CityNews 200123

NEWS / Walter and Marion

Peter sees a danger of forgetting the Griffins

By Danielle NOHRA

THE Canberra chapter of the Walter Burley Griffin Society is calling for a Griffin institute to remember where Canberra came from and who designed it.

“We are in danger of forgetting,” says the society’s chair, Peter Graves, of Curtin.

“An institute would be a place to see how the capital began, who designed it and how it has become what it is in the years after.”

Peter, a former Federal public servant, wants to see an institute highlighting the significant work of architects Marion Mahony Griffin and Walter Burley Griffin who he describes as the mother and father of Canberra’s planning.

“What we would like to do is upgrade the image of Canberra as the capital of the nation, as it was destined to be.

“When I got here in 1972, I fell in love with the city for its planning, its relationship between the natural environment as it was and the planned environment that was under a single development authority.

“I’ve seen these relationships being damaged.”

An example of this, Peter says, is the demolition of Anzac Park East.

“The land access has been disrupted and the very way we remember Marion has been disrupted,” he says.

“We are in danger of forgetting.”

The Griffins’ relationship with the ACT began from their home in Chicago when Walter submitted designs, drawn by wife Marion, to an international competition, launched by the Australian government in 1911, to design the capital.

Their design won, but the bureaucrats working on the plans decided to

take the best features from the top six entries.

“Fortunately the minister at the time said: ‘No, there is one winning prize and it’s Griffin’s’,” Peter says.

In 1913, after the fall of the Fisher government, Walter was invited to supervise the detailed planning of his design, so he and Marion came to Australia.

“[In Australia] Marion was running the Sydney office getting private contracts and Walter was locked in Canberra for seven years,” Peter says.

But even after initial issues from afar, Walter continued to have prob -

Since 1993: Volume 26, Number 3

derail him,” he says.

In 1920, Walter’s job as the federal capital director of design and construction was abolished and he was offered a contract, which meant he had to report to a committee of bureaucrats. He rejected it.

Arts & Entertainment 16-19

Cinema 18

Canberra Matters 6

Crossword 21

Gardening 20

Horoscopes 21

Letters 14

News 3-15

Politics 15

Wine 19 Cover: Furniture aficionados James Fullerton, left, and Taylor Radnell. Photo: Holly Treadaway. Story Page 12.

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And, there have been many unsuccessful attempts to do more, Peter

“Fifteen years ago the National Capital Authority assembled a thing called the Griffin Legacy,” he says.

In the Griffin Legacy strategy, eight propositions were made, one of which was to promote the Griffin legacy, including the establishment of a “Griffin Institute” as a permanent archive/ exhibition/museum to broaden the understanding of the national and international significance of the work

“If they can bring together the Griffins in a single place where you can finally understand who they are, why they’re important and why it’s important to recognise them today,”

“[Currently] there are little bits of them all over the place. If you’re an architecture student and you wanted to learn more about the Griffins, you would have to ferret for information.

“If you want to go to an area to learn about the mother and father of Canberra, there’s no single place.”

Which is why the Canberra chapter of the Walter Burley Griffin Society is trying to build a coalition of interested and committed partners to present a business case for its establishment.

Even though Marion and Walter were key figures to the initial planning of Canberra, the only way they’re remembered now is Lake Burley Griffin, for Walter, and the Marion Mahony Griffin View on Mt Ainslie,

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SEVEN DAYS

Tense holidaying and dummy-spitting

I LOVE Mondays in January as each successive week brings another reassuring wave of people to work (and the roads) from the summer holidays.

Alas, it was tense holidaying in the shadow of terrible news from the burning south coast, the pressing danger of bushfire and the abominable endless weeks of “hazardous” smoke.

It’s hard to believe with any confidence that we are a city refreshed and ready for the year ahead.

Mercifully, we had “Megxit” and the dummy spitting, showboating Sussexes playing across our screens like cathartic comedy relief from our grinding awfulness.

Republican Robert Macklin spares no Royal sentiment in his column on Page 10.

The week didn’t start so well for Scott from Marketing, either – waking as he did to two metaphorical black eyes on Monday, after his Quiet Australians made it loud and clear through a couple of national opinion polls that they found his leadership wanting in this time of unrecorded

natural disaster.

The Guardian Essential poll says voters increasingly see PM Morrison as arrogant and out of touch. So much so, Labor’s Anthony Albanese is the preferred prime minister for the first time since he became leader following the May election.

Locally, Climate Change Minister Shane Rattenbury looked virtuous by comparison, announcing that new suburbs in the ACT no longer require a mandatory gas connection that, he says, will allow them the opportunity to achieve zero emissions and to have cheaper utility bills.

“The fact is, natural gas is a polluting fossil fuel and we must eventually phase it out in favour of clean energy,” he says, which is oddly ironic in that natural gas was introduced to Australian homes and cars as “clean energy” not so many years ago. But one can’t argue with the price: unthinkably, electricity is now cheaper than gas.

But it’s not the cost of electricity this time that’s cruelled the daily bursts from the iconic and recently refurbished Captain Cook Memorial Jet on Lake Burley Griffin.

The NCA has suspended operation until further notice because of water levels saying weather conditions and low inflows have affected lake levels, potentially risking damage to the pumps that operate the jet.

Happily, the ACT does have enough water to help the thirsty 2000 souls in Braidwood for six

months after the town’s supply dried up due to low inflows and bushfires in the region.

The Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council requested help and we said sure, but the ACT government seemed at pains to reassure that the water support will have no significant impact on the territory’s long-term water security and, over the six months, will amount to less than one day of supply for Canberra and Queanbeyan.

Meantime, Australia Day looms and while

there will be no fireworks in Canberra or Queanbeyan in deference to the bushfires, our friends over the border have imaginatively appointed former 2CC breakfast announcer Tim Shaw as their Australia Day ambassador. The irrepressible Tim will be lighting up awards ceremonies at Captains Flat and Queanbeyan.

Speaking of jobs, come January 26, the very experienced Canberra Business Chamber CEO Dr Michael Schaper will be elsewhere.

After a particularly successful first year in the job, he is decamping in an ACT election year for an eyebrow-raising six months as research fellow at the Institute of South East Asian Studies in Singapore, looking at the future of business organisations in the region. Six months leave after 12 months work sounds like a benefit few of his privatesector members could dream of.

In an explanatory press release Michael writes: “We have a busy year ahead of us. Bushfire recovery, a territory election, and many other issues will all have an impact on local businesses”. That lot will fall to seat-warmer Graham Catt

Elsewhere, the real estate site Domain.com is reporting the sale of Guardian Australia editor Lenore Taylor and reporter/novelist Paul Daley’s four-bedroom property at 19 Beagle Street, Red Hill, for $1.9 million. The couple work in Sydney these days.

Home to the former secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Sir Nick Parkinson, the property was built in 1962. Domain says it was sold in 1992 for $385,000 and again in 1997 for $330,000. At the time,

Tax-take up, but where’s the money going to? CANBERRA MATTERS

A TOPIC that dominates “CityNews” columns and other media, is how the ACT’s Labor-Greens coalition government collects and spends your money. Attend any community meeting and there is a good chance that residents or local businesses will mention, with great passion, how their rates have gone through the roof.

People have heard the Chief Minister spin reasons why this is so, but few are convinced that how money is collected and spent is done transparently and with motivations that align with community aspirations. The government’s spin on finance questions and so much more, is taken as being more ingenious trickery with words that are meaningless and patronising.

The question that lingers is that with the government’s control of land sales and the subsequent property developments and the cash that circulates as a result of all this, then why does this government spend so reluctantly on community and cultural facilities, green infrastructure, heritage

Why does this government spend so reluctantly on community and cultural facilities, green infrastructure, heritage management, park and open-space management and a host of basics?

management, park and open-space management and a host of basics.

Is it a matter of priorities? While people think that certain basic amenities and social programs should be high priorities, the ACT coalition government seems convinced of its own priorities. The experience is that these do not align with community aspirations. As with so many decisions by this government, the levels of mistrust and cynicism are high.

The consistent call by local businesses is that the ongoing level of rate rises is harming their business and therefore the economy, wages and ultimately employment. Several businesses in Woden have clearly outlined how huge rate increases have hit their operations and how this seems to be an incentive for people to move their business over the border.

When looked at in the context of what the Woden Community Council

is saying about the shocking lack of community, cultural and sports facilities, is this hit to Woden businesses more of the government’s special neglect of this major town centre? Are the concerns of business and ratepayers across Canberra simply taken as collateral damage that needs to be suffered to allow this coalition government to do what it wants to do – whatever that is?

Fellow columnists Jon Stanhope and Khalid Ahmed continue to highlight the inexplicable anomalies with the government’s rhetoric on how it justified that the shift in revenue collecting would be revenue neutral.

Yet there has been a massive increase in the revenues raised through rates and land sales. The Barr rhetoric is not matching the reality of the situation and does not acknowledge or address the problems being caused.

Does anyone outside the few within the government’s inner circles know what happens with money that is sloshing around this city?

In general, residents do not have the time and expertise to completely

understand what this government does with our money. But given the everincreasing instances of who misses out and who is benefitting, it does not take a PhD in government budgeting to realise that something is wrong.

This is reinforced when particular high-status developers are seen to set planning agendas and in notable instances confidently explain to residents that developers now do the master planning for key development areas, such as the Kingston Arts Precinct (we do still pay for government planners, don’t we?).

The Canberra Liberals have seen part of the problem and announced a rates freeze if they win the ACT election in October this year.

