CityNews 191003

As Canberra bursts, Kowen housing calls

JON STANHOPE

Seesaw fate of trees in Canberra

PAUL COSTIGAN

Putting pitch and putt on the map

DANIELLE NOHRA

DAYLIGHT SAVING CLOCKS GO FORWARD

SUNDAY

OCTOBER 6

OCTOBER 3, 2019

Hey hey it’s DARYL SOMERS singing and dancing in Gungahlin

By Danielle NOHRA

SINCE the Australian Pitch and Putt Open Golf Championship started in 2007, Canberra players have taken home 14 national titles, but who knew?

While 18-hole pitch-and-putt golf is big in Europe, particularly in England and Ireland (where it was invented in 1929), the game is still gaining momentum here and so is the national championship.

The championship first kicked off in Australia in 2007 and now Warren Gray, a pitch and putt player (not putt putt!) and volunteer at the Canberra International Pitch & Putt (CIPP) golf club, is making some noise about it in the lead up to this year’s championship, which is being held at the club in Narrabundah on November 16-17.

“I just love the sport and want to raise the profile and get more people playing it,” says Warren, 66, of Calwell.

“Pitch and putt golf is little known and deserves recognition as a healthy pursuit whether you are young, old or anywhere in between.”

Warren’s seen these healthy benefits first hand since he started playing at the old course in Queanbeyan about 25 years ago.

Back then he would take his daugh ter with him and push her around in a stroller while he played, which he says was easy because of the short course –about a kilometre long.

“Pitch and putt is about 66 per cent of what you’d play on a big course, [which makes it] very, very hard to lose a golf ball so you’re not taking your time looking for lost golf balls,” he says.

“It’s about chipping it on to the green and putting it into the hole.

“The big thing at the moment is that people are time poor, but with pitch and putt, it only takes an hour and a half to play.

“You can have it over and done with and get home and do your weekend chores.”

Warren also wants to raise aware ness of the benefits on the overall health of the community and the peo ple who play it.

“The politicians don’t back you un less you’re the Canberra Brumbies or Raiders,” he says.

“But pitch and putt is a great way to get the kids off the couch, it’s a lowimpact sport, there’s little to no inju ries and, on the other end, it keeps the older generation out of the health-care system a little longer.

“Our unofficial motto is: ‘It keeps you healthy, physically, mentally and socially’.”

Warren also loves that pitch and

Warren’s pitch to put pitch and putt on the map

“It’s a great starting point for new players, it’s also great for people coming to the end of their golfing career or for people wanting to hone in on

“Anyone from the age of eight can play [and it’s] much cheaper than traditional golf as you can spend a couple of thousand dollars on a set of clubs (14 clubs) to play big golf but with pitch and putt you are only using

And it’s not without competition, with Canberra members often qualifying to compete nationally and internationally, but Warren says people don’t often go far because they have to

ACT members make up a big chunk of the state competitions, such as the NSW and Victorian competitions, and will fill a large number of spots in the upcoming national competition.

Marie Hutchison, the women’s champion of the national competition in 2015, agrees with Warren and says

“Pitch and putt caters for beginners as well as quite advanced golfers,” says Marie, 81, of Queanbeyan.

“Both men and women tee off from the same spot and quite often the ladies will win,” says Warren, who believes it’s all-inclusive, too.

Then there’s members, like Warren, who come from a golfing background and find pitch and putt easier on their bodies.

“One of the noticeable things about pitch and putt is that everyone joins in whereas in some golf clubs men don’t want to associate with the women.

“Our oldest member is 97 and still plays a couple of times a week and we also have members with disabilities

“I’ve had knee replacements and a bad back so walking around a big course takes it out of me,” he says.

“Here, everyone plays with everyone else. There’s a real social feel about it.”

3-15

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SEVEN DAYS

Store swamped in scramble for all things green

STAFF at the Jerseys Megastore in Fyshwick were seeing all shades green long before the Viking Clap was officially Sydney bound.

The store had been invaded by Raiders’ fans desperate to update their GreenMachine wardrobe.

One staffer predicted: “You won’t be able to move in here if they win.” Asked the most popular item of merch, the staff member was unambiguous: “If it’s green, they’re buying it”.

Despite a mass of green at GIO Stadium for the qualifier, there was a sprinkling of the famed Rabbitohs’ cardinal red and myrtle green strip.

A CANBERRA school’s Viking Clap has gone viral. Such was the enthusiasm and skill of students at Amaroo’s Good Shepherd Primary that within an hour of footage being uploaded on the school’s Facebook page media requests began to flow in.

Ninemsn, the “Sydney Morning Herald” and “The Australian” were all keen to cover the Catholic school’s clap.

2GB commentator Steve Price clearly hasn’t done his homework. After the ACT became the first Australian jurisdiction to decriminalise possession and cultivation of marijuana, Price childishly suggested: “You can now drive to Canberra from anywhere in Australia and buy a bootload of firecrackers,

pornography and your dope supply.” I’m reliably informed there’s still plenty of pot in Sydney, I believe porn is mostly free via the internet and it’s been a decade of cold Canberra winters since we sold fireworks.

STILL on non-local broadcasters, a petition is circulating to have advertising featuring Alan Jones’ syndicated 2CC breakfast program taken from the back of Action buses. Sponsor of the petition, president of Canberra Women in Business Peta Swarbrick , says on the group’s Facebook page: “Many people feel Alan Jones is not a fit person to grace our public transport, given his acknowledged anti-social and offensive comments that have habitually targeted women, including Prime Minister Julia Gillard, with disrespect and even violence”.

MODESTY prevents me from expanding on a time when only the finest of broadcasters with the highest of standards (and heads

testing at music festivals. Calvary Emergency consultant Dr David Caldicott , a part of a pill testing trial at April’s Groovin’ the Moo festival, says the trial’s success came from the aim of “creating a death-free festival instead of a drug-free festival” and, as a doctor, his job was to ensure people “could get home to their mummies and daddies”.

IN another softly softly approach to law and order, ACT police have issued a gentle reminder to the entitled and impatient bullies who regard public roads as their own domain. Using social media to respond to

collisions, police tweeted: “We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again… your car is NOT meant to touch another car! Be patient, focus on the road and leave enough space between you and the car in front”. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; tailgating is a dangerous, anti social and intimidating practice.

IT’S still unclear if new laws in the ACT recognising animals as sentient beings (one who perceives and responds to sensations

esteem and cover slut shaming. A dog lover giving a dachshund a random belly scratch at Manuka was shocked after suggesting to the dog’s owner that it seemed to appreciate atten tion. The owner dismissively said: “Oh, he’s a slut whore bag.”

Goldilocks may have drug solutions

WITH the legalisation of cannabis now through the ACT Assembly, it’s appropriate to consider what drives effective drug policy.

The challenge is twofold. Managing the drugs that are used within our society with the least possible harm and managing the politics. We can learn from Goldilocks.

Tobacco and alcohol still cause the most harm in our community. The industries behind these drugs relentlessly pursue political advantage in order to be able to sell their products with the least possible interference by government. They loathe restrictions on marketing and availability, and love accusing others of favouring the “Nanny State”.

However, for consumers, the choice comes down to being influenced through blanket marketing, for example by the profit-motivated alcohol industry or being influenced by government. Nanny industry or nanny state?

Prohibition has been the standard approach on many drugs in the last century. However, many governments are finally beginning to realise that this approach has caused more harm than good. Nevertheless, it’s rare for politicians to explain a sensible alternative in simple terms.

Tobacco and alcohol have taught that the last thing needed is to adopt a “free market” approach. Restrictions

on marketing, use, distribution and access to tobacco has been one of the great success stories of public health. In Australia, less than three per cent of 12-15 year olds are now even experimenting with tobacco. Similar restrictions are yet to apply to alcohol marketing and sales.

Criminal elements have used prohibition as a financial bonanza. In the meantime, people suffer considerably or die, often out of ignorance about the products being used. Even so, the demand continues.

Australian jurisdictions have largely adopted a “harm minimisation” strategy, incorporating three elements of supply reduction, demand reduction and harm reduction. The greatest success in achieving the least harm is when all three elements are applied.

The harm associated with alcohol could be reduced by applying supply and demand reduction techniques. More than 40 lobbyists ply the corridors of the Federal and other parliaments to ensure this does not happen. Marketing of alcohol through sport, on television and across the media increases use and harm, as does the plethora of outlets.

Clean needles and syringes for injecting drug users comes to mind when discussing harm reduction. More recently, advocates of electronic cigarettes

have been claiming the e-cigarettes reduce harm, arguing they are less harmful than cigarettes. The strongest lobbyists and campaigners for this approach are big tobacco, including companies such as Philip Morris.

E-cigarettes are illustrative of effective drug policy. Liberal Health Minister Greg Hunt, with the support of Labor, has adopted a logical approach and a sensible evidence-based policy. They have incorporated the full suite – demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction.

E-cigarette manufacturers, including large tobacco companies, originally claimed that these new devices were a quitting aid – or at least a less harmful method of ingesting nicotine. Other quitting devices, such as nicotine-based patches and chewing gum, have been through a process of accreditation through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). However, this would restrict marketing, explaining why e-cigarette companies don’t wish to follow suit.

With approval from the TGA, those who find e-cigarettes helpful will be able to access them and their nicotine through prescription or pharmacies. The widespread problems

now becoming apparent in the UK, Canada, NZ and the US, with their constant marketing, easy availability and increasing take-up by teenagers might be avoided.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta are investigating more than 500 cases of serious illness and death associated with e-cigarettes. It took decades for governments to recognise the serious links between tobacco, cancer and cardio-vascular disease. It seems unfathomable that other governments didn’t adopt the much more precautionary practice of Australia in their approach to e-cigarettes.

Whether it’s tobacco, alcohol, illicit, or pharmaceutical drugs, the most effective policies are those based on what my drug-policy colleague of the 1990s, Stephen Mugford, used to call the “Goldilocks solution”. Not too hot – not too cold. Not open free markets and ready availability on the one hand – nor total prohibition on the other.

BRIEFLY

Weekend of horror, fantasy and fiction

A VARIETY of speculative fiction (science fiction, horror, fantasy and more) panels, talks, discussions and workshops will be held at the Gungahlin Library, Hibberson Street, October 5-7. This year’s Conflux program also features an art show, showcasing entries in the EG Harvey Award for original Australian Speculative Fiction Art competition. The art show is open to the public. The convention program is at conflux.org.au

Issues for the south

THE Inner South Canberra Community Council is inviting the public to have their say on the ACT government’s new Climate Change and Living Infrastructure Strategies (speaker: Minister Shane Rattenbury), the NCA’s Tree Management Policy (CEO Sally Barnes) and Geocon’s proposed hotel in Kingston (Nick Merriman, development manager). At Eastlake Football Club, 3 Oxley Street, Griffith, 7pm-9pm, Tuesday, October 8.

Congratulations to Lauren Couter

on receiving the NAWIC ACT Crystal Vision Award, for Advancing and Furthering the Interests of Women in the Construction Industry. We are proud of Lauren and her work in strengthening our commitment to be a diverse industry leader.

Calling artists!

APPLICATIONS to Megal Print’s 40th anniversary artist-in-residence program close on September 30. There will be five places for Australian artists and one international place. The selected artists will receive a stipend, accommodation (international and interstate-based artists) and studio access to Megalo’s professional printmaking facilities. Apply at megalo.org

At Construction Control our people are key to our clientfocussed business. We strive to attract and maintain people who share our commitment to excellence.

We are proud of our culture and to be an employer of choice.

