CityNews 200604

MICHAEL MOORE / CANBERRA’S ‘INVISIBLE’ LIBS CHAFING AT THE BIT

Don’t tell boss baby not to sweat the small stuff!

KATE MEIKLE

Dearest Gargi… letters that bridge generations BELINDA STRAHORN

Baton passes at the symphony orchestra HELEN MUSA

LONELY AT THE TOP

UC’s new vice-chancellor PADDY NIXON starts work, but there’s no-one there, reports DANIELLE NOHRA

A second opinion on hearing loss

An elderly woman with hearing loss came to my clinic for a second opinion, after she had recently been to a hearing aid sales person. I found the cause of her hearing loss was simply the fact that she had build-up of wax in her ears, the salesperson had failed to inspect them. You might be surprised how often this happens!

Here are some things to do to avoid getting ripped off:

1. A visit to the GP may save you from being ‘sold’ something when your only problem is wax in your ears.

Recently I was told by two different patients that they were quoted $16,000 for a pair of hearing aids. This seems a ridiculous amount of money to pay and is most likely not appropriate for the majority of people (or possibly anyone).

5. If you are a pensioner or partpensioner, or a DVA gold or white card holder, you should carefully consider if you want to use the free-to-client government hearing aids or if you’d like to top-up to a different hearing aid.

“In an unregulated market there is a lot of opportunity to take advantage of people. Yes you have read correctly, there is no licensing of people who sell hearing aids.”

2. Look for someone who is independent and can offer you unbiased advice, not just give you a sales pitch.

– Dr Vass

3. There are a range of hearing aid prices. Finding the right hearing aid might save you money and it will also give you the best chance of success.

4. Hearing aids can be expensive.

The free-to-client hearing aids are appropriate for many people, however if you have great difficulty hearing background noise (for example in restaurants) then you might trial the top-up hearing aids, but only if you can afford them. There are a range of top up options and prices, if you are disappointed after a trial, you should return them and trial the free-toclient hearing aids.

If you get the feeling the person you’re dealing with is just trying to sell you something, then take a step back and get a second opinion.

NEWS / Common Ground Dickson

Don’t blame us for land controversy in Dickson

By Danielle NOHRA

THERE’S been controversy around Section 72, Dickson, for years, but Stephen Bartos, chair of the community housing group Common Ground, says it shouldn’t be the reason for Canberrans to turn their back on helping homeless people.

“We’re not involved with the plan ning processes and certainly don’t want to be,” says Stephen in reference to the land swap and sale between the ACT government and the ACT Tradies, which then led to much of the site being sold by the Land Develop ment Agency for development.

As part of that development, the ACT government set aside $2.4 mil lion in last year’s June Budget for a Common Ground complex to be built, following the success of the Common Ground building in Gungahlin.

However, the issue is that the community is calling for the land to be used for a cultural and recreational precinct with parkland, and while Stephen understands there are concerns, he urges people to not let the controversy get in the way of helping

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down housing for reasons such as family violence, drug or alcohol problems, mental health problems, or having difficulties connecting to other people in the community.

Built on a model that provides onsite support for people living in a Common Ground facility, Stephen says it’s not just about finding someone housing.

“There’s a group of people onsite

Wine 16 Cover: New UC vicechancellor Prof Paddy Nixon. Photo: Holly Treadaway. Story Page 12.

9b/189 Flemington Road, Mitchell.

to build housing for people that they’re really proud to be living in, [which is]

And while Stephen says Common Ground has been embraced in the Gungahlin community, there is still a stigma around homelessness, which has seen some negativity towards

“Some people think people become homeless by some sort of moral failing. That’s absolutely not true. Almost anyone can become homeless by a run

“[At the Gungahlin Common Ground] you’ve got a high-quality building, a bunch of residents that are well-settled, who interact well in the

For example, Stephen says they put on an art exhibition in the building annually, which is something they want to see more of in the Dickson Common

support they need, whether it’s psychological support or medical support.

“We want to keep them working towards being able to live a happy life.”

One of the reasons Common Ground works so well, is it’s not just social housing, and is a mix of people with different needs, from different age groups, Stephen says.

“It’s about having role models and

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for people,” he says.

The main principle for Common Ground is about providing safe and permanent housing. But it’s not uncommon for people to get a higher-paid job, partner up or move out on their own accord, says Stephen. They just need the stability of permanent housing first.

“Common Ground is safe and permanent, and of high quality. The aim is

“One of the objectives that we hope to do better in Dickson is we want activities that take place in Common Ground to be open to the community as well,” he says.

While Stephen is unsure about the industry capacity to build in light of COVID-19, the objective is to start this year.

“The location is terrific in terms of access to shops, access to medical centres, public transport and the swimming pool is a bonus,” he says.

in Funeral Service

SEVEN DAYS

No soup for you, as cafes and clubs go begging

WHEN Chief Warder Andrew Barr parsimoniously eased the community’s parole conditions there was one group I felt especially sorry for.

Make no mistake, the Chief Minister has a lot on his plate, but banging on about how we’ve been treated like adults and still keeping clubs and cafes on a tight leash looks like an oppression of caution.

Virtuously, he is taking the advice of Chief Medical Officer Kerryn Coleman and that has served us well. But with the ACT’s nationleading response to confronting COVID-19, one wonders why the crushed cafes and clubs, unlike NSW, aren’t given a fairer go.

“It’s time for the Chief Health Officer to explain why the small and family businesses in our hospitality industry can’t be treated the same way as the busy-as-ever Coles, Bunnings, IKEA and Westfield,” bemoaned Anthony Brierley, GM of the ACT’s Australian Hotels Association in the daily chip wrapper.

“It’s time it is explained why having a meal in Bondi is safer than having a meal in Civic. Or, for that matter, why Queanbeyan is safer than Kingston, Googong safer than Calwell, and Sutton safer than Hall.”

Local cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs are now enmeshed in what our 47-year-old hipster-in-chief described as a “scalable framework” allowing up to 20 people in each enclosed space whereas, across the border, NSW has already sanctioned 50 patrons. We

will have to wait until midnight, June 19, to be given that latitude.

“We complied and played our part. But this shutdown has devastated the ACT’s hospitality industry for the past two months.

One third of our directly-employed 14,800 jobs have disappeared. The remaining 9900 jobs only exist because of the Commonwealth’s JobKeeper program,” says Brierley.

“Our industry is on its knees.” And he has a point. The hospitality industry, reduced to living off takeaways, has been scrupulous in dealing with the threat of coronavirus. A visit to my patisserie of choice in unloved Mitchell is like being in the “Seinfeld” classic “Soup Nazi” episode. They are fastidious and deserve to be trusted with putting a bit more food on the tables.

THE Bureau of Meteorology’s “2020 Winter Outlook” says that most areas of mainland Australia are showing a better than 70 per cent chance of having a wetter than average winter and that includes the ACT. Better still – if you’re homeless, at least – overnight temperatures are likely to be warmer than average.

CANBERRA Liberals police and emergency services spokesperson Giulia Jones, pictured, has been extolling the virtues of cycling without sharing the news that she’d lost her driver’s licence

for three months for multiple low-range speeding offences. She now has her licence back, but says: “After three months of getting around on my bicycle, it’s given me some additional perspective and I’m looking forward to starting a-fresh.”

Unsurprisingly, ACT Road Safety Minister Shane Rattenbury, in calling for her resignation from her portfolio position, sniffed: “Given the impact road trauma has on police and emergency services, it is not credible for Ms Jones to retain the portfolio given her track record.”

