CityNews 191114

Firestorms:

PAUL

Labor moribund on cladding fears

MICHAEL MOORE

Stop neglecting the city’s social heart

SUSAN HELYAR

St

Who is Canberra’s mysterious ‘secret prisoner’?

THERE is no end to the cost of war. The battlefield casualties grab the headlines, but so many of its crises take place behind the darkened shutters of our hospitals and, occasionally, our courtrooms.

One occurred in Canberra’s Supreme Court 4 last Friday (November 8). The final blow to a human tragedy was dealt there shortly after 4pm. It was timed, I suspect, to avoid the prying eyes of the public and the media.

I was there when a fellow Canberran (who for legal reasons I’ll call “Witness J”), a graduate of Duntroon, a former captain in Army Intelligence who fought with his unit in Afghanistan in 2011-2012, heard a judgement passed against him. He is from a well-respected Yarralumla family. Members have occupied high office in Treasury and other public service posts. He was schooled in Canberra before graduating to Duntroon. He and his Indonesian fiancée plan to marry shortly after Christmas.

The court was a clinical operation. Justice John Burns had heard the case in July when Witness J – at the time a secret prisoner in the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) – brought a civil action against the AMC’s general manager, Ms Corinne Justason.

It was triggered by his request to me

Author ROBERT MACKLIN finds himself drawn into murky, security intrigue as Canberra’s “secret prisoner”, an Australian soldier stripped by the government of his real name, takes on the Alexander Maconochie Centre in court. Who is this man and what is his story?

– made through his brother – to visit him in the jail to advise him about the process of getting the book he had written published commercially.

The request came out of the blue, but it was not unusual. As the author of some 29 books, I often get asked for such advice, and I was certainly intrigued by this one.

It was a memoir of his time in the AMC. It came with a synopsis and a first chapter, both of which were very engaging and well written. So I agreed and applied for permission from the jail authorities. This was granted but then, the day before the appointment, I was told it was revoked. When I asked why, the answer was silence.

What I didn’t realise was that following my request, Ms Justason had alerted the AFP who then raided his brother’s Melbourne house and seized all copies of the manuscript he had sent him. In the prison, Witness J’s cell was also raided and his writings seized. His email access was also restricted.

He was outraged and though he had no formal legal training he conducted the case himself. An observer reported that he reminded her of Atticus Finch.

I knew almost nothing of this. I was bemused by the silence, the more so when I learned that the earlier case that resulted in his incarceration had been conducted in secret as had his 15-month sentence in AMC.

I raised the matter with friends whom I believed were well placed by their former and current positions in the Defence community to throw light on the matter. But they, too, were surprised.

“This is not Nazi Germany,” they said. “We don’t have secret trials in Australia.” That’s what I thought, too. That’s what differentiates us from Egypt, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran and all the other tyrannies.

But I saw anomalies that I found deeply disturbing. For example, the government had expunged Witness J’s real name from the public record and replaced it with the random alias “Alan Johns”.

Application”. To the courts, Witness J was and remains a non-person.

So, what lay at the base of this mystery? Is Australia really as open and just as we have been brought up to believe? Or has some combination of the war on terror, the provisions in the recent “security” legislation, coupled with a government’s endemic desire for secrecy taken us to the fringe of autocracy?

Ask our own Bernard Collaery or Witness K and I suspect they would be in little doubt. Witness J’s case is both different and similar. Like Witness K, when charged with his offence under the Intelligence Services Act 2001, he pleaded guilty. But unlike “K”, his actions were triggered by what he perceived as a personal affront to someone he loved.

However, had it not been for the 10 stressful years he had spent fighting for his country and seeing his fellow soldiers killed in the bloodied dust of Uruzgan Province, nor the next five after joining DFAT and postings to Iraq and other places, then I could easily guess that he would not have offended as apparently he did.

Insider” and “Redback One” and the comprehensive history of our Special Forces and Intelligence Services in “Warrior Elite”, so I did not have to be told the real story behind his guilty plea. It is not part of the manuscript –“Here, There Are Dragons” – that he sent me and which I have now passed to my regular publisher on his behalf.

That is an amazing story of a good man thrown into the company of the depraved. It’s an insight into the dark heart of humanity and a miracle of adaptation.

But the real story behind it is one that demands to be told because it’s about a world that those of us who have not served in the front lines of our defences know nothing about, and where the stress of war and conflict become too hard to bear.

I hope he tells it. It’s one that we all deserve to know as we count the cost.

robert@robertmacklin.com

INDEX

Arts & Entertainment 21-23

Canberra Matters 8

Cinema 22

Crossword 20

Dining & Wine 23

Gardening 24

Horoscopes 20

Letters 14

News 3-14

Politics 10

Socials 18-19

Cover: CEO of St John Ambulance ACT Bianca Russell. Photo: Holly Treadaway. Story Page 4.

Even in last Friday’s judgement when he had served his 15-month sentence and was again a free man, Justice Burns addressed him as Mr Johns. And the case was anonymously listed as simply, “In the Matter of an

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I have written three biographies of SAS operatives in “SAS Sniper”, “SAS

WHEN IT MATTERS

St John’s new chief sees defibrillators everywhere

By Danielle NOHRA

BIANCA Russell is on a mission to make Canberra the safest place in Australia to have a cardiac arrest.

“If someone has a cardiac arrest and a defibrillator isn’t used, the chances of survival drop by 10 per cent every minute,” says Bianca, who was appointed CEO of St John Ambulance ACT earlier this year.

The forty-year-old wants to raise more awareness around the importance of defibrillators.

“At the moment people don’t know what they do and they think because they don’t know how to use them that they can’t,” she says.

“Anyone can use a defibrillator, they won’t deliver a shock unless it’s needed.

“I’d like to see a defibrillator within reach of every public area. I want the ACT to be the safest place to have a cardiac arrest, if you’re going to have one, because of access to defibrillators and trained public members.”

If people don’t get the importance of defibrillators, Bianca says that in recent months she has heard three stories of people who were saved by either volunteers of the charity or someone who had finished a first aid course

through St John Ambulance ACT.

One of these three people was a young man who emailed Bianca tell ing her of how he went into cardiac arrest during an asthma attack.

By chance, a St John Ambulance ACT volunteer was there and directed a member of the public to run and get a defibrillator from a supermarket nearby while he started CPR.

“That young guy got to go home to his family because one person did a day of training,” she says.

Bianca is also aiming to get one or two people in every Canberra family trained in first aid.

“Had our volunteer not been there, no one else would have known what to do,” she says.

“The more people that are trained, the more lives are saved.”

Bianca, who started as an executive assistant at St John Ambulance ACT in 2017, before being promoted to CEO this year, quickly saw how important the charity is to the community and wanted to get more involved, so decid ed to volunteer on top of her paid work.

“I heard incredible stories where people were saving other people’s lives and I thought: ‘Wow, this is amazing and I want to be part of it and be more involved’,” she says.

Which is exactly what she did, completing almost 200 hours of volunteer work with the weekend NightCrew in Civic and at events last year, and still

Bianca

“I’d like to see a defibrillator within reach of every public area. I want the ACT to be the safest place to have a cardiac arrest.”

volunteers when she can this year.

“The NightCrew helps people who might have had too much to drink or feel vulnerable,” says Bianca who describes the crew as being “a sober friend”.

Having a son in his 20s was another inspiration for Bianca to volunteer and be there for these young people.

“It puts it into perspective. This

could be my child and to know that there’s someone there is reassuring,”

“It’s a pretty confronting situation at times, but it’s so rewarding to feel that at the end of the night you’ve

“[Also] if I’m going to expect people to volunteer then I should be able to do

In 2019, Bianca says NightCrew has assisted 3967 people and of those people, 483 people were provided with first aid and, as of September 30, NightCrew directly reduced and/or negated emergency services attend -

While Bianca has many feel-good stories since becoming CEO, it’s not always been easy and she says her style as a passionate, empathic leader, has been challenged many times.

“I had been told along the way that that method wasn’t the best, I was told not to show people who I was, not to show people too much kindness because it can be perceived as a weakness, not to interact with people you have to manage on a personal level because they won’t respect me,” she says.

But Bianca says she’s proved this style of leadership is exactly what the charity needed and has led St John Ambulance Service ACT into its best financial position in a long time.

stjohnact.com.au

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Consisting of 71 apartments and our Signature Collection residences, we have raised the bar on quality to deliver ingenious, spacious living environments, an unparalleled location and a place to call home for generations to come.

SEVEN DAYS

Bikie inmates accused of ruling prison roost

By Mike WELSH

OUTLAW motorcycle gang members incarcerated at the Alexander Maconochie Centre are ruling the roost.

According to a whistleblower, “an unhealthy association exists between some prison officers and bikies”.

The controversial correctional centre was in lockdown for much of the week after a hole was discovered in the perimeter fence. Authorities feared contraband (possibly firearms) had been smuggled through the breach, triggering a comprehensive search.