“Lauren provides a balanced platform for all people working on her project to excel. Lauren has delivered a number of significant projects and has taken full advantage of the career and growth opportunities that Construction Control have offered her. Lauren has been a fantastic role model and we are very proud to have her in the leadership team and this award is great recognition from the industry of that position she holds, and how she has excelled in the Construction Industry.” Peter Payten

“Lauren has showed herself to be a strong and successful role model for our students.” Matt O’Brien, Canberra Girls Grammar School

“Having a female mentor has meant so much to me as representation of a strong capable women in upper management is so rare in the wider industry.” Genevieve Kenyon-Slade

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CANBERRA MATTERS

The seesaw world of deciding fate of urban trees

BUREAUCRACIES can be so out of touch with reality. Not for the first time there are serious questions around decisions being made about the fate of trees in the suburbs of Canberra.

The catalyst for this piece starts with a sad story in Holder where a resident is being driven crazy by decisions about the obvious need to remove an inappropriate tree next to his house.

The costs are mounting as he employs plumbers to fix the drains. He has the joy of watching the slow damage being done around his house. The monster in question being a huge Angophora costata (Sydney Red Gum). It could grow to be 25 metres and looms over the house. It will most likely drop a large limb on to the roof some windy day.

It is a wonderful specimen, just that it is listed as being suitable for the largest of open spaces – which this is not. The resident has tried twice to have the

For the sake of credibility, residents need to believe that decisions around trees are based on the reality of the circumstances not on what seems to be a fundamentalist view that all trees must stay.

removal approved but was knocked back by the tree conservator with very condescending responses.

Meanwhile in Downer, a line of previously significant heritage trees on Bradfield Street have been chainsawed. These were the same trees that not too many years ago when the development was discussed, were always to remain – being heritage listed. Down they came. Where was the tree conservator?

Over in Lyneham the Christian School cut down a line of trees on public land to allow easier access for its tradies. Where was the tree conservator? In Kingston there is a line of gums that are destined to go to make way for the Greek Churches age-care development. Where was the tree conservator?

As mentioned in an earlier piece on significant tree stupidity, the tree on the border of two blocks in Manuka continues to threaten nearby houses.

It is decaying. The tree conservator has ruled that it must stay.

The property owner loves trees (in their right place) and would be happy to plant more than enough shrubbery to compensate for the tree removal. And while in Manuka, what more can be said about the comings and goings around the former large plane tree on the cinema site. Tree conservator says no; chief planner says yes; tree conservator says no; and finally, mysteriously while the conservator is away, another tree conservator says yes. Tree gone!

Gone… a line of previously significant heritage trees.

The circumstances around the Holder tree and the suburban Manuka tree are that these very large specimens are in the wrong place, are dangerous and are doing damage. These matters need urgent and sensible action by someone in the bureaucracy – or even a politician.

This is our bush capital and, in most cases, we want to see the trees stay. A lot more trees need to be planted. Many of the gums previously planted in suburban yards and in streets should never have been planted where they are. There are

heaps of alternatives. For the sake of credibility, the city’s residents need to believe in how decisions are being made and that decisions around trees are based on the reality of the circumstances not on what seems to be a fundamentalist view that all trees must stay.

The city needs to base the decisions on trees and greenery in the context of an urban forest strategy.

While some trees may/may not need to go, these decisions should not be done in isolation to a wider strategy.

The basis for this sits on the shelves

of this government. This ACT Labor/ Greens government needs to act on the recommendations from the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment’s 2011 report on the government’s tree management practices and the renewal of Canberra’s urban forest. It is time for some sense and real planning to return to looking after our trees.

Footnote: The Holder tree is in the same street as Jeremy Hanson MLA. So over to the very local Liberal to see if he can assist.

Upselling hearing loss: retail hearing aids

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

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

– Dr Vass

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

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

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

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

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

Taking a mature approach to support workers

By Danielle NOHRA

WHEN Janelle Billett was left jobless after 17 years working as an administration officer in Mitchell, it was scary for her to think about finding a new career.

Her boss, a family member who owned the mechanical store where she had worked, was retiring, which meant Janelle would need a new job.

By coincidence, her brother spotted an advertisement about a matureaged workers pilot, which was calling on people aged 55 and over to take part, and said: “Why don’t you give this a go?”

Run by Achieve by Design, the goal of the Mature Aged Workers Project was to explore whether people over 55 would consider disability support work as a way to find meaning, flexible work and extra funds for retirement, while at the same time helping others live a good life.

“When we talked to people seeking support, we heard that they wanted someone they can trust and enjoy being with,” says Susan Beaumont, who is heading Achieve by Design in partnership with David Hill.

“Older people bring a host of great

life skills and experience which, when combined with some basic training, makes them ideal support workers.

“The most important thing about the project was the ‘perfect match’ between what many people with dis ability are looking for, in terms of support, and what people over 55 are looking for to meet their need for flex ible, meaningful work.”

While Janelle is only 54, she was allowed to take part in the pilot and agrees with Susan, saying the project has given her a chance to continue to work in a meaningful way.

“I love being out and about,” says Janelle, who has been focusing more on her health since her mum was diag nosed with dementia.

“My mum has dementia and one of the risks for dementia is spending a lot of time sitting. It’s really been front of mind for me now.”

But Janelle’s mum, who lives in aged care, has inspired her to become a sup port worker in more ways than one.

“It’s been a massive learning curve for the past four years with my mum in aged care,” she says.

“The turnover of staff is high and there’s just not enough staff to give people the care that they need.

Janelle Billett… “I was thinking, I don’t really want to do that. But I didn’t realise the broad range of things I could do.”

“They’re fed, they’re clean, they’re safe but there’s little emotional support or capacity for staff to spend time with them, especially those that are bedridden.”

“I wasn’t really looking at being a support worker or doing anything in that role,” she says.

“I was thinking, I don’t really want to do that. But I didn’t realise the

scrapbooks, taking someone to play lawn bowls or teaching someone to take photos or IT.

Janelle now supports two women with disabilities and has since formed

a friendship with them, but says it doesn’t get in the way of her profes -

“[With one of the women] I spend one day going to the pool and making sure she gets in and out safely,” she

“I also help with meal preparation and laundry because she has a down -

“She can’t do a lot of things that

The other woman she supports has an intellectual disability and Janelle says she often takes her to her gymnastics class or to the mall if she

“She still lives at home with her parents but she might need to pick up something or she might need to buy a present for someone,” says Janelle who enjoys the variety of the role, which has even taken her to some fun

She’s since gone to a few concerts with one of the women, who has a similar passion for the same type of

“The need for support workers is huge so you’ll likely find someone that’s interested in things you’re in -

“And it could make a huge difference to someone’s isolation or their life.”

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LETTERS

Policies that diminish our city

IAN Wood-Bradley has written a well-crafted opinion piece (“Angry voters growl at planners, too”, CN, September 12) about the role that planners can and should play in contributing to the development of cities in general and to Canberra in particular.

It is good to see the Planning Institute getting involved in public debate for a change as it has been missing in action for far too long.

Mr Wood-Bradley notes that Canberra is growing quickly but does not offer any comment on whether this rate of growth is excessive from a sustainability or urban design point of view.

Environmental scientists, ecologists, transport planners and many members of the community think it is, actively encouraged by an ACT govern ment out of step with public opinion.

Mr Wood-Bradley makes a good point that growth need not be on a massive scale as it clearly is in some areas of the city, such as along Northbourne Avenue.

He adds that it could be with a more moder ated and graduated density in some established suburbs in ways that reinforce and enhance existing neighbourhood character.

Sadly, quite the opposite has been happening all over Canberra!

At a recent forum at the University of Canberra, highlighting the importance of trees, Caroline Le Couteur MLA showed photographs of new suburbs including Wright, devoid of any trees, with large, indistinguishable houses on small blocks, and negligible open space. The amenity of suburbs like this is conspicuous by its absence and a sad commentary on what is being both approved by the Planning Authority and delivered by developers.

It is hard to recognise any constructive role of planners in this type of development and in many other examples of medium density and high-rise housing across the city.

The ongoing and incisive commentary by Paul Costigan, Michael Moore and Jon Stanhope in “CityNews” about what constitutes planning and development in Canberra is testimony to how this city is being seriously diminished by the policies of this government.

Colin Lyons, Weetangera

Standing up for Andy and Honey

I CAN sympathise with letter writer John Miller’s comments about dogs needing and deserving freedom of movement “off lead” (CN, September 12).

While appreciating that the ACT government does provide dog-walking and fenced-off parks

for dogs to have some open space, these can be full of macho dogs with shaved heads, “tatts” on all four legs, a spiky collar and multiple rings on their ears and bellies. Such dogs are totally unsuitable for both John Miller’s dog Honey and my gentlemanly and well-behaved dog Andy to run around and socialise with. So I also go elsewhere instead. But I dare not say where for fear that the “Dog Gestapo” could be waiting for us as well.

Jim Stoddart, Ngunnawal

Grattan is a ‘role model’

“SEVEN Days” columnist Mike Welsh (CN, September 19) reports ABC journalist Francis Leach taking Michelle Grattan to task for referring to the Prime Minister as “Scomo”.

I doubt if Francis has been around as long as Michelle (she arrived in the Canberra Press Gallery in 1971) and has had an outstanding career, so if anyone has licence to address Morrison as she chooses, it is Michelle. It can be said of her that, like the Queen, “she has seen off almost as many PMs as she’s had dinners”.

I know something about journalism having been an ABC journalist, executive producer and journalism lecturer for more than 50 years (I arrived in Canberra even before Michelle), so my gentle advice to Francis would be; take Michelle Grattan as a professional role model rather than worrying about how she addresses a transient Prime Minister.

Eric Hunter, Cook

Woolly focus on Woolley Street

IT is time for ACT city renewal planners to get back to basics. Their current springtime focus on “tired” Woolley Street, a major street in the western part of central Dickson, promises a short trial of temporary “infrastructure” improvements, peppered with some community participation events and other social outdoor opportunities, especially on weekends.

Hopefully public comfort will be supported by temporary Portaloo-type amenities given that there is still no public toilet in the vicinity of that precinct or at the nearby Dickson bus interchange and busy rail stop. Even the most committed and physically-able active travellers would not relish a 500-metre trek across the Dickson Group Centre to the nearest public toilets, which also close between 9pm and 10pm. Many attending the planned day and night events may also need to hang around for longer than they wish, too, so adding to demand for such facilities because, by the time these events are up and running, all local suburban buses that go through the Dickson interchange will only be operating at two-hourly intervals on weekends.

Temporary yoga mat furniture, umbrellas, outdoor seating, painted pavements, ground art, potted blossom trees, a street arch, play equipment and short-stay parklets are not substitutes for essential “people” infrastructure that supports and encourages active travel by all age groups, too.

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How dare you... not give kids a vote

IF ever there was a time – and a reason – to lower the voting age to 16-year-olds, it’s right now as Nature prepares to avenge the vandalism of their forebears.

It might already be too late to save humanity from the everrising death toll of hurricanes, floods and forest fires, but unless there’s a radical changing of the guard, those 16-year-olds will be overwhelmed by the chaos soon to be unleashed.

And if you doubt it, consider the images from the US last week. On the one hand was Greta Thunberg at the UN Climate Summit fighting back tears as she cried: “This is all wrong…I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean, yet you all come to us young people for hope!

“How dare you!

“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are at the beginning of a mass extinction and all you can talk about is money and fairytales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!”

On the other hand, our own PM Scott Morrison was in blushing bonhomie with the old man who,

Climate change isn’t about politics; it’s about survival. It is those 16-year-olds who will be carried away by the cyclones and floodwaters, the fires and the droughts. So of course they should be given the vote. It’s their only chance.

more than any other, is driving the planet into the flames of tomorrow. In fact, Donald J Trump is so much a part of that fiery future his skin has actually turned a reflective shade of orange.

