CityNews 191017

Man bites dog… with policy execution

MICHAEL MOORE

The day Mr Menzies launched the lake

NICHOLE OVERALL

The looming fog of leadership despair PAUL COSTIGAN

Pip to pulp, cab-sav takes some beating RICHARD CALVER

SOCIALS

FAMILIAR FACES 176

SHOW &TELL

Three women driving the visitor experience at Ginninderry’s new display village

Information Sessions Saturday 26 October

Blocks from $257,520

44 new blocks for sale by ballot

Ginninderry is inspiring a new way of living, and here’s your chance to be part of the story. 44 new blocks in our second stage at Strathnairn are being released by ballot. Blocks in this release are ideally located near Hilltop Park and green open spaces. Most blocks qualify for free front landscaping. And residents of Strathnairn can take advantage of the Community Recreation Park with 2.7 hectares of modern sporting facilities, walking trails, modern playgrounds, BBQ areas and an impressive amphitheatre.

With the beautiful natural surrounds of Ginninderry on your doorstep, a home built to your specifications and easy access to Belconnen, it’s the perfect place to bring your story to life.

Block sizes range from 308sqm to 717sqm. Register for the ballot now at

Or find out more by visiting The Link Sales and Information Centre – 90 Stockdill Drive Strathnairn (Holt).

NEWS / new ceo for soldier on

Ivan’s leading from the front in raising money

By Danielle NOHRA

WITH a greater demand for Soldier On services than what the charity can provide, fundraising champion Ivan Slavich has been appointed its new CEO to turn it around.

“The reality is we need more money to deliver our services,” says Ivan, 55, of O’Malley, who started as Soldier On’s new CEO on Monday, September 30.

“My big focus is going to be raising money for Soldier On so we can meet the demand for services because they’re not being met.”

Ivan, who’s well-known for his leading positions at companies such as TransACT Communications, ActewAGL, PARASOL and Energy Action, is not a stranger when it comes to charity work.

“If I think back on my corporate career, I’ve been in a lot of high-profile, high-pressure jobs, but the part of each role that I’ve enjoyed the most is fundraising,” he says.

In the past Ivan’s notably raised more than $100,000 for Camp Quality (and still continues to do so) and was the world’s best Movember fundraiser in 2012 for the money he raised during the campaign.

And while he admits he didn’t grow the best moustache he says he still became the world fundraising champ after raising $65,000 on his own while he was the CEO of TransACT.

“I get so much personal satisfaction out of charity work,” he says.

“There’s so many great causes out there. I like to get involved in charities that really resonate with me like chil dren’s charities, Movember, because of men’s health and Soldier On because of my respect for our serving person nel and people who have served.”

The inspiration for Ivan to take on the job at Soldier On and raise money for the charity comes from his own background as a commissioned of ficer of the Australian Army Reserve, where he served for six years with OCTU and 23 Field Regiment.

“I’ve had an interest in Defence and homeland security from a young age,” he says.

“I’ve always admired our defence personnel because it’s really the ultimate sacrifice.

“You’re putting your life in danger and in harm’s way to protect the ethics of what the nation stands for – of democracy and freedom.

“These people are willing to put their lives on the line in defence of our freedom.”

Now, Ivan wants to help give something to the service people who have given so much to the nation.

Mr Menzies launched the lake. Story Page 10.

fundraising strongly with its upcom ing campaign “Stronger Together” in November, which will involve people arm wrestling for donations.

“All the donations that come in are matched by corporate dollars,” he says.

“And the money will go into the services that we provide to our vets.”

Ivan’s also looking at putting in place a signature fundraising event run by Soldier On and he’s already been blown away by the number of people who have offered to help.

Since 1993: Volume 25, Number 40

looking to head a month-long event in the lead up to Anzac Day.

“I want to make it really big,” he says.

When it comes to fundraising, Ivan wants to see a lot of people getting behind them and making a combined effort.

“About 290,000 men and women have served in the armed forces since 1990,” he says.

“If you take into account the average family unit, which is about three and a half people, it means there’s

been about a million people nationally that have had some sort of connection

And unfortunately, Ivan says Soldier On isn’t meeting demand.

“We need help from the Australian

“I’m also calling upon philanthropists to give me a call if they have an

“There’s so many really good charities out there. I often get asked why do

“If you’ve had it pretty good in life,

“A lot of people do charity work because they’ve experienced or know someone with cancer or health issues but I want to call out people who have had good lives and get them to help,

While Ivan admits he has a lot to learn, like anyone in a new job, he says he’s had a huge positive response when he announced his new venture with Soldier On.

“I’ve been really shocked at the positive response from people when I was appointed to this role,” he says.

“I know Soldier On is an important organisation but I didn’t realise how much it resonates in the community.

“The community really relates to Soldier On. I want to take Soldier On to the next level using my corporate connections and my business skills. “I want to meet this unmet demand.”

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Brave Raiders home to Labor’s two-finger clap

CANBERRA’S grand finalists returned to the cheers of rusted-on fans as the hardy hundreds weathered the welcome rain in Holt to thank the Raiders for playing their hearts out.

Not the result they went to Sydney to fight for, but a brave performance matched by peerless post-match behaviour from the players and their often irascible coach Ricky Stewart , whose restraint and professionalism took nothing from the victors but added enormously to the grace of his team in defeat.

The city should be very proud of them. Or so you’d think, but “Seven Days” hasn’t noticed a peep of congratulation or commiseration from our chief minister, no offer of a pat-on-the-back civic reception and, apart from a match-night “proud-of-eachand-every-player” post on Facebook (attracting a desultory 114 likes) and some subsequent welcome-home waffle, there’s been

nothing especially loud and proud from his sports minister.

It’s all a pretty ordinary response that plays perfectly into “CityNews” columnist (and former chief minister) Jon Stanhope’s published theory that, after three years of unrelenting political aggression toward the principal clubs of Canberra and their barker ClubsACT, Labor’s unforgiving leadership can’t rise above the scrum to thank the team that’s put Canberra on the rugby map again after 25 years trying.

WOO-hoo, the ACT has recorded a record number of visitors to the national capital, according to the latest data from Tourism Research Australia’s Visitor Survey, which has 5.48 million of them spending $2.82 billion in the year to June. This includes 266,278 international visitors. Chief Minister Andrew Barr loves to remind us of the unquestionable success of international flights to Canberra and the government’s external marketing efforts. But he must be gutted given the number of times he has oscillated between here and Singapore extolling the virtues of visiting Canberra to see the island state’s percentage of visitor numbers at 3 per cent (number 7 on the 10, topped by China at 20.5 per cent, then daylight to the UK at 8.2 per cent and the US, 8.1 per cent). Even more galling when

IAN MEIKLE

MORRIS Construction Corporation is testing the ACT government’s love of high rise by refusing to urgently rectify serious defects at its Kingston Place apartment block, arguing it might cause further damage to the building. The government has been forced to step in and arrange for the work to be completed. Morris will still have to pay for work to install about 235 props throughout the building, including on the balconies of more than 30 apartments, and faces a fine of up to $1.62 million for refusing to comply with the emergency rectification order.

DESPITE a spike in ACT housing construction, there’s been a slump in the construction of detached housing, which has reached its lowest levels since September, 2017, according to quarterly figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Needless to say, the apartment sector was responsible for the recent uptick, with construction work starting on 883 units, a 63 per cent increase on the previous quarter.

Housing Industry Association ACT chief Greg Weller is quoted as saying the high price of land was a “handbrake”, as were continued delays in the development assessment process.

THE newly minted member for Yerrabi Deepak-Raj Gupta, he who filled the shoes of Labor’s former rising star Meegan Fitzharris in the northern electorate, sets himself a daily target of shaking hands with 10 people. That’s, say, 70 a week, 300 a month and, with precisely a year to the next election, that’s 3600 possible votes. With 60,000 electors to face and a re-election quota of around 20 per cent of that to make (in 2016 he got 2973 votes), Deepak is already supplementing the handshakes with diligent door knocking. And while he wanders the unsuspecting wilds of Gungahlin in search of more hands to shake he notices his constituents’ letterboxes and takes photos of the interesting ones. These are some he’s snapped around Forde and Moncrieff.

MEANWHILE in Leichhardt Street in Kingston, Icon Water has told 16 small businesses (including a cafe) to go without water for a day this week while a neighbouring unit development gets connected. “We suggested they could do it on a Saturday at the developer’s expense,” writes one business owner, “Icon said ‘no’.” “So the small businesses in our building have to provide bottled water and portaloos at our expense so that the developer doesn’t have to fork out. Icon is intransigent. This is appalling.”

Regular columnist Mike Welsh returns next week.

READY FOR THE WORLD

POLITICS / problem of the ‘Canberra Dog Model’

Man bites dog... with policy implementation

RED strikes the eye when opening a map of the “Dog Exercise Areas” published by the ACT government. Red is the no-go areas for dogs. And red dominates Canberra. This hardly speaks to Canberra being a dogfriendly city.

There is overwhelming evidence of the part that pets play in good health and well-being. It begs a question: where was the health minister and the minister for mental health when the boundaries for dog exercise were being drawn up?

There is overwhelming evidence that pets play a part in good health and well-being. It begs a question: where were the ministers for health and mental health when the boundaries for dog exercise were being drawn up?

When people are out with their dogs – they exercise more. Additionally, the more fun people have with their dogs, the better the bond and more effective the care, the greater the likelihood of responsible ownership.

The ACT government sugarcoats its thinking around responsible dog ownership when describing the “Canberra Dog Model”, which “sets forward a strategy for achieving this through a combination of education and awareness of responsible dog ownership and increased

compliance and enforcement”. There are many sensible ideas in the model. However, these are undermined by the number of restrictions outlined by City Services.

The model looks to examples from Calgary in Canada. However, there are also many other international lessons missed from successes in the UK and Europe. In those places there are appropriately behaved dogs on public transport, in pubs, in public parks and in other relatively crowded public places. Not so in Canberra.

City Services Minister Chris Steel paints the picture of his intention to “reduce the number of off-leash areas and provide absolute clarity on the rules. For those who choose to do the wrong thing we will continue to focus on compliance”. The focus is so strongly on those who do the wrong thing.

Funds are needed to carry out Labor’s stronger compliance activities by the “dog police”. The answer

– annual registration of dogs in the 2020-2021 year. More disincentives for owning dogs. Taxing good dog owners to be able to handle the tiny minority. If really needed, it would make more sense if the cost was distributed across the community.

In newer suburbs it is even more difficult for owners to enjoy dogs. The suburb of Whitlam, being developed off William Hovell Drive, is simply all red. No dogs! Not even on leads. Temporary?

Denman Prospect carries no colour at all. Dogs never off-lead! In Denman Prospect there is a site set aside for a school and playing fields. Logic would suggest colouring this area yellow – allowing dogs off lead except when there are recreational activities under way. No-one debates that some areas are inappropriate for dogs to be off leads. The government points out that there are areas that have 1080 poison baits – specifically set up to deal with wild dogs. Understandable. There are areas where protection of specific wildlife is appropriate with Mulligan’s Flat as another example. However, the notion that dogs ought not be allowed at all is

going over the top.

Anti-canine factions argue that dogs’ scent discourages wildlife. However, the evidence of this is very weak.

In fact, Banks and others reported in the peer-reviewed “Australian Zoologist” in 2003 that “faeces from domestic dogs dropped in native habitats appear unlikely to deter small native fauna due to predator avoidance behaviours”.

Bannister et al in “Wildlife Research” (2019) go further, pointing to the problem of “creating a ‘predator-naïve’ population” when predator controlled environments are introduced.

Black Mountain and the Peninsula are red. No dogs at all! This makes no sense. The argument to protect wildlife is not sustainable. This area is an ideal place for walking. Indeed, an ideal

TUITION BY KUMON

60 YEARS OF PROVEN RESULTS

When Kevin rushed home to tell his family he received an “A” in his Maths exam they were all thrilled. Kevin had not always been good at Maths. In fact, a few years ago his mum, Janet saw him stuggling and enrolled him in the Kumon Maths Program.

Three years on and Kevin has gone from lacking basic skills and not believing in himself to being top of his class.

place for walking with the “best friend”, even if restricted to an on-lead area.

