KEEPING UP THE ACT REVEALS THE
Political cowards hide from helping the poor
PAUL COSTIGAN
Election ‘scream test’ keeps getting louder
MICHAEL MOORE
Scary (non) mystery of Stan’s missing cards
ANTONIO DI DIO
The delights of deciduous trees
JACKIE WARBURTON
Tuesday, May 10th, 2022, at 7pm
Eastlake Football Club (Duffy Room) 3 Oxley Street, Griffith and ZOOM
Join us to hear how the ACT Government’s new Planning and Urban Forest laws will affect you and Canberra’s future.
Hear community, business, government and environment perspectives:
• Richard Johnston, urban planner/architect (retired); President, Kingston and Barton Residents Group
• Tim Field, Red Hill Residents Group
• Gordon Lowe, Director of Planning, Molonglo Group
• Daniel Iglesias, Executive Branch Manager, City Presentation, Transport and City Services, ACT Government
• Helen Oakey, Executive Director, Conservation Council ACT Region
Register in advance as the Duffy Room has a capacity limit of 70:
Find on Eventbrite - ISCCC Public Forum - New Planning and Urban Forest Laws
Or else join via Zoom - details at www.isccc.org.au
Email any questions you would like to be put to the speakers to info@isccc.org.au.
Best wishes,
Marea Fatseas Chair
The ACT Government is seeking community comment on the new draft Planning Bill by 15 June 2022.
ISCCC analysis suggests the Planning Bill provides:
A shift away from rules for new residential developments, and towards an, as yet unclear, “outcomes” based approach.
Greater centralisation of power in the planning authority with inadequate accountability.
No enshrined principles of good community consultation, just a commitment that the Minister “may” make consultation “guidelines”.
No right for neighbours to have a say about the “knockdown rebuild” of a house next door, just a right to be “notified.”
These go to the three key themes that have come up consistently in the ACT Government’s meetings with key stakeholder groups, namely the importance in a planning system of:
1. Confidence, certainty and clarity
2. Trust and transparency
3. Consultation
The ISCCC’s public forum on 10 May will consider the extent to which the Planning Bill addresses these themes.
The ACT Government is seeking community comment on the new draft Urban Forest Bill by 2 June 2022.
How will this new law differ from the current law protecting trees, and how will it work together with the new planning laws to ensure that the amenity provided to the community by trees and green open spaces is protected, especially in the context of a warming climate?
These issues will be addressed at the 10 May forum, and are especially relevant as we celebrate Canberra Tree Week.
The Inner South Canberra Community Council receives support and funding from the ACT Government Inner South Canberra Community Council ( ABN 49 382 179 224) Authorised by Gary Kent, Public Officer, PO Box 3310, Manuka ACT 2603
By Nick OVERALL
BRADDON’S United Retailers
& Traders (BURT) has warned a government proposal to end onstreet parking in Braddon would be a “death blow” to business.
The concerns come in response to a recently released discussion paper by ACT Greens MLA Jo Clay outlining strategies to increase active travel in Canberra.
The paper says that on-street park ing on both sides of Mort Street and Lonsdale Street leaves no room for an active travel shared path.
“On-street parking takes up a lot of space in busy city centres and cannot ever provide enough parking for a growing population. It often represents the worst of both worlds – loss of space for little real gain,” reads the paper.
“Active and public transport will be more attractive if we provide dedicated routes that do not require people to compete with cars on roads.”
While BURT spokesperson Kel Watt says the traders group supports more cycleways and better paths, he says the proposal to end on-street parking
in the suburb would “cripple business”.
“Without convenient parking, customers will head elsewhere and desert our boutique, small businesses for large franchises in the malls with multi-storey parking,” says Mr Watt.
“Surveys and feedback from businesses, customers and residents show very strong support for better parking, not its removal.
“While Jo Clay’s ideas are not opposed or out of hand, their introduction will fail if infrastructure, policies and supportive mechanisms aren’t in
Mr Watt says it’s one among many recent examples of a lack of communication from the government when it comes to decisions that would impact
The traders are pleading for more certainty and communication after covid lockdowns caused 21 businesses in the area to close in the space of 14
Mr Watt says they are still in the dark about street upgrades promised by Chief Minister Andrew Barr two years ago that were supposed to be completed by now but are yet to start.
“We had the government come out and Andrew Barr standing right here announced pedestrian-friendly upgrades to Lonsdale and Mort Streets,” says Mr Watt.
“That was designed to be part of a post-covid economic recovery, create a few jobs and make Braddon more attractive to get people to come out and it was supposed to be underway by early 2022.
“I don’t know when ‘early’ finishes, but in mid April we must be getting very close. There’s been no signs, no plans, there hasn’t been a guy in a hard hat here.
“What we’re worried about is if there’s no liaison with businesses when these new upgrades start it could be a de facto third shut down for some.”
Mr Watt says businesses are also on edge after the government announced strict covid restrictions could be reimposed in the ACT at any time.
He says that if some businesses had to close their doors again without some form of prior notification it’d be “the final nail in the coffin”.
“If you have a snap lockdown at any time, how do you engage staff? How do you prepare rosters? What sort of stock do you get in?” he asks.
“When the last snap shutdown happened, the florist in Braddon had $30,000 worth of flowers. They weren’t allowed to re-enter the workplace so that just rotted.
“We were given assurances by the minister, by the health department and by the business directorate that if any restrictions were going to be reimposed they would be done in consultation.
“We were given hand-on-heart promises we’d know well in advance and if there were restrictions, we were promised there’d be support packages ready to roll out and, despite those assurances, none of those things happened last time.”
Mr Watt believes the breakdown in
communication between government and business is killing off Canberra’s “entrepreneurial” spirit, with workers leaving the private sector in favour of “pandemic-proof” employment.
“Everyone that opens up a business is showing spirit, chasing those dreams of opening a business,” he says.
“But now there are workers who are leaving their industries and saying: ‘I am better off being a public servant with superannuation, job certainty and all the rest of it rather than pursuing a private sector job.’
“It is galling to watch daily press conferences with announcements about decisions made by people with job security, high salaries and no small-business experience.
“The missteps, impractical and onerous regulations are a direct result of this knowledge gap, regardless of any good intentions.”
While Mr Watt says BURT understands restrictions are necessary and that Braddon businesses are ultimately open to new ideas, he says the lack of consultation is what has workers worried for the future and wanting to raise their voice.
“Our message is short and simple. If you’re an MLA making decisions and statements that impact businesses and jobs, include us in your conversations and planning,” he says.
Arts & Entertainment 31-34
Matters 8
& Streaming 34
& Sudoku 35
33
30
35
20
3-20
12, 16
14 Cover: Canberra composer and performer Neille Williams. Story Page 31.
Since 1993: Volume 28, Number: 18
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Rallimax has the latest wheel and rim straightening lathe, enabling us to successfully realign most damaged alloy wheels.
PLEASE, read this: I’ll explain who wrote it and why it matters at the end:
“One of the tragedies visited on the citizens of this town is that the present crowd of so-called elected representatives are handicapped in their ambitions by any professional knowledge of the problems of planning for supervising or managing the city in which we live.
“The destruction by the ACT government, following ‘self government’, of the planning and development agency that was originally created by Mr Menzies, who had sought international advice on how the development of Canberra should be planned and managed, was an act of unbelievable stupidity.
growth of the city.
“The failure by the ACT government to accept the evidence of research it funded but to persist with the argument that increasing density would be accompanied by reduction in water and energy was/is a disgrace.
“It may suit some in the real estate business, but it does nothing to support the notion that our city is somehow made more ‘sustainable’.”
“We are now plagued by a slew of politicians who think that they know in their water what should be done and how. Moreover, the way they have bowed to the entreaties of the building industry and property developers is a disgrace.
“It also opened up the opportunity for one who had a bee in his bonnet about a silly tram that became the price of his support.
“The tragedy of that disaster is that with the right approach we could have had a much greener public transport system, one which would have spared us from the experience we’ve had in trying to insert the silly tram ‘thing’ into our city.
“Moreover, had we taken a more enlightened approach to ‘green’ buses we would have been able to make for a greener, easier system that could cope with the
This was part of an email exchange from esteemed Australian Patrick Troy who served as Vale Pro fessor Emeritus at the ANU, to environmental health researcher
Murray May on July 13, 2018.
Eleven days later, on July 24, Prof Troy died in Canberra, aged 82. What may be forgotten in this, until now, private and masterful critique is that Troy was revered nationally as a leading advocate for better Australian cities – he was an engineer, town planner, urban studies academic, senior federal public servant, author and activist. He knew his stuff.
Troy was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) posthumously in the 2019 Australia Day Honours for “eminent service to urban and regional planning, to envi ronmental sustainability and social justice policy, and as a mentor and role model”.
wonder who is responsible for housekeeping. Residents know who is responsible and are not surprised at the state of untidiness and unrepaired damage.”
Four years later and our bloody minded government rolls haplessly on as Troy’s blunt warnings ring out, as if from the grave. And
residents are not happy with the state of the city. Maybe they may even do something about it!” But maybe not.
Suzanne Christian cheered us on saying: “Please do what you can to get these signs fixed – we are the national capital after all and we’re not looking good at all.”
She says that there are shabby, predominantly green and white road signs all over Canberra.
“They’re very noticeable all along Hindmarsh Drive, the Barton Highway and Mugga Lane. And it’s not just a recent phenomenon – I think the signs deteriorated significantly since the intense summer heat of a couple of years ago,” she says.
And former chief minister (and minister for Territory and Municipal Services) Jon Stanhope spotted an amusing road-safety sign on Belconnen Way in which the word SPEED has the first and last letters almost blanked out followed by the word KILLS. Remind me again how much rates went up year?
More shabby signs welcome to editor@citynews. com.au
The major parties have failed us on climate. The people of Canberra want action. That’s why I am calling for a Climate Compact - stepping the debate outside of Parliament and engaging the community to end the decades-long partisan policy deadlock.
Winnunga Nimmityjah AHCS is an Aboriginal community controlled primary health care service operated by the Aboriginal community of the ACT.
In Wiradjuri language, Winnunga Nimmityjah means Strong Health. The service logo is the Corroboree Frog which is significant to Aboriginal people in the ACT.
