CityNews 190801

Keeping an eye on the night sky NICHOLE OVERALL

Vicki’s always had the community at heart MICHAEL MOORE

Irony of an Aboriginal celebration in prison JON STANHOPE

The stupid bridge too far PAUL COSTIGAN

Eight pages of wedding help

Tireless Kristy can’t say no to another adventure

By Kathryn VUKOVLJAK

FROM ultramarathons to whitewater rafting and trekking Machu Picchu, creating adventures is a major part of what Kristy Janszen loves to do.

The rest is pure inspiration and motivation with a core group of clients, who personal trainer Kristy says have come further, mentally and physically, than they ever thought possible.

“We go on adventures every couple of months. We’ve done the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, a high-ropes course, snowboarding, Supercar races – if someone suggests something I’ll get a group together,” she says.

“On top of that we do the same main races every year, which creates interest on social media and I’ll have other clients asking if they might be able to give it a go next time.”

Kristy, 39, runs Pioneer Training in Bonython from 4.30am daily with bootcamp, PT clients and a running squad.

“The girls are so appreciative of what I do and it does take up a huge part of my life, but I enjoy it,” she says.

Arts & Entertainment 31-33

Canberra Matters 6

Cinema 33

Crossword 35

Dining 32

Gardening 34

Horoscopes 35

Letters 12

News 3-14

Politics 8

Socials 16-17

“Even as a young kid, I’d set up little races in the courtyard at school and hand out my homemade certificates.

“It’s always been a part of me to help people progress. I hate bullies, where someone would put someone else down, so I’ve always gone out of my way to encourage people.”

Kristy started Pioneer in 2007 after wanting to create a different fitness atmosphere to the gym.

“I got sick of walking into the gym and seeing people not talking to each other, with headphones on or watching a screen,” she says.

“I wanted to create a community feel, encourage the girls to chat and connect, support each other, and to make it as inclusive as I can. It’s a close-knit group and the more they put in, the more I do. You’re giving 100 per cent, I’ll give 150 per cent. That’s how it’s going to work.”

Getting outdoors is also part of the equation, she says, and working on the theory that if people have a good time, they’ll keep coming back.

“With the races and adventures, the group don’t want to miss out on the fun, so they get fitter and stronger,” she says.

“When you listen to their stories, work out why they don’t want to do something and work through that, it’s amazing to see the progress that follows.

Cover: A Naomi Peris Bridal design modelled by Janette Wojtaszak. Make-up by Jaimee Wilson and hair by 121 Hair.

Photo: Simona Razmoska. Weddings feature Pages 18-25.

Ph 02 6189 0777 Fax 02 6189 0778 9b/189 Flemington Rd, Mitchell 2911

Well written, well read Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, 9b/189 Flemington Road, Mitchell.

WHEN IT MATTERS

“Some ladies tell me: ‘I used to never turn up to cross country’ or ‘my PE teacher hated me’, and it blows my mind that these girls are

Since 1993: Volume 25, Number 29

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getting up at 3am to do 10 laps of Mount Taylor. And they weren’t like that before. Seeing where they’re at and what they want to accomplish,

and I think someone saying to me: ‘I don’t think I’ll be able to do that’ – is a challenge for both of us. I’m very determined and a challenge like that lights me up.”

Kristy, who’s married to KimMarie and has two grown-up stepdaughters, says training is more for mental health than anything else.

“I love the endorphin release you get – I could be having the worst day in the world, but I can put on my runners, head out the front door and feel amazing after a run.

“My wife comes to the sessions, too; she’s very supportive of me and knows the effect training has and how the group has changed some of these girls’ lives.

“It’s a reset button. It’s natural for me, and with my clients it’s about trying to find the happy medium for them. I never set something too hard, or they won’t turn up. If it makes them feel good they’ll keep coming back and progressing.

“The mental benefits are one of the biggest reasons they train, and I’ve been told it is literally saving some lives,” she says.

“It’s awesome that they lose weight or did an ultramarathon, but hearing ‘it’s saved me’, I find it amazing to be able to give people access to this.”

More at 0400 806111 or email kristy@pioneer-training.com

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• Accessing aged care for the first time

• Navigating MyAgedCare

• Transitioning between the Commonwealth Home Support Program, Home Care Packages and/or Residential Aged Care

• Your rights and responsibilities

SEVEN DAYS

NEWSHOUNDS were sent scurrying early on Thursday after initial reports “a big dude going nuts and having a meltdown” at a Barton hotel was a politician.

dose of dorin

Recently elected Victorian Labor MP Will Fowles was apparently displeased with the service at the Abode and attempted to kick down a locked storage room door to access his luggage.

IT didn’t take long for the famed Aussie sense of humour to hit social media.

Gideon Rozner, of the Institute of Public Affairs, was quick off the mark, tweeting: “Well, at least Will Fowles will be able to get a cushy job as a lobbyist once he’s forced out of parliament. He does have a knack of ‘opening doors’ in Canberra”.

AND journalist Josh Taylor chimed in with the cutting character assessment:

“Never before has a ‘don’t-youknow-who-I-am’ resulted in more people knowing who someone was”.

FOR those who don’t know who he is, in a 2005 profile Gabriella Coslovich wrote in “The Age” that Fowles was a “consummate performer; boisterous, funny, personable, he sounds sincere even when not answering your questions”.

SPEAKING of boisterous political

performers, new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson claims a camping connection with the capital. The blond-haired Brexiteer told “The Canberra Times” in 2015 that while backpacking in the 1980s he got lost in the dark, “managed to pitch a tent in the middle of the road”, waking to discover he’d spent the night on one of our traffic roundabouts. While a shroud of scepticism hovers over the story it’s nonetheless a cracker.

IT’S been a busy week for the member for Monaro John Barilaro. In his own backyard,

Barilaro was brave and bold, delivering a broadside at local ABC radio. According to Bega’s “District News”, the NSW Nationals’ leader accused ABC South East of “continuing to perpetrate the lies” and “cherry picking” his comments. On the station’s breakfast program the NSW Deputy Premier angrily promoted a hashtag “turn off ABC South East.”

HOWEVER, deputising for Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Barilaro was more civilised when copping a minor caning from headmaster Hadley on 2GB. The impressive dash demonstrated earlier all but disappeared as Barilaro meekly accepted the shock jock’s dictation on juvenile justice, to be delivered back to Gladys.

SHAME longtime Liberal MLA Vicki Dunne won’t experience the spoils of government she anticipates her party will enjoy after next year’s October poll. A canny exponent of using media to give opponents a “tickle”, Dunne filled many roles, including Speaker, over her almost two decades in the Assembly, but has decided “the time was right”. Michael Moore salutes her contribution this week on Page 8.

TWO Canberra-based Labor lads came to the rescue of a damsel in distress. New MP for the Queensland seat of Lilley Anika Wells dominated social media with details of writing her maiden speech while caring for two-year-old daughter Celeste. Wells tweeted: “When a toddler travels, a small flotilla of toddler-based safety flotsam &

TUITION BY KUMON

60 YEARS OF PROVEN RESULTS

Jordan’s dad Mike was concerned with his lack of skills in mathematics. He had NAPLAN tests coming up so Mike did some research to see what he could do to help. He decided to enrol Jordan at Kumon.

After assessing Jordan’s current skill level, his Kumon Instructor started him with worksheets in basic addition to improve his mental calculation. Within a few months Mike could see that not only was Jordan able to add and subtract mentally but he was also completing multiplication and division with ease.

comfort jetsam is required. Celeste’s sitting week essentials have been hand delivered by lovely local dads & my new parliamentary colleagues @DaveSmithMP and @AleighMP”.

STILL on Labor types hand-delivering things, Ginninderra MLA Tara Cheyne has promised to do just that for those who purchase her new “I heart Belco” T-shirts. The shirt features that infamous icon of the region the owl, which stands proudly on Benjamin Way.

WALKING through Belconnen Westfield I was approached by a young man asking if I had $2 “for a bus fare”. I didn’t have $2 but happily gave him a $5 note. I watched him walk away to a group of six of his contemporaries nearby where he was met with high fives all-round. Another of his cohort, also apparently short of the readies for a bus fare, put the bite on another passer-by. Then something very odd happened. The group headed in the opposite direction from the bus interchange, to the cinema.

Mike said, “I can see that Jordan will now be fine with his NAPLAN testing and I can see that there is good value in continuing with Kumon to help him prepare for High School”.

How does Kumon work?

Do you want the ‘Kumon advantage’ for your child?

Kumon Maths and English programs cater for children from preschool to year 12 with a daily approach to developing excellent academic skills. The Kumon Instructor tailors your child’s study program based on their specific needs. Students attend Kumon classes twice each week and receive homework to do every other day.

We have four Kumon Centres in Canberra located throughout the city. We’ve collectively helped thousands of students improve their Maths and English abilities for almost 30 years.

CANBERRA MATTERS

The capital authority’s stupid bridge too far

FIRST, the obvious: Canberra is cherished as the bush capital by residents and people nationally and internationally. Change is welcomed as the place fills with new people and adapts for the changing climate conditions.

The big problem: The flaw in any optimistic thinking is that the ACT’s Labor/Greens government and the National Capital Authority (NCA) have decided that having residents agree with important planning and development decisions is optional because the priorities are set by the development sector. Residents have little trust in the NCA or the ACT government.

Here’s a recent case of stupidity. The NCA released statements about the need to re-assess the future of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge given the expectation that stage two of the tram needs to cross the lake.

The NCA stated that given that the bridge is ageing, requires maintenance and is not suitable to take the weight of the tram,

that the NCA may need to consider its demolition and replacement. This is rubbish. It is a case of alternative facts being promoted as something real. There’s a lot of this from these agencies.

The reality check: At a July meeting of the Lake Burley Griffin Guardians, the original project engineer for the construction of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge presented very clear evidence of how wrong the NCA’s position is.

The bridge will still be there well beyond 200 years and given that this bridge consists of two bridge sections (see image) with a space in between, a third bridge section could be added between the present sections. This was envisaged when the bridge was constructed but not acted on. This new section could be added now to take the tram as well as possibly an extra lane for bicycles.

The cost of following the stupid suggestion of removing and replacing Commonwealth Avenue Bridge would be enormous. It is a complex engineer ing thing and would require very complicated demolition work and be a huge disruption for the city.

As with so many instances of misleading information, for example the Civic pool, Section 72 Dickson, Kippax shops and West Basin, where our government agencies use the media to present false narratives as facts, the debate about Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, as started by the NCA, is seriously disingenuous. This Commonwealth agency could and should do better!

And so to the debate beyond the bridge: The issue of the tram going south is almost a certainty. If so, what is to be the fate of the significant cedar trees in the middle of the avenue leading up to parliament hill?

These have a heritage value in that they were planted by the city’s first tree expert (horticulturist), Charles Weston. Here again it would be good for the city if we could rely on the

The cost of following the stupid suggestion of removing and replacing Commonwealth Avenue Bridge would be enormous. It is a complex engineering thing and would require complicated demolition work and be a huge disruption for the city. 1800 561 546

agencies involved to think laterally and to take the residents with them on the decisions to be made about these trees. This will probably not happen.