The principles of the “Canberra Dog Model” are based on responsible dog ownership, a safe community and animal welfare. Who could disagree?

Ironically, the same model seeks to be “empowering Canberrans through responsible dog ownership for a safer, more pet-friendly community”. It’s not the principles that are the problem – it is the implementation.

The good news is that the model is open for further consultation. Comments can be emailed on communityengagement@act.gov.au

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health. He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.

“I can honestly vouch for the benefits of the Kumon approach to learning” Janet reflected. “Kevin now has a solid foundation in Maths, greater discipline towards his study, better focus and confidence with all subject areas. I am very glad we enrolled him in Kumon.”

If your child can benefit from improved skills and greater confidence, then Kumon is for you.

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

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

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.

CANBERRA MATTERS

Empty chair looms in fog of leadership despair

NEXT year on October 17, the date for the ACT government election, voters must choose a government for the following four years.

Given the views about current ACT politicians, the thought of being compelled to vote is a real dilemma. The leadership chair that trusted politicians should occupy is empty. Yet by this time next year, voters need to put someone in that empty chair.

Local politicians are seen as no longer representing or working with residents. Consider the response by a Gungahlin politician about doing better as a local representative. The issue was brushed off with the statement that, once elected, loyalties are to the “team”. He meant the Labor Party team not the local community.

Progressive Labor voters are worried that we could end up with another four years of government led by Andrew Barr and even more urban destruction by his band of barbarians.

Who could be a new Labor leader? Could

Surely voters for the 2020 ACT election should not have to be eyeing off the vacant chair as the best alternative to the present political parties.

it be the deputy leader, Yvette Berry?

She has a terrible record including clearing out social housing along Northbourne Avenue, an embarrassing record of not delivering supportive and social housing, and residents know well her unfriendly and tricky manner in how she rules that valuable community green spaces must be hijacked for social housing – to deal with the problems of her own making. Heaven help us!

Frustrations are expressed by Greens supporters. The ACT Greens are part of this government and, by association, share responsibility for the mess being made of Canberra. This includes the shameful planning that works against the residents, the questionable developments being approved and the reduction in trees and biodiversity (despite all the announcements to plant more – tree numbers are declining).

More shameful is the fence sitting by the ACT Greens. Where were the

ACT Greens, being part of government for many years, as new suburbs were rolled out with minimal chances of real greenery and, therefore, maximum chances of huge heat islands.

Where are the Greens as the City Renewal Authority ignores logic and heritage while advancing inappropriate plans for West Basin?

The answer is they are going on about the car parks in the corner of the basin.

Where are they as inner-north residents fight for the enhancement of Section 72 Dickson for community, cultural facilities? No-one has heard from them.

And when Woden begs for more green spaces and for something resembling multi sports/community facilities along with more than token pop-up arts and cultural facilities – no action!

The ACT Greens received support from voters thinking they would add a more people-friendly and humane edge to the non-resident-friendly Labor politicians and their intolerant attitudes to residents. This expectation was misplaced.

The ACT Liberal Leader dumps

on initiatives to address the climate, talks down electric cars, backs false advertising about Labor and death taxes and joined other conservatives to vote on selling off the ABC.

As for the Canberra Liberals’ position on planning and development – nobody knows!

Progressive Liberal voters are in despair as the party leadership looks more like the national ultraconservatives and most of the elected members avoid speaking up and pushing for actions on residential and suburban issues.

We now enter that time in the election cycle when ACT politicians come out from behind communications offic-

ers, bureaucratic spin-doctors and their other minders whose job it is to make it hard for residents to talk directly with their elected representatives.

Surely voters for the 2020 ACT election should not have to be eyeing off that vacant chair as the best alternative to the present political parties. Somewhere in the fog of despair about governments and governance that engulfs this city, there must be candidates for the next election who can empathise with residents’ aspirations, be honest with residents, are genuinely capable of being representatives of the voters – and who refuse to be “team” loyalists. The empty chair awaits them.

The day Menzies launched Lake Burley Griffin

IT was a mid-autumn day 55 years ago when the skies over Canberra erupted after seven parched months.

As the rain finally fell, the dusty remains of a golf course and racetrack, and the skeletons of former abodes, disappeared beneath the artificial new lake at the capital’s heart.

The moment had taken almost as long to reach as the time that’s passed since. And drama, criticism, controversy – and tragedy – have shaped Lake Burley Griffin as much as the bulldozers that altered the landscape in preparation for it.

On October 17, 1964, with the sails of small boats billowing behind him, Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies declared: “I have a great feeling of official privilege, a great feeling of unfeigned

personal delight in declaring this lake to have been inaugurated by me a quarter of an hour ago.”

While his speech was short, it was back in 1911 that LBG’s American creators, Walter and Marion Griffin, first crafted it as the pièce de résistance of their “ideal city”.

Similar to New York’s Central Park, with its man-made waterscapes that emerged from swampland, Canberra’s lake was to grow out of a willow-clogged river that meandered across a desolate floodplain.

Once complete, the 11-kilometre-long aquatic centrepiece covered an area of almost seven square kilometres – the equivalent of 1200-odd football fields. Although smaller than originally intended, it had been saved from being axed completely.

The site for the Australian capital was selected in part due to its existing river systems and the ambitious potential this afforded.

As Menzies would allude much later, centralised water bodies have long been associated with the world’s great cities.

With their artfully balanced, geometric design incorporating such a concept, the Griffins’ submission was “the grandest” of the international competition entries for the planned First City.

At its core were three basins – Central, West and East – and two larger lakes, further east and west.

Praised for its “simplicity and clarity”, it didn’t stop some, including those who wielded a level of bureaucratic heft, declaring it “grandiose”.

Public agitation over the proposed watercourse also grew. Concerns ranged from flooding, it turning into mud flats, the loss of valuable acreage, becoming a fog trap, attracting mosquitoes and, inevitably, its cost.

“Community and stakeholder opposition” even-

tually reached “near hysterical proportions”.

As a result, the “paper” lake would be revised, modified, excised, remodelled and rescaled.

So dramatic were the alterations, by the early 1950s, what was left was little more than “a central basin and a ribbon of water”.

Having reached an unfathomable impasse, contributing to yet more stalling of the capital’s momentum, Menzies stepped in. For the first time in Canberra’s sporadic development, a single, powerful body responsible for its cohesive progress was created.

In 1957, a fellow by the name of John Overall was appointed as the inaugural commissioner of the National Capital Development Commission.

The priority of the 44-year-old architect and war hero was to fulfil the Griffin plan – and that meant he needed to build a lake.

With elements restored and other significant undertakings kicking off in rapid succession, in 1959 a sizeable spanner was thrown in the tracks of the bulldozers when the prime minister headed off to visit the Queen.

In his absence, the initial million pounds agreed by cabinet to jump-start the massive project was removed from the Budget.

Rather than try to convince those responsible otherwise, Overall patiently marked the days until the PM’s return. As the plane touched down at Canberra airport, the commissioner was waiting for his boss – on the very tarmac itself.

The necessary finances were promptly reintroduced and when approved by Parliament in 1960, the next morning, Overall had that earth-moving equipment ready to roll.

Trees, sporting facilities, farms and houses made way for what would become the bottom of a lake.

Hundreds of workers removed thousands of tonnes of soil, deep enough to dispel insect infestations, prevent weed growth and provide for boat keels. Islands were created and two bridges to traverse the watercourse were built.

Up rose the dam to hold back the Molonglo River which would come to be “ranked fifth of 25 dams in Australia with heritage listing”.

On September 20, 1963, the five gates of the 33-metre-high (108 feet) concrete wall named for surveyor Charles Scrivener, were locked in place.

It would be another year before LBG was welcomed as Canberra’s focal point – socially, economically and environmentally: “A lake that will complete the amenities of life… really, there’s something here for all of us.”

Soon after, John Overall, son of a Sydney publican, was knighted for his professional efforts.

In a quarter of the time it took to attain the engineering marvel, LBG was adorned with monuments and institutions of national significance.

As its status evolved, so too, its controversies.

Urban legends of bodies allegedly swept into it during flood events, to an unexplained “beast” lurking in its depths; accidental drownings and more sinister occurrences also. Problematic occasional algae blooms, while recent disputation on the development of its foreshores has seen the rise of the Lake Burley Griffin Guardians.

For all of that, today, LBG is referred to as the capital’s “greatest treasure”.

According to Sir John Overall: “Without it, Canberra would have been a failure”.

While there are those who can remember when the lake named for the man who conceived it did not greet them at virtually every turn, could anyone truly suggest they can imagine a Canberra in which it wasn’t there to sparkle?

Nichole Overall has written about her father-in-law Sir John Overall, “the man who built Canberra”, in the newly released anthology, “Capital Culture”. For more on all of this, see anoverallview.wixsite.com

THE GADFLY / America’s first

age O say, can you see, Elizabeth’s

How corrupt is America? It’s not a question one likes to ask.

This, after all, is the country that came to our rescue in World War II, the country of Abraham Lincoln and John F Kennedy, the leader in science and the standard bearer of democracy.

Yet the move to impeach Donald J Trump for leaning on the Ukrainian president to dig up dirt on presidential candidate Joe Biden is very hard to ignore, and impossible when PM Scott Morrison is tossed into the mix. And last month’s whistleblower and Chinese revelations were the icing on a thoroughly inedible cake.

Of course, it’s easy to say that Trump is a one-off who really doesn’t reflect the values of the American system. The “New York Times” always makes the point that neither Joe Biden nor his son Hunter, the focus of Trump’s interest, did anything wrong.

But hon-

While Trump and his gang are the current horror story, they could be seen as no more than the logical conclusion to a lawless trend.

estly, is Hunter Biden so outstanding a businessman that if his father were not vice-president at the time, the Ukrainians would still have picked him out of millions to become a director of their big gas company?

Oh, and this is the same Hunter Biden who was dismissed from the Naval Reserve in 2013 after testing positive for cocaine. Yet he collected up to $50,000 a month in director’s fees from the Ukrainians.

In Australia, that would not pass the pub test.

Even before the latest kerfuffle, the corruption of America’s political system has been blazoned across the news pages of the world. Every time there’s a shooter on the loose in an American school or mall or business the cry goes up for gun control from the wounded victims and the grieving loved ones. And every time the National Rifle Association hoses it down with greenbacks.

Every congressional politician

is required to spend at least 70 per cent of his or her time fund raising. And the NRA has plenty to go around. But if not the gun nuts it’s the tobacco or the fossil fuel industries with cheque books at the ready. That’s even before the war on drugs brings out the Mafia and the Colombian cartels to compromise the entire law enforcement and prison system.

Indeed, the politicians themselves have corrupted the electoral boundaries with gerrymanders that guarantee a disproportionate Republican Party representation. And they blatantly pervert voter registration laws to further their cause. So while Trump and his gang are the current horror story, they could be seen as no more than the logical conclusion to a lawless trend. But here’s the good news. Trump’s outrageous scheming will eventually knock Biden out of the race to be the Democrat challenger. And after Bernie Sanders’ little heart problem that surely elevates the squeaky clean Elizabeth Warren to

capacity, the detailed plans, the practical experience and the political smarts to really “drain the swamp” of a corrupt and corrupting system.

Actually, in my humble view, she bids fair to usher in America’s first Elizabethan age! And after years of that misogynistic Narcissus raging in the Oval Office, the US will at last have the chance to return to the sort of place that’s truly worthy of our wholehearted alliance.

Now that’s really something to look forward to.

robert@robertmacklin.com

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Music for mental health

CANBERRA’S indie-pop choir Mixtape Chorus and some of Canberra’s best musicians will entertain and share their experiences of music’s positive benefits for mental health at Music 4 Mental Health at the Polish White Eagle Club, 38 David Street, Turner, 2pm-6pm, on Saturday, October 26. Free entry but register attendance at bit.ly/mixtapegig

Native plant sale

GREENING Australia’s annual plant sale offers a range of local native plants, including bulbine lilies, chocolate lilies, yam daisies, paper daisies, bitter-peas, native tussock grasses and more. All plants are sold as trays of 20 at $50 per tray (mixed or single-species trays). Minimum sale is one full tray, no partial trays. At Kubura Place, Aranda, 9am-10.30am, on Saturday, October 26.