According to the whistleblower, who contacted the

• Quality custom framing in the heart of the city

• From posters to fine art, to cricket bats

• Talented & friendly staff

THE recent horrific exposé of an abattoir’s extreme cruelty to retired racehorses on the ABC’s “7.30” program may have pricked the collective conscience of Canberra’s once-a-year horse-racing fans.

According to Canberra animal rights activist group Anti-Speciesist Action Collective, protesting at Thoroughbred Park on Melbourne Cup day: “The crowd was more muted than last year with very few people making eye contact and actively avoiding us”.

The group says a request by management to “move further away” might suggest a “change in the acceptance of the event and the industry”.

THE Berlin wall fell 30 years ago, but large slabs of it stand all over the world, including here in

local buildings has created a dilemma for the Barr government. Around 70 have been identified as possibly being constructed with the dangerous outer layer.

ACT building minister Gordon Ramsay has chosen not to publish details, fearing the buildings could become targets for terrorists and arsonists.

However, as pictured here, a clear sign on the scaffolding around the base of a privately owned building in Civic demolishes Ramsay’s rationale.

THERE has always been plenty of chatter of a very fast train involving the territory. But while talk is cheap, the concept has picked up steam with some major players talking up a high-speed train between Sydney and Canberra.

“Australian Financial Review” economics journalist Matthew Cranston reports: “The chief executive of Australia’s largest property developer, Stockland’s Mark Steinert , has joined calls for the Federal government to commit to funding a Sydney to Canberra high-speed train and other rail projects”.

Narrabundah’s Har monie German Club is one of 237 sites globally displaying a large chunk of the 160-kilometre wall that separated the democratic West from the Communist East from 1961 to 1989.

effectiveness should never be underestimated. A press release to announce a meeting to relaunch the Oxley branch of Neighbourhood Watch fell on deaf media ears. According to Neighbourhood Watch (voluntary) media man Ian McLean, the lack of interest from “the public-spirited local press” was due to “the advent of spring; their pages were filled with the usual seasonal snippets on magpie swooping, hay fever, school holidays, dogs off leashes, and a host of other annual rehashes”.

Ian says next time, a fictional piece along the lines

• Limited edition prints from Canberra and around the world

• Shag, Angelique Houtkamp, Lora Zombie, Handiedan and Rhys Cooper

• Officially licences artworks from Disney and FOX Studios

• Large range of Pop Culture prints based on cult movies and video games

• Large range of Canberra themed prints by Trevor Dickinson, including the bus stop series.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr has undertaken to attempt to get the Commonwealth excited and on board before the next election.

And Canberra Airport’s managing director Stephen Byron , who has “always been positive about a fast rail”, says: “We have it in our masterplan of the airport, available for public consultation.”

WHEN it comes to popular public art, Canberra does not have an enviable record. But that has changed somewhat with the unveiling of the stunning “ONE” sculpture at the University of Canberra. Funded by a gift from Dr Naren Chellappah OAM the selfsupporting, stainless-steel, triangulated structure stands on the western concourse between Buildings 5 and 8.

The work is by Geoffrey Drake-Brockman , chosen from eight artists invited to submit a design.

UC vice-chancellor Prof Deep Saini says the work “best encompassed Dr Chellappah’s values of truth, non-violence, love and peace”.

CANBERRA MATTERS / the bush fire capital

Fires: Has Rattenbury picked the right trees?

LATE in 2018 the Weston Creek Community Council held a public forum for fire experts to provide information about fires in the 21st century. It was really scary stuff.

The realities of what is happening with fires is something we all need to know about given we live in the Bush Capital. Although it may be more accurate to use the 2004 words of Phil Cheney, now retired fire researcher expert with the CSIRO. He described Canberra as “The Bush Fire Capital”. Given the disasters of the 2003 Canberra fires and firestorms along Australia’s east coast and in California, you would hope that the ACT government had an all-of-government approach to fires. We can hope! The ACT government cannot simply plan for the chance that there’s another major fire in Canberra. Things have changed dramatically. It is now a matter of the whole of government and the whole city being prepared for when the next one hits. There is little doubt that it will hap -

The ACT government cannot simply plan for the chance that there’s another major fire in Canberra. Things have changed dramatically.

pen. How soon? No-one really knows but major fires are the new normal.

With this in mind it was puzzling to see Minister Shane Rattenbury release the government’s recommendations on what trees are to be planted within Canberra’s urban areas – with climate change being the main driver for the new listings. Those recommendations included the acceptance of the planting of eucalyptus trees in urban areas.

I absolutely love our gum trees and all the other native trees and shrubs. I love driving through the country and being in the bush settings with forests of eucalyptus trees.

But knowing how these trees burn, it means that being anywhere near a bunch of gums when a fire strikes is not the place to be. The research behind the government’s recommendations is adequate for what it is. It is about identifying the trees for Canberra’s new climate (drier and hotter). It recommends that some of the present urban trees will have

to be replaced with those that could survive the new climate conditions.

All sensible recommendations. Except we need to also ensure that not only do we have trees that will survive and provide the tree cover into the future, but to ensure that the residents of Canberra survive the coming firestorms.

A quick search through the recommended species reveals that other researchers who specialise in fires do not recommend the same for urban areas. Eucalyptus trees are mostly listed as highly flammable and not recommended for urban areas.

From about the 1970s to recent times, urban designers favoured native trees as a matter of ideology. There are suburbs of Belconnen that illustrate this bias in tree planting. Eucalyptus trees dominate the streets. They look absolutely wonderful. But they now pose a threat when those same suburbs will be showered with embers from a nearby firestorm.

For the 21st century with hotter and drier weather and the likelihood of firestorms, the city’s thinking on urban trees must urgently change. The government’s new listings have

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not adequately considered the coming dangers from firestorms.

Our city desperately needs to increase the urban forests to enhance the neighbourhood amenities with less heat-island effect and cooler temperatures. There is also the global need to plant more trees to assist with carbon capture. But this does not mean we should allow the species of trees we plant in Canberra’s suburbs to increase the danger from fires.

The government’s recommendations on trees and shrubbery for the future must be looked at again. While eucalyptus has the ability to regener-

ate after fires, we need to ensure that the city’s residents survive the burning of the gums.

One final point. I would recommend all major community councils follow the lead of Weston Creek and get those fire experts to deliver their evidencebased presentations to ensure more residents are aware of the dangers and are better prepared.

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

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ACT government moribund on cladding fears

INACTION has been the hallmark of the ACT government on flammable cladding. They have known about the problem for the best part of a decade. Government cannot flick the responsibility to private certifiers, the builders, the owners. They do have ultimate responsibility.

The ACT government adopted private certification some time ago – perhaps in the forlorn hope of shafting responsibility to the private sector. In the past such attempts have been futile. Suing Mr Fluffy would never have been successful for home or building owners. In the end, the government stepped in to protect the community.

The same good government stewardship is needed regarding flammable cladding. It is not enough to leave the issues to body corporates to assess the need for remediation. It is not enough to have building owners attempting to sue builders. And it is not enough to allow the private sector to work out the best solution without government guidance.

With the audit identifying 70 at-risk government buildings, how many are there in the private sector that also need to be examined and perhaps remediated?

The ACT government has been sitting on its hands. It has known about this issue since 2010, but even after the Grenfell Tower fires in London in 2017 there has been precious little real action.

It is simply time for regulation. The focus of business is profit and they seek certainty in the market. The focus of the government, first and foremost, is to protect the community.

There are two issues – the flammability of the cladding and the method used to install it. Where it has been installed incorrectly, it allows a fire to spread. This is why the buildingcertification process is so critical, assessment vital and remediation to be applied as appropriate.

In 2017 the ACT government commissioned a taskforce to make an assessment of the dangers. At the time Geoffrey Rutledge, from the taskforce examining government buildings, argued that “Canberra has been relatively untouched by the issues”.

The colourful cladding used on

the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children in Woden was found to be a fire risk. The ACT government eventually committed $1 million to changing the cladding, despite correct installation.

Local real estate identity Christine Shaw has been frustrated by the lack of action by the ACT government. Buyers are now asking if the unit they are considering purchasing is in a complex with flammable cladding.

“A sensible concern,” according to Ms Shaw. She is working with Michael Hopkins, of the Master Builders Association, and Adina Cirson, of the ACT Property Council, to get some government movement on private buildings.

Making a list of government properties available publicly would certainly raise the risk levels for the public servants and others working in these buildings as we live in an age of terrorism. However, it is a different story with private buildings. With the audit identifying 70 at-risk government buildings, how many are there in the private sector that also need to be examined and perhaps remediated?

Attorney-General and Minister for Building and Quality Improvement

Gordon Ramsay has committed to providing a report on the audit committee findings by the end of the year. Just two months away! Let’s hope it is a report that commits to action.