Is that the solution? It seems far too

simplistic. People will always rejoice at fewer taxes. But in a progressive city such as Canberra while the issue is partially how government income is gathered, more importantly it is how little gets spent on the things that matter.

Loads of residents have been frustrated in their efforts to follow this ACT coalition government’s money issues. The high suspicion is that someone else benefits. And when the government’s responses are more spin and obfuscation, trust in this government just keeps going lower.

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

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OPINION / housing, health and the state of the budget

Why this heartless mob should terrify

AT about this time last year I wrote that the local issue that had most concerned me over the preceding year was the impact which the planning, land supply and housing policies of the ACT Labor and Greens parties has had on housing affordability. Sadly my fears were realised. During the course of the last year Canberra became the most expensive place in Australia in which to rent a home, the median price of a detached house increased by four per cent or around $30,000 while the price of attached housing, otherwise known as flats, actually decreased by a notional 0.1 per cent, but taking into account the sales strategies of the major unit developers the decrease in the value of flats is in fact much greater than that.

The marked difference in the change in value of detached housing vis a vis flats is attributable to the decision consciously taken by Labor and the Greens to dramatically decrease the supply of land for detached housing in order, first to force the price up and increase the profit margin available to the government and secondly to force, for ideological and political reasons, people from the working class, pensioners and people otherwise from low-income households into lower-value, high-rise flats.

There can be no argument that Andrew Barr, Yvette Berry, Shane Rattenbury, Caroline Le Couteur and

The working poor, pensioners or people in lower-income households have been abandoned by the Labor Party, ignored by the unions and are invisible to the Greens. Ironically, they now have nowhere left to turn but to Alistair Coe – and who could blame them.

the rest of this neo-liberal caucus that governs us, have willingly embraced the spirit of Joe Hockey’s infamous mantra that anyone yearning to live in a detached house but who can’t afford to do so, simply needs to get a better job.

As cynical as it may seem, I fear the deafening silence from middle-class Canberra about the dire and unfair consequences of ACT government’s planning and housing policy for those of our fellow Canberrans who are not well off and, unlike us, not privileged to live in a detached house, or housing of their choice, is a result not so much of disinterest but self-interest.

As John Howard who, along with Joe Hockey, ACT Labor appears to be happily channelling, famously said, he never received a complaint from a homeowner about an increase in the price of housing.

The complaints in Canberra are not, of course, coming from people who own a house.

It is the “silent” Canberrans, those who have been locked out of either

home ownership or from housing of their choice who are feeling the pain; the working poor, pensioners or people in lower-income households – those in Canberra who don’t have a voice or it seems a champion.

They have been abandoned by the Labor Party, ignored by the unions and are invisible to the Greens.

Ironically, they now have nowhere left to turn but to Alistair Coe and the Liberals – and who could blame them.

REGARDLESS of how dismally, or deliberately, Labor and the Greens have failed to respond to the affordable-housing crisis, I now believe that the state of the health system and the ACT’s increasingly parlous financial and Budget position are of even greater concern than the crisis in housing affordability.

We are surely all aware of the sense of crisis that has enveloped the Canberra Hospital in recent years. The ever worsening quarterly performance data from our public hospitals is damning.

In the latest report, for example, only 21 per cent (ie one in five) Category Three patients, who are triaged as urgent, were seen within clinically recommended times.

Of graver concern, the same report reveals that the ACT had a lower than 100 per cent outcome against the requirement for Category One patients, those requiring resuscitation, to be seen on time. Does that mean, I wonder, that they died?

However, the public hospital performance data is only one indicator, a symptom, of the slow and inexorable meltdown in the credibility, efficacy and safety of our public hospitals.

The cause of the decline in performance is clear and unequivocal. It is quite simply a consequence of massive cuts in each of the last six years to the health budget and a decision to abandon or defer plans to provide additional beds, which has had a compounding impact on the ability of the hospitals to meet the needs of an ageing and growing population.

My colleague Dr Khalid Ahmed and I provide greater detail on these issues in an article titled: “Signs of an Unsafe Hospital System for Patients as well as Practitioners” posted to

the Policy Blog at the University of Canberra. You may care to read it.

SPACE prevents me providing any detail about my other major concern, namely the state of the ACT Budget and finances.

However, if you have an idle moment and don’t have a depressive personality or scare easily, have a look at the ACT audited financial statements released just before Christmas.

Get an auditor, accountant or economist, who I generally find to be gregarious and chatty people, to explain to you the implications of the massive changes in outcomes in the ACT over the last few years, in the time (say) since the government committed to the tram, in a few of the major financial measures or indicators, such as: unfunded superannuation liability, net financial worth, net financial liability, net debt, net operating balance, revenue and expense trajectories.

It should terrify you.

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.

Oh goodness me, gulped Buck House NEWS

THERE’S nothing left to say about Scotty the Motormouth from Marketing, so let’s get into the really important stuff. I speak, of course, of Prince Harry and his lovely consort, the lubricious Meghan Markle.

And little Archie, of course.

Oh sure, the country has been on fire for the last month, the leader of the free world has flipped his lid and real climate change is descending on the planet.

But the Harry and Meghan story will not be denied.

The women’s magazines are hysterical, the Pommy tabloids have gone manic and even dear old Aunty ABC is giving us blow-by-blow news and views from Buck House. So it really must be important. And not just for the refreshing laughs we’re having at the photoshopped pix of Harry as a McDonald’s trainee or the reporter asking if he feels dominated by his wife and Meghan answering: “No he doesn’t”.

It is interesting the way a group of young women have gradually demolished the whole silly

It is interesting the way a group of young women have gradually demolished the whole silly aristocratic façade of inherited distinction brick by grubby brick.

aristocratic façade of inherited distinction brick by grubby brick. It began with Harry’s mother, the sweet, ex-kindy teacher’s helper suddenly confronted by the reality that her Prince Charming was actually an unabashed weasel, flagrantly bedding the equine Camilla and expecting her to take it on her deliciously moulded chin.

“No sir,” cried Diana and told the world what a fraud he was.

The Queen’s response was what you might expect from someone who had endured her own husband’s libidinous horseplay for decades – the baleful stare from the throne and the sniggering backgrounders to the tabloids from her chinless courtiers.

How Murdoch’s “New York Post” characterised the Sussex defection from the Royal Family.

And who can forget the days of sniffy silence that followed Diana’s death in that Parisian tunnel until Tony Blair finally squeezed a response from Windsor Castle.

Then came Fergie and the toe-

sucking photos from the Med. At the time, it seemed, she was the wanton one. Only later did the whole awful truth dawn that she, like Lady Di, was reacting to the dirty deeds of Charlie’s brother Andy; his dear friend Jeffie Epstein would end his days in a prison cell choking himself with his bedsheet.

And so to Ms Markle. Almost from the moment they became a couple, the Buck House claws were out for the former wife of fellow actor Trevor Engelson whom she divorced in 2013.

“I’m half black and half white,” she cried. “I have come to embrace that; to say who I am, to share where I’m from, to voice my pride in being a strong, confident mixed-race woman.”

Oh goodness, they gulped.

Undeterred, she and Harry married in 2018 in Windsor Castle; Ms Markle became the Duchess of Sussex and gave birth the next year to young Archie Mountbatten-Windsor who became seventh in line to the throne.

Until, that is, the young couple pulled the plug on the Windsors earlier this month, announcing they would “step back” and become “financially independent”. The Queen insisted on a quick meeting to sort things out, but the die was cast, the break confirmed.

So there you have it. All that’s left is the book, the film, the book of the film, the documentary of the making of the film, and the book of the documentary. Oh, and the TV series “The Making of a Princess”; and some time in the future, “My Mom the Duchess – the Archie Mountbatten-Windsor story” (book and film).

Wow, how important can you get?!

robert@robertmacklin.com

Buses replace trams during track work

BUSES will replace trams during grinding and welding work along sections of the light rail track for five nights from January 26.

Transport Canberra says over five consecutive evenings from Australia Day, buses will replace light rail services between Dickson and Gungahlin.

During this period, work will start at 8pm along sections of the light rail track on Flemington Road – near Exhibition Park – and also between Manning Clark Crescent and Kate Crace Street, Gungahlin. Bus services will operate to the 15-minute light rail frequency.

Transport Canberra says some construction noise is expected. Canberra Metro has strategies in place to minimise impacts where possible. The number of machines operating at the same time will be limited and equipment will be turned off when not in use.

Turning down gas in the suburbs

NEW suburbs in the ACT no longer require a gas connection, allowing them the opportunity to achieve zero emissions and to have cheaper utility bills.

Climate Change Minister Shane Rattenbury says the mandatory requirement for gas connections to new suburbs will be lifted, allowing them to be all electric.

“The fact is, natural gas is a polluting fossil fuel and we must eventually phase it out in favour

of clean energy,” says Minister Rattenbury.

“Previously gas connections were mandated in new suburbs, and the ACT was the only Australian state or territory to require this. This rule was both outdated and not necessarily beneficial for homeowners.

“For example, using efficient reverse-cycle air conditioning can reduce household energy bills by around $500 per year compared to gas heating, and an electric heat pump hot water system can lower energy bills by around $150 per year.”

Cook’s jet grounded

OPERATION of the Captain Cook Memorial Jet has been suspended until further notice because of low water levels at Lake Burley Griffin, says the NCA.

Canberra

The NCA says weather conditions and low inflows have affected lake levels, potentially risking damage to the pumps that operate the jet.

water for Braidwood

THE ACT will provide water to Braidwood for six months, after the town’s supply dried up due to low inflows and bushfires in the region.