Green Homes Australia (GHA) is the only builder in Australia who is in compliance with the International Standards Organisation for design and construction of energy efficient homes (ISO 50001)

sundayROAST

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

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

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

You have won a trip for two to Hamilton Island with thanks to Oatley Fine Wine Merchants.

This includes flights and five nights’ accommodation.

Thank you for voting for your favourite Canberra Club!

SCENE / around canberra

At the Canberra Radio Centre opening, Crace

New radio centre ready to face the digital future

By Danielle Nohra

RADIO Canberra, the home of 2CC and 2CA, is ready to tackle the future of radio after it today (October 14) officially opened Canberra Radio Centre, a new multi-million-dollar, purpose-built studio facility in Crace, said general manager Michael Jones.

“This is a great new facility for our team and an investment that speaks to the strength of radio broadcasting in the nation’s capital city,” Michael said.

“2CA and 2CC now enjoy the very best broadcasting facilities in Australia.”

Michael, who has been with Radio Canberra for about nine years but has been in the radio industry for three decades, said the industry’s changed completely since he first started.

“We’ve seen records, CDs and now

everything has moved into digital, which is why this facility is 100 per cent digital technology,” he said

The new “state-of-the-art” facility will be the fifth home for Canberra’s original commercial radio station, 2CA, which began broadcasting in 1931 from the back room of an electrical store in Kingston, and the third home for 2CC, Canberra’s second commercial radio station, beginning in 1975.

On hand at the opening was Federal Communications Minister Paul Fletcher, who, before cutting the ribbon and officially declaring the centre open, said the new facility speaks of the strong history of 2CC and 2CA.

“People still love to listen to the radio in their cars or while they’re in the shed tinkering away [because] radio has an unparalleled connection with its community.”

Indian festival lights up Canberra’s streets

KEEP an eye out for houses decorated with candles and lights this October to early November, when the Indian celebration Diwali, the festival of lights, brightens up Canberra streets.

Traditionally it sees Hindus, Sikhs and Jains attending luminescent displays, prayers and events in appreciation of a triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Light is a metaphor for knowledge and consciousness and is used during the celebration to illuminate temples, homes, shops and office buildings.

On Sunday, October 20, Civic Square will be bright with lights from 2pm to 8pm, for a free, outdoor celebration full of entertainment, food and the opportunity to learn and share from other cultures.

But until then, “CityNews” visits Canberra businesses offering a taste of the Indian culture in the lead up to the upcoming festival.

Indian dishes served with a modern twist

this month, and Lucky Prasad, director of the Canberra India Council, wants the celebration to reach everyone in Canberra.

“We want people here to know that Diwali is on and how we celebrate,” he says.

“Diwali is the festival of lights, a very traditional celebration where people will start the day by showering, applying oils, wearing new clothes and exchanging sweets, savouries, nuts, fruits and baskets of food with neighbours, friends and families.

“At the end of the day there’s fireworks, music and dancing, it’s a very noisy festival!”

CELEBRATIONS of Diwali at Blu Ginger Indian Restaurant won’t just be a spectacle of oil-burning bowls and crafted lanterns, but also of food, says owner Reddy Manne.

“We cook with the same love and passion that customers would in their home, if they had time,” he says. With more than 28 years’ experience, Hari Prasad Sharma, the chef at Blu Ginger Indian Restaurant, draws upon the many culinary regions of India to create a modern and authentic menu, one that reflects the cosmopolitan India of today.

“At Blu Ginger we use only the freshest, locally sourced produce, combined with authentic spices [which are] imported directly from the sub-continent to offer classic, traditional recipes with a modern twist, to create a unique and memorable dining experience for you,” Reddy says.

to the needs of our customers and offer vegan, gluten free and coeliac options.”

Located in a large, open-plan space along Genge Street, Civic, Blu Ginger’s high ceilings and edgy decor add character to the dining experience and will make this year’s Diwali festival one to remember, says Reddy.

Blu Ginger Indian Restaurant, 5 Genge Street, Civic. Call 6247 2228 or visit bluginger.com.au

gala dinner called “A Night to Shine” at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, which will include a three-course dinner, and a Bollywood and Hollywood themed dance floor.

“We want to showcase how we light up our homes with lamps, candles and fairy lights,” Lucky says.

“We want to celebrate this here in Canberra so people know how it’s done at home.”

“A Night to Shine” Diwali gala dinner, Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 6pm, Saturday, October 26. Book at eventickets.com.au or email info@canberraindiacouncil.org

The Manuka ‘jewel’ that keeps shining

FOR more than 25 years, Jewel of India in Manuka has continually provided its guests with quality food and a great service, says owner Shonan Ruzario.

“We’ve always been consistent and we always raise the bar,” he says.

“More than 25 years down the track and people are still coming to eat here, even if they’re visiting from Melbourne or Sydney.

“And it’s because we put passion into the food, giving people the best food in Australia.”

This transfers over to TripAdvisor too, where Jewel of India is ranked at number 17 for restaurants in Canberra, says Shonan.

Inspired by the kitchens of the maharajas and nizams, Shonan says their curries are always a popular choice amongst the guests but with fresh ingredients and a passion for food, he would say all dishes are a must-have.

“We provide a welcoming service and make sure everyone leaves with a smile on their face,” he says.

“We take into account meal requests and will happily take requests for any drinks which aren’t on the menu.

“We also do catering for weddings and occasions and we do delivery and pick up orders as well.”

Jewel of India, Level 1, Manuka Court, 11 Bougainville Street, Manuka. Call 6295 7037, email contact@ jewelofindia.com.au or visit jewelofindia.com.au

GX – THE GINNINDERRY EXPERIENCE

‘We set ourselves a challenge to deliver a place that inspires visitors when it comes to sustainability, modern design and smart planning.’

Ginninderry’s display village with a difference

says Susan.

about what’s possible when it comes to sustainability, modern design and smart planning,” says Ginninderry project director Steve Harding

“The result is a demonstration village that brings together 16 incredible homes, the latest sustainability features and products, some really interesting displays and a unique arts trail.”

GX is supported by an app that will guide visitors through the village, providing extra information and insights while removing the traditional deluge of printed handouts.

An Australian first, the GX App will enhance the visitor’s experience, providing a full catalogue of display homes, sustainability features and an arts trail, supported by more than 150 scannable markers in the village. This information can be accessed before, during the visit and later at home.

Ginninderry marketing and communications manager Niva Pryor says: “We are doing things differently here,” she says. “We are hoping to inspire people

Niva says that the commitment to innovation is what drives the diverse team at Ginninderry and has resulted in a number of “firsts” to push the boundaries about what’s possible in offering an exciting, thriving, sustainable and engaged community that will live in the future suburbs being developed. With the first residents moving into Strathnairn in December, Ginninderry offers a range of home options – from flexi living, to the larger-sized family homes, Niva says, accommodating the needs of a wide range of residents, from upgraders to downsizers, singles, couples and families.

A “tiny home” will be on display at GX, prompting people to ask: how much space do I really need to live?

Sustainability manager Jessica Stewart says the option to build smaller homes is an important one to consider, especially for secondary housing with multigenerational living. Ginninderry is leading in its commitment to sustainability, says Jessica. “We are proud to be the only ones in the capital region with a

when it comes to sustainability and community outcomes.

“We’ll be showcasing the latest sustainability features including smart energy management systems, electric vehicle infrastructure, lighting, a grass driveway and much more.”

Susan Davis has worked closely with local artists, indigenous leaders and community members over recent years. She says that community consultation, involvement and analysis of what the local people need to be healthy and happy is at the heart of her role as community and cultural planning manager. Susan has collaborated with local artists to use GX as a platform to showcase the work of the arts community.

“In this world of ‘fast-retail’, most display homes are decorated with mass-produced products, but we saw an opportunity to engage our incredible arts community and the result is the commissioning of more than 100 pieces from local artists ranging from paintings to ceramics, sculpture and glasswork,”

The builders have selected a number of pieces for each of the display homes, which will be for sale, says Susan.

“Visitors will be able to use the GX App to find out more about the artists and each piece,” she says.

“My hope is that we can use the arts trail to build the profile of our local arts industry and inspire visitors to consider a piece for their own homes.

With a full program and family friendly entertainment, GX will launch on the weekend of October 26 and 27 with special talks, displays and activities including a special appearance by Scott Cam of “The Block”, Paul West from “River Cottage Australia” and “Gardening Australia”, performances by Junkyard Beats and the Teeny Tiny Stevies and a wide range of activities for the whole family.

“GX – The Ginninderry Experience” will launch on October 26-27 from 10am to 4pm. Follow the signs to Ginninderry from Drake Brockman Drive, Holt. The free GX App is available via the Apple Store and Google Play.

WHAT’S ON

Opening weekend celebrations From 10am to 4pm on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27, the streets of GX will come alive with a packed weekend of entertainment, food, activities and open homes.

Special guests include:

• Scott Cam – award-winning host of “The Block”.

• Paul West – host of “River Cottage Australia” and “Gardening Australia”.

• Teeny Tiny Stevies – ARIA award nominated children’s entertainers from ABC for Kids.

• Junkyard Beats – high-energy routines that include body percussion, fire drumming, junk percussion, pyrotechnics and hilarious skits along with kids’ drumming and instrument workshops.

• Blender Bikes – pedal up your own smoothie.

• Live screen printing – a large interactive screenprinting station where visitors can select a design and watch as their very own tote bag is produced.

• Kids’ activities and giveaways.

• Food truck alley.

A new display village experience is coming soon.

Niva Pryor

GINNINDERRY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

‘It’s great to have local builders work with us who embrace our vision’

“I’VE worked on other developments, but Ginninderry is truly innovative and we are doing things quite differently,” she says.

“We are moving away from the usual practices, with a big focus on sustainability. It’s great to have local builders work with us and also embrace our vision for Ginninderry.”

Niva says that the custom GX App is an Australian-first that will guide visitors through the new display village and enhance the visitor experience, through three different “trails” – home designs, sustainability and the arts .

“You can get a taste of Ginninderry before you come to the village through the GX App,” she says.

“There’s so much information to consume and the app makes it easy and interactive to see what’s on offer. Users will be able to contact a sales consultant or an artist on the spot!”

Niva says she is excited to see the new suburbs take shape and work with the new residents to build a thriving community.

“Our vision is to see the young first-home buyers upgrade in the future within Ginninderry and build their families and future here.”

Jessica Stewart GINNINDERRY SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER

‘We have a wide range of sustainability features and ideas’

RATED as a six-star Green Star – Communities development, Jessica says display village homes at Ginninderry will have solar panels, double glazing and electric-vehicle charging points integrated into the buildings.

“Our display village pushes the bar for industry,” says Jessica.

“We have a wide range of sustainability features and ideas that people can take away and implement in their own homes,” she says.

Jessica says that as custodians of the land, Ginniderry’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just focused on the homes.

“On display will be a ‘turf trial’ with seven different types of irrigated and non-irrigated turfs to see how turfs respond to different conditions,” she says.

Jessica is also working with researchers at ANU to understand the best grasses or shrubs to plant underneath the large mature trees at Ginninderry, and how animals use these trees.

“We are inspiring a new way of living,” says Jessica.

Susan Davis

GINNINDERRY COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL PLANNING MANAGER

‘I am always asking –how can I bring an artist into this?’

“MY role is to analyse and understand what are the appropriate cultural resources and facilities for people living at Ginninderry, working closely with the surrounding community,” says Susan.

“We want Ginninderry to be seamless with the neighbourhood and for all of the ACT to feel at home here,” she says.

From the first step into “The Link” sales office, visitors are immersed in an exhibition of local artworks. Innovative play spaces are designed across Ginninderry with extensive input from local families as well as the play activation network, says Susan.

“We are conscious that in the arts world, early career artists need that first step on the ladder. Ginninderry gives people a chance to do that here,” she says.

“As we roll out the project there will be many more opportunities to support local artists through integrated public artworks,” says Susan.