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SHOWTIMES

Fri 15th Nov 7pm Sat 16th Nov 11am,3pm,7pm Sun 17th Nov 11am & 3pm Fri 22nd Nov 7pm Sat 23rd Nov 11am, 3pm,7pm Sun 24th Nov 11am & 3pm Fri 29th Nov 7pm Sat 30th Nov 11am, 3pm, 7pm Sun 1st Dec 11am Only

TICKET

Leaders told: stop neglecting city’s social heart

After seven years leading the ACT Council of Social Service, HELYAR leaves this week for a new role at the ANU. In this farewell piece she regrets not having been able to get politicians to prioritise investment in community services as core infrastructure, as vital as health and education.

AFTER almost seven years advocating for social justice in Canberra one thing that’s clear is that this is not the Canberra of 2013.

Our skyline has filled with apartment blocks while the Molonglo Valley, near the ACTCOSS office, has changed from a mostly bare landscape to one filled with plenty of new housing but not the right mix of social infrastructure to provide the level of amenity older suburbs enjoy.

Many people in the ACTCOSS membership doubt this new Canberra is a city that works well for everyone.

Political debate has caught up to the community with its increased focus on the utility, affordability and accessibility of transport, housing and shops and neighbourhood amenities. There have been good investments and an ambitious agenda for town centres, but we still have a long way to go to deliver the municipal-level social infrastructure – in buildings and in community development workers – that regional centres across the border see as core business.

We need to see more focus on resourcing neighbourhood workers

who can create harmonious places all across the city, not just in locations targeted for “property value uplift”.

Political debate still lags behind the community on vital local services. Every election, Federal and territory, the major parties compete for who is going to be the best investor in health and education. These universal services are, of course, valuable. I would agree a great hospital and a high-quality school are essential for quality of life in our city.

Local community services are just as important, but never get the visibility or support that is their due. Like services that put a meal on the table when the household budget is overwhelmed with rent or mortgage payments as well as a shocking energy or car-repair bill.

Or the family support program when parents split up and the kids need some support beyond the family. Or the community service that comes to meet you when you face a crisis bigger than your family and friends can manage. And the home-care worker who changes your sheets and transports you to appointments

have not been able to get governments or oppositions to prioritise investment in community services as core infrastructure considered as vital as health and education.

Another contrast with the Canberra of 2013 is the erosion of financial security further up the income scale.

The costs of living in this city mean increasing numbers of people can only cope with one or two missing pay periods before looking down the bleak tunnel of homelessness.

Our work with income-support recipients to push to raise the rate of Newstart (a wincingly Orwellian name), youth allowance, sickness allowance and similar payments demonstrated how quickly you use up your savings, find you are unable to meet the most basic costs of living and get caught in a web of debt. Any of us can end up on the slippery dip to addiction, how wide the harms reach and how difficult the financial and emotional recovery is.

Shifting the public debate to focus more on the issues advocated by ACTCOSS has been rewarding. A deeper understanding of housing affordability challenges and the experience of poverty are two things that I’m proud were achieved as a result of the collective advocacy of the whole community sector over the last

Our coming together over housing

BRIEFLY

Trivia night for

CANBERRA’S only dedicated wildlife rescue service ACT Wildlife, a volunteer organisation that cares for orphaned and injured native and animals and birds (wombats, flying foxes, etcetera), is holding a fundraising trivia night at Fenway Public House, 9 Bradley Street, Phillip, 6.30pm-8.30pm, on Thursday, November 21. Tickets are $25 and include a drink and raffle ticket on arrival. Book at eventbrite.com.au

Super fete

CANBERRA Seniors Centre is holding a One Day Super Fete offering a “huge” selection of pre-loved treasures including clothes, books, plants, games, jewellery, cakes, jams, homewares and general bric-a-brac. It’s at 10 Watson Street, Turner, 9am-2pm, Saturday, November 23. Donations in good condition will be accepted at the centre up until Wednesday, November 20. Queries to 6248 9509, or email cseniors@bigpond.com

Brite carols

LADIES of the Gungahlin Day VIEW Club will be entertained by the Brite Notes, whose performance will include Christmas carols, at the club’s next lunch meeting from 11.30am, on Wednesday, November 27. The cost of lunch is $35 and the meeting is open to visitors and prospective members. RSVP to 6262 2556 or 6230 2892 before 9pm on Sunday, November 24.

delivered $100 million for public housing, the biggest per-head-ofpopulation increase of any state or territory in Australia. Tripartisan recognition of the increasing cost-ofliving pressures on low-income Canberrans has led to better investment in concessions, extending subsidies for energy-efficiency improvements and affordable-housing targets in all developments.

As I walk off the public stage, ACTCOSS will, as it always has done, continue to advocate for actions to follow words. Away from the shiny apartment towers around the lakes and beyond the revitalisation of town centres, community advocates will continue to call on the ACT government to grow the infrastructure and human resources that will deliver connectedness, accessibility and fully funded responses to people dealing with difficult circumstances.

If Canberra has a chance of staying as a city we want to live in, then acting on the issues ACTCOSS talks about and our members work on every day, is essential.

Susan Helyar is the outgoing CEO of the ACT Council of Social Service, a peak body that advocates for social justice in the ACT and represents not-for-profit community organisations. Her last day is Friday, November 15.

wildlife

rescuers

New, green taxis to take on Uber

THE ACT has a new, environmentally friendly, government unfriendly taxi service.

ACT AllGreenCabs has been launched as a new taxi service by local and interstate families who, they say, have lost their life savings due to the ACT government flooding the market with new, cheaper taxi licences.

AllGreenCabs will offset all carbon emissions through land-use carbon sequestration projects.

“In fact, we procure over 130 per cent of net emissions making your ride an actual contribution to the solution for the climate change problem,” said managing director Petar Johnson.

Market day

THE Burra Community Association is holding a market day and car boot sale with the promise of buying “unique” handmade Christmas presents and throws from the Burra Quilters plus lots of family activities including a jumping castle, face painting, pat an alpaca and games. At Burra Park, 9am-1pm, on Sunday, November 24.

He said that AllGreenCabs intended to bring customer loyalty back to Canberra taxis and away from Uber through matching rates for Friday and Saturday nights. He accused the ACT government of the “theft” of people’s life savings that were invested in the pre-Uber government-issued taxi plates.

AllGreenCabs can be booked at 6100 1107 or online at allgreencabs.com.au

Hydrotherapy at locations across Canberra

Exercise Physiology group classes and individual consultations

GLA:D Physiotherapy program for hip and knee osteoarthritis

Dietitian consultations for weight loss/gain and pain relief

Occupational therapy to improve daily living challenges

Individual counselling and health education

Pain Support programs, seminars and support groups

All programs can be incorporated into NDIS, DVA and My Aged Care

We accept GP Referrals for Medicare funded allied health services

Most chronic pain conditions respond to exercise and weight loss

Hydrotherapy is proven to lead to reduction in many kinds of chronic pain

People living with pain often suffer from being isolated and we have programs that will lessen this impact

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

LETTERS

Staggering rate rises in a low-interest climate

CHIEF Minister Andrew Barr accuses Opposition Leader Alistair Coe of not being upfront about his values, but is not upfront himself about the ongoing rates rises (“We’re the underdogs, says stay-put Barr”, CN, October 31).

What is the reality? Barr says: “The largest rate increases are now behind us” and “increases into the future will be smaller”. These statements are comical in what they hide.

In a paper on tax reform from the University of Canberra’s Jon Stanhope and Khalid Ahmed, they point out that general rates from 2011-12 to 2017-18 increased at a staggering compounding average annual rate of 15.3 per cent. The paper is available at: thepolicyspace.com.au/2019/18/289heavy-lifting-on-tax-reform

Looking forward to 2022-23, the Budget forecasts have general rates increasing at an annual average rate of 8.7 per cent over 2019. Though less than the average annual rise of 15.3 per cent from earlier years, the authors consider that the rises still to come are “heavy lifting by any standard”.

My own case in a townhouse unit is instructive. Because of a new, unfair calculation method applied to strata-titled properties in 2017-18, my rates in that year went up 38 per cent on the previous year. In 2019-20, my rates went up a further 19 per cent on the previous year! These are compounding rates rises.

From 2011-12 to 2019 -20, my rates have gone up an astounding 161 per cent or 20

per cent per annum. Further significant compounding rates rises are planned for the years ahead as flagged above.

In a low-interest environment, where does Andrew Barr think the money is coming from to pay for these outrageous increases?

Murray May, Cook

Desolate suburbs ‘lack pride and care’

FURTHER to letter writer John Hutchison (“We’ve got the trees, they need time”, CN October 24), I would like to point out that the desolate appearance of Coombs and Wright suburbs can be laid directly at the feet of the ACT government.

When the subdivision was sold up, owners were given a rebate if they “landscaped their gardens”. What the government in its wisdom didn’t make mandatory was that the landscaping should include the nature strip!

Driving around these two suburbs, it is very disappointing to see the lack of pride and care that homeowners have to make their houses attractive to the streetscape.

Given that people in the area obviously don’t “look after” their nature strips, it will be highly unlikely any trees planted by the government will survive! (ie, trees need watering and care).

Peter Davies, via email

Sydney train slower than 50 years ago

ACT Labor has had 18 years to do something about our appallingly slow train service to Sydney. We now have a service that takes longer to cover the distance than it did 50 years ago.

