CityNews 210429

ROBERT MACKLIN / ROBBED: THE VICTIM’S LONG ROAD TO

I had to go private to get vital tests at Calvary Hospital TONY BRYCE

Flawed hospital plan mired in government spin PAUL COSTIGAN

SURVIVING CANCER’S ROLLERCOASTER

AMANDA FERRIS was certain breast cancer wouldn’t change her life. She was wrong

Nathan escapes dark shadows of evil and abuse

By Belinda STRAHORN

NATHAN Spiteri had the seemingly perfect life of a normal eight-year-old.

He was a fast runner, loved riding his pushbike and played cricket with his mates in the cul-de-sac where he lived.

But in the summer of 1987, at the Queanbeyan pool, he encountered the man who would cast a dark shadow over the rest of his life.

“I’d ridden my bike there, my sister came, too; we’d spend all day at the pool… that’s what kids in Queanbeyan did,” Nathan said.

“I was one of the last to leave that day, my sister had already gone home, the man – a stranger – followed me into the change rooms.

“He raped me in the shower and said if I told anyone he’d kill me and my family.”

Nathan would go on to suffer a fiveyear cycle of abuse, at the hands of the paedophile, the pair living just streets away from each other in a presumably “safe” town.

The sexual acts occurred at the man’s home, he was in his 40s and had a family of his own.

Then one day, Nathan said, it sud-

denly stopped.

“He dropped me, he abandoned me, then he disappeared.”

Not realising it at the time, Nathan was suffering from “Stockholm syndrome”, where victims form a deep love for their abuser.

In the eyes of the abused it feels like a normal relationship; it’s anything but.

“This was a guy I had feelings for, he told me he was the only one who loved me, and that my family hates me, and if I told anyone I would go to jail,” he said.

Struggling to make sense of it all, a teenage Nathan began to engage in risky sexual behaviours, with other men, that subsequently ended in violence.

“From 15, I started sneaking into gay clubs and cruise lounges in Fyshwick and I’d do what I did with the man,” he said.

“Afterwards I’d feel so much anger and hatred towards myself that I’d hit the men, I was very violent and, in return, I got beaten up.”

Leaving Queanbeyan for Sydney to pursue acting, Nathan’s life spiralled out of control with excessive drinking, drugs, and violence towards strangers.

Then to New York, where he acted in a few feature films and theatre productions. But the horrors of his past caught up with him, leaving him

Since 1993: Volume 27, Number 17

Arts & Entertainment 23-25

Canberra Matters 13

Cinema & Streaming 24

Crossword 22

Dining 25

Garden 26-27

Horoscopes 22

Letters 16

News 3-16

Politics 14

“rock bottom” on the bathroom floor of a New York club.

“I was messed up on drugs, it was my birthday and no-one came to my party. I ended up in a cruise lounge and bashed a man in the bathroom,” he said.

“Looking at myself in the mirror, I didn’t recognise who I was, I fell to the floor where the man I beat up was cowering, and I said to him: ‘I’m sorry’.

“For the first time in my life, I realised that what I was doing was wrong.”

Soon after, with a friend, Nathan opened up about the abuse.

It felt like such a relief, he said, to finally confide in someone.

“As soon as I realised it wasn’t my fault, I instantly felt the weight come off,” Nathan said.

Through intense therapy, Alcohol ics Anonymous, Narcotics and Sex Anonymous, Nathan came out the other side.

Refusing to let an evil crime dictate the rest of his life, he has written extensively about his experiences in his just-released book “Toy Cars”, the title drawn from the gift his abuser gave him.

“I would sit in my bedroom on my own, all day long, and play with my toy cars. I became more withdrawn from my family.”

family… I want my happily ever after.”

Nathan’s story, while confronting,

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Seven Days 4 Cover: How the ‘cancer rollercoaster’ changed Amanda. Photo Holly Treadaway. Story Page 6.

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“Toy Cars” is available from all online bookstores.

What did we learn from feeding bettongs to foxes?

I’M not sure feeding endangered eastern bettongs to foxes at $8955.22 apiece is the greatest use of ACT taxpayers’ hard-earned when we have record numbers of homeless people on our streets and a dysfunctional health system all crying out for cash.

But no, Environment Minister Rebecca Vassarotti says the $600,000 trial of releasing 67 of the creatures into the wild was “a success”.

Successful, she says, in achieving its objective to determine whether bettongs could survive in fox-controlled areas. I think I could have told them what would happen for half the price.

Needless to say, the small rat-kangaroos were eaten alive in the Lower Cotter

The Canberra Liberals called the plan “harebrained” when the demise of the bettongs was revealed at an Assembly estimates hearing.

“We know foxes and cats are predators that hunt bettongs so why release bettongs into the wild?” said sparky shadow environment minister Leanne Castley

“It appears to be an exorbitant amount of money spent on a trial to release bettongs, knowing they will be in peril, counting how many days they will survive.”

Not so, said the minister: “Settling for endangered species to exist behind fences in safe havens is not good enough and does not support the ACT’s long-term vision of re-establishing reintroduced species outside fenced reserves.”

I’m not sure I knew of that particular “vision”, but the trial results found that, in fox-controlled areas, some bettongs survived for more than 450 days – four times longer than similar trials of related species, and bettongs that had a greater body mass tended to survive longer. But clearly, not long enough.

INDIGENOUS leader Matilda House was in fine form at the recent community preview of the Rusten House Art Centre in Queanbeyan.

Arts editor Helen Musa reports that after reminding those present they were on “stolen country”, the Ngambri elder proceeded to lay into a previous Queanbeyan City Council (before it became Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council) using colourful

I spotted this graffiti on the perspex side of a bus shelter during a recent trip to Adelaide. I imagine police are looking for someone with an agricultural degree.

I spotted this mournful, fallen sign at an intersection in the inner south and couldn’t escape the irony of a “Stop” sign flattened by someone who didn’t.

language to describe what she called the stinginess of former mayor Frank Pangallo’s regime, while praising his successor and incumbent Tim Overall

and “CityNews” columnist Clive Williams: “I nominate D’Browes in Narrabundah. Small rooms and lots of hard surfaces make it too noisy to talk across a table.

“However, the food is very good, particularly the fish pie. It’s a great place for people who are more interested in eating than talking. Ideal for married couples and people who see too much of each other.”

Can’t hear yourself think? Shout out at editor@citynews.com.au

Sue says: “When we give it to people, it’s a real icebreaker as well. Everyone loves it.” Including her kids. Son Todd Wright, a director of Threesides Marketing, designed it. “We didn’t see the extra bit until the cards were printed! Is Todd trying to tell us something?” asks Sue.

If he is, Sue, make sure it includes engaging a proofreader (the apostrophe’s missing in kids’ ).

Speaking of communication, this is how Adina Cirson, the Property Council’s ACT executive director signs off her emails: “We work flexibly at the Property Council. I’m sending this message now because it suits me, but I don’t expect that you will read, respond to or action it outside of regular hours.” No rush to write back then?

Noting the presence of the local constabulary, Matilda welcomed Queanbeyan’s Insp Kevin Price to assist her with a smoking ceremony, but not before she’d said: “You’re not going to arrest me for being cheeky, are you?” He wasn’t.

HERE’S another nomination for the list of noisy nosheries. This is from academic wag

OUT on a job, reporter Kathryn Vukovljak was handed a shared business card introducing Martin and Sue Wright . No big whoop, until she turned it over. There’s a smiling photo of the couple and the caption: “Spending the kids inheritance”.

AND finally: what’s the difference between a reporter and a journalist? The journalist has two suits, the reporter has one. I’m off to count mine.

Ian Meikle is the editor of “CityNews” and can be heard on the “CityNews Sunday Roast” news and interview program, 2CC, 9am-noon.

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COVER STORY / Mother’s Day Classic

How the ‘cancer rollercoaster’ changed Amanda

By Bina BROWN

THE lure of a local community event has spurred Amanda Ferris and her family to sign up for the first Mother’s Day Classic runwalk around Lake Ginninderra in Canberra’s north.

The 48-year-old, preschool teacher is still finalising her plans for Sunday, May 9, but sees a slow start to the day – a leisurely five-kilometre walk, followed by a celebratory lunch.

Being able to take part in the fundraiser with her partner and children and the many others touched by breast cancer, is an important driver for Amanda, who will this year reach the important five-year mark since being diagnosed with an invasive ductal carcinoma in the right breast.

For Amanda the “cancer rollercoaster” was an unexpected mental challenge as well as a physical one.

“Mentally, I had got it into my head that it wouldn’t change my life – that was where I was very wrong,” says Amanda.

“I started back at work soon after radiation in 2017 and three months later I hit the wall. I just went into autopilot, not expecting the life changes

that were to come,” she says.

“Knowing what I do now, I wish I’d contacted a counsellor from the start.”

The mental anguish of a cancer diag nosis is common, with people having to deal with their own mortality as well as the reactions from their children and partners, according to nurse counsel lor with BreastScreen ACT and breast cancer survivor Kathy Hayes.

“You definitely change as a person physically and psychosocially. The physical side gets looked after well by doctors, oncologists and surgeons but not much attention is given to the psy chosocial and financial side of cancer, which can be significant,” she says.

For Amanda the changes came in the form of memory loss, the ability to find the right words and anger.

“I was verbally angry with every one. I didn’t deal with the diagnosis when I was going through my treat ment which included surgery, chemo therapy and radiation,” she recalls.

Amanda Ferris with her children, from left, Laura, James and Sam… “I had got it into my head that [breast cancer] wouldn’t change my life – that was where I was very wrong.”

There were also three children to consider. James, now 9, and Laura, 14, coped better than Samantha, 18, who was able to access a lot more information online and didn’t always believe her mother was going to get through it, recalls Amanda.

“The worst time was when I lost my hair,” she says.