He is not only refusing to take action against climate change, he’s reversing the mitigating measures of his presidential predecessor. And Morrison, aged 51 and a proud believer in “miracles” dances and capers to Trump’s tune like an organ grinder’s accompanist.

Trump showed his contempt for the UN Summit by calling by for less than 15 minutes and ostentatiously walking out.

Morrison ignored it completely. Indeed “Titanium Man” publicly abhors the Greta Thunbergs of

the world who dare call upon her fellow 16-year-olds to leave their classrooms on Fridays to demonstrate in the streets. “They should stay in school,” he told the Parliament before leaving for the US, “and leave politics to those outside of school”.

But that’s the very point: Climate change isn’t about politics; it’s about survival. And those of us in the afternoon of our lives will depart the scene before the real horror descends. It is those very 16-year-olds who will be carried away by the cyclones and floodwaters, the fires and the droughts, and trampled by the waves of thirst-wracked human refugees.

So of course they should be given the vote. It’s their only chance.

The real issue is at the other end-of-the-age spectrum. Since those over 70 will escape the cataclysm by virtue of their return to dust or the air or the bosom of the deep, why should they hold sway over the fate of young combatants in the war they wished upon them?

As for the middle generation – the sons and daughters of the ‘60s revolutionaries – who hid inside their McMansions and let the deniers have their way – well, there’s not much to be done to save them.

Apathy, alas, has its own reward… and it’s never pleasant. At least the 16-year-olds are prepared to sign up for the fight.

robert@robertmacklin.com

BRIEFLY Ivan to Soldier On

WELL-known corporate and charity dynamo Ivan Slavich has returned to Canberra as CEO of Soldier On. He brings the military veterans’ support charity wide experience in the corporate world, charity fundraising and military service. Ivan has previously been employed as CEO of TransACT Communications and was previously the head of retail for ActewAGL. He was responsible for raising more than $2 million for charity; was the highest individual worldwide fundraiser for Movember and three times the highest fundraiser in Australia; raised significant amounts for Camp Quality and was on the inaugural committee to establish Ronald McDonald House in Canberra. Less known, perhaps, is his military service. Ivan was a commissioned officer of the Australian Army Reserve and served for six years with OCTU and 23 Field Regiment.

Free money course

THE last free CAP Money Management Course for the year, designed to help people manage debt, budget, save and get more control of their finances, will be held at the Tuggeranong Baptist Church, 23 Garratt Street (adjacent to Wanniassa shops) on Saturday, November 2. Register at capmoney.org.au, email capmoney@ tbcchurch.com.au or call 0403 438847.

Plant stall of plenty

CALVARY Hospital Auxiliary will offer a range of indoor and outdoor plants, succulents, drought tolerant plants and herbs at its plant stall in the Jamison Centre, Belconnen, 8am-4pm, on Thursday, October 31. All proceeds go to buying medical and other equipment for patient welfare and comfort.

As Canberra bursts, Kowen Forest housing calls

A PERVERSE outcome of the ACT government’s fixation with high-rise development and its almost frantic rush to densify Canberra will almost certainly be that the ultimate population of Canberra will be much higher than ever envisaged.

The government has, as we all know, over the last six or so years reversed the proportion of land being released for detached housing as opposed to attached housing from roughly 70/30 in favour of detached or separate housing to a similar ratio in favour of attached housing i.e. townhouses and flats.

It has not just encouraged but has driven the change to multiple 20-plus storey apartment buildings becoming the norm.

The Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, has explained the rapid pace of this change as a reflection of the government’s determination to prevent the city of Canberra sprawling inexorably to the borders.

He is on the record as suggesting that if we do not contain urban sprawl that we risk running out of land in the 2030s or, in other words, in the next 20 years or so.

To be fair, the Chief Minister did explain later that he had decided that the Kowen Plateau, in the east of the ACT’s border with NSW, would never be developed for housing. I am assuming when he made that announcement that he meant that Kowen would not be developed while ever he was chief minister, but nevertheless if Kowen is not developed we certainly would run out of developable land much earlier than otherwise.

It would be interesting to know the basis of the decision to not develop the Kowen area. I am prepared, in any event, to bet London to a brick that it is a decision which will be reversed the minute there is a change of either chief minister or government in the ACT.

Fifty or so years ago, when the NCDC was involved in detailed planning for the implementation of Canberra’s “Y Plan” it looked closely at the possible future land and infrastructure needs of the national capital.

It is instructive to revisit the planning work that the NCDC did, before self-government.

Much of the then thinking remains relevant, perhaps more so now than ever.

I have recently had occasion to discuss and correspond with a past commissioner of

The Taxation Review found that, when combined with all possible infill options, there was capacity for additional housing for about 100 years of population growth at current rates of population increase.

the NCDC, Mr Tony Powell, about the NCDC’s thinking on some of the issues, including the desirability of expanding the ACT’s borders to accommodate anticipated population growth, future development of the Kowen Forest area and cross-border development generally.

Pertinently, Mr Powell advised me that in early planning work by the NCDC for the city it had assumed a population of 200,000 for the Kowen area.

He also told me that the NCDC had identified the area in NSW to the immediate east of the Kowen Forest as particularly well suited for future urban expansion because of its configuration and ease of access etcetera. It is also notable that the major centres of employment in Canberra are more easily accessed from the east than the west.

Mr Powell also commented that because of recent planning changes to the ratio of detached to unattached housing and the move to multistorey apartment blocks that the Kowen Plateau might possibly be expected, in the future, to house up to 300,000 people.

It was this comment of Mr Powell, namely that in the space of a few years the anticipated population of a discreet, greenfield, urbancapable area of the ACT may have increased, due to a seemingly innocuous change in a planning policy, by one half from 200,000 to 300,000, that first caused me to think about some of the longer-term implications of planning and land supply decisions being taken by the current ACT government and to wonder about the evidence or thinking that underpinned those decisions.

The most recent credible examination of the amount of potentially developable land in the ACT and its relationship to population growth was undertaken by the Taxation Review in 2011.

What that study revealed is that on the basis of the then statement of planning intent of 50 per cent of housing in greenfield sites and

50 per cent infill there was enough developable land in the ACT for an extra 153,000 dwellings in greenfield sites alone.

The Taxation Review found that, when combined with all possible infill options, there was capacity for additional housing for about 100 years of population growth at current rates of population increase.

A summary of the Taxation Review’s assumptions, methodology and findings on this, including on the related issue of the implications of cross-border development for the ACT’s finances, are at pages 39 to 42 of the review.

I understand that the Taxation Review analysis had assumed that the Kowen Plateau would eventually be developed. As an aside, if as suggested by Tony Powell, the Kowen Plateau may have the capacity to house 300,000 people, that would assume a minimum of 100,000 dwellings. A rough estimate of the return to the ACT government on land to support 100,000, or

possibly more dwellings would be somewhere in the order of $12 billion to $15 billion. This level of return would almost certainly be net of the infrastructure costs and, in any event, the cost of the trunk infrastructure would be a fraction of the returns, leaving aside the social and economic benefits.

A few of the questions begged by all this are:

• What is the basis of the Chief Minister’s statement that the ACT will run out of developable land in the 2030s?

• Why, if there is enough developable land in the ACT for 100 years of population growth at current rates of growth, has the ACT entered into a contract to build 5500 houses in NSW?

• What progress has the ACT government made in negotiations with the NSW and Commonwealth governments to extend the ACT border?

• What is the basis of the decision by the government to not develop the Kowen Plateau?

Time to keep safe swimming skills afloat

WITH the nearest beach a couple of hours away, it’s important to remember the water risks that Canberrans face around the region.

Surrounded by major rivers, lakes and ponds, the ACT community is not immune to the dangers of water and, over the 2017/18 financial year, rivers, creeks and streams saw the largest number of drownings nationally. Now, as the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time for people of all ages to enrol into a swimming class, practise already learnt skills or dive into the physical benefits of swimming as exercise.

School gets newborns swimming

THE key to safety in the water for children is getting them to start swimming as young as possible, says Alena Sarri, the founding director of Aquatots.

“Babies are born with the ability to swim, they were in amniotic fluid for nine months,” she says.

“The longer you wait the more they lose that natural, innate ability. Our aim is to start infants young, from six-weeks-old, so they can carry on with the skills they were born with.”

Aquatots is a family-owned and operated local business that specialises in teaching infants to swim and caters for all children aged from six

If young children feel comfortable in an aquatic environment, Alena says they’re more likely to be safe.

“Statistics show that the underfives are most at risk,” she says.

“Our baby program helps infants develop their strength, coordination and motor skills while enhancing their enjoyment in the water.

“Learning to swim should not only be about learning the strokes but also incorporate a swim and survive element.

“Teaching babies to swim from under the age of one makes them safer in and around water earlier on in life, which is vital from a swim and survive point of view.

“We teach them the tools to feel confident in their abilities, so they don’t panic if there is an emergency.”

Aquatots classes are held in four locations, including Club Googong, Black Mountain School in O’Connor, Gold Creek Country Club and its own facility in Forde.

Aquatots Swim Centre, 30 Francis Forde Boulevard, Forde. Call 6162 0507 or visit aquatots.com.au

Hydrotherapy pool helps with recovery

LOCATED at the Hotel Realm precinct in Barton, Evo Health Club’s 25m, heated, indoor pool facility is the only one of its kind in Canberra’s inner-south, says operations manager Cindy Hansen.

Cindy says their state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool is popular for rehabilitation and recovery needs.

“Doctors often recommend to go to our pool because, as a hydrotherapy pool, it’s great for rehabilitation,” she says.

But Evo Health Club offers more than a place to recover, and Cindy says the precinct has a hydrotherapy spa, sauna and steam room, among a variety of highend Technogym equipment in its workout area.

In the workout area, Cindy says they have personal

trainers and strength and conditioning coaches and they also offer group classes such as spin classes, boxing, yoga and high intensity interval training.

Catering down to the smallest needs, Cindy says they look after clientele with personal towels and lockers, which she believes really do matter.

“People really do care that they get a towel or a locker and a lot of places don’t offer that,” she says.

Another thing Evo Health Club customers love is the intimate setting and small community atmosphere, says Cindy.

Evo Health Club, Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton. Call 6162 0808 or visit evohealthclub.com.au

at 6 weeks of age

SAFE SWIMMING advertising feature

Swimming classes for all ages

LEARNING to swim is an essential life skill and needs to take priority for all children, says Toni Taylor, team leader of aquatics at Q-ONE Aquatics Queanbeyan.

“Unfortunately the statistics of drownings speak for themselves so I can’t stress how important it is to teach kids to swim,” says Toni, who has extensive experience

Q-ONE Aquatics Queanbeyan has had some huge upgrades since it opened in 1961 as the Queanbeyan War Memorial Swimming Pool, and it now offers swimming classes every day of the week.

“It has been much loved and patronised since then and has seen some significant upgrades such as a 25m indoor pool in 2004

drownings, says the manager of the swim school at AIS Aquatic and Fitness Centre, Troy Barden.

“Royal Life Saving Australia’s 2019 annual drowning report has recorded 276 deaths in Australian waterways,” he says.

“Learn to swim programs are a key part of trying to get this number down to zero.

“That is why at the AIS Aquatic and Fitness Centre we teach a progression of skills in a safe, educational and supportive

Troy says the swim school offers quality swimming lessons at an affordable price and the holiday intensive program, which is run four times a year outside of the swimming terms, is also a popular option for families.

“Our feedback tends to reflect that what sets us apart from other learn-to-swim providers is that our program provides quality lessons without ‘breaking the bank’,” Troy says.

important piece of Australian sporting history.”

