donated 10 years ago. It was in a magnificent location and I immediately thought of Lennox Gardens in Canberra.

“On our return, I went to my Rotary club, the Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin, who agreed to support the project.”

Michael approached architect Fred Kasparek for the pavilion design, without whom he says the project wouldn’t have got off the ground.

“Fred was instrumental in the process, having provided us with the model that his daughter Lauren had created in her architectural studies at UC, based on a Japanese fan,” Michael says.

Major sponsors include the Canberra Centre, LJ Hooker, RAM Constructions and Canberra Decks, and Michael says Adam Baines at Modinex Group and Urbanline donated the special timbers for the deck on the Pavilion.

Michael says he’d been touched to receive con-

“Seiko wrote that Chiyoji wanted to create a peaceful and secure world – a world free of war and discrimination, and a world that rises above the conflict that can come about as a result of different principles, opinions, races, nations, countries, religions and so on.

“Sixteen years after Chiyoji died, Tomijiro Yoshida carried on the work and began to make his World Peace Bells, presenting them to more than 20 countries.

“I hate to think what’s occurred in the world since 2014, and it’s only getting worse with the threat of nuclear war hanging over us like it did in the 1960s.”

The Peace Bell weighs 365kg and is cast from melted coins from UN member countries. It’s a physical reminder for a peaceful world, from large-scale conflicts to domestic violence, and Michael says that while the bell will always ring on World Peace Day he wants the community to be involved in creating ringing events.

Upcoming events include a commemoration of the Japanese tsunami on March 11, a Harmony Day picnic, March 18, and Anzac Day on April 25.

“We’re issuing an open invitation to cultural, ethnic and religious groups to book in ringing events.

“We’d also love to see Canberra schools coming here, as they have helped to raise money for the project, too, and it’s meant as much to us as the major sponsors.

“This is the end of the beginning now, with a very exciting period ahead.”

More information at canberrapeacebell.org. To book a ringing event, email admin@canberrapeacebell.org

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Judy, Queen of Bubbles, says have fun

Newly crowned Judy, Queen of Bubbles shares her passion for older women growing old disgracefully.

“Pinkie” KATHRYN VUKOVLJAK reports...

RED hats, purple dresses, kazoos and no responsibilities are the order of the day for the Sisters with a Twist, also known as the Red Hat Society, who have recently crowned their new queen Judy Black.

The social group has a focus on women empowering women to be a useful part of society and to be out there, says Judy, who likes to be known as Judy, Queen of Bubbles.

“Unfortunately women become invisible as we get older, it’s happened to me personally,” she says.

“As you can see, we are very visible now.”

The group is for women over 50, although they welcome younger women called “pinkies” who can wear lavender dresses and pink hats until they turn 50 and “reduate”, says Judy.

The Red Hats draw inspiration from the Jenny Joseph poem “Warning”, which starts:

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple, with a red hat that doesn’t go and doesn’t suit me.

Judy says the poem was written about growing old disgracefully.

She says there are 67 ladies in the Canberra chapter, which just celebrated its 13th anniversary, and they

get together once a month for morning teas, lunches or dinners, as well as special events such as barefoot bowls, theatre and pyjama breakfasts.

There’s also a Council of Hats that helps Judy with her ruling duties.

“We don’t have an agenda, it’s all very hedonistic and it’s all about us!” says Judy.

“It’s for women to have fun – no men, no grandchildren, no problems.

“As you age everybody has their is sues, but for an hour or two, or three, the problems are out the window and it’s fabulous. Everybody turns up in their finery and has fun.

“I’ve heard from women who were sitting at home and never going out, but since they discovered Red Hats they’re in op shops finding purple clothes and jewellery, and getting ex cited about life again. And that’s what we want.”

Judy says that as queen, her responsibility is to create an environment where women can be themselves and feel comfortable.

“I also encourage them to be as silly as me,” she says.

“We’re there to have fun and friendship, there’s not enough of that for older women. It’s unique and welcoming.

“The best thing is women finding themselves again. Too many of us are stuck in the house – we may have retired from work, lost a partner, the children have left home and we don’t know how to get out again.

“We want to empower women and get them back to who they were and enjoying life.

“That’s what it’s all about – let’s have a bit of fun, play up and misbehave!”

For more information about joining the Red Hat Society, email sisterswithatwistqueen@gmail.com, call Queen Judy on 0412 485457 or vice Queen Barbara 0412 808134

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WITH the new school year started, traffic is supposed to slow down through school zones. Travelling through four school zones one morning, I saw constant speeding. Last year 2800 drivers were booked for speeding through school zones: my question is, why so few?

As well as school-crossing supervisors, I hope there are concentrations of mobile speed cameras at schools and I suggest fines are at least doubled!

Cedric Bryant, Watson

The good, old days!

A possible explanation for the 1929 death of Alick Bunfield and the illness of his wife (“Mysterious case of the Michelago poisoner”, CN, February 1) is that, back in those days, strychnine was seen as a medicine as well as being a poison.

A book published in 1935, “The Illustrated Family Doctor”, describes nux vomica (strychnine) as “a most useful digestive tonic” and speaks of its use in bronchitis and to improve “the action of the heart”. The good, old days!

Stephen Brown, Forrest

Subsidy drain

COLUMNIST Tim Gavel (CN, February 8) laments the “Mysterious case of the disappearing stadium”. I wonder if the money would have been available for a stadium had the outrageous subsidies received by the Raiders and Brumbies (both financial and in terms of favourable planning decisions) not been draining money from the public purse?

Peter Dark, via email

Lantern festivities

THE ACT Branch of the Australia China Friendship Society will hold its annual lanternmaking workshop for children and adults at Cook Community Hub, 41 Templeton Street, 1.30pm-3.30pm, on Sunday, February 25. Cost is $3 and registrations are essential to acfsevent@gmail.com or 6254 7732. THE workshop will be followed by a lantern festival, at the Beijing Garden in Flynn Place, Yarralumla, 6pm-8.30pm on Saturday, March 3. Bring your own lantern (there is a judging of the best handmade lantern) or buy one at the festival. The event is free.

Between the wars

MATTHEW Spriggs will consider the wider connections between early archaeologists and antiquarians in the period between World War I and II in his lecture to the Museum Friends and the Canberra Archaeological Society. Prof Spriggs is ARC Laureate Fellow and Professor of Archaeology in the School of Archaeology and Anthropology, College of Arts and Social Sciences at the ANU. At the National Museum’s Visions Theatre, 6pm-8pm, Wednesday, February 21. Non members $5, members free. Bookings to eventbrite.com.au

Hats off to Amanda

MILLINER Amanda McKenzie is the guest speaker at the next monthly meeting of the Tuggeranong Evening VIEW Club at the Vikings Town Centre club, Greenway, on Wednesday, February 28. The two-course dinner costs $27 and visitors and interested ladies are welcome. Bookings to 6291 7716 or email tuggeven@gmail.com

Money

can’t buy you love!

IN the afterglow of Valentine’s Day, unfortunately some Canberrans will awake to a broken heart.

For while February is the month of love, it also coincides with a spike in romance scams.

Last year it’s estimated that Australians lost more than $20 million in dating and romance scams, with most scammers targeting their victims on social media, by email or online websites.

People over the age of 45 are often the prime targets and those over 55 years often have the greatest financial loss.

The real cost and frequency of such incidents are hard to know as victims can feel embarrassed or ashamed. Often they don’t even tell their close friends or family and it can have a significant impact not only on their personal finances but also their life.

So how do people fall for such romantic ruses?

It can start simply with profiles of the would-be scammers appearing realistic and the information shared seemingly legitimate. Scammers often do their homework and research their victims’ online profiles, liking the same activities or sharing interests to gain trust. In many cases phone calls are even exchanged between scammer and victim.

Then comes an inevitable request for money with promises of repayment. Often it can be a series of small sums requested that add up quickly in amounts or frequency.

Or it can be a significant sum – into the thousands – to cover a fictional “accident” or unforeseen expense, such as the scammer

supporting a “sick relative” or “losing their job”. They may also seek the funds to “visit” the victim if the scammer lives overseas.

However, no sooner is the deposit made, the romantic Romeo or Juliet is not heard from again.

How can you protect your heart and wallet? Be cautious with the level of information you provide including on social media profiles.

Do some social sleuthing if your potential partner provides a photo – you can quickly do a reverse-image search of the person’s profile picture to see if the image has been taken from someone else, or belongs to a few people with different names. (How? Click on the camera icon on Google Images on the desktop version of the site’s search bar). Be wary if someone starts with a claim that they are working/living overseas because of a family situation and that there is a reason that they cannot travel to Australia right now. Never transfer money via direct deposit, money order or international transfer. If you have been scammed report it to Scam Watch (scamwatch.gov.au). You can also contact Access Canberra.