Our aim is to provide a culturally safe, holistic health care service for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of the ACT and surrounding regions. The holistic health care provided by Winnunga AHCS includes not only medical care, but a range of programs to promote good health and healthy lifestyles.
Our services include:
• GP and Nursing
• Midwifery
• Immunisations
• Health Checks
• Men’s & Women’s Health
• Hearing Health
• Dental
• Physiotherapy
• Podiatry
• Dietician (Nutrition)
• Counselling
• Diabetes Clinic
• Quit Smoking Services / No More Boondah
• Needle Syringe Program
• Mental Health Support
• Healthy Weight Program
• Healthy Cooking Group
• Mums and Bubs Group / Child Health
• Optometry Service
• Psychology and Psychiatrist
• Community Events
• Groups
Winnunga AHCS is a national leader in accreditation, was one of the first Aboriginal community controlled health services to achieve dual accreditation under RACGP and QIC standards. Winnunga AHCS has been at the forefront of setting a national agenda for quality improvement in Aboriginal community controlled health and continues to advocate locally and nationally for best practice standards in operational and governance areas of Aboriginal health services.
CLINIC hours | MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9am-5pm
Ph: 6284 6222 | 63 Boolimba Cres, Narrabundah www.winnunga.org.au
By Lily PASS
LAYLA-ROSE Sheldon, 11, loves doing art and craft at school, and has taken it upon herself to use her creativity and passion to make herself some pocket money.
Like any other 11 year old, Layla says she’s “never really liked doing chores”.
“I’m fine with taking the dishes out and putting them in the cupboard, but not scrubbing them, there’s germs,” she says.
So, at the beginning of 2022, Layla began selling her own handmade jewellery at market stalls around Canberra.
“I make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, keyrings and hairclips, and they’re made out of polymer clay, beads and charms,” she says.
She has also tried selling pins and badges for school bags, but found they weren’t as successful.
“I make the jewellery whenever I get a chance. Sometimes if I wake up early enough I make them before school, or I make them after school and usually on the weekends, apart from going to the markets.”
Before setting up a market stall,
she looked into selling her products through online platforms such as Etsy and Shopify, but decided the cost was too high.
Now, her mum and biggest supporter, Elizabeth Trueman, supervises Layla’s market stall and “business” Instagram account: @bits_n_bob.s
“We’re booked in every fortnight,” says Elizabeth.
“The Gungahlin Rotary, they are so flexible and they’re really good, they just come around and collect your money. A lot of the others have a lot of paperwork, and for a little girl it’s just too much.”
more jewellery for the next markets, and the rest she keeps for herself.
“Usually I go straight after the markets if there’s a nearby store, like Kmart or Spotlight and dollar stores, so I can get more supplies,” she says.
She says her favourite pieces to make are the earrings and keyrings, and she finds the bracelets “fun but time consuming, because I make the
She is learning that every market can bring different results and differ-
“It’s really weird for the different markets because obviously there were a lot of people that liked some things at one market, but not as much at the other,” she says.
Layla’s Instagram is filled with photos of some of her most favourite jewellery pieces, information on where her next market will be, and customers can send her a message to place custom orders.
Layla says she likes colours that pop, and has found necklaces are her most popular products.
“I’ve sold a lot of them. I have mermaid necklaces, fairy necklaces, and Tinkerbell and Elsa necklaces,” she says.
“I love art, I always have, I love craft, drawing and painting.”
Her other hobbies include “dancing,
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music, I used to be a cheerleader. I do gymnastics now and I like to sing as well.”
And, Layla’s doing her part to make the world a better place.
“I donate around half of the money I make to charities,” she says.
“I just did one for Ukraine for the orphans, and there was another charity that was for cancer. I try to pick small charities that haven’t got much money yet, because the small ones are also trying to help but they don’t really get any money.”
Part of the other half of her earnings goes towards materials to create
“Sometimes I get grandparents or parents buying, but there were a few kids that really liked it and there were some teenagers that liked it, too.”
Her dad and brothers are proud of her, “they think it’s a good way for me to make money”.
“I’m telling Layla we might need to start upping the price by 50c, and it’s been really good for her maths,” says Elizabeth.
“I love meeting new people, and seeing the other stallholders makes me feel motivated and inspired,” she says. And her favourite part? “Jewellery making is therapeutic.”
Instagram: @bits_n_bob.s
IT was heartening to see the new state member for Monaro, Nichole Overall, take on the monster of the NSW Department of Education, and win.
Overall turned around the bureaucratic thinking on school boundaries that was about to make a mess of schooling in the Jerrabomberra suburbs. ACT politicians rarely take such stands once elected.
The most recent would be the stoush the people of Weston had with the Chris Steel boy-band bureaucrats who wanted to convert a small park near Cooleman Court into a car park.
All the evidence made it clear that it was not needed. The Weston Creek Community Council pointed out that if the blundering bureaucrats were to adjust some of the parking allocations around the mall – the equivalent number of new parking spots would be available.
Surprisingly, just after she was elected, Emma Davidson insisted that the car park be cancelled. It was Ms Davidson’s last political stand. Since then she has behaved as a good ACT Greens. Along with her colleagues, when contentious issues are raised, she hides from view or, if caught in the headlights, repeats the preprepared ingenuous speaking notes.
This is what has happened when the callous decisions of Housing ACT, with the blessing of their ministers, were rolled out to evict 300-plus tenants from their long-term homes.
The ACT Greens and their Labor colleagues have been silent or have talked rubbish. This matter has seen a lot of disinformation being fed into the media by the ACT Labor/Greens government.
There’s a blatant wilful reluctance by the ACT politicians to get involved even though these disadvantaged people are who the politicians are supposed to represent These Housing ACT evictions are happening during the federal election. The federal ACT Labor and ACT Greens candidates have been silent on this terrible state of affairs. They speak out for people in trouble,
such as asylum seekers being treated badly by the federal government.
But when it comes to people being harassed in their own backyard by their own party in government, they remain silent. Like their ACT colleagues, they are wilfully reluctant to say anything in support of these disadvantaged people.
They have not demanded that their ACT colleagues get real and treat their tenants as humans – not just numbers to be shunted about to sell off properties. Despite the shallow rhetoric, these evictions and relocation are about raising funds through sales to cover up the lack of funding allocated to social housing.
The Greens nationally have spoken about how Canberra is better off with the ACT Greens forming government with ACT Labor (don’t laugh). I
Housing ACT’s callous evictions are happening during the federal election. The federal ACT Labor and ACT Greens candidates have been silent on this terrible state of affairs.
suspect that the two candidates featured on corflutes, Tim Hollo and Tjanara Goreng Goreng, have not taken the time to talk with these tenants nor have they demanded that these outrageous actions be halted. Their election materials speak of how wonderful they wish to make the world. Unfortunately for the Housing ACT tenants under threat of eviction, they are not considered to be of political interest to the ACT Greens.
The thoughtless and ruthless practices of the landed gentry of the past have manifested themselves in the current cohort of ACT Greens.
The words of these wilfully silent candidates are not matched by actions
when it comes to evictions hanging over the heads of some Housing ACT tenants.
To repeat some of what was said in my previous online piece (citynews. com.au, April 9), there is a humane way out of this rotten political decision.
The government could agree today to relocate only those tenants who identify that they are happy to move to an agreed new home. As for those who wish to remain in their cherished homes, they should be left alone to get on with their lives.
This is what ACTCOSS has been asking for. It is worth reading some of the comments on that April 9 piece from tenants who are suffering under these callous threats of eviction.
Paul Costigan is an independent commentator and consultant on the visual arts, photography, urban design, environmental issues and everyday matters. Read more of his columns on citynews.com.au
THE National Library is calling on Australians to help collect campaign material produced in the 2022 federal election. The Library’s election ephemera collection covers every Australian federal election since Federation in 1901 and includes items such as how-to-vote cards and posters, badges and T-shirts. More information at nla.gov.au
A NEW Canberra Health Services centre has opened in Coombs. The facility, at 110 Woodberry Avenue, will provide free pregnancy care, maternal and child health, women’s health counselling and children’s asthma care appointments. The facility includes six consulting rooms and is operated by a team of registered nurses and midwives.
CHRISTIANS Against Poverty is again hosting a free, budgeting and money management course over two Saturday mornings in June. The course will help participants develop skills to manage debt, budget, save and have more financial control. It will be held at the Tuggeranong Baptist Church, Garratt Street, Wanniassa, 9.15am-12.45pm on June 4 and 18. Register by May 31 at capmoney.org.au or call 0402 007551.
UNNERVING the conservatives in supposedly safe seats is a measure of the increasing success of independents. Political attacks on such independent candidates are increasing.
For example, conservative Sky News commentators accuse the so-called teal independents of taking inappropriate financial support from Climate 200.
Teal candidates draw votes from both of the major parties, but particularly from environmentally conscious Liberal voters (a mix of green and blue).
The biggest threat from such candidates is to those whose action on climate change and integrity has been inadequate. This is why they have financial backing from Climate 200, an organisation committed to strong and immediate action on “sciencebased climate policy”.
The funding mirrors money provided to the Liberals and Nationals by big business over many years. Big business has provided financial backing in the hope of having influence on the outcome of elections and those in power. Copying their lobbying tactics has not gone down well with them.
Ironically, the level of influence of independents may be assessed by the “scream test”. The louder they scream
the more effective the threat.
In Canberra, the threat of David Pocock and Kim Rubenstein, for example, has finally put the complacent Zed Seselja on his toes.
There are plenty of conservative support groups that are happy to attack any independent who looks as though they might be a threat.
The conservative lobby group, Advance Australia for example, has authorised roadside corflutes that attack David Pocock as an extremist
In Canberra, the threat of independents
David Pocock and Kim Rubenstein has finally put the complacent Zed Seselja on his toes.
member of the Greens Party.
These corflutes are not the truth. However, the intention is clear. They are attempting to scare Liberal voters who might be tempted to move towards a moderate independent. Both Pocock and Rubenstein may be considered as moderate, or teal, candidates. The same is true of Tim Bohm, running for the seat of Canberra.
