CityNews 220922

Berry treats community spaces like a land bank

PAUL COSTIGAN

From Tramalot Castle, smile-weary King Andrew the Worst plots his next move… KEEPING UP THE ACT is there

SIMON ANDERSON meets the Caps’ latest recruit

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

SAVAGE TRUTH

Dance director DANIEL RILEY on his latest show

There’s still time to plant a peach tree

JACKIE WARBURTON

recent deaths of at least two children. What’s gone wrong?

JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED reveal how the ACT government got us into this deadly mess.

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How an anxious, young Jahin found his voice

selected as 2021’s ACT Young Citizen of the Year as well as a finalist for Young Australian of the Year at the national

Amidst the covid pandemic, his passions would culminate with Breathe, an enterprise he created that aimed to teach the same public-speaking skills he’d learnt to others similarly struggling to find their voice.

His bedroom start-up was not only acquired by the ASE earlier this year, but the organisation would soon after

“We know communication is the number one, most employable skill in any work you go into,” says Jahin.

“It’s so fundamental, but we don’t put emphasis on it. I think it needs to be part of the curriculum, parallel to science, maths and English.”

As CEO of the ASE, Jahin says workshops, education programs and conferences that teach fundamental communication skills to those in need of them will be his priority.

“There is no ‘adulting 101’ class in high school that can prepare young people for the big, wide world,” says

“How do you pay your taxes? How do you start a business? There were just so many skills I should have learned

“We want to be the place young people come to where they can learn about

With 32 years experience, William Cole Funerals provide excellence in funeral service.

SEVEN DAYS

Of paragons, lost millions and shifting assets

SOME years ago, when I was managing director of “The Canberra Times”, chairman Kerry Stokes made a rhetorical observation at a board meeting that, as a media company, we had always to be paragons of the business community.

He was saying that as we were in the privileged position of exposing wrongdoing and criticising others, it was contingent on us to be totally compliant with paying taxes, suppliers and creditors.

My colleague and friend at that time was accountant Nick Samaras, these days owner of “Canberra Weekly”.

He’s been attracting public attention over recent weeks because his printer IVE Group Australia (to whom he owes $1,050,675) and the Australian Tax Office ($422,955) were pressing in on his Canberra publishing company. Newstate Media has now collapsed with debts totalling $1,573,215 leaving them, and the Commonwealth Bank ($80,129) with little prospect of being paid.

And outside the local spotlight, there is more debt in two associated companies that slipped into liquidation at around the same time – Newstate Media (Newcastle), which published the “Newcastle Weekly”, and Newstate Media Holdings.

According to Samaras’ signed report on “company activities and property” to the Australian Securities and Investments Com -

mission (ASIC) dated June 24, Newstate Newcastle collapsed owing the ATO $103,723, its printer – IVE – $186,760, Commonwealth Bank, $38,044 and the Australian Workers Union, $9913. That’s a total of $338,440.

And, in a separate ASIC filing on the same day, Samaras reported the holding company owed the ATO another $152,302.

Meanwhile, his ex-wife and editor, Julie Samaras, has been busily spinning sunshine on social media that, no really, all’s well around “Canberra Weekly”.

The liquidator of the Newstate group, Eddie Senatore, might be good enough to explain to her why the creditors, owed a total of $2,063,057, may be less sanguine, in particular the total owed by the group to the printer ($1,237,435) and the ATO ($678,980).

In the minutes of a Newstate creditors’ meeting on August 15, Senatore advised there may be an insolvent trading claim against Samaras, “however, the liquidator would need to be funded in order to pursue the claim, as there was limited funds in the external administration”.

He’s correct. There is $50,000 in outstanding advertising revenue available to the liquidator, pretty well the same number that Senatore is charging to put Newstate to sleep.

In response to questioning from the printer

about trading while insolvent, Senatore advised the meeting that, from preliminary enquiries, Samaras had “limited personal financial capacity in order to satisfy such a claim, and investigations were still ongoing”.

I have written about the collapse of Newstate Media on our website citynews. com.au, as has the Riotact website through some credible reporting by Ian Bushnell Samaras, 65, has posted a statement on his website saying: “Some of our media competitors in this town, with ulterior motives and hidden agendas, will want to have their say to suit their purposes.”

He did not dispute the accuracy of any earlier reporting, which also revealed how he sold the magazine from the indebted company, in which he is the sole shareholder, to a new company, Newstime Media, in which he is the sole shareholder.

I have no ulterior motive, nor hidden agenda, but I believe this story is in the public interest and instructive to the Canberra business community.

It started on May 3 when Samaras went to discuss his group’s burgeoning debt problems with Eddie Senatore Advisory.

I have pieced the chronology of Newstate’s demise and the phoenix-like rise of Newstime mostly from Senatore’s diligent subsequent filings (as liquidator) to ASIC.

June 2: “I received a telephone call from the director [Samaras] who advised he had now received a final notice of demand and statutory winding up by IVE Group… on the same day I had further discussion with the director for the available options to the company including

a voluntary administration and a creditors’ voluntary liquidation,” Senatore reports.

June 10: Samaras registers the new company Newstime Media Pty Ltd, with its address at Griffith accounting firm MGI Joyce Dickson. He is the sole director, secretary and shareholder.

June 20: Samaras sells the magazine and its assets to Newstime for an unknown price, effectively removing all assets from Newstate Media.

June 24: Samaras signs and dates ASIC liquidation forms for Newstate Newcastle and Newstate Holdings, reporting combined debts of $490,742 (but not received by the liquidator until July 21).

June 28: Senatore is approached by Samaras requesting he act as liquidator to Newstate Media.

July 11: Senatore is appointed voluntary administrator. In his “Declaration of Independence’’, he provides reasoning that the pre-appointment interactions did not affect his independence and attests that he provided no further information or advice to Samaras.

July 20: Senatore chairs a meeting of Newstate’s creditors at which he advises his appointment as administrator is “as a result of the insufficient assets to meet its obligations as and when they became due”.