More information at ct.gov.au/fairtrading David Snowden is the ACT Fair Trading commissioner.

DAVID SNOWDEN

OPINION / the conflict resolution service crisis

Embattled conflict service ‘on its knees’

THERE’S an old saying that he who wins at law, loses. The inference is that while it’s sometimes necessary to go to court, doing so can be painful, time consuming, and exhausting.

While the law can make a determination on the law, it cannot mend broken trust or broken hearts. By contrast restorative approaches aim to repair relationships, to address the circumstances that contributed to the conflict and find a new way forward. The ACT government is to be applauded on its oft reiterated determination to make Canberra a “Restorative City”.

But given that insistence, it’s verging on impossible to understand why for the past decade the government hasn’t increased funding for the Conflict Resolution Service to reflect increasing demand for its services and population growth, when we have been providing a meaningful alternative to the courts for 30 years.

Much of our work now involves family dispute resolution through community mediation. This often involves family violence, another area where the government has been vocal about creating change. Demand has tripled in 10 years while individual case complexities and the time required to deal with them have increased tenfold. In 2011, for example, CRS dealt with 14 family conflict matters. Last financial year it was 985.

And they are heartbreaking

We are on our knees at the very time when there has never been a more urgent need for our services and our expertise.

cases, too: parents at breaking point, children at risk, in families that are already highly vulnerable due to insecure income and accommodation, financial stress and physical and mental health issues. Our Family Tree House program is also best practice for preventing youth homelessness, another key governmental concern.

We work extensively with ACT police, who value our service. A decade ago they sent us 74 cases, in 2016 it was 432. In the midst of a major community discussion on family violence, we are seeing more and more people report incidents and seek help where once they were silent.

Is the Barr government suggesting that we turn those people away when they have only just found the courage to step forward? Should people who have a chance of reaching a peaceful outcome really be diverted towards adversarial, clogged court systems?

We know that we’re getting it right. Our success rate is more than 80 per

cent of cases that go to mediation. But, like other smaller organisations in the community sector, CRS faces increased administrative and compliance demands. In response to our funding crisis, we have prioritised the wellbeing of our clients above everything to meet demand.

That is fundamentally unsustainable and it’s unfair that we are expected to do so. CRS has restructured and reduced staffing and reduced its service delivery output in order to survive. But we are on our knees at the very time when there has never been a more urgent need for our services and our expertise.

The CRS is the only dedicated provider of specialised community dispute resolution services in the ACT, offering help to low-income Canberrans. Other jurisdictions access community dispute resolution services through government departments, but there’s solid evidence that the CRS model is actually cheaper.

Conflict resolution isn’t shiny or

attention grabbing. It doesn’t create exciting sound grabs or look good on posters. But funding conflict resolution gives much more back than any photo opportunity. It gives families another chance. It gives children safety and stability and prevents the terrible damage caused by homelessness, imprisonment and estrangement.

On February 22 and 23 leaders from around Canberra will gather for a workshop to consider Canberra as a Restorative City. Attorney General Gordon Ramsay will open this event. Recently, the minister said that he would “be focusing on how our justice system can become even more accessible, transparent and timely by fostering restorative practices in the ACT”. Without doubt the best way to do that effectively and cheaply is to increase the funding to CRS. Time is running out. We can only hope that the government is listening.

Shawn van der Linden is the CEO the ACT’s Conflict Resolution Service.

SHAWN VAN DER LINDEN

IS YOUR POOL DEFENCE -LESS?

Celebrating St David

THE Welsh Society is celebrating St David’s Day with a two-course dinner and music at the Labor Club, Weston Creek, Thursday, March 1. Anyone with a Welsh background or interest in Wales and its culture is welcome to attend but bookings are essential to canberrawelsh@gmail.com or call 0408 089235.

Remnants sale

THERE will be a sale of sewing and craft remnants, including material, yarns and haberdashery, at St Ninian’s Uniting Church, cnr Brigalow and Mouat Streets, Lyneham, 10am-2pm on Saturday, February 24. Knitting and crochet lessons will be available as well as a demonstration of how to make folded cloth, Hoshi eight-point stars. Enquiries to 6169 7678 or mcconnell@grapevine.net.au

Ladies who lunch

THE ladies of the Gungahlin Day VIEW Club will be learning about Alzheimer’s disease at their next lunch meeting at the Versatile Restaurant Federation Square, Nicholls, on Wednesday, February 28. Lunch is $35 and visitors are welcome. Bookings to 6166 2874 by noon, February 26.

Every year children under five drown in backyard pools – accidents we can help prevent. As a pool owner it is important to ensure your pool barriers meet the current minimum standards and are as safe as possible for young children.

Remember, while a vital safety measure, a pool barrier is not a substitute for supervision. Always watch kids in and around pools and know how to perform CPR.

CELEBRATING WOOD AND CRAFTMANSHIP

WITH EVAN DUNSTONE

One of the goals of the modern international furniture industry has been to transform furniture from being a long-term investment into a disposable fashion commodity. Furniture designers these days are under pressure to be “on trend” and this message is reinforced by the types of competitions and prizes that are available. There are strategies in place to encourage the consumer to replace their furniture over shorter and shorter cycles in order to increase their average spend over time.

Most modern furniture designers come from a graphics background, with little knowledge of how things are made, or how furniture interacts with people’s lifestyles. They design furniture that will look good as an image. The classic scenario is a chair that is graphically strong in striking colors but poorly made and uncomfortable. The client sees the chair in all the magazines, visits a stylish showroom that places the chair in its best light, and the low build quality puts it in a price range that seems irresistible.

The client purchases the chair and almost immediately starts to regret the choice, because the item is the image of a chair, not an actual performance object. It is almost a relief when, after a few years, the legs start to wobble and the owner feels justified in throwing it away. It didn’t cost very much, it was never very comfortable and anyway, it is no longer trendy. There is no point in trying to repair it, it’s time to buy a new chair.

The antidote to this trend it to find a local designer/maker who builds things to last. This type of craftsman relies completely on the holistic performance of the things they make. The designs must be timeless, the craftsmanship must be impeccable and the performance must be exceptional, otherwise they have no market. At Dunstone Design, we have been making contemporary fine furniture for more than 20 years. Some of our designs, like the Waterfall stool (pictured), have stood the test of time and are as popular today as they were when they were first launched. This type of holistic performance is what sets a furniture designer/ maker apart from the everyday high-street furniture shop.

Evan Dunstone

CHURCHILL

Workshop/showroom open 7am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 2pm Saturdays – or by appointment.

Phone: 02 6297 8200

3/5 Aurora Place, Queanbeyan NSW

Email: evan@dunstonedesign.com.au www.dunstonedesign.com.au

POLITICS / pushing us into apartments

Labor hell-bent on the high life

It’s time for government to respond positively to the majority rather than caving to the aspirations of a few developers.

THERE are good reasons why the vast majority of Australians have bought into “The Australian Dream”. But now the quarter-acre block may be seen as a step too far.

However, it is going to be difficult to persuade most Australians that there are better alternatives than raising a family in a detached or semi-detached home. And for good reasons.

Jon Stanhope nailed concerns about the “snub” by the ACT government (CN, February 1). He pointed out that despite 84.2 per cent of Canberrans saying they want to live in detached or semi-detached homes – the government is hell-bent on moving as many Canberrans as possible into apartments.

Some people enjoy apartment living. It suits their lifestyles and there are good examples in Canberra. However, the vast majority of people yearn for the traditional form of housing. The “snub” is ignoring this aspiration and reframing our city by interspersing existing and newer suburbs with greater and greater numbers of unimaginative blocks of flats.

A key reason for wanting a backyard and room to play is family. Unlike the “helicopter” parenting where children are exposed regularly to organised and supervised play time and sport – backyard play requires exploration, resourcefulness and creativity. It demands initiative. Parents can feel secure about who is in their backyard, who it is that is having influence and can easily check on their games.

Building castles in the sand pit, peddling the bike around the yard and throwing or kicking balls to a friend has children entertaining themselves. These are invaluable life lessons. Turning a sack trolley into a billy cart might challenge parental patience – but the skills developed in the process are invaluable in life.

Backyard play enhances relationship skills. There is space for children to learn how to stand up for themselves, to give others room, to share, and to compromise. All with minimal

adult supervision. “Free play” allows children to learn the skills of negotiation, tolerance, compromise, decision making and managing without adult interference. Pets can be a backyard bonanza. Children can learn the responsibility and rewards of feeding and playing fetch without being monitored by parents. My own children had a veritable zoo including dogs, rabbits, ferrets, ducks, guinea pigs and chooks. Having a few chickens and collecting the eggs is a step towards learning about healthy food.