Suddenly Zed has realised that Canberra has a problem. Land might provide a solution! What has it taken for him to finally realise the price of housing has gone beyond reasonable and needs government action to find a solution?
Despite almost a decade already spent in the Senate he hasn’t, until an election threat, been able to see a solution. Now he feels pressure and needs to be seen to be putting the interest of ordinary Canberrans as a priority. His desperate solution to show he is interested turns out to be the Commonwealth land owned by the CSIRO in the north of Canberra. The 250
hectare Ginninderra Experimental Farm could provide thousands of new house sites in Canberra’s north.
Senator Seselja argued: “Last year we saw 7500 people register for just 115 blocks of land released in Taylor. There is simply not enough land being released to keep up with the demand.”
According to the senator this is not just an election ploy, but has been “on the table” for quite a number of years. Does that mean he has been sitting on this idea until it is convenient for an election announcement?
If Zed Seselja is not elected, will that be the end of the idea? Of course not! Now that the senator has made the idea public and clarified it can be done, there can be little reason for not going ahead. A Canberra independent or Greens senator is likely to have even more influence on whoever is in government to ensure the release of this Commonwealth land.
The standard for independents has been set by MPs such as Indi’s Cathy McGowan and Helen Haines, along with Zali Steggall in Warringah. Climate, accountability and integrity have been their catch cry. A catch cry that does not seem to sing to Scott Morrison, Barnaby Joyce or
the majority of the members of their parties. In fact, the leader of the Nationals argued that independents in the parliament would deliver “total and utter chaos”.
These are the words of someone running scared of losing government. Successful minority governments have been common in parliaments across Australia for decades. The Gillard government was hardly in “total and utter chaos” from the cross benches. There was a problem with her own party. However, she achieved more successful legislation than a wide range of governments before and after.
The rise of the teal independents enhances our democracy and challenges the “right to rule” attitude of many in the major parties.
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. There is more of Michael Moore at citynews.com.au
WHEN a coaching job becomes available in the sporting world, it isn’t like the private sector or the public service.
There is no LinkedIn ad with roles and responsibilities, a salary range and an HR contact.
When it comes to sport, an old adage is slightly tweaked: it is both what you know AND who you know.
Thankfully for the UC Capitals and the team’s fans, newly appointed head coach Kristen Veal knows plenty after a career that has spanned more than 20 years – on and off the court.
“I don’t even have a LinkedIn account!” Veal told “CityNews” when asked how she landed the Capitals’ top job.
“In the sporting world, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes knowledge, and everyone knows when there is a WNBL job up at the end of a season.
“I am pretty close with Goz (former Capitals’ coach Paul Goriss) and was so excited when he got that Atlanta appointment in the WNBA.
“We had some good discussions and I had some ideas about my career so I reached out to Graffy (UC director of sport Carrie Graf) and applied formally.”
There isn’t much Veal hasn’t achieved in the game as a player. She is a three-time WNBL champion with the Capitals, is the competition’s
ing group to hit the ground running.
“The recent connection and having an understanding of the system allows for a smoother transition, which I think is most important for the players,” said Veal.
“We’ll look to keep some consistency but there will no doubt be some change. success.
“It is a plus that she has played for this program and has been a part of the WNBL world for many, many years as an athlete, an assistant coach and in her work at the Centre of Excellence developing
talent,” said Graf.
“She is more than ready and capable, she represents what this program represents and she is fresh and innovative.
“She is a coach on the way up with modern thinking and ideas, and that will be a great addition to our program.”
One of the first jobs for the new coach will be to assemble a squad that can continue to achieve the same level of success that the club is renowned for.
The WNBL free-agency period commenced at the start of this month, and the salary cap has had a marginal increase for the 2022/23 season.
Given the Capitals are coming off an appearance in the WNBL postseason, Veal would ideally like to keep a winning squad together.
“The girls only found out the night before it was announced I was taking on the role,” said Veal.
“I know there are a lot of players who have been waiting to hear who was appointed before they make their move.
“There will be players that want to test free-agency and I understand, as a former player, that courses change and it is important for them to explore the market.
“It was a surprising group that came together last year and the way they evolved throughout the season was really exciting. As people say: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Veal has been working as head coach of the Women’s Program at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence in Canberra, a role she will continue until August.
It’s a program she came through as a player under Phil Brown more than two decades ago, a mentor she still works closely with to this day.
Her experience working in the pathway program will no doubt have benefits for the Capitals in the years ahead.
“I am fully aware of what we have here in Canberra,” said Veal of the talent coming through the system.
“One of the key parts of our duties with UC and the WNBL is looking at how we can plug the gaps in the pathway and create a deeper stream into our junior pathway in Canberra.”
ECO touring at its best with viewing opportunities for albatross, other pelagic birds, whales, turtles and dolphins. The waters off the south coast are a sea bird watching paradise in the winter months especially for many species of albatross. These magnificent birds come close to coast at this time of the year after their summer breeding on Antarctic islands. A once in a lifetime wildlife experience.
Cruise is about 6 hours and departs from Jervis Bay Wharf
neilhermes.com.au/safaris/
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I HAVE a long and close association with Norfolk Island and indeed all of Australia’s external territories.
I first visited Norfolk Island 50 years ago with my wife Robyn, on our honeymoon. We were warmly wel comed and I clearly remember being greeted at the airport by a tourism officer who asked us where we were from and why we had chosen Norfolk Island for our honeymoon.
We responded we were from Canberra and asked how he knew we were recently married. He explained that there were only two categories of tourist, at that time, namely the newly wed and the nearly dead. Robyn and I were both 21, so he assumed we were in the former category.
tive and governance issues involving Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and the Cocos Keeling Islands.
Robyn has a much longer association with the island. Her great grandmother, many times removed, Rebecca Chippenham, a second fleet convict lived on Norfolk Island from 1794 to 1810.
After returning to Canberra, I continued my studies at the ANU, on a part time basis, and joined the Commonwealth Public Service. One of the early positions I held, in the ‘70s, was as a legal officer in the Territories Branch of the Department of Administrative Services. My responsibilities were mainly focused on administra-
Over the next decade my involvement with the external territories expanded to include Antarctica as well as Heard and the McDonald Islands. In the late ‘80s I was appointed secretary of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and managed a major inquiry undertaken by the committee into the legal regimes of all seven of Australia’s external territories. I have enjoyed the good fortune of visiting each of the territories including Antarctica and Heard Island.
On completion of that inquiry, I was appointed official secretary and deputy
We Australians should, as we grandstand about our commitment to our ‘Pacific Ocean family’, take a step back and have a hard and honest look at ourselves and our treatment of the most important member of that family.
administrator of Norfolk Island. I also served, following my retirement after 10 years as Chief Minister of the ACT as administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
In other words, over the last 50 years I have not only worked closely on issues relevant to the governance and administration of Australia’s territories, I have lived with and come to know and understand the lives of the proud Australian citizens who call these remote, largely forgotten and egregiously neglected external territories home.
First and foremost among the failings of successive Australian governments in respect of the three inhabited external territories, Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and
the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, is the refusal to accord residents the most fundamental of all rights, namely the right to a say in and control over the administrative arrangements relevant to day-to-day life. Put bluntly these three territories, each of which has with justification been categorised as “embarrassing remnants of the British Empire”, are in many respects still treated by Australia, as they once were by Britain, as colonies.
It is in this light that I have found the recent posturing and pontificating by both the government and opposition on the recently announced arrangements entered by the democratically elected government of the Solomon Islands with China so hypocritical.
While I share the concerns about China and its possible motivations in establishing a presence in the Pacific, I do think Australia and we Australians should, as we grandstand about our commitment to our “Pacific Ocean family”, take a step back and have a hard and honest look at ourselves and our treatment of the most important member of that family.
That is quite obviously Norfolk Island, an Australian territory that is, to our great shame, the only island
community in the whole of the Pacific Ocean whose residents are denied a democratic say or role in the nature and delivery of state or municipal services.
Norfolk Island is, I believe, the only colony left in the Pacific. In similar vein, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, which were once part of the colony of Singapore and the Straits Settlements, are in all relevant respects, also colonies.
A worrying possible explanation for Australia’s one-eyed, patronising big-brother response to the actions of the Solomon Islands’ government is, of course, that it simply reflects the way we view and treat the Australian residents of Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. That is as a people unfit and unable to think for or govern themselves.
Jon Stanhope was ACT chief minister from 2001 to 2011 and the only chief minister to have governed with a majority in the Assembly. Read more of his columns on citynews.com.au
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FOOTY season is upon us and a certain number of things will occur. Spring will chill into winter.
The Raiders will give joy and despair in equal measure, and the home-game snag rolls will be magnificent on a chilly night. Tick. Ricky will blow up on our behalf, and the Tigers will win friends but not matches. Tick.
Boofheads sin, Storms win, Panthers choose, Dragons lose. Tick. And football cards will be issued with albums and foils and parallel fancy issues, and, like a drunken front rower on a Mad Monday, I will say “yes” to everything.
For the Freudians who reckon everything stems from a childhood event, I’ve picked it. It’s a Sunday before the Macksville Sea Eagles take on the grain-fed barbarians of Bellingen or some nearby lovely town, a year or two before the hippies arrived and brought a different, slightly more herbal vibe.
My wonderful older kinda brother Stan asks his mum Mary where his missing footy cards are. Not to be found. Big Jim and Little Johnny tell him to serve customers in the milk bar, and his 12-year-old brain travels from confused to suspicious to frankly murderous in the same nine seconds it takes my seven-year-old
self, next to him at the counter, to hurtle from fake innocence to guilt to liver-melting fear. His suspicions of the thief are entirely correct, my fear for my life equally so.
Eventually, I slipped away with Stan’s treasures and promptly lost them, somewhere between the glorious feast of Samboy chips and steel-canned Passiona consumed in the interregnum parting the Under 18s and the reserves match, and never thought much of them again.
That first-grade game later featured an outrageous penalty count against
Martha Graham
His 12-year-old brain travels from confused to suspicious to frankly murderous in the same nine seconds it takes my seven-yearold self to hurtle from fake innocence to guilt to liver-melting fear. His suspicions of the thief are entirely correct, my fear for my life equally so.
the home side, with the local ref caning us. He was, I’m told, sweet on the Bellingen halfback’s sister.