The facility, which has free parking, an onsite gym and a cafe, includes a 25m and 50m pool, with teaching platforms used for the younger levels in the 25m pool.

AIS Aquatic and Fitness Centre, Leverrier Street, Bruce. Call 6214 1050, email swimschool@ausport.gov.au or visit experienceais.com

BE WATER SAFE THIS SUMMER

Our multi-award winning learn-to-swim programs teach children and adults swimming and water safety skills in a world-class facility where many of Australia’s top and aspiring athletes train.

We are passionate about teaching swimming skills and water safety and creating participation habits for life.

Our programs include:

- Term learn-to-swim lessons from 12 months of age to adult, catering to all abilities

- School holiday intensive learn-to-swim programs

- Club Aquatic squad program

- School swimming program

Lauren tops big award night for women builders

LAUREN Couter, project director of Construction Control, is this year’s National Association of Women in Construction ACT Crystal Vision Award winner.

She was presented with the award at NAWIC ACT Chapter’s formal annual awards dinner for 475 guests at the National Arboretum.

Twelve awards were announced, from student and tradeswoman of the year to the Crystal Vision Award, which is the highest recognition of a woman, man, organisation or company that actively promotes and encourages participation and career progression of women in the local construction industry.

Lauren was recognised for her leadership in implementing initiatives for the betterment of women in construction as well as successfully breaking barriers for women in the construction industry.

The awards are a public forum for women in the construction industry to be championed and celebrated and give women confidence, pride and recognition, say incoming co-presidents Peita de Boer and Kim Raysmith.

They say the awards offer a chance for the women working in the construction industry to showcase their professional contributions to Australia’s largest non-service related industry, contributing $134.2 billion to the nation’s economy, and employing 1.1 million Australians.

Lauren says she feels humbled and validated by the award: “I feel I have made a difference and am reinvigorated by the experience”.

She says that over the span of her 20 years in the construction industry, she has seen positive changes from her early days going on to worksites with her father and there not being any female toilets, for example.

Lauren says: “We knew that it had to change for women. I have always been the only woman ‘in the room’ and now I’m not always the only woman!”

“I have transitioned from being the most junior civil engineer through to senior site engineer, project manager and now as project director. I now find myself being the person in the room that everyone looks to for direction and leadership,” says Lauren.

“In my early years I wasn’t shy to be on a shovel or work long hours. One of my earlier fond memories is skating a kilometre on my back down a one-metrediameter pipe buried 10 metres deep, all in the name of quality assurance.

“Now I lead by example by demonstrating a work/ life balance, and empowering women within my circle of influence.”

With numerous multi-million-dollar builds under her belt, including clients such as ANU and Canberra Girls Grammar School, Lauren says she was drawn to study civil engineering at university because she enjoyed maths and science. At the time she says she didn’t notice that there were only four per cent females in her classes.

“I was a bit naive I must admit. But now I am trying to actively change and promote the construction industry for what it can be – a vibrant and fulfilling career, in a supportive and collaborative environ ment,” says Lauren.

As a mother of two children, she says that she mentors others within the industry and aspires to become a voice for, and a support network for many younger and budding employees.

She also acknowledges the role that men have in championing women in the industry, such as her mentor Peter Wright, director of Construction Control who has played an influential role in her career.

“People identify me as a strong woman. NAWIC helps women in the industry have the confidence

NAWIC lobbies on behalf of the positions it stands for Industry, government and media use NAWIC as the ‘go to ’authority, both regionally in the Chapters and nationally as a Board

NAWIC has a large tiered stakeholder reach

– including members, non-members,organisations and industry

NAWIC is financially sustainable

NAWIC has many individual member success stories

NAWIC awards are considered high profile and sought after

Mentor of the Year (sponsored by AMA Projects)

NADINE O’KEEFFE

AS GM of the diverse Built team, Nadine has committed to share her depth of industry experience in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 NAWIC CEO Shadow Programs, which aim to inspire more women to keep striving for appointment to senior leadership and executive positions. Nadine has been a strong advocate for women in construction throughout her 20-plus year career in the industry.

Achievement Award

(sponsored by Built)

ELYSE HOWARD

ELYSE is a senior project engineer for Lendlease and is working on the Kambri Project, the largest single campus development since the establishment of the ANU. Elyse wants to create the best places for her clients and the wider community. The Kambri transformation has embedded in her the notion that well-designed and constructed places are more than buildings but destinations, meeting places and collaboration spaces.

Tradeswoman of the Year (sponsored by Ginninderry)

SARAH ANNE DUNCAN

SARAH never dreamt she’d be carving out a successful career as an aviation electrician. After working at Canberra Airport for more than nine years, Sarah is loving the role and the challenges it brings.

AWARDS advertising feature

Achievement in Safety

Award (sponsored by Monaro Windows)

SARAH CARROLL

SARAH is paving the way for a safe community at the University of Canberra through the implementation of an Online Incident Reporting Tool and Contractor Portal while mentoring students by sharing her own personal experiences and knowledge. As a busy mum and wife she shows that you can reach a suitable work-life balance and that steel cap boots look good with a baby bump.

Achievement in Design

(sponsored by WSP)

JANE LOUISE ALEXANDER

JANE has been influential in the design industry for her implementation of modern work practices in Australia’s largest and most awarded workplaces.

Joining Davenport Campbell in 2005, she was recognised as an associate in 2012. With experience in London, Scotland and Australia, Jane has been responsible for the successful delivery of more than 200,000sqm of workplace projects over her 18-year design career.

Achievement

Engineering

in

(sponsored by Elvin Group)

ROBERTA BROSCO

NORTHROP Consulting Engineers

Emerging Leader

(sponsored by Morris Legal Group)

NTASHA KRYSTI GEREBTZOFF

NICHELLE JACKSON

mechanical engineer Roberta Brosco brings her positive, can-do attitude to every project as the perfect complement to her technical skills. Roberta never shies away from a challenge, and is keen to assist clients however she can, whether a small classroom upgrade or a technically challenging large scale heritage listed upgrade.

ACT: ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Award Sponsor: Built

Award Winner Company: Lendlease

ACT: ACHIEVEMENT IN DESIGN

Award Sponsor: WSP

Award Winner Company: Davenport Campbell

ACT: ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGINEERING

Award Sponsor: Elvin Group

Award Winner Company: Northrop Engineers

ACT: ACHIEVEMENT IN SAFETY

Award Sponsor: Monaro Windows

Award Winner Company: University of Canberra

AS a director and owner of two businesses in the ACT construction industry (gr8 @mosphere design & drafting and Queen Bee Constructions), Ntasha provides work opportunities to young females interested in pursuing a career within the industry. Ntasha has demonstrated her ability to lead and drive high-end project outcomes, never compromising on quality.

Diversity and Inclusion Award

(sponsored by Huon)

MANTEENA

Winners are grinners… The Manteena team collects the Diversity and Inclusion Award trophy at the NAWIC ACT Chapter’s awards night dinner at the National Arboretum.

ACT: CAPITAL REGION STUDENT OF THE YEAR

Award Sponsor: Manteena

Award Winner Company: WSP

ACT: CRYSTAL VISION AWARD

Award Sponsor: Lendlease

Award Winner Company: Construction Control

ACT: DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AWARD

Award Sponsor: Huon

Award Winner Company: Manteena

ACT: EMERGING LEADER

Award Sponsor: Morris Legal Group

Award Winner Company: Queen Bee Constructions

Woman in Business (sponsored by Ignite)

NICHELLE Jackson is a director with Canberra Town Planning. She has strategic planning expertise and experience across commercial, industrial, mixed-use and residential developments, as well as major transport and water infrastructure projects, significant recreational projects and large infill developments. She has been active in the construction industry as a property valuer and government policy advisor.

Innovation in the Construction Industry (sponsored by Chase Group)

SARAH POLLHEIM

A SENIOR project architect at Clarke Keller, Sarah is a registered architect with a Diploma in Interior Design and a Diploma in Project Management. Over the past 17 years she has practised in the ACT, NSW and SA, where she worked across a broad variety of sectors including retirement living, aged care, multistorey residential, community and education.

Capital Regional Student of the Year (sponsored by Manteena)

DULANI NANAYAKKARA

AN electrical engineer with WSP in Canberra, Dulani has shown her commitment to furthering her education by studying part time through distance education at the University of Wollongong while working full time. Dulani will complete her masters of power engineering degree at the end of this year.

ACT: INNOVATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Award Sponsor: Chase Group

Award Winner Company: Clarke Keller Architects

ACT: MENTOR OF THE YEAR

Award Sponsor: AMA Projects

Award Winner Company: Built

ACT: TRADESWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

Award Sponsor: Ginninderry

Award Winner Company: Canberra Airport

ACT: WOMAN IN BUSINESS

Award Sponsor: Ignite

Award Winner Company: Canberra Town Planning

NAWIC Awards of Excellence

MORE than one in three young adults aged 18 to 25 reported problematic levels of loneliness, according to a new report.

Swinburne University and VicHealth surveyed 1520 Victorians aged 12 to 25, and examined their experience of loneliness. They were also asked about their symptoms of depression and social anxiety.

Overall, one in four young people (aged 12 to 25) reported feeling lonely for three or more days within the last week.

Among 18 to 25 year olds, one in three (35 per cent) reported feeling lonely three or more times a week. We also found that higher levels of loneliness increases a young adult’s risk of developing depression by 12 per cent and social anxiety by 10 per cent.

Adolescents aged 12 to 17 reported better outcomes, with one in seven (13 per cent) feeling lonely three or more times a week. Participants in this age group were also less likely to report symptoms of depression and social anxiety than the 18 to 25 year olds.

Anyone can experience loneliness and at any point in life but it’s often triggered by significant life events –both positive (such as new parenthood or a new job) and negative (bereavement, separation or health problems).

Young adults are managing new challenges such as moving away from home and starting university, TAFE or

Anyone can experience loneliness and at any point in life, but it’s often triggered by significant life events, writes MICHELLE H LIM

work. Almost half (48 per cent) of the young adults in the survey lived away from family and caregivers. Almost 77 per cent were also engaged in some sort of work.

Young people at high school may be buffered from loneliness because they’re surrounded by peers, many of whom they have known for years. But once they leave the safety of these familiar environments, they are likely to have to put in extra effort to forge new ties. They may also feel more disconnected from the existing friends they have.

During this transition to independence, young adults may find themselves with evolving social networks, including interactions with colleagues and peers of different ages. Learning to navigate these different relationships requires adjustment, and a fair bit of trial and error.

The reliance on social media to communicate is often thought to cause loneliness.

No studies I’m aware of have examined the cause-effect between loneliness and social media use.

There is some evidence that those who are lonely are more likely to use the internet for social interactions and spend less time in real life interactions. But it’s unclear whether social

media use causes more loneliness.

While social media can be used to replace offline relationships with online ones, it can also be used to both enhance existing relationships and offer new social opportunities.

Further, a recent study found that the relationship between social media use and psychological distress was weak.

Loneliness is bad for our physical and mental health. Over a six-month period, people who are lonely are more likely to experience higher rates of de pression, social anxiety and paranoia. Being socially anxious can also more loneliness at a later time.

The solution isn’t as simple as joining a group or trying harder to make friends, especially if one already feels anxious about being with people.

While lonely people are motivated to connect with others they are also more likely to experience social interactions as stressful. Brain imaging studies show lonely people are less rewarded by social interactions and are more attuned to distress of others than less lonely counterparts.

When lonely people do socialise, they are more likely to engage in selfdefeating actions, such as being less co-operative, and show more negative emotions and body language. This is

to disengage and protect themselves from rejection.