The ACT Government and Icon Water have supported the request from Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) to provide temporary water relief to the town.

Braidwood’s population is less

than 2,000 people and the water support is not expected to have a significant impact on the ACT’s long-term water security, according to the ACT government.

The amount that would be provided to Braidwood over a sixmonth period is less than one day of supply for residents of Canberra and Queanbeyan.

Greens fight for bus lane

OUTGOING Greens MLA Caroline Le Couteur has chastised the government for removing a kilometre of bus lane on Adelaide Avenue.

Transport Minister Chris Steel says making a dedicated lane on Adelaide Avenue from the Cotter Road onramp will save Weston Creek drivers up five minutes in commuting time. The extra lane comes by removing almost a kilometre of bus lane on Yarra Glen Avenue, north of Cotter Road, to create additional space for cars.

“The Greens don’t agree to the

removal of the long-standing bus and carpool lane on Yarra Glen and Adelaide Avenue,” she says.

“We should be building more bus lanes, and giving more priority to public transport and carpooling. That is what will make our city more sustainable and less congested in the long run.

“This is the kind of disappointing decision you get when a government wants a cheap, short-term solution, and when they forget about the long-term sustainability of the city.”

Language courses call

THE not-for-profit Canberra Academy of Languages is holding a registration evening for year 11-12 students interested in following Continuing and Advanced courses

in French, German, Spanish and Tamil at the Alliance Française in Turner from 6pm, Thursday, February 6. More at cal.act.edu.au, or call 6152 9140.

Tap dancing classes

THE Silver Treads Seniors Tap Dancing Group is looking for over-55s to join its Wednesday afternoon classes in Belconnen. The group caters for men and women 55 years and over who enjoy keeping

fit and learning new skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Classes are for beginners through to more experienced tappers. More details at 0432 062379 or email janetteos6@hotmail.com

Busy, active seniors

THE Canberra Seniors Centre is offering a range of fun, healthy activities for the over 50s that include yoga, table tennis, medical tai chi, jazzercise and strength, Latin dance moves, line dancing as well as social New Vogue and

Old Time dancing. There’s also computing, crafts, and painting. It’s all happening at the clubrooms at 10 Watson Street, Turner. For more information at canberraseniors.org.au or call 6248 9509.

FURNITURE,

‘There is something for everybody here. A lot of things come through our doors.’

The kids who came to love and live furniture

HIGH-school buddies James Fullerton and Taylor Radnell never imagined at the time that their school-holiday casual job would become their own business and that one day they would not only run a business together, but become family.

The Canberra-owned and operated Ex-Government Furniture is a 30-year-old business with a reputation that most Canberrans have heard of. It’s the only store of its kind in Australia specialising in quality second-hand office furniture.

Thirty-eight-year-olds James and Taylor spent their summer as 16-year-olds cleaning furniture in the Fyshwick warehouse.

Over the years they studied, learnt trades, travelled, had office jobs but they said they always came back to Ex-Government Furniture.

“Over the years the weekend job has turned into a passion,” says Taylor, admitting that the job has turned him into a “furniture snob”.

Five years ago, James and Taylor took over the business and Taylor married James’ sister, becoming business partners and brothersin-law. James says that while people might think of them as only dealing in dull, light-grey-coloured office furniture, there’s a lot more on offer at their vast Yallourn Street warehouse in Fyshwick.

James, Taylor and their small team work across all aspects of the business – from removing used furniture, cleaning and reconditioning it, to on-selling them – be it for major office fitouts, cool restaurants or one-off household buyers.

Local and interstate interior designers make regular visits to check out the latest stock, which James says changes continually,

and find rare designer pieces for a great price.

“We know what we are talking about, we have been around a long time and understand what sells,” says Taylor.

They say that they love helping customers find the right piece of furniture: “There is something for everybody here. A lot of things come through our doors. If customers can’t find it in the shop, we can help source it,” says Taylor.

“We have chairs on sale from $22 to $2500. There’s a huge range and we can work with customers to their budget,” says James.

“People come in wanting to buy some basic home-office furniture. They leave later with a fully furnished study as well as two very cool chairs!” says Taylor, who loves the design of the 1940’s Eames Lounge Chair and other mid-century, modern-style designer pieces.

Through Ex-Government Furniture’s free removal service, James and Taylor have been behind the scenes of many high-profile businesses and organisations around Canberra, and have become experts in identifying designer pieces and understanding office spaces.

The odd antique or iconic designer piece has come through Ex-Government Furniture’s doors such as the first auditorgeneral’s desk, the partner desk to Sir Edmond Barton’s desk which is exhibited at the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the distinctive Victoria and Albert lounge by iconic British-Israeli industrial designer Ron Arad, which is currently for sale.

furniture at a fraction of the expected price.

Taylor says that the team carefully cleans, repairs and restores all the furniture they receive and guarantee its quality, replacing any items that may prove faulty.

James says he’s observed a life-cycle to office furniture, as every five years a large office or department will decide to do a total refit of their furniture.

He says that businesses who buy their furniture might be just starting out and love working with the Ex-Government Furniture team to fit out their office with second-hand

And as Canberra business has evolved over the years, James says that office furniture has too, to reflect a more mobile, flexible workplace.

“The furniture is a lot more casual, colourful and better looking,” he says.

“Sit-to-stand desks are very popular and communal workspaces as well and we are seeing that come through the furniture we

EX-GOVERNMENT FURNITURE

receive,” says Taylor.

“We have all the styles here – modern and old – a huge variety,” he says.

James and Taylor have a deep appreciation for quality design and well-made furniture. They are passionate about upcycling furniture and doing all they can to keep it out of landfill.

“We spend a lot of time refurbishing the furniture, office chairs are now more complicated and have more mechanics. We try and test them. If they are faulty and can’t be repaired we strip them down for parts, we do all we can to recycle,” says Taylor.

The end product, James and Taylor say is a well-made, quality piece of furniture that is sturdy and strong, bucking the trend of “disposable flat-packed” furniture that lasts only a season or two.

James says that the office chair he uses was manufactured in 1993 and made to last: “It’s older than two of our staff members –but I’ve never had a problem with it!”

Ex-Government Furniture, 6 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture.com or facebook.com/ exgovfurniture

Delivery drone noise threatens our quality of life

PAUL Costigan’s article on the serious threat posed by delivery drones to suburban ambience is excellent (“Residents’ screams lost against noisy drones”, CN, December 19).

Their high-pitched, invasive noise was the number one issue repeatedly emphasised in submissions to the ACT Legislative Assembly inquiry on delivery drones.

The ACT is in the process of developing a wellbeing index. It doesn’t take a lot of insight to work out that delivery drones are quality of life destroyers, no matter what marketing spin Wing serves up about so-called quieter drones, which are way over community noise standards.

Canberrans are already having to deal with factors such as heat stress from a changing climate. The addition of screeching drones from above is the last thing residents need.

It is in no way “innovative” as government ministers would have people believe, but ludicrous in the extreme as far as wellbeing is concerned.

Murray May, Cook

Too little, too late

I WAS recently given a flyer from Bec Cody and Chris Steel, Labor Assembly members for Murrumbidgee, in which they promised the ACT government will work with Canberra’s communities to crack down on developers who break the rules and “dodgy builders”. Well, too little, too late – their govern -

ment has turned a pleasant, liveable city into a hot, messy construction site and the expensive, unnecessary rubbish that they pile on to try and make us think they’re doing something, rubs it in even more.

We’re waiting for October’s election, Bec and Chris.

Christina Faulk, Swinger Hill

Keep lawyers out

ON August 1, 1974, the then AttorneyGeneral, Senator Lionel Murphy, rose to give his Second Reading speech regarding the Family Law Bill 1974

He said: “The main purpose of the Bill is to eliminate as far as possible the high costs, the delays and indignities experienced by so many parties to divorce proceedings under the existing Matrimonial Causes Act

He then added: “These provide for more simple procedures, require courts to proceed without undue formality”.

Unfortunately, Senator Murphy failed dismally in his endeavours.

Our current family law and child support systems destroy lives and increases suicide rates.

The court system, rather than being a simple procedure, promotes an adversarial system that may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in each case.

At the same time, family members are alienated from other members of the families.

personnel in our defence force. These personnel return from overseas commitments to find that they have lost their families. As a result of the subsequent family law and child support issues, suicide rates in our defence forces increase out of proportion to their numbers.

Rather than stopping delays, a court case in the Family Court can last as long as two to three years before it is heard. As a result, children often do not see one parent during this period and this then becomes the status quo after the proceedings have been determined.

For example, one part of our community, that is significantly affected, includes those of control.

At the same time, the costs escalate out

The solution is obvious. We need to revert to the principles espoused by Senator Murphy. This includes the setting up of an informal tribunal, without lawyers, to carry out divorce proceedings.

John Flanagan, secretary, Fairness In Child Support, Thirroul, NSW

A time will come…

I NOTE Colliss Parrett’s comment to my response to his first correspondence in the

CityNews in December.

Colliss argues that before we cut our greenhouse emissions, India and China have to cut theirs first. That’s putting the cart before the horse.

Australia is the largest exporter of fossil fuels such as coal and LNG in the world. These form the largest share of our national income. We are also a wealthy, developed economy with a high standard of living compared to India and China and with enormous scope for developing renewable energy sources.

Australia has the capacity and technical know how to develop these resources, but lacking government incentives, declines to do so. The time will come when these countries, having developed their renewable energy abilities, which they are rapidly doing now, will no longer need our fossil fuels. What happens to our economy then?