Down and grim, gnashing teeth, our skipper spoke to the team after a final Bellingen try, with anger so controlled he could have bottled it. “How’s it feel boys?” he asked, three times, to the lads in a huddle, five yards away from my dish-sized eyes.
To their rage he replied, this time only once: “Let’s not sook. Let’s not whinge. That’s for them on the sidelines to do. We are here for one reason. To play.”
And play they did. An extraordinary comeback, of such skill and precision and teamwork that the visitors and the ref were helpless before their righteous fury.
How many times has brutal circumstance kicked us and we allowed ourselves to be frustrated and give up? The philosopher Marilla Cuthbert once said: “To despair is to turn away from God”. Well, whether you believe in her or not, it’s a great way to live.
More importantly, the boys did not give the referee the importance to justify giving up. They forgave him. He was an immovable force of nature, like the floods that had ravaged the town a month earlier, and there was no point railing at the sky, when the clean up was there to be done.
You know what happened the next day? That beautiful guy Stan, in response to my fear of a deserved execution, made me a milkshake. Helped with my homework. He’d moved on!
My life, Stan’s life, the town’s life after that match, was better that week because forgiveness frees us all. If you think you’ve done nothing worth absolving I congratulate you.
I’m still trying to forgive myself for a thousand stupid things. I’ve spent 40
years collecting rugby league cards (there’s a sentence that needs forgiving right there) and have most, but that 1974 set is pitiful – still have only nine of the 115 of them, and desultory purchases they were.
I suspect, deep down, I feel unworthy to buy them, and that I never deserved them in the first place. Stan, wonderful fellow, forgot his anger the next day. Forgiving yourself takes a little longer.
Do you have something you are stopping yourself from doing, or you feel unworthy to do? A treasure you don’t deserve? It may be that the only person who feels that way is you. Kindness is forgiveness, and as with all kindness, the greatest beneficiary is the giver. Best wishes, Antonio
Antonio Di Dio is a local GP, medical leader, and nerd. He is missing some 1968 Scanlens cards, and buys them on ebay when the Brumbies match is over and the Justice League comics are sold out. There’s more of his “Kindness” on citynews.com.au
ACT fire victims over the years are still waiting on the coroner’s report into the Orroral Valley fires, started by a Defence helicopter, which threatened Canberra and burnt out much of the ACT.
There are many questions that remain unanswered thanks to the Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Greens leader Shane Rattenbury opposing an inquiry into the circumstances.
As someone who flies a helicopter from time to time, I am amazed that the Defence helicopter did not land as soon as possible to inspect the damage done to it and to call in the fire to authorities.
I find this both unimaginable and inexcusable and wonder what the Defence Department has done, if anything, to ensure that a similar disaster does not happen again.
I am hoping the coroner will be able to provide some light on this issue, even if Defence uses “security” as an excuse not to provide information relative to the inquiry. And Shane Rattenbury, who presided over one of the greatest environmental disasters in ACT history, along with the Chief Minister, needs to explain why he felt an inquiry was not necessary.
Ric Hingee, Duffy
WHEN Housing ACT decides to do something, they really do act! On April 12 two arborists and their mulching truck arrived at my housing complex and proceeded to lop branches excessively.
Their objective was to cut away branches from near the buildings so that the leaves don’t accumulate in the gutters. My alder was severely cut back. The privet near another building was pruned. I had gone out and was flabbergasted when I returned.
There is sometimes a misperception that plants in gardens have been planted by Housing ACT.
No, the tenants are responsible, at great cost, especially as so many plants are damaged by dogs and people.
Regardless, they should be respected. Now we won’t have as much precious shade in the searingly hot summers of the future. This is of great concern to me and how extensive was all this cutting? Did it entail other housing complexes? Were the Greens
in this ACT Labor-Greens government complicit? They should know better, just as Labor should, too.
How does Housing ACT speak for itself?
Of course, the tram cost the government too much!
Jenny Holmes, Weston
KATY Gallagher’s announcement that Labor is to purge $3 billion from the public service consultants’ bill could well be an own goal unless she can show conclusively how the money would be saved.
First, the consultants have to be replaced with at least the same number of public servants, but probably many more, given relative productivity. Second, cost overheads for public servants are about 150 per cent more than the salary bill.
Third, one must ask which voters the policy is aimed at? It cannot be Canberrans, most of whom the Labor Party already owns. Is it aspirant public servants outside Canberra?
Fourth, how many voters in the rest of Australia will look kindly on more public servants in Canberra? Sorry, own goal to the shadow finance minister and Labor.
Max Flint, via email
WE’VE come a long way since Minister Michaelia Cash said: “We are going to stand by our tradies and we are going to save their utes.”
So, letter writer Douglas Mackenzie is right to “torque up” the electric utes that are coming (“All the torque’s about electric utes”, CN April 22). However, even if a Tesla Cybertruck was available in Australia, I’m not sure that many Aussie tradies would feel comfortable driving it to a building site. It looks like something out of a Bond movie.
The conventionally shaped Ford F-150 Lightning is more likely to appeal. It comes with a wide range of tradie-friendly features such as bidirectional charging that can power a home at a rate of 9.6kW for three days. It also has 11 power outlets that can be used for tools and charging other batterypowered gear.
There’s also the cost. Unlike France, which has incentives up to $A28,000, Australia only provides $3000, and then only in some states. Douglas concludes with the question, “What more do you need?” I’d say we need a lot more commitment and realistic incentives from our governments before we make any real headway electrifying the transport sector in this country.
Ray Peck, Hawthorn, Victoria
I REFER to the article “YWCA hisses at locals opposing development” by columnist Paul Costigan (CN, April 21).
I am a local who lives near the proposed YWCA housing development in Bill Pye Park, Ainslie. But I am certainly not a local who opposes this development; with many others I know, I am really keen to see it go ahead.
It will provide older, vulnerable women with safe, affordable, and supportive accommodation where there will be easy access to public transport, shops, and other facilities without the need for a car.
The lovely park will remain for the Ainslie community to continue to enjoy. This proposal has had many setbacks, has been modified to suit the objections of the few who oppose it and needs to proceed as soon as possible.
Meredith Edwards, Ainslie Prof Edwards was a member of the ACT Minister’s Affordable Housing Consultative Group that provided the framework for the 2019 Affordable Housing Innovation Fund, which granted the YWCA $125,000. However, she had resigned from the committee in 2018.
I’M not sure why Ray Peck (Letters, CN April 14) has bothered to dispute my claim that renewable energy isn’t cheap because it isn’t, and electricity prices are likely to remain comparatively the same or higher.
I have never opposed the introduction of renewables, only the environmental pitch that only quotes the generation costs.
Sadly, huge orders in the US and the Australian government’s inadequate EV policy mean the utes won’t be here any time soon.
The pity is that renewables were introduced in a hurry due to global warming because they would have been adopted in any case, only in a well-planned way.
Ray Peck cites the CSIRO GenCost reports that wind and solar are a cheaper new-build
option than coal-fired or gas-fired generators. This is only true while the renewable component is less than 60 per cent of the total demand.
It is the last 40 per cent that is the killer when it comes to replacing fossil-fuelled generators with renewables. Then the requirements for stored energy and an expanded transmission network increase at a greater rate.
In addition, instead of the transmission and distribution networks being purely top down, they will have to transmit energy bottom-up or top-down. This is one of the long-term costs we will pay for taking the cheap way out in the first place in the form of large amounts of roof-top solar.
John L Smith, Farrer
GREG Cornwell (Letters, CN April 28) argued that the “sanctimonious” Greens have “a deep-rooted hatred of success”, then segues illogically to climate change.
He went on to ask: “If we abandon existing methods of living and without producing provable satisfactory alternatives, where is humankind heading? Their solution to the imagined horror of the future still dominated by the use of fossil fuels is unknown. All the Greens can offer is fear.”
Here are some of the many solutions, Mr Cornwell:
1: Phase out the use of fossil fuels; phase in renewable energy and electric vehicles as quickly as technologically and economically possible.
2: Cease clearing of native forests and move to plantation sources of timber.
3: Make our cities and towns more energy efficient with rooftop solar, double glazing and north-facing feature windows, and improved roof and wall insulation.
I could go on but, hopefully, you get the picture, Mr Cornwell.
Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin
ROSS Kelly admits to little regret at not seeing my letter about the role of snipers (“Sniper, a ‘deplorable’ military role”, CN April 21). If I may slightly misuse a Biblical clause “and the lot then fell on Douglas Mackenzie” who wrote with understanding
of the situation.
English is a bottomless well of necessary clarity of meaning and it should be plumbed frequently. Certainly the word “calibrate” is one of its riches when putting forward military opinions.
May we, for example, compare the calibration of a sniper’s rifle, which almost without exception kills one, while the calibration of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atom bombs killed about 200,000. Which calibrates as the more/most deplorable. Lesson: compare like with like.
Kelly is again wide of the mark in suggesting I enthused over a Canadian sniper “neutralising” an ISIS soldier. I was using Canadian Armed Forces wording. It can be said I was enthused more over Kelly’s unfortunate misunderstanding of the subject – leading me only to look more closely at that correspondent’s future letters.
Colliss
Parrett, Barton
NOW that the date of our next Legislative Assembly election has been confirmed as October 19, 2024, it’s important to remind ourselves that one of the most important ways an individual can influence governmental decision-making is through informed voting in parliamentary elections. In a representative democracy such as Australia, this gives you the power to affect how you are going to be governed by those who will represent your interests in parliament.
I only hope recognised, established, competent people run for elected office and low-flying ding-bats look for their $6000 a fortnight back-bencher salary somewhere else. Our Legislative Assembly needs to be free of gooberism, which is defined as when individuals’ decisions and actions are viewed as the intellectual equivalent of a doorknob. The truth is, we will always be connected at the hip with the government we vote for, as many have recently been noting, but now happily an opportunity is approaching for us to change voting behaviour, implement improvement for the collective good and cleanse/purify through regeneration.
John Lawrence via email
Luke Clews
LAW Week is held annually in May across Australia to promote public understanding of the law and its role in society.