With so many people overweight or obese a backyard provides the opportunity to learn about nutrition. Looking after a veggie patch takes effort and time away from sitting in front of a screen. Who would argue more time is needed in front of screens or less time to be exercising in fresh air?

This paints an idyllic picture. I understand the intent from advocates of more intense housing and less urban sprawl. They argue good city design includes shared green spaces with playgrounds, large fields and room for groups of children to gather and learn to play together. Since the first suburbs started in our city a century ago and the introduction of the decentralised town centres Canberrans have had the opportunity to have the

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Mon to Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm, closed Sun & public holidays

advantage of both.

Affordability is a huge challenge. Jon Stanhope set out the issues of housing affordability and pointed to the failure of government to deliver. The aspiration of so many to choose detached and semi-detached dwellings to provide these opportunities are understandable. If they can afford it!

The reworking of “the built form” of Canberra raises other issues. The suburb of Campbell now supports six-storey units and a large park on the corner of Anzac Park and Constitution Avenue. The development delivers apartment living in an appropriate manner. Inappropriate is the proposal for a six-storey unit block on a pocket size piece of land on the former garage site at Campbell shops. Out of proportion! Out of place! Inconsistent with the surrounds! Totally inappropriate. An affront to the built form! Aspirations are important. There are challenges. However, it is time for government to respond positively to the major ity rather than caving to the aspirations of a few developers and a handful of misguided planners who “know best”.

FINANCE MATTERS advertising feature Experts in money and more

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efficiency Chris wants to help with public service super

MEENAL Modi founded Better Bookkeeping Solutions in 2012, in Fyshwick, to take the neverending paperwork from business owners so they could focus on what they did best, running their businesses.

Meenal, a registered BAS agent with the Tax Practitioners Board, has more than eight years of experience, providing a range of services such as accounts payable, receivable, payroll, generating payment summaries, lodging BAS returns, IAS returns, superannuation and long-service leave contributions.

“Our mission is to help small-to-medium businesses run efficiently and effectively while meeting employer and taxation obligations,” she says.

“Bookkeeping is important for all businesses because there’s constant ATO obligations that they need to meet.

“Having a good bookkeeping process in place keeps businesses well aware of how they are tracking.”

Meenal says she is very motivated and eager to provide the absolute best outcome for all local businesses.

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Better Bookkeeping Solutions, 5/51 Tennant Street, Fyshwick. Call 6162 2020 or visit betterbookkeeping.net.au

NEW to RSM in Deakin, financial plan ner Chris Oates brings his expertise in superannuation, managed investments and retired income streams, to aid individual, corporate and government clients.

Before RSM, Chris worked for a group that specialised in government superannuation and in CSS and PSS super schemes.

Now, at RSM, he plans to help Canberra’s public servants make sense of their super schemes.

“There’s been a lot of changes in the last year to super and I’m looking to help people understand these changes and how they affect them,” he says.

“A lot of people have been getting letters about

potential super issues public servants have to deal with.

“I’ll be running a seminar on March 20 to help provide public servants with information to help with these issues.”

Chris also looks forward to building long-lasting relationships with his new clients and says he offers a personalised, professional service, while simplifying the financial complexities of life.

“People need finance help through different stages of life, so building trusting relationships is important to me,” he says.

RSM, Equinox Building 4, Level 2, 70 Kent Street, Deakin. Call 6217 0335 or visit rsm.global/australia/people/ chris-oates

puts clients’ interests first

WITH 24 years’ experience in operating and advising financial markets and more than 16 working in stock broking, derivatives, currency and commodities trading, certified financial planner Claus Merck decided to start advising on long-term investments.

In 2010 Claus founded ACT Wealth Management, in Civic, to give holistic advice on financial affairs.

“I believe a lot of people have financial or lifestyle goals and helping them reach them is a big satisfaction,” he says.

Awarded for its professionalism by the Financial Planning Association of Australia, ACT Wealth Management specialises in investments, money management, retirement planning, personal insurance and aged-care strategies.

As an independent business, Claus says ACT Wealth Management doesn’t receive any commission from any investments or superannuation trusts.

“We work for our clients, not for a financial institution,” he says.

Often when Claus is meeting with his clients, things come up that they don’t think of in advance and from there, he tailors an advice strategy for each individual.

ACT Wealth Management has faceto-face ongoing advice and support, which might involve meetings in Queanbeyan and Yass or through the phone, email and Skype.

ACT Wealth Management, Level 1, 134-142 Bunda Street, Civic. Call 6262 5542, email info@actwealth. com.au or visit actwealth.com.au

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Builder secrets to success that everyone can use INVESTMENT INFORMATION NIGHT

WEDNESDAY 21st FEBRUARY

FINANCE MATTERS

Professionals who know their way around property

ARMED with backgrounds in the building industry, locals Peter Ingram and Tony Barber started Property Professionals Australia, based in Phillip, to offer knowledge on the quality of a property which, they say, people from sales and finance professions don’t have.

Combined, Peter and Tony have worked and invested in the property and building industry for more than 50 years and want to change the way people invest in property.

“We know the difference between a high and poor-quality property and we know when is the best time to invest,” says Peter.

“With a background in building trades [Peter as an electrician and project manager, and Tony as a builder] we can get into areas well before people know it’s a good time to invest because of our contacts.”

Property Professionals Australia also offers building services for home buyers, first-home buyers, downsizers and upsizers.

“We provide the full service from investment planning to research to personal planning and tailor property options to each individual,” Peter says.

“We take the stress away. We project manage the entire project to make sure our customers have quality control under strict guidelines.”

Overall, Peter says the main benefit is that Property Professionals Australia offers unbeatable prices and quality.

Property Professionals Australia, 8/13-19 Botany Street, Phillip. Call 1300 037769, 6162 1506, or visit propertyproaus.com.au

what they have.”

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... Plus a lot more. This is not a seminar – it is an information night with no selling, no hype and no sales jargon just real facts that you can use to get this very important decision in your life right!

Over 50 years combined Investor Builder experience to share with you from local specialists that have helped thousands of investors!

When: Wednesday, February 21 at 6.00pm for a 6.15pm start (1 hour of real facts and builders secrets)

Where: Hellenic Club Matilda St Woden

Cost: FREE – Includes canapes and drinks

Only 50 Limited Seats – to register & more info please call 6162 1506 or visit propertyproaus.com.au/cw What are the 10

WITH qualifications and skills in a range of areas, director Gail Freeman, of Gail Freeman & Co, can look at financial matters from all angles to make

She’s backed by a skilled and knowledgeable team who, she says, can take the “complexity” out of financial matters and deal with them quickly

Gail Freeman & Co offers this “efficient” service in areas such as taxation, accounting for business, investment advice, superannuation and

Each service is tailored for the individual, so for people seeking a service such as retirement planning, Gail Freeman & Co will make sure they get the best outcome to suit their needs.

“With people living longer, retirement can be a lot longer, so they need to think carefully and make sure they’re doing the best they can with what

“We offer guidance and options to make sure they retire effectively.It’s always worth spending a little bit on professional advice, which will help people operate in a more financially appropriate way in their retirement.”

Gail Freeman & Co, 9/71 Leichhardt Street, Kingston. Call 6295 2844, email info@gailfreeman.com.au or visit gailfreeman.com.au

Right way to manage write-offs

WHEN Steven Wynn noticed there was a gap in the property market for depreciation specialists, he started Write It Off in 2002, in Dickson, to help companies dealing with residential and commercial investment properties.

At Write It Off, Steven says they accurately prepare property depreciation reports to allow companies to maximise their deprecia tion deduction.

“It gives them a large tax deduction against their rental income, which helps reduce their overall taxable income,” he says.

“The bigger the deduction the greater the cash flow return from their investment.”

The depreciation schedules are prepared by building estimators and signed off by both Steven and a senior member of the AIQS (Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors).

Steven says Write It Off is one of only a few who are recognised by the ATO to be able to complete rental property depreciation reports.

While Write It Off is always striving to improve itself and expand throughout Australia, Steven emphasises that they’re based locally, so they know the area.

“We’re competitively priced, we’re very friendly and professional and you’ll get that from the moment you walk in,” he says.

Multi-skilled Catherine takes a holistic approach

FRUSTRATED with the financial-advisory sector, Catherine Smith dedicated 20 years of study in order to become equipped to benefit people’s financial needs as a “whole”.

Now as a tax accountant, mortgage broker, financial planner, real estate agent, justice of the peace in the ACT and NSW, life coach, hypnotherapist and masters graduate in the taxation field, Catherine can confidently say that her business Wholistic Financial Solutions can benefit her clients as a whole.

Since 2006 Wholistic Financial Solutions, in Dickson, remains a one-stop shop for all financial needs such as taxation, business, financial planning, mortgage broking, share and property investing.