On questioning from the printer, Senatore says he’s in the process of investigating the

sale of Newstate’s assets to Newstime and that he would report to ASIC during the course of his administration. If the sale was deemed undervalued he would seek to overturn the transaction, saying he would seek funding from ASIC to pursue the claim.

August 15: A second creditors’ meeting of 27 minutes resolves to wind up Newstate Media and that the liquidator disposes of the books and records of the company in three months “or earlier at the discretion of ASIC”.

In summary, as his Newcastle business fails and in the shadow of the threat of closure from his creditors, Samaras sells the principal asset of Newstate Media – “The Weekly” – to Newstime leaving the company bereft of assets, and its creditors without hope of being paid.

What the ATO or ASIC choose to do next is unknown, but I fancy the printer will be left to suck it up. Not a place for paragons.

Ian Meikle is the editor of “CityNews” and can be heard with Rod Henshaw on the “CityNews Sunday Roast” news and interview program, 2CC, 9am-noon. There are more of his columns on citynews.com.au

17 September – 3 December

Lose yourself in the work of influential Australian Chinese artist Lindy Lee. Slow down and take in shimmering, meditative and thought-provoking works in her survey exhibition, which draws on her experience of living between two cultures.

Exhibition organised and toured by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program.

A second opinion on hearing loss

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Dr Vass

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

4. Hearing aids can be expensive.

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

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

C

CANBERRA MATTERS

Berry treats community spaces like a land bank

WHEN a politician says something such as: “Recreational areas in a suburb create a vital meeting point for the community”, then people should celebrate having such a person in government.

This was a quote from the ACT Greenslabor Minister, Yvette Berry. Many would be puzzled by her statement given she is not known for fighting for green spaces and community facilities.

A few years back when this minister announced she was to build housing on community lands and parks, the community raised objections.

In the 21st century people should be able to take it for granted that green spaces are important. However, the Greenslabor government quietly changed the definition of community so that it included social housing on community lands and parks. This sleight of hand allowed this same minister to justify using community sites for housing.

When the Ainslie residents tried in vain to get some sense in the debates around the YWCA proposal to squeeze too many housing units on to the community facilities to the side of Bill Pye Park, everyone knew it was an uphill battle.

list of community facilities that had disappeared from around the town centre and set out their preferred list of what the government should be building. It was this same minister who, more or less, said: “Not going to happen”.

People are not fools –they know when Greenslabor politicians make worthy sounding but disingenuous statements (prepared by spin doctors) and when they make statements of values they adhere to.

The well-designed playground was built by the developers several years ago. Since then there has been a lot of energy put into trying to get toilets provided for this central play area. The government kept saying no. The parents kept asking, otherwise children cannot stay long. The latest story is that the government has said yes (the developers can build them) but that the developers have to maintain them.

this new suburb. No shops, no school and no community facilities – but they have a wonderful playground with toilets. There will be many who will wonder why this same minister and her colleagues continue to take away green spaces, and continue to knock back requests for toilets in their parks and near their local shops (Watson for instance).

Berry and her Greenslabor colleagues make loads of statements and enjoy frequent photo opportunities standing around in high-vis vests in parks and next to trees. It seems that this is what they think their job is about.

When taking over open spaces, this minister argues the importance of social housing – which most people agree with. The reality is that her actions are about treating community lands and green spaces as a land bank. The land is in government hands and is being used as a subsidy towards the social housing budgets – that this

The locals requested the facilities be handed back and re-used as community facilities of their choice. Buckley’s chance of that happening given who was the backer of this proposal and her track record with dealing with residents over green spaces and community facilities.

coffee with EL half page 260 x 145 PR.pdf 1 12/9/2022 11:48 am

The minister’s compliant colleague, the planning minister, ruled the project must go ahead – meaning this recrea-

The Woden town centre serves not only Woden but also nearby areas such as Weston and Molonglo. Places for the community to meet and to enjoy community activities are minimal around this massively developed town centre. The impression she made on the night was that she was not interested. The minister was not for moving – except to make a quick exit.

There’s a story around Ridgeline Park Playground, Denman Prospect.

Meanwhile, back to that quote from Berry. She said this during the opening of a major playground in the new suburb of Whitlam – not far from Denman Prospect but in the minister’s electorate.

The park is already very popular. It is wonderful to see it built even though there are not many homes in

People are not fools – they know when Greenslabor politicians make worthy sounding but disingenuous statements (prepared by spin doctors) and when they make statements of values they adhere to. The latter rarely occurs.

Paul Costigan is a commentator on cultural and urban matters. There are more of his columns at citynews.com.au

NEWS / Kippax Playing Fields

Flooding will dog park development, say residents

By Belinda STRAHORN

WEST Belconnen residents are calling on the ACT government to revisit its decision to permit major development on floodprone land at the Kippax Playing Fields.

The request comes on the back of a wet winter in the ACT, and in response to flood events across the country – most notably in Lismore.

Voices of West Belconnen action group chair Chris Watson is concerned by the flooding risk posed to potential residential development on the site of the playing fields, given its propensity to flood.

Two years ago, the playing fields – located behind the Kippax Fair shopping centre in Holt – were rezoned by the ACT government to allow for residential and commercial development up to five storeys.

Referring to the rezoning as “foolhardy”, Watson said planning authorities in the capital appear to have learnt nothing from flood events in the ACT and elsewhere.

“It would be completely foolish to build on those playing fields because it’s a flood plain, and it could end up like another Lismore,” said Watson, 87.

“There will be buildings on stilts, and insurance issues due to flood problems in years to come, particularly with the implications of climate change.

“The playing fields need to stay as they are. It’s a complete waste of money that anyone would consider building on them.”

Recent flooding on the Kippax Playing Fields… “The ACT government says that flood mitigation is up to the developer, so essentially there is very little responsibility taken,” says David Proctor.

