CityNews 200528

Eden-Monaro

NICHOLE OVERALL

Enough

MICHAEL MOORE

ACT

JON STANHOPE

When

RICHARD CALVER

NEWS / Aboriginal food garden Tyronne

By Kate MEIKLE

NGUNAWAL custodian, Tyronne Bell says that most people have no clue about the rich diversity of edible plants under their feet.

“Even in these uncertain times when a lot of people were panic buying European veggies, they probably had no idea that when they go for a walk they are probably looking at lots of bush foods. There’s plenty to eat!” he says.

Tyronne is the director of Thunder stone Aboriginal Cultural Services and recently worked with Wiradjuri custodian Adam Shipp to create an Ab original food garden at Goorooyarroo in the Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve. They say they’ve created the first Aboriginal food garden in a nature reserve for at least a century, planting 1000 native plants, including hundreds of Aboriginal vegetables and grain plants such as chocolate lilies, vanilla lilies, murnongs, bulbine lilies, salt bushes, bluebells, native raspberries, and microlaena.

“Tyronne and I were keen to get the project going to bring back traditional food and showcase it,” says Adam, who specialises in indigenous plants and

back to the landscape.

“My passion is to educate people about plants and plant use, and why they are important to Aboriginal peo -

the ground and forgetting them. It’s about the wider community and Aboriginal people having the opportunity to learn about them, harvest them and

Since 1993: Volume 26, Number 21

eat them,” says Tyronne.

He says that he is looking forward to bringing groups to the garden in the future and once completed, the tourist centre will be a 1.5-kilometre walk from the garden site, making it a destination for people to discover.

Tyronne hopes that the food garden is the first of what will be many similar gardens on nature reserves across the ACT and is waiting to hear from the Chief Minister about this proposal. He says that demand for bush foods

and medicines is huge and he would like to gain government support to further traditional land management practices.

“It’s important not only for Aboriginal people but for all Australians to know about our native plants and the food found in the bush, how Aboriginal people have used them for a long time. It helps to bridge gaps as food is a great way to bring people together, so it is important in that regard,” says Adam.

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Canberra Matters 12

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Dining & Wine 20 Garden 23 Horoscopes 22 Letters 14 News 3-14 Politics 6 Seven Days 4 Cover: Beating the isolation blues at the restless zoo. Story Page 9.

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SEVEN DAYS

Stephen’s searching for bubble-to-bubble travel

WITH flights falling from 120 a week to two or three, Canberra Airport MD Stephen Byron says he’s written to the Queensland and SA governments about setting up bubble-to-bubble travel with the ACT given its (known) Covid case-free status.

seems to be the advice of Health Minister

Rachel Stephen-Smith, who at one of the interminable COVID-19 media briefings on Blursday said: “If you can continue to work from home, at least for a few days a week, please try to do so. This is an important element of maintaining physical distancing.”

“The thing with aviation is a date needs to be set for two weeks’ time or so that people can make bookings on flights and the airlines can schedule flights,” he told the ABC.

“It’s not like just ramping up a cafe and turning up and changing from takeaway to dine-in again within 24 hours. The aviation industry needs a very clear timetable with firm dates. We need to know that we can restart these flights in a matter of weeks. Ideally by June 8.

“And certainly be well and truly up and running for the school holidays on 1 July.”

WITH kids back on the school bus and back in class, now’s the time for adults to avoid the office and public transport. That

No resting on her virus-busting laurels, she says: “Our advice to people in relation to public transport continues to be, reconsider your need to use public transport and only use it if it’s essential.”

“[IT’S an] arrogant and disrespectful Labor/ Greens government,” tutt-tutts Alan Tutt as he announces his candidacy at the October election for Bill Stefaniak’s Belco Party in the northern electorate of Ginninderra.

Typical of his sporting past, the loveable Tutty is back for another shot at the Assembly after nailing only 262 votes (or 0.06 per cent of a quota) in his last outing in 2016 in Ginninderra for Richard Farmer’s fleeting Canberra Community Voters Party.

“The Labor/Greens government has made life very difficult for the residents of Canberra with skyrocketing rates… The inner-city

elites have taken over at the expense of the everyday man and woman of Belconnen. I am one of those everyday men. I have had enough.” He’s as mad as hell.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has opened her state to tourism and freeing the way for Canberrans to frolic on the southcoast and beyond with impunity over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June.

But prospective frolickers beware: insurance company AAMI says despite there being fewer cars on the roads, the likelihood of hitting a kangaroo increases by 15 per cent between May and August.

An analysis of more than 21,000 animalcollision claims in the year ended January 31, confirmed Canberra as the country’s most dangerous hotspot (for the fourth time) with NSW ranked the worst state for animal collisions with almost one third of animal-related

accidents across the country.

LOCAL surgeons are sharpening their scalpels ready to slice through the ACT’s accumulated backlog of thousands of public surgeries, delayed by coronavirus restrictions since March. Canberra Health Services CEO Bernadette McDonald says regular elective surgery numbers would resume in the next few weeks. She estimates that by June 30 there would be about 2250 planned surgeries the service would not have completed due to the shutdown. “We are working to provide advice to government on how we might address this backlog,” she says.

occasion was reminiscent of the celebrated “Yes, Minister” episode, “The Compassionate Society”, (1981) where the minister, Jim Hacker, is enraged about a new, fully staffed hospital that has no patients, until he learns how powerful the unions are.

However, at the Garran outing not a politician could be seen, leaving project director Sophie Gray to explain that when the plans were being made for the centre no one knew exactly what to expect from the virus.

WHILE cafes and restaurants nervously count heads on their fingers, one’s got to love the farce in Ikea’s straight-faced sign informing customers it can only admit a maximum of 4192 people at a time “based on current social distancing requirements”.

MEANWHILE, “CityNews” reporter Danielle Nohra joined a media surge through the $23 million, 51-bed, COVID-19 Surge Centre sitting untroubled by patients on Garran Oval. The

low? Woolworths might have just the pickme-up, especially if you’re grieving the lost and lonely Easter. They’re still selling hot cross buns for the faithful. These were spotted this past week in Woden.

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Enough of excuses, Yvette, time to try harder

“TRIES hard. Could do better” is the sort of comment that belongs on Yvette Berry’s report as Minister for Education.

She has now had time to reflect on the disastrous NAPLAN results for the ACT and her defensive reaction earlier this year. Schools returning after the enforced break provides an unusual opportunity for implementing changes instead of making excuses.

In a March press release attacking the NAPLAN data on the MySchool website, Ms Berry argued that the “data reported for the ACT do not present a reliable indicator of NAPLAN performance in the ACT”. Her excuses were lost in the blanket media on COVID-19.

Rather than recognising the overall indications of a system going downhill, Ms Berry’s reaction is to attack the data and to attack the detail. Her argument is about “anomalies in the ACT data”. The nub of her argument is higher socioeconomics and a high proportion of public servants mean that

The overall evidence coming from NAPLAN results should be an embarrassment to this government. Toughing it out and making excuses will not help ACT school students.

interpretation of the scores disadvantages the ACT in comparison to other states and territories.

Rather than basing comparisons on raw data, the method used by the Australian Curriculum, Reporting and Assessment Authority (ACARA) takes these two factors into account along with remoteness and percentage of indigenous students. These four factors together allow a much better assessment of the quality of education for all children regardless of advantage or disadvantage.

The approach of ACARA puts the ACT on an equal footing with other jurisdictions.

Ms Berry considers that comparisons are unfair in such a highly educated population: “65 per cent of ACT students have a parent with a bachelor’s degree or above, compared to the national average of 35 per cent”. However, ACARA is right

to take this into account.

The Minister should recognise that schools in other jurisdictions are able to bring their students up to the level of the ACT students despite disadvantage of educational background or socio-economic status. The ACT advantage ought to be harnessed for the best possible educational outcomes for all ACT children.

The ACT may do well in “line honours” in education boasting “top or equal top by mean score in 18 of 20 areas tested in NAPLAN 2019”. It is time to remove the rose-coloured glasses rather than allowing a downhill slide. Whatever action is necessary ought to be taken to deliver the appropriate results across the system for all students.

Attacking the data reminds me of Big Tobacco tactics. When epidemiologists were finding more and more evidence of the link between cigarettes and lung cancer, the industry mercilessly attacked the data and the interpretation of the data. The intention of Big Tobacco was to focus on any minor anomaly to increase doubt

about the overall evidence.