THERE’S a changing of the baton at the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. As predicted by “CityNews” smarty pants arts editor Helen Musa on May 13, conductor Jessica Cottis will take over the waving from chief conductor and artistic director Nick Milton when he finishes at the end of this year after 15 years with the CSO.

THE Australian National University is facing a $225 million coronavirus walloping this year, with vice-chancellor Prof Brian Schmidt calling the figure a “sensible prediction” and tipping 20 per cent of his salary into the black hole and 10 per cent of his senior staff.

He says the ANU will earn about $150

million less than expected in 2020 and would “spend about $75 million more than we planned due to the crises we have endured this year”. The border closures and subsequent loss of international students has hit university finances hard.

AND a final definitive word from the Chief Minister at a media briefing, ostensibly about COVID-19: “Every day does seem longer than would be the case normally and a number of us have felt this 2020 leap year not only had an extra day in February, but it feels like an extra 30 days in March, an extra 60 days in April.

“Here we are towards the end of May and it feels like it’s been a very long year, but we are taking steps every three weeks here so there’s not a massive amount of room to accelerate so people should have no expectation that I’ll be standing up again here tomorrow or next week and announce bringing forward things that are scheduled by July. That’s not going to happen.” Me neither.

Aluminium timber windows

…and for six weeks I’ve only had my sister to talk to!

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

AFTER 8 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

Laurie brings new eyes to Neighbourhood Watch

By Kathryn VUKOVLJAK

NEW president of the ACT Neighbourhood Watch Laurie Blackall says he hopes his plans to expand the organisation’s online offerings will help take it forward.

“I’m happy to do the ‘doing’, as we all must as volunteers,” he says.

“We’re not terribly flush with resources, but it’s a strong group. I’ll continue to build the membership and aim to improve communication across the organisation.”

Laurie has taken over from Margaret Pearson, who had two terms as president over 15 years, and will now focus on being company secretary to the board of Neighbourhood Watch Australasia.

He says he’s not looking to make any big changes to the 4000-member, all-volunteer ACT arm of the NHW organisation, but he’d like to enhance its online operations and connection with members.

“Enhancing our website would be a good start,” he says.

“I’d like to put more information up there in real time and focus on

supporting our members, helping and mentoring them, and hope to con tinue to bring people on board from all walks of life.

“Email can be a bit hit and miss, so perhaps we need to look at a bet ter way to broadcast our information and engage with people. We do have a well-supported Facebook page. We might even make the leap to Twitter.”

Laurie says the group will continue to deliver its newsletter because it’s the only way to reach some members.

“I’m keen to keep on with in-person engagement too, as it’s very often the people that aren’t on comput ers that benefit most from what the Neighbourhood Watch is trying to achieve,” he says.

“We’ll also continue to work close ly with our partners and community service associations.”

Laurie’s not new to Neighbourhood Watch, having started a group in Flo rey in 1989.

“Back then it was more of a distri bution network for the newsletter, getting information out from the police,” he says.

“It was quite mandraulic [labour intensive], though people were also encouraged to report any suspicious activity.”

Laurie Blackall… “I’d like to see the development of NHW and its place in the Canberra community cemented and grown, as an organisation where members are enthusiastic and supported.”

Drawn to the organisation as he spent a lot of time away from home through his time in the RAN, Laurie

says he’d also had a few not-very-nice incidents over the years that made him want to improve public safety and security in the neighbourhood. He came to the ACT in 1968 and now lives in Casey, and says he returned

to Neighbourhood Watch after he retired. He was approached to become a member of the NHW Board, where he was treasurer for a year.

Having joined the Navy in 1977, with several postings to HMA ships, Laurie returned to Canberra on posting in 1985, retired from the RAN in 1998 and joined the public service.

“My interest is more in the governance side of things, so I hope I can bring my experience in leadership and management from my career in the Navy and my interest in project and programme management,” he says.

Retired since 2013, grandfather of four Laurie says he enjoys having his family nearby, his daughter in Forde and his son in Murrumbateman, and likes travelling, photography and learning to play the saxophone.

Laurie was unanimously appointed to the position by the board of directors via an online meeting, thanks to COVID-19 restrictions.

“This virus has meant it’s taken a bit of time to get things moving and to meet people, but we’ll get there,”

“I’d like to see the development of NHW and its place in the Canberra community cemented and grown, as an organisation where members are enthusiastic and supported, and more involved than just a name and number on a page.”

Dearest Gargi… letters that bridge generations

PENFRIEND programs are popping up all over the country as children reach out to seniors in order to stay connected.

There may be five decades between them, but these two pen pals are as thick as thieves.

Paired up through a local pen-pal program, the letter-writing duo has forged a formidable friendship that spans generations.

Eight-year-old Gargi Saroha and 59-year-old Naazmeen Patel have been corresponding through letters – yes, old fashioned letters – for more than a month.

Reporter BELINDA STRAHORN

discovers that the pandemic has revived lost art of letter writing.

her family, one year ago.

Gargi has learnt that Naazmeen, who lives in Queanbeyan, also has Indian heritage; has four children, five grandchildren and likes to cook.

That these pen pals, and total strangers, found each other just a few weeks ago is a heartwarming — and most unexpected — outcome of the coronavirus crisis.

“She writes beautifully,” says Naazmeen, throwing her arms around her newfound friend. This is the first time the keen correspondents have met face to face.

“Last week she wrote three pages,” Naazmeen explained.

“I like writing,” Gargi said. “It makes me feel happy.”

Putting pen to paper for almost five weeks, the pair have shared letters, pictures, jokes and heart-warming advice.

Having migrated to Australia from Fiji 28 years ago with her husband and young family, Naazmeen knows what it’s like to be a stranger in a new country.

In her latest letter to Gargi, Naazmeen writes:

“Our festival of Eid is on Sunday. So, there is lots of cooking. We make sweets like barfi and gulab jamun. Then lots of savouries like samosa, spring rolls etc.

“In normal times we have a lot of visitors during Eid. So, this year we are really sad we won’t

ST BENEDICT’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

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• Student Centered, Inquiry focused Learning.

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be celebrating with anyone.

“I know you miss your family (in India) and it’s hard but please stay positive… things will get better.

“Take care. Regards, Aunty Naazmeen.”

Naazmeen’s daughter Zakia Patel runs Canberra’s Multicultural Hub, she’s the brainchild of the pen-pal program.

Letter writing has played an important role in the 32-year-old’s life.

“My pen pal growing up was my grandma, she lived in Fiji, I was six when I started writing to her,” Zakia explained.

“My grandma was deaf so writing to each other was important. She passed away when I was in my twenties… now I have those letters to cherish.”

In today’s fast-paced world filled with the instant gratification of emails and text messages, it’s easy to forget the important role that letters played in the life of an entire generation.

“You don’t have the same connection and follow through with phone calls or Facetime as you do with letters,” Zakia said.

help them stay positive through this time.

“Given that most of our clients don’t have access to technology or aren’t able to use software to send emails, we thought traditional pen writing would be good.”

Thus, the pen-pal program was born.

Dubbed “letters of love”, the program encourages school children to send letters, pictures and cards to seniors – preventing social isolation and loneliness during the coronavirus pandemic.

Fifteen participants – throughout Queanbeyan and Canberra – aged between five and 80-years-old are on board.

Zakia and her team provide the letterwriting essentials – pens, paper and envelopes – they hand collect the letters on a Monday and deliver them on Thursday.

“We get a giggle from some of the stuff the kids write,” said Zakia.

“A couple of the seniors love to give sweets in the letters to the kids, and we have one boy who writes to his pen pal in Italian, so there’s been these wonderful outcomes that we just didn’t expect from the program.”

In what has the potential to introduce the next generation to the wonders and joys of writing letters, Zakia says the program, in partnership with Queanbeyan police, is helping children develop their letter-writing skills.