Despite this, let’s place a little optimism out there. Is there a solution to having the tram run up this avenue and still have a significant landscape and greenery as a result? Yes.

Let’s start by asking what would Charles Weston do? Would he see the obvious that landscapes change and that the important issue is how could this new infrastructure deliver improvements that enhance this national landscape?

Maybe the agencies should start the consultations on new landscape designs for the areas around Commonwealth Avenue (including around

the Albert Hall) with the emphasis on more mature trees, same or similar to the cedars and elms, planted appropriately well before work starts on the tram.

The landscapes around the tram need to be something spectacular – not like the stuff on Northbourne Avenue. There may be other innovative landscape design solutions. For this we need government agencies we can trust. As for the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, please be sensible and start work on designing that third span for the tram.

Paul Costigan is an independent commentator and consultant on the visual arts, photography, urban design, environmental issues and everyday matters.

Working for the best possible solution

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Vicki’s always had the community at heart

AS much as I have regularly disagreed with her, I cannot help but admire Vicki Dunne. Her announcement that she will not contest the next election means there will be a gap left in the conservative side of politics.

Vicki has the capacity to vigorously disagree at the same time as listening to the alternatives and being respectful of those opposing her view. This is a quality that should be fundamental to democratic legislatures. In this respect, newer MLAs would do well to take a page from her book.

I first came across Vicki when she was vigorously advocating for the adoption of the Hare-Clark system of voting. With the support of then-MLA Gary Humphries and her husband Lyle, she injected energy, commitment and enthusiasm into a campaign. That campaign delivered one of the most advanced electoral systems in the world accurately ascertaining voter intention.

Before her election in 2001, as I departed the Legislative Assembly, Vicki had been a senior adviser to my ministerial colleagues and later chief minister, Gary Humphries.

Whether you agree with her or not – it is clear that Vicki Dunne has made a significant contribution to the ACT community before and during her five terms as an MLA.

In this capacity she was both a great supporter when we were in agreement and an effective opponent when our paths diverged.

Her reflections on the polarisation of the Legislative Assembly and reluctance to seek negotiated outcomes after her long-term involvement are telling.

Referring to Labor and the Greens she said: “We don’t have a diverse crossbench – we have people on the crossbench but they’re all the one stripe. In previous Assemblies where you might have three or four people on the crossbench you get quite different outcomes. It was harder to push through legislation and you often got a better outcome”.

During that time, it was also much more common for private members, whether on the crossbench or in the opposition, to successfully present legislation. The ability to move amendments and offer sensible debate around legislation was also facilitated by a diverse crossbench.

Having won a seat with just 55 votes

to spare in the 2001 election, Dunne set about pushing her conservative policies. However, it was not just within the Parliamentary Liberal Party. Vicki had been working hard to bring more and more like-minded people within the Liberal Party. It was this sort of commitment that should provide a lesson to anyone who has strong beliefs in their own agenda.

Following the 2012 election, Mrs Dunne gained the support of the single crossbench member and previous Speaker, Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury, to be elected as Speaker. This was despite being a member of the Liberal Opposition. Her ability to deal fairly with MLAs from across the political spectrum was her hallmark of an effective parliamentary speaker. Vicki Dunne’s belief in the importance of democratic systems did not dull after the days of the Hare-Clark campaign. Through her role as Speaker she also became much more heavily engaged internationally through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. She was Australia’s representative on that Association during her time as Speaker and was its treasurer from 2016 to 2019. It will not be surprising to my read-

ers that I have very different views on some critical social issues with the conservative views of Vicki Dunne. For example, I strongly disagree with her views on abortion as from my perspective, this is simply a matter of

We also differ on the regulation of prostitution. I was responsible for the current laws in the ACT that regulate prostitution as a legal financial engagement between consenting adults. Mrs Dunne sought to have the Swedish model, which is based on the purchase of sexual favours as a form of coercion, making the male culpable. On other issues such as drug laws we also hold divergent opinions.

However, parliaments are places where people should be free to express differences of opinion. This is so much better than having to protest on the streets – or worse still – to go to war to settle disputes.

Whether you agree with her or not – it is clear that Vicki Dunne has made a significant contribution to the ACT community before and during her five terms as an MLA.

Heritage grants to showcase culture

GRANTS of up to $85,000 for Canberrans to showcase their cultural traditions and heritage have been allocated to the Participation Grant Program for the 2020 National Multicultural Festival. Applications to communityservices.act.gov.au before 5pm, Monday, August 5.

Art over the border

QUEANBEYAN-Palerang Regional Council is calling for all artists and craftspeople who reside in the Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy Monaro or Yass Valley local government areas to enter the non-acquisitive QPRC Art Awards 2019. Works on paper, photographs, sculpture, textiles, painting or mixed media. Entry forms at qprc.nsw.gov.au

Become a member

Members of Pegasus Riding for the Disabled have the ultimate decisionmaking responsibility to guide the organisation’s future through the board and to vote on key governance issues. More information at 6254 9190.

Help save the apes

AN orangutan expert is coming to Australia in a bid to save them from extinction. The ACT component will be at the Fred Daly Room, Canberra Labor Club, 52 Chandler Street, Belconnen, 6.15pm, Friday, August 16.

Until 2 November 2019

Explore stories of activism that have taken place in Canberra over the last century. Canberra has a special relationship with activism. As the national capital of Australia, it is not only the location of protest on local issues, but also the site of national and international protest. No matter whether it’s big and dramatic, or quiet and slow, these are stories of people working for change in the Canberra community.

Upselling hearing loss: retail hearing aids

Recently, I was approached by a patient looking for a second opinion. The week prior she had been to a retail hearing aid store in her local shopping centre, hoping to get some advice regarding her hearing loss. As a pensioner, she should have been able to claim free hearing aids as part of the Australian Government’s hearing loss scheme under the Office of Hearing Services, but when she inquired about the program she was told by the salesperson that the governmentissued hearing aids were of poor quality and inadequate for her needs.

”We need to speak out and about what is going on in the hearing aid industry if we want change.”

– Dr Vass

The salesperson insisted what she needed was one of their more expensive hearing aids, priced at over $7,000 for a pair. Anxious about not being able to afford what seemed to be a necessity, she reached out to a friend who suggested she make an appointment with me for a second opinion.

After consulting with the patient and looking over her results, it became

clear to me that the assessment from the shopping centre was completely wrong. The patient had had surgery on one ear 20 years ago which had resulted in worse hearing loss in that ear and not the other. Yet the “hearing test” from the shopping centre showed that her hearing was equal in both ears. Was this because the tester was incompetent or the equipment was faulty? Or was it just an attempt to cover up a medical condition that would have required the patient to be seen by a doctor before hearing aids could even be considered for her? It is likely we’ll never know the answer, but any of the above explanations would be unacceptable.

We need to speak out and about what is going on in the hearing aid industry if we want change. Anyone who has a similar story can report it to the ACCC.

If you would like to have a complimentary second opinion with Dr Vass please phone 02 6282 2717 to make an appointment.

Irony of an Aboriginal celebration held in prison

LAST month’s NAIDOC celebration at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) was in equal parts happy and sad.

The happiness of the more than 100 Aboriginal men and women incarcerated at the AMC and of the wives, partners, parents, children, other family and friends who joined them for the celebration was palpable and infectious. It was a truly joyous time.

There was also an underlying sadness, which was persistent and cloying, and was a response in part, I guess, to the presence in a single room, of a large group of mainly young Aboriginal men and women from a part of our community that represents just 1.6 per cent of the population, but who were the faces who make up the normally invisible 24 per cent of all people in our prison who are Aboriginal.

This is incidentally the highest relative rate of indigenous incarceration in Australia and quite possibly the world and is an indictment of not just the ACT government but of all of us who live in Canberra.

We have chosen through our silence, complacency and self-centredness to not see, let alone respond to the patently obvious levels of disadvantage and poverty experienced by a large cohort of Aboriginal peoples in Canberra, a consequence of which is their massive over-representation in prison.

It is clear to me that ACT Labor and the Greens are acutely aware that there are far more votes in the tram than there are in addressing indigenous disadvantage.

Regardless of this gloomy backdrop the celebration incorporated gracious speeches from Aboriginal Affairs Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith and the AMC general manager Corinne Jugaston.

However, the speeches of Ms Stephen-Smith and Ms Jugaston, while gracious, didn’t touch on or canvass the obvious incongruity of a celebration of Aboriginal culture and the place of Aboriginal peoples in contemporary Australia being held in a prison, which more than any other place highlights the extent that we as a nation, a community and as individuals have failed Aboriginal peoples.

I am sure the assembled detainees, and their families, who were after all the guests of honour at the celebration, would have welcomed the minister and the general manager using the occasion to expound on the government’s commitment to and plans for addressing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal peoples in the prison.

Information about the government’s plans for reducing recidivism, addressing substance abuse, facilitating post-prison employment and housing

and for introducing genuine education, rehabilitative and employment programs into the prison would have been particularly well received.

Assuming, that is, that such plans exist and that the government’s claimed concerns about the crisis engulfing a large part of the local Aboriginal community are genuine.

In any event the detainees and their families would, I am sure, have welcomed an opportunity to ask questions of the Minister and the general manager about these issues and to provide them with personal insights into the reality of the current management of the AMC and its clear and obvious failings.

The pity is that the general lack of interest within the Canberra community about indigenous disadvantage has enabled the ACT government to pay lip service only to the needs of the Aboriginal community.

For instance, I cannot point to a significant indicator of wellness or wellbeing, outside of healthcare, which shows any discernible improvement in recent years, in the circumstances of Aboriginal peoples in Canberra.

This is most true in relation to

contact by Aboriginal peoples with the criminal justice, juvenile justice and child-protection systems in relation to all of which the situation in Canberra has never been worse and in relation to which the ACT is consistently the worst performing jurisdiction in Australia.

The runaway recidivism rate and the accelerating rates of indigenous incarceration and child removal tell us that what we are currently doing to address this sorry state of affairs is clearly failing.

The 120 Aboriginal detainees addressed by the minister on NAIDOC day at the AMC are living embodiments of that failure but she neither sought to explain how the government proposed to respond to its past failings to break the cycle of offending and disadvantage or to seek to gain a first-hand understanding of the circumstances that led to those whom she was addressing to be locked up in prison.

One issue raised with me by a number of the detainees that might have been better put to the minister, for example, was what is it that the government proposes to do in the new 80-cell reintegration centre to rehabilitate prisoners or prepare them for

release that could not currently be done in the existing facilities? I told them that I feared the answer was “nothing”.

Another issue raised with me and of universal concern among detainees is that they are locked in their cells for, on average, 16 hours a day and left with absolutely nothing to do. When I asked why they thought this was being done the most common answer was that the prison budget had been cut to pay for the tram and there were not enough staff to enable them to spend more time out of cells.

While I am not sure if that is the case, it is clear to me that ACT Labor and the Greens are acutely aware that there are far more votes in the tram than there are in addressing indigenous disadvantage.