“My advice is based on assessing the client’s goals, needs and wants and the financial feasibil ity of the goals both now and in the future,” Catherine says.

“Then, based on these goals and the client’s own interests, I devise individual wealth creation strategies to assist clients create, build and protect wealth.

“Individuals should have a financial plan in place to create and protect wealth that takes into account all of their financial needs including minimising tax, debt reduction, property and share investing, superannuation, and insurance.

“I am disrupting the industry as my firm is the only firm in Australia that provides advice across all financial fields.”

Wholistic Financial Solutions, 7a/20 Challis Street, Dickson. Call 6162 4546, email reception@ wfscanberra.com.au or visit wfscanberra.com.au

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SCENE / around canberra

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

José still lights musical fires

By arts editor Helen Musa

“I’VE been a classical music fan since I was a child,” José Feliciano tells me by phone from the US, “but I never played Mozart on guitar before.”

He’s recorded nearly 70 albums and now, to celebrate the 50 years since Feliciano recorded his soul take on The Doors’ “Light My Fire” in 1968, the singer has been working on a collection of five limited edition albums in different genres. So far these are “Djangoizing”, “Happy Birthday, Les!”, “My Latin Street Vol. 1”, “José Feliciano – Feliz Navidad!” and – wait for it – “Mozart’s Castrato Arias”.

The latter inclusion may come as a surprise to Feliciano fans, who would hardly expect him to record a guitar collection of operatic arias for castrati by the divine Amadeus with members of the Sofia Symphonic Orchestra and male soprano Arno Raunig.

“My manager Helmuth [Schaerf] got me playing Mozart – he’s Viennese,” he says by way of explanation. Schaerf, also a long-time friend, came back on board in 2013 and has supported this huge recording project.

It’s not quite so surprising to this writer, a fan since uni days, when I saved for weeks to buy a copy of his “Fireworks”, based on Handel’s “Fireworks Suite” – “one of my favourite albums,” he says.

Feliciano is nothing if not eclectic in his musi cal tastes, equally at home performing tributes to jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and jazz, country, and blues guitarist Les Paul or Sting, saying: “I play the guitar, I like all kinds of music”.

Awarded more than 45 gold and platinum record awards and nominated for 19 Grammys, he is still best known for international hits, including his interpretation of “Light My Fire” and the best-selling Christmas single “Feliz Navidad”, once placed among the 25 greatest holiday songs of the 20th century.

“But, I think the arias by the castrati is one of my biggest accomplishments,” he says.

“To play Mozart on the guitar when I couldn’t read the music is something.

“I had to be taught the music… I didn’t have Braille music or any such thing and I never did.”

Feliciano is coming to the Southern Cross Club soon and says he’ll be doing some of the things that people know him by, but including some new songs.

“I like to keep them as a surprise,” he says.

Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago and Denver. Then, in 1966, after a spectacular performance at the Mar del Plata Festival in Argentina, RCA executives in Buenos Aires picked him up and made Feliciano a

José Feliciano in concert, Southern Cross Club, 8pm, Wednesday, March 7. Bookings to cscc.com.au or 6283 7200.

with Gold Logie

and

actor John Wood (Blue Heelers, Rafferty’s Rules) and Max Gillies (The Gillies Report, Once Were Leaders) joining Play School icon Benita Collings, Kim Lewis (Sons and Daughters, The Restless Years) and Russell Newman (A Country Practice, Underbelly) in this

and performers who are old enough to

MUSIC Stephanie’s ‘home’ with a plan

By Helen Musa

WHEN piano exponent

Stephanie Neeman arrives in Canberra during April to become the new artistic director and CEO of Music for Canberra, it’ll be a kind of homecoming.

Strictly speaking, her home city is Jakarta but, after meeting and marrying our own brilliant pianist Edward “Teddy” Neeman while both were studying at the Manhattan School of Music, she’s been a regular visitor to the ACT, performing for the National Capital Orchestra and Canberra Youth Orchestra, both solo and as part of the Neeman Piano Duo.

a doctor of musical arts from the University of Cincinnati, will tackle her new job, initially staying with his family.

“CityNews” caught up with Stephanie by phone to Georgia, US, where she is a piano professor at Valdosta State University and found her fairly bubbling with excitement about the move “home”.

Teddy will arrive early in April with their 4½-year-old son “JJ” (James Jerome) so he can settle into sessional teaching at the ANU School of Music and she’ll follow as soon as her papers are ready.

Teddy, who has a doctorate from the Juilliard School, plans to keep up his concert recitals while Stephanie,

“I know the music scene in Australia. I’ve given many lessons, masterclasses and lectures in Sydney and Canberra and also attended a piano pedagogy conference in Adelaide,” she tells us.

She enjoyed performing with the Canberra Youth Orchestra, part of Music for Canberra, saying: “I would be very honoured to be part of that, as it’s my passion to see people perform music both professionally and for fun.”

She praises the board as “a fantastic group of people with

a variety of legal, musical and financial expertise”.

It will be a change of pace, but the move hits the spot for her and Jakarta, where she helps out at her mum’s music academy, is a mere hop, step and a jump from Canberra. She also has a sister in Melbourne.

Stephanie has won virtually all major piano competitions in Indonesia, including first prize in the Yamaha National Piano Competition when she was only six. She has appeared as a soloist with the Jakarta Chamber Orchestra and likes to stay in touch with the musical scene there.

Stephanie replaces former CEO

HAVING BEEN SEEN AND LOVED BY OVER ONE MILLION PEOPLE ONLINE, ONSTAGE AND ON TV SINCE 2004, JAN VAN DE STOOL IS A CULT FIGURE ON THE CABARET CIRCUIT.

“Sharp-eyed viewers may notice Jan van de Stool looks a lot like Queenie van de Zandt, a bona fide star of stage and screen. Queenie, however, carries a tune much better than her doppelganger.

Herald Sun

Outrageously funny.

Kathleen Grant, who left late last year for Melbourne, and says: “I would like to be a positive impact on the musical community of Canberra, which has so much talent. I want to make sure that Canberra has really good music programs.”

She is quick to point out that she is no ignoramus when it comes to the business side of music.

“I am a performing artist, yes, but when I was young I started out building a musical conservatory with my mother, developing the curriculum and organising the examination system through London, as well as running annual masterclasses and supervising the financial side of the business,” she says.

“My job here in Georgia as a professor includes administration, I sit on four different committees and I am a faculty senate member.”

“My major at Cincinnati was in performance, but my minor was in music pedagogy. I strongly feel that in the future I’d like to see Music for Canberra as a centre for teachers, too.

“I think it’s very important for generations to come and there is a difference between when you can play and when you can teach – it’s important to nurture.”

Teddy, she reports, is very happy.

“We always talked about going back to Australia. Having this job is great – it’s the right time,” she says.

A triumph! Sydney Morning Herald

PARTING THE RED CURTAINS

Quirky

“Happy End” (M)

“WEIRD movie,” said the other bloke as we exited the cinema after watching writer/ director Michael Haneke’s mordant comedy about wealthy people lacking enough style to understand the social and cultural worlds to which wealth gave them entry.

Anne Laurent (Isabelle Huppert) runs a civil engineering business in Calais, a position she took over when her father Georges (Jean-Louis Trintignant) became too dotty for the job. Today a retaining wall collapsed spilling soil and rock back into the excavation. Her site manager son Pierre (Franz Rogowski) is not coping with the consequences. Her surgeon brother Thomas (Mathieu Kassovitz) is making arrangements to take over responsibility for his nearly 13-year-old daughter Eve (Fantine Harduin) from his previous marriage whose mother has died. Thomas is now married to Anaïs (Laura Verlinden) at the same time as he is carrying on an online romance with another woman.

The story’s main arguments revolve around Georges, who early in the film has an accident while driving, and Eve, a savvy child yearning to achieve womanhood. Georges has lived enough and wants to stop.

The only stable people in the elegant Laurent house are Algerian butler Rachid (Hassam Ghancy) and his wife the cook Jamila (Nabiha Akkari) who in the best tradition of their callings see but don’t intrude.

Haneke’s screenplay offers a perceptive dramatic progress delivered with subtle humour. His filmmaking style lingers to give the viewer time after every significant

dotty Georges

“Happy End”... a comedy about wealthy people lacking enough style to understand the social and cultural worlds to which wealth gave them entry.

moment to absorb its message. I call it quirky, not weird. Which led me to respond “I enjoyed it” as we left the cinema. Especially the scary yet poignantly comical closing sequence with Eve watching while Georges in his wheelchair sits up to his armpits in the English Channel in yet another botched bid to end it all.