“We read some of the letters that came through and what we have noticed over the last few weeks is a vast improvement in the kids’ literacy skills, the neatness of the handwriting and the spelling has improved,” Zakia said.

Beyond COVID-19, Zakia hopes the pen-pal program continues, bringing two different generations together, allowing them to share experiences and life stories.

It seems, one should never underestimate the power of a handwritten letter.

“If something good can come out of this it’s the friendships that normally would never have been created… and all you need is a stamp, a pen and a piece of paper,” Zakia said.

Email zakia@mhub.org.au to be part of the program.

CANBERRA MATTERS

Suddenly green’s the new black for poll hopefuls

ON the last day of April, the Inner South Canberra Community Council (ISCCC) issued a media release advocating the importance of streetscapes, open spaces and trees.

This was based on the results from its 2019 survey of members. There were no surprises as the survey results delivered what people have been saying for years. They highly value their street trees, vegetation, gardens and wide streets along with recreation spaces, parks, ovals and bushland.

The point being made by the ISCCC was that during the lockdown people needed these outside spaces. They provided essential mental spaces to be enjoyed. Their advocacy went further to recognise that the ACT government had “among fast-tracked infrastructure projects designed to keep Canberra working through COVID, $9.75 million has been allocated to upgrade and build new footpaths, improve road safety, upgrade transport facilities and undertake landscaping and mulching in

The ACT Greens turned brown ages ago (mix green with Labor red). They have shared government for almost a decade and are part of the problem.

open spaces across Canberra”.

But isn’t this more of a catch up following the decades of neglect that has seen trees die in great numbers, parks left with little maintenance, suburbs built with little tree cover and therefore minimum biodiversity, and on-going approvals of developments that have reduced Canberra’s urban forests?

This is the Labor-Greens coalition that will not listen to residents on the importance of enhancing public spaces. Think of what is happening to the Dickson Parklands (Section 72), the proposed outrageous application of hard surfaces to West Basin, the disappearance of green spaces in and around the Woden centre and all the new suburbs that will never have the same canopy coverage that the earlier suburbs enjoy (and that is being diminished daily).

The ACT elections are in October and there are signs that our politicians have discovered that greenery

may be important to the electorate –though whether the politicians believe it is another question.

Take for instance Chris Steel, Minister for Something, being photographed with spade in hand near a newly planted tree. He is one of many in this government who is very relaxed at constantly shovelling stuff at residents, but when pretending to plant trees he looked completely out of place. A high-vis vest and safety helmet does not make for a person who understands the importance of greenery, biodiversity and enhancing green spaces.

The ACT planning directorate has issued a host of sustainability criteria and oversees a climate change committee. There’s Shane Rattenbury’s tour last year selling policy documents full of doing words (and reminding us that he wants to be re-elected). None of this delivered changes to how development applications deliver on enhancing green infrastructure. Take for instance the fault ridden DA lodged by Yvette Berry’s directorate for the unpopular and inappropriate construction of social housing apartments on Section 72 in Dickson. A host of mature trees

are in the line of fire and the majority of the site will be hard surfaces. This is the ACT government’s approach to parks, green spaces, trees and green infrastructure in action in 2020.

Who among the current crop of ACT politicians has a good record on ensuring that Canberra’s urban forests, its open spaces and streetscapes continue to be enhanced and maintained?

The ACT Greens should be at the top of that list. Nope – they turned brown ages ago (mix green with Labor red). They have shared government for almost a decade and are part of the problem.

The ACT Greens must stand for something. Who knows – but they can definitely no longer justify calling themselves the green party.

The ISCCC has shown the way through their survey of residents. Our community groups are doing a great job of representing views to the government. It is now up to people to ask direct questions of candidates (and demand answers, not spin) on what they have done, what they will do, and what they will not negotiate away when it comes to street trees, vegetation, gardens and wide streets along with recreation spaces, parks, ovals and bushland. The question is – who are the truly green candidates for the ACT’s 2020 election?

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

Help the homeless, better manage public housing

THERE are two kinds of people in Canberra; those who work and pay taxes and those who don’t. This beautiful city was built on extortionately high property taxes.

While ratepayers are being screwed, getting public housing has never been easier if you have the right story.

The ACT Greens-Labor government is a kleptocracy. They steal from the homeowner and give to those who get everything for nothing. There is a direct wealth transfer from ratepayers to those in public housing. In addition to getting a house for next to nothing, Public Housing tenants don’t pay rates.

Greens and Labor believe public housing is a right and don’t care who pays for it. They also bang on about fairness but never for the taxpayer.

There are roughly 12,000 public housing properties in the ACT. There is also a large homeless population and a long waiting list – how can that be?

We have the largest stock of housing per capita in Australia and still we have homelessness and needy families waiting an eternity to get a house.

The only conclusion is that the ACT government mismanages this valuable asset – or even more worrying, don’t manage it at all.

In addition to the inequity of giving someone a house in perpetuity, there is rorting. There are many “tenants” who live in these properties whose names are not on the leases. There are even people who sublet properties and live elsewhere. Not to mention tenants who damage properties and don’t pay for damage and tenants who get behind in their rent. If the government managed this valuable portfolio properly there would be no waiting list and no one living on the streets. The government should immediately audit the properties to ensure they have the correct person living in them and they haven’t been destroyed.

It seems to me that public housing tenants have more rights than people who own their own houses.

Just look at what the government did to Mr Fluffy home owners. They compulsorily acquired them. Compared to Bega Flats tenants who were relocated –they were consulted with and treated as though they owned the flats and not chucked out.

To make this system fairer, no housing property should be given in perpetuity. Each property should have a lease period specified and reviewed at the end of the lease. No different to private leases.

Clearly this government can’t manage Canberra’s most valuable asset. They don’t have the guts to evict bad tenants and should hand that aspect of their job to the private sector.

If the Greens and Labor won’t look after our assets and ensure public houses are properly allocated and not trashed, then elect a government that will look after them. That is, if the government cares about looking after the most vulnerable in our society – the homeless.

Lucinda Spier, Campbell

Plea to prevent suicides

WE write to echo concerns expressed in Jon Stanhope’s column “Disturbed Jonathon dies alone in a cell” (CN, May 21).

This was not an isolated incident. Our family’s experience of the interaction between the mental health and the justice systems for our family member has been as traumatic as the incident that led to them being held in custody.

The experience involved confusion between the responsibilities of the Canberra Health Service and

the requirements of the Mental Health Act and the criminal code.

It appears staff turnover and resourcing creates significant challenges. Additionally, there was denial at repeated times by Corrections staff, police and the Director of Public Prosecution’s office to follow recommendations from the multitude of psychiatrists that the family member was suffering psychosis, had schizophrenia and needed to be placed in a mental health unit.

There are others who have been denied coronial inquests, losing their family members to suicide when services could have been provided. Surely, in addition to addressing AMC woes, a better approach would not incarcerate those with mental illness or comorbid drug or alcohol use. Identify and resource alternate treatments and accommodation to address such issues.

Other research reports far better outcomes, including lower recidivism for those caught up with the justice system, where treated at mental health facilities rather than through prisons. Thereby, also reducing the likelihood of suicide and self harm.

The ACT government reports a focus on “Justice Reinvestment” – that is funding services and practices to prevent or divert those most at risk from entering the criminal system.

So in this ACT election year, a message – please increase your focus and investment on supporting those with a mental illness, including those from the indigenous community.

Such an approach is both compassionate and cost-effective. Equip community support services to address core needs, better integrate police and mental health services, re-invigorate and speed up the work on the Disability Justice Strategy, better resource the Mental Health, Justice Health, Alcohol and Drug Services, and Corrections so they can research and undertake alternate evidence-based activities.