Lonely people are also more likely to find reasons people cannot be trusted or do not live up to particular social expectations, and to believe others evaluate them more negatively than they actually do.

Educational programs can do more to address the social health of young people and these discussions can be integrated into health education classes.

Additionally, because young people are already frequent and competent users of technology, carefully crafted digital tools could be developed to target loneliness.

however, is to normalise feelings of loneliness, so feeling lonely is seen not as a weakness but rather as an innate human need to connect. Loneliness is likely to negatively impact on health when it is ignored, or not properly addressed, allowing the distress to persist.

Identifying and normalising feelings of loneliness can help lonely people consider different avenues for action.

MICHELLE H LIM a senior lecturer and clinical psychologist from Swinburne University of Technology. This feature was first published on The Conversation (theconversation.com)

Month gets people talking about mental health

WITH one in five Australians experiencing a mental health issue every year, the Mental Health Community Coalition ACT wants to get people starting conversations and making connections this Mental Health Month (October 1-31).

It’s about the importance of talking to people, according to the coalition’s executive officer, Simon Viereck, who says the theme this year is “Conversations and Connection”.

“People often experience a lot of isolation and loneliness in the community,” he says.

“When you think someone is not doing well, it’s really important to ask: ‘Are you okay?’

“The next step is to listen to them and validate what they’re saying. You don’t have to try and fix their problems but listening is really important and can really help someone.”

Over the month, the Mental Health Community Coalition ACT will be running more than 40 events such as morning teas, plays and an expo before it wraps up with its ACT Mental Health Month Awards on Tuesday, October 29.

But the coalition’s flagship event is the Mental Health and Wellbeing Expo on World Mental Health Day, October 10, which will see more than 80 stalls from all sorts of mental health and wellbeing programs and groups at City Walk.

“It’s a great opportunity to see what there is and to connect with the community,” Simon says.

The coalition is also running its first peer work panel event from 12pm-3pm, at Pilgrim House, Braddon, on October 22 to showcase the experience of peer workers, researchers and sector professionals.

JOIN US FOR

In a rapidly growing workplace, Maddie Cook of the Mental Health Community Coalition ACT says it’s key to embed person-first, recovery-oriented and trauma informed mental health services.

“This event is giving the community and people within the sector the opportunity to hear the stories of researchers and peer workers,” she says.

“A lot of it will be about skill building to strengthen the sector as a whole.

“Peer workers have a personal experience so will look at how peer work is going in the ACT and learn from peer workers too.”

October 2019

This year the ACT will be home to a remarkable array of over 40 Mental Health Month events which aim to maximise the wellbeing of individuals and the wider community and encourage people to live mindfully and seek help.

according to CEO Rebecca Davey, who says pain and mental health issues often go hand-in-hand.

“It’s not a separate thing [which is why] we consider mental health alongside the physical in everything we do,” Rebecca says.

The non-profit organisation aims to improve the quality of life of people suffering from arthritis, osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal conditions.

When screening new patients for physical programs or hydrotherapy, Rebecca says a mental health screening is done at the same time.

“If we have any concerns about their mood or mental health, we let them know that we have a health educator and a counsellor that can work with them one-on-one or in groups,” she says.

“When people are dealing with pain, it can

Rebecca says the team at Arthritis ACT want to ensure they help people in the right way.

They offer an eight-week peer mentor program to train volunteers of different ages and backgrounds that live with some form of arthritis and other long-term health conditions to support others.

“Peer mentoring is overseen by experienced health professionals and is a free service that offers understanding, listening and feedback and suggesting resources and services,” Rebecca says.

“Sometimes it just helps knowing there is someone you can call.”

Arthritis ACT. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

HOST A ‘WELLBEING PEIORI-TEA’

Inspired by the 2019 ACT Mental Health Month theme ‘Conversations & Connection’, The Wellbeing Priori-Tea aims to bring people together to have a chat over a cuppa during Mental Health Month in October.

This year we are asking ACT workplaces to take a break and make mental health a priority by hosting your own ‘Wellbeing Priori-tea’! It could be a morning tea, afternoon tea or high tea!

Register your event online to recieve the ‘Wellbeing Priori-tea’ pack at www.mentalhealthmonthact.org/wellbeingprioritea

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING EXPO

10 October, 2019 - 11am - 2pm City Walk, Civic www.mentalhealthmonthact.org/expo

The integral Mental Health & Wellbeing Expo is a free public event bringing the ACT community together to celebrate positive mental health and learn more about the services available in the ACT. Join 80 local organisations in a fun market day atmosphere with interactive activities, sausage sizzle and live music.

MENTAL HEALTH MONTH AWARDS CEREMONY

29 October, 2019 - 3pm Bradman Room, Manuka Oval www.mentalhealthmonthact.org/awards

The Mental Health Month Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions individuals have made to improve the health and wellbeing of the ACT community. All are welcome to attend the official awards ceremony. Free but please RSVP online.

FREE courses mental health, recovery, wellbeing & much more!

The ACT Recovery College welcomes anyone 18 years and older to participate in our FREE courses. We provide a safe and non-judgemental space for people to learn tips and strategies for developing skills, confidence and knowledge.

Course Timetable and Enrolment Info www.recoverycollegeact.org/courses

ACT Recovery College

Unit 2, 9-11 Montford Crescent Lyneham ACT 2602

admin@recoverycollegeact org

02 6247 3821

Find us on facebook @recoverycollegeact

Centre calls for ‘resilient’ artworks

BELCONNEN Arts Centre is calling on artworks based on the theme of resilience for its upcoming public exhibition called “Resilience” at the Gungaderra Homestead in Harrison.

Run by the Gungahlin Arts Program, which is managed by the Belconnen Arts Centre, its programs officer Michele Grimston says the exhibition is partnering with This is My Brave Australia, which aims to bring stories of mental illness and addiction out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

Artists are invited to respond to the theme by either sharing part of their own mental health story or responding to the idea of resilience more broadly.

“We welcome contributions from all ages, viewpoints and levels of experience,” Michele says.

“Artists working in any stage of their creative practice, be it as a professional or hobbyist, are welcome to submit work exploring this theme.”

The Resilience Exhibition will run from October 19-20 with an opening night on Friday, October 18, from 6pm-8pm.

Free workshops will be held across the weekend such as a dance for wellbeing program open to anyone regardless of age or ability.

There will also be a “tales and tea” narrative writing and storytelling workshop held on Sunday, October 20, facilitated by a local artist who Michele says will unlock creativity.

“Resilience”, Gungaderra Homestead, Harrison, October 18-20. Submissions to belconnenartscentre.com.au

Free courses help improve wellbeing

LOCATED in Lyneham, the ACT Recovery College opened in April this year to provide free education courses on mental health, recovery and wellbeing, according to manager Dianna Smith. Enrolments are now open for term four, which will run from October 21 to December 19, with a range of courses available such as yoga, aqua exercise and dancing.

The “Get Movin’ and Groovin’: Social Sports and Fun Fitness” six-week course will give participants the chance to try out new sports and activities each week.

Former Wallabies player Ben Alexander has recently come on board as an ambassador for the ACT Recovery College and will be sharing his passion and skills in rugby for the course, says Dianna.

Also available is a course called “Creative Care for Recovery” which uses arts and crafts to encourage expression and reflection.

“Overcoming Self-Stigma” is another course on offer that will explore the manifestations and consequences of selfstigma and examine how mental health issues can be talked about in a different way to get rid of the stigma attached to them.

Dianna says that the college will be exhibiting at the mental health expo, with Ben Alexander attending from 12pm-1pm.

She encourages anyone who wants to know more to get in touch or visit the college via their website or Facebook page.

ACT Recovery College, unit 2, 9-11 Montford Crescent, Lyneham. Call 6247 3821 or visit recoverycollegeact.org

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 and we have programs that will lessen this impact

Mild depression and anxiety will significantly increase perceptions of pain and our counselling, support groups and exercise groups will help reduce this impact.

AUSTRALIA’S leading provider of mental health assessment, counselling and support services for veterans and their families knows the courage it can take for someone to seek help, which is why it welcomes them with “open arms”.

Open Arms Veterans and Families Counselling focuses on a combination of proven clinical practices and new and emerging evidence-based approaches.

Its name, Open Arms, represents the Australian soldiers who have stood in a field with open arms signalling for helicopters to land. It also represents the families welcoming home serving members after deployment.

“For those who served in Vietnam, the experience forged strong bonds and a commitment to look out for each other,” says an Open Arms spokesperson.

Now, Open Arms is continuing its commitment by looking after veterans and their families after Australian Vietnam veterans lobbied for specialised mental health and wellbeing support in 1982.

The counselling and support services are available to all current serving ADF personnel, personnel transitioning to civilian life, ex-serving members, partners and children of serving and ex-serving personnel, ex-partners who are co-parenting and reservists with one day continuous full time service or hazardous service.

Parents and siblings can also access the service where there has been a death of a service person.

Open Arms Veterans and Families Counselling. Call 1800 011046 or visit openarms.gov.au

At Open Arms your wellbeing is our business. We offer free and confidential: counselling for individuals, couples and families group programs transition workshops peer networks suicide prevention training information, education, self-help resources, and more... To get support or find out more call or visit: • Residential recovery program-supported accommodation across ACT and Southern NSW • Support Coordination • Peer Mentoring and;

Group participation activities

Recovering with round-the-clock support

WITH a motto of “we give you a go”, Richmond Fellowship ACT is the largest mental health recovery residential care provider in Canberra and the region, says its director of mental health, Amanda Urbanc.

Operating in Canberra since 1976, Amanda says the Richmond Fellowship refocused its support in 2015 with the NDIS coming online.

“We offer fully supported accommodation 24/7 to people whose mental health plans have been approved by the NDIS,” she says.

As well as residential support, Richmond Fellowship’s programs include support coordination, which helps to implement people’s NDIS plans, peer mentor

Students paint through their problems

INK Brush Art Therapy is helping people explore any personal issues through art therapy, says owner Bella Insch.

Delivered by a team of registered art therapists, Bella says their programs are fairly unique because they combine therapeutic interventions with art making strategies.

“It is different from a regular art class or counselling session as it is facilitated by qualified allied health professionals with specialised skills in their field,” she says.

Open six days a week, Bella says the sessions run for about two hours and are open to people of all ages and abilities.

“[The sessions] promote self-reflection, selfexpression and creative ways to view concerns,” she says.

“There is no right or wrong way to make art in art therapy as it’s more about the process than the product.

“It is effective for personal growth, work related issues, addictions and range of mental health issues as well as for sensory regulation and increasing fine and gross motor skills.”

Bella says the team at Ink Brush Art Therapy are passionate about putting their training and expertise into practice after seeing the positive outcomes of art therapy.

“One of the benefits of art therapy has to do with self identity,” Bella says.

“When a client can increase their confidence [and start to] see themselves as an artist, it can make a huge difference.

“For younger clients it can have a calming effect.”

Ink Brush Art Therapy, Unit 186a, 15 Coranderrk Street, Civic. Call 0450 070240, email bella@inkbrush. com.au or visit inkbrush.com.au

ing, which helps to build individual skills, and group facilitation, which provides social and recreational activities.

“Socialising is so important and can enhance mental wellbeing,” Amanda says.

“We care about supporting people with enduring and severe mental illness and believe in their dignity and confidence as they make positive changes in their lives.

“Staff development is part of that, and we support our team with the skills they need to support others.”

Ink Brush Art Therapy has a friendly team of 3 Registered Art Therapists. We provide Art Therapy to individuals, families and groups from our comfortable studio in Civic.

Art Therapy is for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds – No special skills or prior experience with art is required!