“I am always asking – how can I bring an artist into this? There are ways that artists view the world differently and see beauty in things that we would otherwise miss.”

LETTERS / Greta Thunberg

A ‘shining example’ of not letting 16-year-olds vote

AS much as I always enjoy reading articles from Robert Macklin, I was saddened to see his confused article (“How dare you… not give kids a vote”, CN, October 3) proposing the vote for 16-yearolds based on the views of that angry, ill-informed and seemingly disturbed little Swedish girl Greta Thunberg.

If anything, she is a shining example of why 16-year-olds should not have the vote. At any rate, I wonder how many 16-year-olds would really want the vote.

Let me state that, of course, we have climate change. I grew up in Canberra and I can tell you our winters are now a lot warmer than in 1960 when I used to walk to school from Narrabundah to Red Hill Primary as an eight-year-old in my short pants and jumper in mid-winter when for at least 20 days a year there would be puddles (we had wetter weather then, too) and ice, sometimes up to an inch thick (2.5 centimetres) on top of them on Red Hill oval.

However, the fact is that Australia (which does more than nearly any other nation to abide by the Paris accords and produces only 1.3 per cent of the world’s emissions while China produces 30 per cent and rising for the next 10 years) could cease to exist tomorrow and the world’s emissions would still rise.

It is lunacy to expect us to destroy ourselves by idiotic and unsustainable targets of 50 per cent to 100 per cent renewables to be

achieved by certain arbitrary dates.

If young Greta really wants to do something positive, I’d suggest she joins those brave pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong and protest about China’s 30 per cent carbon emissions and the fact they can increase those emissions until 2030 (which is when many people say it will all be too late for the planet anyway).

I am not necessarily blaming China for getting a good deal out of the Paris accords, but clearly as they are a big polluter only they, as the second most powerful country in the world, can take effective steps to alleviate the effects of climate change.

However Greta is better served doing her homework, separating the facts from the fiction and using her undoubted media profile to at least ask China what it proposes to do to resolve the issue.

I suggest she (and, indeed, all climate change activists) start by going to their nearest Chinese embassy and politely asking what China proposes to do to solve the problem because, short of suggesting innovative solutions, there is nothing Australia can do to alter it one jot.

Bill Stefaniak, Narrabundah

Time to build in Symonston

COLUMNIST Jon Stanhope’s article about housing heading to Kowen Forest (CN, October 3) illustrates a strange desire to build a city in which all of its parts are in isolation to each other.

Rather than building so far away, the next greenfields town centre should emerge in Symonston towards Queanbeyan. A light rail line could extend through Manuka or Kingston to the city, and to Queanbeyan in the opposite direction. There could be plenty of parks, it would be closer to jobs on both sides and it would make good use of what is otherwise a pretty dull open space.

Danny Corvini, Curtin

Frustrations of the Sunday bus

I TRIED to catch a bus on Sunday from “The Fair” at Watson North. I already have to walk about a kilometre from my home to the nearest bus stop, but when arriving at the stop on Antill Street, no timetable! I was

aware that feeder buses from the “burbs” were running to a two-hour timetable on the weekend. But where was I in that sequence of the number 50 bus? So I had to walk another half a kilometre to the bus stop for the R9. I then caught a tram to the city from the Dickson Interchange. On the way back I caught a number 50 from the city to North Watson as I had a heavy shopping load and didn’t want to walk up the steep hill to “The Fair” from the R9 bus stop.

I encountered an elderly couple who had been waiting more than two hours for a number 50 bus in Downer. Go figure! The tram is great, but we don’t all live close to the line. We need a feeder bus on time. This government is supposed to support public transport. Does this only include trams?

Lesley McGrane, North Watson

A Christian’s struggle

TUT! Tut! How stupid for Anglican clergy to pray for rain!

In his column, (“Sense is the victim when sabres are drawn”, CN, September 26) columnist Robert Macklin doesn’t mention that Anglican Aid has Anglicans donating to provide food and clothing vouchers, and free labour to assist with the feeding of stock, maintenance and everyday chores as well as providing free drought dinners.

As for “Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war”, hasn’t Robert heard of spiritual warfare? “Ephesians 6” says that a Christian’s struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, using armour and weapons such as the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.

Robert does not mention that help for the poor and disadvantaged has always been a primary concern of Christians, with schools started by churches to help lift children out of poverty.

In Canberra, weekly requests are made for donations of food and money to help the homeless and disadvantaged. At Weston Anglican Church on September 29, St John’s Care requested, and received, donations of large tins of tuna, school snacks, tinned fruit, sugar and tinned lentils.

Please investigate the full truth, Robert. Half truths are misleading.

Rewa Bate, Coombs

When the ‘little-brother’ pressure comes to bear

By Kate Meikle

“WHEN will we have a baby brother, mummy?” my five-year-old son asked me.

Um, sorry kid but it’s just going to be you and your little sister, I told him. We are happy with our pigeon pair and the idea of no more babies, thank you very much.

As we chatted some more about the reasons why he wants a little brother, I found out it had more to do with the idea of being able to have bunk beds. He likes the idea of his little brother sleeping on the bottom bunk. So cute.

But this was only because I had told him that we weren’t getting bunks because his tenacious little sister would spend every waking moment climbing up to the top and catapulting herself down to the floor. Our little boss baby would never be content sleeping on the bottom bunk because what’s the fun of that? No no, she’d be fighting to be on the top bunk every single night.

Apart from the trips to the emergency department, the fights, my (ever increasing) grey hairs and bedtime chaos - bunk beds sound like a lovely idea, sweetie.

Poor boy, sometimes I feel his patience is tested to the limits with the boss baby as a sister and maybe just maybe he would prefer a gentler, less demanding sibling in the shape of a sweet, little brother who would gladly take the lower bunk, never step on his railway tracks and never break his lego. You can only dream, little boy.

I’ve been told a sibling is the greatest gift you can give them but it somewhat remains to be seen at my house at times.

As my family grows up, all of the baby toys and books start to sit in the cupboard and all the many contraptions and hardware we needed during every intense baby phase are now being cheerfully “paid forward” to expecting friends.

The “Jumperoo” was a godsend to me when the babies were six months and wanting to bounce up and down continuously, the musical vibrating chair they sat on as tiny babies has now comforted five babies in my friendship circle and is about to weave its magic on its sixth.

The stages and phases are truly amazing, the things we worry about evolve, and “yes”, I can now tell you that the sleep deprivation does get better.

My motherhood education will never be complete but what I do know is this - if I could go back in time with my babies I would have recognised that recency bias can bite new mums hard and I would have stressed less. The problems I faced sometimes felt like they would never improve but they passed by, which is what my best friend used to message and tell me. And mercifully they do!

My boy might not get to have the wish of a little brother come true. But seeing him and his little sidekick sister, who follows his every move and passionately craves his attention, play together, share a little joke (toilet humour of course) and race each other at every chance they get, I know that the love is doubled not halved. When she declares that he is her “best friend” I know that boss babies truly do bring the spice of life to an otherwise quiet little family and we wouldn’t have it any other way. So no matter what stage you are on your motherhood journey - planning, expecting, nursing tender newborns, juggling a few kids on your hips - I hope the following feature inspires, supports and helps you along. Good luck!

Expo’s got gifts for quick ticket buyers

CHE McGee and Joce Wilson have taken over the Canberra Baby and Beyond Expo and together they’re revamping it under the new name of Oh Baby! Canberra Baby and Beyond Expo.

On October 26 and 27, Che and Joce, who are former exhibitors under their businesses “Tip You’re It” and “Nellie and the Cat”, respectively, are looking forward to building on the event’s legacy this year at Thoroughbred Park.

“This year we have over 100 exhibitors and we expect thousands of visitors will be attending,” Joce says.

They’ve already sold hundreds of tickets, and for the next 800 people to buy a ticket online, Che and Joce are giving away gift bags featuring items from Munchkin, Mindful Parenting Magazine, Minty Magazine, Moo Goo and Water Wipes. But they say they’re going quick, especially with entertainment drawcards like Jimmy Giggle, author Tania McCartney and Lucy Sparkes and her fairy friends.

pregnant women, too. We want them to be educated on what to expect with their pregnancy.”

As for the stalls, Che and Joce say they’ll cover a broad range of areas from retail, support services, information stalls, handmade products, community groups and food trucks.

“We want visitors to come out and have fun, find products they didn’t know are out there and be informed,” Joce says.

“Not just mothers and families but

But it’s not all about mums, according to Joce, who says they also have things on offer for dads as well.

Oh Baby! Canberra Baby and Beyond Expo, Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham, 10am-4pm, October 26 and 27. Visit ohbabycanberra.com.au

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MUMS & BUBS

Ultrasound practice takes images to new dimensions

INSIDE Out Ultrasound, the only non-diagnostic practice offering 3D and 4D images in the ACT, is providing a special glimpse into the experience of pregnancy, says its director Sarah Bianchi.

“There’s not many other options out there [like this] which is why we offer it to the women of Canberra,” says Sarah.

“There are others that provide this service at home but so many women prefer to come to a practice rather than anywhere else.”

Established two years ago, Sarah says women love the value for money they get when they come in for their 3D and 4D images, too.

“The prices we offer are better value compared to going through a medical practice,” says Sarah, who offers women three packages - an early gender scan, a 20 minute ultrasound and the full package, which provides a half hour scan with 2D and 3D images, and a 4D

video that shows the baby moving on CD and USB.

One of the biggest appeals for clients is the ability to see the movement of the baby, says Sarah.

“They are quite amazed. A lot of people are surprised at how clear the images come through,” says Sarah.

While it is not a diagnostic practice, Sarah says their fully qualified sonographer and high-tech GE ultrasound machine impresses clients, too.

“We have a big ultrasound room and so they often bring friends and family to watch with them,” she says.

“[But] if the baby is in a bad position or something is covering the face, we offer them to come back for a short free session.”

Inside Out Ultrasound, Suite B8, 161 Strickland Crescent, Deakin. Call 6260 5822, email info@ insideoutultrasound.com.au or visit insideoutultrasound.com.au

IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

Maureen Bailey & Associates Physiotherapists have the experience and knowledge to help

Men

Physios help strengthen mums for motherhood

PHYSIOTHERAPY is often associated with injury or rehabilitation but at Maureen Bailey and Associates Physiotherapists, the team of experts nurture mums through their postpregnancy journeys, says practice principal Maureen Bailey. She says the team devote all of their knowledge and skills to assess each individual for the best informed

“With our varied expertise we offer the individual woman a team approach as needed to optimise her experience of motherhood,” Maureen says. As a great and safe way to increase abdominal and back strength, and to improve posture, Maureen believes their post-natal pilates classes are the ideal first step.

“Our post-natal classes are run by a very experienced pilates instructor, and once the mum has been assessed by one of our physiotherapists, we’ll let her know if she’s ready to start,” she says.

Maureen believes the team’s academic achievements are paramount to success at Maureen Bailey and Associates Physiotherapists. With a combination of staff qualifications in clinical physiotherapy, musculoskeletal physiotherapy and in assessment of pelvic floor function, Maureen believes they offer a comprehensive professional service.

“We offer evidence-based advice for each individual so they can resume varied activities to minimise potential issues both immediately and in the future,” Maureen says.

Maureen Bailey and Associates Physiotherapists, Unit 2, 12 Barker Street, Griffith. Call 6295 7563 or visit maureenbailey.com.au

• Women’s Health

• Ante and post-natal musculoskeletal conditions

• Joint and muscle problems

• Ultrasound guided muscle retraining

• Mastitis

• Post-Natal Pilates

Association, says ACT/NSW branch office administration manager Megan Fox.

And at this year’s Oh Baby! Expo, they will be holding a stall to support mothers through their journey of parenthood.

Offering expert advice, information on services and a discount for anyone who signs up to their monthly breastfeeding classes during the expo, Megan says they also want to alert people of the association’s 24/7 helpline and the launch of their new “Mum2Mum” app.

“[The helpline] provides peer support counselling and is for women facing a challenge, wondering if what their baby is doing is normal,” she says.

concerns, according to Megan, who says it links to useful information and also features a live chat, which is active on weekdays from 8pm to 10pm.