Please attend to cries from those of us trying to prevent further suicide, self harm and harm to others.

Names and address withheld

‘Crazy’ bridge idea dropped

GOOD to see the National Capital Authority apparently dropping the crazy idea of demolishing and replacing the much-loved Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, related to light rail stage 2, Civic to Woden.

However, the tram will still severely compromise the bridge’s distinctive bulk-reducing bifurcated form, and other important characteristics, including various framed vistas from the foreshores and beyond.

And what about the heritage of the rest of Commonwealth Avenue, especially its trees; the exemplary, formalised engineering design of its intersections at Vernon Circle, London Circuit, Parkes Way, and State Circle; and the symmetry with Kings Avenue, all of which will be also ruined if “Stages 2A and B” of Canberra light rail take that route from Civic to Capital Hill?

Not to mention the massive cost (including special wires-free power), and the protracted disruption involved; as well as the inappropriate “land-value-capture” private property development all along arguably Australia’s premier ceremonial/parliamentary avenues.

That’s no way for a tram line to cross the lake in the Central National Area.

Jack Kershaw, Kambah

SINCE it’s already cold and only going to get colder, Roz and Lew Rebbeck, owners of Alexanders Furnishings, say it’s time to ensure the windows at home are wellinsulated with curtains.

“We’re all staying home more than usual with the COVID-19 restrictions, and as winter approaches, we’re using the heating more,” Roz says.

“Curtains that fit closely to the window are the most energy-efficient way to keep the house warm and cosy, and can save up to a third on heating bills.”

Roz says that Alexanders Furnishings has been open throughout the crisis, while observing all the required safety measures.

She says they are still receiving orders, making and installing according to the COVID-19 guidelines.

“We’ve reduced the amount of people in the showroom at any one time for social distancing, and provide hand-washing facilities and hand sanitiser,” she says.

“We are still hanging curtains and blinds in people’s homes, and maintain strict hygiene measures while ensuring we stay the correct distance apart.

“People can still borrow fabric from us, too, and when it’s returned we spray it with disinfectant.”

Alexanders is operating on reduced hours, closing at 4.30pm daily instead of 5pm, and closed on Saturdays.

“When the restrictions are eased, we’ll go back to our usual hours,” Roz says.

Roz and Lew recommend “EVO”, a curtain-heading system which they say is extremely effective at preventing loss of heat or cooling, whatever the time of year.

“You can choose any fabric you like, as the key is the EVO tracking system,” Roz says.

“It creates a track close to the window which helps keep warm or cool air inside and allows for a smaller stack when open, which lets in more valuable winter sunlight.”

Roz says EVO has developed new track sections that incorporate a sleek and “invisible” pelmet system, which means there’s no need to install a traditional bulky timber pelmet over the top of the curtains.

“It can also be used as curtains with sheers behind for added privacy,” she says.

Alexanders Furnishings, which has been in business for more than 50 years, provides a free measure and quote. Roz says they also offer other curtain systems to suit personal preferences, and a wide range of blinds and accessories.

6281 1611.

Prof Paddy wants to build degrees of engagement

By Danielle NOHRA

JUST before international travel was restricted to Australia, the University of Canberra’s new vicechancellor Prof Paddy Nixon called from Ireland, saying: “Maybe the family and I should come out a couple of weeks earlier”.

And lucky he did, because they just made it in from Northern Ireland, only to be quarantined in their new on-campus home for two weeks.

Since then, Paddy, 52, has started his role, but at the time of writing had met only about five people in person.

“You turn up to work, but you don’t meet anyone,” says Paddy, referring to the university’s response to the coronavirus and it moved online.

“Building relationships is what you have to do when you come into a new job. I’ve had to do that over Zoom or Skype and it’s been a real challenge.

“Would I have chosen this as my starting point? No. But it showed me how innovative, agile and resilient the UC students, staff and community are.”

Born in Liverpool, UK, Paddy was vice-chancellor of the multi-campus Ulster University, in Northern Ire -

land, when he spotted the Canberra position after Prof Deep Saini cut his five-year term short for a job at Dal housie University in Canada, where he has family.

This isn’t the professor’s first time in Australia. As a technologist and computer scientist, he worked in Tasmania in 2010 as deputy vice-chan cellor of research at the University of Tasmania.

His wife was born in the ACT, so the move means they’re close to family and friends.

His background is not all academia.

He has commercial experience with companies such as INTEL, Microsoft Research and HP, and has been in volved in start-ups, as well as estab lishing the Irish National Early Stage Technology Incubator.

He says his main commitment is to the “civic obligation” of a university.

“Students come to get a degree, but what they should get is much more than that,” Paddy says.

“They should get an understanding of what ‘civil society’ means and how they can be a part of it.

“I don’t want to tell them what civil society is, I want them to have a think about it.”

One thing Paddy would like is for every student to do volunteer work, saying that if they all volunteered two hours to the local community a year, the impact would be huge.

up before 30 June and

‘Invisible’ Libs are chafing at the bit

By Michael MOORE

HOW frustrating is it for the Canberra Liberals with less than five months to the next ACT election? They must be chafing at the bit. Getting a voice has been nigh on impossible.

In contrast, Labor’s Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith have had constant positive exposure in the media over COVID-19.

An attempt by Liberal Opposition Leader Alistair Coe to grab some attention by supporting businesses to open early might have backfired. On face value, the push for “a more tailored approach to reopening the local economy” seems sensible. The notion that opening up Canberra with what was the government’s “one-size-fitsall-approach” seems ripe for criticism.

However, the public servants in Canberra are voters and they all recognise that complex policy approaches are difficult to implement, fraught with problems and take a huge amount of administration. It is desperation when a conservative part of our political system is making a call for more bureaucracy when, for so long, the mantra has been small government.

On the other hand, the approach is there to support the hospitality industry and to encourage people back to work. Coe explained: “Venues with a single but large dining area could spaciously

separate tables and chairs, and provide table service only. The government could require temperature checks and hygiene officers to remain on site”.

But he was to have the rug taken from under him by the Chief Minister, whose approach takes into account the amount of space available ranging from five people in 20sqm to 20 people where more than 80sqm is available.

Winning even one election point has been seriously challenging. The electorate should give credit to the Canberra Liberals for supporting the government and the health advice during a time of the pandemic crisis.

However, while the Canberra Liberals were holding their collective tongues, the Health Minister was growing in confidence and impact, media interview by media interview. At the height of the pandemic she answered questions effectively and presented the government approach with appropriate composure and equanimity.

The COVID-19 pandemic really has handed the Chief Minister and the Health Minister a considerable boost in terms of the election. The response from the Opposition has been that Coe “stands ready to work with the ACT government to reopen Canberra”. Excellent. Unfortunately for them, it doesn’t help with chances at the October election.

Through no fault of their own, things could get worse for the Canberra Liberals. The election could be postponed.

One possibility is for the ACT Legislative Assembly to legislate a postpone -

ment of the election beyond October. The Assembly, as a whole, could move amendments to the ACT Electoral Act 1992. Depending on progress in dealing with the pandemic and the possibility of a “second wave”, they might be tempted. Alternatively, it takes just two government ministers to postpone an election. Section 159 of the ACT Electoral Act states: “The executive may, by written notice, make provision for extending the time for holding the election”. This is an astonishing power. The Assembly is not needed. Just two ministerial signatures are required under the definition of “the executive”. This extreme power is in place for unusual and disrupting circumstances such as an earthquake. Or perhaps a pandemic!