Her tip for anyone going through cancer with teenagers is to make an appointment with the specialist for

Australia, Bosom Buddies, BreastScreen ACT and the Cancer Council. She recommends anyone with a cancer diagnosis do the same, and do it early. Her other saviour was exercise, particularly dragon boating with Dragons Abreast. It is a sport known to help prevent lymphedema, the painful swelling that can occur after the surgical removal of lymph nodes and one of the most difficult complications of breast cancer.

the Mother’s Day Classic is returning in 2021 with local community participation across Australia.

Canberra has two designated areas for the run/walk: Lake Burley Griffin and Lake Ginninderra.

Due to covid restrictions, participation numbers are capped at each location. To ensure a spot at a preferred location, people need to book in via the website mothersdayclassic.com.au.

Limits on public gatherings mean

SATURDAY

1ST MAY

the start-finish will be more informal than in previous years, but local events will be big on community spirit to raise funds for breast-cancer research and celebrate and honour those affected by breast cancer.

It also means that family and friends can don their pink attire and walk or run together in a covid-safe manner and connect with the MDC community. Alternatively, participants can take part in the Mother’s Day Classic on a day and time at a location that suits

For the first time in MDC history, pets can also register.

Registration also includes exclusive access to the MDC portal, which features a variety of online content, including fitness tips and workouts, cooking and nutrition advice, health and wellness tips, and much more – as well as an array of activities for kids.

The portal allows MDC entrants to track their training kilometres and fundraising efforts, with all proceeds going towards breast cancer research.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer – with 55 Australians diagnosed each day. While survival rates are improving all the time, eight Australians die from it every day. Register as a participant or a volunteer at mothersdayclassic.com.au

Journalist Bina Brown is a member of the Canberra MDC committee.

Showcasing a variety of makers, artists and general creative types from the local region, this community event offers you the opportunity to purchase unique, handmade creations. With over 30 stalls there is something for everyone. The EXPO will have demonstrations by stall holders throughout the day, with many ‘come and try’ opportunities.

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ROBERT MACKLIN discovers he’s not alone when it comes to robbery in Canberra – there are around five burglaries and three cars stolen every day. But what about the mental wellbeing of the victims?

The story so far: Our home has been burgled on April Fool’s Day. The thieves escaped with both family cars, my phone and watch, wife Wendy’s handbag containing driver’s licence, phone and all credit cards. The Canberra police just missed capturing the thieves when daughter-in-law Sarina tracked my stolen phone to Mt Ainslie.

DESPITE the disappointment of the Mt Ainslie caper, we had tracked the stolen phone twice to an address in an inner-north suburb. And the police know a resident who had been involved previously in car theft.

Son Ben had cruised the area the day before but no luck…yet.

That night his elder brother, Rob, had arrived from Sydney with wife Sophia and daughter Sami. The clan had gathered for the fray.

At 2am Rob heard a car throttling down outside the townhouse. The thieves had stolen the remote that raised the garage door; maybe they were back for a second go. In a trice

he was up, armed with my five-iron and out the front door. By then the car had roared away.

The new day started slowly. Wendy hadn’t slept well, her dozing punctu ated by sounds and visions of intrud ers. I was so exhausted, not even the spectre of the thieves standing in the April Fool’s shadows as they pocketed my phone, watch and even the little medication bag of my COPD puffers kept me awake.

Now the main agenda was the journey to recovery-land. We’d picked up a hire car courtesy of the insurance people. It carried one team into the Telstra shop for new phones, a relatively painless operation until Wendy was asked to show ID.

next moves – how many locks to be changed by Danny the handyman; and what about the garage door, which opened at the touch of a remote – now in my stolen car.

“But it was stolen,” she said. An impasse.

But of course – her passport back home in a drawer untouched by the thieves. Finally, back on the air.

At home, neighbours called – Claire with a bunch of flowers, Jenny with kindly support.

And when Rob and I returned from a foray to the thief’s address, Steve from next door noticed car lights and

The return to recovery-land is a long and winding road.

Const Grace Woodbridge, pert and efficient, followed up with a phone call and text before going on leave.

“If the vehicles are located you will be contacted by another patrol who are working,” she said.

Jayden, her police partner, described the way car thieves trash and corrupt their prey, especially older ones like ours.

Then Sarina’s final trace showed them on their way to Sydney.

That’s when my journalistic instincts kicked in. How many others have suffered a similar experience – not so much the loss of possessions but the violation of a home that had felt impregnable, a sanctuary detached from the outside world with all its tremors of anger and unease?

I looked up the Canberra crime stats on the internet and checked them with police media. Since January 1, there have been no fewer than 464 burglaries in our fair city; and 291 stolen cars to the end of March.

This means that every day will see more than five burglaries and three cars stolen from our law-abiding citizens. At a conservative $15k for each car, that’s $4.3 million in insurance in only three months.

But here’s the rub: If Sarina could trace the stolen vehicles via my stolen phone, why couldn’t the Canberra police do the same, especially when GPS satellites know the exact whereabouts of almost every car on the road?

The police media spokesman said, “warrants” and “subpoenas” were required because of “privacy” regulations.

Privacy, in 2021?

If you’re one of the unlucky eight or nine daily victims you will have had a haunting experience. For some, it

will no doubt become part of life’s rich tapestry. For others, it might well be more difficult to bear.

There’s an understandable desire to raise the walls of security, to festoon the home boundaries with CCTV, double the locks on all the doors, burn the outside lights through the night. And I guess that Safety First is not a bad guide through the shadows of life’s tribulations.

A few days later, Wendy’s car was found – wrecked – at MacGregor – and written off. My old Mercedes was also written off and full marks to AAMI who were wonderfully supportive throughout. So too Toby, the boss at Phillip’s “House of Cars” who guided me through the purchase of a replacement.

But it’s the other, more intimate shadows that have refused to dissolve, no matter how hard I try. They pass through the back gate, sneering at the locks and bolts; glide through the bolted door into the bathroom-laundry; drift into the dressing room, this time picking up the wallet that’s slipped from the back pocket of my jeans. They stand by the bed, looking down at two sleeping figures and the five-iron resting against the Chinese lowboy. Then they reach a shadowy hand towards it…

robert@robertmacklin.com

real journey.”

Leon’s passion for Scouts grew throughout his teenage years, and was reflected in his election as a Rover leader (the 18-25-year-old age group of scouting).

After travelling to Switzerland with Scouts, an experience he called “life changing”, Leon moved to Canberra thinking he’d take a break from

blazers of the ACT branch.

“There always was the vision for us to be separate from NSW, especially as Canberra was moving at a great pace in those days,” said Leon.

“Scouting in Canberra actually goes as far back as 1917, nine years after the establishment of the Scouts nationally, but the Scouts here always operated as part of the NSW branch.

Four decades on, Scouts’ first chief takes a bow

youth members are girls, and 40 per cent of Scout leaders are women.

Leon and Rick believe this evolution of the organisation comes down to its resilience, a trait they want to inspire coming generations.

If there was any example of this resilience, it would be the situation ACT Scouts faced during last year’s bushfire crisis.

A moot would see 450 Scouts from around the world arrive in the capital, but, as the troops started to roll in, bushfires struck the Canberra region.

“With three hours’ notice the Scouts had to change accommodation and venues, redirect activities and develop a risk-management plan,” said Rick.

desire to welcome the entire commu-

“Of course, in scouting we focus on the outdoors and always will, but there’s so much more of a range than just that now,” said Rick.

“So efficient were they that the SES lauded the risk-management plan as a perfect example of what one should look like. The event changed venue and focus, but it went ahead successfully, which was an astounding thing.”

something Leon, who continues an active involvement with the organisation, is incredibly proud to see.

“Even having been a Scout for this long, I still get excited to see how flexible we are and how relevant to youth it is today,” he said.

It’s something the current chief commissioner of Scouts ACT, Rick Goode, said is part of the movement’s

“We have programs focusing on science, technology, engineering and maths. We have a program that teaches theatre, from front-of-stage to lighting, production, direction and more, and we have programs to help support LGBTI members.

“We are also proud to say we now have more women and girls in Scouts than ever before.”

Today, 35 per cent of Scouts ACT’s

“It’s the job they were given, and the job they got done,” said Leon.

When reflecting on it all Leon, visibly emotional, found it hard to describe the profound belief he has in the organisation he’s dedicated his life to.

“It’s not hard to get me all wound up when talking about this” he said, with a knowing chuckle.

“I think being a Scout is about a duty to others, a duty to self, a duty to something higher.”

Colleg e Gungahlin

Having to go private to get vital tests at Calvary

TONY BRYCE , in pain and in Calvary Public Hospital, found under-resourced medical staff couldn’t get important tests he needed done there… but suddenly things changed when he went private.

THE story by Bob Collins tracing the experience of his wife Rhonda with “Canberra’s third-world public health system” (CN April 15) has compelled me to speak out about my recent encounter with our hospital system.

On Tuesday, March 9 I was taken by ambulance to the Emergency Department of Calvary Public Hospital with severe back pain.

I received immediate attention but it was evident that the doctors in attendance were overwhelmed by their workload. With no obvious injury or cause for the pain, the protocols determined that I be sent home with painkillers and a recommendation that I get to my GP as soon as possible.

The earliest available GP appointment I could make was on Friday, March 12.

Unfortunately, the painkillers ran out well before then and the back pain had become so severe that I couldn’t get out of bed. So, it was another ambulance trip back to the ED.

The apparent lack of resources and overwhelming workload placed on ED staff was again evident during this second visit. However, on this

occasion I was diagnosed with a blood infection and admitted as an inpatient.

Over the next several days various diagnostic tests were undertaken to gain more information. However, the doctors were still no wiser as to how I got the infection, what it was or exactly what treatment/antibiotics to prescribe.

