Heartless government retreats on housing
JON STANHOPE
Trail of untruths in tram cash crash
MAX FLINT
Kate fears the 5G radiation rollout
DANIELLE NOHRA
Plight of the Irish ‘Potato Orphans’ NICHOLE OVERALL
AUGUST 15, 2019
JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE, RINGO AND ME…
Artist GREG DEVENNY-MACKAY and his love for the Fab Four
It’s 50 years next month since The Beatles released their iconic ‘Abbey Road’ album. KATE MEIKLE meets a local artist who is bringing his love of the band to his students.
THE Beatles have always been special to local artist and teacher Greg Devenny-Mackay.
“I relate to their music and lyrics, and they were always cool,” he says.
The Beatles played their famous rooftop gig on the top of Apple Corps in London, on Greg’s tenth birthday on January 30, 1969, and later that year released “Abbey Road” (September 26), the second last album before the band split publicly in 1970.
On the birth of his daughter 20 years later, Greg says he suggested to his wife Elita that Abbey would be an ideal name for the baby, inspired (of course) by “Abbey Road”.
“Abbey seemed like the perfect name for her,” says Greg of his now 31-year-old daughter, also an artist who lives in New York.
Greg and his wife are the directors and owners of Lavender Art Studios. Four years ago he embarked on a personal artistic project by deciding to paint largesized, individual oil portraits of each of the four Beatles, based on black and white photographs taken of them in the grounds of John
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Lennon’s Tittenhurst Park country house near Ascot. The photos were the last Beatles photo session, taken one month before “Abbey Road’s” album release.
Greg says that he interpreted the photographs through his painting, adding colour and creating mood, adjusting the backgrounds and adding his own interpretation to their facial expressions.
Starting with George Harrison, Greg’s favourite Beatle because he admired his depth of spirituality, he took about a year to complete each of the portraits, playing a lot of Beatle albums as he painted in his home studio in Theodore.
“I paint fast and mix paint fast, I like to keep my energy up and the music helps,” he says.
“I would play the music and paint my heart out!
“When I did the first one of George Harrison, I didn’t think I’d do more but all of them surprisingly flowed. It was very fluid and I resolved issues as I went along,” he says.
The result is four impressive oil paintings, each portrait different and with a unique colour base.
Socials 18-19 Cover: Beatle fan and artist Greg Devenny-Mackay. Story, this page. Photo: Holly Treadaway.
Ph 02 6189 0777 Fax
2911
Teaching 250 students a week, Greg says he never tires of creating art.
“I love giving energy and teach ing art. The more questions people ask, the more answers they get, but it’s up to them to make a technique work for their own artistic DNA, I’m not about creating ‘little Gregs’!” he says.
“I have always been interested in art, drawing and painting. As a young child I was awarded a prize at an arts competition and I thought at the time ‘they must like this!’ but I have never been com petitive,” he says.
Greg and Elita will bring a Bea tles theme to their lessons in the lead up to Lavender Art Studios’ open day on August 24 that features Greg’s paintings as well as the stu dents’ work on the subject.
Greg says as Beatles music cross es generations, it will be a fun sub ject matter for his young students.
Will Greg be selling his “Fab Four” collection? As The Beatles sang, “money can’t buy me love”... the paintings will stay in the family and be hung at his high-country art retreat in the Snowy Mountains.
Lavender Art Studios’ celebration of The Beatles open day, 10.30am5.30pm, August 24. First Floor, 42 Townshend Street, Phillip.
Since 1993: Volume 25, Number 31
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ONE half of one of Australia’s most talented satirical duos was in town to speak about the other.
Bryan Dawe was guest of the ANU’s scholarly study “The Satire of John Morrison Clarke (1948-2017)”. He shared tales from his three-decade association with the late Clarke, including how the pair’s weekly spot on Nine’s “ACA” with Jana Wendt came to an abrupt end. Wendt was often left speechless by a Clarke and Dawe sketch but when Ray Martin replaced her the pair’s uniquely skewed perspective on life was no longer appreciated.
AFL fans witnessed sporting history when they braved Arctic conditions and a spectacular snow shower at Manuka Oval on Friday. Described as “on the cusp of sleet and snow” falling in the game between GWS Giants and Hawthorn, it is believed to be the first time a game of the code’s highest competition has been played in such conditions.
Freezing temperatures and a ban on long-sleeve guernseys had little impact on the scoreline, with Hawthorn running out 56-point winners. While several GWS players donned the long sleeves, Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson held firm to his decade-long directive on players
depot’s grimy wall would suggest.
not to wear the long-sleeved version of the famous brown and gold. To prove a point, he ran topless around Manuka Oval Friday afternoon. Ironically, the code’s most famous long-sleeve-wearing player, Michael Tuck , played in seven premierships for the Hawks.
FORMER senator Derryn Hinch is apparently yearning to return to Canberra. Turns out Hinch the “Human Headline”, who admitted to being “hurt” after being turfed out after just one term as a senator for the Victoria Justice Party, has vowed to return in 2022. At 75, he would be the oldest person elected to the Senate.
IF Hinch succeeds he may not have to return to Canberra as often. WA Labor MP Patrick Gorman wants the parliamentary “bubble” to travel around the country. The former Rudd government adviser suggested the parliament should hit the road, sitting in regional centres so “a wider range of people can see and understand its work”.
RAIDERS coach Ricky Stuart is doubling down on haters and negatives. With the Green Machine sitting near the top of the NRL table, the coach has suggested all the bagging he and the club endured over several years has “galvanised” the group. Stuart was full of praise for his players, suggesting “all those losses and criticism we got over the last couple of years would have
broken a lot of people and teams”.
FORMER Canberra grade-cricket spin bowler and Manuka Oval groundsman Nathan Lyon went close to living up to an impossible nickname. Lyon, who took 6/67 in the first Ashes test at Edgbaston (joining Dennis Lillee , Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath on the 350 list), was christened GOAT (greatest of all time) by teammates.
NICK Kyrgios’ win at the Washington Open edged him up the ATP rankings and slightly back into tennis fans’ good books. The part-time tennis brat described the win (his sixth tournament title) as “one of the best weeks of my life. I feel like I’ve made major steps”. Kyrgios’s burgeoning showmanship shone through during the match, feeding off the entertaining and supportive crowd.
HALF of Australians only brush their teeth once a day, according to new figures from the Australian Dental Association.
The research, released during Dental Health Week, also reported that nearly 40 per cent of people never floss or clean between their teeth, 73 per cent of young people (aged 14-18) are consuming too much sugar and 65 per cent haven’t seen a dentist in the past two years.
EXPLORER Hamilton Hume’s Yass home Cooma Cottage needs more volunteers at 756 Yass Valley Way, 10am-noon, Saturday, August 24. The National Trust is hosting a free morning tea and information session. More from CBaddeley@nationaltrust.com.au
WRITER Sarah Mokrzycki will speak about the importance of family diversity in children’s picture books at UC 4.30pm-6pm, on Tuesday, September 17. Organiser, the Centre for Australian Children’s Literature, says the lecture is of particular interest to teachers, librarians, parents, grandparents and carers. Cost $20-$30. Nibbles, drinks, book display included. Register at ncacl.org.au. Inquiries to 6201 2062.
ENTRIES are now open to the Queanbeyan Art Society’s 12th annual art show, “In the Heart of Canberra”, which will hang for nine days during Floriade (September 21-30). Open to all artists. Entry forms by September 13 to Queanbeyan Art Society, PO Box 567, Queanbeyan, NSW, 2620. Inquiries on how to apply to 0439 392709.
THE extent of the retreat by ACT Labor and the Greens from a commitment to, or concern about, affordable housing is starkly illustrated by a range of new policies and the decision to abandon core parts of the 2007 Affordable Housing Strategy.
In light of the clearly negative impact that decisions consciously taken by Labor and the Greens have on housing choice and affordability for lower-income households in Canberra, it is difficult to understand and interpret their motivation and intent.
The question that must be asked is whether at the time these decisions were made, including for example the decision to massively reduce the supply of land for detached housing, if the government was motivated primarily by financial considerations ie the need to maximise profit from land sales in order to prop up the Budget or ideology eg to fast-track the densification of the city, an obvious consequence of which would be to deny residents from lower-income households the choice of living in an affordable detached house.
Of course, it’s also quite possible, consistent with the horny old truism that if one is confronted by the need to choose as the motivation for a patently dud decision or policy between conspiracy and incompetence then incompetence was the more likely
It beggars belief that none of the ministers sitting around the Cabinet table didn’t understand or did not air concern that by making limited land available for detached housing the prices would go through the roof.
driver of the decision.
However, I honestly don’t think that’s the case in relation to the land supply or housing policies of the government. It beggars belief that none of the ministers sitting around the Cabinet table didn’t understand or did not air concern that by making limited land available for detached housing the price of such housing would go through the roof.
It is also inconceivable that relevant directorates and directorsgeneral did not, in compiling coordination comments on Cabinet submissions relevant to land supply, advise ministers that the outcomes that have in fact occurred were inevitable and of their implications for the affordability of housing.
It is not as if the change in the composition of land supplied in recent years has been insignificant. In the space of just a few years the ratio of land for attached as opposed to detached housing has flipped from 70:30 in favour of detached to 20:80 in favour of attached.
The most recent definitive
research on the housing of choice of Canberrans is that in the order of 80 per cent state that their first choice is a detached house. With such strong demand and limited stock, the median house price in Canberra has over the last six years increased by an average of 5.8 per cent or $38,000 a year.
The only, albeit uncomfortable, conclusion that one can draw is that the ACT government knows and has always known that the neo liberal housing policies it has adopted will have a negative impact on housing choice and affordability.
It follows that the government must have known that the people most affected by these policies are from lower-income, working-class families.
The greater worry for those interested in a fair and just society is that the government doesn’t appear to care.
An examination of the fortunes of the community housing sector in Canberra over the last 10 years provides further insight into the
depth of the government’s disinterest in housing affordability.
In 2007 the ACT government agreed to support the community housing sector in a myriad of ways, including entering into an MOU with Community Housing Canberra (CHC) to provide it with land for a minimum of 120 dwellings a year on the condition it increased the supply of affordable rental properties by 250 in five years and 500 in 10 years and in addition increased the supply of affordable dwellings by 470 in five years and 1000 in 10 years.