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.

LETTERS

‘Fix My Street’ fixes nothing in Hughes!

THE “Fix My Street” facility, available via the Access Canberra website, is a great idea. It’s a pity about the useless government employees on the other end that cause nothing but frustration and wasted taxpayers’ money.

I recently relived my past irritations as I read yet another invitation from the ACT government, via the Access Canberra newsletter, for the public to use the “Fix My Street” portal. This invitation was in order to make Stirling more “age friendly” following previous (pilot) suburbs Hughes and Page in 2018. Let us know what needs to be done, asks the government! Well, good luck with that.

Among other requests I have submitted to “Fix My Street”, one matter in particular concerned the broken and overgrown pavement slabs in a common park area of Hughes.

I actually raised this issue from the get-go in 2018 when Hughes residents were asked – via hard copy snail mail – to submit issues that “impede active travel for seniors”. Nothing was done.

I raised the poor condition of the footpaths yet again in January, this time using “Fix My Street”. Again, nothing.

Well over two months later, I hopped back onto “Fix My Street” only to voice my annoyance at my wasted time and that I wouldn’t be using the facility in the future – life’s too short. And guess what? NFA – no further action. Oh! I tell a lie… someone did come around sometime between January 3 and March 25 to spray paint white arrows on

Arrows on the footpath… months later the sum effort of the ACT government.

some of the concrete slabs, I presume slabs to be replaced.

This is the sum effort of the ACT government on this issue. Taxpayers’ money hard at work – paying someone to spray paint arrows on the pavement for no reason.

Bec Henson, Hughes

McKellar left to rot

I KEEP reading articles in our local newspapers and magazines about the refurbishment of Canberra shopping centres (in the past week alone these have included Dickson, Manuka and Civic) but what about the neglected – and even forgotten – suburb of McKellar?

McKellar was established in 1983 and we have a population of 2746. I moved in as a 22-year-old in 1984 and, like many other young couples, raised my family here. The shops were less than a kilometre walk and much appreciated by the residents.

Until 2012, we had a friendly and well-stocked supermarket and other small shops, next to a well-patronised grass oval and children’s playground; however, the shops fell into decline, the government no longer maintained the playing field, and the shopping centre site was eventually demolished and sold.

So, despite seeing the auction sign go up, the auction date came and went, and the “SOLD” sign went up on the site. But four years later there is still just a big hole and an abandoned building site where our shops – and our hopes for a revitalised hub – now lie in rubble.

I am now in my late 50s. I am a disabled person. My children have since left the suburb and established homes of their own. There are many older residents like me, and many new young families living in McKellar. To buy milk or bread, I would have to catch a bus to Kaleen or Belconnen

(walking to the bus stop is nearly as far as our shops used to be).

It is not surprising, then, that I watch with dismay as so many other suburban shops (as examples, Charnwood, Kambah, etc) are all getting new paving, new seating, a “facelift” when all we want is for the ACT government to put pressure on the purchaser of the McKellar shops site to actually build the shops they promised and for the ACT government to refurbish our playing oval and children’s playground so that McKellar can continue to have a friendly, thriving community meeting place and services once more.

Lyn McGregor, McKellar

Vote 1, Costigan!

HAS Canberra Matters columnist Paul Costigan thought about standing as an independent in the ACT government?

We desperately need someone with his strong, intuitive feelings for Canberra to rectify the damage the Barr government has done to our fair city. Paul, please stand as an independent in the next ACT elections.

Ann Cooper, Wanniassa

Write to us

Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au or write to the editor at: 9b/189 Flemington Road, Mitchell 2911

BRIEFLY Cash grants for young women

THE 2019 Audrey Fagan Young Women Enrichment Grants are now open for those aged between 12 and 18 and undertaking study in the ACT. The grants of up to $2000 are designed to enable young women to develop and enhance their skills in an area of interest and have the potential to increase their participation in decision-making and leadership roles now and into the future. Grant applications, which close at 5pm on Monday, August 19, to communityservices.act.gov.au/home/ grants

Stroke recovery club

THE Monaro Region Stroke Recovery Club meets 10.30am-12.30pm (every fourth Friday) at Queanbeyan Kangaroos Leagues Club, 74 Stuart Street, Crestwood (just off Canberra Avenue near the ACT border). For information, call 1300 650594 or email strokeclubs1@strokensw.org.au or just turn up.

Festival of swing

CANBERRANG is Canberra’s annual festival of swing and one of Australia’s longest-running and best-loved swing dance exchanges. Between August 1-4 there will be 10 events across Canberra powered by live bands and top swing DJs. Tickets via trybooking. com/BCMCJ.

sundayROAST

Stay in touch with the names making news on Sundays from 10am as 2CC and “CityNews” present Canberra’s only local weekend news and current affairs program.

It’s a revolving panel show that brings to the microphone great “CityNews” commentators and 2CC personalities.

Be part of the conversation and call 6255 1206 between 10am and noon.

Keeping an eye on the night sky for science

THE moon and Canberra’s contribution to that momentous landing 50 years ago has excited local imaginations, but the chance of alien signals could well come from another space observatory in our backyard.

Ensconced in a lonely valley near tiny Hoskinstown, about 40 kilometres from the capital, is the Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope: MOST.

For more than half a century, it’s been on the lookout for some seriously mysterious cosmological phenomena.

According to the observatory’s director, Prof Richard Hunstead, a recent collaboration between Sydney and Swinburne Universities enabled it to continue its cutting-edge work.

“If it hadn’t been for the involvement [of Swinburne], and substantial contribution of hardware and software expertise, the telescope would have been forced to close in 2012,” he says.

After this, its name was also upgraded, to UTMOST.

While many think the radio telescope at Parkes, made famous by the movie “The Dish”, is big at 64 metres diameter, UTMOST is the largest antenna of its kind in the southern hemisphere. And it’s not so much a “dish” as a “big steel cross.”

Its huge cylindrical “arms”, consisting of thousands of independent antennae, extend almost a kilometre each. With five times the “viewing” area of Parkes (more than 18,000 square metres), it can search great swathes of the heavens.

Opened in late 1965 and completed two years before Neil Armstrong made that step on to the lunar surface and into history in 1969, UTMOST continues to be a hotspot for radio astronomy.

In scanning for some of the “strangest objects in the universe”, it produces

In this second in NICHOLE OVERALL’s series on Canberra’s role in observing space, she looks at the Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope at Hoskinstown that, for more than half a century, has been on the lookout for some seriously mysterious cosmological phenomena.

information critical to the study of things such as black holes. It also allows for the better understanding of theories such as Einstein’s Relativity (I’m no rocket scientist but, at its most basic, the impact of space and time on each other; alternatively, try to grasp what’s going on in the movie “Interstellar”).

Radio waves from outer space were discovered as recently as 1932. Five years later, the first parabolic “dish” antenna – at just nine metres – was built by American Grote Reber.

Prof Hunstead points out that on Reber’s death, some of his ashes were sent to all the major observatories around the world.

“At Molonglo, they’re in a small diecast box in the telescope’s reflector,” he says.

Given the distance of astronomical radio sources – planets, stars, nebulas and galaxies – the equipment had to become larger and more sensitive. This also accounts for why they’re built so far from people: they need to avoid interference from other electronic devices.

In 1954, the innovative Mills Cross Telescope was conceived by CSIR(O) engineer and later professor of astrophysics Bernard Mills. Built near a disused World War II air strip 40 kilometres west of Sydney, in three short years, it was to become “one of the world’s leading radio astronomy field stations”.

The operational parameters of its first telescope – its 450-metre-long arms providing high resolution and a greater ability to detect weak signals – were described as “remarkable”. Notably, it would conduct a detailed survey revealing numerous “extragalactic” radio emissions – that is, from beyond our Milky Way.

With much clamour for even larger

antennae, a “Super Cross” Telescope was constructed outside Canberra, at a cost of almost a million dollars (near on $13 million in today’s terms).

“It was based on the original design by Mills from his pioneering work in the early 1950s,” says Prof Hunstead.

Consisting of north-south and east-west arms, the latter would be modified in 1978 to become MOST. After 40 years, the former has only recently been redeployed.

One of MOST’s major coups was the first-time detection of the moment a supernova erupted: SN1987A, the closest observable exploding star in four centuries.

Supernovas are the end of a massive star’s life (massive = more than eight times heavier than the sun). The end of its life means it’s exhausted its fuel supplies and can’t sustain itself (to really cheer you up, this is what astronomers say will eventually happen to that radiant orb in our sky – though it’ll expand as a “red giant” to likely obliterate us). The remnants, neutron stars, are the densest, directly observable objects known.

Rapidly rotating, highly magnetised versions of these relics – think half a million times the earth’s mass in a sphere the size of a small city –are called pulsars. They emit regular, focused beams of radiation detectable as radio pulses. The first in the southern hemisphere were discovered by the original Molonglo Telescope, the year after it commenced operations.

Between 1967 and 1978, more than half the known pulsars of the time were located by it. Among UTMOST’s primary work is the observation of pulsars and magnetars – another type of neutron star and the most magnetic objects in the universe.

Then there’s its job detecting another of “astronomy’s biggest puzzles” – fast radio bursts (FRBs). These intense, short-lived “cosmic blips” are even further in the nether regions of space. So elusive are they, in the first decade after their 2007 discovery

A CITIZENS’ AGENDA FOR THE ACT?

Lessons from Belgium’s Permanent Citizens’ Council

still unexplained events could lead to revelations on the composition and mass of the universe.

Heavy stuff, indeed.

In conjunction with other organisations and universities, the ongoing program to search for them has resulted in the 2018 capture of one of the “most energetic FRBs ever detected” (as the energy they produce in a single burst is the equivalent of the output of the sun in a whole day, you get the idea).

A current project setting records for real-time searches for all of this phenomena has also been given another adorable acronym: SMIRF (Survey for Magnetars, Intermittent pulsars, Rotating radio transients and FRBs).

It allows for a sweep of the entire

DATE: Monday, August 19

TIME: 12.30pm - 1.30pm

VENUE: Function Room, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, 180 London Circuit, Civic

In the context of declining trust in democratic institutions, parliaments and communities around the world are looking for novel ways to govern. In Belgium a permanent Citizens’ Council will begin in September composed of a rotating set of 24 randomly selected citizens who will work alongside the existing 25 elected representatives, setting agendas, supporting deliberation and holding MPs to account.

This “Canberra Conversation” will discuss what inspiration a citizens’ council offers for democratic renewal in the ACT. The panel discussion will be moderated by ARC future fellow at the Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance, IGPA, Dr Simon Niemeyer. It will include:

Prof Min Reauchamps, professor of political science at the Catholic University of Louvain and one of the architects of the Citizens’ Council in Belgium.

Associate Prof Carolyn Hendriks is at the Crawford School of Public Policy.