Some of the development would be built on the playing fields, despite community opposition to the loss of green space.

Long time Latham resident David Proctor has

The rezoning of the playing fields formed part of the shopping centre, a retail and dining precinct and residential development.

“When you get heavy rain the Kippax Creek floods out over the playing fields and makes it very soggy,” he said.

“After the last lot of decent rain we had, the fields were almost totally submerged.”

Proctor, 74, is calling for the fields to remain as they are, arguing they pose too great a flooding risk for residential and commercial development.

“They don’t happen every day but I’ve lived here for 22 years and we have had five floods in that time,” said Proctor.

“In terms of development they are going to have to do some major work on the playing fields like installing a massive underground pipe system, but even that won’t cater for major flood events.”

Despite previous governments electing not to change the zoning to allow for developments, and flood studies indicating the risk a rezoning would pose, this government has decided to push ahead, Proctor said.

“The studies were damning and raised the issue of flooding but it hasn’t been taken into account as it should be,” he said.

One report, updating the results of an original 2015 study, was commissioned by the ACT’s planning directorate and found that development could increase the risk of flooding danger for residential blocks if mitigation measures, estimated to cost about $2 million, were not undertaken.

ACT Planning Minister Mick Gentleman

“Recommended floodway improvement works, and water-sensitive urban design works are not considered to be critical for public safety for the future development of the site,” said Mr Gentleman.

“The future developer will be required to undertake their own due diligence and works as part of their development in line with the 2020 study.”

Proctor has criticised the decision to put the onus of responsibility for future flood mitigation upon the developer of the site, arguing this should be the responsibility of the government.

“Anything they [the ACT government] does not agree with they ignore or they say that flood mitigation is up to the developer, so essentially there is very little responsibility taken,” he said.

Local resident Linda Medic feels like the government is treating West Belconnen residents as second-class citizens and has ignored their concerns about permitting “risky” developments on a floodplain.

“This issue has been around for a long time and, while we won’t give up, we feel as if the politicians don’t care about us because we live in West Belconnen and not Yarralumla,” said Medic, 54.

She said it’s time the government spared a thought for future, unsuspecting residents who buy off the plan without realising their home is on a floodplain.

“In terms of the risk of flooding, I feel for those poor people who will eventually buy there,” said Medic.

“Like those poor people in Sydney or Lismore, no one will be listening to them when

A spokesperson for the ACT government confirmed that work is progressing on a staged

Beyond climate change, what bonds the ‘Teals’?

IT is so much easier for the media to group politicians than to accept differences.

The term “teal” independent was conveniently coined to iden tify a group of candidates who were running in safe Liberal seats, but were seriously concerned about the environment.

The idea of Liberal (blue candi dates) who have taken on Greens politics may have been an attempt to discredit them. The misunderstand ing by those conservatives running the Liberal campaigns was that these independents for this election had a strong focus specifically on climate change. In contrast, the Greens Party has a much broader agenda that differed in many ways from the independent candidates.

The grouping as “teals’’ had the advantage that it demonstrated just how out of step the Liberal Party was with its constituencies on the issue of climate change.

Many were supported financially by philanthropist Simon Holmes à Court and the Climate 200 group. Their success across a number of electorates made the term even more common.

Holmes à Court prefers to use the term “community independents”. He suggested that the term may have been deliberately pejorative “for some commentators, but for many it’s just

that this was not a colour that was adopted by independents for their own branding. There was quite a diversity of colours across the country with candidates’ individuality on display. However, apart from the focus on climate action, what do these independents really have in common? They are all looking for integrity and accountability in politics. Otherwise, is it appropriate to continue to group them as though they form

The grouping as ‘teals’ had the advantage that it demonstrated just how out of step the Liberal Party was with its constituencies on the issue of climate change.

a minor political party? Community support expects them to look at the evidence and use their own judgement issue by issue, so probably not.

The teal terminology was not applied to Cathy McGowan and her successor Helen Haines in the seat of Indi nor to Zali Steggall, who was able to defeat former prime minister Tony Abbott and win the seat of Warringah.

These independents had won their seats before the last election and had demonstrated how successful community independents could be. Haines had a 7.35 per cent swing to her in the 2022 election. This is the sort of swing that changes governments.

Both McGowan and Haines were endorsed and supported by a group of concerned community members, who branded themselves Voice for Indi (V4i). This support was essential in the success and put a lie to a statement of the last Liberal member who held the seat. Sophie Mirabella claimed in the months before her defeat that “the people are not

interested in politics”.

In Canberra, a group calling itself proACT, operating much like Voices for Indi, had been working for some years to prepare a campaign provided they could find an appropriate candidate.

ProACT was founded by Glenn Cummings and Clare Doube. The candidate selected by them has not really been seen as a teal independent, although he has much in common with the others who have this label.

The committee of proACT unanimously endorsed David Pocock stating: “David is an outstanding, authentic leader and will be able to reach out to a diverse ACT community and act in support of priorities identified by the proACT community, such as climate impact and integrity.”

How will teal independents exercise their vote? Steggall provides an indication pointing out that when a matter has been controversial enough to be counted (about 20 per cent of legislation) she has voted with the (Morrison) government “over 50 per cent of the time”. One example where she voted against was with regard to increased university fees of students of business, arts and law.

The newly elected community independents may well have a diverse range of views on this issue as well as many others. What they will seek to do is to represent their community. Steggall has set a standard in considering legislation. Is the proposed legislation ethical? Compatible with human rights and international law? Adequate consultation? Sufficient time for debate? Properly scrutinised? Finally, what are the politics behind the bill?

As the newly elected independents in the federal parliament find their feet, it will be interesting to see the differences in the way they consider legislation and other policy issues. With such a slim majority in the House of Representatives and the increasing popularity of independent candidates, this is something the major parties will have to watch very closely.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an in dependent minister for health. He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.