Each year in Canberra the Law Society and its partners run a range of events to celebrate and engage the local legal profession.
One of the week’s showcase events is the annual Blackburn Lecture, which has been hosted by the law society since 1986.
This year’s speaker is Helen Murrell, the ACT’s first female Chief Justice. Her topic is “Post-Pell: Intermediate appellate courts in evidence evaluation in the digital age”.
Another of the week’s premiere events is the Golden Gavel competitions where young lawyers test their public speaking and comedy skills.
Competitors are each given five minutes to argue their case on a far-fetched topic –revealed only 24 hours beforehand.
A panel of judges will choose the winner, based on the speech’s humour, cleverness and originality, and the performer’s presence and delivery.
The judging panel will be chaired by the young lawyers’ patron, Justice Geoffrey Kennett, while the assembled gathering will
Each year ACT Law Week also raises money for a local charity and this year the beneficiary is Painting with Parkinsons, an initiative of Parkinsons ACT, which uses art therapy to support affected people.
Lawyers and Mediators now host a team of experts to suit a variety of legal needs, says owner Ken Hubert.
extremely busy over the last two years, partly due to people spending less on travelling.”
To reflect the work lawyers do, “CityNews” spoke to some of Canberra’s premiere lawyers to learn more about the important work they do.
The well-established general firm handles everything from property and commercial law, to wills and estate planning, family law and general dispute resolution, says Ken.
Each section of the firm connects with the others at Capon and Hubert, he says.
“For example, if you’ve got a family law matter, conveyancing issues can occur as well,” says Ken.
For Ken, it’s long-term relationships with clients and their families that matter. He says he has helped some clients for decades, including organising wills and estate arrangements, as well as probates.
Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au
Ken Hubert Family Law and Mediation
Ashilpa Khanna Wills and Estate Planning Lawyer. Notary Public
Daryn Griffiths Property and Commercial Solicitor
in all areas of Family Law, including adoptions. Ken is an accredited business and family mediator.
valid and up-to-date
turned upside down and what used to be normal is no longer normal.
“Couples without kids who are going their separate ways still have to grapple with that parting. Often they’ve built a life together and it can be hard to picture the rest of their lives without their partner.”
With a team that has decades of combined experience, Lucy says Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law strives to be a place where people can come to find help.
“Most people want to keep things amicable and stay out of court. We encourage that very much,” she says.
with clients from the first time they meet.
“That’s why we ask our clients at the first meeting what the most important thing is for them as a goal in the process before they leave the appointment,” she says.
“We keep this in mind throughout the case and we talk about many different ways this can be achieved.”
Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law, suite 2, ground floor, 11 London Circuit, Civic. Visit nsfamilylaw.com.au or call 6152 0493.
BAKER Deane and Nutt (BDN) is one of the oldest law firms in NSW, having been established for more than 160 years and providing expert advice with a personal touch, says partner Lorraine White.
With two offices, one in Canberra and another in Queanbeyan, BDN operates across NSW, ACT and Commonwealth jurisdictions.
Lorraine says the firm prides itself on being accessible, responsive, and innovative.
“Excellent staff, technology and systems ensure clients receive prompt, reliable and effective legal services,” she says.
Lorraine says BDN has managed the business of the firm through the COVID-19 pandemic well.
“Our systems and skilled staff have allowed us to continue providing legal services to our clients
throughout the pandemic, including when our staff have been working from home,” she says.
“We have not needed to close our doors at all, and have been busier than ever.
“Our staff were already set up to work remotely. Over the past few years we have effectively conducted client meetings and court attendances from both our offices and from home.
“BDN has embraced the new and hopefully ongoing efficiencies that have been developed during the pandemic.”
Baker Deane and Nutt, Level 1, 1 Farrell Place,
At Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law, we pride ourselves in our proven track record, our commitment to excellence, and expert knowledge of family law. We understand how difficult and emotional family law matters can be, we are compassionate and empathetic, guiding you towards the best possible solution for you.
For separating couples:
• Parenting arrangements
• Dividing property and superannuation
• Family violence matters
New or existing relationships:
• Best arrangements for your children
• Protecting assets and yourself
• Preserving entitlements
WHEN it comes to wills and estate planning, it’s best to get on the front foot and be prepared, says Maliganis Edwards Johnson partner Craig Edwards.
However, he says, sometimes people die without leaving a will, or if they have left one, it can be invalid or poorly prepared.
Other times, even when a will is valid, someone may feel they haven’t been adequately provided for.
“A lot of people don’t know what to do or where to start when a loved one dies. A solicitor can guide them through that,” he says.
“It can be emotional work and, if there are disputes, a solicitor is able to ‘step back’ and look at all the individual points of view.”
Craig says he can help people navigate problems for people who might feel a will is “not fair”.
“Often there are oversights, particularly in an extended or blended family,” he says.
“It’s certainly not always a vindictive thing, but it can cause distress – they’re dealing with the loss of a loved one while coming to terms with the fact that they haven’t been looked after as they may have been expecting.”
Craig has been a solicitor for more than 30 years, specialising in personal injury law for the past 20.
“It’s a complex area, with our ageing population and people who have more to leave than ever before,” he
“I like talking to people and helping them feel prepared, or if necessary, untangle any problems that
Maliganis Edwards Johnson, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic. Call 6257 2999 or visit mej.com.au
CELEBRATING the firm’s 45th anniversary this year, principal and solicitor Des Moore says that the team culture at KJB Law is an aspect that sets it apart as a local law firm.
“We are a down-to-earth firm. We always communicate in plain English to demystify the law to our clients and treat them as equals,” says Des Moore. Fellow principals, Andrew Freer and Jo Twible, say their longevity provides consistency and certainty to clients as they navigate many different fields of the law at different times in their lives and in their businesses.
Andrew says it’s very satisfying to have built long-standing relationships with his clients over the 22 years he has been with KJB Law.
“We have a personal approach and work collabora tively with clients and colleagues,” he says.
“Our clients feel comfortable with us and have confidence in our ability to deal with issues that have arisen.”
Jo Twible started at KJB Law 25 years ago and remembers that at the time there were only 14 staff, and now the team is more than 30.
“We tend to hold on to our clients so we are there should they ever need assistance and help in rebuilding their lives,” she says.
KJB Law, ground floor, 10 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6281 0999 or visit kjblaw.com.au
THERE’S quite the question around the origin of Woden’s name.
It is said to be named after a nearby homestead, whose owner Dr James Murray titled it “Woden” in October, 1837, after the Old English god of wisdom.
However, some historians also believe the name may have its origins in the Aboriginal word for Possum, either “wadyan” or “wadhan”.
Whatever it may be, the name has certainly become one of the most well known in Canberra, in large part thanks to the district’s thriving business scene.
This week “CityNews” makes its way to Woden to speak with some of the area’s passionate businesses.
HAVING opened in the heart of Phillip last year, Weft and Warp has established itself as a store providing a wide range of fabrics for making clothes.
“That’s what makes us a bit different from other shops that sell fabric, most don’t sell exclusively for the making of clothes,” says owner Rebecca Harper.
“We almost exclusively buy our fabrics from Europe, which means we have access to some of the nicest brands and the ones we know are more environmentally friendly.”
Rebecca says the store prides itself on being an inclusive place to visit that welcomes anyone through its doors.
“We don’t want this to be seen as a place just for women,” she says.
“There’s a bit of perception out there sewing is for women. We’ve got quite a few customers who are men and we sell the widest range of patterns for men we’ve been able to find.”
For those interested in sewing, Rebecca says Weft and Warp also hosts a variety of classes in its mezzanine room.
“We’ve got some very good teachers who are extraordinarily experienced and who are very good at troubleshooting issues,” she says.
“Wherever you’re at, everyone can learn to sew and we’re happy to teach people and provide them with the info and resources to do so.”
Weft and Warp, 10/82 Parramatta Street, Phillip. Call 6181 8583 or visit weftandwarp.com.au
Phillip store manager Peter Corbett says it’s “incred ibly rewarding” to be part of a team who help care for and improve the lives of people in the community.
“Some people are coming out of hospital because they’ve had a planned surgery, other people might wake up all of a sudden and their lives have changed completely,” he says.
“We want to provide products that can help them in
“It’s a very rewarding feeling to think that someone is going to walk out of this store and hopefully be in a better position than when they walked in,” he says.
Independent Living Specialists, units 3-4, 25 Dundas Court, Phillip. Call 9044 1333, email canberra@ilsau.com.au or visit ilsau.com.au
“They range from support for health, disability, family, mental health, aged care and more.”
After two years where many elderly Canberrans have been socially isolated, Jenny says their aged care social groups have been busier than ever.
“We have a few small buses and organise activities for seniors and give them that chance to be with others,” says Jenny.
“It might be a picnic, it might be to see an exhibition, trivia, sewing, knitting or even just lunch at a club.”
“These programs range from supporting people who are starting to have mental health difficulties right through to people who need residential support following a mental health episode in hospital.”
Jenny also says they have an after-school program run.
“Activities for kids include crafts, sports, games, dramatic play, cooking and excursions,” she says.
Woden Community Service, 26 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 6282 2644 or visit wcs.org.au
DIAMOND Tints is committed to supplying Canberra with one of the best automotive window films on the market, says owner Jason Taylor.
“We’re a family owned business, providing a professional service with top quality automotive window tinting for Canberra and surrounds,” he
“We pride ourselves on our experienced, friendly and professional service.”
Jason says there are heaps of benefits to window
tints that many people might not initially realise.
“There’s privacy, 99 per cent UV protection, safety and we offer lifetime warranty,” he says.
“Our film will significantly improve your vehicle energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and glare, as well as enhancing overall aesthetics.”
Diamond Tints, 77 Dundas Court, Phillip. Call 0404 284122, visit diamondtints.com.au or email info@diamondtints.com.au
ARKITEX is a firm that has been operating in Canberra since 1997, says director Alessandro (Alex) D’Ambrosio.
“We are a focused firm dedicated to enhancing and improving the local architectural fabric of our immediate local community and surrounding regional areas alike.”
And, Alex says, they’re excited to be expanding to south-east Queensland soon.