At Dendy, Palace Electric, Capitol 6 and Hoyts Woden

“The 15.17 to Paris” (M)

FROM Clint Eastwood in his 88th year comes this, his 36th feature as director, none lacking in merit, some more meritorious than others. Dorothy Blyskal’s screenplay dramatises the book by Anthony Sadler telling about

the afternoon of August 2, 2015 when he, together with schoolday-chums Alek Skarlatos and Spencer Stone were riding on Thalys train 9364 to Paris.

In it, Stone, on leave from a US Air Force posting, Skarlatos, another US military man, and Afro-American Sadler, play themselves, perhaps giving the film an aura of authenticity that other films purporting to be based on real events don’t offer.

But what they did, while courageous, risky and laudable, occupies only a minor proportion of the film’s time. The rest, apart from some enigmatic brief sequences in which a bearded man boards the train, tells how their

friendship developed at school. It tells how Stone prepared to enlist as a rescue airman and his paramedic training because of an eye condition affecting his spatial perception.

With a $US3 million budget, “The 15.17 to Paris” has already taken $US270 million at the box office. You might be forgiven for seeing in it a homily about ordinary guys keeping America safe, a feel-good moment telling how the trio brought down a terrorist about to shoot up the train with his AK47 and the 300 rounds of ammunition in his back pack.

At Capitol 6, Palace Electric, Hoyts Woden and Limelight

“Fifty Shades Freed” (MA) YUK! Ergh! And whatever other unpublishable expression of disgust, dislike or disbelief that you may think of.

Novelist EL James has become a millionairess from the three novels comprising the “Fifty Shades” franchise. They record the bedroom cavortings, BDSM predelictions and business careers of Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) and Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson). Each book has been filmed, the last two directed by James Foley, whose filmography lists more TV than feature movies. There are movie and book tie-ins. My god, how the money rolls in (sung to the tune of “My Bonny Lies Over the Ocean”).

EL James has now published a fourth book telling the same story from Christian’s viewpoint. The money stays in the family purse; her husband Niall Leonard wrote the screenplay for the second and third films.

“Fifty Shades Freed” begins with the wedding of Christian and Anastasia. It ends several years later with a small son, another bun in Anastasia’s oven and the family gambolling on the lawn.

The 100 or so minutes between those book-ends follow Anastasia’s determination to have her own career in publishing and the return of bad guy Jack Hyde (Eric Johnson).

And the juicy bits? The Red Room, wherein Christian keeps the toys necessary for pleasurable bondage, domination, sadism and masochism. Anastasia’s nipples. Anastasia driving an Audi Quattro at speeds that would send any highway patrolman green with disappointment at not being there, so erotically switching her on that she climbs across to the passenger seat where she figuratively rapes Christian in a downtown Seattle parking lot.

Yuk! Ergh! And whatever other unpublishable expression of disgust, dislike or disbelief that you may think of. It’s all too silly to contemplate.

At all cinemas

Wednesday 21 February

Thursday 22 February

Llewellyn Hall, ANU, 7.30pm

Pre-concert talk 6.45pm

Dane Lam Conductor

Tamara-Anna Cislowska Piano

CARL VINE: Microsymphony

PROKOFIEV: Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, op. 16

KATS-CHERNIN: Alexander Rag

SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony

Direct 6262 6772 or ticketek.com.au

Recital One

Tamara-Anna Cislowska (Piano)

Sunday 18 February

Wesley Music Centre, 3pm

6772

ARTS IN THE CITY Juicy bits and big hits

By Helen Musa

“OPERA in a Nutshell: La Traviata” sees singers Sarahlouise Owens, Christopher Lincoln Bogg and Colin Milner (with Colleen Rae-Gerrard at the piano), performing all the “juicy bits” and “big hits” in telling the story of this most popular of Verdi’s operas. At Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 5pm, Sunday, February 18. Bookings to tuggeranongarts.com or 6293 1443.

AUSSIE country music couple Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont will perform songs from “Adam & Brooke” and other favourite albums and their debut, duo single “Train Wreck” at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, 8pm, on Saturday, February 24. Bookings to ticketek.com.au

JULIE Long presents “Reading to children: tips for educators, parents and grandparents”, in which she demonstrates techniques to use when reading out loud to young children, at ALIA House, 9-11 Napier Close, Deakin, 4.30pm-6.30pm, on February 21. Ticket includes refreshments. Registrations to ncaclmeet ings@gmail.com

IN “Two Winds” Kiri Sollis (flute) and Eloise Fisher (clarinet) come together as a duo for the first time to perform 20th century music from across the world. At Cooinda Community Hall, Kangara Waters, 2 Joy Cum mings Place, Belconnen, 2pm, on Sunday, February 18.

BRILLIANT NZ harpsichordist Ariana Odermatt, who performed on piano for the NZ exhibition at the 2011 Venice Biennale, will play short works on the harpsichord by Handel, Couperin and others in a lunchtime concert at Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest, 12.40pm-1.20pm, Wednesday, February 21. No bookings required.

Orchestra. The orchestra will perform works by Carl Vine and Elena Kats-Chernin as well as the Ninth Symphony of Shostakovich. At Llewellyn Hall, February 21-22. Bookings to cso.org.au

PADMA Menon performs “Dancing Deities”, in which she fuses contemporary and traditional Indian dance, drawing on stories from Indian epics and myths, at James O Fairfax Theatre, NGA, February 23-24. Bookings to nga.gov.au or 6240 6701.

AS EXQUISITE A BIOGRAPHY AS YOU’RE LIKELY TO HEAR.

Following sell-out performances at The Queensland and Melbourne Cabaret Festivals and The Hayes Theatre in Sydney, cabaret chanteuse Queenie van de Zandt, renowned for her artful storytelling and raw, emotive vocals, brings to you the songs, stories and art of the musical legend that is Joni Mitchell.

The Songs of Joni Mitchell Starring Queenie van de Zandt

Queenie van de Zandt delivers torch songs with such raw emotional truth that your hair will stand on end.

Sydney Morning Herald

DINING / meadow, civic

Laneway’s splash of green

MEADOW, a relatively new café in Odgers Lane in Civic, strives to be a meeting place and a home away from home.

It’s a place that comforts clients with its sustainable approach, early start and all-day brunch.

Manager Nathan Sami, who created the Meadow concept with Carlo Krikowa (from pallet furniture operation boyandgirlco), says the team respects the environment and works hard to reduce paddock-to-plate kilometres.

“We support small, passionate producers who care about what they do and how they do it,” says Nathan.

“We keep waste to a minimum, encourage the use of keep cups and use recycled materials. We think sustainability in all that we do.”

Meadow focuses on plant-based food, although reading the menu you don’t really notice.

“We offer great vegetarian cuisine for the nonvegetarian”, says Nathan, who is not a vegetarian himself but who happily digs into Meadow’s dishes.

Savoury lovers and sweet lovers are well taken care of. The taco is a winner, with refried beans, charred bell pepper, salsa fresca, avo and parmesan crisps all on a tortilla ($16). The signature Meadow roll offers up fried haloumi, poached egg, aioli and chipotle on a brioche bun ($13). Another winner is the Teriyaki burger ($18) with wild mushrooms, fried enoki, shallots, bok choy and sesame on a brioche bun.

A great start to the day is the quinoa porridge ($13), nicely spiced and served with crème fraiche, cinnamon crumble, house nut milk, nectarine and pear. A totally indulgent dish is the cheesecake pancake (short stack $14 and the double $19) – madeleines with maple comb, cream cheese

mousse, ginger nut crumble and sambuca berries. It’s a wonderful combo of ingredients but not exactly light on the calories.

Yummy sandwiches, each $12, feature a three cheese, reuben and ponzu pear.

Meadow welcomes families and the kids’ menu makes life easy for parents. A simple peanut butter and house jam on sourdough toast ($5) is available or the young ones can dig into cheesy soldiers ($7), frog in a hole ($9) or a bento box of nuggets, veggies and cheese dip with a fruit salad ($12).

Juices and smoothies feature on the drinks menu. Coffee is sourced from Seven Seed, tea from Storm in a Teacup and chocolate by Mork Specialty Chocolate.

Author

John Sautelle…

“It’s not comfortable sharing stories that

deeply personal, but being prepared to do that can help others.”

Photo by Danielle Nohra

Meadow has live Sunday music sessions and hosts special events, dinners and workshops, taking full advantage of the laneway it calls home. Starting mid-February, Meadow will host laneway yoga on Saturday mornings.

Meadow, Odgers Lane, Melbourne Building, open Monday-Friday, 7am-2.30pm and Saturday, 8am-2.30pm.

Forgiveness, a virtue of a decent red

ONE of the good things about drinking red wine is the amelioration of misanthropy. You become more expansive and forgiving of the frailties of others and, sometimes, even of your own.

This expansion of the quality of mercy is enhanced when the quality of the red wine is also enhanced. Kindness visits.