The commitment within the MOU was honoured in full in the years from 2008 until 2012 but was drastically reduced each year after that until in 2018 land for only four dwellings was made available to CHC from a total of 12 lots made available to the community housing sector as a whole.
In other words, Labor and the Greens have reduced, over the course of the last six years, a guaranteed supply of land to the Canberra community housing sector by 90 per cent or 108 dwellings a year.
Labor and the Greens also cancelled the $50 million revolving
finance facility made available to CHC as a result of which it no longer has access to cheap finance. There are a range of other factors that have also negatively impacted affordability, including the regressive increase in rates and charges and the use of land tax as an instrument to drive investors out of the housing market, which I will address on another occasion. Another issue worthy of attention is the egregious spin which the government applies to the notional commitment to 15 per cent of all land release being for affordable, public and community housing, which I will also address.
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.
By Danielle NOHRA
BUSINESS analyst Kate Swan is fearful for her health with the rollout of the new 5G technology.
When her blood sugar levels started to rise after beginning a new job in Woden last year, she set out to figure out why and couldn’t believe what she found.
Kate, 37, of Woden, has been a type 1 diabetic since 1994 and when she started the job in Sep tember hadn’t changed her diet nor her exercise routine and was less stressed in her new role.
“Not knowing what could be causing this, I went on to an online forum for type 1 diabetics and someone asked if the building had any mobile cell antennas in it or on the roof,” she says.
Kate had no idea why this would be a problem, but she went ahead and found the building on rfnsa.com.au, which revealed her work building has 2G, 3G, 4G+ and IBC antennas.
“I then jumped on to a number of medical jour nal sites and found study after study that show [how] exposure to electromagnetic radiation can cause an increase in blood sugar levels,” she says. She’s since reduced her exposure to electronic radiation at home by hard-wiring all her computer devices, disabling her wifi router and turning off all electrical appliances at the wall (except for the fridge) when not in use.
less communication devices and networks.
But, he says there’s no way to find out who is more sensitive because the research in this area is incomplete and the research, which has already been done, is inconclusive.
However, there are various scientific studies that suggest exposure to wireless radiation might cause cancer, infertility or various neurological health problems, according to Dariusz.
“The most studies we have [are] on brain cancer,” he says.
“These studies suggest that using cell phones for over 10 years increases the risk of developing brain cancer. However, it doesn’t mean that every user will develop brain cancer, only some, more sensitive persons might develop this disease.
“There are also suggestions, or indications, that wireless radiation might affect fertility or cause neurological disorders but the scientific evidence is still sketchy and much more studies are necessary.”
Dariusz says more studies are needed to determine whether EMF exposures increase blood sugar levels, too.
“Most of the studies were done on cells grown in a laboratory or on animals,” he says.
And she’s cut down to part-time hours at work so her blood-sugar levels aren’t always on the rise.
She’s been to the doctor, too, and is in the process of seeing an endocrinologist professor in Sydney who is interested in her case because, she says, she could be diagnosed with “brittle diabetes” (“hard-to-control” type 1 diabetes), due to an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) sensitivity. EMR was something new to Kate, and the more
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she found out about it the more she became concerned about the 5G rollout in Australia.
“Canberra already has 51 base station sites (existing towers with 3G and 4G antennas) that have or will have 5G beamforming antennas added to them,” she says.
“As someone who is already affected by electromagnetic radiation in the 3G and 4G bands, I feel incredibly angry about what is coming and worry many people will experience negative health effects and not know why.
“Studies on 3G, 4G and wifi already show that issues such as cancer, infertility, depression, cataracts, anxiety, ADHD, autism, oxidative stress, insomnia, melatonin production and cardiac changes are linked to EMR exposure.”
She wants to raise awareness of these effects, which is why Kate and other concerned Canberra residents are planning a public meeting early in September.
Dariusz Leszczynski, an adjunct professor of biochemistry at the University of Helsinki, has been working in the area of electromagnetic fields since 1997 and says it’s probable that the health of some people will be affected, in some way, by exposure to radiation emitted by wire -
“We need human studies. If there is indeed an effect on persons with diabetes it remains to be determined and proven. It is suspected but not proven sufficiently.”
When it comes to 5G and people’s health, “CityNews” asked Dariusz if people, like Kate, should be wary of its rollout.
And, when looking at the research that shows 3G and 4G-emitted radiation might cause health effects such as brain cancer, Dariusz says people should be.
“5G will comprise parts of 3G and 4G technologies with an additional technology that uses millimeter-waves,” he says.
“This, likely, might happen not in every user but only in persons who are as individuals more sensitive to this radiation.
“We should be made well aware that there is no sufficient research on [the] new modality of 5G, millimeter-waves, to assure that the current safety limits indeed protect every user, no matter young or old, no matter healthy or ill.
“We should not panic or scaremonger but we should be precautionary and, whenever possible, limit unnecessary exposures to radiation.
“We should also demand that sufficient research funding would be set aside to execute necessary research on 5G-emitted radiation, especially the millimeter-waves.”
The assistant director of assessment and advice at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), Dr Ken Karipidis, says it’s not aware of 5G causing any health risks to humans.
“International health authorities including ARPANSA have assessed all of the available evidence and have concluded that there are no established [health risks] at such low levels,” he says.
When Ken refers to “low levels” he is talking about all mobile phone networks, including the current 4G and 5G networks, which he says produce lowlevel radiofrequency electromagnetic energy in the form of radio waves.
“The level of exposure from these radio waves is well below the limits of the Australian standard developed by ARPANSA,” he says.
More on the 5G public event from canberra5gevent@gmail.com
THE ACT Labor/Greens government is constantly selling off public land, especially the city’s green spaces. Despite any spin, this government is not serious about climate change, biodiversity, heat-island effects and does not understand that, as we infill, every green space becomes important.
Once any green spaces have been built on, they are gone forever.
This piece could be about the plans to build on the Dickson Parklands (via a dirty political election trick) or the stupid idea to fill part of the lake to open up more land for developments on West Basin or the disappearance of Woden’s green spaces or parks consumed for public housing in Weston Creek or plans for the Coombs play space/sports facility on a designated open space.
There are many of these planning tragedies.
This piece is about the developerdriven concept to expand the Kippax Fair shopping centre by taking over a large part of the nearby parklands.
It is not hard to imagine the bureaucracy debate: do the people around Kippax deserve all this green space. Silly question, nope!
What else is green space for?
As with other unjustified ideas endorsed by the ACT planning bureaucracy, what followed was the usual pattern of behaviour.
First, the master plan with the predicted recommendations (sell land), the bureaucratically friendly community meetings (stacked with bureaucrats and bureaucraticfriendly locals – pesky residents excluded) and a flood of spin to justify the planned outcomes – the land sale.
The best line that surfaced during research was this:
Kippax Fair’s proposal has merit in that it integrates the centre into the green space.
Wow! The expansion takes over a significant chunk of green space – that is one hell of a way for this development to be integrated with the parklands.
One big reason used for this shop expansion is that West Belconnen is growing. This includes the question-
able development of Ginninderry (picture Yvette Berry with spade) that will eventually bring another 30,000 residents to West Belconnen. And, as they have done to the residents of Coombs and Wright in Molonglo, the developers, who in this case include the ACT government as a partner (no conflict here), will not be providing a major retail centre till much later. Who knows when?
The Kippax owners have seized the opportunity to argue that their centre will need to expand to cope with all these eager shoppers.
And as for the government – selling any land is always a priority. It is not hard to imagine the bureaucracy debate: do the people (and future generations) around Kippax deserve all this green space. Silly question, nope! None of the evidence-based points would be relevant to Barr’s planning barbarians. They have their political chief to be kept happy, so greenery and open spaces that are good for people’s health, for biodiversity and for dealing with climate are issues and worthy matters easily ignored –yet again.
When reading through the pages
ments to Kippax (they are sensible people after all!).
But, more importantly, this was matched with the clear wish that any shop expansion should NOT consume green spaces.
The contrast is stark between the preferred outcomes by the residents who, despite all efforts to stop them speaking, have voiced their opinions and those appointed to the government’s own consultation committees.
So as written in the government’s own documents, there is indeed support for expanding the shops on to the nearly green spaces – just that it is from the chosen few plus a couple more.
Do we have a government architect? Yes, she was there agreeing to the outcomes to take over the public land. Shame! There are definitely better design proposals to be considered for the Kippax Centre expansion. So again it falls to local politicians of all colour to insist on something better for their electorate and to make loud noises to defend local green spaces.
Paul Costigan is an independent commentator and consultant on the visual arts, photography, urban design, environmental issues and everyday matters.
DID you know that on average you, and each member of your family, subsidises the fossil fuel industry by more than a thousand dollars? Imagine if this subsidy was directed to renewables.
Tackling climate change cannot be done as a single issue. The response to such a complex challenge has to be multifaceted, tackling as many causes and as much of the mitigation as possible. It is well past time for strong, decisive action.
Strong, decisive action puts some industries under threat. None more so than the powerful coal industry. This is why it would be naïve to expect the industry to take the threat lying down when there is a model for resistance in the way the Minerals Council successfully undermined Kevin Rudd’s “mining super-profits tax”. And the process has commenced in earnest.
COAL21 is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. This is an organisation that was set up over a decade ago to research climate change mitigation in the form of carbon capture and storage. However, the goal of COAL21 is now to enhance “the public standing and reputation of Australia’s coal industry”. The first cab off the rank will be a multi-billion-dollar advertising blitz to enhance the image of coal.
The ABC’s Stephen Long reports that information sent by COAL21 to advertising agencies for the blitz does not even include the key element of carbon capture and storage – or clean
Strong, decisive action puts some industries under threat. None more so than the powerful coal industry. This is why it would be naïve to expect the industry to take the threat lying down.
coal. Of course, there is no such thing. The closest would be “less dirty coal”. But clean coal has proved an important distraction. This is the sort of distraction planned by the CEO of COAL21, Mark McCallum, who (coincidentally) is also the general manager of climate and energy at the Minerals Council.