But, of course, “Woden is a great place for our office here in Canberra”.
“Woden Valley has experienced something of a boom in renovation, addition and knock-down and rebuild of homes over recent years. This has led to the commute to our office being littered with our previous projects, which is not only rewarding to see from our perspective,
but it is a good primer for clients meeting at our office.
“We have a focus on the design development phase, working closely with our clients and meeting as often as required to ensure an outcome that meets or exceeds our clients’ desires as well as achieving an architectural outcome of high quality.
“The experience we have garnered through the projects we have completed informs each project we undertake. We apply what we have learned through our many years of providing our services,” says Alex.
“Arkitex architecture is less of a career and more of a lifestyle and passion.”
Arkitex, Shop 5, 24 Torrens Place, Torrens. Call 0413 570599, email info@arkitex.com.au or visit arkitex.com.au
Diamond Window Tints is a small, family owned business with a mission to provide Canberra and surrounds with the highest quality window film and best customer service.
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77 Dundas Court, Phillip
By Jackie WARBURTON
TREES perform their autumnal colour best when there has been a dry summer and autumn has had bright sunny days and cool nights.
Our climate is perfect for deciduous exotic trees in the garden to give summer shade and winter sun. They also give us free organic matter to enrich the soil.
Now’s a good time to go to the nursery to choose the right autumn colour for the garden. For example, some maples don’t colour up as well as others. So, if there’s to be a focalpoint plant, then it’s very important to the overall design of the garden that the colour sits well with other plants and doesn’t clash with other foliage colours.
CHRYSANTHEMUMS, a popular Mother’s Day gift, are great for a cut flower and can last in a vase for at least three weeks. They come in four main types of flowers. The largest are called spider blooms and can be a huge, beautiful flower at least 10-15 centimetres wide. The smallest is a pom-pom type that’s as little as five centimetres wide. Chrysanthemums can be kept in pots as well as fill a good space in the autumn garden with their bold splashes of colour. They’re herbaceous perennials and can be pruned to the ground when flowering is finished. They like an acid soil, so plant them around camellias and azaleas and they will grow well.
When buying chrysanthemums from the nursery they will be dwarf, small and compact, because they’re sprayed with a growth regulator, but when they are planted into the garden, they will need tip pruning up until Christmas and then they won’t need to be staked.
NOW’S the last time to get the winter seedlings and veggies into the ground such as Asian greens, broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower, leeks, lettuce, onions and peas. There still will be cabbage moths around, so squish any you see to keep their numbers down. The fungal diseases are still around because the wet weather has continued. Any diseased material should go into the green bin and not composted to prevent reinfecting the garden next season.
RASPBERRIES (Rubus idaeus) can be pruned back from now through any time in winter as most of the
foliage and fruit have finished and they are going into dormancy.
Pruning berries can be confusing, but knowing the variety growing in the garden will help as well with the correct pruning method needed for fruiting.
raspberries, summer fruiting and autumn fruiting. Summer-fruiting raspberries such as Willamette and
Chilcotin produce one big glut of fruit in summer. One cane takes two years to flower and fruit. The cane that has fruited gets cut out at ground level and the primocanes, the ones that have not fruited, get tied up to a wire frame. By the following year, they are called floricanes (flowering canes). If the canes are too long for the frame they can be cut or trained horizontally along a wire to produce more fruit.
Autumn-fruiting raspberries such as Heritage and Autumn Bliss will fruit twice, once in autumn and a small amount in summer, then die. All of the canes get pruned to the ground after the fruit has been harvested.
There’s a new native raspberry that might be worth a try called “Pete’s Thornless” (Rubus rosifolius). Although only found in northern NSW around 2016, it is said to be frost hardy, can grow in a pot and is
| aquafloirrigation.com.au
Chrysanthemums… like an acid soil, so plant them around camellias and azaleas and they will grow well.
By Helen Musa
WHEN Canberra composer and performer Neille Williams won both first prizes in the Australian Women’s Wind Band Composition Award for two original pieces, it was not just a coup for the Lyneham resident, but for the Canberra arts scene.
The conductor for the John Agnew Band, clarinettist in the Canberra City Band and lead singer in its big band, Spectrum, is also a teacher, published author, blogger, and mother to two lively boys. She’s no ingenue.
Daughter of well-known Sydney jazz player Tom Williams and a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with a degree in music composition, she worked in Sydney as a musician and singer, performing with musicians such as Jon English and Natalie Bassingthwaighte, before moving to Canberra in 2013.
As a child, she tells me, she spent many long hours in the lighting box watching her dad from afar. “Then he’d pick up his girl and his instruments and bring them back home –it influenced me a lot,” she says.
Composer and performer Neille Williams… “I love concert bands, I’m primarily a clarinet player. I do play sax sometimes and I play more and more jazz these days.”
Here in Canberra, the scene is livening up and she points with relief to the recent explosion of activity.
“There’s still covid around and a lot of cancellations, but the music community is up and running.”
Like many writers and composers she’s found solace and productivity in isolation and Williams took the opportunity to write
two pieces which saw her winning the Australian Women’s Wind Band Composition Award which, supported by Queensland Wind Orchestra, the competition is the brainchild of Rachel Howley, of Maestros with a Mission.
Assessed through a “blind” judging process, her winning pieces were “Concerto for Egg Shaker” for young players in
Category 1 and “Scary Clown Theme” in the more advanced Category 2.
The prize includes performances of both works, but when music students at Grace Lutheran College in Brisbane were getting ready to premiere “Concerto for Egg Shaker” covid struck, so all that’s on hold.
Composing music and writing literature may be viewed as an unusual combination and Williams, a paid-up member of the ACT Writers Centre, has also had some exceptional success in the second area.
“I’ve always been a good writer and I worked in an ad agency for a short time, so I developed good writing skills,” she says.
“Even though music is my main career… I found an income stream doing a little bit of writing. When lockdown came, I did some blog-writing, polished up stories and my writing took off again. I got second prize in the International Human Rights Art Festival literary category in 2021 for my story ‘The Light and the Shade’. It’s something else that’s happened and I’m really pleased.”
Of late, she’s been deriving most of her income through her website, nwilliamscreative.com, of which she declares herself “quite proud”, through which she sells music band arrangements.
By night she performs with Spectrum and finds time to front her own jazz quintet, Nice Work If You Can Get It, which makes regular appearances at venues such as Molly’s and Hippo.
Her day job is as the musical director for the John Agnew Band, an adult leisure and development band component of Canberra City Band.
“We do a lot of cool gigs and have a lot of fun at places like Floriade,” she says.
“I love concert bands, I’m primarily a clarinet player. I do play sax sometimes and I play more and more jazz these days.”
As for her big award, it’s a fairly new initiative: “It really champions diversity in both composing and conducting and I’ve encountered a great deal of sexism in both... and with the organisation being called Maestros with a Mission, I thought: ‘I’m going to go for it’.
“I’m very big on writing things for kids and I love it when I see the little people creating, and in my ‘Concerto for Egg Shaker’ I have proved it can be comic and fun.
“‘Scary Clown Theme’ is a work I love and the idea of clowns being funny but a bit scary has interested me for a long time.
“Kids make jokes about it, but meaning they are interested.
“I believe my composition shows the laughing clown side but has an undercurrent of spookiness. I think I did that really well.”
So, what instruments evoke scariness? I ask.
“I think every single instrument can be used both in a dark way and a light way,” she says.
“People think that the lower registers are dark and spooky, but I think every instrument can be used in that way.”
“An extraordinary play”
The theatrical set up is simple. A group of activists with disabilities gather in a town hall for a very angry meeting. It’s in real-time, about an hour, and the play never leaves the confines of the hall, as the actors address the audience.
Photo: Zan Wimberley
on which the actors’ thoughts begin to appear, but the screen takes on a life of its own, becoming a kind of antagonist.
The activists, played by Simon Laherty, Sarah Mainwaring and Scott Price, engage with audi -
ences on the subject of artificial intelligence and, as the play proceeds, a dystopian future presents itself in which human beings, faced in the future with superior intelligences, may face the very same treatment as people with disability do now, just like the horse who becomes the prey.
“The play shifts the perspective, asking the audience to consider their own expectations of people with disabilities,” Gladwin says.
But good theatre is always to do with actors on stage, he says, and the skills of the three actors are revealed as they unveil the sense of “otherness” that is so often projected upon them.
By turning patronising attitudes back on the audience, they’re effectively saying: “This is not about us so much; it’s about you, in the future”.
With a decade of international touring behind them, they’re well-acquainted with different terminology for people with disabilities, with some European countries still using the word “handicapped” but that doesn’t faze them and, in fact, they enjoy the cut and thrust of debate.
Gladwin is naturally delighted that the talents of the stars, who co-wrote “The Shadow” with him over a three-year period, have been recognised in an internationally competitive
“Even though we’re talking about disability, there are universal elements in our play about the machinations of power – the subject of all great theatre,’’ he says. “Our object is to make great art.”
“The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes”, The Playhouse, May 11-13. Book at canberratheatrecentre.com.au
COVID-19 implications have seen this Free Rain production of “Priscilla” delayed on two occasions, the show finally reaching the stage 18 months after rehearsals commenced.
Revised production schedules have resulted in numerous cast changes with the program revealing that, thanks to illness, up until opening night, the complete company had not ever all worked together.
It is testimony to the determination and perseverance of the producer, production team, cast, musicians and crew that the pink bus finally revved up and rolled into town.
While there was great excitement about finally overcoming all hurdles and appearing on stage, certain opening-night nervousness was evident and the show began in a rocky fashion, but by act two the show hit its straps and the fruits of countless rehearsal hours were fully realised.
The musical is based on the 1994 film, “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”. It then later became a hugely successful stage show which utilised well known (predominantly disco) songs of the era to tell the story of two drag queens who team up with a trans woman to venture through the Australian desert in a converted bus (Priscilla) aiming to perform their
drag show at an Alice Springs resort where one of the trio is to meet up with his long lost ex-wife and son.
Jarrad West (Bernadette), Joe Dinn (Tick/Mitzi) and Garrett Kelly (Adam/Felicia) head the cast and, after that initial hesitation, provided powerful portrayals of their very different characters.