A friend was recently leaving Canberra on an extended vacation. And, coincidentally, I was cleaning out a corner cupboard where, amongst other things, I was moving wine bottles from its depths to a newly acquired wine fridge. Unexpectedly there lurked, in a quaint coating of grime, a 2005 Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz. Before judging my housekeeping as Adams-family oriented, let me explain that the dust came from my former storage unit where this bottle was one of the few left after thieves gallingly ransacked my then wine collection (see how misanthropy so easily rises up!).

How to make someone feel special: serve up a 13-year-old shiraz matched with roast lamb at

their farewell dinner. My guest assisted me to decant the wine. The colour was good, no browning or deterioration from the dark red of full maturity.

The cork was intact. The bouquet cigar-box and heady fruit. There were only a few lees that remained in the bottle – this is the sediment that results from tannins reacting with other chemicals to form larger molecules that sink to the bottom of the bottle or coat it with sediment.

Then the first taste. It exceeded all expectations. It was velvet and mouth-filling fruit, only a hint of tannin and a smidge of oak. Age had certainly taken what I bought years ago as a middle-order wine into something quite extraordinary, where smooth hung out like an old hipster.

My friend expostulated: “What happens when you put this stuff away – this just tastes so different from the shiraz that I have been drinking, you know a good 2014 drop. Age makes this better.”

Indeed, it does. In the process of ageing, the tannins polymerise. In my limited understanding, tannins are polyphenolic compounds that bind to and precipitate proteins with a “longer chain” that taste different.

Over time, as this occurs, there is a softening of the flavours and, as I said, the development of lees. The flavours become leathery and less fruit

driven but the complexity of the chemical reactions is something that is still not fully understood. After ageing or with low-tannin wines you don’t have the sensation that all of the moisture has been sucked from your mouth. You keep coming back to an ever-decreasing volume: there seems to be a correlation between quality and the rapidity of the wine’s consumption. The aged wine becomes the devil with trousers on and that is why red wines, when properly aged, are much more expensive than young wines.

The other benefit then of drinking wines of age is that, at least after the second glass, you can see yourself reflected in the change: no longer are you the sharp, acidic, mouth-puckering kid of yesterday. Instead you are the velvet smooth, softer and mellow older gentleman.

And that reminds me: a man in his mid-nineties walks into a bar. He finds a seat next to a goodlooking, younger woman in her mid-eighties, at the most. Trying to remember his best pick-up line, he says, “So tell me, do I come here often?”

Her reaction is unrecorded but we hope she was forgiving. And that brings us back to where I started:

“Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.” – Samuel Johnson.

By Danielle Nohra

YEAR after year John

Sautelle would come back to the same New Year’s resolution.

He was desperate to end the recurring burnouts that forced him to take time off work every time he physically came “crashing” down.

While working as the managing partner of Sautelle White Lawyers on the far south coast John had the worst burnout of them all, which led him spiralling into depression.

It was challenging for John and his family, but it was also the thing that pushed him in a new direction and forced him to write himself a new story.

Now, John, 68, of Cook, is a principal consultant for Bendelta where he provides consulting, training, coaching and conflict resolution services to government, private sector and not-for-profit clients in Australia and internationally.

After changing his own story, John has been helping others change theirs for 17 years.

Wanting to share his life-changing tips with a bigger audience, he published a book titled “Choose Your Stories, Change Your Life”, which helps bring to the surface and change the stories that prevent people from achieving their goals.

The stories in the book are

based on real examples from John’s coaching career and also personal ones.

“While it’s not comfortable sharing stories that are deeply personal, I know from my coaching work that being prepared to do that can sometimes help others,” he says.

“What I eventually discovered is there were two stories that were out of my conscious awareness.

“One story was driving me to overcommit and the second was preventing me from delegating, which was a recipe for burnouts.”

Through John’s work he brought to the surface these overprotective “stories”, reflected on them and then created new ones, such as trusting people instead of overcommitting.

“These stories are set up early in life to ‘protect’ us but become exaggerated and then over-protect us, such as the story ‘I must always be in control to be safe’,” he says.

“Instead of ‘I must always be in control to be safe’, it’s rewritten to, ‘I can be safe and not be in control’ or ‘I can say no and they will still like me’.”

In John’s book, he’s created a process with steps that help surface these stories in order to rewrite them.

“Choose Your Stories, Change Your Life”, $25.95, via chooseyourstories.com

NEIL SOMERVILLE takes a look at the Year of Dog

THE start of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dog, will be celebrated by many millions around the world and it promises to be a significant one.

Just as dogs are well-known for their defensive natures, defence will be a key issue with some tricky and tense moments. However, many positive changes will also be seen with exciting new developments set to benefit mankind.

Dog years are progressive with causes to be championed and wide-reaching effects. For many, there will be good chances to be had. To see how you will fare, look up the animal ruling your year of birth. Each Chinese year begins in late January or early February – so 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. A year of good chance has Rats benefitting from opportunities and ways to make greater use of strengths. In work, many will be able to successfully build on their position or now move to a role which better suits their talents. This is very much a time to keep alert for openings that appeal. Creative endeavours are also favoured with the skills and ideas of many well-received. Personal interests can also develop well with new activities and additional skills opening up useful possibilities. While income may increase, outgoings need to be watched. Considerable spending on home is likely and large purchases need careful consideration and costing. Rats also need to keep lifestyle in balance, giving time to loved ones and friends. If too busy or preoccupied, Rats could face a few tricky moments. Rats take note. Enjoy the year but give attention to others, sharing thoughts and encouraging joint activities

Year of the defensive dog

Tip for the year: Use chances well but keep lifestyle in balance. Stay well-organised and draw on help and advice available.

OX

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

Determined, reliable and hard-working, Oxen put much energy into what they do. They are thorough and well-organised and do not like to leave things to chance. Loyal to loved ones, Oxen are admired for their dependable, no-nonsense ways. A variable year and while progress will be made, it will require considerable effort. Throughout the year Oxen will need to proceed carefully and adapt as required. This is no year to be stubborn or resistant to change. In work extra pressures could arise but with the chance to extend duties. What is accomplished can be significant as later opportunities arise. To help prospects, Oxen should take advantage of training and chances to network and raise profile. Oxen need to watch spending and give extra attention to financial paperwork. Travel prospects are excellent. Relations with others can also bring great pleasure. For the unattached significant romance is possible, with some marrying or settling down with another. Personal interests can have a good social element with home life active and a good mix of undertakings and occasions to appreciate. Although a busy year, Oxen will rise well to the challenges and gain much in the process

Tip for the year: Enjoy relations with others and build new connections. By reaching out, good times can be had with situations and prospects advanced.

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 fair year ahead and one to act determinedly on plans and hopes. With effort, good progress can be made. In work, skills and experience will allow many to take on greater responsibilities or move to a position offering better prospects. A year to make more of strengths. Progress can help financially and with travel well indicated, provision for a holiday and time away could be worth considering. Personal life, too, will see much activity with many widening their social circle and for the unattached, romance could beckon. Domestically busy times are indicated with good news and times to share. However, with much happening it is important there is good liaison between all with dialogue and openness helping many an undertaking. On a personal level, Tigers will find themselves in demand with many appreciating their

good counsel. Overall a good, successful year when hard work and commitment will be well-rewarded.

Tip for the year: Be disciplined, using time and chances well. Value relations with others, with shared activities and pursuits bringing considerable pleasure.

RABBIT

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

With a kindly, understanding nature, Rabbits attach much importance to their home and social life. They enjoy company and conversation and with their refined tastes they are all for an agreeable lifestyle. A good judge of situations, Rabbits are careful in their actions and wary of risk.

A good year ahead, however Rabbits will need to focus on key aims and be wary of distraction. In the workplace in particular, much may be happening and cause Rabbits some disquiet – but by concentrating on duties and using chances to add to skills, there will be opportunity for many to prove themselves in new ways and sow the seeds for future advance. This is a year to proceed steadily, watchfully and take advantage of openings. Personal interests are also favoured and with chance to develop ideas and make greater use of talents. Interests, too, could have a pleasing social element with Rabbits encouraged and frequently inspired. Romantic prospects are good. In home life a busy year with celebrations and ambitious projects. Here, joint effort and good planning can lead to much going ahead. With an active lifestyle and much to do, spending needs to be watched. Overall, a pleasing and constructive year.

Tip for the year: Build on skills. The good done is an investment in self and future, especially favourable for the year after.

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 and enjoy many interests but value their independence. Dragons will be tested this year and while there will be pressures and challenges to overcome, with their usual resolve they can get much value from the year as well as prepare themselves for later successes. Dog years are ones for treading carefully and liaising closely with others rather than acting too independently. In work, an excellent year to widen skills and duties and raise profile. Money matters need careful attention and risks avoided. With travel indicated, provision for a holiday could be appreciated and bring chance to see and try something different. Social life will be busy with new and existing interests helping to widen the social circle.