Beth Slatyer is co-convenor of Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy.

southern arc of the Milky Way every 10 volume of information collected means the facility’s recently introduced supercomputers conduct trillions of calculations a second, processing a billion gigabytes of data in a year. Parkes is one of the telescopes that’s part of SETI – the Scientific Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence – and Breakthrough Listen, the most comprehensive quest for alien communication using radio wave and light observations. Perhaps though, given the incredible work going on down a backroad of the capital region, just like those first minutes of footage from the moon landing, the next world-stopping moment from outer space will come from Canberra.

More information at anoverallview. wixsite.com/blog.

SCENE / around canberra

At Business after Business, Deakin

At the Soir Noir dinner, National Aboretum

SCENE / around canberra

At Orthopaedics ACT’s Christmas in July event, Woden

Dr

P:

Dr

P:

Dr

P:

Dr Gawel Kulisiewicz

P: 02 6221 9326

Dr Larissa Trease

P: 02 6221 9345

Dr Chris Roberts

P: 02 6221 9322

Dr Igor Policinski

P: 02 6221 9340

Prof Paul Smith

P: 02 6221 9327

HEALTHY BONES ACTION WEEK

At Orthopaedics ACT we specialise in managing musculoskeletal issues which includes bones, connective tissue and joints

Strong healthy bones and joints help us to stay active, and get more out of life, but nearly one third of Australians live with bone health problems. At Orthopaedics ACT we encourage Canberrans to use these three simple steps to improve bone health and reduce their risk of osteoporosis:

Do weight bearing exercise • Increase dairy intake for calcium • Enjoy safe sunshine for vitamin D

Bones have two cells in them that are working together all the time - one called osteoclasts that break down bone and one called osteoblasts that build up bone. Weight-bearing exercise stimulates these cells to build new, stronger thicker and healthier bone, which along with a good diet, high in calcium and vitamin D as well as positive hormonal health, are crucial to prevent osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a condition of thinning and weakening of bones, caused by an imbalance of these osteoclasts and osteoblasts which increases the chance of broken bones (fractures). Some risk factors for osteoporosis include older age, being a woman (particularly after menopause) or having a fracture of either the wrist, hip or spine after a relatively simple fall.

Concerned you may be at risk of Osteoporosis?

Speak to your GP and they can organise a bone mineral density (DEXA) scan.

Want help with an individual plan of the best activities to promote healthy bones?

Speak with our Sport & Exercise Physician Dr Lari Trease.

Experiencing a bone, joint or soft tissue problem?

Organise a referral to see one of the specialists at Orthopaedics ACT

WEDDINGS

Inspirational ideas for the

THERE are so many things to consider when planning the perfect wedding.

In the lead-up to the big day, it often involves driving from one end of town to the other –sometimes beyond – to find a breathtaking wedding dress, the best catering, the most beautiful venue or exclusive honeymoon deals.

To save future brides and grooms on stress and time, “CityNews” has spoken with many of the region’s wedding experts, some of whom will be at the Canberra Wedding Fair, on Sunday, August 18, where anyone can seek inspiration!

Fair brings wedding experts to one spot

THE Canberra Wedding Fair is about to celebrate a decade of helping couples create their perfect day, when it showcases more than 80 exhibitors at the Australian Institute of Sport on August 18.

Event organiser Danielle Cleary, of Danielle Cleary Events, says the fair is an opportunity for people to explore innovative ideas around weddings, events, food, travel and lifestyle.

“The fair is about giving Canberra and the surrounding region something innovative and interactive,” she says.

But overall, Danielle says, it’s about the chance to meet experts who are passionate about helping the bride or groom with events, travel plans and wedding plans in general.

Other highlights, according to Danielle, will be live music, an outdoor “Foodie Fair” and a “Take Flight Market”, which is a platform for new, small, start-ups.

Danielle says the fair will also feature wellbeing and styling workshops and a runway presentation of new looks by leading designers of bridal, evening, resort and lifestyle attire.

Special guest Viktoria Novak will share her talents in interior and fashion design.

“I’m thrilled to be attending the Canberra Wedding Fair with a VIP style crowns-andgowns model workshop,” Viktoria says.

“I’ll share a few of my personal stories about

has a love of food and live music or just has a passion for fashion, Danielle invites everyone to come along for all the fun of the Canberra Wedding Fair.

Canberra Wedding Fair, at the Australian Institute of Sport, Leverrier Street, Bruce, 10am-3pm, Sunday, August 18. Call Danielle Cleary Events on 0427 666584, email danielle@danielleclearyevents.com or visit canberraweddingfair.com.au

Historic venue for an unforgettable day

THE Royal Queanbeyan Hotel will once again attend the Canberra Wedding Fair and is happy to answer any questions about the venue, says functions and events manager Naomi Chen.

“We’re excited to be an exhibitor again for Canberra Wedding Fair’s upcoming fair with the beautiful and exciting atmosphere they provide,” she says.

“We offer a unique venue with exceptional food quality and services by our experienced event staff and management.”

Naomi says she and event staff will showcase the hotel’s wedding-hosting capabilities and services at the fair. The hotel, which has been recently renovated, offers beautiful and luxe furnishings including velvets, marble and brushed brass, features that will provide wonderful photo opportunities.

Coupled with the character of a heritage building from the early 1900s, Naomi says a wedding at the hotel would create unforgettable memories.

Naomi says the final touch to the hotel’s momentous renovation is the Royal Suite, currently being completed, which is designed to accommodate the full bridal party and make-up artist, hairdresser and photographer.

“For wedding receptions, we provide the Upper House venue exclusively and the wedding couple are provided with a dedicated wedding co-ordinator along with an extensive range of affordable menu packages,” she says.

“We can [also] work with the wedding couple to tailor a menu that reflects their own personal taste and style.”

The Royal Hotel Queanbeyan, 85 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6297 1444, email info@royalhotelqbn.com.au or visit royalhotelqbn.com.au

Wedding and events manager Angelique Carter.

National Press Club has everything covered, says wedding and events manager Angelique Carter.

“The National Press Club has perfected running nationally televised speaker addresses and these skills translate to a no fuss, no stress, quality wedding for you and your guests,” she says.

Angelique grew up in a hospitality-based family, has worked in the field since high school and has been working at the National Press Club since 2014.

Working alongside Angelique is a passionate and experienced team, who in 2018 were awarded wedding caterer of the year.

“A wedding at the National Press Club stands out because all our staff from front of house to our executive chef and his team at the back of house want your wedding to be as special as possible,” she says.

The National Press Club, 16 National Circuit, Barton. Call 6121 2199, email functions@npc.org.au or visit npc.org.au

Reception with Italian flair

AGOSTINIS in East Hotel recently hosted its first wedding reception and the hotel’s general manager, Todd Handy, says they can’t wait to help other couples on their special day.

relaxed atmosphere where people can enjoy top quality food, which is made on site – that’s appealing to all taste buds,” he says.

for the food’s authenticity, Todd says everything is made fresh including the pizza dough and pasta but there are other options, too, which he calls “Italian flair”.

team that love working with our guests and make sure every detail is looked

after,” he says.

“The couples work closely with the operations team and executive chef to ensure that everything runs very well on the day so the bride and groom can focus

couple of long tables to make it feel more

ORIGINALLY built in 1959 as Canberra’s first luxury hotel, the beautifully restored Rex Hotel offers a unique rooftop view where couples can say “I do”, says events team leader Ben Mitchell.

“We’re the only venue in Canberra that can have Black Mountain as a backdrop,” he says.

“[And we often] have sunset ceremonies overseeing Black Mountain.”

The Howling Moon rooftop bar is popular, according to Ben, who says the Rex Hotel regularly hosts weddings, with couples having wedding ceremonies on the rooftop and then the reception inside the hotel.

He says the reception can be held in

either the hotel’s Great Room, which has high ceilings and subtle detailing, or the Grand Ballroom, which radiates old-school glamour and has marble detailing.

In addition to the unique view the rooftop bar offers, Ben says the hotel’s presidential suite is complimentary for newlyweds who hold their wedding at the Rex.

He says the suite is the hotel’s largest and most luxurious room and includes a walk-in dressing room, wet bar, jacuzzi, study with a fireplace and private balcony.

Canberra Rex Hotel, 150 Northbourne Avenue, Civic. Call 6248 5311, email howl@thehowlingmoon.com.au or visit thehowlingmoon.com.au

Create your own fairytale at our rooftop event space The Howling Moon with Canberra's skyline as a divine panoramic backdrop to your reception.

WEDDINGS advertising

Maria’s got something special for any event

MARIA Smith, the owner of Everything Special, loves contributing to someone’s special day with her extensive range of beautiful gifts, keepsakes, bonbonniere and accessories.

Her lifelong passion for weddings and background in bridal design inspired her to establish Everything Special so she could help people with the finer details of their wedding.

“I love creating and contributing to someone’s special day,” says Maria, who can make custom products such as signage, gifts, candles, cake toppers, table place cards, acrylic wishing wells and engraved photographs.

“We design, personalise and custom-make almost anything,” she says. “[We use] a state of the art laser machine to cut, engrave and etch.”

Maria says she stocks an extensive range of off-the-shelf products such as wedding accessories, bridal party socks, robes and T-shirts.

The Everything Special showroom is in Maria’s home in Rivett, which she says means her hours can be flexible and she is open to appointments.

“[We also] offer a mobile service in Canberra where we bring a range of products and even start the design process for products with our clients in their home,” she says.

“We work with our clients to design the perfect product that will complement any special day.”

Everything Special. Call 0430 093588, email info@everythingspecial.com.au or visit everythingspecial.com.au

Say ‘I do’ in a tranquil setting

TUCKED away from the bustle of busy roads, the Royal Canberra Golf Club offers a tranquil and sophisticated venue for weddings, says events and functions co-ordinator Carey Lander.

“There is no traffic noise, just the afternoon calls of native birdlife and the breeze as it rustles through the leaves,” she says.

“[But] the Royal Canberra Golf Club is more than just a destination of ambience, professionalism and sumptuous cuisine.

“It’s everything you need for an unforgettable day.”

Events and functions co-ordinator

With 30 years’ experience in the industry, 19 of those at the Royal Canberra Golf Club, Carey says she is passionate about ensuring brides have their dream weddings, a passion that saw her win the title of No. 1 wedding planner at an ACT venue at the Brides’ Choice Awards in 2018. She is also a finalist in the 2019 Brides’ Choice Awards.

“[I ensure] that each and every bride experiences the perfect day while I fulfil above and beyond their initial expectations,” she says.

“And most importantly, I make it fun [because that’s a] simple element that many brides often forget, particularly as stress levels start to rise.”

Then, on the big day, Carey says the wedding lawn will be the perfect backdrop for the ceremony.

“The lawn is leading up to the glass doors of the intimate Westbourne Room and into the experienced hands of myself and the entire food and beverage team,” she says.

Royal Canberra Golf Club, 71 Bentham Street, Yarralumla. Call 6240 2206, email carey@royalcanberra.com.au or visit royalcanberra.com.au

Mobile service & free delivery available in the Canberra Region

Everything Special has an extensive range of beautiful gifts, keepsakes, bonbonniere and accessories to make any occasion special.

With the latest technology in custom engraving and laser cutting, we can personalise just about anything. If you have a unique idea we can make it come to life. Contact us and will work with you to customise and personalise something special for you.