Child deaths put health system failings into focus

Here it is, laid bare, the funding disgrace that reveals the depth of the ACT government’s financial neglect that’s led to today’s deadly crisis in the hospital system. JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED trace what happened when Andrew Barr and Shane Rattenbury scaled back hospital spending in 2015 – and the years the ACT was the only jurisdiction in Australia to cut health expenditure.

THE recent unutterably sad deaths of two children presenting at the emergency department of the Canberra Hospital has again brought the state of our public health system into focus.

We have on several occasions in recent years written about what we have described as a “crisis” in health care in Canberra.

We have ascribed the central cause of that “crisis” to ongoing and persistent cuts, in real terms, to health funding and an associated shift in funding policy for health care.

By way of example, between 2015-16 and 2018-19, presentations at emergency departments in Canberra, that resulted in admission to hospital, increased at an average rate of 2.5 per cent a year, while expenditure was cut at a compounding rate of 2.5 per cent annually. Nationally, such presentations grew at 3.5 per cent a year while expenditure increased by 4.8 per cent annually. The ACT was the only jurisdiction in Australia to cut expenditure.

However, the funding constraint has not been limited to emergency departments. Over the last decade, there has been a significant change in the ACT government’s priorities and an associated shift in funding policy for health care. The changes are clearly demonstrated, for example, by a review of bed numbers in our public hospitals (Chart 1). The change in funding policy coincided with the retirement in late 2014 of the then Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher, before her move to the Senate. Gallagher had, consistent with a decision of cabinet in 2011 to adopt and fully implement a Capital Asset Plan that involved an investment of $2.8 billion in the ACT’s health infrastructure, including $1.3

billion in the redevelopment of the Canberra Hospital campus, faithfully pursued the implementation of the plan.

It is notable that until 2015 public hospital bed supply increased in line with demand projections and actual hospital separations. In a similar vein, recurrent expenditure on health increased in real terms at a rate greater than population growth. In other words, the funding policy during that period (taking inflation into account) provided for population growth as well as increasing demand.

However, from 2015 onwards, under the leadership of Andrew Barr and Shane Rattenbury, the hospital redevelopment was scaled back to less than half of the original plan, and then deferred with bed supply remaining essentially unchanged over a three-year period.

Stunningly, the number of beds decreased in 2017-18 despite continued population growth and the demand for services increasing at a rate greater than population growth.

Table 1 details population growth and demand as measured by hospital separations over the two respective periods, ie before and after the decision was taken to abandon the Capital Asset Development Plan.

Remarkably, the Productivity Commission reports that real recurrent expenditure on public hospitals in the ACT decreased at a rate of 1.6 per cent a year over the period 2015-16 to 2018-19.

We have previously noted that if the ACT government had simply maintained per-person health expenditure at the 2015-16 level, in real terms, that public hospital services in the ACT would have received about $175 million more funding in 2018-19 than was the case.

In similar vein if health expenditure in the ACT had grown

at the same rate as the national average, the additional funding, in that year, would have been in the order of $238 million.

While the increase in funding for health in 2019-20 and the following year has taken the increase in health expenditure into positive territory it nevertheless remains scandalously lower than all other Australian jurisdictions (Chart 2).

Over the four-year period that the growth in health expenditure averaged 1.4 per cent in real terms, the population grew, according to the ABS, by 2.4 per cent a year. In other words, health funding per person, in the ACT, is currently lower than it was seven years ago.

The impacts of the persistent funding cuts have been severe. Emergency department performance in treating patients on time, once better than the national average, is now the worst in Australia.

Similarly, overall waiting times for elective surgery are also among the worst in the nation. It goes without saying that low and moderate-income households, especially those without private health insurance, have been disproportionately affected by the underfunding of health care.

The most regressive aspect of the health policy adopted by the government is the disparity between access and treatment times for Aboriginal peoples and non-indigenous Canberrans. In 2020-21, the 90th percentile wait time for elective surgery for an indigenous person was 52 days more than for a non-indigenous person.

At one level, it is remarkable that the ACT’s hospital system has continued to operate as well as it has and we each owe thanks to the dedication, perseverance and professionalism of its staff for that, all the while acknowledging the unacceptable cost they have been asked to pay.

Regrettably, the 2022-23 Budget signals the government is intent on maintaining the status quo.

It is important to note in Table 2 that Budget estimates are nominal and not expressed in real terms, ie not adjusted for inflation.

The economic parameters underpinning the 2022-23 Budget, as detailed on page 8, reveal that the Wage Price Index over

Sources: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare; Productivity Commission.

on Public Hospital Services (2018-19 Prices) – Average Annual Growth 2016-17 to 2020-21

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

the estimates period will remain above 3 per cent and the Consumer Price Index, while decreasing from 3.75 per cent in 2022-23 remains above 2 per cent across the out years.

By adjusting the Budget estimates for increases in wage costs of staff, and consumer prices for nonsalary expenditure, the latest ACT Budget reflects a cut in health expenditure in real terms, before any consideration is given to an increase in population or of per-person demand for health services.

We note, in particular, the almost flat expenditure profile in nominal terms (annual growth of 0.4 per cent) for

community mental health services. We would have thought, in light of the regular highlighting by clinicians, service providers and the families of loved ones with mental-health issues, of the paucity of services and care options for the mentally ill that this level of funding is indefensible.

During the hearings of the Select Committee on Estimates, when asked by the Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee about the low expenditure growth factored into the Budget, the Treasurer Andrew Barr explained that the 2021-22 Budget base was inflated due to one-off covid-related expen-

ditures, and that the actual growth (presumably when such temporary expenditures are removed from the base) was higher.

While Ms Lee’s question related to total Budget expenditure, it nevertheless begs an important question, most pertinently in respect of the health budget. Namely, can the Treasurer advise what expenditures in the 2021-22 allocation for health care were temporary and have they been discontinued?

Jon Stanhope is a former chief minister of the ACT and Dr Khalid Ahmed a former senior ACT Treasury official.