COAL21 sees its role to “focus on lowering emissions from coal to support cost-effective, reliable and cleaner energy both in Australia and locally”. Cleaner energy – not clean energy. It is funded by 26 investors from the black coal industry who wish to see COAL21 “changing the narrative” around the potential for low-emissions technology”. Changing the narrative – not “end emissions” – because clean coal is a myth and what is needed by them is propaganda.
The iconic image of Scott Morrison, as Australian Treasurer, bringing a lump of coal to Question Time raises serious concerns about climate change. Was it the idea of one of the political donors from the coal industry? Influencing governments at the same time as persuading the community is a fundamental advocacy technique.
Apart from influencing government, COAL21’s wolf-like advocacy goal will be to persuade the broader community.
The Australian Conservation Foundation was quick off the mark. “Burning coal is the biggest cause of climate damage in Australia right now. No ifs or buts about it”. The foundation went on to attack the greed of “coal barons” pointing out “it’ll wreak unimaginable havoc on our planet and ultimately kill millions of people”.
The Mining Council’s campaign against the “super-profit tax” argued the impost would come from the superannuation of mum-and-dad investors. This was a total distortion. However, advertisement after advertisement carried the concept until it became part of mainstream thinking. A similar propaganda distortion can be expected from the coal industry. As the Conservation Council put it: “Running ad campaigns to promote coal is not just unethical – it’s a crime against our
50,000 Canberrans & their families tolerate life with a frustrating and often debilitating hearing deficiency! Better Hearing Australia mission is to bring information, education, skills & proven management packages to families coping with the debilitating effects of progressive hearing loss.
BHA Canberra Helps…
BEFORE
• Outreach program of knowledge, skills & strategies
• Workshops and drop-in centre consultation
• Plan execution and useful management tips and apps
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• Coaching for hearing loss clients and network team leaders in plan execution
• Managing common hearing loss ‘pinch-points’, and related seminars and practice sessions
• Managing help networks, (including family relationships)
• Hearing loss management classes (including lipreading) ................................................................ AFTER
• On call ‘One to One’ coaching
• Remedial or corrective ‘round table’ facilitation to resolve diversions & distractions
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planet and all of humanity”.
The government argues that these (donors to political parties) add to Australia’s GDP. However, the International Monetary Fund reported in May that in 2017 the fossil fuel industry received $29 billion in subsidies in Australia and $5.2 trillion internationally with 44 per cent going to the coal industry. This amounts to more than $1000 per person in Australia. Your thousand, that of your spouse, your partner, your children!
In the short term we do need coal. However, we also need governments to make long-term plans for a full transition to renewable energy. How much better for our $1000 a year to go to renewables as part of the transition process, rather than supporting wealthy fossil fuel mining barons to the tune of a grand?
Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an inde pendent minister for health. He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.
Canberra at the weekend. Delivering the “Dunrossil Lecture”, she will outline her life and work as a Christian living in Ethiopia in a Muslim household at a Friends of St John’s service, at the Constitution Avenue church, 11.15am, Sunday August 18.
She has worked to improve the lives of people in one of the poorest places on earth, where the temperature regularly hits 50C and one in three children die before the age of five.
With her Afar husband Ismael Ali Gardo, she has established the Afar Pastoral Development Association that works to improve literacy, promote maternal and child health, eradicate harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation and tackle growing problems of HIV and AIDS.
“All up, stage one of the light rail project is costing taxpayers about $2.21 billion, ie about $600 per household, for each of the next 20 years,” writes MAX FLINT, co-ordinator of Smart Canberra Transport.
ON June 21, the ACT government released its “City to Gungahlin Light Rail Project Delivery Report” in which it attempts to convince ACT taxpayers that Light Rail Stage 1 will cost only $872 million (January 2016 prices).
In fact, the project will have a public private partnership (PPP) contract price of $1.35 billion in April 2019 prices (delivery date), plus very significant other costs outside the PPP contract.
In respect of project costs, the report makes two very serious errors, namely: to give the cost in January 2016 prices, which is very misleading, if not unethical; and which is the result of erroneous discounting of all costs paid or to be paid to the contractor, from January 2016 through to 2039 (end of 20-year operations period), at a rate of 7.52 per cent a year.
This discount rate was used during evaluation of the tenders for the project, but has no place in determining the present value of future availability payments the government now has to make to the successful bidder, over the next 20 years of operations.
In fact, by use of this rate, the government is saying that the average de -
preciation of money from 2016 through 2039 would be 7.52 per cent every year, which is obviously in error. The correct, average depreciation rate is more like 2.5 per cent a year, which is used here to arrive at the real PPP contract price of $1.35 billion.
However, the cost to the taxpayer is much higher than the PPP contract price because of project office expenditures since 2012, outside that contract, and the opportunity cost to the government of the capital contribution of $375 million paid to the contractor in April.
Together, these represent an extra $250 million, bringing the direct cost to the taxpayer of $1.61 billion (2019 prices). To this sum, one can logically add the $600 million the government is spending to rehouse 1288 public tenants from Northbourne Avenue to make way for the tram.
All up, the project is costing taxpayers about $2.21 billion. That translates into about $600 per household, for each of the next 20 years.
That is the cost equation – so, what are the supposed benefits?
These will be a combination of grant money, revenue from operations
and the so-called “benefits” imagined by the government.
There has been a grant of $65 million from the Federal government, being 15 per cent of public assets sold by the ACT government, eg the ACTTAB. Revenue can be expected to come from fares (maybe $145 million) and from advertising (a guess of about $15 million), over the next 20 years.
The 2014 business case claimed a benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 1.2 for the project, which the government used to justify and approve the project, despite the auditor-general having evaluated the BCR at only 0.49.
The BCR of 1.2 comprised transport benefits, land use benefits and wider economic benefits, the quantification of which was and remains highly suspect.
The A-G’s report accepted that the transport benefits were valid, but that other benefits claimed were not necessarily due to the presence of a tram.
The big unknown is potential revenue from land sales/leases and rates charged thereafter by the government. However, to the knowledge of the author, expected income from development of the corridor has never been made public, even if quantified by the government.
ACT taxpayers can thank the cabinet of Katy Gallagher and Shane Rattenbury for saddling the vast majority of them with this very serious debt.
The Project Delivery Report now claims the BCR could be 1.3 or even 1.5, even though it says, inter alia, that: “Benefits are held constant per the project’s business case, updated for Territory cost outcomes.”
And that: “While it is not possible to comprehensively re-value the project’s benefits at this early stage, …”.
Thus, the government has presumed that the modus operandi for determining the BCR in the Stage 1 business case was and is still valid, despite having been heavily criticised by the auditor-general and analysts alike.
One must ask why not? One reason may be that, as early studies and some analysts have argued, development of the corridor and the resultant government take, would have been just as forthcoming with a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, at half the cost of the tram. It is population growth that primarily drives development, tram or no tram.
Given potential revenue and the claimed transport and land use benefits, but omitting “wider economic” benefits as unsubstantiated (the latter two not recognised by the A-G), the BCR is still only about 0.51, ie the best that Canberrans can expect as a
return on their imposed “investment”, is 51 cents in the dollar.
It should be noted that one of the four recommendations made by the auditor-general was that the government should develop “a whole-ofgovernment Benefits Realisation Plan and associated documentation. This plan should identify and document the benefits to be realised by the project, their timing, ownership, critical dependencies for the achievement of the benefits and associated key performance indicators.”
It is very unlikely that the government ever did anything about this recommendation other than to ignore it.
ACT taxpayers can thank the cabinet of the erstwhile Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher, and the ultimatum for a tram demanded by Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury (after the result of the 2012 election), for saddling the vast majority of them with this very serious debt and the loss to other much more deserving projects for our city.
(This is a brief summary of a detailed critique of the Project Delivery Report, prepared by Smart Canberra Transport and sent to the Transport Minister and City Services on July 2.)
Max Flint has been an acquisition manager of major capital projects and a private consultant specialising in support systems and life-cycle costing of such projects.
THE waifish Irish girls were judged fit for purpose: aged between 14 and 20, single –and free of any infectious disease.
On July 25, 170 years ago, Anne and Alicia Keefe, wearing the blue shifts that marked them as Earl Grey Orphans, boarded an English transport ship bound for the other side of the world.
They were escaping an Ireland riven by famine and destitution.
Packed off with some clothing, a prayer book and a hairbrush, Anne and Alicia were two of more than 4100 of their countrywomen – girls, really – to arrive in Australia between 1848 and 1850.
While the parent-less teenagers weren’t convicts, the colonial outpost was bursting with men who once were (as well as others still serving at Her Majesty’s Pleasure). In short supply were domestic servants and marriage prospects.
The initiative of Earl Henry George Grey, Secretary of State for the Colonies, sought to relieve the “misery, poverty and in likelihood, early death” that came in the wake of the “Great Hunger”. In addition, it would address this gender imbalance.
The destiny of the Keefe sisters was to be among a select few to put down roots in what would become the capital region – where some of their descendants continue to live today.
Robyn Sherd McVey, formerly of Canberra and now tiny Ungarie (central west NSW), is Alicia’s great-granddaughter.
“I’m quite obsessed in relation to all aspects of my courageous, pioneering ancestors,” she says.
“It was through searching for information on Alicia I discovered she was an ‘Orphan’. What I hadn’t realised until now was how young she may have been.”
The records on this are conflicting. The shipping register states Anne was 16 and her sibling (also listed as Alice) 15, but official certificates indicate Alicia was only 11. Given the minimum-age requirement, Alicia’s was perhaps altered to ensure the pair wouldn’t be separated.
Almost on the anniversary of their departure, a play on the short-lived “Potato Orphans” scheme is to open at The Q in Queanbeyan on August 24.
“Belfast Girls” focuses on five such women during their months-long journey. Set in the third-class confines of a crowded ship, it explores the impetus and potential for transformation. With bonds forged through shared experience, pasts are revealed, and expectations and hopes for the future are laid bare.
According to playwright Jaki McCarrick, it was always intended as an allegory, its central quintet an amalgam and embodiment of the thousands of stories. The title is a reference to those less inclined to fulfil another of the stipulations: “obedient”.
“At the time of writing, I think I was more angry at how the populace – and women in particular – were treated during the famine,” Jaki says.