I don’t become angry when someone attacks my work and findings, as they are based on cold, hard observations, deductions and conclusions based on the evidence and physics not emotional denial of an inconvenient truth.

Gavin O’Brien, Southside Weather Watch, Gilmore

•

Why the Liberal ‘sports rorts’ minister has to go

RORTS pork-barrelling or corruption, under whatever guise, is an abuse of a responsible, representative government.

Trust in Australian politics and our democracy has already deteriorated to an extraordinarily low level with only 12 per cent of Australians believing the government is run for “all the people”. And it is set to decline further unless there is a major change in attitude by politicians.

The ministerial code of conduct is now just a paper tiger, as illustrated following the shenanigans of Angus Taylor who, despite all, held on to his portfolio.

Bridget McKenzie has taken “toughing it out” to a whole new level. While she refuses to resign and the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister refuse to demand accountable behaviour, the future bodes ill for our democracy.

Labor Minister Ros Kelly fell on her sword in 1994 over the original ‘sports rorts affair’. With such a clear precedent, it is surprising that Minister McKenzie and her staff were prepared to be so brazen.

Many Canberrans remember popular local Labor member and Minister for Sport, Ros Kelly, finally falling on her sword in 1994 over the original “sports rorts affair”.

With such a clear precedent, it is surprising that Minister McKenzie and her staff were prepared to be so brazen. Blatant targeting of marginal seats should be an anathema to a responsible government. If the ministerial code was taken seriously, decisions would, according to the code, advance the “the common good of the people of Australia”.

Credit goes to Auditor-General Grant Hehir and his office for a report reflecting the high level of integrity expected from the public service. The department also acted with integrity, providing the minister with a prioritised list of carefully considered applications assessed against a set of predetermined criteria.

This is normal practice of astute

public servants acting in the public interest. It is in marked contrast to the barefaced and inappropriate behaviour practised by McKenzie as then-Minister for Sport.

The public-interest criteria were put aside, ejected in favour of partisan political advantage. Taxpayers’ money granted for personal advancement, the advancement of the Coalition parties and in the interest of specific candidates.

This pre-election rorting provided largesse designed to sway the attitudes of voters in targeted marginal electorates.

Ironically, this misuse of taxpayer dollars was made by a hypocritical government which has made a religion of singing the praises of less taxes, through better management of money.

The blatancy of the rorts reflected both the Coalition’s desperation at election time and sense of entitlement. On the day the election was announced, NSW south coast Nationals candidate Kat-

An event to say THANK YOU to the RFS, SES and simply the community for their amazing support and service to others

rina Hodgkinson even posed with a giant “novelty” cheque for nearly half a million dollars as a grant for local netball courts. SA Liberal candidate Georgina Downer did a similar stunt in the town of Yankalilla.

Although these candidates did not win their seats, the intention was clear. And it is difficult to tell just how much impact this rorting had on other marginal seats, whether held by the Coalition or by Labor.

McKenzie is a National Party Senator and Deputy Leader of the party. Her immediate boss is Michael McCormack who, like the Prime Minister, has made a choice to support the

“tough-it-out” stance adopted by the Minister. She must go. With so many of their strong senators and MPs stepping down at the last election, the replacement choices are pretty thin. The McKenzie sports-rort affair will not go away as easily as the government hopes. Although the minister in question dismisses the Senate, the cross-bench members of both houses of parliament find the actions appalling. There will be a follow up.

Already Senators Rex Patrick, of the Centre Alliance, independent Jacqui Lambie and One Nation’s Pauline Hanson have made clear their disapproval. The Greens and Labor have been calling for an anticorruption and integrity commission and will, rightly, use this rorting opportunistically to pursue such a commission vigorously.

As part of the process it appears most likely that all non-government senators and MPs will be calling for Bridget McKenzie to resign or be removed by the Prime Minister. If trust in our democracy is to be reinstated, even to a small extent, she must step aside or be stepped aside.

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.

An event to say THANK YOU to the RFS, SES and simply the community for their amazing support and service to others

An event to say THANK YOU to the RFS, SES and simply the community for their amazing support and service to others

An event to say THANK YOU to the RFS, SES and simply the community for their amazing support and service to others

Proudly supported by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, Braidwood Community Bank, Braidwood APEX, Braidwood Servicemens Club & Braidwood Lions BRAIDWOOD SHOWGROUND

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CASH BAR & FOOD AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE NO BYO

December 2019 - March 2020

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

war movie

Captain Toby takes to high-camp ‘Pinafore’

she has other ideas and this production is all about her agency… the poor old Captain is just a ragdoll who gets thrown around.

“HMS Pinafore is all about people wanting love but being obstructed by society and social status, so the Captain doesn’t want his daughter to marry below her.” In Cole’s view, the character Dick Deadeye’s comment: “When people have to obey other people’s orders, equality’s out of the question”, shows librettist WS Gilbert at his wisest.

“One of the delightful parts of my role is that he doesn’t realise how much of a snob he is, and this will resonate today. Lots of people say they care for equality but they don’t. He’s just a snob,” says Cole. Happily, even though it’s discovered that the Captain is of low class, he gets something out of it in the end –he gets his girl.

That “girl” is Little Buttercup, played by a man, Thomas Campbell, while female actor Billie Palin plays the lowly sailor/lover, Ralph Rackstraw.

“Kate’s production is extremely clever,” Cole says.

“She changes the sex of two characters, in the sense that a woman is played by a man and a man by a woman. That’s nothing new in opera, here a bearded man plays the female and a young woman plays Ralph but nothing else changes, and that’s why it works.”

“I really concur with Kate,” he says. “She and I love the same kind of theatre… she grew up in Tasmania and the first show she directed was actually ‘Pinafore’. She’s worked at Belvoir theatre with people like Neil Armfield, and now she’s holding her own in a maledominated profession.

“Sure, the show is camp in the sense of being incredibly fun… Kate’s got a great eye and she’s great at bringing us all together to keep a high level of

Annual Community & Family Festival Celebrating the LUNAR NEW YEAR OF THE RAT

6pm-Late, Fri 24th Jan 2020

SAKYAMUNI BUDDHIST CENTRE

32 Archibald St, Lyneham ACT 2602

• 6pm: Gourmet Vegie Food Stalls opening till late

• 6.30pm - 7.30pm: Courtesy Annual Vegetarian Dinner

• 1000’s Buddhism books for FREE collection

• New Year gifts to all guests, visitors, participants, lucky & personalised New Year messages

• Prayers for everyone’s ancestors, parents, family

• 8.30pm: Blessing speech by Abbout Thich Quang Ba

• 9pm: Crackers & Lion Dance (tbc) by Prosperous Mountain

• 9pm - Late: Cultural performances intertwined with

• New Year welcoming message given by invited VIPs, MLAs & community leaders

• New Year gifts presented to all children & adults

• 11.50pm: Crackers & Lion Dance (tbc)

• 12.05am: Prayers for world peace & family well-being

MUSIC

Funding bodies ‘deaf’ to SoundOut, says founder

By Helen Musa

AS

SoundOut founder-director

Richard Johnson prepares for the 11th iteration of Canberra’s Festival of Experimental and Improvised Music, he’s finding it hard to conceal a sense of fatigue.

Although the festival was the recipient in 2015 of the Award for Excellence in Experi mental Music at the ART Music Awards in Sydney, and has seen scores of international musicians descend on the nation’s capital each February, it has been rebuffed again and again by funding bodies.

The event has in the past received funding but not for some years now, during which it has survived through crowdfunding, the generosity of the ANU Drill Hall Gallery where it has been held for the past four years, and out of Johnson‘s own pocket.

This is a boutique festival never likely to attract great masses, but the interest in experimental music and free jazz is a worldwide phenomenon and Johnson has made Canberra part of that movement.

Last year I watched in fascination as the patrons for the festival’s rarefied kind of music absorbed the moody ambience with eyes closed. Often the instruments themselves were the objects of experimentation – strings plucked inside the piano, the trombone used as percussion, a trumpet muffled then enhanced by a speaker and a double bass given temporary bridges.

“CityNews” music reviewer Rob Kennedy says: “Free music, improvised or formless music is a tricky thing for most people to grasp… More of this type of experimentation could be something that breaks music out of its traditional path and helps lead music into new territories.”

“The funding bodies don’t understand this kind of music,” Johnson says of the experimental sounds that are music to his ears but caviar to the general public.

It’s a hard one,” Johnson says. “Funding bodies tick the boxes for bums on seats, value for money and tourism dollars.”

He reluctantly admits that SoundOut, with its intimate audiences, doesn’t rate many

ARTS IN THE CITY

bums on seats. “But it could do, if tied in with a grand scheme like Tasmania’s Mona Foma, he says – the January event in Launceston billed as a “summer festival of hedonism and hot stuff”.

“I pitched the idea to eventsACT and artsACT to create a larger festival. But they didn’t get it.”

To Johnson, “getting it” is key to the success of his festival. Terence Maloon, the famous curator who now directs the Drill Hall Gallery, most definitely “gets it“ and has given the festival a home. In Johnson’s words, “Terence is the bee’s knees.”

Luckily for SoundOut, international cultural bodies like the Goethe Institut and the

Springboard for top graduates

By Helen Musa

BELCONNEN Community Gallery’s Springboard Series has “Pinned and Stitched”, textiles by four 2019 graduates of the ANU School of Art & Design’s textiles de partment – Angela Coleman, Portia Lawson, Anna Roufogalis and Rosie Armstrong, winners in the gallery’s emerging artist support scheme. Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, Belconnen, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm until February 14.