Taking more than four hours to cover 247 kilometres is considerably worse than the rail service in many Third World countries.

Time to throw out Labor and Barr and get the Liberals/Greens to commit to doing something positive about it.

The recent suggestion to move Canberra Railway Station from Kingston to Fyshwick makes little sense, even though it is five minutes closer to Sydney. The Kingston station is accessible for passengers and provides free parking – something you can bet an alternative location won’t do. This suggestion looks suspiciously like another land grab to benefit developers.

A good fast train service would allow commuting between Canberra and Sydney, boost Canberra airport and the local economy, and reduce the pressure on road travel between the two cities. Talgo, the Spanish train company, said it could do the upgrade for $100 million. It seems a no brainer to everyone except our politicians.

Clive Williams, Forrest

Time to think about thorium

I’D just like to make several comments in answer to letter writer Graham Markovitch (CN, October 31) and my old colleague Michael Moore’s recent article on young people (“Time to listen to the concerns of young people”, CN, October 31).

Firstly, if we don’t develop mines like Adani we are condemning 300 million Indians to a continuing life of poverty (or at best greater pollution in their country as they will use dirty brown coal instead of our top-class, cleaner black coal) as well as destroying our own economy in the process.

We cannot go back to the pre-industrial revolution days. We need to adapt and use technology to our advantage.

Michael’s article correctly stresses the need to address the crisis in the bush and I’m delighted to see him take up Michael Jeffery’s innovative and water-saving scheme for regenerative agriculture. I put this scheme to a meeting of about 250 senior ACT public servants and the Chief Minister in 2015 but have heard nothing further since.

I also believe we should listen to all opinions about climate change from any source, but narrow, ill-informed platitudes against Western democracies that are at least trying to address the issue shows Greta (and her colleagues) have

little “future understanding and long-term vision”, as Michael Moore suggests she has.

The fact is, until solar energy (or wind –which kills wildlife) can be stored (batteries only last two hours maximum at present) we need to urgently explore all options and continue to use reliable baseload coal until we can safely transition. It is madness to do otherwise.

Space doesn’t allow me to mention all options, but we need to use our huge reserves of uranium and thorium for power generation, which is clean and reliable 24/7 as well as carbon neutral. Thorium does not have the problematic side issues of uranium such as high cost to develop and disposal of waste.

Also you can’t make a bomb with Thorium and the plants are much smaller, cheaper and only take one sixth of the time to build (about two years) and produce just as much, if not more energy. I would happily have one in my backyard.

Bill Stefaniak, Narrabundah

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

Hi, I’m Alicia, your new Member for Canberra.

Each month I’ll be holding catch-ups around the electorate and would love to see you there.

Braddon Coffee Catch-Up Rye, Lonsdale Street

10:30-11:30 am, Wednesday 20 November

O’Connor Coffee Catch-Up

The Duxton, O’Connor Shops

10:00-11:00am, Saturday 30 November

Fyshwick Coffee Catch-Up

Deli Planet, Fyshwick Markets

9:30-10:30am, Thursday 12 December

Majura Park Street Stall

Woolworths entrance, Majura Park

10:00-11:00am, Saturday 14 December

Or otherwise, feel free to contact me anytime at alicia.payne.mp@aph.gov.au or 6277 4168.

ALICIA PAYNE MP - MEMBER FOR CANBERRA

Regardless if you are an individual or a Business, Falcon Legal can help.

Serving the West Belconnen community, Falcon Legal is conveniently located next to Kippax Shopping Centre. Free Parking is available or it’s just a 2-minute walk from the Kippax Bus interchange.

We can assist in all areas of law, from buying or selling a house, drafting your will, commercial leasing, probate or resolving your family law issues.

Flexible appointments are available, including Saturdays, by appointment just give us a call.

INDIAN ACCENT RESTAURANT

‘I love Canberra. The people have been so loyal to my restaurants.’

Chef Venkatesh returns home with a new Accent

AFTER a brief stint in Queensland, chef Venkatesh Ramachandran is back in town, bringing his distinctive and popular Indian cuisine to his newly rebranded restaurant on West Row, Civic, called Indian Accent.

Known for his passion for cooking regional dishes and his warm hospitality, Venkatesh has called Canberra home for 30 years, putting his stamp on a number of restaurants over this time.

He says he has recently re-acquired ownership of the Copper Chimney restaurant in the Melbourne Building and is excited to launch the restaurant under a new name and management.

The meaning behind the name is a nod to the regional diversity of the people of India and regional cuisines and flavours.

“In India, every state has its own dialect. With over 300 languages spoken, it’s com mon to hear someone’s accent and know immediately what region they come from,” says Venkatesh who was born in the south of India and has family living in Bombay.

Indian Accent also offers in addition to their a la carte menu, an Indian-style tapas menu or a degustation-style menu and takeaway.

loyal to my restaurants in the past and I look forward to welcoming old and new customers again to the new restaurant,” says Venkatesh.

hotels in India before Venkatesh moved to Canberra. He says that together they make a great team in the kitchen.

Accent caters for weddings and functions from 50 to 500 people. They also have a private dining room that can seat up to 40 people.

Venkatesh says that the same applies to Indian cuisine, as there are particular flavours and spices that are distinct to each region.

Venkatesh says that Indian Accent has a range of authentic recipes from across the country and prides himself on signature dishes

Venkatesh says that Indian food lends itself well to vegetarians and also offers plenty of vegan options. Indian Accent is able to cater to any dietary requests.

“All our curries are gluten free and the meat we use is halal,” says Venkatesh.

An important part of Venkatesh’s team for more than 30 years has been chef Manojan Karikkattil, who remains as chef at Indian Accent, after heading up the previous restaurant for the past 10 years.

Manojan has worked with Venkatesh in all of his restaurants, including in five-star

“Manojan is such a loyal employee, he’s become a member of the family and a close friend,” he says.

Venkatesh enjoys visiting his mother in Bombay every year and gets inspired by what he experiences there, bringing new ideas and inspiration home with him, including the decorative artefacts in the restaurant. Indian

“Office Christmas lunches are a great way to enjoy a banquet in our private dining room and have a special celebration,” says Venkatesh.

Indian Accent, 24 West Row, Melbourne Building, Canberra. Visit indianaccentrestaurant.com.au or call 6162 1845 for reservations or enquiries.

BEAT THE HEAT

Cool ideas to get through the hot summer

WITH the Bureau of Meteorology predicting aboveaverage daytime temperatures across most of the country this summer, it’s never been a better time to ensure the home is ready to beat the heat.

BOM also says that between December and February, nights will be warmer than average, too.

To help Canberrans get through these increasingly warmer temperatures, “CityNews” speaks to businesses with a dedication to keeping their customers cool.

“It creates a track close to the window which helps keep warm or cool air inside and allows for a smaller stack when open. Roz says EVO has developed new track sections that incorporate a sleek and “invisible” pelmet system,

And, she says they have accessories, too, and offer a free measure and quote.

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

Duncan’s has many options to stay cool

DUNCAN’S Plumbing offers a full range of heating and cooling options, with reverse cycle air conditioning a specialty and ideal for Canberra’s climate, says owner Jason Duncan.

“We will supply and fit the correctsized unit for the application, supply precast bases and supports, and take care of all drainage and electrical connections,” he says.

“We can also install evaporative cooling and only use the best quality products with excellent after sales service.”

To ensure your evaporative cooler is operating at its best, Duncan’s Plumbing and the coolers’ manufacturers

Duncan’s Plumbing is licensed for both the ACT and NSW, and its tradesmen in the field are in constant contact via mobile and an internet-based SMS service, providing flexible, reliable assistance.

“Our maintenance services include all plumbing and drainage,” he says.

“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.”

“SAVE ON COOLING COSTS THIS SUMMER!”

Insulated blinds are key for a cool home

BLINDS and curtains that provide insulation are ideal for keeping homes cool this summer, says BMAC Window Furnishings owner Ben McCallum.

“People tend to think that the best way to insulate is by using blackout curtains but there are so many great products available,” says Ben, who started BMAC Window Furnishings with his wife Allana seven years ago from a home office, which has since grown to a showroom in Queanbeyan with 10 staff.

“As well as curtains, honeycomb blinds do a great job, with hexagonal shaped cells that hold air in the pockets, keeping homes cool in summer, warm in winter and reducing energy bills [too].

“Verosol silverscreen blinds are [also] popular because the metallic fabric offers effective heat control [and] they’re translucent so people can still enjoy their outlook.”

Ben also recommends external awnings for added cooling in the summer.

“Rather than canvas, which tends to ‘sweat’, we suggest Vistaweave, which allows the area to breathe and circulate air, as well as providing heat reduction,” he says.

“Folding arm awnings extend the outdoor living space and can be used over an outdoor area for shade when needed.”

Automation of blinds has been in high demand, too, according to Ben, who loves the Somfy smartphone ap plication, which allows users to set timers and even close blinds from their phone while they’re away or at work.