Home life will also see much activity but with much happening and being considered, plans need to be thought through with time set aside to share, enjoy and unwind. To be continually busy or occupied could lead to strains. Dragons take note and in the Dog year, be mindful. The good work done this year can leave an important legacy.

Tip for the year: Avoid rush, exercising care in activities and liaising well with those around.

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 enjoy wide interests and are loyal to those close to them.

Snakes will appreciate the steadier nature of the year and are set to do well in many activities. This is an excellent year to start projects with the Dog year rich in possibility. In work, openings can occur which will allow many Snakes to make more of their expertise as well as often move to a more fulfilling position. This is a year for positive change and deserving headway. Finances can improve and Snakes should make provision for travel, especially with good travel chances arising. In home life there needs to be good cooperation between all, with practical projects satisfying but slow moving. Although often busy, Snakes should not neglect social life with this being a good year to meet and engage with others. Snakes also need to pay attention to well-being, ensuring they have adequate exercise and rest during busy times. Maintaining a good lifestyle balance is recommended. Overall an encouraging year.

Tip for the year: Concentrate on priorities, using chances and ideas well. Give attention to self and balance out activities.

HORSE

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

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 and being independent-minded, set about much in their own individual way.

A positive year but with a proviso – although Horses may be keen and eager they cannot do all they want alone. This is a year to join forces with others, build support and make contacts. In work good progress can be made with Horses able to develop and extend skills. By working closely with colleagues and networking good chances can arise with fresh opportunity for some. Dog years are also excellent for personal development and whether academically for work or interests, study can reward well and be

could be a tricky and tense one

an investment in self and future. A busy lifestyle will also bring Horses into contact with many, with romantic prospects potentially significant. Home life too will see much activity with celebrations and for some, relocation in store. Many will also enjoy domestic projects with plans developing well. With a lot happening, Horses need to manage spending and budget ahead. An active and rewarding year

Tip for the year: A year to join with others, enjoying and building on support. Aim to further self by considering new pursuits.

GOAT

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

Goats have a good understanding of human nature. Observant, caring and sociable, Goats like company and having support for the things they do. 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 year for caution and care. During this time Goats could face increased pressures with progress sometimes difficult. In some cases, they could find strengths not always appreciated and in work situations be troubled by office politics or the competitiveness of some. Ideally, Goats should remain focused on objectives, be patient and use chances to add to skills. Results this year need working for but when they come will be well-deserved. Goats also need to be thorough in money matters and wary of risk or overspending. In home life Goats will value the support given by loved ones with shared activities favoured. Personal interests can also have a good social element and by joining with others, valuable new friendships and contacts can be made. While not an easy year, by being careful, aware and using chances well, Goats can emerge from the year with worthy gains to their credit which can often be successfully built on, especially next year.

Tip for the year: Remember, problems are learning opportunities. Be resolved and patient, allowing time for efforts and rewards to filter through.

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. An active and rewarding year with good progress indicated. However, while Monkeys can fare well, they need to be on their guard. Dog years can trip up the unwary and Monkeys should avoid taking risks or being careless, especially in money matters. Extra attention is advised when considering large purchases and dealing with important paperwork. In work, experience could prove useful with opportunities to advance and new openings arising. A year to make strengths count. An increase in social activity is indicated with an interesting mix of things to do and supportive friends. For the unattached, there may be some interesting romantic possibilities and surprises. Home life can see personal and family celebrations and with good co-operation, some meaningful times can be enjoyed. Practical projects could be protracted with Monkeys needing to be patient with certain activities and plans. A pleasing and progressive year.

Tip for the year: Make the most of unfolding situations but be careful in money matters. Avoid risk or hurrying purchases without checking implications.

ROOSTER

1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

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 demanding year but one of interesting possibility. While Roosters like to plan, they need to

TREASURES

show greater flexibility and so make the most of changing situations. In work, Roosters will have chances to develop skills with many taking on new duties, but during the year they need to be mindful of colleagues and draw on advice and support. This is not a year for adopting too independent an approach. Personal interests can develop well with Roosters also enjoying good travel opportunities, some arising at short notice. With discipline and waiting for the right moment, Roosters could also be fortunate when making certain key purchases. Social life can see an increase in activity although when in company, Roosters need to be attentive. An inadvertent slip could cause problems. Domestically much is set to happen and here good communication and co-operation can be to the advantage of all. A busy year containing good chances

Tip for the year: Liaise closely with those around you and show flexibility over arrangements and plans. This way more can be accomplished.

DOG

1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

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

Full steam ahead. Dogs can accomplish great things in their own year and by putting themselves forward and pursuing ideas and chances, much headway can be made. In work many will be well-placed to make advances or secure a new and more suitable position. By remaining active and alert, Dogs can benefit from some ideal opportunities. With this their own year it is also an excellent one to think ahead for new skills, qualifications or trying out a different interest capable of rewarding well. Many will also enjoy domestic projects with much activity and pleasing family developments indicated. Feeling inspired, Dogs will instigate much. Social opportunities can lead to new friends and for the unattached, romantic prospects

potentially significant. An excellent year but Dogs need to seize the initiative and make things happen. With action, serendipity and a certain amount of luck could come into play

Tip for the year: Be resolved and act determinedly on plans and hopes. With effort much can be achieved with deserving successes to enjoy.

PIG

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

Outgoing, kindly and trusting, Pigs enjoy good relations with others, 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.

An encouraging year with developments of long-term significance. In work, training given and chances arising can open up new possibilities and by pursuing, what Pigs now learn and accomplish can enhance reputation and prospects. This is also an excellent year to network and raise profile. Effort can reward, especially in the following Pig year. Pigs will also enjoy the many social opportunities and extend their circle of friends. Interests too can develop well with some inspired by a new pursuit and chance to develop talents in new ways. Home life will be busy with Pigs helping others, overseeing much and with possible family celebrations too. Their organisational skills will be appreciated although practical projects could be time consuming and more extensive than anticipated. Some could enjoy money luck over the year, with travel bringing some memorable times. A pleasing and constructive year.

Tip for the year: A year for building, whether skills, connections or working towards certain aims. Much that is accomplished can have future value. Build well.

Neil Somerville is the author of “Your Chinese Horoscope for Each and Every Year”, published by Thorsons.

GARDENING

Flower wishes come true

SHRUBS that flower for an extended period is the wish of all gardeners, despite the fact most shrubs flower for only a relatively short time.

While nature wonderfully provides us with a continuity of flowers for all seasons, some shrubs surprise us with their long flowering period.

There are two fine examples in hydrangeas and oleanders, which offer flowering from late spring to late autumn.

Hydrangeas, beloved of gardeners of earlier times, are coming back into fashion despite being often considered difficult to grow, requiring shade and applying chemicals to achieve the preferred flower colour. And yet hydrangeas grow very well in this district with an extremely long flowering period. Today’s hydrangeas don’t need the application of chemicals to change colour; modern varieties if blue, stay blue or pink, stay pink irrespective of soil type.

Hydrangeas are native to North and South America and some are from Asia. Ranging from small shrubs to climbers, an example of the latter is Hydrangea petiolaris from Korea, Japan and Himalaya. With pure white flowers that are

climber that needs a strong trellis or can be trained on horizontal wires. Then there’s Hydrangea quercifolia or oak leaf hydrangea, with huge leaves and equally large, impressive white flowers. One recent white-flowered, smaller introduction from Plant Growers Victoria is “Candlelight” growing to 1.5 metres x 1.5 metres. There are mainly two types grown, hortensia and lacecaps. The hortensia are mop headed of mainly sterile ray florets. The lacecap is flat-topped, consisting of small, fertile flowers in the centre and large ray florets in an outer ring, plus within these groups there are singles,

ers, preferring early morning sun with the extremes of heat off them by mid-morning. However, having said this I know of huge hydrangeas growing in full sun. They are not fussy about soils providing they drain well. Obviously, they must not be allowed to dry out in summer with a good application of mulch in spring.

AT the mention of oleanders many people throw their hands up in horror, fearful that all parts of the plant are poisonous – as are many other commonly grown plants.

“Canberra Gardener” once listed more than 120 plants that, if chewed or eaten, could be harmful to humans and animals: or could cause severe skin irritations when touched.

Commonly grown plants such as daphne, delphiniums, euphorbia are examples.

Oleander (Nerium) is from south-east Asia and now widely

A large stand of oleander is growing behind the Canberra Theatre. Just look at the delightful flowers in the photo. Tall and dwarf varieties are available to suit all gardens.