The two most informative tests, an MRI and a biopsy, were simply not available because Calvary Public Hospital does not have the equipment or the expertise to undergo these tests.

Apparently, they are only available to patients through the Canberra Hospital (at Woden) or the private hospitals. Without these tests, the doctors could not confidently move forward with their treatment.

beds available.

Attempts were made by the doctor to move me across to the private system.

And so, I remained on routine treatment while the doctor desperately sought a way to get the tests.

One suggestion was to relocate me as an inpatient at Canberra Hospital so I could be placed on its schedule to obtain the tests and then return to Calvary. I was told that this could not

In desperation, my wife even made a strongly worded phone call to the ACT Health Minister’s office.

Eventually, an MRI time slot became available through (what I understand to be) a private company that is located within the Calvary Public Hospital complex; and the biopsy was provided by the Calvary

are weaknesses and these are largely hidden by the dedication of the doctors, nurses and other frontline staff that bridge the gaps and just make

Two problem areas clearly stand out. Firstly, Calvary’s ED is seriously under-resourced. I could go into detail but the Health Department and northside readers would already be

However, if under-resourcing is causing misdiagnosis and requiring patients to present themselves for a second time, then the system is falling

Secondly, and of real concern, is the inability of Calvary Public Hospital doctors to gain equal and timely access to medical equipment that is available at the Canberra Public

transferred as a private patient, and my doctor “called in a favour”.

I was released from hospital two days later and have now entered the Hospital-in-the-Home (HITH) program.

So, after progressing through the three areas – the ED, the medical department and the HITH program – what is my opinion of our hospital service?

In short, I believe that we have the basis of a very good system. But there

Either Calvary should receive funding to purchase the necessary equipment/expertise, or a more equitable arrangement for sharing between the two hospitals is to be found.

After all, we are but one community yet we seem to have two disconnected public hospital systems.

In my case, I am left with the belief that had I lived on Canberra’s south side and been admitted to the Canberra Hospital my treatment would have been much quicker, and the drain on our health budget much smaller.

CANBERRA MATTERS / Canberra Hospital redevelopment

Flawed hospital plan mired in government spin

WHEN government bureaucrats present at community meetings, their spin and prepared lines do not go down well.

This happened in March when a bureaucrat presented to the Inner South Canberra Community Council (ISCCC) on the expansion to the Woden Valley Hospital.

This was another government consultation when residents thought that maybe the government wanted to hear from them when, in fact, it is about the government providing information.

Most of what gets presented is not negotiable. And even worse, if there are valid questions, the response can be very patronising. This happened at this ISCCC meeting.

When asked about the critical issue that the proposed hospital expansion would put ambulances on to small suburban streets with the local school being right there, the response was all about how wonderful the ambulance drivers are – and how they are well trained. Say no more.

As has been set out many times in previous media articles, the city is in dire need for better hospital facilities. Time and time again, it has been pointed out that what is being proposed is flawed for more reasons than I have room here to revisit (Google: WVCC Submissions to the SPIRE Inquiry extended)

When

asked about ambulances being put on to small suburban streets with the local school being right there, the response was all about how wonderful the ambulance drivers are – and how they are well trained.

Look at the illustrated plan taken from the government website. I have highlighted the top left in yellow as on their diagram this area is blank, but the reality is this is the local school someone is pretending not to be there.

This street is packed twice a day with drop-offs and pick-ups. To the top right (in pink) are the houses, whose owners had better prepare themselves for hovering helicopters. Everything shakes when they have to hover above and nearby.

Everyone agrees, there must be helicopters, but if this expansion was planned intelligently then the helipad would be elsewhere. This whole thing was a political 2016 election quick response and has mindlessly continued.

The Woden Valley Community Council has spent loads of time on research and presentations on what is wrong with this expansion. In fact, there is

The hospital plan taken from the government website... highlighted, top left, in yellow (as the original diagram shows this area as blank) is the local school that someone is pretending not to be there.

not much that is right except for the fundamental issue that the expansion is seriously overdue. Just that this one keeps rolling along despite having been ill conceived from the get go.

The nearby Garran residents tried hard to get the government to listen. However, what the presentation to the inner-south communities illustrated is that this is not a Woden issue – it is an issue for all of Canberra.

As with all planning matters, most residents have switched off as they have lives to live and know that this government has little interest in nor the expertise to conduct real consultations based on residents’ aspirations for a better city. After the

recent presentations, residents are wondering how this has come so far while being so obviously flawed. Another view has been that the Woden Hospital was not designed to be the main campus for Canberra. This begs the question – are we overdue for real planning to address the possibility that a new hospital campus may be needed to cater for the growth of the city over the next decades. The proposed Woden extension would be lucky to cater for contemporary needs

let alone what is yet to happen.

I have heard that several innersouth residents are intending to follow up that recent questionable presentation. If you think this topic needs more than the usual spin, get in touch with your local community council and urge that this matter be discussed by all residents’ groups –not just those in Woden.

To finish, a positive note about something that has worked. Several times in the last few months I have had to visit the walk-in centre in Dickson – for myself as well as for a friend in need of urgent assistance. They are wonderful places staffed by very capable and very helpful staff. Congratulations to anyone involved in getting these centres operational and a big thanks to the fabulous staff.

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

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Finally, injecting some sense into drug policy

IT is more than 20 years since legislation came into effect that allowed the establishment of an ACT supervised injecting facility, but establishing such a facility has been put on the back burner by successive Labor governments.

Things are ready to progress. Health Minister Rachel StephenSmith outlined the government’s approach in late March.

“The ACT is leading the nation with drug and alcohol policies that reflect our approach to harm minimisation,” she said.

“We will continue to invest in evidence-based and practiceinformed harm minimisation responses to the use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs”.

The ACT was leading the nation with such drug and alcohol policies when then-Liberal chief minister Kate Carnell persuaded the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy to support an injecting room that also provided heroin to dependent users.

The support for the ACT Heroin Trial may have been scuttled by John Howard, under huge pressure from the Murdoch media, but planning for the scheme changed the debate on illicit drugs. It helped set the groundwork for the establishment of the first safe injecting rooms in Sydney’s Kings Cross.

Credit is due to Ms Stephen-Smith for commissioning the feasibility work as a part of the ongoing implementation of the ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan 2018-2021.

However, there is significant risk of further delay. As the minister pointed out a month ago, “additional scoping work will be required before a decision is made on whether to proceed with a drug-consumption room in the ACT, including community consultation, an assessment of the existing legislative framework and further development of an appropriate model”.

Since self-government in 1989 the ACT has been innovative in dealing with

We will never know how many lives have been lost through the lack of a supervised injecting facility. However, there is now an opportunity to proceed.

licit and illicit drug policy. A hallmark of the success has been a largely bipartisan ap proach – that only lapsed with recent Liberal oppositions. It is to be hoped that under the leadership of Elizabeth Lee a less conservative approach will allow the adoption of such policies.

The Drug Strategy Action Plan is consistent with the National Drug Strategy that has been adopted by the federal Liberal government and supported by all Australian jurisdictions. It seeks to minimise all harms associated with licit and illicit drugs based on the triple concepts of supply reduction, demand reduction and harm reduction.

Under the Drug Strategy Action Plan, the ACT government has already made considerable advances in drug policy with the minister arguing, “this gives us a strong base from which to consider further harm-minimisation measures” including action “to reduce drug overdose deaths, such as Australia’s first take-home naloxone program”.

Effective drug policy is often counter-intuitive. For this reason, the arguments of the prohibitionists have populist appeal. However, such policies simply do not work. The most effective path is sometimes referred to as “the Goldilocks solution”; not too hot, not too cold.

Free marketing of drugs increases harm – as illustrated with tobacco and alcohol. On the other hand, prohibition increases harm – as illustrated with ice, the opioids

and party drugs.

The mayor of Lethbridge, in Southern Alberta, Canada, has successfully established and run a supervised injecting facility despite the concern of the ultraconservative provincial government.

NEWS

School looks to dads to make the difference

The model has a full range of back-up and support services. In an area considered seriously “redneck” by many, Mayor Chris Spearman (who is a personal friend) has been able to save hundreds of lives through his courage and determination.

Canberra could have taken this action two decades ago. We will never know how many lives have been lost through the lack of such a facility. However, there is now an opportunity to proceed and it is encouraging that the Health Minister is prepared to stand up for another progressive approach in dealing with illicit drugs.

Ideally, the ACT Legislative Assembly, as a whole, will support this measure. The Liberals might even decide, as they once did, to provide some leadership in drug policy.

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.

By Nathan SCHMIDT

SOUTH Canberra’s Charles Conder Primary is the first school in the ACT to join the nationwide Fathering Project, says principal Jason Walmsley.

The project, which began in 2013 in WA, has expanded to more than 480 schools across the country.

It engages fathers and father figures – including grandfathers and carers – to be involved in their children’s studies and with each other, says Jason.

“The research tells us that if dads are more engaged in their children’s learning, and will try to be involved as much as they can, the outcomes are really good for children,” he says.

“It’s not about critiquing what the child’s doing or based around their learning. It’s [about] coming in and just being here and connecting with the school community.

“It starts with that connection.”

The Conder Fathering Project began with a dads-and-kids event in March.

Jason says there’s a shift back to more community-based schooling. Especially at Charles Conder Primary.

“We have to be innovative in schools these days”, he says.

“It’s not just about 9am-3pm, we’ve got to really create a community-based approach.”

During the past year, when reaching

out to families through online surveys, the school found it was mostly mothers responding.

Stereotypically, mums do drop-offs and pick-ups, and tend to be the ones who communicate and engage with the school, he says.

“We wanted to try to enable fathers to see themselves in that role,” says Jason. The program is an evolution of an existing initiative pioneered by family and community engagement co-ordinator, Cate Robson. Also with dads at the core, the project brought together six of the school’s most active fathers for a new parents’ group.