“We are also supporting the expo this year by providing the feeding area, which gives mums a safe space to sit and be calm with their babies,” says Megan.

Providing various ways for mums to connect, Megan says the community aspect is important because it’s good to know there’s someone there listening and helping.

Australian Breastfeeding Association, 3/70 MacLaurin Crescent, Chifley. Call 6162 2716 or visit breastfeeding.asn.au

The many benefits of ‘aquanatal’

EXERCISING in water while pregnant gives an exhaus tive list of benefits for mums and bubs like no other, says Ira May, the owner of Aquanatal Canberra.

Operating out of Can berra’s south since 2001, Ira has brought her Aquanatal classes all the way from Saint Petersburg, Russia, to share the advantages with the women of Canberra and their partners.

“New research shows that while mother builds up her cardio stamina, her baby also builds cardio resilience, so both improve their chances of normal birth and healthy outcomes,” she says.

Ira believes this puts mum and bub in a better position for a successful and healthy future and says it can enhance bet ter sleep, decrease oedema and constipation, uplift mood and depression symptoms, reduce lower back pain, lessen the chances of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

The classes provide individual guidance even in groups of up to 12 people, but mostly, they enable a comfortable and safe environment for expectant mothers, says Ira.

“Being in warm 32C water is not only a great pleasure but water’s specific characteristics of buoyancy, turbulence, resistance, pressure and thermal conductivity allow even heavily pregnant women to feel safe, supported and exercise until labour sets in,” she says.

Aquanata. Call Ira on 0438 235333 or visit pregnancy-exercisecanberra.com

Building on a baby’s natural swimming ability

BORN with a natural affinity to water, Alena Sarri, the managing director of Aquatots swim school, says it’s instinctive for babies to learn to swim at a young age.

“It only makes sense - as they have spent time before birth in the embryonic sack, they are then born with the ability to swim,” she says.

Beginning in 2002, Aquatots became Australia’s first swim school to give infants the opportunity to grow and develop in the water from as early as six weeks old.

Aquatots is what Alena regards as helping children not only learn survival skills but assist intellectual progression.

“It benefits the mental and physical development,” she says.

“There is in fact a study that has shown children that start at a young age are ahead in literacy and numeracy development.”

Using a teaching method developed by the principal instructor, Debbie Sarri, Alena says classes are designed to keep little ones and their parents comfortable by placing them with others of similar age and engaging them in correct swim technique.

She says the classes also help build child development by incorporating educational activities where colours, numbers, letters and nursery rhymes may all be learned.

This year, Aquatots will be exhibiting at the Oh Baby! Expo to showcase their aim for early life swimming, which is to teach natural buoyancy and encourage children to develop reliance and confidence in their own abilities while learning efficient swimming techniques.

Aquatots. Call 6162 0507 or visit aquatots.com.au

Hospital promises maternity care at every turn

CALVARY John James Hospital has been providing excellent services with great patient outcomes to pregnant women and parents since 1994, says director of clinical services Jo Mitchell.

Offering a continuity of care, the hospital has services helping mums through all stages of pregnancy such as antenatal care, through to the delivery and postnatal care.

“You choose your obstetrician, who cares for you from early pregnancy, through your pregnancy, labour and post-delivery,” she says.

“Our mums link in with our team of midwives during their pregnancy through the antenatal classes (run onsite at the hospital) and then our midwives care for them during labour and following delivery in conjunction with the obstetrician.

“And we have great rapport between our midwives and obstetricians who work together to get the best outcomes for the mums and their bubs.”

Jo says it’s about being comfortable while getting high-level medical support with many great reasons to stay in the unit such as partners are welcome to stay, freshly cooked meals, a 24-hour onsite doctor, emergency cover and a special care nursery located in the maternity wing.

“We provide a lactation special -

physiotherapy exercises,” she says.

“Our experienced maternity physiotherapists have designed a program that is safe and sympathetic to the special exercise needs

available for cuddles.”

Call the Maternity Unit at Calvary John James Hospital on 6281 8730 or visit calvarybabiesjj.org.au

Capturing the rare beauty of newborns

CAPTURING the first moments of life is something photographer Holly Treadaway, owner of Holly and Sage, cherishes deeply.

As a contracted photographer at John James Hospital and Calvary Bruce Private Hospital, Holly provides in-house newborn photoshoots that capture rare moments, without mothers needing to get dressed or even leave the bed.

“We find that with new mothers time often escapes them and a lot of them say: ‘We are so glad you caught those moments’,” she says.

Backed with 15 years’ experience, Holly has combined her freelancing work with her hospital photography service to offer more for every customer.

“I have decided to open the door and combine my work with the hospitals and my own freelancing to offer more

types of photography services such as newborn services, family services and birth stories services,” she says.

After having her first child, Holly began birth stories in 2013, and says her own experience showed her the importance of capturing these beautiful moments.

“It’s raw, emotional, intense and a very private time and I feel very privileged to be a part of it,” says Holly, who describes her presence as a fly on the wall and stresses each situation is treated with the greatest sensitivity.

“Photographing these scenes really challenges me to find light, to find the connection of the couples and it’s so exciting to see it all come to fruition.”

Holly and Sage. Call 0408 205519, email hello@ hollyandsage.com.au or visit hollyandsage.com.au

James

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Specialist group helping women of all ages

THE multidisciplinary team operating out of Specialist Services Medical Group in Deakin offers conservative and surgical treatment options for women of all ages, says specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Elizabeth Gallagher.

Dr Gallagher says the team is made up of obstetrician, gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon Dr Omar Adham, obstetrician, gynaecologist and fertility specialist Dr Tween Low, physiotherapist Marita O’Shea, psychologist Lia Bain, gynaecologist Dr Ivy Tan and paediatrician Nahal Payman.

“Dr Tween Low offers a full range of fertility services and Dr Ivy Tan is taking on a general gynaecology role. Dr Omar Adham also offers comprehensive gynaecology and obstetric services including advanced laparoscopic procedures,” she says.

Dr Gallagher treats women with problems such as prolapse, incontinence, abnormal bleeding, vaginal pain, abnormal pap smears and other general gynaecologist needs.

Located one block from the Mint, Dr Gallagher says the newly renovated rooms are light and airy.

“We have easy access to disabled parking and other parking that’s close by and free,” she says.

Specialist Services Medical Group, Lidia Perin Building, 12/12 Napier Close, Deakin. Call 6282 2033, 6162 1649 or email deakin@specialistservices.com.au

Welcoming centre makes learning fun

CANBERRA’S south holds a unique place where children from all backgrounds are growing and learning, says Kristen O’Connor, owner of Kidstart Southside Education and Activity Centre.

“We have a lot of new families from other countries come to us and we help them learn the Australian education system,” she says.

Kristen, who speaks English as a second language, says Kidstart is playing a key role in children adjusting to schooling in a different country.

“The unique part of it is the love of learning that these kids develop while they’re having so much fun,” she says.

Beginning as a small operation in Rivett in 1996, they have since moved to bigger premises in Wanniassa to cater for a lot more

families.

Kristen says they run two age-based programs, one for children under three, where families can come and join in on the fun, and another for children older than three, which is an independent group where kids come to learn, listen and explore away from parents. Both programs encompass activities such as music, arts and crafts, parachute play and activities which incorporate gross motor skills. The programs, according to Kristen, not only aid children but benefit parents, too, because she says they know their children are growing in an educational, fun, play-based atmosphere.

Kidstart Southside Education and Activity Centre, 65 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa. Call 0422 406622 or visit kidstart.com.au

• Jam packed with gifts for Mum, Dad and baby

• Hampers can be tailored to the tastes of the Family

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To order a ‘New Baby’ Gift Hamper Phone Sharon on 0403 093 715

Sharon’s hampers come with goodies and good wishes for new babies

A LOCALLY sourced and beautifully presented hamper full of goodies makes a perfect celebration gift to send to a new family, says the owner of Sharwood Hampers, Sharon Isherwood.

Sharon, who started the business after discovering a talent and passion for making up thoughtful gift hampers for her children’s teachers, says she loves creating beautiful hampers to suit the needs of each recipient.

“All the products are from around the Canberra region and are personally curated carefully by me to the client’s requirements,” says Sharon, who prides herself on customer service, personal touch and fast delivery.

When celebrating the arrival of a new baby, Sharon says the most popular hampers include a collection of items for mum, baby and dad, too.

“It’s really a celebration of the new family,” she says.

“We have lovely non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and pamper items for mum, beer and snacks for dad, and bibs, washcloths, rattles and soaps for the baby.”

When people call Sharon to book a hamper, she says she discusses what the needs are and can substitute items to make up the perfect hamper.

“Ordering off the website is also

easy. We have hampers for any occasion and celebration,” says Sharon. Sharwood Hampers. Call 0403 093715 or visit sharwoodhampers.com.au

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For consultations regarding the MonaLisa Touch Phone 6282 2033 or 6162 1649 Email deakin@specialistservices.com.au Lidia Perin Building, 12/12 Napier Close, Deakin

Farmland to town centre

COMPRISING

25 suburbs surrounding the Belconnen town centre and the Ginninderra Lake, the Belconnen district is the most populated district of the ACT.

Originally farming land, Belconnen was developed in 1966, with Aranda as its first suburb. Before then it had been the home of the Ngunnawal people for thousands of years.

Now, Belconnen as we know it is a thriving hub for North Canberrans, with so much to offer residents and visitors.

Emma makes no-waste shopping affordable

ZERO-waste shopping is not as expensive as people sometimes think it is, says Emma Mason, the owner of The Source Bulk Foods in Belconnen.

“It can be cost-effective to buy in bulk, and if you want to experiment with a product for a recipe, you can buy exactly the amount you want and there’s no waste,” she says.

“All our items are competitively priced and waste-free shopping can be an efficient and simple way to do your groceries, as well as helping you feel good about the choice you’ve made.”

The Source Bulk Foods stocks pantry staples, snacks, confectionery, household

products, cooking liquids, cleaning products and personal hygiene items.

“We also stock general everyday plastic-free items such as water bottles, keepcups, stainless steel straws and bamboo toothbrushes,” Emma says.

“Customers can bring their own containers, which all helps contribute to using less single-use plastic.”

Emma and her husband Rowan invested in the franchise when looking for an option that would fit in with the values of their low-footprint life.

The Source Bulk Foods, shop 34, Westfield Belconnen. Call 0423 511537.

Duncan delivers quality plumbing

OWNER Jason Duncan, of Duncan’s Plumbing, and his team of office and trades staff promise to deliver the best plumbing in Canberra.

Boasting a skilled team, a range of topof-the-line equipment, dedicated vehicles and a workshop test bay customised for fault testing, Duncan’s Plumbing offers a huge array of services for the region.

“We are licensed for both the ACT and NSW, and our tradesmen in the field are in constant contact via mobile and an internet-based SMS service, providing you with flexible, reliable assistance at

need,” he says.

“Our maintenance services include all plumbing and drainage.

“We also install all manner of appliances (gas, electrical, tapware, hot water systems, toilets and more), perform backflow prevention testing, service thermostatic mixing valves, and certify, fix, install and repair all gas units.”

Duncan’s Plumbing, 1/9 Page Place, Page. Call 6254 5678, email office@ duncansplumbing.com.au or visit duncansplumbing.com.au

Hydrotherapy at locations across Canberra

Exercise Physiology group classes and individual consultations

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ARTHRITIS ACT has welcomed a new physiotherapist to its centre in Bruce, providing a lower cost physiotherapy service for people in the Belconnen area, says CEO Rebecca Davey.

Arthritis ACT also runs hydrotherapy classes out of two pools at the University of Canberra.

“Hydrotherapy provides so much pain relief. A lot of people can find that they can come off their pain medication with regular hydrotherapy,” says Rebecca.

“We also run strength and balance classes in Kaleen and Bruce as well as a tai chi class for falls prevention.

“The biggest risk factor for people with osteoporosis is falling down and breaking their hip. Tai Chi is amaz-

ing and a proven intervention to stop falling.”

In Bruce, Arthritis ACT runs a six-week, Danish arthritis intervention program called “GLA:D”, which can reduce a person’s need for a hip replacement as well as help people facing surgery get into the best possible condition for a successful knee or hip replacement. Rebecca says the team are providing up to date and extra information pertinent to those who need it and encourages people to give the Arthritis ACT team a call.