Jottings…

• I noticed, in magazine format, “Your Essential Guide to Pruning” from the BBC Gardeners’ World. It’s an excellent publication, available from newsagents, with the information applicable here.

• Think about establishing a compost heap before autumn.

• Don’t worry if the leaves are shrivelling on the Clematis napaulensis or “Wisley Cream”. They are winter-flowering clematis and lose their leaves at this time, not through lack of water.

• Plant now Amaryllis belladonna, Nerine bowdenii, Schizostylis coccinea and Colchicum or autumn crocus for an autumn display.

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The Sun, Mercury, Venus and Neptune visit your solitude zone. Spend time in a special location, where you can contemplate your future and look within. A beautiful garden or secluded beach would be the perfect place to recharge your run-down batteries. Mars also encourages you to dream big. Be inspired by birthday great, writer Anais Nin: “Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back. A new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Watch out for stubbornly holding a fixed position in your dealings with others. You may not be seeing the full picture so aim to be more flexible. But don’t let a colleague, friend or acquaintance pull the wool over your eyes. Keep that detector set on high. You’re in the mood to chat and socialise with your peer group on the weekend but be careful what you say. Think before you speak because indiscreet words (especially on Sunday) could lead to long regrets later on.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

With Venus in your career zone, it’s time to beautify your work environment and socialise with colleagues. And some singles will start an on-the-job romance. Then Mercury links up with Neptune on the weekend, which boosts creativity and intuition. But it also increases the likelihood of computer confusion, missed appointments and mixed messages. So don’t believe everything you hear. If you pass on salacious gossip, then you could end up with egg on your Gemini face!

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

It’s a wonderful week to foster friendships and nurture international contacts. Plus make sure you’re carrying your weight in all your major relationships. Communicating with a stressed loved one will be tense, but a pinch of patience will get you through. Dynamic Mars encourages you to concentrate your energy on matters of a financial and/or business nature. Lucky opportunities are hovering around, but you’ll need to be a canny and proactive Crab to catch them.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

When it comes to your daily routine, avoid making any hasty moves. You know which tasks need to be done, and Saturn will help you knuckle down and complete them properly. So stop complaining, bite the bullet and just get on with things. If you’re searching for your soul mate, then your motto for the moment is from writer Anais Nin (who was born on February 21): “You don’t find love, it finds you. It’s got to do with destiny, fate, and what’s written in the stars.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Saturn helps stabilise your energy mid-week so it’s a terrific time to roll up your sleeves, put your head down and get things done, as you turn creative ideas into practical and productive projects. Romance is also in the air, as Venus and Neptune rev up your relationship zone. If you’re single, the Sun sends some serious contenders in your direction. Don’t be dazzled by appearances though! Have the patience to pick a partner who has less surface gloss and more inner substance.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Have you been feeling lethargic Libra? With four planets activating your wellbeing zone, it’s time to focus on healthy food and fitness. And make sure any exercise program you start also has a social element to it (like tennis, squash or golf) otherwise you’ll quickly lose interest. Romance is highlighted mid-week. If you are attached, don’t place unrealistic expectations on your partner. If you’re single, avoid falling for someone who is actually unavailable in some way.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

The Sun is moving through fellow water-sign Pisces, which boosts your creativity and sensitivity. This week much of your time will be consumed by a confusing problem involving a child, teenager or friend. In order to satisfactorily resolve the situation you’ll need to be proactive, diplomatic and compassionate. When it comes to work, destiny is around you at the moment. You’ll find the more proactive you are about pursuing your professional dreams, the luckier you’ll be.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

With Mars in your sign, you’re feeling bold and beautiful but don’t barge in and think you can easily fix a situation. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that you’re not aware of. So check the facts thoroughly before you proceed. Mars does encourage you to make plans for a fabulously inspiring future. Draw inspiration from birthday great, wildlife warrior Steve Irwin: “Be passionate and enthusiastic in the direction that you choose in life, and you’ll be a winner.”

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

The buzz word at the moment is communication. Your Capricorn curiosity is piqued, and you’re keen to converse with a wide range of people. And the best way to showcase your numerous talents is within a group situation or via social networking. The more time and effort you put into building firm foundations (at work and at home) the more it will benefit you further down the track. So this week it’s important to employ long-term strategies, rather than short-term fixes.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

This week the planets light up your inner security zone. So don’t let other people undermine your self-confidence. Remember, with strong self-esteem you can climb any mountain, weather any storm and sail any turbulent sea. Attached Aquarians – you have much to learn from your partner. Singles – a burgeoning affair has a special fated quality. This person will challenge you and help you to grow and mature emotionally. But it won’t be an easy or smooth-sailing relationship.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

This week Venus and Mercury hook up with Neptune (your patron planet) which highlights creativity, spirituality and compassion, as you reach out and help someone in need. But avoid escaping into a fantasy world for too long. Make the most of the Sun moving through your sign, as you go out and get what you want.

As birthday great Anais Nin wrote: “Good things happen to those who hustle.” The more proactive, passionate and positive you are, the better the week will be.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2018

Across

3 What are the letters of a language, in their customary order? (8)

7 To keep under restraint, or in custody, is to do what? (6)

8 Which instrument was played by Glenn Miller? (8)

9 Name a well-known type of whisky. (6)

10 To consign to some obscure position, is to do what? (8)

11 What is situated near the Pyramids of El Giza Egypt? (6)

14 Which term describes economic resources? (6)

17 What is the world wide web also known as? (8)

18 Name the capital of Turkey. (6)

19 That which diminishes hardness could be termed as a what? (8)

20 In which continent does England lie? (6)

21 What might we call those who pass on messages? (8)

Down

1 Name the US term for tomato sauce. (7)

2 Name a cocktail largely of gin with dry vermouth. (7)

3 What is a malignant infectious disease of animal stock? (7)

4 Which large baskets are made from cane, wickerwork, etc? (7)

5 Which fabric is woven with an elaborate design from any yarn? (7)

6 Name another term for wigwams. (7)

11 To clip with shears, is to do what? (7)

12 To be malevolent is to be what? (7)

13 What is a place set apart for young children? (7)

14 Name the brightest star in the zodiacal constellation, Scorpius. (7)

15 Who was the supposed prototype of Robinson Crusoe, Alexander ...? (7)

16 What is the treatment of disease, etc, as by some curative process? (7)

Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Harley's super returns a surprise tax shock

Harley came to see me brandishing a document from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

“It's something called 'Your Superannuation Excess Transfer Balance Determination and it seems to say that I have to take more than $500,000 out of my pensions," he said.

"I don’t understand why or what it all means.”

I told him that from July 1, 2017 many changes were made to superannuation and the main one that impacted on him was that the maximum total amount an individual was able to have in pension phase was $1,600,000.

"If the fund increases in value after that date, provided no additional contributions have been made to the fund and that the increase is solely due to earnings, that's okay, " I said.

"The only issue is the value on July 1, 2017.”

"I note that you have four pensions; two from CSS, which are taxable and two account-based pensions that are tax free. "The CSS pensions are valued by applying a legislated factor to the pension amount, which provides their value," I said.

"These are valued at about $1,000,000, whereas the two accountbased pensions are valued at their face value, which you advise is about $1,100,000.

“The ATO determination indicates that your total balance is $2,121,085, which seems to be correct. It shows that as you have exceeded the maximum amount that you are allowed to have in super of $1,600,000 by $500,000 plus notional earnings. You will need to transfer $521,085 either into an accumulation fund – that is a superannuation fund that does not pay you a pension – or take it out of superannuation altogether.”

Harley was keen to know which option I thought was better for him.

“From a tax perspective, the main difference between a pension fund and an accumulation fund is that the pension fund does not pay tax while an accumulation fund pays tax of 15 per cent on the earnings of the fund.

"The reason you would be better off leaving your funds in superannuation in accumulation phase is the tax rate. The superannuation fund will only pay tax at 15 per cent if you leave it in superannuation whereas if you earn the income directly, the tax rate will be at least 39 per cent.

“The consequence of having exceeded your cap is that the ATO attributes a notional rate of interest to the excess figure and calculates 'excess transfer balance earnings'.

"For you, these are calculated to be $21,085 at the date of the notice. The tax on this is estimated to be $3,162.84, which you will need to pay when you receive the assessment to be issued by the ATO.

“I suggest you contact your financial adviser as soon as possible to take the appropriate amount out of one or both of your accountbased pensions by March 6, 2018 so that you comply with the ATO requirements and do not incur any additional charges. You cannot draw the amount from the CSS pensions”

Harley said that while he didn't like having to pay additional tax, he just hadn’t realised that his pensions were valued so highly and that this legislation impacted on him.

"Now I understand what this letter from the ATO means,” he said. If you need help with your tax, super, SMSF or other retirement matter, please contact the expert team at Gail Freeman & Co.