In 1849, the Emerald Isle was far from the sparkling jewel its poetic appellation suggested. After three years being ravaged by the Great Famine, brought on by a potato blight, a million or more of its citizens were dead.
Workhouses built to cater to the starving and the wretched were overcrowded, diseaseridden and devoid of promise. The alternative was a life of crime or prostitution.
While emigration may have precluded such fates, it wasn’t always a step up.
Anti-Irish/Catholic sentiment was strong among an aspirational population trying to shake itself of its criminal origins. The local press declared the arrivals “workhouse sweepings”, and worse, “hordes of useless trollops, thrust upon an unwilling community.”
As a result, a goodly proportion allowed themselves and their stories to be swallowed up in the unexplored wilds of this isolated new world. Others sought to reinvent themselves.
Anne and Alicia, plucked from a “hated” institution in Queen’s County, arrived on
November 21, 1849 (less than nine months later the controversial program would end). They gained employment relatively close to each other; Anne near Crookwell, Alicia at Goulburn.
Less is known about Anne’s story, save that she married Thomas Murphy, of Bungendore, in 1851. Her great-niece, Robyn, is of the belief that their progeny were numerous and that many of the family wound up in Braidwood and Moruya.
In 1859, the first of seven children was born to Alicia and William Sherd, a Bungendore “confectioner”.
“When William left England [c1853], he left his wife and two sons,” says Robyn.
“I’m a novice with genealogy but suspect that Alicia and William may have been in a common-law relationship.”
Today theirs is a well-recognised name throughout the area, with Bungendore’s main sports ground named for one of Alicia and William’s great grandsons, Mick Sherd.
On Alicia’s death in 1896 in the Queanbeyan Hospital, she was buried in an unmarked grave in Bungendore’s cemetery.
A third local Orphan has also been unearthed: Mary Ann Duddy. As a 16-yearold from Galway, she was sent out in early 1849. The following year, she married Robert Sindel, 23, settling in Queanbeyan in 1859. Although illiterate (unlike the Keefes), Mary Ann helped run her husband’s general store, Manchester House. And she gave birth to 11 children. When she died – on the premises – she was just 37.
Mary Ann appears on the Welcome Wall of the Maritime Museum, erected in honour of all who’ve made Australia home.
Works such as “Belfast Girls” and those keen to preserve the identities and contributions of their forebears are ensuring they will never truly fade.
Do you know of any local Earl Grey Orphans? Visit anoverallview.wixsite.
com/blog
COLUMNIST Michael Moore has touched on a vitally important issue central to the quality of our democracy here in Canberra (“Sitting in the centre of things that matter”, CN, August 8).
I think many of us had always assumed that with Hare Clark-majority government would be rare.
The fact that we have a unicameral parliament, ie no house of review, suggests that it was not expected when the ACT achieved self government and had Hare-Clark foisted on us that majority government would be a common occurrence.
However, the Labor/Greens coalition has undermined that thinking and we are currently experiencing an extended period of majority government.
The government is, as majority governments do, exercising its absolute power absolutely. The fact that Greens leader Shane Rattenbury is a member of cabinet and has agreed to be bound by the principles of cabinet solidarity means that every single decision of the government is a decision of the Greens and, despite Caroline Le Couteur’s valiant attempts at distinguishing the Greens from Labor, the two parties are now joined at the hip.
Shane and Caroline are, in reality, de facto members of the ALP. They no longer pretend to have a role in keeping the government accountable. They are the government. Dracula is in charge of the blood bank.
It may be, in light of the now formal coalition between Labor and the Greens, and the worrying lack of accountability or review of
government decisions, that consideration be given to a review of the Self Government Act. Perhaps consideration needs to be given, for example, to the addition of an upper house, such as exists in Tasmania, the only other Hare-Clark jurisdiction.
Jon Stanhope, via email
I LIKED the letter from Ann Cooper (Letters, CN, August 1).
If Costigan would stand for the Assembly he would get my vote for sure. He has written many articles about the faults with the Barr government’s relentless antics in allowing developers a “free hand” in developing our land.
How many more trees have to go before the Barr government is held accountable? Where is the infrastructure around the development sites?
We have developers reducing the width of our roads just to make more profits. In Watson, we have in excess of 800 new dwellings being constructed with the Barr government wanting to sell two more blocks of land for another 1000 dwellings!
The local schools are packed, the main roads in disrepair and no new shopping centre!
Costigan is a breath of fresh air and he calls a spade a spade. I wish there were more like him, then we could vote for them also and get rid of this government that is hell bent on
destroying our “bush capital” image.
Bill (surname withheld), Watson
I AGREE with all of columnist Paul Costigan’s comments on Commonwealth Bridge et al, but I’d like to add a few more.
Has the NCA ignored or forgotten past decisions? Is its mantra now to destroy things.
Yes, the old wooden bridge had to go; and, yes, another bridge at Kings Avenue
WESTON Creek pharmacist Brad Butt has been named the Australian Patients Association’s Most Outstanding Community Pharmacist of the Year. Mr Butt, of Cooleman Court Pharmacy, was nominated by members of the public.
CANBERRA Repertory is selling costumes, clothing, accessories, bridal wear and more. At the Rep Theatre, 3 Repertory Lane, Acton, near the ANU School of Art, Thursday to Saturday, August 15-17, 11am to 3pm.
“INDIA: a different perspective” will feature two speakers from not-for-profit organisations (one operating in Mumbai, the other working on agricultural projects) who will talk about their projects at a public lecture at Manning Clark House, 11 Tasmania Circle, Forrest, 6pm, on Wednesday, August 21. Book at trybooking.com
INA Peukes, from ActewAGL, will talk about energyefficiency programs at the next lunchtime meeting of Gungahlin Day VIEW Club on August 28 at Versatile Restaurant, Federation Square, Nicholls. Lunch costs $35 and visitors and interested ladies are welcome, rsvp to 6262 2556 before 9pm, on Wednesday, August 28.
TOURS of Manning Clark House will be staged on the last Sunday of each month until November; the next is on August 25 at 2pm. The house was designed by Melbourne’s Robin Boyd and is a fine example of modernist domestic architecture. Maximum 15 per tour, $10 for adults ($7 concession), afternoon tea provided. Book at trybooking.com
had to be built.
I remember the old wooden bridge when I was a teenager as my school choir was performing at the National Eisteddfod at the Albert Hall. The bus had to take it carefully!
I remember walking across the Molonglo river causeway near where Kings Avenue Bridge is now.
I remember when, in the wisdom of the ACT government of the day, the hospital by the lake was blown up. Such a great place to take long-term patients to feed the ducks or enjoy some outdoors and fresh air to aid their recovery.
My high school headmistress was the daughter of Charles Weston. A cousin of mine was involved in planting the trees in the middle of Limestone Avenue. There is a seat commemorating the occasion! They would turn in their graves to see what is happening today.
So the present gang of decision makers at the NCA just ignore all the history. Their mantra appears to be forget the past, forget the heritage, let’s just worship new concrete… and trams!
Northbourne Avenue now looks ugly. The entrance to the “Bush Capital” is just another concrete jungle reminiscent of other cities and countries around the world. And lined with ugly, concrete edifices.
And our politicians and bureaucrats think it’s better? Sorry, I may be old and old fashioned, but this is very poor decision making.
Commonwealth Avenue Bridge should stay; work out another way to get your tram over the lake, if that’s what you want because in another 50 years someone will announce it as a stupid idea and propose some other, new hairbrained idea. I won’t be here to complain and nor will you!
Luise Cottis, via email
Write to us
Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au or write to the editor at: 9b / 189 Flemington Road, Mitchell 2911
ORGANISATIONS seeking to promote the wellbeing of older Canberrans are encouraged to apply for the latest round of Seniors Grants following an $80,000 investment by the ACT government. Seniors Minister Gordon Ramsay says: “Older Canberrans already… [lead] some of our strongest community organisations and these grants will help ensure… [they] are able to find more ways to contribute.” Applications close on Monday, September 2. More at communityservices.act.gov.au
A NEW study led by researchers at the ANU could lead to better support for women affected by a partner’s gambling. More information is available on the ANU Centre for Gambling Research Facebook page. Participants will be offered a $50 voucher as compensation for their time.
THE district of Gungahlin has seen a lot of changes this year with the introduction of the light rail and, more recently, the announcement of the new ACT Labor member for Yerrabi, Deepak-Raj Gupta. And as one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, it’s expected to keep changing.
FOR the past 11 years, Fusion City Church has been privileged to see Gungahlin grow alongside its church.
The church was pioneered by pastors Matt and Gill McGaw in 2008 with a vision to build a contemporary, legacy-building church that would help people know and enjoy God, discover their purpose and make a difference.
“Our expression is vibrant and contemporary and you will love the warm, family atmosphere, sense of com munity and diverse age range,” says senior pastor Matt.
On Sundays Fusion City Church hosts a 10am service at Palmerston Primary School and a new Sunday Night Live service at 5pm at Fusion LifeCENTRE in Hoskins
The town of Gungahlin had a population of just 389 residents in 1991. But the district as a whole, according to the census, had a population of 70,871 in 2016, an increase from 46,971 in the 2011 census. This figure is expected to hit 83,167 by 2020, according to the ACT government report “ACT Population Projections 2017 to 2020”.
• We cover all of Canberra.
• We employ only qualified and experienced electricians.
• We don’t charge the earth.
• We appreciate our loyal customers.
• Seniors discounts avaliable.
• $49 electrical inspections.
WHEN a bike is booked in to get serviced at Cookies Cycles throughout August, locals in the Gungahlin area can get their bike picked up and dropped off for free.
It’s important to get bicycles serviced every 12 months, according to the owner of Cookies Cycles, David Cook, who says they will collect any bikes from a Gungahlin home in the morning or evening and drop them off after the service the next evening.
“Just as you would for a car, push bikes need services to check gears and brakes to make sure they’re working right and won’t break down,” David says.
“[And] it’s a saving of $20 off the usual price for
this service.”
David says now’s the time to get bike-ready for spring, so it’s in a good, working condition for the warmer months - especially the bikes which haven’t been ridden for some time.
It’s also a good time to think about putting a bike on layby for Christmas presents, says David.
“We have a large range of bikes and scooters in stock, ready to go,” he says.