These are the men leading the charge, under Cate’s tutelage, to get the Fathering Project on its feet. The dads, not school staff will brainstorm and organise dads’ events.

Cate says that time is the biggest challenge that families face, especially when it comes to fathers and children.

“That’s A really key part of having the Fathering Project events is being able to just have quality time where they can enjoy each other’s company,” she says.

At the first event, Cate organised a sausage sizzle for dads, as well as light physical games for them and their children to do together.

Up next Cate and the dads’ group are planning a dads-only event that will give them a chance to socialise and bond.

“It gives them that opportunity to come in and have conversations with other dads and to learn about their experiences,” says Jason.

The events are a great way to get them into the school, he says.

THE GADFLY Against all odds, investigative journalism lives on

IN his 2018 memoir, “Reporter”, the distinguished American journalist Seymour Hersh, who uncovered the My Lai massacre in Vietnam and the Abu Ghraib scandal in Iraq, wrote these perceptive comments:

“The newspapers of today far too often rush into print with stories that are essentially little more than tips, or hints of something toxic or criminal.

“For lack of time, money or skilled staff, we are besieged with the ‘he said, she said’ stories in which the reporter is little more than a parrot. I always thought it was the newspaper’s mission to search out the truth and not merely to report on the dispute… Was there a war crime?”

Happily, the last weeks and months in Australian journalism demonstrate that all is not lost. Against the odds, investigative journalism lives on despite the forces of repression that would bury it forever – most recently the revelations beginning with Brittany Higgins; the friends of Christian Porter’s accuser; Andrew Laming’s victims; and ending (so far) with Christine Holgate’s backlash. They have rocked the powers that be.

And there’s more to come.

Then there’s the great work by

American journalist Seymour Hersh… “I always thought it was the newspaper’s mission to search out the truth and not merely to report on the dispute.”

a combination of Nine Media’s “60 Minutes” program and reporter Nick McKenzie that led to Judge Bergin’s inquiry into Sydney’s Crown Casino, which blew James Packer’s board out of the water. Our own “CityNews” has taken over from “The Canberra Times” in holding the ACT govern ment to account and even broken national stories such as the Witness J secret-trial scandal.

But perhaps the most difficult and time-consuming story has been – and remains – the accusations against a cohort of SAS operatives, and particu larly, Ben Roberts-Smith, holder of the prestigious Victoria Cross.

Chris Masters… persistently brought new elements to public attention despite the threats, lawsuits and unceasing political and official pressure to desist.

They were deployed in different

Moreover, Roberts-Smith strongly denies any wrongdoing and has sued Nine, the indefatigable Nick McKenzie and the distinguished Chris Masters, who have not only broken the story but have persistently brought new elements to public attention despite the threats, lawsuits and unceasing

The ABC has also joined the task with excellent work from reporter

streak in the Australian community that really doesn’t want to know. It goes back to the earliest colonial days when the Troopers under government orders “dispersed” the Aboriginal peoples in the armed invasion of the continent. It received a huge boost in the propaganda surrounding the British disaster called Anzac. And the World War II rescue by the US from the “yellow hordes” sealed the deal. The horrors of Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan notwithstanding, it lives is aghast at the thought of holding

the military to account. Deputy PM

Michael McCormack, when confronted by the allegations of RS and others partying with the prosthetic leg of a dead Afghan, responded: “Ben Roberts-Smith was sent to Afghanistan, to the Middle East to do a job for and on behalf of Australians. And he certainly did that.

“He was honoured with the highest award of valour that any Australian could possibly receive. And if there are allegations against him, then they should play out in the proper processes.

“Everybody is certainly innocent until proven otherwise in this country and the media should respect that and appreciate that there’s a lot to play out in this regard.”

Indeed there is.

robert@robertmacklin.com

AUCTION STRATEGIES

Many thought 2020 was a great market, but it has now been eclipsed by some amazing sale prices in the first part of 2021.

The current market means that when agents are giving owners guidance on the potential sale price, we also need to tell owners there is a huge chance our appraisal could be out of step in such an active market. The safest method of sale for owners right now is Auction – as it is only by listening to the buyers that owners will know what their property is worth. For buyers, this means understanding the auction process and being prepared with particular strategies. Here’s a few tips:

• Stand where you can be clearly seen by the auctioneer and where you have a good view of the rest of the bidders.

• Visit as many auctions as possible to see how they work. Every Auctioneer has a different style, so it’s important to see the differences, and become comfortable with the process.

• It is important to be the highest bidder should the property pass in, as this puts you in the best possible position to negotiate with the owner once the auction is over.

• Auction conditions finish at midnight on the day of Auction so if you are the highest bidder and can’t reach agreement on-site, it is possible to leave the premises and later speak to the agent about another number. The negative of this strategy is that once you leave the site, the agent has the right to negotiate with other buyers and your revised higher number may not be quick enough.

• Understand your financial limit and get your mortgage payments mapped out in $10,000 increments. You’d be surprised sometimes how an extra $10,000 on the future mortgage could equal just a cappuccino per day.

• Get a friend to bid for you, with a strict limit, if you think there’s a chance you could run away with bidding. No-one needs to eat baked beans for the next 10 years just to buy a property.

• If you are approaching a round number in the bidding, try to get there first – by skipping ahead in the bidding pattern. Often two buyers will come to an auction with the same limit, and it is as simple as being the one to land on that number first that could secure the house.

LETTERS Canberra’s roadways stand still

I MOVED back to Canberra two years ago and am happy to be back after 35 years away. However, while the nation’s capital has moved ahead significantly, its roadways haven’t.

I travel on the Tuggeranong Parkway/Caswell Drive/Gungahlin Drive (that’s a mouthful in itself) daily. And what a disgrace – a major roadway with ridiculous speed limits and poor-quality roadway.

In my opinion, it should be modelled on Sydney’s newer freeways such as the M7 with electronic speed limits that can be adjusted for peak-hour traffic (say 90/100km/h) then change to 110km/h at other times.

It should be Canberra’s M1, not three ridiculous names and be upgraded to reflect a major motorway. It should also be extended from the Barton Highway straight across to the Federal Highway.

Michael Finck, Chapman

Reduced to a parking lot

CLEARLY the person to interview in depth about the concreting of Canberra in general and Watson in particular (“Residents face anxious wait on fate of 440 trees”, CN April 15) is the Greens’ representative who seems to be playing “Least in Sight” while all this is going on.

And perhaps he could explain why so many neighbourhoods must form groups to protect themselves from the Labor/Greens government’s plans to reduce Canberra to a parking lot.

Jeanne

O’Malley, Garran

Accident waits to happen

AT the end of March, after spending three weeks ferrying grandchildren from The Angle into preschool in Tharwa and school in Conder, I was shocked at the condition of Smiths Road. Infrequently graded and poorly drained, there were several washouts after heavy rain.

It must be the most unsafe section of road in the region. I reported the situation to the ACT government online via FixMyStreet and Scott Buchholz, the federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety. One month later and after a follow-up, I have had only automated responses and the condition of the road is unchanged.

The 100 or so residents have been promised an upgrade of the road for several years. What does it take to get some action?

Ray Peck, via email

I agree with Peter Dutton

FOR once I find myself agreeing with what Defence Minister Peter Dutton has to say about the proposed stripping of the Meritorious Unit Citation from the Special Operations Task Group by Gen Angus Campbell.

The citation, introduced in 1991, is awarded to a unit for sustained outstanding service in war-like operations.

It would be grossly unfair to deprive recipients of their citations because of the alleged, and so far unproven, misdeeds of a few within the Special Operations Task Force, some of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice. The decision is also highly disrespectful to many soldiers and their families. Gen Campbell has, I believe, overreacted and erred in this instance.

Mario Stivala, Belconnen

‘Insane’ housing market

THE way the verging-on-criminal housing “market” is set up here, it’s now certain that many prospective buyers will never get a look in

(Jon Stanhope’s “Pricing the young out of ‘elitist’ housing market “, CN April 7).

Radical, sweeping reform is needed to fix that, and balance the overall national economic profile. Society needs legislation to make wellsupplied, decent-sized blocks of land in new estates on government land, available to bonafide, committed occupiers only (not to project – or spec-builders, or developers), no more than one block each, at openly ascertainable cost, plus say, 10 per cent.

Plot sizes need to be increased to enable healthy family life and environmental/energy conservation, through readily-available creative subdivision re-designs. These actions can restore housing affordability, correct the insane housing market across the board, redistribute the economy more productively, and halt the decline in population health and well-being.

Jack Kershaw, Kambah

dose of dorin

This propensity to mutate is very bad news for people who need to travel internationally. When I made a booking to be vaccinated at the Garran COVID-19 Surge Centre, I was told that the AZ and Pfizer vaccines were allocated on a 50:50 basis. I drew the AZ vaccine. Being committed to visits to the UK and several other western European countries, where COVID-19 and at least two of its mutations are rampant, I asked for the Pfizer vaccine.

I cited the advice of Anthony Payne, a GP familiar with viral respiratory diseases. To paraphrase: “The AZ vaccine is worse than all others by every metric – effectiveness, safety, side effects and ... time from first dose to maximum protection. However, the AZ shot gives almost no protection against the newer mutations of the virus, (to) which Australians will be exposed when our international borders reopen”.

A dim picture

HOW refreshing to finally see in print (Robert Macklin, CN April 15) my feelings about the likely inadequacy of the current vaccines in the knowledge that any introduction of SARS-Cov2 from overseas is more than likely to be strains for which the current vaccine has limited or no efficacy. It is a dim picture indeed.

Hilary Warren, via email

AstraZeneca or nothing...

IN his column (“Shot in the arm may not be a shot in the arm”, CN April 15) Robert Macklin notes that the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine is only 73 per cent effective against the novel coronavirus. More worrying is his comment that the AZ vaccine “might well be obsolete” before the second dose, as the virus keeps on mutating and forming new strains, such the UK, South African and Brazilian strains.