Fears of public reaction should this section of the Act be misused, probably curtails the misuse of this power. However, should a government feel that it is under threat and just need more time, the temptation is there.

Apart from the pandemic, Labor is ripe for criticism. A shadow still hangs over the government regarding land deals and there is still a conflict of interest over gambling and the Labor-owned or affiliated clubs. These are just two examples. After the best part of two decades in government there is a dangerous complacency. So many more issues need to be aired in the light of an election.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health.

Don’t tell boss baby not to sweat the small stuff!

YOU might be familiar with some of this column’s tales of my “boss-baby” daughter, who from a very young age became the undisputed boss of our family.

People often ask how the boss baby is going, I get the feeling we are not alone, that others have little boss babies in their families, too – interesting they are usually little girls I might add – and can sympathise with my plight. It’s been a while between columns, and we are a few weeks from her fourth birthday, so I thought it timely to reflect on her reign.

The curse of being the younger child is that, despite the well-meaning intentions of their parents, they are always compared to what the elder child did. Sorry, we just can’t help it, kiddo.

As I frequently and desperately run out of parenting tricks, I so dearly wish our two kids were the same.

But in our case, our son and daughter could not be more different.

Her brother seeks the solitude of his imagination

It’s hard not to minimise the hardship she genuinely feels over the sequence of brushing teeth and combing her hair being out of order to her, and the screaming it produces when we get it wrong.

through train tracks and Lego but boss baby, who doesn’t care for many toys as a rule, prefers to be in the real world, constantly in our faces.

Being the youngest, she came into the chaos of our home already bustling with life with a toddler, so being with others (and dominating) became her second nature.

From the time she decided at 18 months to have a shower for the first time by herself pronouncing: “I do it myself” and shutting the shower door behind her, screaming during every change of her clothes as a baby until I realised she wanted to choose and dress herself, to the time we went to a bike shop to get the kids their first bikes and she tenaciously hopped on the first pink bike she saw and rode it out the door with us trailing behind, our boss baby was destined to rule.

She’s a tough cookie, our boss baby. She doesn’t back down from a fight

easily, often reaching the screaming pinnacle and needing some time out. We’ve tried stickers and think they are working… her “staying calm” chart is helping keep her in the “green” zone more often than not.

The order in which things are done has never been easy for her to loosen her control over. Who gets out of the bath first, who opens the door, which colour bowl she eats out of have all been well-trodden battlefields. It’s hard not to minimise the hardship she genuinely feels over the sequence of brushing teeth and combing her hair being out of order to her, and the screaming it produces when we get it wrong.

Telling a three-year-old not to sweat the small stuff doesn’t work, unfortunately.

I so regret buying a fun rainbow set of plates, bowls and cutlery with the endless colour combinations as she has decisions to make at every mealtime… word to new parents, just buy them all one colour and your life will be joyous, I promise.

The boss baby is relentlessly

competitive – a trait that will serve her well in her future, I’m sure. Where her brother is more sensitive and emotional, she’s more impulsive, tenacious, risk-taking and stubborn.

In a world where girls are told we are the emotional ones, it’s the complete opposite in my house and I am happy with that. If we have our concerns about her, it’s about building compassion, friendships and “softening” her determined little heart to include others and give and take.

Lately, we’ve seen a softening in her demeanor, at her new school she’s made friends after cautiously sizing them and her teachers up. She’s more settled by the routine that school gives her and is loving it.

Perhaps that’s the gift of turning four.

Where does she get it from? Her great granny was a fiesty woman who ruled her family with love and strength – she called a spade a spade and she didn’t hold back from holding the odd grudge. As a 100-year-old she told me about a wedding she attended in her 30s in which she was seated on the kids’ table. She never got over that slight and the bride and groom were literally struck off her list. It’s the fire in her character that served granny well through her very long life and you bet that I can see it glimmering in my boss baby’s eyes.

Long may she rule. Happy Birthday, my darling girl.

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Local shopping helps businesses through ‘crisis’

THE coronavirus crisis has hurt local businesses across the region, and now, as shops start to re-open and restrictions begin to ease, it’s time to support businesses by buying local.

This week “CityNews” speaks with locals who are open and ready to welcome customers (old and new) back.

WITH Dr Carmelo Bonanno, the original owner of Dentistry at Karabar, back in the clinic, there have been changes at the local practice, with two other new dentists on board as well as a dental therapist, says practice manager Carly Young.

Dr Bonanno is the president of the Australian Dental Associa tion, a Fellow of the Academy of Dentistry International, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He served on the Dental Board of Australia from 2009-2012.

“Our experienced team is professionally trained to provide treatments covering a wide range of dental issues,” says Carly.

“We are equipped to handle both minor treatments and major surgical procedures. Dentistry at Karabar has you covered, no matter what treatment you need.”

Carly says the practice is focused on providing friendly and supportive service, to create the best possible patient experience.

sional environment for adults and children alike,” she says.

“With treatments for all ages, you can always rely on us to maintain a safe and profes-

Dentistry at Karabar, Shop 12a, 34 Queenbar Road, Karabar. Call 6297 1570.

Quilt care ensures winter warmth

LOCALLY owned and operated (and proud of it!), the family-run Mitchell business, Therma Quilts, has been keeping Canberrans warm since the ‘80s.

The store specialises in making and servicing feather and down products such as quilts, pillows and cushions, and as the weather gets colder, it can make quilts bigger or smaller to suit any changes in bed sizes since last winter, says a Therma Quilts spokeswoman.

Using local (where possible) and quality textiles, the seamstresses at Therma Quilts hand-make every item suited to the customer’s needs and provide a top-up service when quilts and pillows show signs of wear or loss of warmth and fluffiness, she says.

“Servicing of feather and down products is essential for keeping them in optimal condition for comfort,” she says.

“With time and usage, body proteins and lipids (natural oils and perspiration) are absorbed on to quilt casings and into the feather and down inside.

“Over time, this build-up dampens the down, which causes it to lose its thermal resistance. However, regular servicing of your quilts would ensure that your down is fresh, fluffy and keeps you nice and warm during winter.

“With time and usage, the fabrics on quilts wear out and get thin, but once holes appear there is no need to throw away your quilt.”

Therma Quilts, 10-12 Kemble Court, Mitchell. Call 6241 6859 or visit thermaquilts.com.au

BY providing an even heat distribution, in-floor heating is popular for getting the home pleasantly warm for winter, says the P.A.P. Heating Solutions managing director, Peter Heaney.

Specialising in floor-heating products and services, Peter says in-floor heating is also popular in greenhouses, outdoor access areas, sports stadiums and factories.

When it comes to in-floor heating, Peter says warmth is distributed wall-to-wall, thanks to the heating cable being evenly embedded within the floor.

“The even heat distribution means no hot or cold spots, so it’s ideal for children,” he says.

“Being unobtrusively embedded within the floor allows for furniture to be located anywhere, without having to consider duct outlets or other equipment.

“[And], floor surfaces that are normally cold to touch, such as slate or tiles, become a pleasant source of warmth.”

He says in-floor heating is especially recommended for people suffering allergy or respiratory complaints such as asthma, caused by moving air or dust particles.

The system runs on off-peak electricity, which is comparable to gas, and no building modifications are required for installation in a new home with a slab floor, according to Peter, who says as there are no moving air draughts, rooms can be adequately heated at lower temperatures.

Peter says a combination of radiant and convective heat provides excellent comfort with little vertical temperature variation, making slab heating suitable for homes with high ceilings.

P.A.P. Heating Solutions, 23 Winchcombe Court, Mitchell. Call 6242 9310 or visit papheatingsolutions.com.au

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

productions of “Hir” and ”Since Ali Died”. It also features veteran actors Nikki Shiels and former Hawker College student Steve Rodgers and is produced by Naomi Just from Mischief Media, who has strong Canberra connections.