West, who also directed the production, had massive dual responsibilities but shone as the kind and empathetic Bernadette.
His superb comic timing ensured that every funny line and joke was delivered to fullest effect while his tenderness, particularly in scenes with Bob the mechanic (Pat Gallagher), was gentle and moving.
Big-voiced Dinn made a welcome return to his hometown Canberra stage after 20 years working overseas. His singing of “I Say a Little Prayer” settled the show in act one while his “Macarthur Park” boomed solidly throughout the theatre.
Kelly played the brash, bold, over-the-top Felicia with aplomb. His exaggerated movement and witty (and mostly cruel) asides and interjections were perfect in creating required tension between the three.
There were many performances of note. Steph Roberts (also associate director) in the cameo role of Shirley, the rough barmaid, was particularly amusing while the voice of Steph
Maclaine as the opera soloist was stunning. The three divas, who virtually narrate the story (Janie Lawson, Hannah Lance and Chelsea Heaney) were powerful, particularly with “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”.
Michelle Heine’s choreography was, as ever, inventive and strong, and the well-disciplined ensemble interpreted her outrageously garish moves with energy and enthusiasm. Many varied dance styles needed to be performed. Jordan Kelly was particularly impressive with his exuberance.
An amazing 440 colourful costume pieces were utilised, a mammoth effort from costume designer Fiona Leach and her team as they produced everything from
paint brushes to iced VoVo biscuits for the company who, incidentally, coped very well with many rapid costume changes.
“Priscilla”, in the ‘90s, was perhaps ahead of its time in its story of embracing diversity and appreciating love in all of its forms but, with its ockerisms and portrayal of Australian culture, remains a fine vehicle for conveying the message in a fun but also delicate and meaningful way.
After such a long time waiting, this production will bring great joy, pleasure and appreciation of others to its audiences.
JAPANESE cuisine is known all over the world for its beauty, carefully considered combination of flavours and quality, fresh ingredients.
Traditional dishes look like works of art and chefs spend many hours perfecting plating techniques.
More Japanese restaurants are popping up in the capital, with one of the latest being Maji Japanese Cuisine in Campbell’s Koben Building.
One of our group isn’t a huge fan of raw food, but that didn’t matter because Maji offers plenty of cooked dishes, including the steamed pork Gyoza which was a real treat (five pieces for $12). This street-style food is inspiring and, at Maji, filling. The dipping sauce set our taste buds singing.
The prawn tempura was light and crispy (five pieces for $26) and delivered in a metal basket with a stunning shape. We also gave a massive tick to the Kani Korokke, crab croquettes with mayo (two pieces for $10). They were light and creamy. Next time we’ll try the soft shell crab tempura (two pieces for $28).
Although our one friend didn’t indulge, the rest of us worshipped the Wagyu beef, served with two styles of wasabi. The meat was cut slightly thick but melted in the mouth. The slices of Wagyu were delicately placed on long, green leaves and the dish decorated with a straw-type fan.
Craving more tempura, we ordered the vegetable mix (six pieces for $24), a combination of pumpkin, sweet potato and more.
We didn’t fall as deeply in love with the mains. Adventurous eaters who worship a fabulous pork belly, we ordered the gluten-free Miso Utane Buta. The stir-fried, sliced pork belly looked “beige” and not as inviting as the pretty starters. Although no doubt an “authentic taste of Japan”, we agreed the dish was also a bit bland on taste. Grilled options are on Maji’s menu (allow 45 minutes) and express lunches are available.
Maji Japanese Cuisine offers
five sakes, including a sparkling (mix of cold and hot). Our Jozen Mizunogotoshi Junmai Ginjo was a winner and arrived in a gorgeous blue and white pouring bottle carefully placed in a matching bowl filled with hot water to keep the sake warm ($22 for 180 ml). Talk about style...
The wine list is limited (three reds, three whites, one sparkling) but reasonably priced. Our Madfish Gold Turtle Riesling was $12 a glass and $55 a bottle. Maji
Japanese Cuisine is also happy with BYO. Japanese-inspired lanterns are a feature of the light, airy, clean and contemporary fitout. The restaurant is enclosed with massive floor-to-ceiling windows, letting the sun in during the day. Lighting is adjusted at night for ambiance.
By Helen Musa
CANBERRA born-and-bred classical guitarist Rupert Boyd, who now lives in New York, has been named “new artist of the month” in the April edition of the oldest American classical music magazine, “Musical America”. He gives full credit to the joys of having grown up in Canberra, where he purports to have been fond of cricket, swimming and catching yabbies – and Jimi Hendrix.
“REBEL” is billed as a tribute to David Bowie, a night of music, glam rock, acrobatics, aerials and a sideshow. It’s part of Belco Arts’ aim to get punters back into the theatre. At Belconnen Arts Centre, May 20-21. Book at belcoarts.com
QL2 Dance has launched a new film, “Unavoidable Casualty”, available until May 8 at ql2.org.au
WERGAIA/Wemba singer-songwriter Alice Skye has been making waves with her articulate lyrics on love, loss, and life in the album “I Feel Better but I Don’t Feel Good”. She’ll be at the Courtyard Studio, May 12. Book at canberratheatrecentre.com.au
AFTER a covid-related postponement, The Song Company’s program about the life and work of Beatrix Potter is coming to town. “Becoming Beatrix” features former Canberra soprano Chloe Lankshear and art song specialist Francis Greep in a sweep through songs portraying women from several centuries. At Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 3pm, May 14. Book at the.song.company
“JEFFREY Smart” at the National Gallery closes on May 15. Book at nga.gov.au
&
FIFTEEN minutes into the first episode of “Barry”, the show’s leading anti-hero hit man disguised as a wannabe actor blows his cover.
He’s standing in the middle of a deserted car park in LA with his eccentrically washedup theatre teacher when he breaks down and confesses to the crimes of his deadly profession.
On the verge of tears, voice cracking guilt ridden, he can’t hold it in any longer. He reveals to this dumbfounded drama tutor he’s a discharged marine, one who has brought his deadly skills back into the normal world as a gun-for-hire, skills he’s been paid to use to assassinate an actor in the drama class, the only reason he signed up for it in the first place.
There’s a charged moment of tension, a point of utter unpredictability, before his teacher remarks: “Interesting”.
“The story is nonsense, but there’s some thing to work with,” he says, believing this strange man has just put on a masterclass in improvisation.
Of course, everything Barry just told him was true, but his teacher doesn’t know that. This was the moment “Barry” proved it was going to be something different.
In the endless piles of crime dramas attempting to emulate the success of shows such as “Breaking Bad” we’ve seen the leading anti-hero spend seasons hiding their secret from those around them. “Barry” on
the other hand constantly tries to fly in the face of the shows that so clearly inspired it. We watch as this hitman becomes more and more absorbed by his acting class, soon realising he has dreams of his own to perform and begins to fall in love with a
fellow student.
But his past casts a long shadow. It’s not long before he’s trying to balance his newfound aspirations and love life while becoming more and more ensnared in an all out drug war.
This is the crux of “Barry”, a show where comedy and drama are in a tug-of-war with one another, but with neither side ever
It’s sincere in its exploration of more serious themes, but is never afraid to dunk its audience in a new bucket of bathos when
This could easily get jarring, but comedian Bill Hader is what makes it work. Hader is a writer, director, producer and stars as the titular character who is somehow able to make his audience feel for this character who
He’s backed by a stellar cast of great
Henry Winkler, who most will know as the Fonz from ‘80s sitcom “Happy Days”, is ingeniously cast as the self aggrandising
Sarah Goldberg plays Sally, the object of Barry’s affection and an actress so caught up in getting a star on the walk of fame that she’s oblivious to the danger right next to
And, of course, Anthony Carrigan, who plays the hilarious “NoHo Hank”, a deadpan Chechen mobster who quickly became a fan favourite.
Now streaming its third season, it’s been three years since the show’s last episode as the pandemic heavily delayed filming.
One year breaks between shows can make details hard to remember as it is, let alone triple that. Luckily, “Barry” always keeps things snappy.
Episodes are never more than 40 minutes, and whole seasons never more than eight episodes. In fact, it is quite remarkable how much substance “Barry” is actually able to pack into its minimal format.
The point is, it makes a rewatch quick and easy, and one that, at least for me, revealed a bunch of new details that built up even more excitement for its newest instalment.
In this new set of episodes it seems the farce Barry has desperately been trying to cling on to is about to come undone, and it’s bound to bring audiences back more eager than ever before to see if he can keep those plates spinning.
That is after all, what makes “Barry” such a relatable affair. No, we’re not hitmen or killers, but haven’t we all, at least once, put on a bit of a performance to hide who we really are?
“Barry” season three is streaming on Binge.
“After Yang” (PG)
BASED on Alexander Weinstein’s short story “Saying Goodbye to Yang”, this film is about robotic “technobeings”, artificial intelligence and cloning, in a subtly-designed future scarred by environmental hubris.
Is it any good? That depends on the most important person in the cinema business – you, the filmgoer.
I stopped liking the sci-fi genre when mankind went to outer space. I didn’t like “After Yang” for reasons I’ll explain later, resulting from form rather than content that, when reduced to purely human elements, is what makes any film good, bad or indifferent.
Jake (Colin Farrell) and Kyra (Jodie TurnerSmith) adopted their daughter Mika (Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja) as a baby from China. Then, as Mika’s companion and to teach her about her cultural heritage and save money, they bought Yang (Justin H Min) a second-hand advanced android whose previous owners had kept him for only five days.
Curious, wondering about living people, Yang’s memories are fogging the line between helpful robot and older brother who has become part of Jake and Kyra’s family. Knowing his limitations, he hankers to experience and feel more. His musings on experiencing life are quiet, heartbreakingly wistful. Being merely a robot no longer satisfies him – he yearns to be more human.
And that’s not going to happen, is it?
Throughout the film, interior scenes (which dominate the film’s 96 minutes) are shot using available light. That can lead to unexpected consequences, confusing the image on the screen, especially shots
through a car windscreen from outside, in which flickering reflections off that screen, rather than action inside the car, dominate the whole image.