Surge Centre staff remained adamant that it was the AZ vaccine or nothing. I left ACT Health’s risibly rigid rules and vowed to try again... after all, I have a 50:50 chance of success – and, perhaps, of saving my skin.

Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

Report says no change

A REPORT by the US Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, 117 Congress, First Session, March 2021, does not see cannabis laws needing to be eased or removed. It does identify large areas of the drug and its use requiring urgent meaningful research before any change. This doesn’t accord with some advocates, including in Australia, who want the drug legalised.

Several years ago, having written to all state and Commonwealth health authorities, I was unable to get one, either verbally and certainly not in writing, to attest that the legal driving parameter between 0.01mls and 0.05mls per 100mls of alcohol when driving was safe. There is no medically approved safe level of cannabis ingestion when driving, so no grounds exist for change. Not surprising given the history of the aforementioned mind-altering drug, alcohol, being associated with so many already dying on our roads.

Colliss Parrett, Barton

FALLING on the second Sunday of May, Mother’s Day celebrates and honours mums, motherhood and the influence of mothers in society.

Starting in 1908 by Anna Jarvis in West Virginia, this year the day will be held on May 9.

Anna campaigned for the day following the death of her mum, a peace activist who cared for wounded soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War and created Mother’s Day work clubs to address public health issues.

The day continues to be celebrated every year, and to honour mums and mother figures in the region, “CityNews” speaks with businesses who are passionate about recognising all that mums do.

THIS Mother’s Day, Blu Ginger Indian Restaurant is serving a taste of modern India, with classic and contemporary dishes from across the Indian subcontinent, says owner Reddy Manne.

Centrally located in Civic, Reddy says customers can always expect a “big experience” with the restaurant’s high ceiling and “cozy and warm” interior.

He says the menu covers all points of the compass and is a reflection of modern cosmopolitan India, drawing from its many culinary regions.

Why not try the railway canteen curry, a tender goat-on-the-bone from the north, or maybe chettinad, a dish from south

India, famous among the Indian business community, made with lamb, chicken or meat, and cooked in hot, pungent and freshly ground masala, he says.

All their dishes are made from the freshest locally-sourced produce, according to Reddy, who says they’re combined with authentic spices imported directly from India, to offer classic, traditional recipes with a modern twist, creating a unique and memorable dining experience.

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

SOUTH Pacific Hemp, a Fyshwick-based store that brings together a unique col lection of quality, Australianmade hemp products, has a range of Mother’s Day pamper packs to spoil mum, says co-owner Brett Walker.

“These include hemp hand and cleaning creams, body wash, massage oils, bath salts and many other luxurious products,” he says.

Brett, alongside business partner Darren Steinhardt, recently opened South Pacific Hemp and says the store supports Australian small businesses and producers who work with hemp, an eco-friendly, sustainable material that can be used in a myriad of products, from beautifully soft fabrics to therapeutic balms and beauty products, food and even pet treats.

3:1 ratio and provide a rich source of vitamin E, magnesium, potassium and iron.

Brett also highlights the benefits of using hemp in daily health routines.

“Hemp seeds are one of the few plantbased foods that provide a complete source of protein, meaning that they provide all nine of the essential amino acids required by the body to build proteins,” he says.

“With a large selection of hemp seed oils, hemp foods and protein, therapeutic balms and skin creams – even hemp pet treats and supplements – we’ve got you and your family’s health covered.”

South Pacific Hemp, 84 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0431 318898, email southpacifichemp@gmail.com or visit southpacifichemp.com.au

sundayROAST

MOTHER’S DAY / May 9

Pub food comes with a treat for mum

MUMS will be treated to a free glass of sparkling wine in the stylish but approachable dining setting at Campbell’s local pub, The Pedlar, on Mother’s Day, says owner Simon Hammond.

Since first opening five years ago, Simon says The Pedlar has transformed from a cafe and bistro into a true, local pub that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Located on Constitution Avenue, Simon says they recently launched a redesigned menu that is sure to be a treat with mums, no matter what meal of the day they come in for.

Some highlights, he says, are the roasted fennel and burrata salad with heirloom carrots, dried chilli and a hazelnut vinaigrette, or the seafood caldereta, a Spanish hotpot with clams, prawns, squid and chilli in tomato sugo, served with a warm baguette.

Or there is always the burgers, fish and chips and other classic pub fare.

Simon recommends people book in advance for Mother’s Day, either on their website or their Facebook page.

The Pedlar, 65 Constitution Avenue, Campbell. Call 5100 5929, email contact@thepedlar.com.au or visit thepedlar.com.au

Players put a modern spin on a classic

GRAB mum a ticket to the Queanbeyan Players’ newest production, where the cast and crew are putting a modern twist on the hit broadway musical, “Kiss me, Kate”, says director Michael Moore.

“Kiss me, Kate” is a play within a play, depicting a theatre company’s stunted attempts to put on William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”, and Michael says this comedic battle of the sexes has been incredibly rewarding to put together.

Talking to the names making news. Join the ‘CityNews’ editor and 2CC personalities Sundays, 9am-noon.

“It was originally written in the ‘40s but it deserves to be interpreted in today’s times so we’ve decided to set it in 2021,” he says.

“We’ve worked very hard as a cast and crew to keep the main storyline

and message, whilst modifying some of the older and more outdated elements so modern audiences can look at it in a new way.”

Michael believes when a show as good as “Kiss me, Kate” is being put on, it naturally attracts very talented people.

“The key to putting on any show is casting,” he says.

“We’ve got actors well known on the Canberra theatre scene and some amazing emerging actors. As a director I’m absolutely delighted to get to work with such talent.”

“Kiss me, Kate”, at The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, June 18-27. Information and tickets at theq.net.au

along and see the friendly free-flying birds that can be photographed and fed. Walk amongst over 500 birds from 50 species from Australia and around the world!

Open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm with the last admission 3.30pm

distancing rules enforced

Aviary starts an online booking system

PARROTS, finches, doves and quail are among the birds mums might interact with this Mother’s Day at the Canberra Walk-in Aviary, says owner and manager Mick Logan.

And now with a new online booking system through the website, Mick says it’s easier than ever to get up close and personal with a range of friendly, free-flying birds, even during busy periods like Mother’s Day.

“While not all birds will interact with you, visitors get the chance to observe, up close, species of birds that otherwise would be hard to see in the wild,” says Mick.

“We provide a small plate of food and a tub of mealworms and you can wander around and feed the birds.”

The aviary is a 1000sqm planted walk-in enclosure that has more than 500 birds from about 65 different species from Australia and the world, Mick says.

“Providing the weather is fine you can have a great time feeding the birds, taking photos or just observing our feathered friends,” Mick says. Mick has also partnered up with three Gold Creek Village attractions to offer a four-in-one ticket, to be unveiled next month, he says.

There are also cafes, gift shops and a garden centre, so it’s a great place for a day out after visiting the aviary, Mick says.

Numbers are still limited for social distancing reasons, but the aviary is open every day, with winter trading hours of 10am-4pm (last admission is 3.30pm).

Canberra Walk-in Aviary, unit 13, Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls. Call 6230 2044 or visit canberrawalkinaviary.com.au

offering a unique high tea, which includes their fruity “Mum’s Treat” blend, says Habiba Palekar.

Habiba, who organises the marketing, describes the high tea as a special treat for mums, and says bookings are essential.

Her parents, Aman and Nasreen took over the business in 2016, and now she says they stock more than 200 teas in 11 different categories such as chai teas and flavoured green teas, as well as a selection of more than 30 of their own unique, in-store blends.

One of their popular in-store blends includes “Watermelon Mojito”, which is a mix of lemon grass, peppermint, hibiscus, dried fruit and rose petals.

For fans of black tea, there is the “Platinum Black”, which blends five high-grade teas from around the world and took home the silver medal at the “Golden Leaf Awards” in 2019.

“The whole experience of drinking tea, when you pair it with something really nice like fancy tea or teaware, will really help [mums] relax and unwind,” says Habiba.

The Nicholls teahouse also stocks a range of fine teaware such as cups, pots and warmers, all of which would also make a great gift, she says.

Adore Tea, Federation Square, shop 6, 18 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls. Call 6156 9309, email warehouse@adoretea.com.au or visit adoretea.com.au

NATIONAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Women shine in real estate award nominations

FINALISTS for the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) National Awards for Excellence 2021 have been announced and there’s been a rise in female candidates, according to REIA president Adrian Kelly.

“It’s pleasing to note from our 83 finalists there has been an increase in female candidates in the different categories from previous years,” he says.

“In particular in the category of ‘Residential Salesperson of the Year’, which is always hotly contested.”

But no matter who makes up the finalists, Adrian says they’re all the best of the best in Australian real estate, covering all aspects, such as residential and commercial agencies, residential and commercial sales, residential and commercial property management, business brokers, buyers’ agents, community service, innovation and communications.

The awards, which also see a number of talented Canberra real estate agents shortlisted, will be hosted by the Real Estate Institute of the Northern Territory (REINT) in Darwin and winners will be announced on Thursday, June 10.

Maria Selleck… nominated for “Residential Salesperson of the Year”.

Passionate Maria excels in residential sales

ENERGETIC and passionate about Canberra property, Maria Selleck, principal of Maria Selleck Properties, has been nominated for “Residential Salesperson of the Year” in the REIA National Awards for Excellence.

Maria, who set out to build an awardwinning agency in early 2009, has since built a reputation for integrity and fair dealing, which she says is second to none.

Backed with more than 20 years’ experience, Maria, with a focus on customer service and giving her clients value for money, has been running Maria Selleck Properties in Manuka for more than 10 years.