Cookies Cycles, 227 Flemington Road, Franklin. Call 6242 0338, email shop@cookiescycles.com.au or visit cookiescycles.com.au
WITH about 400 businesses offering everything from coffee to car parts, Mitchell is home to some of Canberra’s best products and services, according to the Mitchell Traders Association, who created a website called FindItInMitchell last year.
A spokesman from the Mitchell Traders Association says they established finditinmitchell.com.au as an online business directory to help people find what they are looking for in Mitchell.
“FindItInMitchell was started with a simple purpose – to showcase the hundreds of great businesses that call Mitchell home,” he says.
“With businesses offering everything from car repairs to coffee, VR experiences, home renovations and more, you’re bound to find something you love in Mitchell.”
FindItInMitchell. Visit finditinmitchell.com.au
Runners shop puts its best foot forward
SUPPORTING local runners is a big part of what The Runners Shop does, says owner Nick Walshe.
“We support local running events, triathlons and create partnerships with gyms in the Gungahlin area,” says Nick who opened the shop on Hibberson Street four years ago and has been the owner of The Runners Shop (also in Phillip) for the past 10 years.
“Over that time, customers have been coming back to us a lot and some people are just finding out about us for the first time,” he says.
The Runners Shop stocks all the leading brands of trainers, racing shoes, minimalist shoes, cross trainers and walking shoes.
Nick says the team at The Runners Shop are all running enthusiasts who are happy to help customers find the right gear.
“Running is great for you – both physically and mentally,” he says.
“The challenge is to manage the amount of miles you can do and replace your running shoes when they are worn to remain injury free.
“I have been running since I was 15 years old and competed in nine marathons and 25 half marathons.
WHEN locals need reliable and affordable legal help they turn to the qualified and experienced team at WMG Legal, says its director and solicitor Chris Malfone.
“We pride ourselves on giving
Wayne Warton, have been working together to bring Canberrans valuable legal solutions since 2015.
Together they offer a range of legal services such as property conveyancing, transactions, commercial matters, wills and estates, work and motor vehicle accident injuries, litigation and dispute resolution, and loan agreements.
“We are more accessible to clients as they are dealing with the owners of the business directly,” Chris says.
“Affordability is an important aspect of what we provide as well.
“Our team recognises that sound legal advice should not cost the earth.
“We are pleased to offer a free, no-obligation initial chat to understand your legal problem and how we can help you.”
WMG Legal, suite 4, 75 Gozzard Street, Gungahlin. Call 6253 9766, email office@wmglegal.com.au or
BARKROYAL Dog Day Spa & Day Care grooms dogs in all shapes and sizes, says owner Debbie Hart.
Having worked with animals for more than 30 years, Debbie started the Nicholls-based business in 2017 because she wanted to work with pets every day.
Debbie, who owns four dogs and is the head groomer, says she specialises in grooming specialneeds dogs such as blind dogs, older dogs and difficult dogs who might need extra attention.
“We love rescue dogs and offer a free groom for recently rescued dogs,” Debbie says.
“Service dogs receive a half-price discount as well.”
In addition to the grooming service, Debbie offers day care for people who want to give their dogs a social experience or need them out of the house.
Craig the Computer Geek Craig Plaister.
AFTER setting up shop in Gungahlin last year, computer expert Craig Plaister is now the “local geek” of both Weston Creek, where he does a lot of work, and Gungahlin.
Craig, who owns Craig the Computer Geek, will continue to do home and workplace visits to repair and upgrade computers across Canberra but he says his Gungahlin shop front allows customers to bring their computers to him.
“We have wonderful, loyal
BarkRoyal Dog Day Spa & Day Care, Eve Place, Nicholls. Call 0419 446163, email barkroyaldogs@gmail.com or visit barkroyalgrooming.com.au
Craig the Computer Geek offers business solutions, home services and web services such as home and office network set-up, virus removal, off-site backups, disaster recovery, custom PC builds and security systems.
And, with 30 years’ experience in information technology, Craig is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and is highly experienced in Windows administration. He has experience building and repairing PCs and laptops and troubleshooting all types of computer related problems.
Lately, he’s been helping customers improve the speed and get more life out of their PCs by upgrading their performance through installing solid state drives.
“They are lighter, faster and less fragile than ever and a good alternative for people wanting to get another couple of years out of their PCs,” he says. Craig can also help create websites for small businesses and
Craig The Computer Geek, 315 Gundaroo Drive, Gungahlin. Call 0411 147909 or visit craigthecomputergeek.com.au
WITH many years’ property experience, Gungahlinbased real estate agent Adrian Southern established his boutique real estate and property management business, Southern Property Canberra, seven years ago.
Adrian is not tied to the Gungahlin region and sells and leases properties all over Canberra.
He says he loves helping clients fulfil their dreams and strives to be approachable, genuine and real, breaking down the perception that real estate agents can be arrogant or slimey.
“Real estate agents have progressed to now being like a counsellor and a friend,” he says.
“I become so involved with my clients’ lives, helping them get to the next step in their lives.”
And, when people choose Southern Property, clients deal solely with Adrian.
“I look after and am accountable for everything I do in my business,” he says.
Adrian also uses his business to give back to the community. As the father of a nine-year-old, Adrian says he knows first-hand the importance of supporting
LOCALLY owned and proud of it, familyowned Mitchell business Therma Quilts specialises in making and servicing feather and down products such as quilts, pillows and cushions that have been keeping Canberrans warm since the ‘80s.
As the weather gets colder, it can even make quilts bigger or smaller to suit any changes in bed sizes since last winter.
Using quality textiles, the seamstresses at Therma Quilts hand-make every item suited to the customer’s needs and provide a top-up service when quilts and pillows show signs of wear or loss of warmth and fluffiness.
“Servicing of feather and down products is essential for keeping them in optimal condition for comfort,” says a Therma Quilts spokeswoman.
“With time and usage, body proteins and lipids (natural oils and perspiration) are absorbed on to quilt casings and into the feather and down inside.
“Over time, this build-up dampens the down, which causes it to lose its thermal resistance. However, regular servicing of your quilts would ensure that your down is fresh, fluffy and keeps you nice and warm during winter.
“With time and usage, the fabrics on quilts wear out and get thin, but once holes appear there is no need to throw away your quilt.”
Therma Quilts, Unit 9, 10-12 Kemble Court, Mitchell. Call 6241 6859 or visit thermaquilts.com.au
Director Adrian Southern, right, sponsoring Yarralumla Primary School “star awards”.
local schools and currently sponsors Yarralumla Primary School’s “star awards”.
“I have been supporting school awards for many years and I love presenting the star awards to the children at Yarralumla Primary every fortnight,” he says.
in the region, according to general manager James Hibberson.
“We have received commendations from customers and suppliers as being one of the best showrooms they have seen,” James says.
“[We have] displays to inspire in a comfortably-sized [space which] makes selecting tiles an enjoyable experience.”
Staying abreast of design trends, James says Rivoland Tiles is also proud to offer one of the biggest tile ranges in eastern Australia.
“There is always something new and different to look at and explore,” says James, who is proud of his expert, friendly staff.
“The showroom staff boast a myriad of experience and knowledge across all works and aspects of residential and commercial projects and are more than happy to assist you with your needs.
“Having the trade centre on site ensures we meet all your tiling needs. “Renovators and professionals will find a comprehensive range of products and tools which, teamed with expert advice, ensures the best possible finish and complete solution for every project.”
And, James says, the Mitchell location is close to new developments and established suburbs where many redevelopments and renovating are taking place.
Rivoland Tiles Showroom, 55-57 Darling Street, Mitchell. Call 6241 1557 or visit rivoland.com.au
SOUTHERN Owner / Director
• North side / South
• Property management services delivered personally by Adrian Southern.
• Diploma of Property Services, licenced agent and Auctioneer.
• Over 18 years industry experience.
• Marketing specialist encompassing e-marketing and print media.
• Professional service tailored to meet the needs of sellers and landlords through a highly personalised consultative approach.
•
pillows or sleeping bags.
• Call or Email for a FREE market appraisal. ADRIAN
• Highly successful agent trained by some of the industry’s best. Deal directly with the owner himself.
• A small Canberra business, with a genuine friendly service.
WODEN Valley is said to be named after a nearby homestead, whose owner Dr James Murray titled it “Woden” in October, 1837, after the Old English god of wisdom.
It was a fitting name from Dr Murray, who wanted to spend his life pursuing wisdom.
But another man, Dr Harold Koch, questions this and believes Woden Valley’s origins come from the Aboriginal word for possum. The Aboriginal word, either “wadyan” or “wadhan”, became known to English speakers as “Woden”.
The traditional custodians of the district are the indigenous people of the Ngunnawal tribe.
LET’S Be Natural is celebrating their fifth anniversary with a celebration sale on Saturday, August 31, says owner Ben Pfitzner.
“We are an independent, locally-owned health food, bulk food, organics and eco store located in Southlands Shopping Centre, Mawson,” says Ben, who was inspired to start the business because he felt passionate about making eco-friendly goods and waste-free shopping more available to the community.
“Society needs to decrease its dependence on plastic in the food chain and non-sustainable methods of farming,” he says.
“We believe that clean food and a healthy lifestyle is key to not only good health and longevity but in nurturing our connection with nature.
“This includes reducing the amount of artificially created chemicals finding their way into our food and waterways.”
Ben says Let’s Be Natural is a step towards a long, sustainable future and a step in nudging society in the right direction.
Let’s Be Natural has a wide range of healthy, organic and
Sales, lucky door prizes and giveaways
Local vendors exhibiting their brands
Healthy lunch options
BYOC
Fundraising
eco-friendly products, such as bulk/packaging-free/wastefree food, cleaning products natural skincare and natural cosmetics.
“[And] we have a spacious layout, chilled music and friendly staff,” he says.
“It’s a relaxed shopping experience. We also listen to our customers, we are here to serve the local community so we listen to their needs.”
Let’s Be Natural’s fifth birthday celebrations will feature a range of local suppliers and their products, healthy lunch options, lucky door prizes and a bake sale to raise funds for the Little Oaks Sanctuary, a charity which rescues animals and promotes cruelty-free living.