I caught up with Will just before he was heading to classes at Canberra High, which he calls “a really good school”, although he admits he hasn’t seen much of it during lockdown. He’s no stranger to these pages, having reviewed for roles including one of Fagin’s boys in last year’s Queanbeyan Players production of “Oliver!” and The Dormouse in Ickle Pickle Productions’ production of “Alice in Wonderland” in 2018, opposite his dad Jim Adamik as The Mad Hatter and directed by his mum, Jordan Best.

Proud mum Jordan asserts from long experience that he’s the sharpest theatre critic in Canberra.

Will lives with a form of cerebral palsy called hemiplegia, which causes muscle weakness on one side of the body. Through it, he’s developed an awareness of the need for more assertiveness on the part of children with disability and more awareness in the wider community.

“Because I have a disability I do like the opportunity to speak up and I hope that when people see a disabled kid acting, that may go slightly towards the cause,” he says.

He did an initial Skype audition then went to Sydney for a call-back. The film was shot on location in Sydney over two days early this year, with a rehearsal the day before. When he turned up for the first day on set, having never done any camera work before, he was quite overwhelmed by the size of the crew and the piles of equipment.

That first day was his 13th birthday. The cast and crew got him a cheesecake with his

By Helen Musa CANBERRA-trained conductor

Jessica Cottis will take over the reins at Canberra Symphony Orchestra from chief conductor and artistic director Nick Milton when he finishes at the end of this year after 15 years at the helm.

But in a restructuring, Cottis will become artistic adviser collaborating with conductor Simon Hewett as principal guest conductor and artistic planning manager Andy Baird, who is already on staff here.

Cottis, whose international reputation has burgeoned since she directed “The Gallipoli Symphony” for Chris Latham at the Hagia Irene in Istanbul and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in 2015, describes conducting “The Gallipoli Symphony” as: “Hugely significant to me, it was something that really made me think that one of the reasons I’m a musician is just how powerful music can be.”

“She can hold the orchestra’s attention, too, and it’s something fresh,” she said.

Unusually for a conductor, she was originally trained at the ANU as an organist, taking out first-class honours in organ, piano and musicology before continuing her studies as an organist with Marie-Claire Alain in Paris.

An injury to her wrist put a stop to that so, after doing the conducting course at the Royal Academy of Music, she embarked on what became a formidable career.

She was for some years the principal conductor of the Glasgow New Music Expedition. She has conducted the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, a regular with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, l’Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra and many others.

A gifted raconteur and extempore speaker, Cottis is a regular on BBC radio programs, where she has become a prominent

family. Jordan is an accomplished cellist and he has a vague recollection of joining her on stage at Smiths when he was little, with a toy guitar.

Will’s grandfather Peter Best is Australia’s most famous screen composer, responsible for the theme music for the “Life. Be in it” and “Slip Slop Slap” campaigns, as well as the scores to movies like “The Adventures of Barry McKenzie”, “Muriel’s Wedding” and, Will’s favourite, “Crocodile Dundee”.

As grandpas go, he reports, he is “awesome and great”.

So, although he’s seen a lot of plays and loves theatre and film, young William Best’s main passion is to become a singer – “like Freddie Mercury”.

The 67th Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition runs from June 10-21. “Safety Net” may be viewed at ondemand.sff.org.au/film/safety-net

“Music is a shared experience. I always have a strong musical vision and a strong intellectual vision, but it still needs to be collective, there’s a lot of give-and-take,” she says.

Milton calls her “gifted and dynamic”.

“CityNews” reviewer Ian Mclean has written of her as a “charismatic figure on the podium… clear, definitive and precise”, while Latham, referring to her Canberra background and her “Apollonian” intellectual style of conducting asks: “What’s not to like?”

The announcement of her appointment is bound to be popular. Cottis is respected by the musicians who have performed under her in the past two years at Llewellyn Hall and last year the CSO’s concertmaster, Kirsten Williams, told “CityNews”: “Jessica is one of the few conductors who can apply a unique level of eloquence in her ability to talk to the audience.”

When last we talked, she described herself as “a bit of a nomad”, flying around the world conducting in many countries, but now she lives in London because that’s where the work is.

Her vision, she says, is to see the CSO develop even further as an orchestral innovator, telling “compelling Australian stories and taking on thought-provoking subject matter through music”, and already she is co-curating with Matthew Hindson and the CSO an online mini-series of 14 short solo

Cottis has always enjoyed coming to Canberra where her four siblings live and which was always the home her family came back to in between Defence postings and where they’d go to hear the Canberra

“It’s great to come back to one’s roots,”

DINING / Lamshed’s, Yarralumla

The minute we can’t do something, we want to

What would it be like with only 10 diners allowed (we were a group of four)? Would there be a buzz or would it be like dining in a library? Lamshed’s followed all the rules, and although the restaurant wasn’t packed, staff made sure our experience was just so special

WHAT is it with humans? The minute we can’t do something, we want to desperately. Like dining in a restaurant.

We were thoroughbred horses out of the gate when we heard we could gallop into a real, live restaurant to have dinner. It truly felt like we were at the races – the thrill of it all.

Our choice was Lamshed’s, at Yarralumla shops, where we’ve dined several times and always had a fabulous meal. But what would it be like with only 10 diners allowed (we were a group of four)? Would there be a buzz or would it be like dining in a library?

Lamshed’s followed all the rules, and although the restaurant wasn’t packed, staff made sure our experience was just so special Now, off to the food part of the review.

We started

with the absolutely delish beetroot-cured kingfish, with segments of orange and pretty pickled fennel ($23). It’s a dish we’ve had before and Lamshed’s has proved time and again that it’s super consistent with its regular fare.

Next up was the baby beetroot salad with lentils, pine nuts and creamy goats cheese ($21). It looked gorgeous on the plate and what a winning combo of flavours and textures. The dish wasn’t heavy but it packed a punch.

There was no way we were going to give the eggplant tempura a miss ($17). The tempura was super light and the eggplant sliced to the right thickness for deep frying. The umami bomb delivered by the dollop of miso on the plate transported us to another world. Even if you’re not an eggplant fan, put some money on this dish. One of our party usually steers away from eggplant, but she adores this creation and it was her idea to

sundayROAST

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

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Beetroot-cured kingfish… delish with segments of orange and pretty pickled fennel.

order it (again).

For a bit of carb we dug into the lamb shank tagine, with velvety strips of pappardelle and pistachio for a fun element ($30). The lamb was moist and tender. No complaints here.

Also super tender was the beef short rib ($34) with crunchy broccolini and buttermilk. Again, no complaints.

We topped off our evening with a dark chocolate tart with fresh milk sorbet ($15). Decadent but not overly sweet. Did I mention we’ve had this dish before?

We chatted to staff about COVID-19 challenges. Lamshed’s has been dishing up home delivery and takeaway to keep going. They’ve also had a Sunday roast special which we ordered after our dinner for that weekend. Lamshed’s is still deciding, now

WINE / wallet-crushing treat

that the #stayhome rules have relaxed somewhat, whether to keep up with this, so call first if interested.

We weren’t at all rushed out the door but didn’t want to linger too long, to support Lamshed’s to be able to flip tables. The right thing to do…

Lamshed’s, 27 Bentham Street, Yarralumla. Call 5100 9058.

In search of ‘something spectacular’

By Richard CALVER

SOMETIMES you can be walking down the street and in your mind’s eye you look back at your youthful self, remember what you were like or what you said and express an involuntary sharp outtake of breath or even suffer a shudder.