Arthritis ACT, Building 18, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041, email info@arthritisact.org.au or visit arthritisact.org.au

Food shines at Matt’s boardwalk restaurant

BRINGING a unique, art-deco vibe to Belconnen’s lakeside, Morrissey on the Boardwalk creates dishes that are flavoursome and creative, says owner and chef Matt Morrissey.

“We want people to walk away having a positive experience,” he says.

“Value for money, quality of the food and coffee are all extremely important to us and we want that to shine for our customers.”

Matt says he started his cooking career later than most, undertaking an apprenticeship at the age of 40 to become a qualified chef.

Since then, he and his fiancee Katie purchased a small cafe at the Evatt shops predominantly serving coffee and cakes to the local community, but with no kitchen in the premises they began to look for other premises and fell in love with their venue on the boardwalk.

“Morrissey on the Boardwalk is our first Canberra-based restaurant and while it’s been somewhat slow getting established over the winter months, we are seeing that more and more people are finding us now, especially

“We’ve used bright colours, vintage pieces and beautiful craftsmanship in the design of the fitout, and have taken that same philosophy into the kitchen. We cook and plate with passion for every customer.” Morrissey on the Boardwalk also supports local businesses, with Highgate Lane Coffee Roasters, Three Mills Bakery and the Tea Garden Co among their suppliers, as well as selling local wines, craft beer and spirits. Morrissey on the Boardwalk, 8/114 Emu Bank, Belconnen. Call 6253 0183 or visit morrisseyfoodgroup.com.au

respect and responsibility, says early learning manager of YMCA Canberra Jessica Smith.

“We celebrate our strengths and unique differences and welcome everyone into our centre with open arms.

“Our respectful approaches to our families are based on strong partnerships built with kindness, involvement and trust.”

Jessica says YMCA Canberra’s Early Learning Centre in Belconnen is built on respect for the land, places and people within the community.

“Our community plays a big role within our curriculum as the children are exposed to different places and people through community walks, visitors and other excursions,” she says.

The centre’s professional knowledge is supported by the early years framework, code of ethics and inspired by the Reggio Emilia and RIE approach for infants.

“We are constantly learning and evolving to be the best educators we can be,” says Jessica.

YMCA Canberra, Early Learning Centre Belconnen, corner of Aikman Drive and Joy Cummings Place, Belconnen. Visit canberra.ymca.org.au or call 6251 2348.

Lisa’s got a quick solution for blocked ears

OFFERING professional earwax removal, Earworx in Belconnen uses safe, gentle and effective micro-suction, says owner Lisa Hellwege, who’s excited about the company’s expansion in Canberra’s north.

Earworx, which already has branches in Kingston, Bondi, Launceston and Ulverstone, is suitable for anyone aged four and up, and can help people with hearing aids, those who have had previous ear surgery, ear canal problems or skin conditions, says Lisa.

“Some people are more prone to wax impaction than others and removing it is a delicate process,” she says.

Registered nurse Lisa previously worked in the ENT clinics at the Royal Hobart Hospital, and established Earworx in Tasmania in 2016 after seeing a need for this service.

“We get referrals from GPs and audiologists, but people can also access the service easily by booking online directly and often get an appointment the same day,” she says.

“I absolutely love the work, we get such great feedback and most of the time it’s a quick win for anyone with blocked ears.

“It can feel very uncomfortable, full, itchy or painful to have impacted wax, or any blockage in the ear, and the feeling when it’s been cleared is so good.”

Earworx, North Canberra Family Practice, 5b Chandler Street, Belconnen. Call 6129 5100 or email northcanberra.mc@ fullertonhealth.com.au

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Bringing ‘Fragments’ together

By Helen MUSA

“MY view is that philosophy should be a required course for primary school students,” says philosopher, ethicist, medical journalist, editor, former real estate agent, developer mum and nowadays playwright, Maura Pierlot.

On the other hand, she also says of her new life as a writer: “I’m intuitive in my writing. I follow an imperative. I don’t plan, I don’t research and I’m not mystical – I’m very much grounded.”

A long-time resident of Canberra, the American-born writer with a Ph.D. in philosophy from Georgetown University is just back from a residency at the Arthur Boyd estate Bundanon on the Shoalhaven, where she’s been “tweaking” the results of her greatest literary brainstorm – a series of eight monologues soon to be staged by Shelly Higgs at The Street Theatre.

Queer choirs gather for big, loud festival

Focusing on the inner lives of eight young people, “Fragments” will look at the feelings, apprehensions and hopes of people grappling with mental health issues. Paradoxically, Pierlot believes the healthiest way to tackle inner problems is to look outwards, and that’s what you do in live theatre.

The life of the Bronx native has been an adventurous one. Aussie husband Kieran, a former shearer, met her here and pursued her to New York City where they momentarily became a real-life “Crocodile Dundee” celebrity couple. They settled in Canberra, had three children and worked in many professions.

Grappling with her own illness and that of her ageing mother, she began to write, in 2016 winning a monologue competition at Hothouse Theatre in Wodonga for her play “Tapping Out”, in 2017 the CBCA Aspiring Writers Mentorship Program and the Charlotte Waring Barton Award for her young adult manuscript, “Free Falling” and

Playwright, Maura Pierlot in rehearsal… “I feel like we’re living in a world of smoke and mirrors.”

in 2018 the ACT Writing and Publishing Award (Children’s Category) for her book “The Trouble in Tune Town”.

Also in 2016, she heard about the Capital Arts Patrons Organisation grants and scribbled out an application to write a script based on youth mental health issues.

“People are reluctant to open up, but mental health can be a positive journey,” she says.

She got the CAPO grant and eventually found lots more support, including a “Boost” grant from the Australian Cultural Fund, ArtsACT funding for a stint with director Gin Savage in Gorman Arts Centre’s Ralph Indie program and a limited airing with the Pioneer Theatre in Castle Hill.

“Once I was at the desk, it poured out of me,” Pierlot says.

“It’s based on different characters at the high school and I wanted to use the monologue form to show young people struggling with different issues in an inward-looking way.”

One of her characters is the school captain,

October 2019, 3.00pm Paperchain Bookstore, Manuka

Franklin Street in Manuka, ACT Please RSVP elita.mackay@lavenderartstudios.com.au by 20 October 2019.

Jessica Conway

revered, good looking and smart but suffering depression. He puts on a mask at school.

Another is a 13-year-old obsessed with social media who creates a fake Instagram account –she’ll be played by Pierlot’s daughter Erin.

Then there’s a transgender character whose monologue is a form of realisation of her female self.

“I’m not touching on more severe problems, I’m really looking at issues that are commonly talked about,” she says.

“But I feel like we’re living in a world of smoke and mirrors… and there is so much bullshit in the online world.”

Dramatically, each monologue is discrete, but her “fragments” needed a transition between the monologues, as well as an opening and closing, as she found during a “First Seen” session with director Higgs at The Street. The Bundanon residency was aimed at sorting that out.

“Fragments”, The Street Theatre, October 23-27. Book at thestreet.org.au or 6247 1223.

By Helen Musa

CANBERRA’S Gay and Lesbian Qwire is not known for doing things quietly, but it’s about to get a lot louder as it hosts the sixth Out & Loud choral festival, a mighty celebration of choral music and queer culture never before seen and heard in Canberra.

Hitherto devoted to LGBTQI+ choirs in Australia and NZ, the festival will for the first time feature choirs from Fiji and East Timor. There will be nine choirs at the 2019 festival.

Apart from them and our own lively Qwire, there’ll be the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir, Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Chorus and the shOUT Youth Chorus, the Brisbane Pride Choir, Gay and Lesbian Singers of WA, True Colours Chorus Darwin and the Gay & Lesbian Singers Auckland.

“It’s a very big thing for us,” says Karen Wilden, the music director of the Qwire. “When we went to Auckland four years ago, we offered to take the 2019 event, so here we are.”

Wilden took over the baton from Leonard Weiss about a year ago, having sung at the coalface with the group for more than 22 years. Initially nudged by former music director Leanne Linmore, she frequently acted as assistant director to Weiss, so it was a natural move.

Considering the visitors from Fiji and East Timor, Wilden suspects life might well be much easier here than members of their LGBTQI+ communities, saying: “We are lucky in life, because we’ve got acceptance in Australia, especially in Canberra – we love Canberra because they love us.

“Music is such a powerful way to healing, love, hope and compassion and being able to celebrate in music is pretty special.”

To make it even more special, she’s brought in Qwire global LGBT choral movement leader and conductor Kathleen McGuire and two

Canberra musical heavyweights to help carry the load.

Composer Stephen Leek was “the obvious guest conductor”. Presently manager of the Young Music Society, he will conduct a massed choral performance at Llewellyn Hall featuring more than 500 from the visitors and Canberra’s Qwire. Compositions by Leek will also feature.

Canberra-raised composer, pianist and double ARIA-winner Sally Whitwell has been commissioned by Qwire, which got an ACT government grant for the purpose, to compose “Stronger Together”, her anthem “for all the queers coming to sing in ‘Out & Loud’”.

“One of the things that will make our ‘Out & Loud’ unique is that we’re going to show off the iconic venues, like the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Australia,”says Wilden.

As music director, her job has been to provide songs that make her singers feel that they’re in a safe place and she’s injected some choreography into the numbers too, just for fun.

And for the audience, there will be “good-fun things” that have messages of empowerment and courage, “although of course we also choose some songs just because they are beautiful,” she says.

In the “beautiful” category are “Fall On Me”, written by Andrea and Matteo Bocelli and Whitwell’s a capella song “Sudden Light”, composed to a poem by Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

As for empowerment, there’s Nick Cave’s rousing “The Ship Song” and that showstopper, “This Is Me” from the musical “The Greatest Showman”, which goes: “I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be”.

The 2019 Out & Loud Choral Festival, October 24-28, various locations, details at outandloudcbr.org.au Gala concert, Llewellyn Hall, 5pm, Sunday, October 27. Book at ticketek.com.au

CINEMA

When dumb klutzes pay the price

“Hustlers” (MA)

“THERE’S something extra satisfying about persuading a man who thinks you’re trash to spend his time and money on you.”

That’s what Roselyn Keo (aka Destiny, played by Constance Wu in writer/director Lorene Scafaria’s film based on journalist Jessica Pressler’s [played in the movie by Julia Stiles] story “The Hustlers at Scores”) told an America’s “E! News” reporter last month.

Roselyn’s/Destiny’s pithy remark encapsulates the film’s intentions which were, as always in big-budget ($US20 million), glitzy-glamorous movies, not only to get the producers’ money back, but also to tell viewers how dumb klutzes earning big money spent it on night club antics that they were afraid to tell their wives about. Is it a good movie? That depends on individual viewers’ tastes. Its backstage depictions of the club environment will disappoint men hoping to see women’s anatomical parts normally seen only in R-rated films – blink and they’ll be covered. The women insist they were not strippers. But by golly, they did good pole-dancing. Its depiction of women’s demeanour as they empty the wallets and credit cards of men they’ve not previously met (and probably never will meet again – those men may be foolish but not so foolish as to come back for a second try) may give women filmgoers a warm glow and a sense of triumph at the film’s reversal of gender stereotypes.

The top performers in the scam insist that they weren’t sex workers. Certainly they needed to be able to hold their liquor. And as the customs of their profession became more skilled, so too did the practice of spiking customers’ drinks with a mixture of ketamine (for forgetfulness) and MDMA (aka ecstasy, producing altered sensations, increased energy, empathy, and pleasure).

The publicity preceding the film’s arrival makes much of the appearance of Jennifer Lopez in the principal role of Ramona, who Destiny took under her wing and taught her how to play the game.

At all cinemas

her professional reputation as an advocate for women’s rights in the workplace. But how well does “Working Woman” make its statement?

Tolerably well without being overly assertive.

Liron Ben-Shlush plays Orna, in her early thirties, wife of Ofer (Oshri Cohen). She gets a job in the Tel Aviv office of Benny (Menashe Noy) who needs an assistant in selling apartments in a new high-rise building with a view of the sea.