ROBERT Stephens, the director of Aarwun Gallery, has mustered artists such as Min Woo Bang, Ted Lewis, Carlos Beris, Mark Wheeler and Sandra House, to spearhead a collection from the public of artworks people no longer need to be distributed to those who have lost paintings in the fires. Stephens knows what it’s like. His own property near Tumbarumba was recently affected. Anyone with originals, photos, sculptures or prints to donate can drop them off at Aarwun Gallery, 11 Federation Square, Gold Creek, Nicholls or phone 6230 2055 for other options.

M16 ARTSPACE is now showing the first of its 45 planned exhibitions for the year – “Unnatural Histories” by Dan Power and Luke Hadland, which explores the disruption of ecosystem structure

and impact of invasive species, “Migration” photos by Sian Watson, “A Month of Sundays”, woven tapestries by Brenda Goggs, and in the tiny Chutespace window, Susan Wiscombe’s installation “Meditations in Glass”. M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, Wednesday to Sunday 12pm-5pm until February 2.

CASULA Powerhouse Arts Centre, on the outskirts of Sydney, has opened entries to the 66th Blake Art & Poetry Prizes, which see artists exploring the wider experience of spirituality, religion and belief. All prizes are strictly non-sectarian and in 2018 “The Blake”, which has been going since 1951, received 769

entries from across Australia and the world. Submissions to casulapowerhouse.com close on April 3.

LAST year the “Craft for Kindness” seniors social group proudly made more than 100 hand-knitted or crocheted items like soft toys, beanies, jumpers and blankets for charity. The social group for over-65s meets every week for a hot drink, conversation and crafting at Community Services #1 in Narrabundah. Amy Tulloh, operations director at CS#1 says they’re hoping to expand in 2020 and would be delighted to receive donations of craft items or wool. Call 6126 4700 or visit communityservices1.org

Austrian and the Canadian embassies have assisted in bringing overseas performers in – although that can be chancy, as it depends on the individual taste of diplomats.

Above all, there are the music networks.

A sax and wind player, Johnson has been travelling regularly to Sydney over the years exploring the many alternative venues for free experimental music.

He’s been a convert since age 16 and says:

“What’s great about this kind of music is that it liberates both classical and jazz musicians within the freedom of a rock gig – not musically, but in a relaxed atmosphere.”

“It frees up musicians to think differently and gives them scope to be more composi-

tional – many jazz players are held back by having to perform standards and this liberates them to push against the boundaries.”

Johnson has set up a crowdfunding campaign at gofundme.com, but is well aware that this year the public focus in fundraising is on the bushfires. He’s even promised the person that donates the highest amount the reward of an artwork in the form of an “Art Banana”. Don’t laugh, in 2019 just such a banana installation sold for US$120,000.

The line-up for the afternoon and evening sessions on February 1 and 2 is impressive, with pianist Elisabeth Harnik from Austria, double bass player Wilbert de Joode from the Netherlands, percussionist Dylan van der Schyff and trombonist Scott Thomson from Canada, object artist Annette Krebs and pianist Achim Kaufmann from Germany.

The Canberra contingent is headed up by Johnson himself, Rhys Butler on alto saxophone, guitarist-songwriter Jess Green, electronics whizzkid Shoeb Ahmed and experimental filmmaker Louise Curham and many artists from Sydney to Tasmania complete the list of musicians.

“SoundOut” music festival, at the ANU Drill Hall Gallery, Saturday and Sunday, February 1-2, from 1pm-5pm and 7pm-11.30pm on both days, book at eventbrite.com.au Workshop with music exponents from Europe, UK and Canada, ANU School of Music Canberra Big Band Room, January 31, book at eventbrite.com.au

A crowdfunding appeal for SoundOut is at gofundme.com/f/soundout-festival-2020

CINEMA

Powerful war movie on a march to the Oscars

“1917” (MA)

THE 119 totally fiction minutes of “1917” tell a powerful, challenging and expensivelooking story, delivering a collection of metaphors for “army” as it was during World War I.

To do justice to the memory of men who fought, lived and died in battle, director and writer (together with Kristy Wilson-Cairns) Sam Mendes had to get it right. With a small number of forgivable exceptions, I think he succeeds.

What qualifies me to say that? A snippet following the closing credits tells us that Sam learned about the Great War from a Mendes ancestor who was there.

A very long list of closing credits tells that the film had one military adviser and one military technical adviser. Nothing in my life’s experience equips me to gainsay anything that any of those men contributed to the production. But I have read, re-read, enjoyed and admired John Masters’ “Loss of Eden” trilogy, written by a soldier who got a DSO during another war and an OBE for good measure after it. The film and the books together are redolent with realism. And credibility. And emotional power.

It’s summer somewhere in perhaps France, perhaps Belgium. The war in the trenches is stalemated. A general (Colin Firth) orders two lance-corporals to deliver an order directing another battalion not to proceed with an attack planned next day. Intelligence has learned that the enemy has set a trap. If the attack goes ahead, the battalion will be wiped out.

Most of the film is a two-hander for Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) until Blake makes a mistake and pays the price. George MacKay is alone on screen for perhaps a quarter of the film. On another screen in the same cinemas, you may watch him playing Australian anti-hero Ned Kelly. He’s a young man with a future.

“1917” feels like it’s observing real time –no editorial cuts, no jumps between places or actions or characters. Its planning, staging

and recording provide an object lesson, delivering a look that’s new, memorable, discomforting for the best reasons.

There are things more important than wars to protect our planet. “1917” is an allegory reminding us of what wars do to people. Good things, dreadful things, brave things. But the bottom line is that they’re a specialised, brutal form of living (and dying) hell.

That seems as good a reason as any for Sam Mendes’ film. As if you and I needed reminding! But some world leaders do. And with nominations for the really important categories (best film, original screenplay and director) it’s my hope for the 2020 Oscars.

“Bombshell”

(MA)

THAY Roach’s film, about a sexual harassment scandal in Rupert Murdoch’s US flagship money earner Fox News, arrived in Australia on the heels of a longish pre-release campaign that titillated rather than informed potential filmgoers about what it was about. Making headlines in America in 2016, the scandal involving Fox News CEO Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) was the medium being the message, an in-house version of the MeToo movement that began in 2006 but didn’t reach full

flowering until Harvey Weinstein gave rise to Alyssa Milano’s Twitter feed.

To get a clear view of it, you would have needed to live in the US where the core participants were household names by virtue of being anchor-persons on Fox TV news programs. Leading the pack, Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), one of the network’s biggest stars, was preparing to interview Donald Trump, including asking about his sexist comments about women.

After Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman), the co-host of “Fox and Friends”, was demoted to a less-prominent program, outspoken material led to her dismissal.

Megyn and Gretchen are real people. Kayla (Margot Robbie) is a fictional character symbolising the quite large number of young women from whom Roger demanded sexual favours as precursors to employment advancement.

Ms Robbie has said that a scene in Roger’s office, requiring her to show her knickers, was uncomfortable to film. And to watch.

Those three women are played by Oscar winners who also happen to be beautiful. The film’s pre-release publicity was silent about a fourth Oscar winner. Roger’s attorney Susan Estrich doesn’t appear until after the manure hits the propeller. Playing her is one of my favourite actresses and a joy to see on screen – Oscar winner Allison Janney.

Of necessity, Charles Randolph’s screenplay involves many characters whose place in the corporate hierarchy is not always clear and who are seldom on screen for more than a few seconds at a time before flicking to somebody else.

The list of Oscar nominees from “Bombshell” is brief – Charlize Theron for best leading actress, Margot Robbie for best supporting actress and a three-person team handling hair and make-up. I was disappointed not to see John Lithgow’s performance nominated or whoever led the large editorial team charged

with assembling all those snippets into 109 more or less coherent minutes of movie that didn’t really excite me.

At all cinemas

“Dolittle” (PG)

HUGH Lofting had been dead for two decades before the first appearance of his children’s book hero in moving images on cinema screens.

In 1967, Rex Harrison played the doctor who could “talk to the animals” and Leslie Bricusse wrote some great songs. Dr Dolittle has since sired an animated TV series and 11 movies, the essential thing about which is that reality or credibility simply ain’t in it. The doctor can do anything, go anywhere, survive any disaster. Queen Victoria is lying in the palace dying. Lord Badgley (Jim Broadbent) and Dr Mudfly (Michael Sheen) have their own reasons for wanting to be rid of Doctor Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr). He and his youthful assistant Stubbins (Harry Collett) go to sea in a ship carrying, among other animals, a timid gorilla, a polar bear, a parrot, a dragonfly and other living creatures, in search of a book compiled by the Doctor’s late wife.

Is writer/director Stephen Gaghan’s film any good?

That rather depends on your reason for watching it. If you’ve not yet started school, you’ll probably say yes. If you are at school, you might wish it was more serious. If you’ve reached double-digit age, you might wonder why little kids think it’s so much fun. If they’re your kids, they’ll tell you after you’ve watched it.

At all cinemas

WINE / chardonnay

Mission clearly accomplished

AT the same time that the White Island (Whakaari) volcano was erupting, I was in Hawkes Bay, NZ, the country’s second largest wineproducing area.

Whakaari is 220 kilometres from Napier, where we stayed, but the tragic experience of those who lost their lives was a world away from exploring the verdancy and produce of this region.

Jacinda Adern, NZ’s Prime Minister, underlined her reputation as a leader who is able to sum up the mood of a nation, saying: “There are almost no words for the stories of both the aftermath and the loss that has followed.