The other tactic used by the Education Minister is to realign the focus to good news. In this case the statement from Yvette Berry identifies “93 per cent of young people who graduated in 2017 were employed or undertaking further study in 2018 – 6 per cent higher than the national average”. This is good news. But, it is also not socio-economically adjusted. Another attempt to change focus

identifies that NAPLAN results are not the most important indicator. Rather, “life outcomes of a student is the whole point of school and the education system”.

The government has been happy to sing its own praises when indicative results provided positive headlines such as: “Top marks for ACT in NAPLAN tests” (2013); and “Canberra kids shine in NAPLAN testing again” (2014).

The excuses have been on the table for months. Schools are going back after the COVID-19 lockdown. NAPLAN has been cancelled for 2020, giving breathing space before the October ACT election. Now is the time for the Education Minister and the government to lay out a plan of how they intend to improve educational outcomes for all students across Canberra.

The overall evidence coming from NAPLAN results should be an embarrassment to this government. Toughing it out and making excuses will not help ACT school students. Labor has been at the helm of the ACT for nearly two decades. It is time for action rather than excuses.

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.

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OPINION / shame and stunts

Reality bites as government rests on

LAST edition I wrote about the tragic death of Jonathan Hogan, an Aboriginal man from Canberra who died in prison because, in the view of the coroner, he did not receive the health care he needed.

I concluded by recommending that all governments in Australia introduce legislation on corporate murder and manslaughter that mirrors the UK Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007

That Act provides for corporations and government authorities responsible for the health, safety and welfare of people who died in police custody, prison, youth detention, immigration detention or mental health facilities to potentially be charged with corporate murder or manslaughter if a person in such a facility dies, for example, in the circumstances in which Jonathan Hogan died.

I cannot think of any reason, other than self-preservation, why the ACT or any other government, would not enact such a law. It is in effect conceptually no different than the industrial manslaughter laws that exist in the ACT and throughout Australia.

The reason I have returned to the subject is the deeply disturbing allegations made by shadow Corrective Services Minister Giulia Jones about the care and treatment – or more precisely, the lack thereof – for the mentally ill Aboriginal man in

The fact the ACT government is resting on its laurels is increasingly apparent. Its obsessive mantra that it is the most progressive government in Australia always brings to my mind Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Glory Days’.

the AMC who was the object of the obscenely racist “hangman” scandal.

I am also, more generally, exercised by the tepid response by governments across Australia to the shameful increase in Aboriginal incarceration.

It is, of course, doubly shameful that the ACT leads the way. In the last eight years, or since Shane Rattenbury became Minister for Corrections, the number of Aboriginal people imprisoned in the ACT has increased by more than 200 per cent.

I have also lately felt increasingly agitated, as Australia approaches the seventh anniversary of our adoption of the ALP’s mandatory off-shore detention policy, about the silence that has descended on Australia about the fate of the asylum seekers still stuck in Papua New Guinea and on Nauru.

On the point of the effectiveness of corporate murder/manslaughter laws, I feel sure that had they applied to the management of immigration detention facilities in Australia and in our off-shore camps that the number of deaths of asylum seekers that have occurred in the last seven years

would have been less.

I am also convinced that corporate murder/manslaughter laws would have a similarly sobering and effective impact on the quality of the management and care provided in prisons and other forms of detention.

However, on the question of human rights and progressivity, the ACT government is on increasingly shaky ground.

That the government is resting on its laurels is increasingly apparent. Its obsessive mantra that it’s the most progressive government in Australia always brings to my mind Bruce Springsteen’s “Glory Days”.

The void between reality and the government’s perception of itself is most striking in relation to health and housing.

Labor and the Greens no longer even pretend to be committed to affordable housing and have hollowed out health funding to the point that Canberrans without private health insurance, most notably people from lower-income households, are left to wait years for medical treatment essential to quality of life.

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A recent example of the government’s shift-shaping is AttorneyGeneral, Gordon Ramsay’s draft legislation designed to criminalise elder abuse. The presidents of the Law Society and the Bar Association, admittedly organisations not generally considered as falling within the Labor-loving, wine and cheese night, pinko-lefty category, were sufficiently provoked to describe the legislation and the process which begat it as “flawed”; “unacceptable”, “poorly thought out”, “ arbitrary”, “particularly disappointing”, “unnecessary” and “confusing”. The president of the Bar Association was quoted as saying the legislation was introduced for “a headline”.

I agree. There is an undeniable whiff of a stunt about this legislation. Just, of course, as there are over the half-baked laws decriminalising the growing of marijuana.

If Gordon Ramsay is serious about human rights and in pursuing legislative change that will make a difference I recommend he dust off the report of the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Research Project, a collaboration between the ANU and his department (September 2010, ANU

College of Law Research Paper no. 10 ).

The report provides a detailed analysis of the nature and scope of such rights and the desirability of their being included in the ACT Human Rights Act. The report even includes a draft Bill prepared by the ACT parliamentary counsel. What is it Attorney that you fear about the draft Bill? I assume, in light of the record of your government on housing and health that it is the ridicule you would be subjected to if you stood up to argue that a right to housing and a right to health are inalienable human rights. However, let’s be fair; the Bill has only been around for 10 years!

Jon Stanhope was chief minister from 2001 to 2011 and represented Ginninderra for the Labor Party from 1998. He is the only chief minister to have governed with a majority in the Assembly.

“They’re very playful and people-oriented. They love to stalk, and they’re not getting that distraction from anyone walking past, so they seem to have turned that attention towards destroying the brush fencing,” she says.

“We keep them occupied, bringing in bones and boxes for them to chew, and scents like perfume, essential oils or herbs. It gets a variety of reactions. Essentially we create interest in their environment so they don’t get bored.”

Bec says enrichment is always done anyway, but keepers have increased efforts and switched things up to keep animals occupied while the zoo is so quiet.

Solo, the zoo’s hand-raised cheetah cub, and his best friend dog Zama get regular walks up to Jamala Lodge. Ruffed lemurs have extra things to climb on, and other primates have toys to fiddle with. Eco the rhino has a ball to push around, and the dingos have a Kong with food hidden in it, or toys hidden in ice blocks.

As the zoo runs a regular meet-a-cheetah program, Bec says the cheetahs are used to their routine and are missing human interaction.

“We keep their usual routine going as much as we can,” she says.

“We don’t want them getting bored but they also need to be familiar with being up close to people.”

Russell says that although some staff are on

the animals need the same care as always so everyone has been pitching in.

“The meerkats are very visual creatures, and they get excited when we even just take our lunch and sit by the enclosure. They’re particularly inquisitive,” he says.

“They always rush up to see who it is and what’s going on.”

During the lockdown, keepers have been doing Facebook Live talks to help people stay connected.

“We all miss seeing our visitors, it’s not just the animals,” Russell says.

“We’ve got some new residents that we haven’t introduced to the public yet, and maybe some new little ones, too – one of our koalas, Matilda has a joey in her pouch, so it will be exciting to see how much it will have grown. Our giraffe calf Nzuri has grown a lot, too.”

Bec says that many animals adapt and go about their daily routines, though the monkeys on Monkey Island have noticed the lack of visitors.

“They always get a lot of positive feedback from people coming in to the zoo, and love the chatter and the kids, so they’ve definitely noticed that no one’s here,” she says.

“I think we’ll notice a difference in their ex-

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Inside the hospital with no future and no patients

By Danielle NOHRA

MORE than a month ago, when plans were being made for the COVID-19 Surge Centre on Garran Oval, no one knew exactly what to expect from the virus, says project director Sophie Gray.

The 51-bed centre is now finished and sits free of patients.

Ms Gray was hosting an invited walkthrough, which might eventually see Can berra’s media being the only non-staff to see the inside of the temporary COVID-19 emergency department.

Deputy CEO of Can berra Health Services

Dave Peffer, pictured, was also on site and said the facility would only be activated if coronavirus demand exceeds hospital capacity in the ACT.

And even though Canberra is currently coronavirus-free, Mr Peffer said it’s very unlikely the Surge Centre will be disman tled before the end of the flu season. It’s also unlikely to be dismantled until the pandemic is over, he said.

When the time comes for it to be dis -

into shipping containers) neither Mr Peffer or Ms Gray could say what will be done with the facility, but Mr Peffer said the territory owns every aspect of it.

“[And] there will be no costs incurred for staffing unless it’s activated,” he said.

The facility, which took seven days to plan (in consultation with the World Health Organization) and 30 days to build, was officially given its “ready-to-go” certification on May 15, so it’s ready if needed,

“It won’t come down in 30 days though, it’ll be slower,” she said.

Inside the $23 million facility, of six resuscitation bays, 44 patients’ beds and one palliative care room, it’s split in two – one

other for confirmed cases.