But BMAC Window Furnishings doesn’t just offer window treatments for the home, it also caters for commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, government

BMAC Window Furnishings, 1/5 Penney Place, Queanbeyan East. Call 6285 1717, email info@bmacwindowfurnishings. com.au or visit bmacwindowfurnishings.com.au

System with ‘double’ the heat protection benefits

WITH summers getting hotter, Solace Creations’ owner Karen Porter recommends keeping the heat out with TwinGlaze, an easy-to-fit, cost effective and efficient way to get the benefits of double glazing.

“Sorting out the windows [with TwinGlaze, a retrofit system that can be easily fitted into existing window frames] is an insurance policy for keeping the family cool,” Karen says

“It’s quick and easy to install, with no mess, and perfect for houses less than 20 years old.”

Karen says proper insulation is more effective than just blasting the air con, but people tend to forget about insulating their windows and doors.

“Excessive use of air con is no good for the environment but with double glazing you won’t need to use it as much,” she says.

“TwinGlaze cuts down on the loss of cool air inside and in turn saves you money, while giving you a more comfortable house in the summer.”

By insulating the whole building, the home will be warm in winter, cool in summer, quiet and with no draughts, says Karen.

“If homes have a particularly brutal west side, the TwinGlaze glass can also reflect the heat back out, which keeps the home cool,” she says.

“The bonus is that your energy bills will be low and the planet will benefit - as well as your bank account.”

Call TwinGlaze on 6190 1011 or email canberra@twinglaze.com.au

At the Sri Lanka Festival, Yarralumla

At MLC Old Collegians’ Club’s 65th anniversary, Ainslie

At the Canberra Business Chamber gala dinner,

At the fall of the Berlin Wall’s 30th celebration

SUPER CHANGES, WHAT'S NEW NOW? CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Mel was told at work there had been some changes that might affect her superannuation and came by to see if there was anything she needed to do.

“There are a few changes this year, so I'll give you a rundown and let’s see what you might need to do, if anything," I told her.

"The first change that might impact is in relation to insurance. If you have an account that is not receiving regular contributions from you, that account is deemed inactive if it has not received any contributions or rollovers for more than 16 months.

"Accordingly, you might hear from the fund telling you that the insurance could be cancelled, but you do have the choice of retaining your insurance even if you are not making regular contributions to that fund.

“If you have an inactive account and the balance is less than $6000, the account will be automatically transferred to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The ATO will then match it to one of your active superannuation accounts and transfer that balance .”

Mel said she did have a couple of superannuation accounts with small balances that she had been planning to leave as they were so she could perhaps choose the best one going forward.

"Mel, I think with these new changes, now is the time to make that decision and I can help you make it," I advised her.

"One of the other good things about low-balance accounts is that your fees are capped at 3 per cent a year.

"There is another change that could be useful for you as your total superannuation balance was less than $500,000 at June 30.

"You can carry forward your unused concessional contributions from previous years. The concessional contribution limit is $25,000 and will be deductible to either you or your employer depending on whether you make the contribution or you salary sacrifice it.

"The unused concessional limits lapse at the end of five years. The starting period date is July 1, 2018, so you won’t be able to take advantage of this five-year carry forward just yet.

"Another issue, while it doesn't affect you now, is that the minimumage pension age will be increased until it becomes 67 on July 1, 2023. But it is quite possible that it will be increased again by the time you retire, so I wouldn’t be making early retirement plans yet.”

I told her that her employer was currently paying the 9.5 per cent superannuation guarantee into her super fund and that this was scheduled to increase to 10 per cent on July 1, 2021, and then increase in 0.5 per cent increments up to 12 per cent by 2025.

"However, there are no guarantees that this will happen,” I said.

“You can, of course, make personal superannuation contributions up to a maximum of $25,000, which includes you employer's contribution.

"If you make personal contributions within the cap they are deductible, so you would receive an increased refund. This is smart to do when you are young as the compounding effect will produce a higher balance when you retire. This may prove to be important if you take time out of the workforce.”

Mel left the office armed with my advice and excited about her future.

If you need clarification of any superannuation issues 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.

PUZZLES PAGE

Joanne Madeline Moore

Your week in the stars – November 18-24, 2019

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Your restless Ram nature is drawn to travel, where you can soak up different languages, lifestyles and cultures. This week is a terrific time to satisfy your wanderlust, as vivacious Venus links up with adventurous Jupiter and you enjoy a heavenly holiday, a weekend getaway or a catch-up (in person or online) with a friend or relative from foreign shores. With your ruler Mars moving into Scorpio, you’ll soak up new experiences in an intense and deeply meaningful way.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

This week Jupiter and Venus (your power planet) boost romantic prospects and business potential. And the more creatively you communicate with loved ones, the more satisfying the week will be. Attached Taurus – it’s a wonderful week to be more patient and passionate with your partner. Sick of being single? Don’t accept second (or third) best. Have the confidence and conviction to wait for your soul mate. On the weekend, let your intuition point you in the right direction.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Your ruling planet Mercury has been retrograde for the last three weeks, so stress levels have been high and patience low. But things gradually improve from mid-week onwards, when Mercury finally moves forwards. Hopefully you’ve learnt some valuable lessons – like slowing down and calming yourself within. Be inspired by actress (and birthday great) Goldie Hawn: “The ability to remain calm and focused in stressful situations is central to making positive decisions.”

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Mercury moves forwards on Wednesday, which improves all kinds of communication. So you’ll be drawn to enjoyable hobbies, people and places. A child’s talent blossoms, a new friendship flourishes or a burgeoning romance progresses to a deeper level. So expect a busy week full of pleasing partnerships, convivial conversations and colourful creativity. The weekend looks wonderful courtesy of a work opportunity, an outdoor adventure or a favourite four-legged companion.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

In the words of Madonna (an uber-Leo) it’s time to “Express yourself!” Cat creativity is high as the Sun, Venus and Jupiter stimulate your fertile imagination. Lions love putting on a spectacular show and, with Mars and Mercury stimulating your domestic zone, it’s a wonderful weekend to play Domestic Goddess (or Master Chef) and entertain family and/or friends at home. You’re feeling positive as you focus on big dreams, grand schemes and stylish shenanigans.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Thank goodness Mercury (your patron planet) finally moves forwards on Wednesday! So Thursday onwards is a terrific time for versatile Virgos to post, publish, talk, text and tweet up a storm. There’s also much satisfaction to be gained from contributing your specific talents to a worthy cause within your local community. The weekend is fabulous for fraternising with neighbours, family and friends. The more generous and inclusive you are, the more fun you’ll have.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Stylish Librans appreciate quality and adore living in the lap of luxury, but don’t overdo it or you’ll end up being the most beautiful bankrupt on the block! This week Mars shifts into (and Mercury starts moving forwards in) your money/selfesteem zone. So it’s time to get your finances in order, plus be true to the authentic you. Draw inspiration from birthday great, actress Goldie Hawn: “I want to dig deep and ask – Who am I? What do I have to offer? What do I have to learn?”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Have you been lacking energy and inspiration? This week dynamic Mars shifts into Scorpio on Tuesday, and then Mercury moves forwards in your sign on Wednesday. So it’s full steam ahead as your motivation and passion start to return in spades. On the weekend, spend time savouring the splendour of the natural world. As entertainer (and birthday great) Bjork observes: “Nature is our chapel.” A lucky business or financial opportunity could also come your way.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

When it comes to a current problem, things are more complex than they appear and it will take time to get to the bottom of the situation. So slow down and look for the subtleties beneath the surface gloss. The Sun shifts into your sign (on Friday) which boosts your prima-donna tendencies. So strive to be creative and confident – rather than bossy and overbearing. Sunday is one of the most fortunate days of the year, when Venus and Jupiter turbo-charge love, loot and luck.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Aim to be more proactive, especially when it comes to networking with colleagues. But don’t let annoying disruptions and minor matters get to you. No one wants to be around a grumpy Goat! Instead of brooding when other people don’t automatically understand what you want, tell them exactly what you need. And learn to delegate, de-stress and de-compress. Take some time off so you can enjoy doing the things you love. No one (not even a capable Capricorn) is indispensable.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Proactive Mars moves into your public spotlight zone (on Tuesday) which encourages you to shake up your reputation, take a calculated risk and reach for the stars. Then Mercury moves forwards (on Wednesday) which releases some of the blocks that were preventing you from reaching your professional potential. It’s not all about you though! If you are involved with a group, class, club or organisation, be inclusive and make sure everyone gets the chance to have their say.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Over the last three weeks has retro Mercury muddled your mind? This week Mercury moves forwards plus Venus, Jupiter and the Sun revitalise your work zone. So stop being distracted by dead-end detours and instead, get yourself some firm direction. Let your talents sparkle and shine for the world to see. There’s no time for excuses or Piscean procrastination! The Universe is offering you a cosmic compass and a celestial confidence boost, so make sure you use them.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2019