“I want to pay tribute to the many people who did extraordinary things to save lives – whether it was through rescue efforts or the ongoing response by health professionals across the country.”

She also showed apt emotion and acceptance by saying: “Those who have been lost are now forever linked to NZ, and we will hold them close.”

The linkage to NZ is important to me; it has been an abiding feature of my personal relations. But not bred from tragedy; the opposite is the case. It is born from retaining connection with family and friends, including one friendship that has lasted for more than 40 years. It is these links that should be celebrated and reinforced in the upcoming decade, as they were during the journey I had with friends seeking to taste the best of NZ’s chardonnays. The celebration of life-reinforcing activities was made more palpable against the backdrop of tragedy.

There was plenty of choice about where we journeyed, as Hawkes Bay has more than 200 vineyards, 76 wineries and 36 cellar doors. But we were on bikes and the weather was hard on us – two of the three days we were there were extraordinarily windy.

I subsequently found out that the prevailing hot, dry north westerly winds is one reason the climate is similar to that in Northern Bordeaux, with Hawkes Bay having many hours of annual sunshine, which combined with the drying wind can create drought.

The bike trails are well marked and the opportunities to visit a number of cellar doors was abundant, particularly as we had a bike rack attached to my friends’ van. We drove to a number of places. Which reminds me of a

sign I once saw: “Tired of being fat and ugly – buy a bike and just be ugly!”

We didn’t really need to roam far and wide to find an exquisite chardonnay. Our accommodation was directly opposite the Mission Estate Winery, NZ’s first and oldest winery having been set up in 1851. It was planted out by Marist missionaries, as the name suggests.

I had previously tasted the Estate chardonnay but we were lucky enough to order the last bottle of Jewelstone Chardonnay 2017 that was in stock in the Mission restaurant where we had an indulgent threecourse dinner.

The sommelier was extraordinarily ill mannered at the point when we ordered the wine, a matter pointed out to him calmly and with good grace by my mate.

In a moment of absolute professionalism, the sommelier admitted his abrupt and rude behaviour and shouted us the wine. It was doubly good not paying the $70 price tag and tasting what a finely made chardonnay should reflect.

This is a chardonnay that shows

great balance. The tannins, developed over a hot dry summer, give the wine superb mouth feel without a hint of bitterness.

I like the young, fresh chardonnays that have no oakiness but still appreciate the more traditional buttery, oaky flavour of some chardonnays. But over-oaked they are spoiled. The Mission wine was only, appropriately, slightly oaky and some of the barrels in the 2017 vintage had been through a malolactic fermentation. This is a natural bacterial ferment which converts the malic acid in the wine to a softer lactic acid. This process is also responsible for a complex buttery flavour in the wine. It reinforced my love of this varietal which is sadly losing popularity.

Next year I will travel again to NZ to meet up with the lovely people who have been part of my life for decades. We will celebrate again because life should be grabbed with both hands.

“We think there is endless time to live but we never know which moment is last. So share, care, love and celebrate every moment of life.” – Anonymous

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Garden calls, but no despair! GARDENING

NOW the holidays have mostly passed, it’s time to reassess the garden and with the extremes of recent weather, it can be rather a pitiful sight.

My advice is to look at one area at a time rather than take in the whole picture in one go.

Unless you have been pouring water on the lawn to try and keep it green, don’t despair of your seemingly dead grass. With a few good falls of rain it will bounce back, so don’t waste any water there; conserve it for favourite plants that rely on you to keep them alive.

For special plants, if you don’t have a drip system installed, I suggest making a mound of soil around the plant. Depending on the size of the plant, the area inside the mound needs to hold a minimum of a nine-litre bucket of water, which will soak down to the roots rather than running off.

This will keep it alive if applied once a week.

ONE of the most unassuming and underrated plants in flower at present is Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata). Its tiny flowers are so small as to be almost invisible and yet, as a whole, resembles a cloud of

cannot be underestimated where it is used extensively for wedding bouquets (especially to give a lift to other flowers), for cut-flower arrangements and for drying. It is so easy to grow in full sun and is not too particular about the soil, growing up to a metre tall.

ONE easy task to undertake in the cool of the evening is deadheading rhododendrons as they are already forming the flowers for next year.

As illustrated, simply hold the old flower head with thumb and forefinger and use the other hand to snap off the old flower head.

WITH the ongoing dry, residential gardens may have some unwelcome visitors such as rats and mice looking for food and water. The other unwelcome visitors are snakes, which love to feed on the aforementioned rodents.

Here are a couple of important pointers, obvious but easily forgotten: Don’t leave food about in the garden such as after barbecues. Use rat bait regularly near the compost heap, but not accessible to pets or other animals such as possums and blue tongue lizards. I have found The Big Cheese, all-weather block

well. I suspend the small, square blocks on a piece of wire about 40 centimetres long and hang in a place near the compost heap away from animals.

BACK to snakes which can invade your garden: don’t attempt to kill a snake. Besides being highly dangerous, it’s illegal to kill snakes in all states and territories. There’s more information on snakes and a list of registered snake catchers at the ACT government website.

IT’S still too hot to do any serious work in the garden beyond watering in early morning or evening. It’s worth remembering that the permanent water restrictions don’t permit the use of sprinklers between 9am and 6pm and fines apply.

PUZZLES PAGE

Joanne Madeline Moore

Your

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Avoid blurting out something inappropriate that unintentionally hurts others. Words are powerful weapons so use them wisely. When it comes to a friend or colleague, take the time to walk a mile in their shoes. Then you’ll have some understanding of what they’re going through. Mars is visiting fellow fire sign Sagittarius, which boosts your boisterous side (and your bossy streak). It also stirs your restless gypsy gene, as travel and adventurous escapades occupy your mind.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

On Monday and Tuesday, Venus and Neptune activate your hopes and wishes zone. So it’s a terrific time to dream romantic dreams, set inspirational goals and make fabulous long-term plans. The Sun and Mercury are charging through your career zone. So you’re keen to explore professional ideas via talking, texting, reading, writing, conferencing, podcasting or posting online. But – if you hesitate or procrastinate – then you’ll miss a lucky opportunity when it appears.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

The focus is on improving partnerships (whether of the romantic, platonic or business variety) as you kick-start a stale relationship or freshen up a long-term friendship. It’s time to envision your dreams for the future, formulate your goals, and consolidate any travel plans you have in the pipeline. But be adaptable Twins! It’s important to realise that current situations are in a state of flux, and the plans you make now will need to be significantly altered at a later date.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Are you spending too many hours cruising on your Crab posterior? Mighty Mars is stimulating your wellbeing zone so strive to be more proactive about your health, diet, fitness and future direction. Get your body moving and make your dreams a reality! With Venus and Neptune activating your adventure and aspirations zone, your mantra for the moment is from birthday great Oprah Winfrey: “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.”

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

A romantic relationship could soar spectacularly or just fizzle out. And you need to keep up to speed with money matters. If you are responsible and well-informed, then it will pay off further down the track. But don’t put your head in the sand and avoid facing problems. It’s also time to reach out to influential friends and positive colleagues who are going places. Your motto is from birthday great Oprah Winfrey: “Surround yourself with people who are going to lift you higher.”

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Are you experiencing problems with a loved one? If you keep doing what you’re doing, then you’ll just keep getting what you’re getting! Mars, Venus and Neptune are all activating your domestic zone so it’s time to be proactive, creative and compassionate about healing the rift as you make the first tentative moves towards reconciliation. Yep… when it comes to relationships and family matters, the Virgo lesson for this week is ‘forgiveness’.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Romance is in the air on Monday and Tuesday, so make the most of the magical vibes! Spiritual pursuits and flashes of inspiration are also favoured. When communicating with others, by all means be creative but don’t get carried away and end up distorting the facts. On the weekend, Venus and Pluto intensify emotions and your need to communicate with others. So it’s the perfect time to get deep-andmeaningful with someone special, as you tell them how much you really care.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Avoid the temptation to make hasty financial decisions, as impulsive money moves could land you in a heap of debt over the next few weeks. So avoid window shopping and internet browsing, which could lead to a spontaneous spending spree. It’s a good week to nurture and feather your nest as you clean, tidy and decorate home and hearth at Casa Scorpio. When your domestic environment is sorted, then you can cope better with relationship matters and work issues.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Sagittarians are the zodiac masters of excess. This week – with Mars charging through your sign - moderation and common sense fly out the window as you party to the max, spend too much and overdo just about everything. But you’ll certainly have a lot of fun along the way! Study, education and communication are also highlighted, as the Sun and Mercury super-charge your curiosity. When it comes to a sensitive family matter, make sure you can separate fact from fiction.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

The planets are still piling on the pressure and you’re probably feeling rather stressed. But your capacity to speak up and then make a decisive move is stymied, as proactive Mars lurks behind the scenes. So this week it’s time to ruminate and contemplate; consider and re-consider; ponder and plan. But postpone taking action until after February 16 (when Mars starts moving through your sign). In the meantime, patience is a virtue and silence is golden!