Provider no. 4050001710

Available by appointment: Monday - Friday: 9:15 am - 5 pm (& weekends) Unit 186a, 15 Coranderrk St. Civic M: 0450 070 240 bella@inkbrush.com.au

At the Bride and Groom Charity Ball, Barton

ALL ABOUT DICKSON

When Dickson was more runways than houses

dwelling houses and double-storey duplexes, Dickson was the site of Canberra’s first air crash (and original airport).

At about 10.30am, on February 11, 1926, a RAAF De Havilland DH9 was travelling from Richmond air base to survey the Murrumbidgee River when it stalled after making a sharp turn to land and crashed 100m of where the Dickson Library now stands.

The pilot, Philip Mackenzie Pitt, 26,

an unmarked grave at Queanbeyan’s Riverside cemetery.

Two years later, on 28 September, 1928, Dickson was gazetted but the suburb was not settled until the ‘60s.

According to the 2016 census, Dickson, which is named after Sir James Dickson, a Queensland advocate of Australian Federation and one of the founders of the Australian Constitution, has a population of more than 2000 people.

Opening celebrates chemist’s new look

THE newly rebranded Cincotta Discount Chemist at Dickson, formerly Chemist Outlet Dickson, will be celebrating with its grand opening day on November 2.

“We will be running giveaways, a sausage sizzle, lucky door prizes and sample bags,” says pharmacy assistant Tracey Chappell.

“Next month we are also celebrating our birthday with a special draw to win a car.”

Customers need to sign up for their rewards program and spend more than $20 in store on selected brands to go into the draw for a new car, says Tracey. The promotion will run until November 4.

Owner and pharmacist Rhonda Warne says that Cincotta Discount Chemist delivers personalised customer care, with fast script services and low prices.

At the moment, Rhonda says she is helping a lot of customers with their seasonal rhinitis and hayfever symptoms.

“With the increase of pollen in the air, people are coming to us with itchy eyes and noses,” she says.

“We have a range of nasal sprays, antihistamines and eye drops and I encourage people to come in to see us and get advice on what to take.”

Discount

at

offers services such as blood-pressure checks, diabetes and cholesterol screening, ear piercing, free webster packs and free prescription delivery service on the northside.

Rhonda says some of their popular products and services are their discounted fragrances, cosmetics, aids for daily living, venosan compression stockings, free webster packs, sms prescription service and blood-pressure checks.

Cincotta Discount Chemist, 1/30-42 Dickson Place, Dickson. Call 6247 7944.

Making waste-free shopping ‘normal’ ALL ABOUT DICKSON

EMMA Mason, the owner of The Source Bulk Foods in Dickson, wants to make waste-free shopping “the norm”.

Stocking pantry staples, cooking liquids, cleaning products and waste-free merchandise, Emma says they want to make waste-free shopping easy and accessible for everyone.

“We are passionate about giving people options to live with less waste,” says Emma, who provides an exceptional service as a way of saying “thank you” to those who do.

“We appreciate the effort that every one of our customers makes to use a little less single use plastic.

“We want to make waste free shopping a great experience and have every customer who chooses to shop this way, no matter how big or small, feel good about their purchase and the choice they have made.”

And, Emma says they’re proud of the variety of waste-free items they have available for their customers.

“We have a great range from pantry staples to our snacks and confectionery, to our range of personal and household cleaning products as well as our general everyday plastic free range such as water bottles, keep cups, stainless steel straws and bamboo

Summer shoes made for comfort

PEOPLE searching for that perfect pair of comfortable shoes or sandals will find the largest range of orthoticfriendly NAOT footwear at NAOT of Canberra, says podiatrist and owner Mark Clayton.

Located in Dickson, Mark says the experienced team of podiatrists and qualified footwear fitters will ensure the right fit and support, especially for people who wear orthotics.

toothbrushes,” she says.

“They can buy the amount they are after and avoid food waste at home.

“And they can bring their own containers in too.”

The Source Bulk Foods, 7/30-42 Dickson Place. Call 6262 9483, email dickson@thesourcebulkfoods.com.au or visit thesourcebulkfoods.com.au

And, NAOT’s new summer range has just landed in store, which means there is lots of new shoes to choose from.

“We stock sandals all year round, as people who are travelling overseas during winter come to us to get a comfortable pair of travel shoes,” Mark says.

Made from handmade Italian leather and designed to be lightweight but durable, Mark says that NAOT shoes come in a wide range of styles including boots, mary janes and court shoes.

“We offer wider shoe sizes and can give advice on the fit and how your orthotic works inside the shoes,”

“People find our shoes very comfortable and keep coming back to us to find the right shoes for their feet.”

NAOT of Canberra, 1/151 Cowper Street, Dickson. Visit naotofcanberra.com.au or call 6262 8383.

Workplace safety

We all have a responsibility to support health, wellbeing and safety on our worksites and in our workplaces.

It can be as simple as reporting any hazards you see or asking a colleague if they are OK.

A good time to do this is at toolbox talks on worksites or as part of team meetings in workplaces.

Check out these tips below:

Keep an eye out for your colleagues and ask if they are OK.

Ensure teams know how, where and who to report any concerns to.

Include time at each team meeting to focus on health, wellbeing and safety.

Know who your Health and Safety Representatives and Health and Safety Committee are.

NATIONAL SAFE WORK MONTH

Calling on workers to be ‘champions of safety’

THIS National Safe Work Month (October 1-31), Safe Work Australia is calling on workers to “Be a Safety Champion”.

And to help them become that champion, Safe Work Australia will be sharing tips on how to make a workplace safer and healthier.

While work-related deaths, injuries and illnesses have decreased over the years, Safe Work Australia says there’s still more work to be done to reduce these numbers even further.

More than half a million Australians still sustain a workrelated injury or illness each year, which has an impact on the daily lives of workers, their families and their communities, according to Safe Work Australia

Safe Work Australia says no industry should be unsafe to work in and no death or injury is acceptable.

safeworkaustralia.gov.au

one-stop shop for all high-vis workwear, safety equipment and boots, says Pat Seears, who runs the family-owned business with his son Shane.

“We are 100 per cent committed to supplying the best safety products,” says Pat.

“Our staff are trained and can give advice on all safety, protective wear and boots that you need.

“People often ask what they need for their jobs and we help them find the right clothing and safety gear.”

The 1400sqm store sells clothing and safety gear for pretty much every kind of industry and worker, according to Pat, who says they have clothing for workers such as building labourers, chefs, blue and white-collar workers, hospital workers, major companies, government departments and Defence.

“We are a very competitively priced business and are always negotiable on large bulk orders,” he says.

“We offer a full embroidery and screen-printing service, too.”

Seears Workwear, 60 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 4111 or visit seearsworkwear.com.au

Greg puts a focus on worker wellbeing

ACT Work Safety commissioner of Access Canberra, WorkSafe ACT, Greg Jones, is encouraging everyone to become a safety champion at work.

“No matter what position you are in, you can help champion safety at work,” he says.

Overall, Greg says ACT businesses do well to create safe workplaces but they still need to remain vigilant and compliant.

“This year we are focusing on mental and psychological wellbeing of workers to make sure that employers appreciate their legislative responsibility under the workplace safety act,” he says.

“We can assist employers to create the right conditions.”

An important step to creating a positive work environment is to decrease psychological stress, eliminating bullying and harassment, according to Greg, who says it’s an area where young workers can be particularly vulnerable.

“Internal communication is key between management and workers to openly talk about issues that are affecting them,” he says.

Greg also wants to strengthen companies to put prevention strategies in place that will decrease occupational violence.

“Employers need to be aware and take steps to address issues of abuse or the threat of physical violence in the workplace,” he says.

“This is particularly relevant to the retail and hospitality sectors.”

Worksafe ACT will run a number of work safety workshops and seminars across the month.

Access Canberra, WorkSafe ACT. Call 132 281, email worksafe@act.gov.au or visit accesscanberra.act.gov.au

Training prepares people for emergencies

EMERGENCY response training is about putting people first, says the director of Ferst Training Solutions, Gary Cheeseman.

Gary started the business in 2007 and provides specialised emergency response training to government, corporate and community organisation workplaces in the ACT and NSW.

He says the focus is on keeping workplaces safe, meeting industry standards and saving lives in the event of an emergency.

“We’re not teaching people how to put out fires but how to get people out of potentially dangerous situations,” he says.

All trainers have been in operational positions, in fields including the military, fire services or emergency services, meaning they have real-life experience in dealing with many situations.

“We train wardens in how to clear a building, deal with bomb threats, white powder threats, hostile intruders, lockdown situations and even to operate a fire extinguisher,” he says.

“We arm them with the skills to keep people safe.”

Ferst also creates evacuation diagrams, emergency procedure manuals, signage and other response tools with any company’s branding, Gary says.

Ferst Training Solutions. Visit ferst.com.au or call 1300 333778.

Full range of:

• Harnesses

• First aid kits

• Safety equipment

• Protective clothing

• Corporate and trade uniforms

• Wide range of protective gear

• Workwear for all trades

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Hey, hey it’s Daryl to the Max, live on stage

By Helen Musa

“MOST people know me as that guy who was on ‘Hey Hey It’s Saturday’ for nearly 30 years, but along the way I’ve done a lot of stage shows,” says showbiz personality Daryl Somers.

He’ll be here soon playing the lead role of Max Bialystock in the musical theatre version of Mel Brooks’ side-splitting 1968 cult movie “The Producers” at Gungahlin College Theatre.

Bialystock is the pragmatic failed Broadway producer who, with a young accountant, hatches a scheme to evade the Internal Revenue Service by staging a flop musical about Hitler and Eva Braun.

It’s a chance for such a well-known TV personality to get inside a character not his own, so when Rachael Beck, of “Hey Dad” fame, called him to say she was making her directorial debut for Richard Block’s company Dramatic Productions and offered him the lead role, he jumped at the chance to get on the boards again.

“I was on stage at school playing drums and singing in the band,” he reminisces.

“The boys in the band elected me to be their MC and I got the sense of speaking before a crowd.”

The cover band was called Pasquale and his

Mexican Rhythm and re-branded as Somerset, got into the finals of “New Faces” on TV.

After playing roles in pantomime and getting a taste for the theatre, in 1971 he got a spot on “Hey Hey It’s Saturday”, eventually becoming not only host but executive producer, and stayed until 1999.

A legend in his own lifetime, Somers was a Gold Logie winner, was crowned King of Moomba and in 2018 had his portrait featured on a series of postage stamps.

In 1998 the late director George Fairfax and choreographer Graeme Murphy headhunted him to play Sancho Panza in the musical “Man of La Mancha”. He jumped at the chance to get into live theatre.

“I did that and really enjoyed it,” he says. “And then I got the chance to be in a concert version of a musical based on Lewis Carroll’s poem ‘The Hunting of the Snark’, written by Mike Batt.”

“Hey Hey It’s Saturday” lasted for 28 years but the stage was always beckoning. In 2003, he played Harry MacAfee in “Bye Bye Birdie” and, again, he says: “It was great fun”.

After what he calls “a bit of time between drinks”, but which included a stint on “Dancing with the Stars”, in 2014 he took the role of Nicely-Nicely Johnson in “Guys And Dolls”. That saw him taking centre stage for the number “Sit Down, You’re Rocking The Boat”. Modelling himself on the large NZ musician Ricky May, who had played the role in the late 1980s, he padded up.

“Ricky was 28 stone. I had padded up for

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Sancho Panza so I padded up for ‘Guys and Dolls’.”

His next role in 2015 was Max Renfield in David Atkins’ dance show, “Hot Shoe Shuffle,” for which he had to take tap dancing lessons.