Let’s Be Natural, shop 2, 73-77 Mawson Place, Mawson (enter from the courtyard of Southlands). Call 6286 3775, email info@letsbenatural.com.au or visit letsbenatural.com.au
THANKS to a loyal client base and positive referrals, Element Property Services has really grown over the past seven years under its principal Danielle Coady.
The property management spe cialists, which are located at Isaacs shops, have even been recognised for their “excellence in leasing” when they were a finalist in the 2017 and 2018 leading property manager’s annual awards.
“We maintain a strong sense of ethics in everything we do,” says Danielle, who is an experienced property manager, working alongside the team’s inspection and maintenance manager Sara and accounts manager Maria.
“[Together] we deal with all aspects of property management, from leasing, to maintenance, to inspections and tenancy issues.”
Danielle says the team at Element Property Services love being able to help people, are always responsive and above all, maintain ethical standards.
While the team are often out meeting tenants and owners, and managing inspections, Danielle says they are always just a phone call away for their clients.
Element Property Services, Unit 4, 2 Farr Place, Isaacs. Call 6195 1500 or visit elementpropertyservices.com.au
pital’s hydrotherapy pool, Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey is reassuring everyone that it won’t close until the ACT government finds a replacement.
“The government has promised us that the pool will only close once a plan ‘b’ is in place,” says Rebecca, who is working with ACT Health on this issue.
But Rebecca understands the concerns from the community and says Arthritis ACT runs 25 hours of hydrotherapy classes for people living with arthritis and chronic pain.
“I am spending time reassuring people that they will be looked after, and I welcome the proposal for a new hydrotherapy pool in the south side of Canberra,”
“Hydrotherapy allows people with arthritis and pain to exercise without so much pressure on their joints. It also provides pain relief.”
Operating out of two offices in Pearce and Bruce, Rebecca says Arthritis ACT’s Pearce office is open for the public to visit during work hours to reach out and access their services, which include community talks as well as chair yoga, strength and balance classes and exercise physiology classes.
Arthritis ACT, SHOUT Offices, Collett Place, Pearce. Call 1800 011041, email info@arthritisact.org.au or visit arthritisact.org.au
and emotionally assist you with the impact of chronic pain.
Hydrotherapy at locations across Canberra
• Exercise Physiology group classes and individual consultations
• GLA:D Physiotherapy program for hip and knee osteoarthritis
• Dietitian consultations for weight loss/gain and pain relief
• Occupational therapy to improve daily living challenges
• Individual counselling and health education
• Pain Support programs, seminars and support groups
• All programs can be incorporated into NDIS, DVA and My Aged Care
• We accept GP Referrals for Medicare funded allied health services
• Most chronic pain conditions respond to exercise and weight loss
• Hydrotherapy is proven to lead to reduction in many kinds of chronic pain
• People living with pain often suffer from being isolated – we have programs that will lessen this impact
• Mild depression and anxiety will significantly increase perceptions of pain – our counselling, support groups and exercise groups will help reduce this impact.
• Open Tuesday to Saturday
• Dinner from 6pm-9pm, lunch from 12-2pm
• Best Schnitzels and greatest Pork Knuckles!
• Special $12 lunches
• Contact us for your next function. We can cater for weddings, parties, anniversaries etc – for any number and any budget
• Daily blackboard specials and homemade strudel
Once you have experienced the friendly atmosphere of the Club and had a meal in the restaurant, you will be back! Heard Street, Mawson www.austrianclubcanberra.com Phone 02 6286 5793
• Serving Mawson for over 40 years
• TAB facilities
• Great selection of Australian & European beers and wines
• Live entertainment on most Friday nights
• Large 200 seat auditorium & private function rooms
• Disabled friendly facilities
• Open from 11am – 7 day a week
OWNER of Curtin Optical, Corey Nicholls, says that its independence from large chains gives customers a more personalised service.
beers in a warm, friendly atmosphere since the early ‘70s, says club manager Rob Bolin.
More recently, Rob says the club’s been hosting live music in its function room, and it’s really taken off.
“Our function room has great acoustics and the bands love playing there,” says Rob, who gets bands coming in regularly to perform blues, country, roots and jazz music.
“Our jazz artists have been international acts and all the shows have been very well attended.
“[And] a lot of our shows are free entry and the ticketed ones are reasonably priced.”
But for food-lovers, looking for a hearty Austrian meal, Rob says the Austrian Australian Club’s schnitzels are very popular and their restaurant serves the best pork knuckle in town.
“Slow cooked over seven hours, we offer a limited number of pork knuckles each day so we recommend making an advance booking,” Rob says.
The club’s function spaces are also available for hire, with a large-sized function room, which can accommodate about 200 people and has a big dance floor, which Rob says is perfect for dancing groups.
There’s also the Bauernstube room, a rustic-styled room, suitable for about 50 people.
Austrian Australian Club, Heard St, Mawson. Call 6286 5793 or visit the Austrian Australian Club on Facebook.
Having been a part of the Curtin community for 20 years, Curtin Optical has three experienced optometrists available for appointments from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Corey and his team stock a wide range of eyewear, contact lenses and accessories.
“We cater to all tastes – from budget to well-known brands,” says Corey.
Curtin Optical are providers to the ACT pension scheme and also DVA.
Curtin Optical also offers mobile optical dispensing services – spectacle selections and deliveries to the elderly or people unable to come into the store due to disability.
This also includes spectacle repairs and adjustments, and an after-hours service.
In addition, Curtin Optical offers an express service for those who have lost or broken their spectacles.
In its full workshop facility, Curtin Optical’s Corey is a fully-qualified optical mechanic and offers an express service on most (stock) single vision jobs, including rimless spectacles.
Curtin Optical’s instore services have a same day turnaround and its mobile jobs have a 24 hour turnaround.
Curtin Optical. Shop 1B, Curtin Place, Curtin. Call 6281 1220 or email looking@ curtinoptical.com.au
By Helen MUSA
CANBERRA Opera is determined to entice new audiences into this enduring art form by staging two of the most famous short works in the repertoire.
Both “Gianni Schicchi” by Puccini and “Cavalleria Rusticana” by Mascagni are considered a “big sing”, and they’re easy to follow, especially as they’ll be performed in English.
In “Gianni Schicchi”, which begins the night, Schicchi, a tricky father straight out of the Roman comedy tradition, devises a plan to ensure his daughter inherits a legacy and gets the guy.
“Cavalleria Rusticana” (literally Rustic Chivalry) is more in the tradition of SicilianGreek tragedy as a jilted girl brings shame on herself and disaster on her lover in a Sicilian tale of revenge. No wonder director Francis Ford Coppola’s chose it to conclude “The Godfather Part III”.
Melbourne opera director Kate Millett, here to stage the two works, has her own company, BK Opera in Melbourne, where she is known for her pared-back, strip operas on “black box” sets.
most famous “verismo” opera, so that’s no problem and, since both operas deal with ordinary people and real situations, Millett has no hesitation in updating.
“A comedy is more of a challenge because it has more moving parts, but my approach will be fairly slapstick,” Millett says.
“It’ll be set in the 1980s or the 1990s, and
1960s when there was still a bit of ambiguity about sexual mores.
The “hero” Turiddu is turned from a soldier into a failed pop singer who’s come back to town. Alfio, his rival for the lovely Lola, is a merchant transporter instead of a carter.
Enter Melbourne tenor and co-founder of BK Opera James Penn, dressed to the nines. He plays Turiddu and is enjoying being a “failed” singer, the sacrificial victim in an opera Millett says is “full of symbolism”.
In her dark production, the chorus will be in “judgemental black” – “a lot of nonnos and nonnas standing by disapprovingly, representing society”.
Conductor Louis Sharpe has been in Canberra for only a year and is tickled pink with the process of the opera, saying: “So far we haven’t had to cut anything” but that each opera won’t run much more than an hour.
Millett believes the opera singers have reacted well to their directing approach because of their more contemporary, collaborative approach, and is happy to predict a curious kind of success in the set-up for the coming Canberra Opera production.
“You start with a comedy, then you traumatise your audience,” she says.
In the most pleasant way, we hope.
problem in that the jilted woman Santuzza is ostracised by the villagers for having sex before marriage, pretty well unknown these days, so she’s set it in the late 1950s or early
“Gianni Schicchi” and “Cavalleria Rusticana”, Belconnen Theatre, August 23-September 1. Parental guidance is recommended. Book at trybooking.com
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.
By Dougal MACDONALD
“Palm Beach” (M)
Q. Is it a drama ? A comedy? A love story?
A social analysis? A satire?
A. All of the above.
Q. And how does that eclectic mix work when it hits the screen?
A. With difficulty.
Q. Why?
A. By trying to be all things to cast, crew and viewers, it hits no definable target.
Q. Will I like it?
A. If you approach it with no fixed expectations, probably. It’s clear writer Joanna Murray-Smith invested a lot of love and energy in “Palm Beach”. And director Rachel Ward guided a stellar cast around NSW postcode 2018 to tell a series of stories centred on a pair of resident nouveau riches and the friends they’ve invited for a weekend to celebrate the sixtieth birthday of Frank (Bryan Brown).
The fun never ends. Except when expounding truths about who did what to whom with what outcome two decades ago.
During a Q&A at the Sydney Film Festival decades ago, the late actor Bill Hunter admonished the audience that it was their duty to support the Australian film industry, which has grown in leaps and bounds since then. Bill didn’t distinguish between excellence and dross. “Palm Beach” sits between those two extremes. It’s hedonist message lacks subtlety, its characters lack consistency and their stories don’t do justice to the location (or vice versa).
At all cinemas
“Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan” (MA)
AFTER brushing up by reading the wellattested Wikipedia account of how it was in a Vietnamese rubber plantation 53 years and 11 days before director Kriv Stenders’ film opened on public release, I can tell you that the characters are real and the film’s depiction of their parts in the battle is by and large accurate. Running for nearly two hours, the film merits four stars not merely for its depictions of young men, many of them conscripts, facing a more numerous battle-hardened enemy. It also shows command and communications
structures making decisions about events that they could see only from maps of the area. Free of the emotional passages that infest so many Hollywood battle movies, it pulls no punches against credibility.