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Many Aquarians are (or were) rebels at heart including Yoko Ono, Mozart, James Dean and Bob Marley. But remember there’s a fine line between being rebellious and just plain reckless. You’re impatient for change at the moment but don’t be too hasty and throw the baby out with the bathwater! With the Sun and Mercury both visiting your sign, your words have the power to influence others in positive ways. So think things through carefully before you speak out.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Pisceans can procrastinate. Never more so than this week, when the Sun and Mercury energise your ‘escaping’ zone, plus Venus and Neptune pair up in your sign. If you have a passion that needs to be pursued (or a decision that needs to be made) then resist being distracted by other people’s agendas. And make sure contemplation is closely followed by decisive action. As birthday great Oprah Winfrey observes: “Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”

General knowledge crossword No. 717

Across

1 Name a paroxysmal disorder of respiration. (6)

8 Which of the crustaceans clings to rocks, etc? (8)

9 Many of the world’s multi-billionaires are on which rich list? (6)

10 Which term describes those who commit forcible seizure of an office, power, etc? (8)

11 To be brisker, or more nimble, is to be what? (6)

12 Name the capital of East Timor. (4)

13 To bake food in an oven, is to do what? (5)

16 When one regulates food intake, one does what? (5)

19 Who discovered silver at Broken Hill in 1883, Charles ... ? (4)

21 Which musical direction suggests “in a leisurely manner”? (6)

22 Who seeks to expel evil spirits, or the like? (8)

23 To dig up a dead body, is to do what? (6)

24 What do we call an astronaut? (8)

25 To cut one’s first teeth, is to do what? (6)

Sudoku medium No. 259

Down

2 Name the eight sign of the zodiac. (7)

3 Which term describes offspring of two animals or plants of different races, breeds, varieties, etc? (7)

4 To be contrary to reason or common sense, is said to be what? (6)

5 What is a robot made to resemble a human being? (7)

6 Which term relates to systematised knowledge in general? (7)

7 Who devised the centigrade temperature scale, Anders ... (7)

13 To drive a car backwards, is to what? (7)

14 Which performer can walk on a tightrope, perform on a trapeze, or do other similar feats? (7)

15 What is an alternative word for the windpipe? (7)

17 Name one of Sir Walter Scott’s most popular novels. (7)

18 What is the act of being victorious? (7)

20 To obtain exclusive rights to an invention, one must take out a what? (6)

Sammy and Charlie came to see me concerned about an unexplained bookkeeping issue with their rental property.

“We've received an annual summary from our estate agent and one of the columns is headed up ‘funds introduced’," said Charlie.

"We have no idea what this means and would appreciate your advice.” I told them that “funds introduced" usually meant funds the owner had put in to cover an anticipated cost due to occur in the next month or two and that the rent would be insufficient to cover it.

"It would include things such as a repaint or replacing an air conditioner," I said.

"These funds are not taxable so do not have any impact on the income earned. Did you pay in anything like this?”

Sammy said: “No, we have never paid anything in and you can see that from looking at the individual monthly rental statements. In fact, we got a payment every month from the agent.”

After confirming this from the statements, I said: "The items being classified as 'funds introduced' include your share of water rates, a refund from a cleaning company and insurance proceeds from the leaky shower.

"It appears that the real estate agent has incorrectly classified what is usually called ‘other income amounts’, which usually increases your income.

"As the amount that should have been classified this way on your annual rental statement exceeds $3500, it could have expensive ramifications for you if it had been incorrectly treated as non-taxable ‘funds introduced’.

"Had you not queried this, we would have not put it in your return as ‘funds introduced’ are not included, "Accordingly, we would have understated your rental income by $3500 and you would have been inappropriately refunded about $1500 too much tax.

"In any Tax Office audit this would have been identified and you could have been facing penalties for an incorrect return. These items will now be classified correctly so the returns that we lodge will be correct.”

Charlie said they had another issue.

"There are two loans on each of our rental properties that were all renegotiated on the same date that the new rental property was purchased," he said.

I asked if the loans were renegotiated so they could buy a new property and Sammy confirmed they were raised to use their equity in existing properties so they could purchase the new property.

"So the new loans are secured by mortgage over one property but used for the purpose of purchase of a different property," I said.

"So the question of their deductibility depends on what you did with the funds, not the security of the funds. Accordingly, we will have to prepare loan apportionment spreadsheets for each property following the rules laid out by the ATO.

"As you are living in the new property, unfortunately the interest on your home equity loans and the loan specifically for that property will not be deductible to you.”

Sammy said: “We had no idea of what we could claim, but we did think that the property that the mortgage was over was claimable but now we are aware that we can’t claim the interest. We're looking forward to signing our returns and seeing the final outcome.”

If you have questions about your rental properties or any other tax issues contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.

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.

By NEIL SOMERVILLE

The Year of the Rat will be celebrated in great style and with good reason. Not only does it mark the start of a new cycle of animal years in the Chinese calendar, but it’s a time of energy, hope and fresh starts. A lot is set to happen this year with events having farreaching consequences.

For the individual, the Rat year offers considerable scope. It is a year to make the most of strengths and build on opportunities. For the determined, so much is possible. To find your sign and prospects for 2020, look up the animal ruling your year of birth. As each Chinese year begins late in January or early February, if you were born around this time check the actual year dates to find out which sign you were born under.

Neil Somerville is the author of “Your Chinese Horoscope for Each and Every Year”, published by Thorsons.

RAT

1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

With charm, style and a friendly manner, Rats get on well with most. They are great at spotting opportunities and have good skills and judgment. Rats like company and particularly value family and social life. An exciting year ahead and by making plans and keeping alert for chances, Rats can accomplish a great deal. In work, openings can arise allowing Rats to progress and move to positions offering better opportunities. This is no time to stand still. What is achieved and taken on this year can lay important foundations for future growth. February to May and September could see encouraging developments. Income could improve but for those with an active lifestyle, spending still needs to be watched. Rats will also delight in how personal interests can be furthered with ideas and chances to pursue. Social life can bring great pleasure with many extending their social circles. For the unattached, prospects are excellent for meeting someone special. Home life could see considerable activity with several new plans including personal and family successes to enjoy. However, with a lot set to happen, Rats should spread out commitments and work closely with others rather than take on too much single-handedly. This can be a special year for Rats with achievements having far-reaching significance. In their own year, fortune will favour and reward bold, determined Rats. Tip for the year: Make the most of skills, talents and chances. With belief and willingness much can be accomplished. This is the Rat’s own year and a year for them to shine.

YEAR OF THE RAT / Your

Welcome to the promise of a

OX

1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Determined, reliable and hard-working, Oxen put much energy into what they do. They are thorough and well-organised and don’t like to leave things to chance. Loyal to loved ones, Oxen are admired for their dependable, no-nonsense ways. An encouraging year with the Oxen’s determined nature standing them in excellent stead. In work, there could be tempting openings. Whether securing promotion, or seeking a position elsewhere, many will make important advances as well as increasing options for later. This is also an excellent year for adding to skills or taking up new interests. April to June, August and September could see interesting possibilities. Finances should progress with planning and commitment. Oxen should watch spending and make provision in advance for expensive outlays. A vacation could also be worth considering. In relation to others, Oxen should be attentive and flexible when making arrangements. To appear uncompromising could be a disadvantage. In addition, domestic projects should not be rushed and the more that can be decided and undertaken jointly, the better. The year will also see some personal and family successes, which in view of the effort made, will be well-deserved. Oxen should also make the most of social opportunities and chances to widen their social network. Contacts and friendships made could be important and for the unattached, romantic prospects are good. A positive year with excellent opportunities to progress, furthering yourself and your interests.

Tip for the year: Be mindful of others, consulting and building up connections. The better the support, the more that can be achieved. Shared interests and plans can progress particularly well.

TIGER

1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Active, enthusiastic and interested in many things, Tigers set about their activities with considerable energy. Full of ideas, they are creative and inventive. They are also prepared to take chances to get what they want. Tigers have widespread interests and enjoy socialising. A reasonable year, but Tigers need to be on their mettle. This is not a year to rush or take actions without careful consideration. Tigers need to be realistic about what is doable at any one time. In work, Tigers would benefit by making the most of their expertise and taking advantage of any training opportunities. This is a year to build on skills and position. For those in a new role, showing their commitment early on could help with their reputation and prospects. In money matters Tigers should be wary of risk and hasty purchases. More positively, Tigers will find themselves in demand with many chances to meet others and widen their social circle. March to May, July and September could see special times, including travel possibilities. At home, Tigers will have many ideas and plans with a lot set to happen. With decisions to make and rising pressures, it’s important that Tigers talk these through and keep the lines of communication open. There is much Tigers can do and gain this year, especially in acquiring knowledge and skills, yet this is a year for care and proceeding cautiously.

Tip for the year: Plan, consult and build sup -

port. This is a year requiring effort and a careful, considered approach.

RABBIT

1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Rabbits have a quiet, easygoing manner. They enjoy company and conversation as well as appreciating the finer things in life. Rabbits are observant and careful and good at judging situations. Their views and advice are often highly valued. A busy year with Rabbits sometimes despairing over the pace of developments. In work many will take on increased responsibilities with duties not always straightforward. In addition, relations with some colleagues could be problematic. Throughout the year, Rabbits should be wary of time-consuming distractions. The year may be challenging but effort will be recognised and rewarded. Rabbits also need to be vigilant in money matters and avoid risk. They too should give consideration to lifestyle and this is where interests or a new hobby could benefit and develop well. Rabbits will also enjoy the year’s many social opportunities with May, June, August and December being lively and interesting months. However, while good times can be had, the mischief-making of another could be a concern and Rabbits need to be on their guard. Rabbits often regard their home life as a private sanctuary, with domestic life special. Over the year, shared activities and projects can go especially well with Rabbits appreciating the support of loved ones. Although not an easy year, with care and effort, progress can be made. Opportunities for Rabbits to improve their skills and prospects will help further themselves throughout the year.

Tip for the year: At times of uncertainty, seek advice and talk over matters and decisions that may concern you. A worry shared can be a worry considerably eased. Remember to allow some ‘me time’ and enjoy interests.