I recall when I was in my twenties, a friend once shared a deep sense of disappointment with me. Coldly, I said: “Yep someone famous said life is 90 per cent anticipation and 10 per cent regret.” How’s that for a complete lack of empathy? And annoyingly my current search for who proposed that aphorism failed.

But anticipation was something that recently became palpable; it was building for my first post-isolation venture to a bar.

I was hoping that there would be no regrets. I met a friend at Joe’s Bar at East Hotel for late-afternoon drinks.

I wanted something spectacular. On the wine list were a couple of Barolo’s, the Italian wine from the Piedmont region made entirely from the varietal Nebbiolo. Both were at a walletcrushing $160 a bottle. I rationalised paying that amount for a 2012 Trediberri Barolo by reminding myself that I hadn’t bought more than one tank of petrol during lockdown and I was supposed to be in New York in May where I would probably have spent a great deal more on food and drink each day.

The wine comes from the Western part of the Piedmont region. The poetry of geography: Berri is a small village in the westernmost part of La Morra, located in the Langhe hills of Piedmont, close to the Tanaro River.

I wanted something spectacular. On the wine list were a couple of Barolo’s, the Italian wine from the Piedmont region made entirely from the varietal Nebbiolo.

ne regrette rien (sorry I don’t know an Italian equivalent).

The whole process of having the wine brought to the table, the look of the colour, the pouring for the taste, the swirling in the glass and just being surrounded by heat and comfort was wonderful. The wine was very good without being stunning. That didn’t matter, we were out and about, there were even four other people there (same outtake of breath as referred to earlier).

As a side note, I have had the Ravensworth Nebbiolo 2017 and frankly I prefer this local wine to the Trediberri, although the comparison is unfair given the difference in vintages.

derives from the fact that there are three winemakers who first produced Barolo in 2011. Their second attempt was good: it had white pepper and clove on the nose and an intense fruit flavour that at first was overwhelmed by the tannins, famously high in this varietal.

Considerable air was needed before the wine reached equilibrium. It was excellent at that point although some of the vibrancy of this style was missing; we reckoned it had reached its peak 12-18 months ago. It went very well with the bread, meat and cheese.

I’m glad I had a lash out. Roll Piaf’s Non, je

The weird component of getting out of home, though, was that the whole time, two police officers were in the lobby of the hotel. Two police cars were parked outside. We asked the woman who served us: “what is happening with the police. Were they expecting criminals?” She said no but that the hotel was populated by people who had recently returned from India and they were in forced quarantine. The police were there to ensure that the people didn’t leave. On the walk back, I felt like I had escaped twice, once from home and once from the hotel.

“Well,” said Pooh, “what I like best,” and then he had to stop and think. Although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn’t know what it was called. – AA Milne

Oddball comedy takes ‘Office’ cast into space

REMEMBER December when Donald Trump truly went to infinity and beyond with the announced launch of the US Space Force? The citizens of the internet went crazy for this new branch of the US military, created to have supremacy from above earth.

An abundance of memes and tweets swirled around the trending tabs of websites, particularly regarding the way the official logo of Space Force looked more than just a little similar to that of “Star Trek”. Even the original Helmsman of the USS Enterprise himself, Hikaru Sulu played by actor George Takei tweeted: “Ahem. We are expecting some royalties from this…” Well, such wild publicity didn’t take long to be pounced on by comedians. TV comedy producing wizards Steve Carrell and Greg Daniels teamed up to give audiences “Space Force”, which hit Netflix this last week.

Imagine if Michael Scott, the awkwardly brilliant boss from “The Office”, was in charge of astrophysicists, astronauts and chimpanzees all striving to set up a “star command”.

and more, all on Stan. However, if NBC does a decent job with its upcoming platform, Australia may very likely see another competitor in our own market.

REMEMBER those things that actually interrupt your TV shows every 15 minutes? Well, controversially, NBC’s platform is

We see them on the free streaming services here spawned from our more commercial stations, SBS On Demand, 9 Now, and 10 Play, but they would otherwise seem a thing of the past. The bigger platforms run solely under a monthly subscription fee in order to rid you of the pesky attention-

It seems this fee is vastly preferred. This week I wanted to test this idea out. I asked as many contacts as I could if they’d rather shell out 15 bucks a month for their preferred platform or be happy to get it free with ads to interrupt their bingeing.

Not a single one hesitated in choosing

Doesn’t bode well for an NBC rollout here. Ads could be the deciding factor for average Aussie streamers from which companies get their subscriptions.

is great at shaking hands with some of the bigger US companies to get new shows here. “Zero Zero Zero” is an example that’s just become available on the platform. It’s a big-budget production that looks to examine in gritty, realistic detail the buyers, sellers and brokers of global cocaine shipments.

This is a fictional crime drama only on its surface. The research behind it gives the viewer a detailed glimpse into the frightening scale of the international drug trade.

So, you’ve got captivating stuff like this available on SBS’s platform, a nice comedic change of pace over on Netflix and the HBO blockbusters on Foxtel Binge all happening this past week. With more and more being rolled out, it begs another question: do you fall into the “mono-streamer” category of only using one service, or are you one who likes to mix them up?

May the force be with you, viewer, to decide.

This is what you get in “Space Force”, an oddball comedy that has more than jumped on the relevance of people questioning this real-life, seemingly science fiction-like concept.

Once again, this is an example of the power of gaining viewers through monitoring the trails of our internet dialogue. Netflix makes sure to announce that “Space Force” comes from much of the original talent behind “The Office”, which has seen a huge resurgence in popularity well after the show’s original conclusion in 2013 thanks to streaming.

In a $US100 million deal in the US, Netflix is losing “The Office” to NBC which, of course, wants its own go at a bingeing service. Luckily for us Down Under, NBC has a deal that allows fans to watch their comedy icons such as the one mentioned above along with “Friends”, “Parks and Recreation”

No show, so back to the studio ARTS IN THE CITY

By Helen Musa

CANBERRA indie muso Steve Smith’s band, Muddy Wolfe, which includes Taiwanese-born vocalist Kim Yang (featured recently in “CityNews”), Aidan Bairstow, Jonah Myers and Dean James, has released its second EP, “Muddy Wolfe Volume II” with 2410 Records. The band was due to perform at the National Folk Festival before COVID-19 hit. For details and access, visit facebook. com/muddywolfeband

SYDNEY Film Festival offers Sydneysiders a whirlwind of premieres, and this year for the first time, it’ll be accessible by everyone, online June 10-21. The official competition for the $60,000 Sydney Film Prize continues, along with the Award for Australian Documentary, the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films, and Europe! Voices of Women in Film. The 67th Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition at sff.org.au

THE online silent auction and exhibition “Choose Art: Give Light to Refugees” aims to raise funds for refugees affected by the COVID-19 crisis and features art from all corners of the globe, not least Sue Bryan (Ireland/US), Belinda Fox (Netherlands) and Wendy Sharpe (Australia), with all funds received from the sales going directly to the charity Help Refugees (helprefugees.org). Open at

Wolfe, with Kim Yang in foreground… the second EP is out.

app.galabid.com/chooseart/info/ June 8-29.

MELBOURNE Symphony is staging the “Music Marathon”, a half-day of livestreamed chamber music and a collection of recent MSO concerts on the Queen’s Birthday holiday. Deborah Cheetham’s musical acknowledgement of country, “Long Time Living”, will open the event, which will also include a collaboration of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, with Circa Contemporary Circus, Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending” and Peter Sculthorpe’s “String Quartet No. 18”, 2pm-8.30pm, Monday, June 8. Visit mso.com.au/ mso-live-music-marathon

THE Art Gallery of NSW has just reopened, with COVID restrictions

in place. It says it’s looking forward to announcing new dates for the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes’ 2020 exhibition, postponed until later in the year.