In that time, the business has been awarded the prestigious REIA Small Residential Agency Award of the Year for

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016, plus the national REIA title in 2013.

Now, shortlisted for “Residential Salesperson of the Year” 2021, Maria says: “I am honoured to be given this recognition and I want to thank all my wonderful clients that made this award possible.”

Priding herself on exceeding her clients’ expectations, Maria says she’s a big believer in always going the extra mile with every single property.

“I regularly enhance homes with my own works of art and beautiful furnishings, and commission minor improvements as required on selected properties,” she says.

Maria Selleck Properties, 30 Bougainville Street, Manuka. Call 6162 1234 or visit mariaselleck.com.au

Growing agency’s recognised twice

THE boutique property management agency, Ashby Partners Real Estate, has been nominated for two awards in the REIA National Awards for Excellence.

Starting from humble beginnings with directors Braedan Kidd and Melissa Escreza in 2017, the agency, which has been nominated for the “Small Residential Agency of the Year”, has now grown to six.

The directors attribute their success to experiencing sustained growth and

career in 2012 where she says she worked on some of Brisbane’s most iconic riverside developments.

She says she introduced a proactive and systematic approach to her company, which has contributed to her success in the industry.

Growing up in Singapore, Melissa learnt about business and other cultures on an international level.

She prides herself on her knowledge of the industry and delivering outstanding customer service.

Melissa Escreza… nominated for “Residential Property Manager of the Year”.

CANBERRA’S BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICE

The right agent can make a life-changing difference

Award-winning real-estate agent Maria Selleck has personally achieved an unsurpassed 69 record-price sales with 96% of her listings being sold at, or above, the asking price.

When I’m asked what is it that’s made my agency so successful, I am adamant about one thing: real estate is not about houses, it is about people, service, outcomes, respect and relationships.

‘Finalist - 2021 National REIA Salesperson of The Year’

5 stars

RATE MY AGENT

‘Amazing beyond expectation’

REIACT WINNER OF:

Residential Salesperson of the Year 2020

Best Small Agency of the Year – 6 TIMES

Best Australian Small Agency of the Year 2013

Hall of Fame 2012

CHARTERED

ACCOUNTANT

Brittany wonders:

'What's the ATO asking me to do?'

Small-business owner Brittany was concerned when she got a letter from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) about single touch payroll. "What is it and what do I need to do about it?” she asked when she came to see me.

I explained that single touch payroll was the way that most businesses reported their payroll data to the ATO on a regular basis.

"Up until now, firstly large employers and then small employers have to provide details of the payroll for their arm's-length employees." I said. "However, they have not had to report on their closely-held employees, which is people like yourself. Closely-held employees are either a director, a shareholder, a beneficiary of a trust or a family member. "From July 1, 2021, this will all change and reporting is required for closely-held employees. So you will need to provide details of your pay to the ATO on a regular basis.”

Brittany said that being a small business, they just paid themselves when the money was there.

"So, as to regular payments, that's just not something that we do,” Brittany said.

I explained that was also the case for many small businesses and that the ATO had guidelines as to how to make it easy for businesses like hers.

"You can choose to pay a regular salary to yourself with your other employees but that doesn’t sound like it will work too well for you," I said.

"Or you can pay yourself when you draw money out of the business or you can pay on a quarterly basis. In your situation this might be simpler.

“If you're unable to come up with an accurate figure for your quarterly summary, you can make a reasonable estimate each quarter. If you choose to use the reasonable-estimate method you still need to make the pay-as-you-go withholding payments on your salary with your BAS. "Also 28 days after the end of the quarter, you will need to pay superannuation for yourself.

"Then, when we prepare your year-end financial statements, we can adjust the final pay so that your payment summary for the year is correct.

“The ATO will accept an estimate for quarter one as 25 per cent of your total salary from the previous year. In quarter two 50 per cent of the total. In quarter three 75 per cent of the total. In quarter four 100 per cent of the total from the previous year.

"However, I would not recommend preparing quarter four other than on an accurate basis. If you have to amend a BAS you can be charged interest and if you have to amend superannuation you will also have to pay the superannuation guarantee charge. It is also important that you can justify any reasonable estimate that you use."

I suggested to Brittany that we meet every quarter to confirm the amount being lodged was correct.

"You will need a payroll program because it's only possible to submit single touch payroll through a payroll program," I said.

"We can discuss a suitable program with you a little closer to July 1. If the program you are using with your current employees is not suitable then you can use a different one just for your pay.” Brittany was pleased the situation wasn't as bad as she had feared saying: "I appreciate your help explaining this to me.”

If you need any help with implementing single touch payroll, contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman and Co on 6295 2844.

Disclaimer

This column contains general advice, please do not rely on it. If you require specific advice on this topic please contact Gail Freeman or your professional adviser.

Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892.

PUZZLES PAGE FREE

Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

May 3-9, 2021

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

You may feel rather constrained on Monday Rams, when Saturn throws up a challenge involving finances or friends. If you put other people first – at home, work and play – then you will be rewarded with a warm inner glow. Your motto for the week is from birthday great, actress Audrey Hepburn: “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” Watch out for a tendency to overspend on the weekend.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

It’s time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life! This week Venus (your patron planet) visits your sign and connects with Neptune, Pluto and Jupiter. So you’ll be at your creative, compassionate and playful best. In the words of birthday great Audrey Hepburn: “Enjoy the day to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come.” But there is also a tendency to eat too much rich, sweet food and spend too much time sitting on the sofa. So try to balance enjoyment with action.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

This week Mercury (your boss planet) aspects Jupiter and then transits into your sign. So your funny, flexible and gregarious Gemini side will be on display for everyone to see. Do your best to get must-do, routine tasks out of the way early in the week, then you can enjoy the activities that really make your heart sing. Be inspired by birthday great, actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn: “I believe, every day, you should have at least one exquisite moment.”

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Have you been hibernating in your cosy Crab cave? With mighty Mars charging through your sign (until June 11) it’s time to be bold rather than brooding, and proactive rather than reactive. Do your best to initiate positive changes and get your body moving! Spend some quality time in nature and – if you’re lucky enough to have one - then get out and potter in the garden. As actress (and birthday great) Audrey Hepburn observed: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Venus and Pluto boost creativity and passion, as you pursue your goals for the future. But you must be adventurous and morph from a cautious Cat into a brave Lion! It’s also time to let go of a perceived failure from the past that has been holding you back. If you learn from your mistakes, then you can finally move onto fresh pastures. Loved ones will help you along the way. Your motto is from birthday great, Audrey Hepburn: “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Do you have to be so virtuous Virgo, and such a stickler for doing things the right way? This week (with Mercury aspecting Jupiter and then transiting into Gemini) resist the urge to be overly sombre and serious. Try to find the sweet spot between being overly organised and occasionally spontaneous, as you have fun and get a lot done. Heed the wise words of Audrey Hepburn, who was born on May 4, 1929: “The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy.”

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Libra is the zodiac sign that rules appearance, aesthetics, beauty, fashion, cosmetics and personal pampering. So here are some beauty tips from legendary actress Audrey Hepburn (who was born on May 4, 1929): “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” Thursday’s Venus/Pluto trine favours profound feelings, creative projects and passionate moments.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Stubborn Scorpios can hold onto grudges and find it hard to forgive and forget. But this week – with Venus visiting your relationship zone (until June 11) - it’s time to be extra kind and compassionate to family and friends. As birthday great Audrey Hepburn said: “People have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.” Thursday’s powerful Venus/Pluto trine also encourages you to love deeply and forgive completely.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

With the Sun, Venus and Uranus visiting your work zone, you could be offered a unique opportunity that comes out of the blue. Don’t procrastinate and drag your heels Sagittarius. You need to make hay while the sun shines and strike while the iron is hot! Be inspired by birthday great Audrey Hepburn: “Opportunities don’t often come along. So, when they do, you have to grab them.” You’re full of good intentions on Saturday but don’t over-promise and then under-deliver.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Your ruler Saturn (Taskmaster and Planet of the Past) squares the Sun on Monday, so karma comes calling and a blast from the past could unsettle you. Do your best to keep the situation in perspective. Look to your trusted circle of family, friends and colleagues for comfort and support. It’s also time to nurture and appreciate your best pals, as Venus moves through your friendship zone. Birthday great Audrey Hepburn reminds us: “True friends are families which you can select.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

With the Sun, Venus and Uranus all visiting your family zone, home is where the heart is this week Aquarius. Even though you may be faced with a frustrating domestic problem, be thankful for the relatives who nurture and support you. As birthday great Audrey Hepburn said: “I may not always be offered work, but I’ll always have my family.” You’ll feel restless on the weekend so try to escape on a grand adventure in the great outdoors. Take a friend along for the ride!

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

This week’s planetary patterns increase your Piscean tendency to blurt things out and spread secrets. So think before you speak! When it comes to a recalcitrant relative or an annoying neighbour, perhaps it’s time to be more diplomatic as you build bridges and let bygones be bygones? And don’t let negative self-talk hold you back. Be inspired by actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn, who was born on May 4, 1929: “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible’!”

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2021

13

16 Name the language of north China. (8)

19 What is a summary of literary matter, often condensed? (6)

22 Name a dressed salad of finely sliced white cabbage. (8)

24 What are established and universally accepted principles or rules? (6)

25 What is an architectural support for a statue, or the like? (8)

26 Which lords are entitled to allegiance and service? (6)

2 Which term implies that which is habitual or customary? (5)

3 What, in radio frequency, is one cycle per second? (5)

4 What might we call a person who signs his or her name on a document? (8)

5 Name a colloquial term for a jockey. (4)

6 Which former unit of currency was worth two shillings, or 20 cents? (6)

7 What is a piece of landed property? (6)

12 Which expression is used after a prayer ?(4)

14 Name an Australian cricketing test fast bowler and all-rounder 1945-1956, Ray ... (8)

15 What is a more familiar name for a gateau? (4)

17 What are sun-dried bricks in common use in countries having little rainfall? (6)

18 Name a particular kind of oil. (6)

20 What is a member of a worldwide youth movement for girls? (5)

21 In WWI, tanks were first used in which French battle? (5)

23 Name a stringed musical instrument, formerly much used. (4)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Rock show remembers the songs of Jon English

By Helen MUSA

HE died too young, but lived an awful lot over his 66 years, producer Coralea Cameron says of the late Jon English, her partner for the final 10 years of his life.