The walls are made from refrigeration panels, which Ms Gray said were able to get put up fast and also have insulation properties, and most of the building and items in the building were sourced and produced locally, such as the door frames.

And, maintenance can all be done through the ceiling, according to Ms Gray, who said maintenance staff can service the equipment in an environment away from patients, up in the ceiling.

As for the location, it was chosen for a number of reasons, but Ms Gray said the main reasons are that it’s close to pathology at Canberra Hospital, and it’s close to the hospital for patient transfers.

PAUL WALSHE , the chair of Respite Care for Queanbeyan, writes in praise of heroic carers and says his committee’s local building project is just one solution short of being built.

Like me, a majority of Australians have been at home in the past few weeks in self-isolation as we battle COVID-19.

Self-isolation has given me time to reflect and consider how this must be the norm for carers on a day-to-day basis as they battle with self-isolation caring for a loved one.

It is now public opinion that a potential side effect of this crisis is people’s mental health and wellbeing and it’s something mental health professionals are scrambling to address amid the uncertainty of COVID-19.

As the spread of coronavirus is now better controlled and managed we are hoping to see a lift in restrictions and progression back to a more normal life. However, in most cases this can’t be said for carers as they will continue with their caring duties and in self-isolation.

According to a report by Carers Australia, there are more than 2.7 million carers in Australia. Carers can be partners, parents, sons or daughters, siblings, other relatives, friends or neighbours.

Some carers provide constant help with things such as bathing, dressing and toileting. Other carers support someone who is fairly independent, but needs emotional support or help with their shopping, housework or finances.

In a Carers NSW 2016 survey, carers’ self-reported wellbeing continues to be significantly lower than the general Australian population. Most carers not only require health services and specific supports for the person for whom they care, but also for themselves. Carers saw respite as a way of getting a break and maintaining their health and wellbeing.

It’s acknowledged that respite

care gives carers a much-needed break, however a lot of carers want to use respite services but don’t because they can’t get services that suit them.

A good example of this is if you are a carer for a person suffering from a terminal or chronic illness aged between 18 and 59 there are no respite services available, outside of utilising a nursing home. A completely wrong environment.

That is why a small group of community minded Queanbeyan residents have established an organisation called Respite Care for Queanbeyan and who have a vision to partner with government, business and the local community to build and administer a purposebuilt, six-bedroom respite care facility in Queanbeyan.

The facility will support carers and provide short-term professional residential care for people aged 18 to 59 years suffering from a terminal or chronic illness.

To date, the organisation has secured grants of $750,000 from the NSW government and $750,000 from the federal government. This $1.5 million will go close to building the respite care facility. We are also finalising with the Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council a 30-year lease for a block of land in Queanbeyan.

The final piece to the puzzle is getting NSW state and federal governments to the table to discuss potential funding or part funding of costs for the running of the facility which would be in the vicinity of $1 million a year.

Our carers deserve this respite care facility to be built given they currently benefit our economy, saving governments more than $60 billion every year in paid care… it’s a small price to pay.

CAPITAL REGION COMMUNITY SERVICES advertising feature

‘The new name reflects our plan to extend services across the border’

New name opens new world for community service

BELCONNEN Community Service (BCS) has changed its name to Capital Region Community Services (CRCS) amid plans to extend its reach into regional NSW.

It’s a change that’s been made with heart, borne out of requests for services from areas that were beyond BCS’ reach because of the way it was registered, says CEO Mandy Green.

“The new name reflects our plan to extend services across the border,” she says.

“Community service organisations are generally very dynamic and innovative and BCS/CRCS has certainly operated this way in responding to community needs.”

Requests from NSW neighbours included transport and support co-ordination for people with an NDIS plan; its suite of support for older people who have an agedcare package such as transport, domestic assistance, personal care and other support needs, and other services such as its Bungee Youth Resilience program for primary school children.

Mandy says that last year, BCS consulted with key stakeholders in Canberra and the wider region to draft its 2020-2030 strategic plan and as a result, changed its company entity to a “Company Limited by Guarantee” so it could include regional NSW communities. She says she’s thrilled that this means they can help more people.

“I’m very excited about the changes to the organisation, as are our employees,” she says.

“This is a really special opportunity for us and I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting people within the capital region.”

The new CRCS will include Goulburn Mulwaree,

Upper Lachlan,

Mandy, who has been with the organisation for almost 12 years, says nothing will change in terms of the services provided to Belconnen and to Canberra.

“That has and will not change, our commitment here remains steadfast,” she says.

“I enjoy working with so many talented and committed professionals who put people first. For me,

working in an ever-changing environment is invigorating and ensures that we are always being proactive and responsive.”

Mandy says that initially, CRCS plans to extend access to its services for older people with an aged-care package and individuals living with a disability and who have an NDIS plan.

“We have future plans to provide elements of our services for all age groups as we develop collaborative partnerships with agencies within the region to build

upon what’s already available and enhance the range of support and programs on offer to the community,” she

Where possible, Mandy says that CRCS plans to work collaboratively with existing service providers within the capital region.

“What we offer is quite unique and very complementary to existing services,” she says.

“If there are no services already existing in a region, we will look at ways we can work with the community to provide services to fill a need. We plan to spend time engaging with the capital region to understand what makes each area unique and hear from residents and stakeholders about what they need and how we might be able to work with existing providers to add value.

“We plan to provide new jobs for the communities we engage with and become part of the community to create opportunities.”

Mandy says that this transformation stands true to the diligence and hard work of the boards and CEOs who have led the organisation over the past 45 years.

“In reading through the history of BCS and the many volumes of annual reports and strategic plans, our organisation has placed connection with community and reaching and meeting the needs of our communities at the heart of everything,” she says.

“The organisation has always worked hard to extend their reach to ensure that all members of the community have been included and supported.

“This new chapter as CRCS stands on the shoulders of all of those who have gone before us and we respect and acknowledge their contribution to our rich history and thank them for putting us in a fortunate position to build on this foundation.”

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CANBERRA MATTERS

NCA hits the spurs to bar women equestrians

RESIDENTS are often taken aback by the culture of disrespect for locals that has become firmly embedded within the ACT’s political and bureaucratic ranks.

But nothing prepared anyone for the latest shocker – the secretive land swap between the National Capital Authority (NCA) and the ACT government that delivered for the West Basin project. People are expressing horror at how these agencies launched their carefully planned and clandestine attack on the North Curtin equestrians for diplomatic housing together with the move to destroy part of Lake Burley Griffin.

Their joint action will be recorded in the city’s history as a serious assault on the goodwill of Canberra’s residents. The fact that they did this within months of the ACT elections, demonstrates how much these agencies care for the aspirations of the voters. It marks a new low for the governance of this city.

In theory, the role of the NCA is vital.

The manner in which the announcement was made about cancelling access to the North Curtin paddocks is being taken as a condescending act towards the recreational activities of a group of Canberra women.

Sadly, over the last decade the NCA has become part of the problem. The manner in which the announcement was made about cancelling access to the North Curtin paddocks is being taken as a condescending act towards the recreational activities of a group of Canberra women.

Imagine the horror by the maledominated footy community if the NCA and ACT government had taken away a precious football field. Remember, a footy field is in occasional use – but the North Curtin paddocks are being used at various levels 24/7.

The NCA board is made up of two senior blokes (with links to football) plus the CEO herself. These three, with the guidance of their male senior planner had no qualms about depriving a recreational group, mainly women, from having access to their chosen activities. Remembering that this community had not long ago enhanced this land so that it is now recognised as

a major wildlife corridor.

As for the City Renewal Authority and its West Basin development, people are struggling to be polite about its behaviour. This was the agency that largely replaced the former Land Development Authority – with its reputation defined by such deals as the notorious “Dickson Land Swap”. At least the former used to pretend to be nice – to be listening.

This authority is hell bent on turning a wonderful piece of lakeside ecology into something that someone will later boast about as being a transformative piece of urban design.

The proposal to concrete over part of the lake and build apartments along the foreshore comes from a bureaucratic hierarchy that repeatedly displays little appreciation of the former professional engineers, designers and water-specialists who delivered Lake Burley Griffin with its precious ecology and internationally admired heritage. Did I mention heritage and Canberra in the same sentence? Not something the City Renewal Authority or the NCA can do with any credibility.

Those who are responsible for the

NCA, should be truly ashamed. It is a hollowed-out shell of its former self.

The NCA and its ACT partners’ collective treatment of the equestrians of North Curtin indicates how people who otherwise seem reasonable in public, are capable of being inconsiderate of those they judge as being not inside their secretive male-dominated cabal.