Royal Canberra Golf Club is located within the magnificent Westbourne Woods Arboretum and is a treasure trove of extraordinary photo opportunities with its glorious lake views, stone bridges and ambling creeks.

We offer tailored wedding packages for you to add your flair, with all-inclusive prices starting from $150 per guest.

Arrange an obligation free tour of our venue by contacting our Brides Choice Award Winning Wedding Coordinator: Carey Lander

Clover Master Jewellery is a family run business with over 30 years experience.

Our company values are to deliver what you desire. We aim to realise your ideas and design a custom made piece to your satisfaction.

WEDDINGS

One-off rings to say ‘yes’ to

We specialise in engagement rings, wedding bands, handmade custom design pieces, repairs and laser engraving.

Clover Master Jewellery Unit 2/16 Bougainville Street, Griffith ACT 0262958545 | clover.manuka@gmail.com

WITH 30 years’ experience in making intricate and sophisticated designs, Clover Master Jewellers in Manuka loves working with brides and grooms to design their perfect engagement or wedding rings, says Veronica Oh.

“If the customers have a design or an idea that they’ve always wanted to put together or bring to life, we are able to do that and guide the customer through the designing procedure,” she says.

“What makes this experience really special for the customers is that they are able to create something that is unique and they are able to meet their dream piece.

“Our aim is to provide our customers with that priceless experience and we believe being able to deliver that is what makes us unique,” says Veronica.

Specialising in laser engraving, Clover Master Jewellers is able to turn a piece of jewellery into something more personalised.

“When you are able to add a little bit of your own ideas, design or message it usually means that you are creating something that is unique and probably the only one in the world,” says Veronica.

Clover Master Jewellers, Unit 2, 16 Bougainville Street, Griffith. Call 6295 8545 or visit @cloverjewellerycanberra on Facebook.

Gowns that’ll take his breath away

ANNABEL’S Bridal Studio has gowns to make any bride’s walk down the aisle completely breathtaking, says owner Misty Annabel.

Misty, who opened Annabel’s Bridal Studio about 15 years ago after seeing a gap in the Canberra market for a luxury bridal boutique, says she’s intent on helping future brides find the perfect fit for their big day.

Offering an intimate retail setting adorned with chandeliers and soft furnishings, Misty says she wants to create a calm and relaxed environment where she and the consultants can focus on the client.

To give future brides the best experience, Misty says Annabel’s Bridal Studio is by appointment only so the qualified consultants and in-house tailor can help brides create their dream look.

“[I want to] give our brides a premium service with a strong focus on Australian designers,” she says.

“Our diverse collection of 160 gowns provides brides with the option to try every style on and feel confident with their decision.”

Of these 160 gowns, Misty says she has exclusive luxury brands such as Martina Liana, Rosa Clara, Jack Sullivan and Watters. Annabel’s Bridal Studio also has a collaboration collection with Wendy Makin Couture.

Annabel’s Bridal Studio, at “The Kennedy”, suite 2,

Rochelle and Phil Hosking.

cook anywhere. We have no restrictions.”

The Coast to Coast Golden Roast can cook inside or outside for a number of events such as birthdays, sporting events and corporate gatherings. According to Phil, there are about half a dozen menus to choose from and all come with generous servings to ensure nobody is left hungry. Phil says menus vary from grazing tables and build-your-own wraps to a gourmet buffet and meat-only menu.

He says they’re also able to cater for a large number of people, up to 5000.

The Golden Roast Canberra, 59 Vicars Street, Mitchell. Call 1300 655602, email canberra@goldenroast.com.au or visit goldenroast.com.au

www.annabelsbridal.com.au

“Do you have one of the following?”

• Lower back pain, including disc injuries

• Sciatica

• Neck and arm pain

• Headaches and dizziness

• Sports injuries

“Get the

TRADIES NATIONAL HEALTH MONTH

‘Blokey’ culture leads to serious injury

SEVEN out of 10 tradies consider themselves fit and try to eat healthily but a persistent “blokey” culture is leading to serious injury, according to the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s annual survey, released to mark the beginning of Tradies National Health Month.

The association says the survey highlights some concerning attitudes among tradies including a disconnect between their attitudes to work and sport.

Australian Physiotherapy Association president Phil Calvert says: “Our research shows that of those tradies who exercise or play sport regularly – more than half will spend a few minutes stretching and warming up because they know this helps reduce injuries.”

“Yet when it comes to starting work for the day, in many respects another type of sport, less than a quarter will warm up, even though they know it could prevent stiffness and soreness at the end of the day.

“When we dug deeper we found the majority of tradies were open to the idea of warming up if they felt their boss would be supportive of it.

“So there’s a real opportunity for trade employers to take a proactive position and encourage their employees to spend a few minutes each day getting their bodies warmed up for the

physical work ahead.”

Phil says tradies are at risk of a range of injuries as a result of the intensity and repetitive nature of their work, yet statistics show 88 per cent of tradies take good care of their tools, while more than 60 per cent said they take good care of their bodies.

When it came to mental health, only one quarter of tradies felt comfortable talking to co-workers about a mental health issue affecting their work, while just over half (53 per cent) were open to discussing physical health concerns.

Sixty-nine per cent of tradies believe it is OK to be sore as a result of the work they do and 42 per cent of tradies push past their healthy limits.

As part of the survey, 32 per cent admitted to not following safe lifting guidelines and almost half (48 per cent) hadn’t taken a sick day in the past six months.

At the end of the day, Phil says the association wants everyone to go home safely to their families, so tradies should look at all options to ensure they are in the best physical and mental shape to get through the day.

“That might include warm-up stretches at the start of the day and open dialogue with bosses and co-workers about personal injuries or issues affecting their work,” he says.

For more information visit australian.physio

Gosia helps tradies prevent injuries

WITH a focus on prevention, Campbell Physiotherapy takes the time to check the individual’s habits and history to better understand how to help, says director and physiotherapist Gosia Ible.

“Tradies are taking a more proactive role in their health,” she says.

“If they come in with smaller pains, they can potentially avoid more severe injuries and potentially avoid surgery in the future.”

Gosia says she can help tradies prevent injuries through education and manage current injuries using a combination of strengthening exercises, stretches and massage.

“[Clients might] say their shoulders are not quite right, their knees are weak or their backs are tight,” she says.

“And it’s good to check early before they get worse.”

Gosia says she checks for past injuries that could leave tradies with tighter or weaker muscles and creates plans to strengthen these areas.

And, Gosia says, correct education, including how to squat, how to lift properly, and what footwear is appropriate, can help prevent workplace injuries.

“Prevention is less painful than the cure,” she says.

“We all need to look after our bodies, but because tradies use their bodies a lot more, they need to prevent problems more than the rest of us.”

Campbell Physiotherapy, Unit 4/24 Blamey Place, Medical Centre Building, Campbell Shops. Call 6156 0468, email office@campbellphysio.com.au or visit campbellphysio.com.au

Act early to save yourself

IT’S important to nip pain in the bud early, says Canberra Chiropractic’s director Dr Ben Schutte, who sees a lot of hard-working tradies who “soldier on” until they can’t anymore.

“If you notice anything above the usual soreness you feel at the end of the day, get it seen to and diagnosed by a professional,” Ben says.

“Sometimes the past can point to the reason why you are now in pain, as old sports injuries or accidents can be an underlying cause.”

To prevent future injuries, Ben also suggests tradies keep fit and active outside of their day job.

“Tradies are naturally fit and strong when they are young and starting out and they may feel invincible,” he says.

“But as they get older and hit their 30s and 40s that’s when problems can start.

“They also tend to stop exercising and aren’t as fit and active as they used to be.”

Experts in managing conditions such as lower back pain, disk injuries, sciatica, neck and arm pain, Ben says Canberra Chiropractic is open for extended hours to help fit into a busy tradie’s schedule.

Canberra Chiropractic, Unit 5, 9 McKay Street, Turner. Call 6247 3388, email admin@canberrachiropractic.com.au or visit canberrachiropractic.com.au

Constant advice to keep tradies safe

DURING Tradies National Health Month, and any other month of the year, Access Canberra, WorkSafe ACT, is always providing advice and information to keep Canberra’s tradies safe, says work safety commissioner Greg Jones.

“WorkSafe hosts a number of seminars and construction breakfasts throughout the year to raise work health-and-safety awareness and compliance issues,” Greg says.

“WorkSafe has a number of safety videos and extensive guidance material available on its website [too].”

And, Greg says, they have inspectors who can provide advice over the phone or face-to-face regarding queries from both workers and employers.

This Tradies National Health Month, Greg says it’s a timely reminder to ensure safety management systems are in place and are followed by workers.

“Educate workers and management on the importance of safety in the workplace,” he says.

“The most common causes of [musculoskeletal injuries] are lifting, carrying, putting down objects, falls and repetitive movement or strain.”

To help avoid injuries, Greg suggests tradies should watch how they lift objects, avoid

ACT work safety commissioner Greg Jones.

awkward/twisted postures, use equipment when possible, perform preventative stretches and exercises, take breaks and, of course, stay hydrated.

Greg says employers can also provide workers with appropriate protection equipment, ensure adequate staffing levels and regularly inspect and maintain workplace equipment.

Access Canberra, WorkSafe ACT. Call 13 22 81, email worksafe@act.gov.au or visit accesscanberra.act.gov.au

Keeping healthy and safe in the workplace

Falls from heights

Risks can be both internal and external on building sites. Here are some tips to make sure proper fall protection is in place:

→ use appropriate safety equipment such as a harness and don’t work alone

→ plan a safe approach to working at heights –including the prevention of falling objects

→ if working more than 2 metres off the ground you are required to complete a Safe Work Method Statement

→ use edge protection when on roofs and scaffolding; ensure voids on construction sites have fixed covers or adequate fencing

Mental health in the workplace

Did you know that it’s a legal requirement for workplaces to provide a mentally and physically healthy and safe work environment?

Creating a mentally healthy workplace isn’t as difficult as you might think, here are some ideas:

→ encourage and promote practices that support a positive workplace culture

→ just like physical hazards, it’s important to identify the hazards to mental health and take steps to eliminate and control the risks

→ keep an eye out for your colleagues and ask if they are OK

→ promote open and honest communication

Let’s all work together to make our work safe and healthy. For more information visit act.gov.au/accessCBR

Canberra’s newest sewing, knitting and crochet store specialising in boutique fabrics, yarns and accessories with custom built classroom areas.

Shop 53 Colbee Court, Phillip shop@thestitchingroomcanberra.com.au

Thestitchingroomcanberra

THE EXPERTS OF PHILLIP Passionate businesses pioneer

NAMED after the first Governor of NSW, Captain Arthur Phillip, the Canberra suburb’s name was gazetted on May 12, 1966.

Phillip was commander of the First Fleet and the suburb followed suit by naming streets in association with the First, Second and Third Fleets.

Now the commercial and geographical centre of Woden, Phillip contains many of the district’s key facilities; its own commercial area is located along Botany, Townshend and Parramatta Streets, including Colbee Court, Dundas Court and Altree Court.