HOLY Cross Anglican Church and St Margaret’s Uniting Church, Hackett, are hosting their fourth Sustaining Our Future Festival on the weekend of September 24-25. From 11am to 4pm on Saturday there’s a line-up of stalls, workshops and activities, from kids’ e-bike rides to a slow fashion op-shop; mosaic making to composting. There will be Labyrinth Spirituality workshops, a textile repair cafe, ethical fashion Q&A and Tim Hollo will host a night of “Jazz and Living Democracy” from 7pm.

Two Richard Calvers

READER enquiries oblige us to affirm that “CityNews” wine writer Richard Calver is not the Richard John Calver, of Oxley, currently facing charges in the Magistrates Court of possessing child-exploitation material.

Vinnies clarification

ROBERT Macklin’s “Gadfly” column (CN September 15) asserted that profits from Vinnies’ second-hand shops supported employees of the Catholic Church. St Vincent de Paul ACT says this is incorrect. “We are a lay organisation separate completely from the Catholic Church, and the funds from our stores help support our many frontline services and they provide a place where people in need can get practical assistance,” says marketing director Phillip Jones.

Interaction Consulting Group is a leading management consultancy in Canberra.

We recognise the importance of collaborating directly with clients to deliver tailored strategic advisory, facilitation of training, and executive-level coaching.

As trusted partners, we are committed to growing and transforming organisational capability, navigating complex challenges, and empowering future leaders. We

FAMILY DAY CAMP

For families with a child affected by chronic pain, fatigue or associated auto immune conditions.

Come and Join us

Labour Day weekend, Sunday 2nd October 2022. Canberra Day weekend Sunday 12th March 2023.

• For ACT Regional locals. Includes activity plans for the entire long weekend.

• Travel scholarships available for interstate attendees (conditions apply).

Why join us?

• Programs specifically for parents / primary care givers, siblings and effected children.

• Parent Date break

• Support in helping your child transition to adulthood and self management

• Ideas to assist siblings with their feelings

• Meet other kids with a similar life experience.

When the coach put welfare before his career

BOOF, also known as Macca, Nanga, Rang and Oz, was a starting full back for the mighty North Sydney Bears in the mid 2000s, just after their most recent tilt at NRL glory.

This year marks an even century since their Premiership win in 1922, the year my dad was born and the last time the Moreton Bay Fig at North Sydney oval jumped up by its long subterranean roots and danced a celebratory quadrille on Falcon Street for the mighty men all covered, like the Stendhal novel from which they derive their constant tragedy, in the red and the black.

The coach was one Gary “Whiz” Freeman, the first and only character to have captained four NRL sides, in between leading the mighty NZ teams of the late 20th century, and knew everything there was ever to be known about footy. I learned little tactical nous, but a lot about decency and generosity from him.

In recent years, AFL and NRL and sporting coaches in general are often given a bizarre and counterproductive ultimatum to succeed in the first 6-10 weeks of a season or be sacked from their jobs. The story goes that they will change their training methods, and even resort to picking injured players too soon, just to

maintained the admiration of everyone he knew.

achieve that KPI, and once their job is safe, just sit back and watch their teams fall off a cliff by the time finals approach. Secure coaches such as the Bennett, Bellamy, Sticky and Robbo carefully pace their teams to have a post-origin slump and be fit for finals.

“Whiz” Freeman was a Bears coach and by definition his career was on the edge from half an hour before it started, yet I recall so clearly almost every week our conversations would go thus:

purchase building report full of your bandages, with a Gasnier sidestep and was indeed our best player. And in his

Kindness is all around us, in the values of those who put our welfare before their own.

doctors to cheat and let players play.

“Whiz” Freeman eventually lost his job, as 90 per cent of all sports coaches do anyway, but maintained the admiration of everyone he knew. Their welfare came before his career. We could all learn much from people like him.

He was also the beneficiary of some dressing room love, too. The injured Boof and I would follow him around as he gave breathtakingly profane and detailed treatises to what used to be called prop forwards minutes before a game about where, who, why, what and how they would do what they had to. “Gosh”, I once said mid-season to a simple front-row automaton after the delivered instructions, more detailed than anything the Apollo 13 boys got before they had to suit up for the moon. “How do you understand and remember all that?” said I.

“Doc”, the uncomplicated young blokes would reply, “I fair dinkum do not understand a word the coach

says to me after hello. But it would be mean to tell him, so I just nod and do my best and hope it’s what he wants of me”.

Sounds like several successful marriages I know of, and it was good. In those days I would fret about concussions and “Whiz” would never pressure a player to return too soon, unlike some of his peers.

I once brought some Kiwi sailors I was looking after at the Naval Hospital to the Bears’ dressing room. Their countrymen in the room greeted them like brothers and they stayed with us on the sidelines and at the post-match afterwards, and I have no doubt “Whiz” gave them the cash to escape my lift back home to the hospital. They eventually returned, hungover and smiling, well fed and hydrated by the most decent of people.

Kindness is all around us, in the values of those who put our welfare before their own. Best wishes to all.

Antonio Di Dio is a local GP, medical leader, and nerd. There’s more of his “Kindness” on citynews.com.au

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SPORT / Rae Burrell

Rae’s planning on creating sparks for the Caps

PRESEASON is something every sports person approaches differently. Some people thrive under the intense training, readying themselves for the start of competition, while others loathe the sight of the trainers waiting to put them through their paces.

When she touches down in Canberra this month, new Capitals’ signing Rae Burrell will be among the former, particularly given the year she has had, full of ups-and-downs.

In April, Burrell realised a dream when she was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks as the ninth pick of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The first-round selection came after Burrell excelled with the University of Tennessee under head coach Kellie Harper.

At the time Harper credited Burrell’s work ethic as the reason for her going so high in the draft.

“She is a physically-gifted player with a high motor who worked very hard to put herself in position to be selected in the WNBA Draft,” Harper said at the time.