It is stunning in the year 2020 that discriminatory decisions can be made in secret by so few yet affect so many where it hurts – being their chosen passion for horses.

What has our governing class learnt from the past decades of combating inequality? Not much it seems given the joint conduct of the ACT government and the NCA towards this femaledominated equestrian community.

Has the legacy of the ACT Labor/

Greens coalition government become questionable land swaps that deliver for others (the greater good!) but seriously disadvantage local residents – in this case a group of women?

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

CORRECTION

FURTHER to last week’s column (“NCA rides roughshod over Curtin equestrians”) City Renewal Authority CEO Malcom Snow says the CRA did not “trade the North Curtin equestrian paddocks”, nor was it involved in the negotiations for the transfer of land between the Commonwealth and ACT governments. He says the paddocks are located outside of the City Renewal Precinct.

YESTERDAYS / federal by-election

Eden-Monaro gets to show its feminine side

NICHOLE OVERALL looks at the long journey of women to represent the federal seat of Eden-Monaro. Now, after 119 years, their moment has finally arrived

THE federal “bellwether” seat of Eden-Monaro has long been something of a “media tart”, but its looming by-election is history unfurling before our eyes.

While the cameras have been focused on the blokes and the shenanigans around who’s vying to be on the ballot paper, the most significant element in this particular electoral contest is on the other side of the gender divide. Beyond a genuine bolt from the blue that sees an outside chance bringing it home, one way or another, for the first time Eden-Monaro will have a female member of parliament.

Since the seat’s creation in 1901, Labor has for the first time in 119 years decided on a woman to hold aloft its banner – an apparently unopposed Kristy McBain, former mayor of Bega.

Only a year ago, Fiona Kotvojs was the first woman to run as a Liberal in the seat’s history, getting within 1600-odd votes of the now-retired –from politics at any rate – Mike Kelly. Kotvojs has been preselected again for the Liberals.

Australia first gave women the vote and legislated they be able to run in elections federally from 1902 (SA was

the first colony/state to do so in 1894, having allowed them to vote at a local level as early as 1861). State elections varied dramatically, the right to vote and stand ranging between 1902 and 1923. Accordingly, it was 1921 before Edith Cowan became the country’s first female parliamentarian on election to the Legislative Assembly of WA.

Dames Enid Lyons and Dorothy Tangney were the first women elected to Federal Parliament in 1943. It would be another 34 years after that before E-M had its first female electoral option.

In 1977, Norma Helmers gained 8.6 per cent of the vote when she ran for the newly formed Democrats. She’d have another go in 1980, her numbers reduced to 5.1 per cent.

In 1983, independent Miriam Naughton could only manage 3.1 per cent.

It would take another 13 years for history to be made again locally. In a line-up of eight political aspirationals, half of them were female*: independent Robyn Loydell (5.99 per cent), Nora Endean, Democrats (3.59 per cent), Robin Tennant-Woods for the Greens (3.53 per cent), and Irene Brown as part of the Australians Against

Further Immigration (1.9 per cent).

At that election, staying true to its “bellwether” nature (from 1972 at any rate), Labor’s Jim Snow lost the seat after five successful elections, to Lib Gary Nairn. The two-party preferred result was 54.76 per cent to 45.24 per cent, the largest swing in 50 years –and since – and John Howard became Prime Minister.

Democrats) in a field of six.

Is there a possibility in 2020 that the Nationals – still deciding on whether they’ll contest after all – could have Sophie Wade again join the fray?

The 2019 election had been the first occasion a female Liberal candidate had run against a female candidate for the National Party in Sophie Wade (it also marked the first threecornered affair of the major parties since 1993).

On two other occasions, 2010 and 2016, three women stood for E-M. This election though, is guaranteed to at least equal the 1996 moment, with four females nominating – so far.

Karen Porter, an independent aligned with the currently unreg-

barrels for pork – surely the display of feminine force is enough to cement its place as one of the most progressive seats in the nation.

*The Division of Canberra had five female candidates in 1998. Preliminary research suggests the record may be the 2009 by-election in Bradfield, when there were seven women in a field of 22.

More at anoverallview.wixsite.com/blog

THE GADFLY

Albo might have said it’s time to tackle inequality

SADLY, it seems, we’re going to allow this loathsome pandemic to bare our self-inflicted wounds without grabbing the opportunity to heal them. And this applies as much to our economic and societal defects at home as to our international deformities.

In between splutters, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg parroted the party line to parliament as laid down by his Prime Minister – once the COVID-19 horror is more or less under control, it’s back to business as usual.

The old Newstart returns, industrial relations gets a milder form of Work Choices; rip-off privatisation makes a comeback across the board; and lots of money will be spent supporting a two-horrible-airlines

We’ve allowed ourselves to become the meat in a sandwich torn between Trump’s schizophrenic US and Emperor Xi Jinping’s China seeking redress for the vile humiliations of the European colonialists.

policy. Well, no surprises there.

On the Labor side, there was another “vision statement” from leader Anthony Albanese but virtually nothing concrete, merely an easy assertion that JobKeeper and JobSeeker will need to continue beyond the September guidelines. It reminded me of the evening sea mist that often passes through Tuross like a ghost and fades away to nothingness.

In a sense it was understandable. A polite chap, Albo, and very aware that there’s a sensitivity abroad about becoming too political during the battle against the pandemic. But he could easily have framed an alternative manifesto as an invitation to Scott Morrison and his legions to join in remaking the battlefield once the unseen enemy had been defeated. He might have said that the time has come to tackle the rising inequal-

ity in a society that used to pride itself on the notion that equality of opportunity is the Australian way. And the sensible move might be to enlist the cohort of women such as Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil, who are running the trade union movement with good, well-thoughtout ideas for improving productivity, participation and job security; and who co-operated so well during war. He might have congratulated Morrison for accepting and respond ing to the medical experts, thus revitalising the role of science and empirical evidence in dealing with complex issues. And it would be a small but logical next step to tackle the even more threatening issue of climate change.

a Ross Garnaut figure) and include some of the more level-headed MPs from the major parties.

The international issues are easily identified and soluble with a similar non-partisan approach.

Somehow, we’ve allowed ourselves to become the meat in a sandwich torn between Trump’s schizophrenic United States and Emperor Xi Jinping’s China seeking redress for the vile humiliations of the European colonialists.

Surely, the only sensible response is to leave the sandwich, let them rage at each other while we (and NZ) develop a much more congenial group of friends and neighbours in the Pacific and south-east Asia with whom to trade, tour and develop agreements.

We wouldn’t ignore the big guys in the neighbourhood, but by working together we could get a much better deal with each of them.

But it’s no good Albanese setting an ambitious target for emissions reduction without charting a path to achieve it, one that not only employs coal miners in better jobs but brings prosperity to the regions that depend on them. It didn’t need to be too detailed but it should be headed by a committee of experts (chaired by

CARAVAN REPAIRS, SERVICING & MODIFICATIONS ALL BRANDS INSURANCE REPAIRS

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese. Cartoon: Paul Dorin

Sure, we’d need a very active foreign service, and a well-balanced aid regime. But at least it’s preferable to being in a sweaty wrestling ring with a pair of half-trained heavyweights carrying clubs.

And after all the horrors of bushfires, hailstorms and this hideous pandemic, at least we’d have an inspiring goal to aim for.

robert@robertmacklin.com

LETTERS

We

can do better: it’s up to us

COLUMNIST Paul Costigan asks (CN, May 14) can’t we do better than this lot of local politicians?

The answer is: that’s up to us.

To get better decisions about how we want Canberra to be, we need two things. Firstly, we need MLAs who will work with the voters using (with some improvements) the type of community deliberations that the government used in 2018.

Secondly, we need to vote strategically in this year’s election to select candidates who can show that they will work with us, the people, on creating ways to listen and involve us.

Choosing those candidates (beyond the party policy line) will be made easier by the Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy.

Again for this year’s election, they are inviting all candidates to tell voters: what qualifies them to be an MLA, how they intend to involve the community and what they are committing to do to strengthen democracy in the ACT. They will publish candidates’ responses on their website to help voters to choose the candidates who will work with and for us, the people.

Peter Tait, secretary, Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy

Well done, Michael Moore on bullying billionaires

WELL done, political columnist Michael Moore on a great article about bullying billionaires and the Chinese Communist Party. I also enjoyed John Lawrence’s letter. I hate to disagree, John, but while the Green Hornet might make an excellent candidate for the ACT Legislative Assembly, unfortunately, apart from not being an Australian citizen he also is not real.

John might find some consolation in the

knowledge that the current ACT government seems to be getting a lot of its economic advice from the Tooth Fairy.