Hyper-efficient without over-stating her talents, Orna is devoted to Ofer who’s trying to establish a new restaurant in the country’s economic and cultural heart. Benny’s a friendly chap. But Orna’s presence in the office doesn’t tell him that he’s got a problem, which after a few months comes to the surface.

One day, he kisses her. She has to decide whether to give a well-paying job the quick flick or soldier on (military service has been a strong influence on her self-confidence and resolve).

Benny apologises, promotes her to sales executive and promises it will never happen again.

Oh yeah?

Next year in Jerusalem: Tel Aviv is where Jewish couples wanting to fulfil the ancient promise can live out their last years in comfort.

“Working Woman” (MA)

THE second narrative film written and directed by Israeli documentarist

The Benayouns are natives of France who’ve bought an apartment in the new building. Why not do a sales pitch in Paris? Benny needs Orna to support him there.

It’s not hard to figure out what’s about to happen. Orna’s a game girl. Her choice between keeping a well-paid job and her loyalty to Ofer

does not surprise. How she does it leads to a gentle if predictable conclusion.

At Dendy

“Gemini Man” (M)

Imagine that one of Uncle Sam’s super-secret security agencies once employed Henry Brogan to shoot people whom it considered a real and present danger. If the agency tasks him to terminate somebody, he does it without compunction.

Now retired, he’s happy in his little corner of rural Georgia.

But another super-secret agency is busy researching a disposable army of super-clones who can die in battle without bringing grief and sorrow to American homes. A worthy objective. A scientific masterpiece if it succeeds. But whom to clone?

Who else but Henry? Alive, Henry’s a threat to the project’s success. But who can take out such a talented operative? Only a clone genetically equipped with his field talents including the workings of his mind.

Will Smith plays Henry and Henry Junior. Ang Lee directs David Benioff’s screenplay with a very clear sense of its preposterous ridiculousness.

The action sequences are vigorous and exciting. A mother of two boys not yet in their teens were the only other people at the session when I watched and enjoyed it all. She thought that it had done the boys no harm. I agreed with her. It’s fun, if a little drawn out. Just don’t expect great intellectual or artistic merit.

At all cinemas

Pike’s festival of frightening films

By Helen Musa

ANDREW Pike is a man on a mission to get Canberrans viewing the art of cinema in its best light.

With this in mind, the Canberra International Film Festival, which he chairs, is staging a retrospective “prelude to a festival” focusing on the famous collaboration between director Alfred Hitchcock and actress Ingrid Bergman from 1945 to 1949.

Forget about virtual reality, animation and heightened special effects, to this festival it is the craft of filmmaking that matters – camera angles, the length of shoots, lighting and, yes, the screenplay and acting.

Over an abbreviated season of three nights, the festival will screen a new restoration from the British Film Institute of “Notorious” (1946), the spy-thriller starring Bergman and Cary Grant set against a background of post-war fascist intrigue in Brazil.

That will be followed by “Spellbound” (1945), where Gregory Peck plays patient to Ingrid Bergman’s psychiatrist.

The final night features Hitchcock’s “Australian film”, “Under Capricorn” (1949) set in of all places, convict-era Sydney and based on a novel by Australian author, Helen Simpson.

It’s a rare costume drama by Hitchcock, mostly reviled in its time but loved by the French critics and described by British critic David Thomson as “a Hitchcock masterpiece”.

So why the short season?

“Because of funding concerns we are having to rebuild our financial base and that’s taking longer than we thought,” Pike says.

The International Film Festival, which began in 1996, very nearly collapsed several years ago, until it was picked up by a bunch of dedicated film buffs, moved to the Arc Cinema at the National Film and Sound Archive and transformed into a focused event.

It has looked at genres, behind-the-screen craft and specific artists such as NZ animator Len Lye and French director Jacques Tourneur, and brought in overseas experts for panel discussions.

“Several years ago the festival found audiences drifting away because of the proliferation of national film festivals in commercial cinemas,” Pike says.

“There was also a dramatic reduction in ACT government funding for film festivals generally, so we had to find a different concept to justify it. Now I’m interested in pushing the boundaries and trying to get some rethinking going.

“This year we wanted to just give a taste of the things we will be doing… we want to come up with things that people haven’t been aware of.”

Such as “Under Capricorn”, which most people will be unaware of.

Pike says Hitchcock himself dismissed “Under Capricorn” for technical reasons, and a costume melodrama was a real departure for him.

“The thing for us is that it’s set in Sydney although filmed in the UK and there are some lovely wide shots of

old Sydney town,” says Pike.

In it, Hitchcock was experimenting with 10-minute takes. As well, the film has a complex screenplay, giving scope to the actors.

“At its centre is a magnificent eight-and-a-half-minute monologue for Ingrid Bergman, of which she complained at the time, but later admitted in her biography, ‘he was right’,” says Pike.

The other films will be more familiar. “Spellbound” is the prototype for Hitchcock‘s foray into Freudian psychology, with everything including a dream sequence designed by Salvador Dali and the weird sound of the Theremin to represent mental disturbance, while “Notorious” represents Hollywood at its most classy, Pike says.

“I love the fact that ‘Notorious’ is a spy film but it’s a love story, too, there’s no overacting and there’s no shooting and no car bombing,” he says.

In it, Hitchcock used giant close-ups, with the slightest movement of Bergman’s face muscles showing enormous depth of feeling – “nuanced and wonderful,” says Pike. He also praises its strong characters, the previously lightweight Cary Grant cast as a manipulative operator who uses emotional blackmail to get what he wants and the famous Austrian actress Leopoldine Konstantin cast as the evil mother of Claude Rains.

It’s also very sexy, with a lot of implicit eroticism in her exchanges with Cary Grant over a roast chicken.

Pike says Hitchcock had a reputation for treating actresses badly, but certainly not Bergman.

“He may have wanted to exploit and control her, but she wasn’t up for that, she was always very much in control of her career, very ambitious and very serious about the craft… Hitchcock was her stepping stone to fame,” he says.

As for Hitchcock, Pike says: “He liked to work with stars. He loved her beauty and he admired her acting skills.”

“Bergman-Hitchcock” season, Arc Cinema, October 25-27. Book at ciff.com.au

ARTS IN THE CITY Agatha gets the flick for Charley’s aunt

By Helen Musa

TEMPO Theatre has forsaken Agatha Christie for that all-time family favourite, the farce “Charley’s Aunt”. The director is theatre stalwart Michael Weston, a self-proclaimed “Charley’s Aunt” specialist. At Belconnen Community Theatre, Swanson Court, October 25-November 2. Book at canberraticketing.com.au

TWILIGHT Jazz, Connexion Big Band and Canberra Swing Katz will strut their stuff in “Night & Day”, the Canberra Big Band Collective’s last concert for the year. At Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, 6pm, Saturday, October 26. Book at eventbrite.com.au

CANBERRA Symphony Orchestra will showcase Sibelius’ “Finlandia” and Tchaikovsky’s epic sixth symphony, “Pathetique”, in its final mainstage concert for the year. The concert will also feature cellist Umberto Clerici performing Elgar’s cello concerto. At Llewellyn Hall, Wednesday and Thursday, October 23-24. Book at cso.org.au

THE Alliance Française de Canberra will mark its 75th birthday with a weekend of celebrations, October 25-27. The highlight will be the “Formed in the Forties French Party” at Maison de France, 66 McCaughey Street, Turner, Saturday, October 26. Book at afcanberra.com.au

VIRTUOSO, Canberra-born violinist Kristian Winther will appear in concert with pianist Edward “Teddy” Neeman before heading to Germany to further his career. They’ll play sonatas by Mozart and Prokofiev, the “Second Violin Sonata” by Alfred Schnittke, the “Romances, Op. 22” by Clara Schumann and “The Reflections” by Oliver Knussen. Wesley Music Centre, 7pm, Saturday, October 26. Tickets at the door.

THE Palestinian Film Festival Australia returns to celebrate its 10th year with features, documentaries, shorts and the launch of its new program stream, “Arab Cinema Days”. Top-billed is the winner of the 2019 Cannes Special Jury Prize, the comic saga “It Must Be Heaven”. At Capitol Cinemas, Manuka, October 25-27. Book at eventcinemas.com.au

FLAUTIST Sally Walker, the ANU School of Music lecturer in classical performance (woodwind), organised an alumni concert at her alma mater with existing and former students of Narrabundah College, as well as staff. “It was such a special school for me that I wanted to give something back,” she says. At Narrabundah College Auditorium, 6pm, Thursday, October 17. Entry by donation. Refreshments provided.

By

by Nichole Overall

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Pip to pulp, cab-sav takes some beating

By Richard CALVER

CABERNET sauvignon is a Bordeaux variety. It is a full-bodied red with firm tannins as a result of a high ratio of pip to pulp.

It does well in cool-to-moderate climates but especially so where there is a coastal influence such as the Margaret River.

Canberra does well in the cabernet stakes with a remembrance on my part of tasting and liking Shaw’s 2015 Reserve.

Despite the WA and Canberra contenders, the best Australian cabernet sauvignons come from the Coonawarra in SA, the name of the region being an Aboriginal word meaning honeysuckle. Halliday in his “Australian Wine Encyclopedia” says the Coonawarra is an “outstanding” cabernet sauvignon region, oddly focusing on the lack of natural beauty there and saying that it can be “grouped with the Haut Medoc of Bordeaux to prove the exception to the rule that almost all of the foremost wine regions of the world have landscapes of great beauty”. Fair enough; it shows he’s been to both places.

I recently bought a case of Heirloom Vineyards Coonawarra 2016 cabernet sauvignon. The purchase was motivated by three factors: a wine club that I belong to reduced the price to $30 a bottle, I had tasted another wine made by this winemaker and liked it and the back of the label contains an extract from a poem by Yeats which resonates: All wine comes in at the mouth and love comes in at the eye; that’s all we shall know for truth before we grow old and die. I lift the glass to my mouth, I look at you and sigh.

I took a bottle of this wine to dine with a mate on a cold and blustery evening where we were feeling gloomy and in need of a boost, something to lift us out of the post-winter blues. But I certainly didn’t look at him and give a Yeats-like sigh.

We decided on Indian curry at Daana in Curtin. I like a full-bodied wine with lighter fresh curries; although a softer finish as you get, for example, from a cabernet merlot blend, might be better able to withstand the contrast of creamy curry sauces than one with firm, drying tannins such as in big shiraz and cabernet sauvignon varietals.

That is a personal preference; in my view meat curries can take big wines, especially reds, although our experience on the night has led me to rethink consuming any kind of wine with curry.

In order to lift the mood, I

started with my dad joke: “Always eat safely; use condiments” I expostulated as we got the menu. “What?” said my friend. “You can sometimes be a wacky racer.”

Suitably subdued, we turned to ordering naan bread, a prawn curry and a vegetable curry: my friend was taking a break from eating red meat. The wine was opened and the gorgeous ripe blackcurrant flavours with a firm but very smooth finish needed no food to induce a vindication of my purchase and know that this was the mood lifter that was needed. But regrettably it wasn’t the wine for the food.

I made sure that I drank plenty of water before I sipped the wine as the curry sauces were not any kind of match for the wine, albeit pleasant enough. The curries and the wine together left an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth.

But as the well-heated venue and the wine and the medium curries heated us up, we got to talking about the positives that we had in view: such as his holiday to Iceland, mine to China. And the positives of drinking good wine at a reasonable price. Because it must be said that we remain the lucky country. We have amazing choices of so many good Australian wines that we are spoilt for choice, including the choice of a good cabernet sauvignon or for that matter a cabernet merlot that would have better matched the food.

“Australia is a lucky country run by second-rate people who share its luck.” – Donald Horne

DINING / orto, garran shops

Pizzas made to capture hearts

Italian is the name of the game and it’s fun that the pizzas are named in honour of the streets in the area.

ORTO has opened at Garran shops and with a bit of a bang. It’s compact and cosy inside but has a large eating area outdoors.

The exterior is special with fabulous, rusticlooking tiles from Rivoland, and greenery in big pots. We loved the charm, but it was the food that captured our hearts.