Cameron is co-producer of “The Rock Show Oz Edition”, which pays tribute to English’s life and work. It’s coming to the Bicentennial Hall, Queanbeyan during June, where they’ll be allowed to go at full capacity, with audiences, she says, encouraged to sing along.

It was the very last in a long line of rock shows that Cameron co-produced with English, who never got to actually perform this show before he died in Newcastle in March, 2016.

It’ll be led by Steve Mulry from the Ted Mulry Gang, along with band members from English’s show, “Trilogy of Rock”, and will cover classic Aussie rock from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s by artists as diverse as Billy Thorpe, Australian Crawl, INXS, the Divinyls and English himself.

Steve, the brother of Ted Mulry, now fronts the reformed original band in his

English sometimes felt he was stereotyped when, after finishing as Judas, he played many villain roles in TV cop shows, leading him to lament the fact that he was “like the Tasmanian devil, cute but misunderstood”.

But then in 1978 he scored the lead role as convict Jonathan Garrett, in the Australian historical television miniseries, “Against The Wind”.

“It was his first foray into real acting,” Cameron says, and he relished it, joking about the romantic aspects of his part, saying “there have to be some roles for ugly people in love”.

All the while he enjoyed a flourishing career putting down hit singles and albums.

One such was the 1976 song, “Hollywood Seven”, which looked at the dark side of life in Tinseltown, but that wasn’t one of his own.

“When you were with a record label you were often given songs,” Cameron says.

“They gave this one to Jon – he always liked songs that told a story. We actually do that song in the show and we do it really well.

“He was definitely a chameleon, he was multifaceted and often said: ‘It makes me feel like a fly, one of those flies willing to give anything a go’.”

Another facet awaited him after his co-panellist on TV show “Blankety Blanks”, Noel Ferrier, told him he’d make a wonderful Pirate King. He put him in touch with Simon Gallaher, whose Gilbert and Sullivan

productions “The Pirates of Penzance”, “The Mikado” and “H.M.S. Pinafore” had wowed the country from 1984 on.

“It couldn’t have been further from rock ‘n’ roll, performing with Simon Gallaher, Marina Prior and June Bronhill,” Cameron says, adding that in her opinion he became “the best Pirate King in the world”.

Others shared her opinion. When she surprised English for his 60th birthday with a stay in the room at Colorado’s Stanley Hotel where Stephen King’s “The Shining” was set, he ran into a 10-year-old girl who was his great fan, having seen him on YouTube in his famous G&S pirate role.

It’s been five years now since English died, but Cameron still feels as if it were yesterday, “so this show is my way of honouring his legacy and keeping his music alive”.

Some people, she says, were sceptical as to whether she could do “The Rock Show Oz Edition” without English, but the band, touring NSW venues including Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Twin Towns, the Penrith Panthers and Queanbeyan, are the real deal.

“It took me a long while to pick up the pieces… I had to get my mojo back and I had to find the right person, but Steve Mulry is the right person. He does Jon’s songs really well.”

“The Rock Show Oz Edition”, at Bicentennial Hall, Queanbeyan, 8pm, Saturday, June 5, book at theq.net.au or 6285 6290.

Nazi-school story marred by sloppy screenplay

“Six Minutes to Midnight” (M)

WHAT a disappointment this film turns out to be!

Its narrative basis is fiction. Its dramatic basis unfolds among a minor historical truth leading up to the beginning of World War II that history has, if not forgotten, at best ignored.

Open from 1932 to 1939, the Augusta Victoria College (AVC) at Bexhill-on-sea, in Sussex, was a Nazi school for teenage girls and young women ages 16-21. For the film’s purposes, they number about 20, drawn from families in the upper ranks of the Nazi regime.

The authors of the screenplay for the film include Eddie Izzard, who also plays main protagonist Capt Thomas Miller, inserted into AVC by the War Office late in August, 1939, to find out what happened to the male English-language teacher.

Berlin (history records no such connection).

From a brief prequel, we know the answer to that question. It’s the first of a number of historical bloopers in the film.

Izzard’s co-authors are actor Celyn Jones (also playing Cpl Willis who comes to an unfortunate end after precipitating an important moment in resolving the dilemma wrapped up in the story) and director Andy Goddard.

James D’Arcy plays Willis’ commanding officer Capt Dray, who turns out to be not what we have been led to believe. Carla Juri plays one of the story’s two villains, senior class mistress Ilse, concealing active Nazi sympathies and active connections with

I came to “Six Minutes to Midnight” with some optimism influenced by a strong pre-release promotion campaign featuring Judi Dench who can do no wrong in my playbook, as the film’s only genuinely real character, AVC principal and Nazi supporter Frau Helene Rocholl, in the film a loyal Englishwoman.

I left the screening disappointed. I can forgive the anachronisms, too numerous to list. But not the sloppy screenplay, trying hard to be genuine but not succeeding when staging many of its fictional moments.

At all cinemas

“The United States vs Billie Holiday” (MA)

ELEANORA Fagan, aka Billie Holiday, born on April 7, 1915, shares my birth date (but not years!). She died in 1959. It was not a happy life.

Written by teacher Abel Meeropol as a poem and published in 1937, “Strange Fruit” protested American racism, particularly the lynching of African Americans.

Director Lee Daniels delivers a 130-minute (including closing credits) abridgment of the last 12 years of the blues singer who defied FBI chief J Edgar Hoover by singing it.

Written by Suzan-Lori

Parks, adapting Johann Hari’s book “Chasing the Scream”, the film has more bad guys than good ones. Chief among them was Harry Anslinger (Garrett Hedlund). The film’s closing credits show TV footage of JFK giving him an award for a lifetime of service. It’s fair to say that he killed Holiday who died handcuffed by the ankle to the foot of her hospital bed.

The man in Holiday’s life Jimmy Fletcher (Trevante Rhodes) placed there by Anslinger was instrumental in feeding her habit.

Andra Day plays Billie. It’s a challenging portrayal, delivered with dramatic power and emotional awareness.

Will Australian audiences like “The United States vs. Billie Holiday”? For the music, quite possibly. Her songs remain among the top ranks of favourite jazz and blues recordings. Her life story is less well-known here.

Many Aussies may find understanding the film’s references to daily life among black American musicians difficult. But the emotional power of its broad strokes is universal, whether observing her happinesses (not a great number) or her travails.

See it. Be impressed. But don’t expect to come away feeling uplifted about what it shows.

At all cinemas

“Mortal Kombat” (R)

OTHER than being a contradiction in terms, what characterises how a monster atom behaves differently from other standard-sized atoms? I wonder about this because “Mortal Kombat” proclaims itself as an “Atomic Monster” of a movie.

This futuristic made-in-Australia film runs for 110 minutes of violence and impossible fantasies. And, in essence, same-old same-old plot – good guys from Earthrealm fighting to prevent nasty Outworld guys from taking possession of our planet.

Does it have an audience in today’s Earthrealm, a place that some consider to be heading toward a negative future? It doesn’t require much of its audience by way of thinking. It offers a few jokes among the blood and thud stuff. The cast has been chosen more for physical presence (handsome boys with bulging biceps, statuesque girls with big breasts) than emotional sensitivity. What’s not to like?

The screenplay by Greg Russo and Dave Callaham adapts a video game. Simon McQuoid directs. The closing credits list a very large contingent of technical helpers. I hope they’ve been paid.

At all cinemas

WATCH IT! / streaming and stuff

‘Bumpy’

steps into the spotlight

The show transports viewers to the ‘60s following the mob boss’ 11-year sentence in Alcatraz, returning to a world vastly different from before his time served.

He finds his turf taken over by the Genovese Italian crime family, and the show closely follows his real-life exploits in taking it back.

He’s a fascinating and enigmatic figure, one that’s given Forest Whitaker boundless potential to explore in his dedicated performance. On top of Bumpy Johnson’s brutal and uncompromising criminal dealings, he was also known as a sly

Forest Whitaker as infamous gangster Bumpy Johnson in “Godfather of Harlem”.

chess player, a poet and was often referred to as “the professor” for his love of philosophy.

This is the gangster’s most in-depth appearance in media to date, but he can also be found in the 2007 film “American Gangster”, which stars Denzel Washington as the mob boss’ right-hand man, Frank Lucas, in the events following Johnson’s death.

That film can be streamed on Netflix and makes for a savvy watch after a binge of “Godfather of Harlem”.

recent artistic interpretation of the eerie events that bewilder to this day.

Its imagery is inspired by another work that haunts the imagination titled “Man Proposes, God Disposes”, a painting from 1864 causing widespread backlash for its stark depiction of one of these more “monstrous” theories of the crew’s fate.

Among it all, there’s also an interesting historical connection to Australia, with Capt Franklin serving as lieutenant-governor of Tasmania (then Van Diemen’s Land) in the

years that preceded his leading the expedition.

These are just a few of the intriguing pieces that make up the puzzle of “The Terror”, and there’s plenty more to be found in the show for fans of history, horror or both.

BACK to the future, on the other end of the genre spectrum, is a series that’s just kicked off on Stan called “Made for Love”.

Cristin Milioti takes the lead in this story about a woman being obsessively stalked by her billionaire ex-husband.

The twist? He’s using a tracking chip that can monitor her movements and her emotional state at any time.