Bill Stefaniak, candidate, Belco Party

Where’s Jack when you need him?

WHAT the ACT badly needs these days is someone like Jack Mundey. Someone who can stand up to the Barr government and put a stop to the way it is ruining this beautiful bush capital with its ad hoc planning.

The Barr government and Malcolm Snow are hell bent on “transforming” the Acton waterfront precinct.

Jack Mundey.

If only we had a Jack Mundey to fight for us to keep their grubby hands off our beautiful lake. We love the lake just the way it is. It just needs a bit of maintenance to keep it neat and tidy, not 2000 apartments.

Ann Cooper, Wanniassa

Jon and Paul, lead us out of here!

JON Stanhope and Paul Costigan for Chief and Deputy Chief Minister. Although in light of ACT’s seemingly precarious budgetary situation and outlook (both pre and postCOVID), I’m loath to wish such upon them.

Wayne Fyffe, Cook

Businesses open and ready to welcome you

THE last couple of months in lockdown have been long, but with restrictions gradually easing, “CityNews” speaks with businesses that are open, and ready to welcome customers back through their doors. Whether it’s time to book a holiday, get legal affairs in order or sort out the windows for winter, now, more than ever, is an ideal time to support local businesses getting back into the swing of things.

Innovative firm gives expert legal advice

AS one of the oldest law firms in NSW, with more than 150 years in operation, Baker Deane and Nutt is a full-service law firm, providing expert advice with a personal touch, says partner Tanya Nadin.

With two offices, one in Canberra and another in Queanbeyan, Baker Deane and Nutt is unique in that it can operate across both jurisdictions.

The firm prides itself on being accessible, responsive and innova tive, and has invested in technology, systems and staff training to ensure its clients receive fast and effective legal services.

Tanya says the COVID-19 crisis has shown the need to be well-prepared with things such as wills, probate and family law matters.

Jamala’s wild experience is ready for visitors

Baker Deane and Nutt partner Tanya Nadin.

Like many workplaces, staff is starting to return to its offices after weeks of working from home, but the company hasn’t shut throughout the COVID-19 crisis, says Tanya.

“We’ve been fortunate not to have to close our doors at all, and have been as busy as ever,” she says.

“Fortunately many of us were

already set up to work remotely, able to run meetings with clients from home, and the staff that did come in appropriately spaced out and all meetings were by appointment only.

“Now we can see more clients in the office.”

Baker Deane and Nutt, Level 1, 1 Farrell Place, Civic, and 260 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan. Visit bdn.com.au

JAMALA Wildlife Lodge’s unique and intimate stay with animals is open to Canberrans and, from June 1, will be open to NSW visitors, too, says National Zoo and Aquarium business manager Russell Jackson.

“Feeding a giraffe from the window or hanging out with a lion on the balcony makes quite the change of scene from lockdown at home,” Russell says.

In line with current government regulations, Russell says a slightly modified itinerary is on offer.

A stay includes an “amazing” gourmet dinner with Moët and fine wines, he says. And, guests can either dine with the white lions and hyenas or have in-room dining with a giraffe, cheetah, sun bears, lions or tigers as a roommate, Russell says.

“On the plus side, it means it will be virtually just you and the animals, plus a few other guests and some staff,” he says.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge is still taking bookings now for the standard itinerary, which is available from mid-June, where people can choose from Giraffe Treehouses, uShaka Lodge or a Jungle Bungalow.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge, at the National Zoo and Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla. Call 6287 8444 or visit jamalawildlifelodge.com.au

We have six modern, large fully self contained two bedroom and two bathroom apartments for you to enjoy for the duration of your stay. Each apartment has a private balcony, some with wonderful views of Merimbula lake and beaches. We are a short five minute stroll from both Merimbula’s town centre and our closest beach at Spencer Park. Book now for a relaxing time and a memorable holiday.

The Palms Apartments Merimbula 63 Main Street, Merimbula, NSW 2548 Phone 0448 856 234 www.thepalmsapartments.com

ready to have them back.

“We’re excited to be open and are ready to welcome guests,” she says.

“We’ve been closed here pretty much since the start of January, [except for when we’ve been] supporting families who lost their homes in the bushfires, and we were just getting back to normal when the virus hit.

“We’ve all been stuck at home but now people can come down for a holiday at the Sapphire Coast and spend time on the beach.”

Located in the heart of Merimbula, Sharon says the Palm Apartments feature six modern, large, fully self-contained two-bedroom units.

“Each apartment has a private balcony, and they have all been recently renovated with new kitchens,” she says.

“The top-floor apartments have wonderful views over Merimbula Lake and beaches, and we’re only a five minute walk from both Merimbula town centre and the closest beach at Spencer Park.”

Sharon says hygiene is a particular focus and each apartment is cleaned thoroughly before guests arrive (as always), with extra precautions taken.

Guests who book directly through the website or by calling the apartments can get a special deal, Sharon says.

The Palms Apartments, 63 Main Street, Merimbula. Call 0448 856234 or visit thepalmsapartments.com

THE longest-running uPVC double glazing company in the ACT, Solace Creations has been helping Canberrans keep their homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer for more than 14 years, says owner Karen Porter.

“Our customers draw on our expertise and experience to custom-design windows to give their homes the best outcomes for comfort as well as looking great,” she says.

Karen says the team at Solace Creations pride themselves on offering a friendly and warm customer service when they deliver any range of double glazed windows and doors.

“We are not just focused on double glazing and all the benefits it provides, we are also focused on how to make your home more beautiful,” she says.

Solace Creations’ dedicated in-house installation team manage the professional installation of the new windows that are all Australian made and meet Australian standards.

Karen says Solace Creations has the largest double-glazing showroom in Canberra and she recommends people visit them to see the products and speak to the team about a home consultation.

“We are the experts in the market. Why would you go anywhere else but Solace Creations?” says Karen.

Solace Creations, 17 Townsville Street, Fyshwick. Call 6260 1621 or visit solacecreations.com.au

Pialligo grocer has the ‘freshest’ produce in town

www.solacecreations.com.au

YOU were bored! I’ve had no visitors for 6 weeks, just mum and a bro!

...so I said to my keeper “I’m over the social isolation …GET ME SOME HOUSE GUESTS!”

AFTER 6 WEEKS OF ‘QUIET TIME’, CAN YOU DEAL WITH EATING AND SLEEPING WITH 200 ANIMALS?

Jamala Wildlife Lodge is re-opening!! Situated in the grounds of the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra, Jamala Wildlife Lodge overcomes the problem of not being able to travel to Africa to see rhinos, giraffe, zebra, lions, leopards, to other continents to see tigers, sun bears, monkeys, otters, giant snakes and lizards or to dive the oceans and rivers to see sharks, fish and eels.

Relax in beautiful African-themed rooms and If you would still like seclusion, for the first time you can enjoy a gourmet 3 course, room service dinner – in a Jungle Bungalow, you can ‘tuck in’ with a tiger or have a banquet with a bear. In a Treehouse, have a carafe with a giraffe or in uShaka Lodge you may have meerkats or lemurs watching you. Alternatively, you can wine and dine with a white lion and other guests in our unique restaurant.

Please note that while the animals generally join guests as shown, no guarantees can be given as they are free to roam their entire area at all times. *Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence, 2017.

@jamalalodge

@jamalawildlifelodge

Junic Specialist Centre physiotherapist

there”, Junic Specialist Centre physiotherapist

Tabitha Webb says patients are often relieved to find health care professionals who are compassionate.

Specialising in treating pelvic floor conditions

Tabitha joined the centre about a year ago, and now works alongside Dr Uche Menakaya and adjunct associate Prof Elissa O’Keefe, to offer an obstetrician/gynaecologist and nurse practitioner “combined practice” at their Coombs-based clinic. Together, they have more than 45 years’ experience in women’s health.

“I see a lot of patients with chronic pelvic conditions, including endometriosis,” says Tabitha, who is accepting new patients without the need for a referral.

bladder or bowel issues, sexual dysfunction, and any pelvic problems relating to pregnancy and post pregnancy.”

Tabitha also works with patients who have pelvic organ prolapse and can fit pessaries.

Tabitha encourages women not to put off getting help for conditions that might be causing pain and affecting their quality of life.

Offering an initial face-to-face consultation and full assessment in person, Tabitha says follow-up appointments with her can be made via video or phone call.

Junic Specialist Centre, Molonglo Health Hub, 110 Woodberry Avenue, Coombs. Call 6178 0470 or visit junicimaging.com.au

WITH a love for all animals, Sandy Borgo, owner of gift store Charlie & Chums, says she’s so happy to be open again at South Point Tuggeranong.