How to beat the cold

WITH winter in full swing, the owner of Alexanders Furnish ings, Rosslyn Rebbeck, says the most energy efficient method, when it comes to decorating and insulating a home, is to install well-lined curtains with a pelmet covering the top.

“Double glazing is not the answer,” says Rossyln.

Lew and Rosslyn Rebbeck of Alexanders Furnishings.

Instead, she says Alexanders Furnishings has a curtain heading system called “EVO”, which is a lot more effective and has a good rapport with the energy rating people.

“This heading system allows the curtains to stack back far more efficiently than previously available heading types, allowing more valuable winter sunlight in,” she says.

“Together with the EVO heading system we have developed new track sections that incorporate a sleek and slim-lined pelmet system which does not require the tradi tional bulky timber pelmet over the top of your curtains.”

Alexanders Furnishings has been servicing Canberra and its surrounds for about 50 years and Rosslyn says they look forward to welcoming new and old customers to its showroom on Hindmarsh Drive.

“We have friendly staff who know what they’re talking about,” she says. “And we can also custom make roller blinds, roman blinds, bonded fabric blinds, honeycomb blinds, venetian blinds and sunscreen roller blinds.”

Alexanders Furnishings, Shop 5, Paul’s Centre, Hindmarsh Drive, Phillip. Call 6281 1611.

Sisters thread a space for creation

WANTING to bring something new and different to Canberra, sisters Emma Mason and Clare Lovell established The Stitching Room, a boutique sewing, knitting, crochet and quilting retail shop, with a dedicated space for classes.

Clare, The Stitching Room’s sewer and knitter, sees sewing as an opportunity to be creative and spend time with like-minded souls.

Emma agrees with Clare and says they want to inspire their customers with their classes, whether it’s in giving people assistance who have already started a project, or whether it’s one of their specialist classes, which teaches people new skills.

“We want them to know that when they come into the store, they are our focus,” Emma says.

“We look after the little things so [our customers] can enjoy the time they spend with us.”

Emma says that The Stitching Room’s bright, inviting classrooms, combined with the hand-blended teas and gourmet snacks, reflect the care they take to ensure the boutique offers the creative escape Clare strives for.

“There are spaces to sit and sew or knit, and spaces to spread our lay fabrics together and gather together,” Emma says.

The Stitching Room, 53 Colbee Court, Phillip. Call 6282 4880, email shop@thestitchingroomcanberra.com.au or visit their Facebook page @thestitchingroomcanberra.

Lawyer’s property passion

DARYN Griffiths of Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators enjoys helping anybody in the property sphere.

The property solicitor says he can help people who are buying or selling, or older people who might be downsizing and moving into a retirement village.

While Daryn covers all areas of commercial and property law, he says commercial property transactions for small businesses are his area of expertise, and what he thoroughly enjoys.

“I like to be able to get inside a client’s business knowledge and see how I can value add to that,” he says. Being a former small-business owner, Daryn says he gives his clients more than just straight legal advice and can talk to them about their documentation, business set-up and monthly bills.

“My services would be beneficial for anybody who’s in the property sphere, including commercial property purchases, such as property or business assets,” he says. And, he says the Capon & Hubert Lawyers &

Cafe with a community focus

WITH a focus on the community, Wheat & Oats offers a diverse menu and relaxed ambience, says co-owner Phattreeya Thongphet.

“We know our customers, we know their faces and their names,” she says.

“We try to make the atmosphere inviting, so it’s a home away from home.”

Mediators’ team is well integrated internally and has good relationships with third parties such as real estate agents, body corporates, the land titles office and financial institutions.

“The team at Capon & Hubert can also advise on the new ACT stamp duty legislative developments and the new PEXA system used for NSW conveyancing,” he says.

Daryn Griffiths of Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators.

Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators, First Floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Email enquiries@chsol.com.au, call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

Decades of sweet sounds

WITH a team full of musicians or audio enthusiasts, Duratone Hi-Fi offers experienced advice as well as quality products, says sales assistant Kerry Morcombe.

Operating for almost 50 years in the sales, service and maintenance of stereo sound equipment, Duratone Hi-Fi is the ideal spot for any music-listening enthusiast, says Kerry.

“Duratone’s strongest advantage is its long and direct experience in the field and the extremely rich and varied knowledge held by staff,” Kerry says.

Phattreeya says Wheat & Oat’s menu focuses on Korean-infused street food including fried chicken, poke bowls and hot pots, with a variety of healthy vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

But it’s not all about food at Wheat & Oats. Phattreeya says they’re trying to create a community cafe with live music on Saturday mornings and workshops for adults and children, which includes making macrame hangers, kokedama, terrariums and cooking classes.

Phattreeya says Wheat & Oats also caters events such as birthday parties, anniversaries and baby showers.

Food options include cold and hot finger food and sweet items such as cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more.

Wheat & Oats, 2/22-24 Colbee Court, Phillip. Call 6282 6828, email wheatandoat@gmail.com or visit @wheatandoats on Facebook.

“[This] knowledge is readily and happily shared with newcomers to the field.

“We stand out for our standards, friendliness and willingness to help.”

Locally owned and operated, Duratone Hi-Fi stocks products such as amplifiers, CD players, loudspeakers, radios and stereo tuners, headphones and digital streamers.

“At its heart, it is a traditional audio shop where all manner of equipment can be found sourced from all over the world,” Kerry says.

In more recent times, he says they’ve been stocking new and used vinyl recordings, with more than 60,000 titles currently in stock.

And when it comes to Duratone Hi-Fi’s state-ofthe-art audio equipment, Kerry says staff are able to demonstrate and install the equipment.

Duratone Hi-Fi, on the corner of Botany Street and Altree Court, Phillip. Call 6282 1333 or visit duratone.com.au

Conveyancing laws in NSW and the ACT have become quite complex in the last few months. At Capon and Hubert Lawyers we are up to date with the changes in Stamp Duty, Identity Verification, and Tenancy laws. Our Conveyancing Solicitor will apply these changes to your unique situation and work with you for the best result.

POST STOCKTAKE SALE

Celebrating 50 Years in

THE EXPERTS OF PHILLIP

Builder Achim specialises in glass

WODEN Valley Glass, located at Colbee Court, has a proud 50 years of history says Achim Weissegger who has owned and operated the business for the past two years with his son, Chris.

A builder by trade, Achim brings 30 years’ experience to his work, to ensure that shower screens are expertly measured and installed.

“We custom-make and install quality shower screens, from fully framed to frameless design, says Achim. “We also cut to size mirrors for wardrobe doors.”

Before deciding on a shower

GET A FREE FLOAT & FEEL GREAT*

screen, mirror or other glass additions for the home such as a splash-back, Achim warmly welcomes customers to visit the showroom to see the quality Australian-made glass they use and to discuss their needs.

“Phillip is a convenient location for customers so they can support a local, family business,” says Achim.

Woden Valley Glass, 63 Colbee Court, Phillip. Call 6281 6716, email wodenglass@gmail.com or visit wodenglass.business.site

Package offers twice as much zen

PURE Zen Flotation is offering double the relaxation with its current package where customers can buy one session and get another session free, says its manager Karen Bennett.

Karen says the dedicated float tank facility can help people with pain relief, stress, meditation, anxiety and depression.

Relaxation is a big focus when customers are in the store, according to Karen, who says customers can continue to unwind in their dedicated relaxation rooms after each session.

“Our chillout lounge has leather recliners, candles, teas and salt lamps,” she says.

‘Revolutionary’ training keeps riders safe

LEADING road safety training company Ascent Training Services, based in Phillip, has recently launched “Revolution Rider Training”, a new motorcycle training provider in the ACT, says CEO Stephen Lake.

“Priding ourselves on respectful and quality training, our ultimate goal is for riders to enjoy their motorbikes and be safe,” Stephen says.

“All our instructors hold a certificate IV in riding instruction and bring a high level of knowledge, quality and service.”

Stephen says people seeking to get their motorcycle licence can attend the eight-hour pre-learners and pre-provisional licence course and sit their written tests either on a weekday or weekend.

He says Revolution Rider Training also offers a practice course for those wanting extra help to prepare for their provisional licence test.

Karen says customers can experience Pure Zen Flotation’s “Dream Pod”, a cocoon-like pod, which is larger than other pods and is filled with 600 litres of water and 500kg of epsom salts, creating a mixture so buoyant it’s impossible to sink.

Each pod is in a separate sound-proofed room with its own shower and complimentary towels and toiletries.

Pure Zen Flotation offers memberships with weekly, fortnightly and monthly repayments.

Pure Zen Flotation, Unit 2, 10–12 Dundas Court, Phillip. Call 6281 0259, email contact@purezen. com.au or visit flotationcanberra.com.au

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Watch this space… when the dancing starts

By Helen MUSA

RUTH Osborne’s Quantum Leap Ensemble explores the dynamic relationship of body and architecture in its big annual show at The Playhouse, “Filling the Space.”

The dictionaries have a few takes on the concept of space – room, expanse, capacity, area, volume, scope, leeway, area, footprint, stretch, sweep, tract or the blank between printed words.

More helpful in understanding the new dance show is this: “The dimensions of height, depth and width within which all things exist and move.”

That seems to best fit the triple bill put together by Osborne, artistic director at QL2 Dance, and Steve Gow.

Choreographed by Osborne with QL2 alumni James Batchelor and Eliza Sanders, the new work is intended to “open the frames and borders that guide our movement in and out of space/s and playfully manipulates our emotional relationship to them”.

Put in more practical terms: “The theatre stage becomes a world of potential, of space filling and emptying, of new cosmic dances.”

It’s an impressive ensemble of dancers – 39 so far, Osborne says, including two from the Bangkok Dance Academy, a relationship that’s been going for 18 years, and Angus Onley, from the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, who brings circus skills as well as his ability to dance.

The lion’s share of the choreography, Osborne says, will be taken by Batchelor, who has been assigned a huge piece of about 40 minutes in length.

Starting with architecture, Batchelor looked at The Playhouse stage from different perspectives to see how things work and

what effects aesthetically and artistically can be achieved.

The Playhouse is an emotional “drawer” for him, Osborne says. He’s been doing projects there for years so there’s something about the technical aesthetic and emotional aspect he cares about in that space. His piece will be called “Proscenium”, but we will see beyond the proscenium.

Sanders is the second guest choreographer – “a beautiful dancer, interesting and very individual,” Osborne says.

“Sometimes you meet dancers who are

“Young people who join QL2 find their voices and are confident about questions and able to speak up.”

It’s the third time she’s been asked to choreograph for QL2 and her work, “The Shape of Empty Space”, is a 15-minute piece with 14 dancers, a much larger ensemble than most independent choreographers get to work with.

“Because of financial contingencies, usually they only get to work with two or three

dancers and experience of choreographing with large groups is fabulous. Eliza’s is an abstract work, different and emotional,” Osborne says.

The third piece in the triple bill is Osborne’s own work, a 10-minute piece called “Naturally Man-Made”.