Years ago, neighbours who had graduated in the RMC class of 1955 invited me to join their Escape Committee (from household chores) to have coffee one morning every week. They’ve all gone now and all I have is distant recollections of their reminiscences of Long Tan and other battles. Writing this review, I miss what they could have contributed to the film’s verity. But even without their help, I know that “Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan” delivers a powerful and credible account.
At all cinemas
“Midsommar” (R)
AN advance announcement of the arrival of writer/director Ari Aster’s feature debut said: “What begins as a carefree summer holiday in a land of eternal sunlight takes a sinister turn when the insular villagers invite their guests to partake in festivities that render the pastoral paradise increasingly unnerving and viscerally disturbing”.
Liberal minds may take the view that “Midsommar” speaks in support of people’s right to worship whom or what or however they choose. But by and large (144 minutes) it’s as boring a movie as you might hope ever not to see.
It has one horror passage, the obligatory and ceremonial public suicide of two mature villagers. Another sequence shows copulation against a background of full-frontal nudity. And the climax deliberately sets a pagan temple ablaze with live people inside. I imagine that those are the elements that led the classifiers to rate it “R”.
A group of young Americans comes to spend time among a Swedish rural community unaware that it practises pagan rites. The young folk spend the days tending the farm, eating communal meals with all the individuality of military drill, conforming to rules laid down by older superiors. They dress all in white decorated with floral symbols and garlands. They dance. They consume preparations that may subdue the natural urges of their ages. They seem happy in the lifestyle. I’m blessed if I know why.
At Dendy
The view from the Oyster Shed across the Clyde River… dine right on the river and watch the boats and the pelicans go by.
IT’S a rustic, little shed on the water with picturesque views, a peaceful ambience and some of the best oysters in the world.
The Oyster Shed – on the banks of the Clyde River – is my favourite place in Batemans Bay to indulge in succulent Sydney Rock and Pacific Oysters, always full of character, flavour and with a lovely texture.
The folks behind the biz know a thing or two about farming oysters. They’ve been doing so for four generations or so and today own leases 84 to 178 on the Clyde River Estuary. The Oyster Shed is a member of Australia’s Oyster Coast, a collective of this country’s leading oyster growers dedicated to rigorous environmental management systems.
Winter is a peak season for oysters farmed in the pristine, turquoise waters the Eurobodalla coast is so well known for. The shire’s unique microclimate and clean waters that create the oyster’s signature taste and appeal (salty, sweet, creamy) – it’s no surprise they’re found on menus at some of the best restaurants in the capital, NSW and beyond.
At the Oyster Shed, you dine right on the river and are welcome to sit and relax watching the boats and the pelicans go by.
The oysters couldn’t be fresher if they tried. You’re guaranteed a true treat if you order plate-grade Clyde River Sydney Rock Oysters with lemon ($17 dozen) or bistro grade for $15
dozen. We enjoyed ours au naturel on a gorgeous sunny day while sipping on a crisp white wine (byo only). If you prefer, you can order cooked oysters (Kilpatrick are $25 a dozen).
The Oyster Shed also sells oysters to take away. Opened, they will keep for up to 10 days in the fridge. Unopened (still alive in the shell) for up to 2 weeks (don’t refrigerate – it will kill the oyster).
Jade Norris and her husband Greg bought into the business in 2014. Jade is a master shucker, coming third in the 2019 Narooma Oyster Festival’s shucking contest.
The Oyster Shed also sells a lovely range of gourmet products created with love by local and small, regional producers, including Pure Murringo honey, Simply Stirred gourmet dressings and Emilia’s products, including a tartare sauce.
If oysters aren’t your thing, The Farm Gate (associated with the Oyster Shed and at the same location) sells dip platters ($15), salads and sweets, including slices, tarts, muffins and lamingtons (prices vary).
5 Wray Street, North Batemans Bay. Open seven days, 9am to 5pm. Turn off Kings Highway at the first rounda bout (heading towards the river) on to Old Punt Road. Turn at the top of the hill into Wray Street. It’s just past the boat hire sheds.
By Helen Musa
“WHERE Song Began” is a musical performance by cellist Anthony Albrecht and violinist Simone Slattery inspired by ornithologist Tim Low’s book of the same name. Exploring the Australian origins of songbirds, the program includes music spanning 300 years, enhanced by visual projections and an immersive soundscape. At Wesley Music Centre, 7pm, Thursday, August 22. Book at wheresongbegan.com
ILBIJERRI Theatre brings multi-talented performer Ghenoa Gela to the Bicentennial Hall, Queanbeyan, in “My Urrwai”. Billed as a reflection on cultural and familial inheritance. Friday, August 23, 10.30am and 8pm. Book at theq.net.au or 6285 6290.
WODEN Valley Youth Choir stages its 50th anniversary concert at Llewellyn Hall, Saturday, August 24. It’s the first major recital under artistic director Olivia Swift, with choir alumni Lainie Hart and Kylie Higgins performing as guest soloists. It includes a bracket by the alumni choir under the batons of founding director Don Whitbread and his successor, Alpha Gregory. Book at ticketek.com.au
“SUMMERS in Nohant” sees pianist Kotaro Nagano perform for the Friends of Chopin Australia in a program of romantic music based around pieces Chopin composed at the country estate of his lover, novelist George Sand. All Saints Church, Ainslie, August 24. Book at friendsofchopin.org.au
“LEGALLY Blonde the Musical” is back, this time in the hands of director Jim McMullen and the Canberra Philharmonic Society. Erindale Theatre, August 22-September 7. Book at philo.org.au/tickets/
THE Piano Division of the National Eisteddfod is at Ainslie Arts Centre, August 22-25, covering contemporary, classical, improvisation and chamber music and period compositions. Book at nationaleisteddfod.org.au
SOPRANO Lisa Cannizzaro, baritone Jeremy Tatchell and pianist Elena Nikulina at Art Song Canberra’s next concert, Wesley Music Centre, 3pm, Sunday, August 18. Book at trybooking.com or tickets by cash at the door.
Photo: Helen Musa
By Helen Musa
SWINGIN’ Circus Cabaret is a new venture by Warehouse Circus and Spectrum Big Band combining a circus variety show with jazz and swing music played by a big band.
Leisa Keen, the director of Spectrum, an offshoot of Canberra City Band, told “CityNews” that band member Jano Šimko, also a circus artist and marketing manager for Warehouse Circus, had suggested how circus and a big band would go well together.
Keen, who joined Spectrum recently, said she has been looking for an opportunity to give more people access to their kind of music and thought, why not?
Inspired by music as varied as “Toxic” by Britney Spears, Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” and Rodgers and Hart’s “The Lady Is a Tramp”, the cabaret will feature acrobats, a unicyclist, jugglers and a fan dancer, all accompanied by Spectrum.
Šimko said there were different ways of working, either getting the music first and structuring the routine around that or preparing the routine first, but that Keen and her team of musos had pulled old songs out of the archives, recorded them and given them to the circus artists.
“Big band music ties into live performance well, it’s nice and upbeat, but it’s also good for circus performers to change tempo so that they can do different tricks,” he says.
There would, he said, at the Abbey Function Centre, be two completely different performances, one a sophisticated show with dinner and cabaret on the Saturday night and the second a matinee performance with cushions down front for kids to sit on, a magician and face painting.
In both there would be dozens of live performers in what he prom ised would be “a thrilling spectacle of skill and amazement.”
By Helen Musa
“IF you’ve ever been in love, you will understand this show,” writer and performer Jacob Boehme says of “Blood on the Dance Floor,” coming soon to Tuggeranong Arts Centre.
Directed by Isaac Drandic, for Ilbijerri Theatre Company, it wowed them at Melbourne’s Arts House in 2016, at Carriageworks during the Sydney Festival in 2017, in Canada early this year and now it’s on tour nationally.
There’s a striking parallel between the title of “Blood on the Dance Floor” and that of local dancer Liz Lea’s solo production “RED”, which dealt with the crippling condition of endometriosis. The parallel has struck him, too.
In Boehme’s case – and he makes no bones about it – he was diagnosed with HIV in 1998. In search of answers, he reached out to his ancestors in the Narangga and Kaurna nations of SA to look at the legacies and memories of bloodlines, our need for community,
and what blood means to each of us.
These days he unapologetically identifies as “black, gay and poz”, arguing that his show “is an opportunity to create a space for our mob to have a voice in the dialogue around HIV”.
Coincidentally, he got the title from one of Liz Lea’s dance collaborators Tammi Gissell when, after a minor nick on his heel during a rehearsal, he left a red trail on the dance floor – “there you are,” Gissell told him, “that’s your title.”
This is dance theatre not abstract dance, and the movement has to have a reason to be there, although he is quick to note that the choreography by Mariaa Randall is brilliant.
“Blood on the Dance Floor” is not a puppetry show but rather a complex weave of narrative, dance and video art on a huge screen created by Keith Deverell, with sound design by James Henry. He and Deverell grappled with the wish to create a work based on indigenous dramaturgy, finding the answer in ceremony.
He plays many roles, including that of his father, and says: “It’s partly a love letter to my dad, an Aboriginal man growing up in Australia with a mix of issues.”
Swingin’ Circus Cabaret, The Abbey, Nicholls, Saturday, August 24 and matinee, Sunday, August 25. Book at eventopia.co
just not so anymore.”
He’s narrator and protagonist of “Blood on the Dance Floor”, which is built on a simple premise – a young man is dating someone and the moment comes to reveal that he’s HIV positive.
“A lot of people can’t do that, they can’t even tell their mother, so it’s about the secrets we hide, about what we hold in our blood, which is the source of life, shame and pride.”
“In the old days, by the time you got to Act III, everybody would be dead, but it’s just not so anymore,” he says, and as one of the beneficiaries of antiretroviral drugs, he’s never had to stop dancing or acting.
“Blood on the Dance Floor”, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 5pm and 8pm, Saturday August 24. Book at trybooking.com
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ONE of the great tourist attractions to travelling Australians is visiting gardens where unfamiliar plants may be growing.
It is so tempting to gather a few seeds, but our quarantine laws are some of the most stringent in the world, equalled only by NZ.
Anyone who watches the “Border Force” television program will be acutely aware of the penalties of bringing in prohibited items. From the gardener’s point of view, seeds of prohibited plants are of particular concern. It is definitely not worth the risk.