She says her store helps to spread the joy that pets bring and makes people smile.

“People tell me that the store makes them feel happy,” she says.

Charlie & Chums sells a wide range of gift items, such as jewellery, cards, tableware, metal and ceramic figurines, as well as collars and leads.

Sandy says she has a number of outdoor sculptures and figurines to dress up the garden, with animals such as flamingoes, turtles, frogs and birds.

“Over this time a lot of people have been working in the gardens and have found areas that might need inspiration with a beautiful sculpture,” says Sandy, who started the business in 2012 out of her love of dogs and animals, and how they bring joy, love and companionship.

Charlie & Chums is open 10am-3pm, Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10am-5pm, Fridays, and 9am-2pm, Saturdays. Visit the website to make online purchases.

Charlie & Chums, Shop 1, 103 South Point Tuggeranong. Call 0402 097580, email charlieandchums@bigpond.com or visit charlieandchums.com.au

CANBERRA LIVE Weekdays 3pm-6pm @CanberraLive2CC 2cc.net.au

Women’s Health and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Tabitha is deeply passionate about caring for patients for:

• Management of chronic pelvic pain (especially endometriosis and sexual pain)

• Bladder and bowel continence

• Prolapse (including pessaryfittings)

• Pregnancy related issues

• Postnatal physiotherapy

Tabitha Webb is our resident physiotherapist. She believes in collaboration with her patients, taking their experiences and needs into account, treating them with dignity and respect; and empowering them to be active and engaged in the management of their health and wellbeing. For a consultation with Tabitha call Junic Imaging on

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The last CAT on pliés, pinot and

By Helen MUSA

IT’S not quite a case of “The Last Rockette”, as the song goes, but dancer and choreographer Michelle Heine will go down in Canberra’s theatre history as “the last Gold CAT”, named at the recent online ACT Awards before it became known that the board would wind up operations on June 30.

One of the best-known choreographers in Canberra, Heine was honoured for “fostering the love of dance among people of all ages, including people with special needs, particularly through LEGS Dance”, the studio she founded.

The Zambian-born former showgirl at Sun City resort in South Africa cut her teeth as dance director with Stuart Maunder’s 1992 production of “My Fair Lady” for the Canberra Theatre Trust, but truly came to note here with Colin Anderson’s first production of “Les Miserables” in 1994.

Quickly becoming the choreographer of choice for most of Canberra’s big musicals, in recent years she has won accolades for her work on “Legally Blonde”, “42nd Street” and “Kinky Boots”, all for Free-Rain Theatre.

But right now there’s no time to be bathing in the glory of the Gold CAT.

Although some of her big gigs for the year, like “Mamma Mia” with Free Rain, are on hold because of the COVID-19 crisis, Heine maintains an optimistic outlook and says, “We will get there eventually”.

She’s had more urgent things to attend to.

“We had to make a quick turnaround to online Zoom classes within 24 hours of the shutdowns,” she says.

The kids at LEGS Dance had a syllabus to follow and exams to pass, but in any case, she estimates, by the end of the year they’d have gone stir crazy.

“Thank goodness for today’s technology,” she says. “On Zoom I set up a dance studio and I let parents know the ID and password. So at 4pm, say, kids take their laptop or other device and log in.”

She also created a waiting room where she could check them into class, after which “they

A pleasant sideline has been setting up vir tual dance parties, including a “Plié and Pinot” ballet class, where participants can combine classical moves with a glass of the best red (or white if pinot grigio is your cup of tea.

That was run from Heine’s kitchen and involved people she hadn’t seen in years. After the class, everybody opened up a bottle – “it was phenomenal”.

Mention of plié raises the question of whether all dancers have a ballet background.

As far as Heine is concerned, they should.

“It’s where you get your basic technique and a special understanding of control,” she says. “I was in a ballet company before Sun City and I loved it… I made sure my children did ballet and my elite class have to do ballet twice a week.”

Daughter Cariba, now starring in WIN TV’s “The Secrets She Keeps”, did ballet classes every day when dancing professionally in Los Angeles.

Innovating during the crisis has a strong connection with mental health issues, she believes.

She followed her parents to Canberra 30 years ago straight out of Sun City, thinking to find “an amazing dance troupe”, started LEGS dance troupe for girls, worked on all the big showgirl routines, then found that there was no work apart from the odd tourism or awards event, and certainly not much money.

As well, her husband Kevin couldn’t find a suitable studio for their two children, Cariba and Kyle, so she started one in her garage. It took off and Heine found herself renting all around town until settling on a more permanent space in Sheppard St, Hume.

All the while she’s been choreographing, both for her students and for Free-Rain Theatre. Highlights have included “Wicked” on the big stage of the Canberra Theatre and “42nd Street”, probably her all-time favourite because of the amount of tap in it.

It’s been a big journey and the great unknown will be even more challenging, she has no doubt. As for Gold CAT, it was a real shock – “I expect they thought I’d paid my dues”.

ACT architecture awards go virtual

Merlot went sideways, thanks to movie

A MEANS of passing time in lockdown is to revisit movies that have meant something; for oenophiles that movie is “Sideways”, a 2004 Californian road trip movie through wine country, the Santa Ynez Valley.

When I looked up the location of this place on the internet, I found that it is near Santa Barbara and they offer “Sideways” bike tours taking you to the places that were visited in the movie; reality reflecting art. That bike ride is now on my bucket list.

While downbeat, the movie makes me laugh, including the articulation of the definition of oenophile that drops from the lips of the anti-hero’s companion on the trip: “He’s not an alcoholic, you understand; he’s an oenophile, which means he can continue to pronounce French wines long after most people would be unconscious.”

Hey, I resemble that remark.

The premise of the movie is quite simple: two middle-aged men, who were former college roommates, go on a wine-tasting weekend before the blond, handsome man’s wedding where the depressed, lessattractive man, played by outstanding actor Paul Giamatti, will act as the best man. He despises merlot but has a passion for pinot noir. Like a lot of road-trip movies, it is character driven with the main character seeming cringeworthy in the latest view I undertook.

But some of the funniest moments in the movie are the unlikeable character’s ranting about how merlot is execrable and how pinot noir is, like him, admirable.

As a fan of pinot noir, the movie resonated at the time and, in retrospect, the recorded US decline in merlot production seemed to show how a popular movie can have amazing effects on consumer taste. But that trend, at least in Australia, hasn’t continued.

For example, the vintage report for 2019 produced by Wine Australia showed shiraz, pinot noir and grenache recording decreases of between 2 per cent and 15 per cent, while cabernet sauvignon, merlot and ruby cabernet increased by between 3 per cent and 13 per cent.

In fact, Wine Australia says about merlot

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that while wine critics aren’t fans the public loves this varietal and “if you look past the rumours and accusations you’ll find that merlot has never been in better shape in Australia than it is today”.

And ironically seeing the movie again got me thinking about how unfair the insecure hero is towards merlot and how I now want to slap him. I have, for example, tried the 2016 James Irvine Springhill Merlot 2016 that, at just under $20, was amazingly good value for money. It has a plummy depth and smooth finish that surprised me because

some of the merlots I remember from the late 1990s were always short and sharp on the finish. There is also an excellent Canberra District Kyeema Vineyard Reserve Merlot 2014 but that’s $46.

Wine Australia provides us with a quotation from Jim Irvine, as a passionate defender of merlot that explains how some Australian producers went wrong with this varietal: “So much merlot in Australia is planted on the wrong sites – people expect that it will just grow like shiraz or grenache, but it doesn’t – it hates wet feet, for a start, it needs well-drained soil; so if you plant it in clay you’ll have problems, the fruit won’t set properly.

“The day will come when we get rid of the merlots that are lean, green and mean, the poorly made merlots – they’re a damnation.

Merlot has a hard enough time being heard above the cacophony of shiraz.

Forget about the cacophony of shiraz, Jim, if you want to view “Sideways”, you’ll see that there was a cacophony of abuse for merlot. Looking back, it seems unfair.