9 Name an Australian Test cricketer, noted as a batsman and Test captain, Allan ... (6)

10 What is a desire for food or drink? (8)

11 To convert into bone, is to do what? (6)

12 What is a more common term for a cicatrix? (4)

13 Name a lofty mountain system in South America. (5)

16 What are short metrical compositions combining words and music? (5)

19 Name the acronym of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries. (4)

21 What are pieces of evidence that prove people were elsewhere? (6)

22 Name the eleventh sign of the zodiac. (8)

23 The title “Sir” means the recipient is a what? (6)

24 Which low-grade iron ore is found in the region of Lake Superior, USA? (8)

25 What do we call a believer in one god? (6)

2 Name a renowned Australian golfer who was a British and Australian Open champion, Peter ... (7)

3 What do we call a nurse who assists women in childbirth? (7)

4 Name farm animals found wandering at large. (6)

5 What are bolides or shooting stars called? (7)

6 What do we call one who is skilled in an industrial or applied craft? (7)

7 Which term describes a moving force? (7)

13 In which US city were the 1996 Olympic Games held? (7)

14 To be no longer operative, is to be what? (7)

15 What is the highest singing voice in women and boys? (7)

17 Name another term for an aperture. (7)

18 Which Japanese women are trained to entertain men with singing? (7)

20 What is a small chest or box, as for jewels? (6)

Michael Jackson, bottles and bull RICHARD CALVER

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Festival comes face-to-face with controversy

By Helen Musa

IT’S the spectacular use of concrete, rectangular forms, large sheets of glass and boldly composed windows that immediately strike visitors to Canberra.

And it is these 20th century Brutalist-style buildings that are among the national capital’s glories, including Colin Madigan’s National Gallery and High Court of Australia; the Embassy of Switzerland, designed by Swiss architect Hans Peter Bauer, and the Cameron Offices in Belconnen.

This year the DESIGN Canberra festival has chosen to turn the spotlight on a living architect, John Andrews, whose designs for the Cameron Offices in Belconnen and the Callam Offices in Woden courted controversy in their time.

There’s even a John Andrews Photography Competition in which entrants were asked to explore Canberra’s design identity and the festival’s 2019 theme of “Utopia” through his architecture.

A Harvard master’s graduate known for his large “megastructures”, such as the King George Tower in Sydney and the Canadian National Tower in Toronto, Andrews also designed more modest structures such as Gund Hall at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

His buildings are rarely simple skyscrapers, but often low and spread horizontally

within a geometric structure.

After a 12-year dazzling career in Canada, Andrews and his family returned to Australia when he was offered the job to design the Cameron Offices. By the mid-1970s he had re-established himself in Australia and in 1980, was a juror on the Parliament House, Canberra competition.

Although initially briefed that Cameron Offices should be five, 15-storey buildings to accommodate 4000 public servants, Andrews inveigled the National Capital Development Commission into letting him create instead “something that was peopleoriented, that had the fabric of a city, with main streets and back alleys and gardens.”

“It was the biggest job ever built in Australia at the time – a million square feet – it was a city, not a building,” he is quoted as saying.

The Cameron Offices gained high recognition and were listed on the Australian Heritage Commissioner’s Register of the National Estate and on the RAIA’s list of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture, but later a Federal government spokesperson dismissed them, saying they were “dysfunctional and did not meet health and safety requirements”.

Bureaucratic intervention also plagued the Callam Offices, designed for a floodplain in the wake of the 1971 Woden flood and the first example in Australia of an office building where the complete perimeter structure is supported by suspension cables.

The initial design was for 26, threestorey, 30-metre-wide octagonal office pods extending north and south along Callam Street, elevated above the floodplain, but government cutbacks meant the full complex

was not built, although three “pods” were later constructed for the Woden TAFE facility. Anderson is alive, well and active, having enjoyed a long period living with his family on a property near Eugowra in the central west of NSW.

He’ll be in town to take part in a conversation with Tim Ross, from the ABC series “Streets of Your Town”.

Other highlights include:

• “Depth of Field: John Andrews in Canberra,” a photographic exhibition taking a fresh look at his Canberra buildings. East Space 44/40 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, noon-5pm, until November 24. Free.

• Concurrently at East Space until November 24 is “The Practical Outsider”, in which Tim Ross examines Andrews’ legacy through short documentary interviews, finding him

Waiting in The Wings

WRITTEN BY: NOËL COWARD

“a straight-shooting pragmatist”.

• At the same venue, also until November 24, the winning works in the 2019 Photography Competition will be on show, presenting different perspectives on Andrews’ architecture.

• On Saturday, November 16, 9am-1pm, a team of architecture enthusiasts will guide a John Andrews bus tour. Pick-up and dropoff from Civic Square. Bookings essential. All the while that festival favourite “Living Rooms” will allow members of the public to explore the living rooms of Canberra houses that employ the concepts of “Utopia” and “Imagined Futures”. From 11am to 3.30pm November 17 and 24.

DESIGN Canberra, various venues, until November 24. Program and booking links at designcanberrafestival.com.au

“Coward was a playwright of superior taste, wit and feeling. Those attributes are amply displayed in Waiting in The Wings which gently skirts stereotypes and treads lightly outside the door of sentimentality — only occasionally poking its head in for a look”

A humorous and moving story about

and courage. The arrival at The Wings of a new resident piques rivalries between the former greats as they rekindle memories from the past.

MUSICAL THEATRE

Simon says the world’s a much crazier place

By Helen Musa

“I LOVE doing it in Canberra,” says actor Simon Burke of the Sydney Theatre Company’s latest instalment of The Wharf Revue, subtitled “Unr-Dact-D”, written by that old gang of Wharfies, Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott.

He probably loves doing it anywhere. After all, he gets to play what he describes as “a conga line of monsters”: Scomo, Mark Latham, Alan Jones, Julian Assange and Boris Johnson – “a wig works wonders in that role,” he says.

This is the third time round with the Wharfies for Burke, but officially it’s only his second. In 2013, he filled in when one of the team was having a sabbatical and this year he’s been engaged to replace Biggins while he’s doing “The Gospel According To Paul”. Unexpectedly last year, Burke had two days’ notice to learn the whole show when Forsythe was rushed to hospital for an operation.

This year, for the first time he can remember, instead of having just one female actor with “the boys” there will be two – Lena Cruz and Helen Dallimore with Andrew Worboys as Mr Music.

“It’s great having a slightly bigger cast of two women, it has a different kind of feel,” Burke says.

Mind you, there are a couple of “pretty brutal, sombre moments” and a moving tribute by Forsythe to the late Bob Hawke, but for the larger part, its broad comedy and very funny.

He’s got a pretty big workload this time round. In the Scomo number, for instance, he has to do a five-minute straight patter song, of which he says: “There’s no room to breathe.”

Oh, yes, and he’s also playing Tony Abbott.

“This year we seem to be pulling focus on how Australia, Great Britain and the US are going in terms of their leaders,” he says.

“The world is a much crazier place

Burke as UK PM Boris Johnson…

wig works wonders in that role,” he says.

and with the interest in Brexit, Trump and China stuff, it’s probably a more international revue than the normal ones.”

Mind you, the pull of Pauline Hanson and the message that “Pauline’s back” gives a distinctively Australian feel to the parts where she appears, portrayed by Drew Forsythe so accurately that when I heard Hanson speaking recently on radio, I just assumed it was Forsythe

“It’s worth the price of the ticket just to see Drew as Pauline,” Burke says.

In 2019 the conga line makes its way into a spoof on “Cabaret”, with Alan Jones as the MC and Mark Latham singing “Maybe This Time” from the musical, in which you think he might be mastering his anger, but then he loses it in the end.

Another great scene sees Julian Assange and George Pell dancing to “The Cellblock Tango” from Chicago, with Dallimore playing Matron Mama Morton.

Under duress, Burke reveals what the really dark sketch is – it’s about Aung San Suu Kyi.

“So many people loved her, but she turned out to be different from what they thought – it’s the most powerful, the most powerful moment in the show, it’s the climax,” Burke says.

“The Wharf Revue 2019: Unr-Dact-D”, The Playhouse, November 12-23. Book at canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm,

Five stars for a pinnacle film

“Pain and Glory” (M)

SINCE “Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” (1988), Pedro Almodovar’s name has been a byword for films frankly telling about aspects of the human condition that most people consider to be nobody else’s business but their own.

This probably autobiographical film is possibly the pinnacle to date of his 25 features. It’s beautiful to the eye, challenging to the intellect, emotionally confronting. Its relaxed style contrasts with its uncompromising theme, of a filmmaker still disturbed by memories of the film he made three decades earlier that destroyed a relationship with its star.

In childhood, Salvador (Asier Flores) does not wish to get the seminary education that his pious mother (Penelope Cruz) hopes will lead him to priesthood. Poor almost beyond belief, they have found living space in a cave to which illiterate Eduardo (Cesar Vicente) will later come to refurbish in return for little Salva’s teaching him to read.