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When we owned our nursery, I used to order seeds from free distribution by the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK. They were sent directly to the Quarantine Service in Weston (later burnt down in the 2003 fires). The seeds were checked out, any not allowed in were destroyed and the good ones passed on to me. Anyone thinking of bringing seeds into the country should ensure they are from a reputable seed firm in their original packaging with the common and botanical name. Declare them without fail when going through customs where they will be checked and, if not on the prohibited list, will be given back to you.
ABC news recently reported that July was the driest (4mm of rain) and hottest with the average daytime temperature of 13C since records began. I have mentioned previously, I have the figures for the district from 1870. So, let’s look at these claims on rainfall with the year and the rainfall in brackets for July. In 1881 (3.8mm), 1970 (2.3mm), 1979 (2.8mm), 1982 (1.6mm). All less than the 4mm we received in July.
Incidentally, they regularly quote “since records began”. I contacted the Bureau of
Meteorology and was informed the oldest current official weather station in Canberra was established in 1968! There were older ones but they only operated for a relatively short time and were closed down with no long-term figures. With this in mind, I still recommend an excellent, good-quality rain gauge that measures at least 100mm of rain is essential for every garden. My good-quality rain gauge is made by Nylex. Rainfall varies enormously in the ACT from Tuggeranong to Gungahlin. The drip system is still the most effective, which takes the water deep down to the roots. If you don’t use this system now’s the time to think about installing it before the coming summer.
Strawberry planting time is now. Always purchase virus-free plants from garden centres rather than plants given by well-meaning
If those fuchsia shoots look dead don’t pull them out. As the days warm, new shoots will
start to appear. Then remove any obviously dead branches and trim back to three leaf joints as the buds appear.
• As camellia sasanqua has finished flowering, now’s the time to trim it back, as almost immediately new shoots start forming for next year’s flowers.
• Start to feed lawns now. An ideal food is certified organic Neutrog Seamungus in crumble form.
• The spectacular Blue Mountains Daffodil Festival will be held at the Mount Tomah Botanic Garden, August 24-September 1. More at bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au
Joanne Madeline Moore
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
You can look forward to a positive week, as the planets highlight creative hobbies, sporting activities, social shenanigans and romantic high jinks. The Mercury/ Jupiter trine particularly favours travel and education as you start a study course, expand your international connections or plan a heavenly holiday. Don’t rush work, business and financial matters though. With Venus and Mars linking up in meticulous Virgo, do your best to be focused and unusually fastidious.
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)
Uranus is moving through Taurus (which only happens once in a lifetime). Therefore, the time to be your authentic self is now! If you don’t accept yourself (warts and all) then why should anyone else? If you don’t develop your talents and follow your dreams, then others won’t do it for you. So your mantra for the week is from birthday great, fashion designer and style icon Coco Chanel: “How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.”
GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)
Prosperity planet Jupiter trines your ruler Mercury. So it’s time to find fresh ways to connect with others (whether at home, at work, at play or in your local community). Short trips and education are highlighted, plus expect plenty of phone calls, snail mail, texts, tweets or emails. You could also strike it lucky via a beneficial online connection or a social media post that goes viral. Just make sure you capitalise on any fortuitous opportunities that come your way.
CANCER (June 22 – July 23)
Expect a busy week where you travel, book a holiday or experience a communication breakthrough with a relative or friend. The focus is also firmly on money matters. If you can get the balance right between being canny with cash and entrepreneurial with your ideas, then you could really go places. Crabs have a good business brain so make sure you are using it. Ignorance is no excuse! It’s time to improve your financial literacy. Remember… knowledge is power.
LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)
Mercury (planet of intelligence and communication) is moving through your sign and it also forms a positive aspect to Jupiter. So it’s a wonderful week to exercise your brain cells via study, debate, teaching, reading, writing, public speaking and generally expanding your mind in all sorts of challenging directions. So your motto for the moment is from witty Leo writer (and birthday great) Dorothy Parker: “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”
VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
Have you been selling yourself short? This week positivity planet Jupiter forms a fabulous connection with your ruler Mercury. Plus the Sun, Mars and Venus are visiting your sign. So stop being a critical fusspot who sabotages success. It’s time to be the creative, clever, bold and beautiful Virgo you were born to be. Inspiration for the week comes from fellow Virgo, actress and entrepreneur Blake Lively: “The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence.”
LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
It’s time to retreat, review and restore as Venus and the Sun join Mars in your contemplation zone. Enjoy solo activities like meditation, yoga, spiritual pursuits, journal writing and long walks in nature. You’ll also be surrounded by innuendo and intrigue. What others say won’t necessarily be what they mean, so make sure you read between the lines to uncover what’s really going on. The weekend is wonderful for a friendship refresh or a secret romantic rendezvous.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
Group activities and nifty networking are favoured and it’s a fabulous week to socialise with work colleagues, close friends and your extended peer group. Attached Scorpios – Uranus is throwing some spanners into the relationship mix. If you are flexible and open to change, then the partnership will develop and grow in positive and exciting ways. Singles – crank up your computer, re-charge your phone and refresh your dating profile because true love is waiting online.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
The Mercury/Jupiter trine favours local, interstate and overseas travel. If you can’t go on an actual trip, then go travelling in your mind via reading an adventure novel or watching a movie set in an exotic foreign location. Catching up with international friends or work colleagues (either in person or online) will also add a cosmopolitan flavour to your usual weekly routine. Whatever you do, you’re in the mood to let your hair down, learn something new and have some fun.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
Slow down, cool down and calm down Capricorn! Don’t make major mountains out of minor molehills, and waste precious time worrying about inconsequential problems this week. Things should run reasonably smoothly and, if there are complications, then clear communication will help you sail through any temporary turbulence. Wednesday’s Mercury/Jupiter trine is terrific for education, study, research, positive thinking, imaginative ideas and intuitive insights.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
With Jupiter in your hopes and wishes zone, be proactive about creating your preferred future. Positive changes are coming, as you focus on projects that make your heart sing. But don’t take short-cuts – ensure you do all the behind-thescenes research that’s required. Attached Aquarius – your partner is acting as a mirror, reflecting back your strengths and weaknesses. Unhappily single? You’re in the mood to flutter your eyelashes (or flex your pecs) and flirt up a storm!
PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
This week powerful Pisceans are ready to sparkle and shine! Lucky Jupiter and clever Mercury activate your public and reputation zone. So there’s much to look forward to as you attract good fortune, acknowledge a success, appreciate accolades or celebrate a major milestone. Then the weekend stars smile on a special relationship of the romantic, platonic or business variety. When you’re in-sync and both singing from the same song-sheet, magical things will manifest.
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2019
3 Name the English potter 1730-95, Josiah ... (8)
7 What is the official name for Bombay? (6)
8 Which term describes the dying of tissue as from interruption of circulation? (8)
9 What is a particular water source? (6)
10 What do we call trainees? (8)
11 Name the mid-morning break in school. (6)
14 To be brand new, is to be what? (6)
17 Which colloquial term describes the buttocks? (8)
18 What else do we call a cicada? (6)
19 Which liqueur is also known as wormwood? (8)
20 What is delivered from a pulpit? (6)
21 When one cuts something apart for examination, one does what? (8)
Down
1 What is the object for which anything exists, or is done, etc.? (7)
2 To be slanting or sloping, is to be what? (7)
3 Name a popular Australian children’s musical entertainment group, formed in 1991. (7)
4 Who made the first flight in space, Yuri ...? (7)
5 What do we call the two cricketers who are the first to bat? (7)
6 To be clothed, is to be what? (7)
11 What is shown by a referee to an infringing player, indicating that he or she must leave the field? (3,4)
12 Name an alternative term for cadavers. (7)
13 What is practised in a laboratory? (7)
14 To be of no practical good, is to be what? (7)
15 Which mythological animal has a single horn? (7)
16 To be within the range of hearing, is to be within what? (7)
Business owner Jodie is confused about Single Touch Payroll (STP), which she’s been using since the start of this financial year.
“I have no idea of what is transmitted to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and I don’t know how I can check,” she told me, asking if I could help.
“Yes, Jodie, I can help you... to an extent,” I said.
“There is a lot of confusion in small businesses about the workings of STP. Different wages programs do it a bit differently and some of them don’t let you know what you have sent. It seems that you use one of these programs.”
I told her the program I used in my business allows me to see what I’m sending to the ATO before I actually send it.
“This can be helpful; on one occasion my computer crashed before I submitted the STP and when I restored it, it restored incorrectly so I was about to send an incorrect payroll to the ATO,” I said.
“In theory that shouldn’t matter because the STP that the ATO records is the year-to-date gross and not pay by pay, so the next pay transmitted should have shown the correct gross year-to-date. Fortunately, thanks to the program I realised what had happened when the computer crashed. However, if I had not realised the error and if I were not able to see what I had transmitted, there would have been an error in the gross for almost the full year and tracing the error at the end of the financial year would have been very time consuming and difficult.”
Jodie said she had no idea what she had transmitted so she doesn't know if it was right or wrong.
I told her I could help to some extent.
“I can access your account on the portal, which shows me which STP reports you have lodged and the gross pay shown on each individual pay but not the year-to-date and the tax shown on that pay, but again not the year-to-date tax,” I said.
“I have provided feedback to the ATO to suggest that the year-todate figures should be on the portal so that they can readily be matched.
“The other thing I can do is check the gross year-to-date for you and any other of your employees for whom we prepare personal tax returns on their individual portals.
“However, at a business level, I cannot see your gross year-to-date to compare it with your payroll records nor the tax. Also I cannot see the gross year-to-date for the other staff.
“I understand that the software that you use just requires you to submit the STP to the ATO, but you cannot see a report of what you have submitted. This is not satisfactory. I suggest that you continue to use your current software and we will make representations to both your software house and the ATO. “However, if nothing is done, within a couple of months it may be better to change your payroll software.”
Jodie said: “Gail, thank you so much. I now realise that there are obviously teething problems with STP and I know that you’ll help me get clarity.”
If you need help with STP or your payroll software contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 6295 2844.
Disclaimer
This column contains general advice, please do not rely on it. If you require specific advice on this topic please contact Gail Freeman or your professional adviser.