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

– Wayne Dyer

TAKEAWAY / Pialligo Market Grocer

ARTS IN THE CITY

By Helen Musa

THE ACT Architecture Awards will be held digitally for the first time this year through a YouTube event live-streamed on Friday, June 5. The awards will see 43 ACT entries vying for awards across nine categories. The most outstanding project will be awarded the Canberra Medallion. Award winners in each category will progress to the National Architecture Awards. ACT digital awards ceremony, 7-8pm, Friday, June 5 at youtube.com/user/AusArchitects

“FEMINARTSY” editor Zoya Patel is running an online workshop from 4-6pm on June 16 called “Pathways to Publishing”. It will cover polishing and prepping a manuscript, developing a compelling synopsis and cover letter, details of Australian agents and publishers and advice on self-marketing. Writers whose income has been affected by COVID-19 so can’t afford the enrolment fee, should email editor.feminartsy@gmail.com. Visit eventbrite.com.au

AINSLIE and Gorman Arts Centres are preparing a staged re-opening of facilities in line with the national cabinet and ACT government easing of restrictions. From Monday, June 1, Gorman Arts Centre will partially re-open, but Ainslie Arts Centre, where most of our community music facilities are based, will stay closed while safety upgrades take place. Current rent relief arrangements for residents will continue and program manager, Adelaide Rief will be acting CEO while Joseph Falsone takes paternity leave.

Hearty, farm-quality feasting at home

PIALLIGO Estate was quick off the COVID-19 mark to adapt with an innovative menu and grocer service – contact-free and click ’n’ collect.

Drive up, stay in your car with your windows up and pop open the boot. Staff check out your vehicle registration number, place your order safely in the boot and wave as you drive away. No contact whatsoever.

The grocer side of the operation continues to expand and includes “heat-and-eat” meals and sides, as well as a large number of items from Pialligo’s famous smokehouse. You can also buy other meats, seafood, fruit and veg and wine.

The “fridge” and ‘cleaning and home’ lineup also continues to expand and although we’re not so desperate these days, it includes essentials like toilet paper and hand sanitiser. You can also buy shampoo, dog food, yoghurt, butter, eggs, milk and much more.

We were in for a “heat-and-eat” meal and feasted on farm-quality produce, with each dish testimony to the quality of ingredients. You heat the dishes, which guarantees everything is piping hot, no matter how far you travel. We opened the box and saw a hand-written note carefully laid on top of our packaged food. It was a bunch of glorious herbs, hand-picked from the garden that

morning. The gift was signed “Team Pialligo”. We began by devouring the hearty farmhouse chicken soup, created with oodles of love ($15.90). The soup is made with chicken breast, carrot, corn, peas, onion and veggie stock. It was lovely and thick and packed with flavour.

The braised beef cheeks were sensational ($38). We placed the bag in boiling water for about eight minutes and, bingo, were done (you can also microwave). The meat was so tender you didn’t need a knife and the combo of ingredients made for an exceptionally tasty dish – red wine, onion, carrot, celery, olive oil and seasoning.

The polenta ($7.90) took only six to eight minutes after placing the bag in boiling water (you can also microwave or heat on the stove

top). It was rich, smooth, creamy and also loaded with flavour – just as a memorable polenta should be.

We loved how the garden-fresh roasting root vegetables looked in their plastic package – a variety of very inviting autumnal colours ($7.90). Again, prepping is easy. Just cut the potatoes in half and place them along with the other veggies in the oven for around 15 minutes. Easy-peasy. The menu changes at times. We’re keen to return to try the roasted brussels sprouts with bacon and sage, the lamb, rosemary and shiraz pie and what we bet would be a to-die-for Paris mash. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Visit pialligomarketgrocer.com.au order online and you’ll receive a confirmation email. You’ll then receive a second email notifying you when your order is ready for collection. Head to 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo, pick up, heat up and enjoy.

Battle of the big, binge-worthy blockbusters

IT was only a matter of time until someone swooped up the trademark of “Binge” in this crowded streaming market.

Foxtel is the culprit – in the last week it registered that buzzword to, in all likelihood, tack on to its new streaming platform, that went live on May 25.

Looks like any subtlety about keeping you glued to the TV is out the window.

Foxtel’s calling it “the next generation” of streaming and its big selling point is being able to bring over the astounding catalogue of HBO, an American TV network that Foxtel had a very powerful handshake with.

The News Corp-owned Foxtel being able to give Australians access to some of the most iconic shows of all time – produced by king of television HBO – has seen it more than rise from near ashes when just last year Mr Murdoch himself had to help bail out the nation’s largest pay TV operator to the tune of $300 million.

“Snowpiercer”... one of Netflix’s biggest new shows this year.

director who took out best picture for “Parasite” last year. On the back of that breakout hype, he’s come over as executive producer for this new series and Netflix hasn’t wasted that opportunity in its marketing. Joon Ho’s original film is, of course, also available to be streamed on the platform.

May 22 also saw one of Amazon Prime’s biggest hits, “Homecoming”, returning for a second season. It’s a twisted psychological thriller about an organisation that trains soldiers back into civilian life – or so they claim. Pretty Woman Julia Roberts leads in this one in her first recurring televisionseries role.

So what does all this reveal? Where once TV was the “small screen”, in terms of influence and market share, the little brother is hot on the heels of its big cinematic sibling.

on a weekly basis.

The fact that the huge ambition of a film such as “Snowpiercer” or the star power of famous film actors such as Julia Roberts is now transferred to a television medium really does speak volumes.

Despite the tight competition between platforms being rather frustrating for figuring out where in an overwhelming world of programs we put our hard-earned dollars, ultimately, it’s even better for us, the viewer. In the clamour for our attention – and cash –platforms are now expected to bring us the “next big thing”.

With more bucks leading to more budget on these productions and ever more passengers jumping on board, this huge television streaming locomotive will only continue to rapidly ac celerate into the future.

From the gritty crime-filled streets of New Jersey in “The Sopranos”, to the epic fantasy of “Game of Thrones”, to the disturbing true story behind last year’s miniseries hit “Chernobyl”, HBO continues to wow audiences around the world with how it’s pushing television beyond what we thought possible. With Foxtel having more than put a toe in the water, the inevitable plethora of content on the new platform is set to make a serious splash in the market.

MUSIC

I’m going to make an educated guess that it’s not a coincidence May 25 also saw the release of one of Netflix’s biggest new shows this year. “Snowpiercer” is about a gigantic,

non-stop train that serves as home to survivors after Earth’s second ice age. Turns out the locomotive is quite the microcosm: those with the cash have the choice seats up the front, battling it out with the hoi polloi back in cattle-class.

“Snowpiercer” is originally an evocative 2013 film from Bong Joon Ho, the Korean

Phoenix rises in digital mode

By Helen Musa

FLUSHED with success after having received a $10,000 injection from the Australia Council’s arts resilience fund, “Create”, the Canberra-based director of the Phoenix Collective, violinist Dan Russell is busy talking up his newest venture.

In early June, Phoenix will present as an online event a screening of the quartet performing a filmed performance of “Different Trains”, a three-movement piece for string quartet and tape written by American minimalist legend Steve Reich. Always performed to a tape by Kronos String Quartet pre-recorded in 1988, the work makes use of pre-recorded train sounds, warning signals and actual voice recordings of train conductors and Holocaust survivors.

While the Kronos component is always there, Phoenix has added a visual element well-suited to the times by commissioning a film created just for them by Thai-born Sydney videographer, Sina S. of VDO Symptoms, who edits her videos on royalty-free stock footage and animates titles.

Russell met Sina through the quartet’s violinist Yuhki Mayne and was bowled over by the imagery she came up with, which he describes as “incredible, very much based on movies…the images connect to World War II and German offensives, with a focus on trains and different railway systems”.

“Sina has not only helped by creating world premiere visuals for Steve Reich, but she will stay on and help in video digital elements of the future…It’s not just a matter of sitting in front of the camera and playing with nice angles.”

The $10,000, he notes, is not a fortune for one year and its connections equipment will take the majority of the grant, but a very small portion can go to the artists, Mayne, violist Ella Brinch, cellist Andrew Wilson and Russell himself. The Australia Council grant will help Phoenix fund the equipment “to pull it off”.

That allows Phoenix to resume its planned 2020 season, much of which will now be done in digital format though elements will be slightly changed – “Same same, but different”, Russell says.

The grant ensures that three of the four planned for this year will go ahead, pre-recorded.

You buy tickets to listen to each concert and, as well, Russell has created a fundraising site to get people sending money for musical development.

Next up will be “Maîtres de la Composition,” featuring Russell himself with Canberra virtuoso

Teddy Neeman at the piano playing colourful and “almost jazzy” soundscapes of French compositions by Ravel, Debussy, Poulenc and in what he calls “my ‘fat’ programming,” a monster work by Fauré.

The final concert, “Songs & Folk, Across the Ages” will celebrate the way composers have always incorporated folk music into their work.

“Throughout COVID-19, I want to get our subscribers to experience music, converting what would’ve been live into digital performances, little programs, all little concerts pre-recorded online,” he says.

“Maybe it’ll all be happening in the concert halls by September, fingers crossed,” the optimistic Russell says.