“She is an intense competitor who had to overcome an unfortunate injury suffered early during her senior season.

“We’re proud of the development Rae made during her time at Tennessee and look forward to watching her continue to blossom in her professional career.”

That blossoming professional career took a hit in May when she suffered a knee injury after playing just three games for the Sparks, ruling her out for the rest of the WNBA season.

She underwent surgery in May and is ready to make her return to the court in Canberra.

“I am super excited,” said Burrell.

“I haven’t played in a couple of months, so I am excited to get back on the court and try and compete for a

championship.

“I’ll be back and ready by the time I get out to Australia. It is feeling good, thank goodness, because it wasn’t for a minute before I got surgery, so I am just happy that it is feeling good again.”

Burrell will bring plenty to the Capitals’ squad despite the injury in her senior year at Tennessee, and this setback early in her WNBA career, which were both to the same knee. Missing game time in her first year as a professional has her hungry to get out and win in Canberra.

“I never got it fixed or anything, I just rehabbed and came back. I finally got it fixed when I went to the WNBA,”

said Burrell.

“It was hard not playing but at least I got a feel for what the league was like, and I got to sit back and watch and see how everything was done and have an idea for when I come back next year.”

Knowing what she has been through already this year, Burrell is optimistic about how she can return from the injury.

“I just want to get back to how I was before, when I was 100 per cent healthy, and then get even better,” said Burrell.

“I’ll work on getting stronger because the league is against grown women, so I have got to make sure I can hold my own when I am out there.

“And, honestly, I just want to win. I love winning so I want to win games and win a championship.”

The move to Canberra during the WNBA offseason is one that works well for Burrell, who always wanted to play abroad even after signing with the Sparks.

Seeing the success of one of the Capitals’ previous imports, Brittney Sykes, made the ACT an attractive option for Burrell.

Sykes was named the WNBL’s 202122 Robyn Maher Defensive Player of

the Year last season.

“I knew I wanted to go overseas, and my agency picked where they thought the best option would be for me coming off my injury,” said Burrell.

“They mentioned Australia and I saw that Sykes was there, so I am actually going to hang out with her and pick her brain a little bit.

“It just kind of happened, and it happened perfectly because I am ready to get back to playing.”

Burrell’s signing is a big coup for first-year head coach Kristen Veal, who is excited to see what the WNBA rookie can bring to the WNBL.

“We believe Rae will complement the Caps line-up this season and eat up every opportunity to win basketball games,” Veal said.

“Rae brings versatility, score power and a competitive focus that will see her win fans on and off the court. I’m looking forward to watching Rae find

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LETTERS

Amazing staff; caring, professional and patient

I RECENTLY spent six and a half weeks at Canberra Hospital following a fall requiring multiple surgeries.

While the eventual outcome was massively disappointing, I wanted to thank the hard-working staff at the hospital – from the nurses; cleaning staff; wardspeople (if that’s the correct title?); clerical staff; pathology staff and all the others behind the scenes.

I particularly wanted to thank the staff at the Hospital in the Home (HITH) unit (I never knew you existed ‘til my stay at respite care necessitated daily visits from you wonderful people). They work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to patients discharged from hospital but still requiring additional care.

All the staff were amazing, caring, professional and patient. Thank you so much for all you do for those of us lucky enough to be under your expert care.

Lorraine Glander, via email

Icing on the salary cake to come

THANKS to the ever-so-sacrosanct Stage 3 tax cuts, the pay rises (“Seven Days”, CN September 15) enjoyed by our ACT ministers and a growing number of hapless ACTPS senior executives will grow by $9000 a year each.

The big bounce in their fortnightly salaries from July 1, 2024, may turn some MLAs into quite desperate campaigners as the ACT’s October, 2024, election approaches.

Sue Dyer, Downer

Why Clive’s ‘off the mark’

I HAVE much respect for “Whimsy” columnist Clive Williams, but to suggest pejoratively that “a noisy vocal minority wants to rewrite the past” (CN September 15), is off the mark.

Clive assumes the writing of the past was accurate, where in many instances, it has been far from it; witness the extended denial of the shocking treatment of our First Australians and the often over-emphasis on the “grand spirituality” of our participation in overseas conflicts.

In fact, the “vocal minority” or perhaps more accurately, a growing majority, are seeking a rewrite of the rewrite, that is we want the truth – at last. If that is “woke”, I’m all for a reawakening.

Eric Hunter, Cook

Keep up the pressure on this arrogance

A GREAT issue of “CityNews” this week (September 15). Keep up the good work and pressure on this arrogant and ideologicallydriven government that has lost its way and, for a long time now, has not given a fig for what communities and taxpayers think or need, in the knowledge that they will never lose office.

Max Flint, via email

Wrong about reliability and cost of renewables

GAVIN O’Brien (Letters, CN September 15), it’s not about “belief in man-made climate change”, it’s about the evidence.

Yes, there are natural climate cycles but these are being overwhelmed by the massive amounts of greenhouse gases arising from industrialisation over recent centuries.

For example, as Solar Cycle 24 declined from 2014 to 2020, average global temperature continued to rise, 2016 and 2020 being the hottest years on record.

Anyone who takes a look at the carbon emissions graph at climate.nasa.gov/ evidence/ will be shocked. While Gavin’s “own studies in meteorology, astronomy and science” are interesting, they are not as significant as the nearly 200 international scientific organisations that “hold the posi -

tion that climate change has been caused by human action. “Given Gavin’s interest in meteorology, he will be interested to know that one of the organisations is the World Meteorological Organisation, which recently reported that “Four key climate change indicators – greenhouse gas concentrations, sea level rise, ocean heat and ocean acidification – set new records in 2021. This is yet another clear sign that human activities are causing planetary scale changes on land, in the ocean.”

Gavin is also wrong about the reliability and cost of renewables compared to fossil fuels, but that’s another story.