South Korean/American writer/director Kogonada (a pseudonym based on Kogo Noda who wrote several of Yasujirō Ozu’s films; he doesn’t reveal his real name) might have expected his audience to understand his creative reason for using those techniques so lavishly. But my reaction was swelling annoyance rather than admiration.
At Dendy and Palace Electric
“Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy” (M)
DO you remember Japanese writer/director Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Drive My Car”, Japan’s nomination for this year’s foreign language Oscar for best film?
Written while COVID-19 restrictions were preventing completion of that film, Hamaguchi now brings us another film with lots of good stuff to exercise our brains and please our tastes, with this trilogy of stories in which women let fly with what women might hope for from relationships.
In “Magic (or Something Less Assuring)” Meiko must choose to work out what to do about her best friend dating an ex-boyfriend for whom her feelings are a bit mixed.
In “Door Wide Open” a mother (Katsuki Mori) sets out to honey-trap an academic (Kiyohiko Shibukawa) who’s written a successful erotic
novel and who demeaned the rather dull younger man she’s been seeing outside her marriage only to jumpstart what sounds like a more titillating adulterous option. Their eventual desires develop when she reads aloud from his erotic story, before a silly mistake destroys both their livelihoods.
In “Once Again” a virus crashes all electronic communication temporarily and people must revert to writing letters. Computer engineer Moka (Fusako Urabe) decides to attend her high school reunion. Next morning, she runs into Nana (Aoba Kawai), who she believes to be the classmate for whom she had been looking for at the reunion. At Nana’s home, the two women reminisce. Eventually, it appears neither has any real memory of the other and their attraction is instead a complex mixture of memories, repressed desires, and the need for a connection. Pressed about her life, Nana tells Moka: “Objectively speaking, I’m happy.” Later, she reveals: “Time is slowly killing me. I’m not passionate about anything anymore.”
Any character in these three stories could have said that and meant it; people trapped in moments they wish or believe should have come about differently. They build from the rather slow “Magic…” through the specifically real erotic passage of “Door Wide Open” to “Once Again” which had me at first smiling then becoming anxious about what had unfolded between the two women.
At Dendy and Palace Electric
By Joanne Madeline Moore
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Be extra careful and patient, as Mercury starts reversing through your communication and travel zones on Tuesday. Then bold and brassy Jupiter jumps into your sign – for the first time since 2011! So capitalise on the fiery energy boost and good fortune it provides. Confidence is the rocket fuel that can really take you places. Be inspired by birthday great, actress Cate Blanchett: “I think it’s always good to take on things that at first seem bigger than you.”
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)
Financial matters look confusing, as you underestimate a major expense or waste money on an inappropriate purchase. You could also doubt your ability to follow through with a project or promise. Learn to trust your talents and feel secure and strong from within. You could take up yoga, meditation or some sort of metaphysical study over the next 12 months, as philosophical Jupiter broadens your spiritual perspective. There’s always something new to learn!
GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)
Expect some short-term hiccups (especially involving travel, cars, commerce, communication and/or computers) as Mercury starts reversing through your sign on Tuesday. Then Jupiter jumps into your hopes-and-wishes zone. So it’s time to make long-term plans and set goals for the future. And don’t make them too safe and sensible! Go for gold, as Jupiter helps you envision ambitious dreams and creative schemes over the coming year.
CANCER (June 22 – July 23)
Have you been burning the midnight oil and now you’re suffering from burnout? Or have you been running around on autopilot, making careless mistakes? With Mercury reversing through your solitude zone, it’s time to slip into hermit Crab mode, simplify your life, prune projects or organise a digital detox. Jupiter also transits into your career zone which bodes well for a promotion, new job or lucky professional break over the next 12 months.
LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)
With Jupiter transiting into your travel zone, foreign shores beckon over the next 12 months, so start planning your itinerary now. It’s also important to keep up to date with your international contacts. Your motto for the moment is from this week’s birthday great, actress Cate Blanchett (who turns 53 on Saturday): “It’s important to travel and move and have a continual set of experiences so you’ve got more to feed back into your work and your life.”
VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
Mercury starts reversing through your career zone on Tuesday, so you can expect employment problems, pay delays, workplace worries or conflicts with colleagues. But don’t let current challenges deter you. Patience and persistence will win in the end. Then Jupiter visits your ‘money-from-others zone’. So – over the coming year – you could benefit from a pay rise, inheritance, divorce settlement, insurance claim, bumper tax return or superannuation pay-out.
LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
On Tuesday, Mercury starts reversing through your travel zone. So – if you are heading off on a holiday or business trip – don’t rush! Make sure you double check your itinerary and allow plenty of time to get to each destination. Then generous Jupiter transits into your partnership zone. So over the coming year aim to be more positive and encouraging towards loved ones. Plus try to view a troubled relationship from a more philosophical perspective.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
Mercury turns retrograde on Tuesday. So the next three weeks is not a good time to buy big ticket items (like a house or car), sign important contracts, start a joint venture, open a bank account, borrow funds or lend money to others. Instead, be patient and wait until after June 3. Then Jupiter jumps into your job and wellbeing zones, which is good news for your physical, mental and emotional health over the coming year. Improved work conditions are also likely.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
Mercury starts reversing through your partnership zone on Tuesday. So a complicated close relationship needs to be reviewed, recalibrated, rebooted or even completely reinvented. Then Jupiter (your patron planet) transits into fellowfire sign Aries. Over the next 12 months, many Sagittarians will take up a sport or hobby, start a fiery romance, go on a fabulous holiday or welcome a new addition to the family. Creative projects are also favoured.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
Jupiter is set to expand your domestic horizons. Over the coming year, you could buy or sell real estate, move house, get a new housemate or renovate your present place. Sunday’s Sun/Saturn square amplifies your perfectionist streak, which could lead to unnecessary angst when you discover that 100% satisfaction is hard to find. Your motto is from Spanish painter (and birthday great) Salvador Dali: “Have no fear of perfection… you’ll never reach it.”
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
Your online presence could really take off over the next 12 months, as bountiful Jupiter blesses media and communication. So make sure you have plenty of topical and interesting things to say. But Saturn (which is still in your sign) has a valuable lesson to teach you. If you really want to succeed, then enthusiasm must be backed up with hard work. As Hollywood icon (and birthday great) Katharine Hepburn observed: “Without discipline, there’s no life at all.”
PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
Prepare for some domestic dramas and family fiascos, as Mercury starts reversing through your home and neighbourhood zones until June 3. Smart Pisceans will handle recalcitrant relatives with extra tact and diplomacy. And have you been worrying about money matters? Prosperity planet Jupiter transits into your money zone for the first time since 2011. So make the most of any lucky financial opportunities that come your way over the next 12 months.
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2022
4 To walk laboriously, is to do what? (6)
7 To contemplate mentally, is to do what? (8)
8 What is the language of the Australian deaf community? (6)
9 To be haunted by thoughts, is to be what? (8)
11 Name an organised series of boat races. (7)
13 The American abstract painter, Jackson Pollock was nicknamed Jack the what? (7)
15 What, in Hinduism, is the final release from the cycle of reincarnation? (7)
17 To have made a gesture in greeting, is to have done what? (7)
20 Which figure of a star is used as a reference mark? (8)
23 That which is not just, is said to be what? (6)
24 What are words conveying absurd ideas? (8)
25 Name an alternative expression for pieces of poetry. (6)
1 What, colloquially, is an old car called? (4)
2 To be dormant, is to be what? (6)
3 What, in the ancient Roman calendar, was the 15th day of March? (4)
4 Which term describes the buying and selling of commodities? (5)
5 To open something that is firmly closed, is to do what? (6)
6 Who was the 18th President of the US, Ulysses S ...? (5)
9 What are commands? (6)
10 Name another term for messages. (7)
12 To set upon with force, is to do what? (6)
14 Which gold coins were formerly in wide use in European countries? (6)
16 Name an official who takes care of the interior of a church. (6)
18 What was the given name for the US markswoman, Ms Oakley? (5)
19 When one gains by labour or service, one does what? (5)
21 Name a large fast-swimming marine food fish. (4)
22 What is a long band worn round the waist? (4)
Medina called wanting help with her making large taxdeductible donations before the end of the financial year, including one to a candidate in the federal election.
I told her last year the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) was questioning large donations.
"So your return could well be checked this year," I said. "First of all you need to be certain your donations are tax deductible. To be tax deductible, donations must be made to a deductible gift recipient (DGR), be $2 or over and you must have receipts or other proof of payment.
"I often see receipts for tea towels or raffle tickets, these are not donations. You cannot receive anything in return when you make a donation.”
To check if an organisation is registered to receive taxdeductible donations, search ABN Lookup (abr.business.gov. au). It's important to ensure using the name shown on this website as some large organisations have some divisions with DGR status and some without. "One little trap," I told Medina, "if you make a donation to a person in difficult circumstances it is not a tax-deductible donation unless you make it on GoFundMe or Facebook. Those donations go to the PayPal Giving Fund and you should be able to claim a tax deduction provided they are Australia based.”
Medina was surprised to discover GoFundMe donations were tax deductible.
“You also asked about donations to your preferred candidate," I said.
"If you make a donation to either a registered political party or an independent candidate you can claim a tax deduction for up to $1500 each.
“There is also a program whereby you can make taxdeductible cultural gifts to public art galleries, museums and libraries in Australia. This is known as the cultural gifts program. It is quite complex, so if you are interested and have some appropriate artworks we can discuss this at your next appointment.”
Anyone making a regular donation to a DGR by direct debit, will not generally get a receipt for each donation, but at the end of the year will receive a summary of all donations made that year. This is all the ATO needs to confirm the claimed donations.
“One other little thing that probably won’t affect you, Medina," I said,"if your taxable income results in a loss you can’t claim the donations.
"By way of example, if your taxable income is $40,000 and you make a $50,000 donation, you can only claim $40,000 of your donation as a tax deduction.”
Medina said she'd be sure to send all the receipts when sending in her tax return.
If you need advice on donations or any other tax-related matter, contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 6295 2844.
Disclaimer
This column contains general advice, please do not rely on it. If you require specific advice on this topic please contact Gail Freeman or your professional adviser.
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