DRAGON

1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

Born under the sign of luck, Dragons have great determination. They are resourceful, active and use their personality and strengths well. Dragons also have style, are sociable, enjoy many interests and have a mind of their own.

A year of scope and opportunity – this is a year for action for those nurturing particular hopes or ideas they’re keen to get underway. Serendipity can come into play and when Dragons act, many could benefit from lucky chances or unexpected help. In work Dragons could take on greater responsibilities and be encouraged to develop in new ways. For those seeking a position or wanting change, a chance offered could take career prospects in a different direction. February, March, July and October could see interesting developments. Personal interests are also favoured and for the creative, an idea or project could particularly inspire. Headway made can help finances, although with a busy lifestyle and ambitious plans, spending needs to be watched and new commitments checked. Home life will be active for Dragons this year, with family news and gatherings being particularly appreciated. However, practical plans could be protracted and become more extensive than envisaged. Socially, Dragons will find themselves in demand with a widening social circle. For the unattached, romantic

prospects are excellent with a chance meeting being potentially significant. Overall, Dragons enjoy and are particularly active in Rat years but they should seize chances and make the most of their strengths. Tip for the year: Look to advance ideas, skills and interests. Much good can come from positive actions now taken.

SNAKE

1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Snakes are quietly ambitious. They know what they want and are prepared to work hard and wait patiently for the right moment. Snakes can be quiet and reserved but enjoy wide interests and are loyal to those close to them. A full and rewarding year. Snakes are by nature creative and over the year will have ideas they are keen to pursue as well as benefit from arising opportunities. In work, some openings could emerge allowing Snakes to further their position or take on a new role. By rising to challenges and adding to skills, many will prove themselves in another capacity and widen their scope for later. March, June, August and September could see important developments. Snakes should also look to build on interests or consider learning a new skill. What is undertaken can be very rewarding and open new doors. With some expensive plans Snakes need to budget carefully and watch outgoings. Although some can be reserved, Snakes should also make the most of social opportunities. Over the year some important connections can be forged, with possible romantic prospects. In home life, Snakes need to be open and communicative rather than keeping their thoughts to themselves. This way loved ones will be better able to discuss and ease pressures at busy times. Mutual interests and travel will be especially appreciated. An active year with personal and professional gains to enjoy.

Tip for the year: Watch your independent tendencies. Liaise, communicate and share. Advance skills and interests. This can be an important and far reaching year. Use it well.

HORSE

1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

Strong-willed and hardworking, Horses have considerable style. They enjoy activity and have an adventurous, outgoing nature. They like company and conversation and present themselves well but being independently minded they set about much in their own individual way. Rat years are busy and fast moving and Horses could find parts of the year tricky. As a result, there could be times when it would be prudent for Horses to keep a low profile and watch developing situations. In work, Horses should concentrate on areas of expertise and focus on priorities. Although some could face problems and additional pressures, such situations will give Horses the opportunity to prove themselves and, in the process help their reputation and prospects. Results need to be worked for but well worth it when they come. Those seeking a new position could find their quest challenging but once an opening is secured, it will be something they can build on. Horses will also value their social life with interest-related events appealing. March, then August

year of energy, hope and fresh starts

to October, could see considerable social activity. Home life will be busy, especially as routines change and with some Horses keen to carry out improvements. Flexibility and good cooperation will be helpful to everyone. Domestically a lot can happen so Horses need to watch outgoings and ideally budget ahead for future plans. Overall, a demanding year but with chances for Horses to prove themselves and prepare for greater opportunities to come.

Tip for the year: Watch situations and be mindful of others, consulting when necessary. Keep lifestyle in balance, spreading out commitments and allowing time for yourself and your interests.

GOAT

1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Observant, caring and sociable, Goats like company and have a good understanding of human nature. They also attach much importance to home life. Born under the sign of art, Goats are creative and enjoy the finer things in life. A year of progress and good possibilities, although to benefit, Goats need to take the initiative. This is no year to sit on the sidelines or wait for chances to turn up. Instead they should seize the moment, making the most of ideas and opportunities. Particularly in work, openings can suddenly arise and if wanting to advance or secure a new position, Goats should be quick to act. Much is possible and can be gained this year. March, April, July and November could see encouraging developments. Progress can help with their financial situation, but spending needs to be watched. Personal interests can also develop well with many in good form. Domestically, Goats can look forward to celebrating some special personal and family events with travel also bringing pleasure. However, with ideas aplenty, Goats would do well to think and plan ahead rather than conduct too much in a hurry. Developments and interests can also bring Goats into contact with many promising social prospects. For the unattached, an unexpected meeting could develop into something special. Goats have a lot in their favour this year and with resolve, planning and determination can accomplish and enjoy much.

Tip for the year: Use opportunities to build on skills and advance interests. Regard the good done as an investment in yourself, helping both present and later prospects.

MONKEY

1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Resourceful and good at spotting opportunities, Monkeys like to keep active and are known to have wide interests. They have good memories and with their sense of fun, enjoy company, conversation and often a busy home and social life. Monkeys will be quick to latch on to the energy and possibilities that exist this year and are set to do well. Particularly in work, many will find their skills help to advance their prospects – some will secure a promotion or successfully move to another position elsewhere. Those desiring change should actively seek out a new and possibly different role. For quite a few, this year can mark a new chapter in their working lives. February, May, July and November could see interesting possibilities. Monkeys should also

promote ideas and plans as the Rat year is expected to reward well enterprising initiatives. Progress made can help financially although Monkeys should manage outgoings, including planning and saving towards larger purchases. Major decisions should not be rushed. Domestically the year will contain some special moments to celebrate with social activities. However, with a lot set to happen, Monkeys do need to focus and liaise closely with others rather than overcommit. Monkeys will also enjoy the year’s social opportunities with chances to build new connections and widen their social circle. For the unattached, new romance could blossom. Monkeys will have much in their favour this year with resolve and initiative rewarding them well.

Tip for the year: Be active, following up ideas and chances. With a ‘can-do’ spirit, Monkeys will succeed.

ROOSTER

1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

Roosters have considerable style and dignity. They enjoy company and conversation and are interested and informed. Roosters also like to be well-organised and are thorough in what they set out to do.

A fast-moving year, Roosters who like to plan ahead may feel uneasy with the pace and increasing pressures. Particularly in work, changes can suddenly occur which could be concerning and bring additional responsibilities. While sometimes daunting, Roosters will often have a chance to prove themselves in a new capacity and help prepare for later progress. For those seeking a new position, their quest may not be straightforward but what is secured can often be a platform to build on. Opportunities need to be grasped as April and late August to November could see useful possibilities. Roosters need to be careful in finance, checking the terms of new transactions and maintaining a sound budget. Roosters will value new personal interests and enjoy social opportunities that arise, including special events to attend. In home life, quality time and shared activities will be appreciated with loved ones being helpful during times of pressure and decision. The Rat year can be demanding, but with care, Roosters have a good chance to prove themselves and help future prospects.

Tip for the year: Keep alert to what’s going on and adapt as required. Situations may not always suit but by rising to tasks and pressures, headway can be made and valuable experience gained. Rat years can leave a valuable legacy.

DOG

1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

Loyal and caring, Dogs are very protective of loved ones. They are also direct and straightforward in manner and prepared to stand up for their beliefs. Dogs have a tendency to worry but are dependable and widely respected. A busy and surprising year. Developments can happen quickly and to benefit, Dogs will need to adapt and make the most of what arises. This will require flexibility but in return, substantial gains can be made. In work, changes can occur as col -

leagues move on and new positions open up. Quite a few will secure promotion or transfer to a greater role. For those seeking a position or wanting change, important doors can now open. March, April, July and September could see encouraging developments. Financial prospects can also improve with good management, to help their overall position. Domestically, many will have plans and home improvement projects they will be keen to get underway and by tackling tasks together, much can be accomplished. However, one project could lead to another. With decisions and work changes possible, Dogs will also value the support of loved ones and should discuss thoughts and any matters of concern. Dogs should also make the most of social opportunities, including going to events and occasions that appeal. Some good times can be had and for the unattached, a chance meeting could quickly become special. This is a year of scope and possibility.

Tip for the year: A year to progress and further yourself. Take on new challenges and set plans in motion. There is much good to be done.

PIG

1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

Outgoing, kindly and trusting, Pigs enjoy good

relations with many and with their home and social life especially important. They also like their pleasures and the finer things in life. Pigs are hardworking and use their skills and opportunities well. Pigs like stability so may find developments in the Rat year unsettling. In work, some matters could frustrate but by focusing on what needs to be done and using learning opportunities, many can do their reputation and prospects good. For those seeking change or a new position, they should widen their net and consider other ways to develop. What is accomplished will require effort but will be to their long-term advantage. Pigs also need to be careful in money matters, with this not a year to be lax. More positively personal interests can go well, with a new undertaking revealing other talents. Pigs will also enjoy the year’s social opportunities with a chance to widen their social circle. For the unattached, someone new could quickly become important. April, May, August and September could be full and interesting months. Pigs will particularly value home life, appreciating support given as well as arranging and suggesting various activities. Mutual interests and a holiday could be much appreciated. There is a Chinese proverb: “If you cannot do what you want, do what you can” and this holds true for the Rat year. It is a year for trying, doing and making the best of arising situations.

Tip for the year : Build on experience, including widening skills and interests and extending your social network. While not an easy year, efforts can reward and have long-term value.

a world of opportunity for yourself - travel and employment are just two of the many benefits of being able to communicate with more than billion people. And