Ray Peck, Hawthorn, Victoria

Global heating caused by fossil fuels

ROBERT Kerry (Letters, CN September 15) is right about 40 years being an “incredibly short” time in which to distinguish and measure meaningful trends in Earth’s climate.

However, he makes a number of questionable claims about climate change and the influences of burning fossil fuels.

To begin, “volcanic emissions” generally have short-term effects on the climate of parts, but rarely all, of Earth because by far the most voluminous emissions are of fine particulate matter, such as ash.

Changes in Earth’s orbit are periodic and always revert to an earlier state: there is no trend that matches the change of climate as

we observe it. It has been recorded several times that there is no correlation between solar irradiance and the global heating component of climate change. Earth’s magnetic field and poles do change, but there is no measurable effect on climate.

The accusation that “past meteorological readings” have been “adjusted” to suit a particular theory (“adopted narrative”) is no more than a red herring reeled in by people who are losing the argument. There is no reason why any meteorologist who values his or her job would “fiddle the data”.

Finally, the record of proxy and direct average global temperatures over the last 880,000 years shows that Earth was in a gradual cooling trend, broken only by the slight “flattening” of the Medieval Warm Period and the slight “dip” of the Little Ice Age, until about 1750, when we humans began burning coal and oil, and average global temperature began climbing at an ever-increasing rate.

I could go on, but any intelligent reader should now be convinced that global heating and climate change are being caused by our use of fossil fuels.

Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

New gas and coal exploration projects?

HOW can the Albanese government be taken seriously about climate change and achieving net zero emissions by 2050 when it has recently approved new gas and coal exploration projects, also substantially increased immigration levels.

As both will result in further degradation of the environment, an explanation is required.

Mario Stivala, Belconnen

Hepatitis risk from spitting is near-zero

I REFER to the article “Human rights offenders are ‘put above’ police” (CN September 15). This article incorrectly suggests a link between spitting and viral hepatitis.

No one should be spat on; and I am not aiming to devalue the stress experienced by the person on the receiving end.

However, the media and other bodies have a responsibility to not spread misinformation. Misinformation about viral hepatitis transmission increases stigma and discrimination and causes undue stress for police officers, bus

drivers and other workers if they incorrectly believe they could be at risk.

You cannot get hepatitis B or C through casual contact such as touching, kissing, hugging or sharing food. You also cannot get hepatitis B or C from blood or body fluids having contact with intact skin.

The likelihood of saliva containing a substantial amount of blood and it passing into the recipient’s bloodstream, such as through an open wound, or the eyes or mouth, is so small, that the risk of hepatitis from spitting is near-zero.

Blood tests typically detect hepatitis B virus in one to three months and hepatitis C in three months.

Anyone can access confidential information and support via the national hepatitis infoline on 1800 437222.

Sarah Ahmed, executive officer, Hepatitis ACT

Take time to check pool fences

ROYAL Life Saving Society – Australia is asking owners of backyard pools to check their pool fences and pool gates as a matter of urgency. Children under five are curious and fearless, and their love of water puts them at risk of drowning.

Tragically, every year in Australia we lose on average 22 young children to drowning, more than half of those drowning in backyard swimming pools. The majority are aged just one year.

Ensure you have a functioning and compliant pool fence and working gate as an additional barrier between young children and water for all those moments when life intervenes – the phone rings, the doorbell rings, another child needs your attention – can literally be life saving.

This year, we’ve all experienced a lot more wet weather than usual. The La Niña conditions can wash away topsoil and weaken fences.

Check no fence posts have come loose. Make sure the gate is still self-closing and self-latching.

By spending a bit of time checking the pool fence, pool gate and the area around the pool is secure, including no furniture or structures that little people can climb to access the pool, you could prevent a tragedy this summer.

NEWS Canberra ‘princess on ice’ gets

By Lily PASS

NOT many people get to live out the dreams of their childhood, but Canberra ice skater Tanisha Jory’s life has become its own fairytale, as her dreams become reality.

The 22-year-old from Gun gahlin, who has been ice skating since she was five, has scored a role with the Australian tour of “Fairytales on Ice”.

“I’m living the dream I had as a little kid, it’s so crazy and I’m still shocked that it’s something I get to do,” she says.

Tanisha’s dream came about when she was five-years-old, when her parents took her to see “Disney on Ice”.

“I told my parents afterwards that I wanted to be a princess on ice when I grew up, and that’s what I’ve carried with me,” says Tanisha.

“That’s why I started and that’s why I keep going.”

Tanisha has also been skating in competitions since she was six, and has represented the ACT four times at the Australian Fig

‘Our inspiration comes from the beauty of cities and the

Partners in architecture building

PARTNERS in architecture and life, Meetu Sharma Saxena and Vishal Saxena bring a combined experience of more than 50 years as architects to their business, Hyperspace, a firm dedicated to breaking the barriers in how space can be conceptualised.

“We believe that a project or space’s maximum potential can only be truly realised when we can seek and develop harmonious connections across various disciplines,” says Meetu, who founded

Too often, Meetu says the planning, design and construction aspects of a build are disconnected, with the process heavily influenced by the builder

With a background in planning, architecture, construction management and a specialty in heritage internationally, Meetu says she could see that there was a clear space, especially in small and medium architecture projects in Canberra that could benefit from a planned and process-

“The industry is not set up with someone to ensure what is designed is actually built,” she says. She says that by engaging Hyperspace for architectural services you get a team providing holistic design solutions who take responsibility for the outcome.

“In a small firm, we feel that our employees

are more connected to the design and have more ownership of the end product,” says Meetu’s husband, Vishal, who joined the business in 2020, following a successful career at large architectural firms in India, the UAE and Australia.

Having met at university in India in the ‘90s, Meetu and Vishal say that by combining their skills and expertise gained overseas and locally, they offer something special to their clients.

Meetu says she was enjoying her role as a senior project manager at ANU, but she always felt passionate about opening up her own business.