Osborne came to Canberra in 1999 to head up Quantum Leap, a youth program within the choreographic centre, but when the centre closed, she formed QL2 Dance, the organisation in which all her programs sit. But she still likes to be in the thick of the choreographic experience.

She’s taken “Naturally Man-Made” to the Australian Youth Dance Festival International in Melbourne, where they performed alongside international companies from Ghana, Singapore, England, Scotland, Finland and Denmark in the Melbourne Meat Market.

Wild Bear Entertainment, who has long supported QL2 Dance in its big, annual productions with sophisticated moving backdrops, has made a film with the dancers, so when it gets to The Playhouse, there’ll be a mix of live dance and cinematic background.

“We will be stretching out the ideas of space,” says Osborne.

“This kind of project brings out the best in people.”

“Filling The Space”, The Playhouse, August, 8-10. Book at canberratheatrecentre.com.au

ARTS IN THE CITY DINING

Phoebe responds to ‘utopia’ challenge

By Helen Musa

CRAFTACT has named contemporary jeweller Phoebe Porter as the 2019 DESIGN Canberra festival designer-inresidence. Porter, who was taught by German-born silversmith Johannes Kuhnen and mentored by Australian jeweller Blanche Tilden, was commissioned to create the 2019 signature artwork for a CraftACT exhibition and throughout the festival’s visual communications during the festival, November 4-24. The work will respond to the 2019 festival theme of “utopia” and its celebration of the Bauhaus 100th anniversary.

KEITH Looby, who was ANU artist in residence (1973-1974), Canberra Artist of the Year and notorious for speaking his mind is the subject of a new documentary by filmmakers Iain Knight, Merilyn Alt and Sean Murphy. “Looby” screens at Canberra Museum and Gallery, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Thursday, August 8. Free but book at cmag.com.au

I PROGETTI Chamber Choir presents “Brighter Than the Sun”, a concert themed around the Assumption of the Virgin, the Catholic festival traditionally observed on August 15. The program features some works specifically composed as tributes to Mary, but they say the performance extends this motif to transcend both religion and spirituality. At the High Court, 1.30pm, Sunday, August 4. Free but register at hcourt.gov.au

FIVE outstanding Year 12

International Baccalaureate music students from Canberra Grammar School – percussionist Peeter Mirlieb, flautist Maddie Pik, trombonist Max Rogers and guitarist Guan Ming Ou with vocalist/pianist Jesse Lane – will perform excerpts from performances for their Year 12 IB examinations. It’s a varied program of music by Ross Edwards, Piazzolla, Chopin, Gilbert & Sullivan and others. At Wesley Music Centre, 12.40pm, Wednesday, August 7. No bookings, tickets at the door.

Wayne Kelly… Smith’s Alternative, August 8.

JAZZ stalwart and poet Geoff Page’s jazz program will play at Smith’s Alternative. He is full of praise for the expanded venue which, he notes, “has a proper stage, good lighting, a decent upright acoustic piano and a highly skilled sound guy.” It’s coming up on the first Tuesday of the month (from August 8) for the rest of the year. The first gig features pianists Wayne Kelly and Hugh Barrett with Brendan Clarke on bass and Mark Sutton on drums. Book at smithsalternative.eventsity.com

Italian with welcoming ways

I CAN’T remember the first time I went to La Rustica, but it was many moons ago and on Kennedy Street, Kingston, where this heart-warming family business, with its roots in southern Italy, operated for 25 years.

Much has changed since La Rustica made the major move to a new possie perched on the lake at Kingston Foreshore. It’s a bigger place, with the décor featuring warm woodwork, stonework, high ceilings and a comfy bar for enjoying a drink before dinner. The floor-to-ceiling windows soak in water views.

But much remains the same with La Rustica, which is why so many loyal fans flock back, over and over, for a meal at this laid-back Italian eatery.

Let’s start with the pizzas. There’s a whopping number on the menu and it’s fab that you can order a small (9 inch), medium (13 inch) or large (15 inch). Prices range from $17.90 to $30.90 (gluten free available in medium for an extra $3.50).

To backtrack a little, we began with another fave dish of ours, the veal carpaccio (gluten free and $18.90). The dish wakens the tastebuds with paper-thin slices of melt-in-the-mouth raw veal, perky lemon juice and silky extra virgin olive oil. At La Rustica, the dish is topped with

La Rustica knows its place in the market, is unpretentious and always focused on making tummies happy.

peppery roquette and shaved parmesan – such a sensational mixture of textures and flavours. With the pizzas, you can go as basic as you’d like (simple potato, rosemary and olive oil) or as loaded as you’d like.

We adore a kick of chilli and found ourselves gravitating to the Calabrese, showcasing full simple (but quality) ingredients but a winning combo of tastes. La Rustica’s tomato base always has depth and this pizza is topped off with mild mozzarella, mild salami, capsicum, onion (not too much) and chilli. We’re also loyal to the Salsicce, which features Italian pork sausage instead of the salami.

In true Italian style, La Rustica also offers pasta, risotto and mains.

We don’t often stray from the pizza line up but have enjoyed the Spaghetti Nero ($23.90), in-house-made black (squid ink) pasta tossed

delicately through white wine and served with shallots, chilli, garlic and olive oil. We’ve never gone wrong with the gnocchi gorgonzola ($24.90), either. The fluffy house-made potato dumplings are served in a creamy sauce featuring that famous veined Italian blue cheese made from unskimmed cow’s milk.

The yummy dolce items on the menu guaranteed a soul-satisfying, sweet ending. Food aside, it’s the family atmosphere and inviting welcome that is attractive about La Rustica. It knows its place in the market, is unpretentious and always focused on making tummies happy.

La Rustica, corner Eastlake Parade and Trevillian Quay. No split bills.

CINEMA

The goal keeper who keeps on keeping on

“The Keeper” (M)

THIS English/German co-production touches many bases in telling the real-life (with perhaps some poetic licence) story about the German paratrooper who came from a PoW camp to keep goal for Manchester City in a career-spanning 545 First Division games between 1949 and 1964.

The story, written and directed by Marcus H Rosenmuller, begins just before VE Day. Bernd (“Bert”) Trautmann (David Kross) incurs the wrath of Sgt Smythe (Harry Melling), a PoW camp guard who puts him on latrine-cleaning duty.

In a recreational moment, Bert’s goalie skills caught the eye of village grocer Jack Friar (after playing all those supporting characters, you’ll recognise John Henshaw in a major role) who saw the young man’s goal-keeping talent and obtained his services in the shop before war’s end.

Jack was secretary of the St. Helen’s Town amateur football club. He and his wife Clarice (Dervla Kirwan) had a winsome daughter Margaret (Freya Mavor).

The film spends a good portion of its two hours showing how peace did little if anything to ease the hatred that the British workingclass people felt against the German enemy. It became more intense when they learned he held the German medal for bravery. Man. City supporter Rabbi Altmann got involved with the opposition.

Sporting success changed that. Then in the final match of the 1955-56 season, a save led to Bert breaking his neck, yet finishing the

match. He recovered and played on until 1965.

The film says nothing about Bert’s later life.

For his football success, he got an Honorary OBE, becoming the only man ever to hold both that award and the Iron Cross. After divorce from Margaret, he married twice, before dying just on six years ago aged 89.

You don’t need to be a soccer fan to enjoy “The Keeper”. Its combination of post-war angst, sport and romance encourages rumination about how its collection of sub-plots converts its mild polemics into entertainment. Bert is its hero, but the film leaves a cloud over the kind of man he really was.

At Palace Electric, Dendy and Capitol 6

“The Best of Enemies” (MA)

SHOULD a movie telling the story of real events in the history of American racial bigotry be entertaining?

I sat alone in a state of tension watching writer/director Robin Bissell’s 133-minute film, despite knowing well-enough how its outcome would turn out.

I could find little information about the

1999 filming of Osha Gray Davidson’s book “‘The Best of Enemies: Race and Redemption in the New South”, for which Davidson herself wrote the screenplay. But last October, the University of North Carolina Press posted a blog in which she declared her satisfaction with Bissell’s treatment of it.

Does a feature film fictionalising what must surely be a very serious analysis of a serious waypoint in American race relations have relevance to an Australian audience?

The short answer is, yes. From beginning to end, combining conflict and the associated tensions soberly and intelligently, without hubris or hysteria, it tells a story worth telling.

The characters, likeable or otherwise, are credible. The physical environment is restrained. The performances are admirable.

Oscar-winning (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”, 2018) and Oscar-nominated (“Vice”, 2019) Sam Rockwell is, put simply, compelling as C P Ellis, once Exalted Cyclops of the KKK group in Durham, North Carolina.

As civil rights agitator Ann Atwater, multi-award winner Taraji P Henson delivers a powerhouse portrayal. Gilbert Glenn Brown plays Howard Clement,

the NAACP official who came to Durham to organise the public discussion that became necessary when Ellis and the local government figures refused a demand from Atwater to allow black students from a high school destroyed by fire to attend a hitherto all-white high school. Called a charette, the discussion took a fortnight to come to a decision, democracy in its purest form. Bissell’s staging of it shows political conflict as breathtaking muted drama. The narrative moves from hither to yon in the community and in the homes of participants. There’s an oblique reference to the Lysistrata method for resolving political issues. There’s a muted observation of the pervasive gun culture that found a zenith in the KKK. All in all, “The Best of Enemies” does just about everything that a message movie should without losing sight of that other element that has nourished movies ever since they began – being entertaining. And there’s not a superhero or a bunch of invaders from outer space in sight!

At Dendy

STARRING STEPHEN FISHER-KING WITH DI SOLOMON & CHRIS CONNOLLY

WELCOME BACK TO THE 1970’S

ROCK OUT WITH STEPHEN AND HIS GROOVY SIX PIECE 70’S BAND

STEPHEN FISHER-KING HAS WOWED AUDIENCES WORLDWIDE WITH HIS AMAZING VOICE AND COMMANDING STAGE PRESENCE. YOU’LL LOVE THE 70’S UNPLUGGED!

"The 70’s Unplugged will take you back with the music and news images that shaped our nation and our lives."

SHOWTIME

"The music is great, the cast is great and the audience has a ball feeling like they’ve spent a bit of time back in the glory days!"

Award-winning entertainer Stephen Fisher-King has created an exciting new show that will take you back to the 70’s. The show includes a six piece band including Jo Elms and Chris Connolly, whose guitar riffs will leave you breathless. The 70’s Unplugged is a collection of the greatest hits from the coolest decade of our lives and includes songs from America, Sonny & Cher, Don McLean, Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Simon and Garfunkle, Elton John and more! The 70’s Unplugged will be performed in the round at the Bicentennial Hall, next door to The Q.

toni@twinstitchupholstery.com.au

GARDENING

It’s time to feed hungry plants

WITH just four weeks to spring and after a relatively mild winter, blossom trees are bursting forth and many gardens are a sea of new leaves as bulbs push their way to daylight.

This winter we have had little rain, but generally it has been sufficient to keep bulbs moist. It’s very tempting to think bulbs need a lot of water; however, most of their moisture is stored in the bulb itself. Unless they are planted under evergreen trees or shrubs where the ground tends to be dry, watering once every few weeks is more than enough.