FURTHER afield, big venues overseas are facing challenges unthought of before the COVID-19 crisis. London’s Wigmore Hall has rejected the idea of widely spaced audiences for commercial and practical reasons. However Royal Opera House boss Alex Beard is more open to it, but for one thing –“It may be that it’s tricky to have an interval because of the way people mill around loos. So we’d do one-act pieces. It may be that we can do recitals, divertissements [ballet extracts]. There’s a whole range of possibilities.”

DESPITE such interrupters, SBS On Demand

NICK OVERALL

Chris’ Trees

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Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Neptune links up with the Sun and your ruler Mars, so self-delusion is a danger. Plus be very clear in the way you explain things, otherwise you’re likely to get your wires crossed and your true meaning will be scrambled. And are you being the real you? Or are you living your life according to other people’s agendas and expectations? As birthday great Judy Garland observed: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

This week Mars pairs up with Neptune, which is fabulous for taking new ideas (which you discuss with others) and incorporating them into your hopes, dreams and wishes for the future. Destiny is around you and the more you combine the creative with the practical, the better the long-term outcome will be. But with Venus still in retrograde mode (until June 25) there’ll be some stumbling blocks along the way. So do your best to be a patient and adaptable Bull.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Venus continues reversing through your sign and then Neptune squares the Gemini Sun. So you can expect some disruptions, delays, difficulties, misunderstandings and general shenanigans. Don’t let that deter you Gemini! If you are flexible and adapt to constantly changing circumstances, then you can still have a week that is stimulating and satisfying. As actor/activist (and birthday great) Michael J Fox observes: “Our challenges don’t define us, our actions do.”

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

This week will be confusing so slow down and get your bearings before you proceed. Convivial Crabs – aim to get the balance right between socialising with others and spending some quality time on your own. Plus shine a bright spotlight on your aspirations for the future. Are they an honest reflection of who you are right here and right now? If you have an ongoing problem that’s bothering you, look to a mentor or mature friend for some well-chosen words of advice.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Nebulous Neptune squares the Sun (your power planet) on Thursday. So don’t worry if your concentration wanes, your confidence is curbed or your motivation is muted. It’s just a passing phase. Use the time to tap into your intuition and delve into some delicious daydreams. And with Venus still in retrograde mode, it’s definitely not a good week to make momentous decisions (especially involving finances and/or friends). Instead, be a cautious Cat, bide your time and wait.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

The planetary patterns highlight your helpful nature and your strong desire to be of service to others. But do other people require your well-meaning assistance? Be careful you’re not just being a fussy and finicky meddler. And if you are too quick to critique others, then you could find yourself with a fractious friend, a cranky colleague or a livid lover on your hands. Praise and encouragement will get you a lot further than criticism, no matter how ‘constructive’ it is.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Your ruling planet Venus is retrograde until June 25. So things won’t run smoothly, especially involving relationships, finances, education or travel. If you adapt to changing circumstances and accept mistakes and misunderstandings with good grace, then you’ll manage fine. Heed the wise words of entertainer Beyoncé (who has Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto and her Ascendant in Libra): “If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

You’ve stewed over a complicated situation for a while now Scorpio. Resentment has built up and this could be the week when you say exactly what’s on your mind. Don’t expect a favourable response from others though! The Sun, Mars and Neptune shine a bright spotlight on your relationship with a child, teenager, lover or friend. If you don’t take the time to really listen to what they are saying, then expect ambiguous communication and mixed messages.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

The planets confuse communication, so be careful you’re not viewing people through ridiculously rose-coloured glasses. Intuitive insights are highlighted, but don’t get so carried away that you head into the realm of pure fantasy. When it comes to a major goal, are you and your partner on the same page? If you’re single, be cautious. With Venus reversing through your relationship zone, make sure you can differentiate between a dream date and a disappointing dud.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Avoid being a gullible Goat this week when someone could try to pull the wool over your eyes. Stay alert. Aim to channel your creative Capricorn energy into friendships, neighbourhood connections and local community projects. And be careful you’re not pushing yourself (and others) too much. Reflect on the wise words of birthday great, actor Michael J Fox: “The more I expect, the more unhappy I am going to be. The more I accept, the more serene I am.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Saturn is sauntering through your sign, which is very frustrating and you may feel as if you’re banging your head against a brick wall. The path you are on has obstacles along the way but don’t give up. Aquarians love to change the world for the better. So keep going on your chosen trajectory, as you balance pace with patience. Be inspired by birthday great, Anne Frank: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Avoid making important decisions (especially involving family and real estate) as your thoughts and feelings will fluctuate. The more you express the artistic, humanitarian and/or spiritual sides of your Piscean personality, the less confused you’ll feel. So it’s a great week to create and contemplate, plus help someone in need. Tricky Neptune aspects can also aggravate sensitivities or trigger allergic reactions, so steer clear of food, drink and drugs that don’t agree with you.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2020

disgusting or repulsive, is to be what? (7)

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5

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13

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16 What do we call a member of a

17 Which attendant is hired to carry a golfer’s clubs, find the ball, etc? (6)

18 Which word element means “nose”? (5)

19 What do we call one who takes care of the

or infirm? (5)

20 The Alamo is in which US State? (5)

stock of existing roses ahead of the new season.

If roses are in a reasonably healthy condition, it’s worth keeping them. They are incredibly tough and with some reasonably easy remedial work they’ll bounce back.

The following basic rules apply to almost all shrubs and trees. Just follow the three “Ds”: remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches. Make a clean cut close to the main branches, if possible looking for a new outward-facing shoot. Don’t leave a stump. If branches cross and are rubbing against each other, remove the weaker one. Try and keep the centre of the shrub as open

or only one or two need removing in a dedicated rose garden, the following advice is vital.

Take out the old roses, including as many roots as possible. Then dig out a barrow-load of soil –the disease rose sickness is spread through soil. Then replace with fresh soil mixed in with garden compost, or composted horse manure from the Hayshed in Pialligo. I prefer to leave mulching for all garden beds until later in the spring. This will allow the winter sun to warm the soil.

Do all this preparation now, in readiness for when the new season’s roses arrive.

THERE’S no need to dig up dahlias if they’re to be kept in the same spot. If moving them, they can be dug up once flowering has finished. For named varieties, allow the tubers to dry and write the name on the actual tuber with a waterproof texta pen. Then store for winter in polystyrene boxes. Cover the holes in the bottom with flywire or shade cloth and fill with dry compost, cheap potting mix or sawdust and store in a frost-free shed or garage.

BERRY-producing shrubs which threaten the environment include cotoneaster, pyracantha and hawthorn. However, not all hawthorns are a problem. In the last few weeks, readers have asked about the mass of red berries on the nature strip along Northbourne Avenue. These are from the hawthorn Crataegus smithiana, a cross between Mexicana and Azarolus bred at the Yarralumla Nursery in the 1920s. This tree is known for its white flowers in spring and autumn leaves,

and a profusion of rich, red berries in winter. Other examples of this can be seen in Hamilton Row, Yarralumla, and Tennyson Crescent, Forrest. One variety not grown here as a street tree and which is an outstanding hawthorn is Paul’s Scarlet, available from most garden centres. It was given the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society for its yearround interest, with deep-pink flowers in spring, autumn leaves and red berries providing food for birds into winter. It grows four to five metres tall with a four-metre spread.

However, is listed on the ACT government weeds’ list in its brochure “Are Your Garden Plants Going Bush?”. Hopefully this is no longer available.

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