Sounds pretty dark, right? “Black Mirror-esque” if you will, but the show injects its premise with some tightly balanced comedy that makes it all the more watchable as a result.

AND Binge streamers may be interested in a just-released doco, “The Real Prince Philip”, which details the life and times of the recently passed Royal icon. Have to commend the producers of the documentary for how quickly it was put together. It was available to be streamed within 48 hours of the sad news of the prince’s passing. Can’t help but wonder how much of a frenzy the team behind Netflix’s “The Crown” are in right now.

Food that explodes with flavour

INKA’s fitout explodes with colour and the food explodes with flavour.

Canberra’s hottest new dining spot, in Bunda Street, Civic, celebrates the strong relationship between Japan and Peru that stretches back as far as the 1800s.

But how does this unique relationship translate into food fusion? Very well indeed.

An entire article could be written on Inka’s expensive and unique décor, but we’re going to focus on the menu of local Canberra boy, Michael Muir, who has travelled the world working in some of the most amazing restaurants. As Inka’s executive chef, Michael brings the skills and inspiration he’s gleaned from working in Michelin restaurants, including the acclaimed Zuma (London and Istanbul), to Canberra. And we’re glad he’s here.

We started lunch with the guacamole (topped with pretty saffron threads) which offered up an intriguing earthy flavour ($18). We loved the crunchy plantain chips, perfectly seasoned.

Give the ceviche a go. Out of the three on the menu we selected the Nikkei ceviche with tuna ($28). We gave it a good stir to move the Peruvian flavours at the bottom through the dish. The tuna, cut into chunky cubes, was sensational and so fresh. The cucumber, sesame and finger lime added brightness to the dish. We fell in love.

Inka’s empanadas look stunning on the plate. They’re perched in little holders (two pieces with each serve). The chicken with onion and Peruvian spices hit the spot ($14) and the pastry was divine.

Another exceptional dish featured charcoalgrilled yuzu prawns. The plump prawns were served with garlic butter and once more, the flavours were out of this world.

When ordering, we thought we’d selected the right number of dishes but took the sound advice of the wait staff who recommended one more option to round out our meal. He highly recommended the Brussels sprouts,

confidently telling us they were amazing. He was correct. Packed with flavour and not at all overcooked, these are Brussels sprouts that would be worshipped by even those who have an aversion to this (often underestimated) veggie.

We didn’t have it in us to keep travelling through the menu for mains or dessert, but shall return to do just that.

Inka is still working out a few issues. We were almost pounced on when we first sat down and asked what drinks we’d like to order before we had even opened the menu. And with only two of us dining, it would have been better for the share plates to be paced a bit more evenly so we could have enjoyed the hot items hot.

Inka is sure to become a destination restaurant for Canberrans and visitors alike. Its reputation has already spread far and wide, and with good reason.

ARTS IN THE CITY

Dr Archer’s still treading the boards

FORMER director of the Centenary of Canberra and the National Festival of Australian Theatre, Robyn Archer, has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the UniSA. Performing regularly, Archer is now a global mentor for the European Festivals’ Association Festival Academy and an ambassador for the Adelaide Crows.

“THE Twins”, a new Australian play, stars comedians Greg Fleet and Ian Darling playing two old school friends reuniting 40 years after playing the twins in Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”, to rework it as a two-hander. The show has been coined “theatre verité” because the characters are real people, played by themselves. The Courtyard Studio, May 3-6. Book at canberratheatrecentre.com.au

IN a move likely to be replicated elsewhere in our arts community, ACT Writers, formerly the ACT Writers Centre, has finished up as a resident at Gorman Arts Centre to become a fully digital organisation. CEO Meg Wilson says, “a global pandemic showed us there are many ways to

operate beyond the conventional four walls of an office”. But workshops and events will still be held face-to-face. Inquiries to actwriters.org

SINCE 2016, Roland Peelman has been the artistic director of the Canberra International Music Festival. “Roland Peelman”, by wordsmith Antony Jeffrey and photographer Anthony Browell, is full of observations amusing and reflective – and copiously illustrated. It’s available for $30 via trybooking.com

UNIVERSITY of Canberra students enrolled in any subject at the Faculty of Art and Design will have access to cultural and historical institutions such as the NGA, the NPG, the War Memorial, the NLA, the NMA and MoAD through the UC Cultural Pass 2021, worth more than $350. Apply at canberra.edu.au

CANBERRA Choral Society kicks off this year under the baton of director Dan Walker with “Music for Voices and Brass”, 16th century Venetian works by Andrea and Giovanni Gabrieli. The concert will also feature the Canberra premiere of Walker’s own “Mass of Deliverance”, which combines choir, brass and percussion. Llewellyn Hall, 5pm, Sunday, May 2. Book at ticketek.com.au

A CONCERT for people with hearing loss returns with Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s “Rediscovering Music”, curated by audiologist and CSO bassoonist Kristen Sutcliffe. The concert engages participants in active listening practice and will be held at the Hellenic Club, Phillip, 2pm and 5.30pm, Tuesday, May 4. Free, but registrations at cso.org.au or 6262 6772.

GARDENING

HEDGES have been grown since time immemorial for a multitude of reasons.

One of the earliest uses was to keep stock in fields when the common land was changed to enclosures. They can provide privacy between neighbours and hide ugly sheds and buildings, or work as a windbreak for homes in remote areas.

Some of the most magnificent tall hedges I’ve seen were in the fruit-growing areas of New Zealand. In Canberra’s early days, hedges were encouraged, as can still be seen in Forrest and Red Hill. It is hard to believe that in those days, the parks and gardens department would trim the hedges and cut the grass on nature

The Romans were some of the first

use hedges for ornamental purposes. Buxus sempervirens, or the common English Box, actually originated on the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, and were introduced into Britain by the Romans. We generally think of this being grown as clipped, low hedges of about 30-40cm high, but there are examples around Canberra of English box growing to three metres plus.

At my home, I have a magnificent, curved Photinia robusta front hedge for privacy. However, this plant is one of my biggest regrets. It rapidly grows, with thick stems that make it almost impossible to keep clipped, and the smell of the white flowers is quite revolting. I have to use a professional landscape contractor to keep it under control.

I like hedges that have the dual purpose of beautiful flowers and attracting birds, like Viburnum tinus, with relatively small leaves and stems, along with fragrant white flowers. It can be kept to about a metre wide and a couple of metres high, or higher if preferred.

One hedge I used regularly when

clipped

I was designing gardens was camellia sasanqua “Hiryu”, pictured here along our back fence. This presents a stunning floral display from autumn to spring and is beloved by honeyeaters for its nectar.

For a native floral hedge, callistemon “Endeavour” works well and will stand regular clipping. It’s also a great bird attractor. Another hedge plant with brilliant flowers and fruit is Feijoa sellowiana or pineapple guava. The edible fruit follows on from the stunning, fire-engine red flowers and can be

eaten fresh or used for making jam. This is a tough, drought-resistant Mediterranean plant, as is Arbutus unedo, or Irish strawberry tree. As the name suggests, it grows in Ireland as well as the Mediterranean, reputedly taken there when St Patrick went on his crusade to convert the Celts.

From the Middle East comes Laurus nobilis, or bay tree, used in many dishes. Originally used by the Greeks and Romans as a victor’s crown in athletic games, it’s regarded as a sign of excellence – also as in “poet laureate” or “baccalaureate”.

OPEN GARDEN / Kambah

But wait, there’s more with the Wright approach

“BUT wait, there’s more” might well be the theme for Sue and Martin Wright’s Kambah garden, with well-established plantings creating maximum privacy around a series of outdoor rooms and secret spaces.

While Martin and Sue had a professional design drawn up for the fan-shaped block in 1983, the 980sqm garden is strongly influenced by a hobby gardening course the couple did at CIT in 1975 with garden expert Tony Featherston.

“As per Tony’s guidance, we’ve avoided straight lines where we can and created garden ‘rooms’ and privacy with green walls, pittosporums, trees and brush fencing,” Martin says.

The front garden features an Asian-inspired top terrace with a bamboo forest, bonsai, torii gate, spill bowl and more than 15 different varieties of

Words: Kathryn Vukovljak

Photos: Holly Treadaway

cut-leaf maples, which Martin hopes will be in full autumn colour on the open weekend of May 8-9.

A sheltered fernery frames the right side of the house, featuring Monty Python fan Martin’s “Norwegian Blue, nailed to its perch and pining for the fjords”, he says, as well as hanging baskets, pots and wall containers.

A wooden sleeper path leads to a dry stone creek around an artificial lawn area with a Japanese elm as its centrepiece, which leads to the back deck off the house, packed with overflowing pots and a spa (Sue’s favourite spot).

Martin’s also created a hidden “service area” in what used to be the old veggie plot, with a series of Narnia-like sheds leading ever further back into the garden, combining a propagation area built from recycled materials, the washing line, worm farm, compost heaps and “plant hospital”.

courtyard, with an olive tree that “occasionally bears fruit”, espaliered fruit trees, ornamental grape and a cumquat tree, used for marmalade.

Martin says the garden includes “more than 200 containers of plants, 58 trees and six water features, supported by a dripper watering system of 20 stations utilising five tanks with a capacity of 13,500 litres” – and it’s all his own work, with some physical help from family, friends and contractors over the years.

“The garden is enjoyable, and we’ve made use of what we can,” he says.

“While I’m still working on some elements, the idea is for it to become more low maintenance from here.”

Behind another “Secret Garden”-style wooden door at the back is a sunny Mediterranean-style

The Wright Place, 58 Faithfull Circuit, Kambah, will be open on Saturday, May 8 and Sunday, May 9, 10am-4pm. Entry is $10, children under 18 are free. Bookings essential on Eventbrite. There will be no ticket sales or memberships available at the gate. Join Open Gardens Canberra for $30 and all gardens are free for a year.

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