“But if it doesn’t happen in the hall, it will definitely happen online.”

Steve Reich’s “Different Trains” performed by the Phoenix Quartet, 1pm, June 7, tickets at phoenixcollective.com.au

In the last 10 years especially, we’ve watched TV in a new golden age with ratings going to the streaming service that can provide us with the most mammoth of blockbusters. Shows such as “The Walking Dead” and “Game of Thrones” have been able to give audiences a near-cinema experience from the comfort of their couch

NICK OVERALL

PUZZLES PAGE FREE PUZZLES

Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

This week’s stars are all about communication, education and exciting plans, as Friday night’s Full Moon motivates you to dream big dreams for the future. But – in the current Coronavirus climate – ambitious aspirations can lead to delays, obstacles and frustration. So take things slowly and keep your eyes on the longterm prize. Be especially careful on Tuesday, Wednesday and the weekend, when (courtesy of fiery Mars) tempers could flare and resentments fester.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

If you expect projects to proceed at a cracking pace, then you’ll be disappointed. Everything will take longer than planned, as retrograde Venus slows things down, complicates close relationships and increases financial pressures. Despite difficulties and disruptions, draw up a wish list of your goals for the future. Remember – you can’t hit a Bull’s-eye if you haven’t got one! Mid-week is a good time to use your earthy energy in practical ways via cooking, crafting or gardening.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

The Sun’s moving through your sign, which galvanizes your very best Gemini traits (like curiosity, congeniality, adaptability and versatility). So make sure you tap into your unique talents. But Venus is also reversing through Gemini, so a close relationship needs to be reviewed, recalibrated or completely reinvented. Your mantra for the week is from birthday great, actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie: “Have a good life. Be a good friend. And try to be completely who you are.”

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Have you been burning the midnight oil and now you’re suffering from burnout? Or have you been running around on autopilot, making careless mistakes? With the Sun and retro Venus hibernating in your solitude zone, it’s the perfect week to go AWOL as you slip into hermit Crab mode, simplify your life, prioritise and prune projects or organise a digital detox. Spending quality time on your own (for some well overdue rest and rejuvenation) is absolutely essential at the moment.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

The Full Moon urges you to focus on a close relationship that may be running off the rails. Time to get it back on track again! It’s also time to brainstorm professional ideas, which could lead to an inspired lightbulb moment. Your creativity and communication skills are firing, but there’s also a tendency to scatter your energy all over the place. So pace yourself and concentrate on each task at hand. Plus avoid the tendency to be rash with cash and careless with credit.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Venus and Saturn are both reversing through your career zones (until June 25 and September 29 respectively). So you can expect employment problems, pay issues, workplace worries or conflicts with colleagues. But don’t let current challenges deter you Virgo! Keep plugging away with passion, patience and plenty of persistence. Your motto for the week is from musical legend (and birthday great) Prince: “Sometimes it takes years for a person to become an overnight success.”

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Communicating well is the key to a good week but don’t get carried away and exaggerate your ability to contribute. It’s much better to under-commit and over-deliver! You really can make a difference if you think global and act local. A family member, friend or colleague is also looking to you for sensitive emotional support and personal encouragement. Not superficial comments or pie-in-the-sky promises. So slip on your compassionate hat and adjust your approach accordingly.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Retro Venus and the Full Moon are scrambling your financial antennae. It’s not a good week to borrow funds, make investments, buy big-ticket items or lend money to others – you’re liable to make decisions based on fluctuating emotions and confusing information. When it comes to an ambitious aspiration, an educational matter or a foreign enterprise, throw out the rule book and do things your own way. Be inspired by birthday great, Prince: “A strong spirit transcends rules.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

With Venus reversing through your love zone, is a relationship stalling at the moment? Do your best to rejuvenate it by talking about problems with your partner and introducing some exciting new activities into the mix. If you’re single, you could revisit a rocky old romance (while wearing decidedly rose-coloured glasses). Don’t get carried away and reinvent what actually happened in the original relationship. Just remember that memories are so seductive because they’re so selective!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Venus is reversing through your work zone so some Capricorns will be looking for employment while others make changes that will lead to more job satisfaction in the future. Capricorns crave recognition in the public sphere but avoid putting all your eggs in the career basket. Love, romance, fun, friendship and companionship are just as important. So your motto is from birthday great, movie icon Marilyn Monroe. “A career is wonderful, but you can’t curl up with it on a cold night.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Quirky Aquarians can find the current rules, restrictions, social distancing, self-isolation or lockdowns hard to handle. And the Full Moon will certainly fire up your restless and rebellious nature. So try to channel your excess energy into family activities, community projects or helping others. Friday is your best day of the week, when the Mercury-Uranus link could lead to a radical thought, an illuminating conversation or a brilliant creative idea. Don’t let it go to waste!

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

With Mars and Neptune both moving through your sign, it’s time to sparkle and shine as you initiate a personal project or activate a professional venture. Jupiter and Pluto encourage you to dream big dreams, set ambitious goals and then work diligently towards making your wishes come true. But you will have to be a patient and persistent Piscean. Be inspired by Hollywood legend (and birthday great) Marilyn Monroe: “We are all stars and deserve the right to twinkle.”

12

19

21

22 Which famous town is in central Mali, near the river Niger? (8)

23 What are Christmas songs or hymns? (6)

24 What is a general slaughter of human beings? (8)

25 When one postpones something, one does what? (6)

GARDENING

Not trendy, but classics thrive

MY vast library of books includes early Australian nursery catalogues, magazines and newspapers from the 19th century.

The oldest is a catalogue from 1836 for the “Seeds and Plants, Indigenous and Exotic, Cultivated and On Sale” at Denmark Hill Nursery, New Town Road, Hobart, which was owned by Daniel Bunce.

I also have original copies of “The Gardener’s Chronicle” since 1875, a weekly newspaper founded by English gardener and journalist Wil liam Robinson, that was popular with gardeners here in Australia.

An advertisement in my 1897 copy of “The Garden” magazine that caught my eye was for 10,000 “Cox’s Orange Pippin” apple trees, which says: “they will thrive and fruit anywhere, it is astonishing this dessert apple with its delicious flavour and certain prolific crop is not more widely grown”. Today it is still considered the classic English apple and the finest of all dessert apples. It’s unfortunate that it isn’t more readily available now, being displaced with the newer trendy “Gala” and “Pink Lady” varieties. The good news is, along with other hard-to-find fruit trees, it’s still available from Heritage Fruit Trees nursery in Victoria. Go to heritagefruittrees.com.au

As annuals became popular in Victorian times, the spaces were filled with these colourful plants.

An example can still be seen today at Waddesdon Manor in Hertfordshire, the home of Lionel, Baron de Rothschild. To give an idea of the extent of these planting designs, even today more than 100,000 bedding plants are planted out every year in the gardens.

labels listing only the plant name and no information on ultimate size or growing conditions.

Some recipients of the free trees and plants, in search of quick screening, planted only half a metre along the fence lines of their new gardens.

FROM Elizabethan times, box hedging was used in formal geometric layouts, the spaces between filled with coloured gravel and pebbles.

After Victoria’s reign came to an end, folk wanted a change from rigid formality. Robinson, mentioned above, and the famous Gertrude Jekyll were the first to break away into a more relaxed garden style, as founders of the cottage garden movement. Particularly after World War I, formal layouts were abandoned with herbaceous borders filled with shrubs and perennials.

AUSTRALIAN plants are mainly thought of as spring flowering, yet there is a wide range that flowers in winter, as a walk through the Botanic Gardens will quickly verify.

Winter-flowering plants also provide food for birds, which means also that it’s a great bird-watching time as they gather nectar from the gardens.

In the early days of Canberra householders could collect the government’s free issue of 10 trees and 40 shrubs. The big surge in Aussie plants came with the development of the Woden Valley at the time Canberra was promoted as the “bush capital”.

In those days, Yarralumla Nursery supplied plants in plastic bags with plain black and white

Little did they realise that, for example, Melaleuca linariifolia or “Snow in Summer” would grow to more than six metres, with almost a similar spread. The advice at the time, even from native plant societies, was not to prune, feed or water native plants, after all they were Australian plants and were used to growing with no attention.

Today we have excellent, coloured plant labels listing information on growing conditions, height and spread. Also, we now advise that native plants should be regularly pruned, fed and watered the same as any other plant.

Regular feeding programs were encouraged in spring and autumn, with specialised native plant foods becoming readily available.

However these days, with ever decreasing block sizes, we have to be cautious in selecting plants. The height of most shrubs, native and exotic, if allowed to grow naturally will equal the spread.

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