Four decades later, filmmaker Salva is blighted by significant health issues, a fondness for heroin and the need to renew a professional acquaintance with Alberto (Asier Etxeandia). In Salva’s breakthrough film two decades earlier Alberto’s performance did not please Salva. Now, the Cinematheque has invited both men, who had been lovers then, to a retrospective screening of that film.

“Pain and Glory’s” structure moves deftly to and fro between Salva’s childhood and maturity. Once the screenplay lays down the story’s basic parameters, it becomes almost a repertory piece, as Salva confronts his past, his current life, the little-known condition called Forestier’s Syndrome that is adding another element to an already long list of health problems.

Antonio Banderas’s performance playing the adult Salva is unlike any I can remember from him, more subtle and altogether better.

At Dendy and Palace Electric

“Last Christmas” (PG)

IN a London arcade, Santa (the winsome Michelle Yeoh) is the proprietor of a shop selling tatty Christmas stuff year round. Her only employee is Kate (Emilia Clarke, probably best known for Daenerys in “Game of Thrones”), daughter of Yugoslavian refugees Ivan (Boris

Antonio Banderas in “Pain and Glory”... “his performance is unlike any I can remember from him, more subtle and altogether better,” says Dougal Macdonald.

Isakovic) and Petra (Emma Thompson).

In her thirties, Kate is the archetypal daffy blonde who still hasn’t worked out what she wants from life.

How does it stack up against 2003’s “Love Actually”? Well, were it not for Emma Thompson, the comparison might have been much more odious, less for her performance here of a somewhat bypassed wife and mother than for the brittle, clever, razor sharp, pointed wit with which she wrote the screenplay that she sent on spec to director Paul Feig.

“Last Christmas” turns out to be a subtle yet merciless, loosely disguised satire on Christmas mercantilism, interwoven with a poignant romantic thread involving Kate and the mysterious Tom (Henry Golding). It’s had a mixed reception in the UK since its release there as well as here. I liked it well enough, but it’s rather a curate’s egg – good in parts, less so in others.

At all cinemas

“Happy Sad Man” (M)

DO you know a man living with mental illness? Do him a kindness. Take him to see Australian documentarist Genevieve Bailey’s film telling about four men who are living with mental illness and one man who’s doing something to help.

“Happy Sad Man” doesn’t balk at difficult issues. I cannot imagine how watching it

CONVERSION

might affect people, men especially but very likely also women, who are enduring mental health issues. Different strokes for different folks. People not suffering a mental illness will probably not find it disquieting. It confronts, in a different, less artificial, way, the issue underlying currently-screening feature film “Joker”. Its men are in general disarmingly accepting of their conditions. But what about people with undiagnosed mental illness, or who are too embarrassed to seek help?

The film begins with John who lives alone in the outback and acknowledges that he has a mental illness. John pops up through the film. TV cameraman Jake has seen and recorded the horrors of war. Artist David is busy trying to market a fragrance embodying the smells of his beloved dachshund. Grant spends his life surfing.

Those four blokes speak candidly about themselves. So does Ivan, who works helping men and their families to deal with the life burdens they are carrying. The world needs more Ivans. And we’re going to need more. Bailey’s film, costing relatively little to highlight their plights without showy production values, is more than just a message movie. A decaying environment, loneliness, an inability to cope, these are important harbingers of mental ill-health.

At Palace Electric

Of Michael Jackson and what’s behind big bottles

RECENT holiday reading was a large volume of wine writing, “Wine Reads” edited by Jay McInerney, the awardwinning US novelist.

I lugged this book all the way to China and back. But it was worthwhile because the collection is entertaining and informative, albeit presenting more questions than answers, as I will explain.

An extract from “The Secret Society” about the author Bianca Bosker’s immersion in the ways of sommeliers training to become Master Sommeliers had me laughing out loud. She described a mnemonic for remembering bottle size: “Michael Jackson Really Makes Small Boys Nervous”.

The first letters represent the various sizes of wine bottles above the standard 750 ml bottle that is the norm. The piece didn’t tell me the number of standard bottles that each description represents or the meaning of or rationale for the Old Testament Biblical names, so I followed up on my return home. Every story needs a who, what, why, how and where.

First, the various sizes as expressed in the mnemonic are as follows: Magnum – 2 standard bottles; Jeroboam – one size for sparkling, 4 bottles and for still wine 4.5; Rehoboam – sparkling only, 6 bottles; Methuselah – 8 bottles or 6 litres; Salmanazar – 12 bottles; Balthazar – 16 bottles; Nebuchadnezzar – 20 bottles.

One source said that in addition there are three other larger sizes, all also named after Biblical figures: Melchior (18 litres), Solomon (21 litres),

Wine columnist RICHARD CALVER wonders what’s the meaning or rationale for the Old Testament Biblical names for varying bottle sizes, so he set off in search of the who, what, why, how and where.

and Melchizedek (30 litres).

I verified that the production of a Melchizedek bottle was not a fantasy: a story in “Pilcrow” magazine, an American publication, spoke of Portland Wine Cellars, Oregon, displaying a Melchizedek of champagne for a number of years. But one day when the owner of the store was absent “for seemingly no reason, the bottle suddenly exploded”. The explosion was caught on CCTV footage, stills of which the magazine published.

The derivation of the exotic names is challenging and is more conjecture than fact. In essence, the “how” and the “why” (of the differently sized bottles’ naming) is unclear and nothing at all is known about the “who”.

A columnist in the Jewish magazine “Mosaic” looked into this issue deeply. He concludes that “Jeroboam was the original biblical king to lend his name to a wine bottle” and that “the other biblical names were imitations of this, probably humorously intended”. Yes, but no as we say in Australia – not funny, really.

And this supposition also begs the question of why Jeroboam, an Israelite monarch mentioned in the “Book of Kings”, was originally associated with wine and bottle size.

The “Mosaic” columnist puts it down to word confusion in the English language that then sparked a trailing Biblical theme. He speculates that

ARTS IN THE CITY

there was an English word “jorum”, older than “jeroboam”, that denoted a large drinking bowl. This word was then taken to come from the name of the biblical character of Joram. Sometime in the 18th century, a biblically knowledgeable wit took the name of Jeroboam, which bore a resemblance to Joram, and applied it to a drinking bowl, too, or perhaps to an even larger one. In time, “jeroboam” began to represent not only a very large bowl but also a very large bottle and, eventually, a bottle one up in size from a magnum. While the article is intensely scholarly, the explanation seems extraordinarily speculative.

But other sources are equally vague and almost patronising. For example, the winespectator website believes that each name denotes an extended metaphor but without in any way substantiating this proposition.

For example, in explaining why Balthazar was given its name the following is said: “Balthazar was a Babylonian king who drank some wine out of holy chalices from a temple and incurred God’s wrath.

“While Balthazar was partying, the Persians invaded and the Babylonians lost power. This might be a reminder of what can unravel as you’re getting to the bottom of a bottle that big.”

And it might not. What piffle. The answer is no one knows and we should be honest enough to say so.

white chaco, braddon

Small place, big flavours

dishes up amazing food to around 30 customers at a time. It’s small in size but mighty big on flavours.

We risked it, knowing the place is packed most of the time. Luck was by our side and we managed to get a seat (best to reserve, though) in the narrow restaurant towards the back, even though it was the weekend. We were happy.

There’s no pretension here and White Chaco has been smart to keep its prices super reasonable, wanting customers to flock back time and time again. And they do.

The menu focuses on Asian fusion and there wasn’t a dish we didn’t celebrate.

The seared salmon sashimi was sensational ($18.90) with fresh wasabi and kombu soy. So simple but soul satisfying.

Don’t go past the crunchy, smoky popcorn chicken ($11.90) – created with marinated chicken thighs, malt sugar and soy coating, sesame and almond. It’s a fun dish (don’t fret, the chicken isn’t greasy) and beautifully spiced.

Love spicy, mouth-numbing Sichuan pepper? Several dishes feature this amazing and very important spice.

The vegetarian eggplant and tofu dish, with grilled leek, edamame, coriander, savoy Sichuan sauce, was to die for and immediately addictive

Precinct plans open for comment

By Helen Musa

QUEANBEYAN-Palerang Regional Council has released concept designs for the Queanbeyan Civic and Cultural Precinct for public exhibition and comment. Forty per cent of the precinct at 257 Crawford Street, will be focused on community and cultural purposes, with linkages to The Q and the Bicentennial Hall. Comments to yourvoice.qprc.nsw.gov.au

ACE Canberra pianist Edward “Teddy” Neeman will join violinist and new Canberran, Dan Russell, of the Phoenix Collective, in a recital of violin and piano sonatas by Delius and Elgar, then “The Lark Ascending” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. At Larry Sitsky Recital Room, 7pm, November 21. Book at trybooking.com

CANBERRA artist Julie Aston will exhibit her small, whimsical sculptures in “The Gathering”, opening at 23 Goodparla Street, Hawker, 4pm on November 23 and continuing 10am-

Beaver) says “it’s time” – time for her to focus on rehabilitating 40 acres of burnt forest and time for a new generation to take over the galleries. Inquire at 0487 679422.