It is beneficial to combine any watering with a liquid plant food such as certified organic Maxicrop Seaweed.

Equally, it is a good idea to start feeding all plants that were planted earlier in the autumn; specifically to encourage strong root growth for the coming spring. I am a great believer in giving plants a change of diet every now and again. Another certified organic plant food I regularly use in our garden is Eco-Seaweed. This is in a superconcentrated powder form, so simply dissolve just two teaspoons full in a nine-litre watering can. The added bonus is it is nutrient rich with 16 per cent potassium, being the ingredient to encourage flowers.

Remember, the NPK shown on all containers/packets of fertiliser, ie N = nitrogen for top green growth, P = phosphorus for root growth and K = potassium for flowers and subsequently fruit production. For instance, it’s no good feeding potatoes with

nitrogen plant food, but

good for leafy veggies such as lettuce. Watch out for buds on stone fruit, ie peaches and nectarines. It is vital to spray just as they show the slightest pink colour and before the flowers open.

Spraying after the flowers open will only kill the bees. This is to prevent disfiguring leaf curl which can affect the fruit. Use organic Bordeaux or Kocide, both in powder form and mixed with water. Spray all parts of the trees and the ground under the tree. Keep grass away from under the trees as this is a rapacious feeder and can reduce your fruit crop by up to 30 per cent. Lightly cultivate the soil, not to damage roots. Then apply a layer of composted horse manure and mulch out to the drip line to about 15mm thick. Besides using the autumn leaves I use and recommend Canberra Sand and Gravel’s Canberra Organic Mulch.

NOW is a good time to reduce the size of lawns, which are rapacious feeders with the never-ending cycle of weeding, feeding and mowing.

Where does it end?

IN MY last column I mentioned Quercus suber, the Cork oak. Following that I just had to bring you my photo of a magnificent specimen in the Royal Hobart Botanical Gardens. I have been informed the seed was introduced to the gardens in 1829 and now it has a canopy spread of over 25 metres!

Jottings...

• Plant without delay all deciduous shrubs, especially roses. They do not have to be in a dedicated bed and combine perfectly with low growing evergreen perennials to give year round colour.

• It may sound unusual as we are still in winter, but it is time to plant summer and autumn flowering bulbs now in stock in garden centres.

• Daphne will be in flower with its tantalising fragrance, so pick a few stems and have in several rooms of your home.

• Seed potatoes may already be for sale, but I suggest delay planting until the weather warms.

PUZZLES PAGE

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Rambunctious Rams are in the mood for fun, festivities, action and entertainment! But, in order to capitalise on the Sun-Venus-Jupiter energy-enjoyment surge, some forethought and planning are required. A troubled relationship with a child, teenager, friend or lover should improve, as you focus on the things you have in common. Cranky criticism is out and proactive positivity is in, as you experience a renewed enthusiasm for travel, adventure, love, life and learning.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Over the last few weeks you’ve had a rough time with relatives but this week something fortunate could fall into your lap, via a family member. Perhaps money, property, possessions, an inheritance, a freebie, a job offer, a tax break or some other sort of lucky opportunity. So make sure you grab this bountiful gift with both hands Bulls and run with it. Domestic matters are also favoured as you cook up a storm, dabble in some DIY or entertain guests in splendid style.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Opportunities to travel and/or study look promising this week, as the stars stimulate your innate curiosity. The Sun/Venus/Jupiter links are especially positive for social media connections and inter-personal relations as you talk, text, tweet, publish, post, podcast and socialise. You could also make headway with a romantic relationship or a fledgling friendship. You’ll find the more you connect and contribute within your local community, the more satisfied you’ll feel.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Have you been worrying about money? The planets promise a boost to finances and an increase in cash flow but be careful you don’t cancel that out by indulging in a spontaneous spending spree! Under the influence of lucky Jupiter, it is a terrific time to apply for a job; spruce up your workspace; or improve communication with colleagues, clients or customers. Business matters are also favoured, as some creative Crabs take an abstract idea and spin it into a rock solid reality.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Lucky Lions … it’s your best week of the year, as the Sun and Venus (in your sign) make beautiful music with prosperity planet Jupiter on Wednesday and Thursday. So stop Catnapping and prepare to pounce, as you make the most of the fabulous opportunities that come your way. Inspiration for the week is from flamboyant Leo fashion designer Betsey Johnson (who turns 77 on Saturday): “Real success is being totally indulgent about your own trip… and go full speed ahead.”

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Vigilant Virgos to the rescue! This week the Sun, Venus and Mars increase your enthusiasm for assisting those who are sick, in trouble or in need. You’ll find the more you lend a hand to others, the better you’ll feel and the more useful you’ll be. Your home life should also improve, as Jupiter helps you put a positive spin on a previously frustrating situation. Rest and relaxation are important, so make sure you set aside some quality time with a very special person… you.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

After a tricky time (especially with work and/or family) good fortune is on your side this week Libra, as lucky Venus (your patron planet) trines prosperity planet Jupiter. It’s especially favourable for social media, short trips, communication, education, community connections and group activities. It’s also the perfect week to make a long list of your goals, hopes and wishes. Then throw your dreams into space and watch and wait as they gradually manifest into your preferred future.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

It’s a fabulous week for your public profile, professional projects, work opportunities and financial matters, as Venus and Jupiter send good fortune in your direction. Many shrewd Scorpios (like Ted Turner, Bill Gates, Anna Wintour and Kendall Jenner) have a smart business brain so make sure you’re utilising it to the max! Inspiration for the week is from birthday great, artist and director Andy Warhol: “Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

The stage is set for a potentially lucky week so make the most of it. Many restless Sagittarians are gypsies at heart and love to travel. The Sun, Venus and Jupiter activate your adventure zone so start planning your next trip, saving, booking and packing ASAP. However, moderation and common sense fly out the window as you party to the max, spend too much, overdo just about everything or make a few silly mistakes. You’ll certainly have a lot of fun along the way!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Coupled Capricorn – love and lust are in the air, so plan something suitably romantic and seductive. If a problem is creating distance between you and a loved one, take the time to talk through issues in a compassionate way. Are you single and looking for love? With the Sun, Venus and Mars visiting your intimacy zone, you need to be romantically proactive. If you are attracted to someone, then you’ll have to be bold and make the first move. Fortune favours the brave!

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

The stars highlight your Aquarian love life, as Venus and Jupiter put Cupid on call to pay you a visit. If you’re attached, it’s time to organise a romantic candle-lit rendezvous or a cosy weekend getaway. Singles… it’s the perfect time to download some new dating Apps, refresh your online profile or go on a first date. It’s important that you look for a lover who is also a friend. Killer curves or bulging biceps will mean nothing if you can’t connect and converse in a meaningful way.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

The Sun, Venus and Jupiter bless a career move, a professional idea, a business matter, a start-up or a side hustle. There’s one proviso though… your heart must be in it. If you’re just going through the motions, then it will affect the quality of your work and success will be fleeting. So do your best to find a challenging project that you can really sink your Piscean teeth into. The focus is also on physical fitness as you switch to an exercise routine that is fun, flexible and sociable.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2019

4 What is rock salt also known as? (6)

7 In which establishment are chickens bred? (8)

8 What else may we call engines? (6)

9 Name a borough of New York City on western Long Island. (8)

11 Which institutions are for the maintenance and care of the insane, the blind, etc? (7)

13 In Greek legend, name a one-eyed giant who made thunderbolts for Zeus. (7)

15 Which term describes a master of any art? (7)

17 What is an implement with a broad, flat, flexible blade, used for blending foods, etc? (7)

20 Name a state in the southern central US. (8)

23 What is a trip by a politician, at public expense, ostensibly to obtain information? (6)

24 Which term describes a member of an industrial group? (8)

25 What is an official enumeration of inhabitants? (6)

Down

1 What is the natural covering of the human head? (4)

2 Name a roll of parchment, especially one with writing on it. (6)

3 What is a small freshwater duck? (4)

4 What do we call songs in praise of God? (5)

5 Which term implies “recently”? (6)

6 What is a short piece of waste thread? (5)

9 Name the muscle on the front of the upper arm. (6)

10 Name a veil worn by Muslim women in public. (7)

12 What is a Spanish form of address for a married woman? (6)

14 Which sticks or posts are pointed at one end, for driving into the ground? (6)

16 What is situated near the pyramids of El Giza, Egypt? (6)

18 Name a purplish black dried fruit of a plum. (5)

19 Which aquatic plant is native to South Asia, and widely regarded as sacred there? (5)

21 What do we call the resting place of a wild beast? (4)

22 Which land form has a relatively flat top, and is bounded with steep rock walls? (4)

Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Nat came to see me this week with an interesting question. She had planned to make some personal superannuation contributions but her friend Kate had told her she’d be better off salary sacrificing. Which was the better way?

“From a tax perspective, the amount of tax you pay and your net pay should be the same,” I told her.

“So it’s purely a personal preference. I will explain the differences then you can make your own decision.

“The maximum amount that anyone can pay to superannuation without incurring excess contributions tax is $25,000. This is a combination of employer and employee contributions.

“Looking at your payslips your employer contributes about $12,000 a year on your behalf, which leaves a balance of $13,000 available for you to contribute and get a tax deduction.

“If you choose to salary sacrifice this amount your employer would reduce your pay by $500 a fortnight and then calculate your tax on the reduced amount. Your tax would reduce by about $190 a fortnight, which means that you’d be making a superannuation contribution of $500 a fortnight but your net pay would only reduce by $310 per fortnight. This is done progressively through the year and you may have to pay a salary packaging company to process this for you depending on your employer’s requirements.”

However, if Nat chose to claim a tax deduction, the process was quite different, I said.

“You just make a payment or payments at any time during the year.

“If you make the full payment early in the financial year then the fund will be earning from the day that the contribution is made, but you won’t receive the refund until after your next year’s tax return has been assessed.

“Again, using a contribution of $13,000 your refund would increase by about $5000 or, if you normally owe tax, your liability would reduce by $5000.

“You need to advise your fund that you are making a member contribution which should be tax deductible and you will also need to fill in a form called “Notice of Intent to claim a Tax Deduction”. “When you lodge your tax return you have to indicate that you have both provided your fund with a “Notice of Intent to claim a Tax Deduction” and you have received an acknowledgement of this from your fund.

“The reason for this is so that the contribution is correctly taxed in the fund.”

I told her there were two types of personal contributions that could be made to the fund, those that were tax deductible, as in Nat’s case, and those that weren’t.

“Clearly, the fund needs to know the type of contribution that it is receiving so that it can calculate the tax correctly,” I said.

Now that she understood the difference between the two methods, Nat said she’d prefer to make a personal contribution.

“I realise that I can make a contribution at any time during the year,” she said.

“It might be a good idea to make the contribution late in the financial year and then put in my tax return early so I get the refund back quickly, but I will make a decision later in the year.”

If you need advice on tax or superannuation contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 6295 2844.

Disclaimer

This column contains general advice, please do