“Because I had been a drummer, I could transfer the beat to the feet, and although it was a tough role, that was wonderful fun.”

Just after that, he reports, he got “sucked back into TV” with a short-lived Australian version of the British hypnotism game show, “You’re Back in the Room”.

Then last year came that call from Rachael Beck.

“I told her: ‘I’m so flattered to be asked to play Max Bialystock, how did you think of me?’ and she said: ‘I saw you as Nicely-Nicely and I thought you’d be perfect for Max’.

“I’m going do I have to pad up again?” he sighs. “Zero Mostel was padded up to play Max in the movie, so I’ll have to do it, too.”

He sees Max as “a crafty old bugger,” but not permanently grumpy the way Mostel played him. Now he’s in training again and enjoying it, saying: “It’s a very big role, I’m only off stage for 12 minutes”.

“It’s been like doing a musical by correspond ence, and up and down like a yo-yo between Melbourne and Canberra, but now I’ll be spending the next few weeks in Canberra and I can’t wait to get really stuck into the script.”

“The Producers”, Gungahlin College Theatre, October 11-26. Book at stagecenta.com (10 per cent of all ticket sales goes to charity partners).

CINEMA

Happily hooked, but it takes a while to get there

“The Goldfinch” (M)

WHAT attribute of the human condition was Donna Tartt exploring in the novel that won her the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction?

Not having read that book, I must rely on Peter Straughan’s adaptation of it for direc tor John Crowley to transform into moving images and sounds.

It begins slowly, when 13-year-old Theo (Oakes Fegley) goes to live with foster parents after his mother’s death in a terrorist bombing at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mrs Barbour (Nicole Kidman) brings Theo up as one of her own, until the boy’s biological father arrives to claim him. Theo’s life undergoes a seachange, from a wealthy home to an empty project development in a treeless desert.

In his teens, Theo makes friends with older refugee boy Boris (Finn Wolfhard, Aneurin Barnard as an adult). A decade later, Theo (Ansel Elgort) is an antiques trader, a profession learned as the apprentice of Hobie (Jeffrey Wright). In one of the film’s many flashbacks, the film explains how Theo came to possess a small painting of a goldfinch

chained to its perch, painted in 1654 by Dutch artist Carel Fabritius (and now in reality in a major Dutch gallery).

So where does the painting fit in? Wrapped in newspaper, carried in a canvas bag, unseen, it has been Theo’s constant companion since a stranger gave it to him immediately after the bombing. Now somebody has tracked it down and wants Theo to hand it over.

With a reputed budget of $US45 million, “The Goldfinch” has bombed in the US, perhaps because it is too long or not exciting

enough for the American mass audience. Indeed, it takes time to develop momentum, but when that happened, it had me hooked.

The top-grade acting did full justice to a dramatis personae that made sense. The propositions in the narrative were credible. After sitting alone for 149 minutes, I came away satisfied that it well serves whatever objective Ms Tartt had in mind when she began writing the book.

At Dendy and Palace Electric

“The Dead Don’t Die” (MA) WHEN it comes to zombies, Jim Jarmusch is not your conventional potboiler movie maker. Idiosyncratic pretty well covers it within the available space on the page. He likes to cast chums in his relatively small number of films.

This time, regular favourite Bill Murray plays Cliff, chief of the three-person police force in the little town of Centreville. Cliff could have retired a couple of years ago, but that would have led to boredom. His staff comprises Ronnie (Adam Driver) and Mindy (Chloë Sevigny). You might recognise Danny Glover and Steve Buscemi as townsfolk. You’d be hard put to recognise another Jarmusch regular, Tom Waits, behind a face full of whiskers.

And then there’s Tilda Swinton. As town mortician Zelda Winston underneath a cornsilk-coloured wig nearly reaching her waist, she amuses herself by practising with a samurai sword. Zelda’s about to inject a new mode of dealing with zombies.

It’s a fun movie that succeeds better than most of its zombie genre predecessors in delivering humour to assuage the bloodletting while, in so doing, cocking a snoot at a few American social habits.

Is it the best zombie film? “Best” or “favourite” are games that I prefer not to play, but I rate “The Dead Don’t Die” up there with “Shaun of the Dead” as benchmarks for the genre.

At Dendy

“Ride Like A Girl” (PG)

HAVE you ever wondered what life in the horseracing world is really like? Rachel Griffiths’ debut feature film telling the story of Michelle Payne gives no place to the betting, fashion, or undercurrents of criminality that sometimes make press headlines.

The connecting narrative forms a wellbalanced account of a large family that loves horses and the youngest daughter’s skill and determination to succeed in what until relatively recently was a purely male domain.

Much has been written about the day in 2015, when Michelle became the first woman to ride the winner of the Melbourne Cup. Playing her, Teresa Palmer is impressive. Sam Neill is untroubled in the role of her father Paddy. But what most gripped my compassion is her older brother Stevie who has Down syndrome and appears as her best friend and strapper. He’s now not only her partner in a horse-breeding venture but also is a natural in front of the camera.

Written by Andrew Knight and Elise McCredie, “Ride Like A Girl” tells a warmhearted story, well modulated by smiles and laughter, not without griefs. But most of all, it’s a testament to Michelle’s physical and emotional strengths. While authenticity looms admirably large in the film, I mildly regret that title.

At all cinemas

DINING / clementine restaurant, yass

Clementine doesn’t disappoint

IT was a Friday overnighter in historic Yass (a tidy town, of course) for something fun and different.

First up, g&t’s at the historic Club House Hotel, where the “fab five stars” from makeover show “Queer Eye” made over the bistro dining room.

Next we wandered down the main street for a quick visit to the Yazzbar, a cosy country bar featuring cool-climate wines from the Canberra region and top drops from other reputable Australian wineries. More on this in a tick.

Then an amazing dinner at Clementine Restaurant, Yass Valley’s first hatted restaurant (seats 50), offering local wines and modern dining with predominantly French and Italian influences.

Life is transformed when you walk into Clementine – chef Adam Bantock (London, Hong Kong, Sydney and, in Canberra, at Temporada, Dieci e Mezzo, A. Baker fame) has made over his family’s 1950s weatherboard cottage. The outdoor dining deck overlooks a manicured lawn, complete with artwork, and the Lovett Chapel.

Adam’s menu is high on interest and taste, but low on pretension. Dishes to start are $10, entrees $21 and mains $33.

The vitello tonnato entrée was the sign of great things to come. It was a generous serve and the veal rump

ers were lovingly filled with creamy ricotta and smoked mozzarella. The dish was presented with a tasty salsa verde and bright green peas.

Four mains were available on our visit and we were a party of four so indulged in all dishes.

The fish stew was amazing – snapper, clams, white beans, a perfect hit of chilli, cherry tomatoes and braised fennel. The pasta, ordered by a friend who has lived in Italy, was given five stars. The twisted tubes absorbed all the delish flavors.

The local mushrooms were perfectly sautéed and the balance of tarragon, truffle butter and parmesan was decadent. Both the roasted lamb rump and the appleglazed, free-range pork neck dishes were melt-in-the-mouth tender. The

After dinner, having discovered that Canberra’s “Mama Blooz” singer, Gaye Reid, was playing with friends at Yazzbar, we popped in (once more). Yazzbar regularly has live music – jazz, soul, folk. It was a great top off to a great night. Next time we’re in town we’ll dine at Yazzbar, with its tapas style menu.

Next morning it was great coffee and breakfast at Thyme to Taste, also on the main drag. It’s a combo deli and café – eclectic décor and yum food. Clementine,104 Meehan Street, Yass. Lunch, Friday-Sun day, 11am-2.30pm; dinner, ThursdaySaturday, from 4.45pm.

ARTS IN THE CITY MUSIC

By Helen Musa

WITH more than 300 performances of “West Side Story” under his belt and the number rising fast, maestro, music director, and composer Donald Chan is the most soughtafter conductor for the show once described by “The Times” in London as “the number one greatest musical of all time”.

Chan was headhunted by La Scala to conduct “West Side Story” in Milan during 2000 and 2003, he was the featured piano soloist with the San Jose Symphony for Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphony No. 2: The Age of Anxiety” during the composer’s centenary celebrations, and now he is music supervisor and conductor for director Joey McKneely’s “West Side Story”, coming to Canberra Theatre as its blockbuster musical for 2019. His standards are exacting.

“As music supervisor, I oversee everything and make sure that all things musical conform correctly to what we need,” Chan says by phone from Sydney, where he is touring with the show.

As well as being well known in the world of musical theatre, having worked on more than 100 musicals and operettas and performed with stars such as Gene Kelly, Ethel Merman, Chita Rivera and Martha Graham.

It was while studying at Juilliard that he attended seminars held by Bernstein.

“It was exciting, he was very charming and open to a lot of things when he was teaching, it was a turning point for me,” he says.

“West Side Story”, too, was a turning point and Chan considers why.

“Most musicals from the 1950s had happy endings,” he says.

“But not in West Side Story… somebody

Music director and composer Donald Chan. “We have tried to be faithful to the 1957 original with our young performers so this doesn’t look like a museum piece.”

dies, somebody gets raped, it has a lot of different dramatic qualities and it has a big signature ballet.

“I think it is a very iconic piece, an outstanding work recognised as something quite different from the norm and often played in concert halls as well as theatres.”

But to Chan, the most important thing is that the show, dreamt up and choreographed by Jerome Robbins with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, put together music, actors, singers and dancers who were young and who looked the part.

Something that sets “West Side Story” apart is the centrality of Robbins’ choreography.

“It’s been a problem for us casting young people who are not just musicians or actors or dancers – it’s putting it all together that makes it work,” he says.

Another factor, he believes, is that although it has a timeless story based on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, it is also exceedingly timely. As Chan says: “It deals with racism, there are factions fighting each other, just like today, it’s very contemporary.”

“We try to put it on as it was then, but Bernstein, Laurents, Sondheim and Robbins were all geniuses, so all had their own idiosyncrasies.

“It took those kind of personalities to do what they needed to do.

“Our director Joey McKneely and I have tried to be faithful to the 1957 original with our young performers so this doesn’t look like a museum piece.”

“West Side Story”, Canberra Theatre, October 10-27. Book at canberratheatrecentre.com.au

By Helen Musa

SIR Michael “Parky” Parkinson will be in town with a two-hour show as part of a tour coinciding with the 40th anniversary of his first Australian TV series, “Parkinson in Australia”. He’ll be in conversa tion with his son Mike and showing highlights from the Parkinson archive. At Llewellyn Hall, October 12. Book at ticketek.com.au

THEATRE identity and the director of “Short+Sweet Canberra” play festival, Trevar Chilver, is moving to Gippsland, so has handed over the directorial role to Lynn Petersen and Amy Crawford, who have already secured the Courtyard Studio for what they predict will be “a shorter, but definitely sweeter” festival, to run from August 9-15.

THE National Capital Orchestra, under guest conductor Alan Cook, will present a program taking audiences from modern-day Australia to Europe and Russia of the 18th and 19th centuries as it plays works by Melbourne composer May Lyon, followed by Mozart, Borodin and RimskyKorsakov. Clarinettist Eloise Fisher, a Juilliard graduate, is the featured concerto artist. At The Q, Queanbeyan, 3pm, Sunday, October 13 (pre-concert talk at 2.15pm). Book at theq.net.au

HALL School Museum and Heritage Centre holds a substantial volume of material on Hall-Ginninderra district history and heritage and is now holding an exhibition, “A Palette of Pioneer Places”, by veteran Canberra watercolourist, Isla Patterson, who has painted eight early district heritage buildings in the parishes of Jeir, Wallaroo and Ginninderra. At 17-19 Palmer Street, opening 2pm on Sunday, October 6.