To find Orto, follow the sandwich-board sign at the front of the shops. This eatery, tucked in at the back of Little Garran Café, has a golden glow about it when the sun sets.

Italian is the name of the game and it’s fun that the pizzas are named in honour of the streets in the area. Orto only serves 13-inch pizzas, which have eight slices each. While there’s no ordering half-half, which is clear on the menu, we wanted to road test two styles. Staff invited us to take the rest home, which we were happy to do.

Pizzas start at $18 and top off at $24 with each offering great value and quality.

The Brereton ($24) is a perfect combo of ingredients for those who love a chilli hit with their pizza (that’s me!). This version starts with a quality tomato base and is created with mozzarella, plum prawns, cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. We couldn’t resist trying the Garran ($24) – we were, after all, in the suburb – which also featured a tomato base. It arrived with a generous serve of salami, olives, capsicum, mushrooms and mozzarella. What we appreciated was the dough. Everyone

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of 6)

enticing balsamic and topped off with a great serve of quality parmesan ($14). The pear was sweet and the rocket peppery.

We topped off our evening with superb gelato, including a dark chocolate, light chocolate and strawberry – all beautifully creamy. Other Dolce items were a baked ricotta cake, a sticky date pud -

Orto is BYO alcohol only. There’s no need to fret

ensure you enjoy your dining experience. We did.

Orto. Garran shops, open Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm.

WENDY JOHNSON

GARDENING

Getting excited about perennials

These plants provide a continual floral display from early spring to autumn. Even then, some will continue to flower in winter.

One favourite for gardens since Roman times is Lavandula The Queen. With deep burgundy flower heads topped with pink bracts, it grows to 60 centimetres high and up to 90 centimetres wide, so provide plenty of space between plants. Lavandula Iceberry Ruffles has deep violet flowers topped with purple ribbons and is an exceptional flowerer, growing to 50 centimetres x 70 centimetres as do Roseberry Ruffles and Frostberry Ruffles. Lilac Lace and Pink Lace give a clue to the flower colour.

Lavenders are the perfect pollinators beloved by bees and, coming from the Middle East, perfect for our heat.

Once dried, lavender is perfect for making pot pourri and keeping silverfish out of clothes.

The best time to harvest the flowers is just as the florets start to open, not the end of flowering when the flowers start to wither. That’s right, you have to cut them as they start to flower, when the fragrance is at its height.

The easiest way to store the dried flowers is to cut up old nylon stockings into short lengths and tie off at each end after filling with the flower heads.

THE list of Dianthus is nearly as long and renowned for its tantalising fragrance. Dianthus and first cousin carnations were the gillyflower (scented flowering plants) of Chaucer, Spencer and Shakespeare. I just love the new Dianthus Sugar Plum Raspberry. Low growing to just 30 centimetres x 40 centimetres, it would look perfect in a group of three to five or as a path border leading to the front door.

One of my favourite perennials in flower at present is Pulmonaria Electric Blue. Its rival will be the new Diana Clare with its deep violet-blue flowers. It was introduced from the UK and classed in the famous Beth Chatto Gardens in England as the best pulmonaria ever. The added feature of these plants is the added interest of the evergreen marbled green and silver leaves.

BESIDES drinking from the bird bath, birds are doing a great deal of washing, which means filling up the water regularly. It’s important that the

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water isn’t too deep, 60 centimetres at the most.

The possums are having a great feed on the new leaves of the Japanese maples, their favourite. I’m unconcerned because there are more than enough leaves for summer shade.

NOTHING compares with fresh, lush raspberries straight from the bush… and, as with all berries, they are so easy to grow.

There’s only one minor problem, they tend to sucker, but the simple fix is to cut the bottom off a plastic pot (at least 40 centimetres wide) and bury the pot completely into the ground with the wide neck at the bottom of the hole. Then plant the raspberry – or any other berry plant that tends to sucker – in the buried pot, which directs the roots to grow deep into the soil.

In landscaping we use large, commercial, plastic, root-barrier boxes when larger shrubs or trees are planted in paved areas.

PAUL DORIN CARTOONS draws in...

PUZZLES PAGE

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

This week Rams can expect a rollicking ride, as your motivation levels fluctuate. Is a work colleague or loved one being difficult and demanding? Don’t be too hard on them… they have a lot on their plate. Friday is fabulous for financial matters and taking care of business but you’ll feel a bit stir-crazy on the weekend. Try channelling your fiery energy and ambition into challenging projects and physical pursuits, rather than just sitting around feeling frustrated.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Monday night favours friendship and lashings of romance. When dealing with others, being kind of heart – and offering sensible advice – is a winning double. The Venus/Neptune trine also helps you empathise with family, friends and colleagues who are experiencing difficulties. Whereas Friday’s Venus/Pluto link encourages deep emotions, intense connections and plenty of passion. So make sure you get up-close-and-personal with someone special this week.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

The Sun, Mercury and Venus are visiting your wellbeing zone, so be proactive about finding a fitness routine that keeps you motivated. And choose healthy food options that you actually enjoy eating! Attached Twins – are you stuck in a relationship rut? Jupiter encourages you to be more adventurous with your partner. Single? Don’t be dazzled by bulging pecs or a substantial bank balance. Look for lasting love with someone who has similar goals and values.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Many Crabs will be alarmingly charming as you make family and friends feel extra special. Venus also stimulates your love of the good things in life, as you enjoy convivial company, beautiful surroundings, fine food and stylish fashion. But avoid the tendency to worry and obsess about something that is totally out of your control. Heed the wise words of Mary Engelbreit: “If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.”

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

The planetary patterns promise a period of nurturing old friendships and establishing new ones. Creativity is high, as you tap into the magical muse within. With the Sun, Mercury and Venus visiting your domestic zone, strive to be more proactive and diplomatic about a current family problem. Plus adjust your home/ work ratio so it’s much more balanced. Many domestically-inclined Cats are in the mood to de-clutter, decorate, renovate or cook up a storm at Villa Leo.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Are your goals and dreams for the future ambitious enough? This week’s stars favour ruminating over big-picture ideas. Romantic liaisons are likely and friendships are favoured. But there’s no room for false modesty or passive procrastination as you enjoy talking, texting, posting, promoting, socialising and circulating. So your motto is from birthday great, entertainer Katy Perry: “If you’re presenting yourself with confidence, you can pull off pretty much anything.”

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

With the Sun, Mercury and Venus moving through your wealth zone, tap into the abundance that is all around you – and not just on a financial level. It’s time to combine your outer creativity with your inner strength, so that you shine brightly for all the world to see. Strong self-esteem and self-acceptance is your Libran birthright! So your motto for the moment is from entertainer Katy Perry (who turns 35 on October 25): “Self-acceptance is the key to be truly free.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Have you been sitting on the sidelines? This week the Sun joins Venus and Mercury in your sign. So sarcasm and sulking are out, and buoyant joie de vivre is in! There’s much to look forward to as you attract good luck, acknowledge a success or celebrate a milestone. It’s also time to be as proactive and positive as you can manage. So your mantra for the week is from birthday great, painter Pablo Picasso: “One must act in painting as in life, directly.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

You’re keen to be in charge but are you being the boss – or just plain bossy? This week the celestial patterns encourage you to utilise your leadership skills in more subtle, disciplined and diplomatic ways that result in cooperation rather than consternation! Your creativity, compassion and spiritual side are stimulated, as you connect with your inner muse or help a friend in need. Yoga, meditation, contemplation, relaxation and journal writing are all favoured.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Promising professional and business opportunities are around, and clever Capricorns will examine all possibilities in a sensible and realistic light. With Mercury, Venus and the Sun in your hopes and wishes zone, it’s important to have an ambitious long-term goal that you’re working towards. You need to be patient though, as you focus on bringing your dreams down to earth via a practical plan. Sunday will be frustrating so modify your expectations and pace yourself.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Do you love your work and does your job stimulate your Aquarian creativity? On Wednesday, take the time to re-evaluate your professional position and options, as the Sun moves through your career zone for the next four weeks. Friday is a fabulous day to slow down and look within, as you meditate, contemplate or ruminate. If you slow down and take the time to listen to the wisdom of your inner voice, then your intuition will point you in the right direction.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

When it comes to plans for the future, you’re full of innovative ideas and creative schemes. But can you tell the difference between an inspiring daydream and a dodgy delusion? Pluto demands that you dig deep and set substantial goals that are worthy of your talents. And strive to get the balance right between being impulsive, and taking thoughtful action. Spontaneity works sometimes but, at other times, perceptive Pisceans need to adopt a more measured approach.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2019

General knowledge crossword No. 707

Across

1 Name the capital of the Czech Republic. (6)

8 What do we call one who cuts, polishes and engraves precious stones? (8)

9 Which street is wide, and lined with trees? (6)

10 What are cafeterias attached to factories, offices, etc? (8)

11 Which term describes a fault, or an imperfection? (6)

13 Which prickly stemmed shrub bears beautiful flowers? (8)

16 What is an alternative name for a boa constrictor? (8)

19 Name an Australian organisation formed to care for the families of all deceased ex-service personnel. (6)

22 To be fraught with incidents, is to be what? (8)

24 What designates a style of printing in which the letters slope to the right? (6)

25 Which expression suggests “in the open air”? (8)

26 What is a small knot, or knob? (6)

Down

2 Which form of theatrical entertainment deals in parodies on recent events, etc? (5)

3 What is another term for a kind, sort, or style? (5)

4 Name the negatively charged elementary particle of an atom. (8)

5 What is political rhetoric colloquially called? (4)

6 Which part of speech modifies another part of speech? (6)

7 Name the seventh major planet in order from the sun. (6)

12 What is the International Federation of Football known as? (4)

14 Which male horse is kept for breeding? (8)

15 Name that one of the two forearm bones which is on the side opposite to the thumb (4)

17 What are fictitious narratives of considerable length? (6)

18 Name a well-known cagebird. (6)

20 What do we call an official in general charge of a railway train? (5)

21 To affect with cold, is to do what? (5)

23 Which electrical device breaks the circuit? (4)

Josh and Amy are thinking of letting out their downstairs area through Airbnb and came to see me this week for some clarification.

Amy said that on the TV news they'd heard that Airbnb income would need to be declared and wanted to know if this was correct.

"Yes, it's absolutely correct," I told the couple. "Any income you earn has to be declared in your tax returns.

"You indicated you'd rent the downstairs area in your house. I assume that is a separate area, is 50 per cent of the floor area of the house and that you will have sole and exclusive right to use the upstairs while the Airbnb guests will have sole and exclusive right to use the downstairs.”

Josh said: "Yes, that's exactly right. That's why it seemed such a good idea but now we are feeling a bit less comfortable.”

I consoled them saying that what they had outlined was easy to deal with assuming the downstairs was available for rent all year and they claim 50 per cent of all relevant deductions against the rental income.

"I recommend that you read the information on the Airbnb site, which includes information on the non-tax related things such as checking with your bank in case they charge a higher rate on mortgages when properties are rented out. There is also information about getting Access Canberra approvals in case that is relevant," I said.

"Now, let's look at what you can and can't claim in relation to tax. “You can claim anything that you spend in order to earn the Airbnb income. The obvious things are rates, water rates, interest on your mortgage, all payments that you make to Airbnb or any other agent, advertising costs, repairs that relate to the rented area or common area of the property.

“After you contact Access Canberra you will know if you have to pay land tax. If you do, 100 per cent of that cost would relate to the rental.

"As your property was built after 1985 there should also be some building depreciation, known as capital allowances, available to you. You will have to get a building depreciation report prepared by a quantity surveyor because the values to take into account are those that applied at the time the property was built not the values now.

"You can write off the building cost over 40 years from the date that the property was built. However, as a result of changes to the income tax laws you can only claim depreciation on the interior items, such as carpets, curtains and stove, when you replace these while the property is tenanted.

“And there's one more thing you need to know and that's the impact of capital gains tax. As you are renting half the property 50 per cent of the capital gain from the date that you rent the property will be taxable. You will also have to pay capital gains tax on half the capital allowances when you sell.”

Amy said she wasn’t expecting that, but would factor that into their calculations in making a decision.

If you need help with any rental or tax-related matters 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.