A concept design for the proposed Queanbeyan Civic and Cultural Precinct.

5pm daily until December 1. Aston and sculptor husband Alan were in the news in 2010 when Alan’s herd of sculpted zebras “grazing” on the edge of Lake George caused a brouhaha.

CANBERRA composer Michael Dooley celebrates his 60th birthday in a two-evening musical feast at Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest. The first course on Friday, November

22, is classical, with the Llewellyn Choir and soloists, while the second the following day is more jazz and gospel-flavoured. Book for both at trybooking.com

After 50 years of running Narek Galleries, first in Canberra and Tharwa, then in a church on the road to Tathra and finally in Bermagui, curator and owner Karen O’Clery (nee

A “GOODBYE – Hello” note has arrived from Canberra Wind Symphony which, after five seasons, will change its name to Australian Wind Symphony to become a national touring ensemble. The orchestra of wind musicians will launch in mid-2020, but in the meantime it’s doing some fundraising. Donations to armchairphilanthropy.com.

SYDNEY Consort’s last concert for the year is a tribute to the late Canberra viola d’amore player Ross Mitchell. “Double Trouble” is a display of Biber, JS Bach and Vivaldi on viola d’amores and baroque violins. At Wesley Music Centre, 3pm, Sunday, November 17. Book at trybooking.com or at the door.

($16.90). The eggplant was not too firm but certainly not gluggy.

Also huge on taste is the Sichuan bao, created with slow-cooked beef, chili mayo, Chinese fritter, spring onion and spiced peanuts, for that allimportant bit of crunch ($13.90). The steamed buns were soft and beautifully presented in a bamboo basket, with bright green sprigs of fresh coriander dancing on top of each bao.

White Chaco also comes through with an impressive selection of rice and ramen dishes, including a double-smoked eel ($22.90) that would be fab to try on our next visit – and there will be a next visit. Our bet is that the black ramen ($18.90) – pork broth and black sesame paste, with wakame, lava egg, smoked chashu, fungus and shitake – would be divine. The wine list is great and as reasonably priced as the food. We enjoyed every sip of Mr Smith chardonnay from Tumbarumba.

White Chaco’s service is as smart as its food line-up. Fast and efficient but never rushed. Smiles all round and the confidence that comes with knowing White Chaco delivers. Staff know the food well and are ready to answer questions or make recommendations. The décor at White Chaco is simple but well thought through. Dark tones, dark furniture and intriguing artwork inside. Limited seating outside.

White Chaco, G10/27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Open for lunch-dinner Monday; closed Tuesday; dinner Wednesday; lunch and dinner Thursday to Sunday.

WENDY JOHNSON

GARDENING

Do you want to get out of the house and meet new people?

We provide engaging mental, social and physical activities that help our Clients to stay in touch with the community including: reminiscing, current affairs, craft, music, games, exercises, visits by entertainers and places of interest. We would love you to join us!

North Belconnen Day Centre is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health under the CHSP program.

0481 185 205 | nbdc.org.au

30 Conley Drive, Melba, ACT 2615

(located within the North Belconnen Uniting Church building)

Clematis thrives on neglect

CLEMATIS is a magnificent climber that thrives almost on neglect.

Its European name originates from the Greek klematis referring to climbing plants, although they are native to China where they have grown wild for centuries.

There are about 295 species in the genus of clematis, with many hundreds of cultivars constantly being bred. Almost all clematis originate from Clematis florida (nothing to do with the US) from China. Interestingly, records show it was introduced into England from Spain in 1569.

The exciting part for me is the speed of many varieties’ growth after winter dormancy when they’re cut to about 40 centimetres high. Within a few short weeks in spring, the shoots are nearly two metres long, with flowers appearing from mid-October.

I have five varieties at home, trained on horizontal wires placed about 40 centimetres apart on vertical 60-centimetre square posts. I’m tempted to plant more, as it doesn’t matter if the different varieties tangle through each other.

They love full sun, although it’s important they have cool roots. An old roofing tile placed over the roots at planting time will do it. They can be grown in containers on balconies or in restricted

spaces, such as the ones I spotted growing on a footpath in Holland.

I’ve seen spectacular, large-flowered varieties Margot Koster, Polish Spirit, Arctic Queen, Venosa Violacea, Snow Queen and Ruby Glow for sale, and undoubtedly there will be many more at local plant outlets.

I’m not in favour of buying them online, with repeated stories of plants arriving damaged. It’s also preferable to see the actual plant so you can judge how healthy it is. Keep in mind there are also varieties of clematis that are dormant in summer and flower in winter, such as Napaulensis and Wisley Cream, seen above growing over an arch in our garden.

I ALWAYS use reusable Velcro plant ties for tying clematis on to support wires. They come in a roll 12 metres long by a millimetre wide, and are readily available from garden centres or DIY stores. I do not use the green plastic-covered wire ties, which can cut into the soft bark of new shrubs and if left on, can ring-bark the plant;

possibly killing it. When you get new plants home, take these ties off immediately.

AS the drought continues in vast areas of NSW and Queensland, so the dust storms here increase. As a result, plants can end up coated in a thick layer of dust that affects how the leaves breathe. It is important to regularly hose off the dust.

I RECOMMEND trimming evergreen hedges such as box, Camellia sasanqua and viburnum now, before the heat sets in. Remember to keep the top narrower than the base for even distribution of light.

Campaign recycles some big messages on waste

PLASTIC recycling is on the rise in Australia by 10 per cent, according to the 2017-2018 Australian Plastics Recycling Survey, but more still needs to be done.

Which is why National Recycling Week (November 11-17), founded in 1996 by Planet Ark, continues to bring a national focus to the environmental benefits of recycling.

This established and highly regarded annual campaign educates and stimulates behaviour change by promoting kerbside, industrial and community recycling initiatives, and by giving people the tools to minimise waste and manage material resources responsibly at home, work and school.

While plastic and packaging recycling in Australia is well established, the Department of the Environment and Energy says only 14 per cent of plastic is recovered for recycling or energy recovery.

More information at recyclingweek.planetark.org

Owners James Fullerton, left, and Taylor Radnell.

“We all need a quality office chair, desk and bookshelves. It’s good to be able to reuse items that would otherwise be thrown out,” he says.

“We offer a free removal service, our customers benefit from budget prices and [getting furniture from us] helps to

James and Taylor about five years ago,

Chris has shed loads of building materials

CHRIS Perkins never knows what building materials will be coming through the front door at Handyman’s Trading Post.

“We’ve got two sheds packed to the brim with new and used building materials,” says Chris.

“We have a variety of products but we do get a lot of doors in such as sliding doors, french doors, hinge doors, and front and back doors.

“We also have doors with brass handles that you can’t source anywhere else.”

At most furniture stores, Chris says it usually takes about six to eight weeks for customers to get their order but at the Handyman’s Trading Post they don’t have to wait.

“The beauty of our shop is you can see what you’re buying and take it home right away,” he says.

And Chris says if they don’t take it home that day, it might not be there the next day.

“We get things in daily so you’ve got to get it while you can,” he says.

repurposing metal frames and items for other uses.

Ex-Government Furniture, 6 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6490, email sales@exgovfurniture.com or visit ex-governmentfurniture.com.au

HANDYMAN’S TRADING POST

Metal recyclers recognised worldwide

WITH more than 100 years’ experience in the metal recycling industry, Sims Metal Management purchases scrap metal from businesses of all sizes and individuals in the greater ACT region.

“We source ferrous metals from manufacturers, known as production offcuts, and from generators of electricity, telecommunication service providers, as well as others who generate obsolete metal,” the company says.

“Members of the public, peddlers and metal dealers, who collect from a variety of sources, also deliver material directly to our facilities.

“Our sister company also has a free electronics drop-off facility at Hume. Our processing capacity, which includes five fragmentisers, shears, balers and granulating plants, operates to the highest environmental and quality standards (EPAapproved) to produce products that are recognised and sought after throughout the world.”

As for the service Chris and his team deliver, Chris says they haven’t had a complaint in 36 years.

“Just have a look at our Google reviews,” he says.

Handyman’s Trading Post, 34 Geelong Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 4036 or email build@htp.net.au

Sims Metal Management says it provides customised recycling services to meet the individual needs of commercial and industrial scrap metal producers, and has a strong customer focus.

“Our services are customised to maximise each scrap provider’s net scrap revenues,” the company says.

“Our goal is to ensure that each client receives the same high level of customer service and efficiency.”

Sims Metal Management, 47 Alderson Place, Hume. Call 6129 8800 or visit simsmm.com.au

BUYERS OF ALL SCRAP METALS

Canberra and Australia’s largest Scrap Metal Recycler. Operating in ACT for over 15 years.

Sims Metal has ACT’s first and only END OF LIVE VEHICLE STATION that removes all fuels, oils, coolants which are captured in tanks and environmentally disposed of.

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Free Electronic Waste drop off.

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We supply bins to industrial and commercial clients and farm clean ups for steel, iron and all non ferrous metals.