FORMER TV newsreader Richard Morecroft will host an evening of conversation with Sam and Cameron Bloom, whose tale inspired “Penguin Bloom: The Odd Little Bird Who Saved a Family”, soon to be a Hollywood feature film starring Naomi Watts and directed by Reese Witherspoon. Timed for World Mental Health Day, the evening of visual storytelling and conversation will explain how an injured magpie chick helped Sam to walk, and Penguin (the chick) to fly. At James O Fairfax Theatre, NGA, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Thursday, October 10. Book at talkingsticks.com.au

CANBERRA Bach Ensemble joins Australian Baroque Brass and soloists to perform Bach’s Magnificat BWV 243, “Meine Seel’ erhebt den Herren” BWV 10 and “Tönet, ihr Pauken! Erschallet, Trompeten!” BWV 214. The orchestra will be led by Bianca Porcheddu. At St Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka, 8pm, Saturday, October 12 and 2.30pm, Sunday, October 13. Book at trybooking.com

By Brandon Thomas

GARDENING

A word for the tried and true

SOMETIMES, in a rush to grow newer, better-flowering or improved disease-resistant plants, we may overlook many of the tried and true varieties.

Looking out the window, I can see a perfect hedge plant, Viburnum laurustinus. Covered in pink-budded white flowers, it is a totally reliable, hardy, drought resistant plant that originates from the Mediterranean and has been grown in Britain since the 16th century.

It withstood the Canberra fires and relishes being cut back for hedges that, in turn, encourages more fragrant flowers.

It is one of more than 200 species of evergreen and deciduous viburnum.

Other evergreen viburnum include japonicum with very large leaves up to 15 centimetres long and 10 centimetres wide.

Introduced to the west from Japan by plant hunter Charles Maries in 1879, its fragrant, white flowers are borne in large trusses followed by clusters of small, red fruit. Its vigorous growth makes it more suitable as a stand-alone shrub rather than a hedge plant.

Then there’s Viburnum davidii, which used to be grown extensively in Canberra gardens but has gone out of fashion. It’s ideal for the smaller garden forming a low, wide-spreading mound. Leathery leaves and small, white flowers in winter are followed by the main feature of this plant, its fruit.

The small clusters of bright, turquoise-blue berries combine perfectly with the glossy leaves. The best effect is to grow them in a group of three to five.

THIS year National Gardening Week (October 13-19) has the theme “Dig in and Celebrate”. Promoted by Garden Clubs of Australia, which has more than 45,000 members from more than 700 affiliated garden clubs, the week’s focus is on children and encouraging schools to participate. There’s no registration or formality, rather encouraging groups, schools or individuals to get out and do some gardening to help the environment.

MANY visitors will have marvelled at the detail, extreme patience and dedication of the works of bonsai at the Arboretum. How do the artists of bonsai create these “works of art”? The answers may be at the Canberra Bonsai Society’s show at the Canberra High School, Bindubi Street, Macquarie, on the weekend of October 12-13. More than 60 bonsai will be on display as well as demonstrations and sales. Admission is $5 ($3 conc.) and more details at cbs.org.au

Bonsai… how do they do it?

AS the drought bites, the effect of the selection and variety of trees and their drought tolerance around our streets and parks will become more obvious. I was reading in “Country Life” magazine that the tiny Eastern Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world, removing three times more carbon dioxide than it produces. On June 2 every year, every person

plants a

The national policy states that at least 60 per cent of the country must be forested. What an example for us to follow.

PUZZLES PAGE

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

This week it will be very easy to say the wrong thing to the wrong person at the wrong time but making controversial comments will land you in hot water (especially on Monday). So think things through and choose your words wisely. Expect the fur to fly on the weekend, when Uranus and the Full Moon agitate close relationships and heat up your hasty side. Slow down Rams. Otherwise you’re likely to over-react (or over-spend) and do something you later regret!

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Love planet Venus visits your relationship zone (from Tuesday until November 1) so plan something extra romantic with your partner. Unhappily single? You could find yourself drawn to a charming Capricorn or a sexy Scorpio. With the weekend Full Moon illuminating your solitude/soul zone, slow down and look within as you contemplate, meditate or ruminate. Your motto is from birthday great, John Lennon: “Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream.”

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

With Jupiter in your partnership zone (until December 2) aim to be more compassionate and generous towards loved ones. Plus try to view a troubled relationship from a more philosophical perspective. As birthday great John Lennon observed: “We’ve got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant… You’ve got to keep watering it. You’ve got to really look after it and nurture it.” If you are single, you could fall for someone from another country or culture.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

When it comes to work or your general life direction, it’s time to banish old beliefs and ancient attitudes. Instead, look to the future with renewed confidence and fresh entrepreneurial ideas. A family matter has got your head in a spin but Venus will help you sort out a simmering domestic drama. A child, friend or lover will be very unpredictable on the weekend. So strive to be a cool, calm and collected Crab, as you focus on being kind, creative and inclusive.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

The week starts with a challenging Sun/Saturn square. So pace yourself and do your best to avoid online arguments or run-ins with authority figures. If you are the person in charge, then resist the urge to be bossy and over-bearing with others. Behaving like a demanding Diva will get you nowhere fast! Try to be extra patient… which is not one of your natural virtues! Then Uranus and the Full Moon cause chaos on the weekend, when your domestic life looks topsy-turvy.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

On Monday your ruler Mercury is at odds with disruptive Uranus. So the more unpredictable and unreliable others are, the more you will shift into fussy and finicky mode. You’ll feel much less stressed if you take ten deep breaths, try to relax, and keep things in perspective. And remember – you can’t control how other people behave. On the weekend, Jupiter and the Full Moon shine a bright spotlight on a financial matter, joint venture or real estate transaction.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Monday’s Sun/Saturn square stymies motivation and slows progress (especially with a personal project or a family matter). Uranus also stirs up problems with partnerships or finances so expect the unexpected! With the Sun, Venus and Mars all visiting your sign, you may find it difficult to stick to your chosen diet, exercise program and/or usual beauty routine. Perhaps it would be better to moderate your perfectionist streak and learn to love your perceived imperfections?

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Expect an intense Monday, when the planets stir up inner compulsions, submerged secrets or hidden resentments. You could also become obsessed about a person from your past. Smart Scorpios will learn to let go. As birthday great Hugh Jackman observes: “You can’t go through life obsessing about what might have been.” Things pick up on Tuesday, when vivacious Venus shifts into your sign (until November 1). Time to let your hair down and have some serious fun!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Monday will be a stop-start kind of day. You’re keen to move ahead with lightning speed and lots of sparky ideas. But Saturn will slow you down via an unexpected problem that will keep you occupied for a few days. By the time the weekend rolls around, you’re happy to inspire others with your high spirits and contagious enthusiasm! You’ll be at your bouncy and buoyant best as the Full Moon and Jupiter boost confidence levels and put extra wind in your Sagittarian sails.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

The Sun and Saturn square off on Monday, which will test your patience and set your frustration levels onto high. Then on Tuesday, Venus visits your networking zone (until November 1) which bodes well for connecting with friends and colleagues in beneficial ways. On the weekend, Uranus upsets your usual routine and the Full Moon fires up your cantankerous streak. So do your best to avoid stressful situations and people who push your emotional buttons.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

It’s a wonderful week to expand your world via exciting foreign friendships and international contacts. If you link up with like-minded people, then it will open up new doors of opportunity. But be careful what you post online, as a casual comment could lead to controversy. And expect the sparks to fly on the weekend, when the Full Moon fires up emotions and Uranus revs up your reckless side. If you must be rebellious, then aim to be a rebel with a worthy cause.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

You’ve certainly got big and beautiful aspirations for the future. But reality planet Saturn urges you to make a clear distinction between an achievable goal and an airy-fairy fantasy. With the right balance of idealism and realism, you can make your wishes come true. Your mantra for the moment is ‘Dream a dream and then make it a reality.’ The weekend Full Moon shines light on a financial problem, a puzzle that needs to be solved or a challenge that needs to be overcome.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2019

General knowledge crossword No. 705

Across

1 Name a particular suit of cards. (6)

8 What is a feat involving a set of three successes? (3,5)

9 What is association football known as? (6)

10 To detain in custody, is to do what? (8)

11 Which sea is located between Australia and New Zealand? (6)

12 Which term means “therefore”? (4)

13 Name a four-stringed instrument of the violin family. (5)

16 What is the main house on an estate? (5)

19 Name a renowned violinist, Andre ... (4)

21 Name an annual plant, having flattened biconvex seeds. (6)

22 When one gives courage, one does what? (8)

23 That which is dreadful, calamitous, or fatal, could be termed as what? (6)

24 What is a concluding part added to a literary work? (8)

25 Which term describes a holiday centre? (6) Down

2 What is the official proving of a will as authentic or valid? (7)

3 Which currency began in Australia on 14 February 1966? (7)

4 What is a receptacle for sacred relics? (6)

5 Name the world of professional outstanding film actors. (7)

6 What, in physics, is the splitting of the nucleus of a heavy atom? (7)

7 Which colloquial term describes a betting coup? (7)

13 Name an alternative term for a teller. (7)

14 What is an insane person called? (7)

15 What is a formal speech known as? (7)

17 Which literary productions are published yearly? (7)

18 Who was widely considered the leading actor of the 20th century, Laurence ...? (7)

20 Name an ancient province in Ireland. (6)

Yumiko and Arthur want to build a new house, but it comes with a financial dilemma. So they came to see if I could help untangle things for them.

Yumiko set the scene: "I earn about $100,000 a year and Arthur earns about $180,000. I own a house, which I inherited from my parents. Originally there was no mortgage but I borrowed about $250,000 to do some renovations and about $220,000 of this is still outstanding.

“Arthur and I want to build a new house, which will cost about $1.5 million. We have the land and have chosen a design. We want to own it 50/50 so we will each pay for half and we will put this in a binding financial agreement.

"My house is worth about $1.2 million so it should net about $900,000 once it is sold.”

Arthur said: “I have no assets, so my plan is to take out a loan to cover my half of about $750,000.

"Our first question is should we sell Yumiko’s house or should we rent it out because we can borrow Yumiko’s share of $750,000 and then claim the interest as a tax deduction?”

I advised them that, yes, they could borrow against the existing house and rent it out, but the interest would not be tax deductible.

"It is always the purpose of borrowing that determines the deductibility of interest and the purpose of borrowing in this case is to purchase a new home which is a private expense," I said.

"I also calculate that Yumiko is likely to have a $15,000 a year tax bill on the rental. So this arrangement is not tax effective for her.”

"The best idea is to sell Yumiko’s house now before you commit to the new house so Yumiko can fund her share that way."

Arthur said that wouldn't work for them because they needed at least six months to finish the renovations before the house could be sold. Their preference was to stay in the house while the new place was being built then put Yumiko’s house on the market.

I replied: "That puts a different complexion on things. You could try and extend the existing mortgage but that could be expensive and might be regarded as bridging finance which also is expensive.

"You may also have to pay mortgage insurance, which is expensive."

I told them the best solution was to negotiate a loan with two separate amounts on the new property. It would have to be variable so that Yumiko can repay her half when her property was sold just leaving Arthur's half.

"You may have to take a mortgage over the old property so that you don’t have to pay mortgage insurance," I said.

"There will be some costs associated with that mortgage but as it will be repaid quickly that shouldn’t be too much of a problem.”

Yumiko said that sounded good but asked what should she do with the remaining funds from the sale?

I suggested she buy another property.

"This would be much more tax effective than renting out Yumiko’s existing property," I said. "Best not to make plans now, let’s see how much money you have left over and the state of the property and share markets at that time”

If you need any financial or taxation advice 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.

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