“I’ve had experience working in so many coun tries and cities, I wanted to know if it was possible to set up a better example of architectural design in Canberra which itself is an inspired city in its conception,” she says.

“Not many local architectural practices are run by women. It’s a field that isn’t easy for women, as it is a male-dominated profession.

“As a person who has entered later into this process of running my own firm, I am very proud of our evolution.”

Meetu says that a lot of work that they do is in residential design, but both her and Vishal are experienced in working on large projects. They have worked on the refurbishment of public schools, multi-use residential, large retail spaces and heritage projects.

Meetu has worked as a hands-on heritage consultant during the refurbishment of Old Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and National Film and Sound Archive in partnership

“We look at the existing structure and building and ask, what can we reuse? What can we modify to suit the client’s requirements rather than completely knock the original building down?” says Meetu.

“We recently worked on a home in Garran. It was a solid-brick building and it didn’t make sense either from a sustainability or financial perspective to knock it down. We were able to redefine it according to contemporary context and the client’s needs,” says Vishal.

“We follow a rigorous process where we define

building clients’ dreams quality of the built environment’

the potential of their client’s asset is their work on a warehouse in Mitchell.

“We helped add value to the site by not just redeveloping a warehouse for the client, but by providing an office, warehouse and showroom but also accommodating a community centre. Our client wanted to give back to their community, so we created a multi-use development with a community centre that allows activities to happen in Mitchell over the weekend, activating the neighbourhood,” says Vishal.

Hyperspace is also proud of the community

work they do with the local community helping with design and construction of a church in Rivett as well as an expansion of the Hindu Temple in Florey. Both designs allow for expansion in the future as the community grows.

Meetu says that most of the new housing is constructed for the immigrant population of Canberra both interstate and international, and as migrants themselves, she says she and Vishal are well placed to plug that gap and in the process, educate the new residents of this amazing city.

“It’s also about passing on our skills and knowl edge to help the next generation of architects coming through. We found an opportunity and a place in this city and we have had five graduates come through our practice, giving them their start in their careers.”

“Our architectural vision has an altruistic aspect – we want to give back and make a difference,” says Vishal.

“Our motto is do your role to the best of your ability, be honest and transparent. At the end of the day it’s most important that the built environment benefits from what we are doing,” says Meetu.

“Our inspiration comes from the beauty of cities and the quality of the built environment. What’s going to be the heritage of the future? In years to come we want our children to come to Canberra and still recognise the streetscapes and what makes Canberra special.”

Hyperspace, visit hyper-space.com.au or call 0406 972585 or 0404 334430.

Hyperspace specialises in following areas

- Single residences : new builds and renovations

- Interior Design : residential and commercial projects

- Dual occupancies

- Multi-dwelling : apartments and townhouses

- Schools and education spaces

- Childcare centres

- Heritage conservation

- Industrial buildings

- Commercial offices

- Showrooms and retail

- Master planning and urban design

LEADING LAWYERS

Where to turn for clear and informed legal advice

WHEN it comes to legal matters, it’s easy for things to get confusing, stressful and expensive. But that doesn’t have to be the case.

Throughout the ACT and surrounds there are many passionate practitioners who specialise in a diverse selection of legal fields.

Here “CityNews” showcases some of the region’s most experienced lawyers and solicitors who pride themselves on getting the best outcome for their clients.

IN a city that is home to the nation’s democracy and in a territory known for its commitment to human rights, it still surprises criminal lawyer Andrew Fraser that so many people are unaware of their own rights.

Andrew says his message is simple: “If you are apprehended by police, remember that you have a right to silence – that means you don’t have to have an interview – and you have a right to speak to a lawyer. Exercise your rights.”

Andrew works only in criminal and traffic law – and has done so in Canberra and the surrounding region for 14 years.

He appears regularly for clients in the ACT Magistrates and Supreme Courts, either defending and contesting matters, where

he frequently achieves acquittals, or making submissions to achieve the best possible result for clients at sentence.

“Good representation can be the difference between remaining in the community, or serving time,” he says.

Before becoming a lawyer, Andrew had an extensive career in journalism, including as federal political correspondent, chief of reporting staff and news editor at “The Canberra Times”, as well as stints with “The Sydney Morning Herald” and “The Sun”.

Fraser Criminal Law, Level 7, AMP Tower 1, Hobart Place, Canberra. Call 0411 043401 or visit frasercl.com.au

Lawyers offer diverse and detailed services

LAWYER in RMB Lawyers’ Queanbeyan office, Peta Taylor, says the firm prides itself on customer service that’s both

“With the law there is no ‘one-sizefits-all’ approach to issues,” she says.

“If you have a problem, we will work to help find a solution that is within your budget and works with your priorities

With 17 offices located throughout the region, Peta describes the experience of RMB as both diverse and detailed.

“We are involved in ‘everyday’ matters like wills and estates, family law and traffic offences, as well as more specialised law pertaining to corporate transactions, wind farms, agribusiness, compensation and not-for-profits,” she says.

“We also assist with more specialised matters such as business structuring, mortgages, family loans, business and farm succession and court work.”

Peta says RMB offers fixed fees for most of their services, so that clients know from the start what their costs are likely to be .

RMB Lawyers, 70 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6284 2855 or visit rmblawyers.com.au

Helping Canberrans at court with all criminal, traffic and protection-order cases

A long-time Canberran, Andrew has developed relationships with judicial officers and prosecutors and knows Canberra, and its people, well. Andrew Fraser has been appearing in the ACT Magistrates and Supreme Courts as well as the Local and District Courts of NSW for more than 14 years and can help you with your criminal-law matter.

Criminal Law

Contact with the criminal-justice system can be one of the more traumatic experiences people have.

You need to know your rights – and you need someone on your side.

The criminal process can be long, involving many court appearances before you get your “day in court”. Depending on the seriousness of the charge, you might be appearing before a Magistrate or you might have to go to the Supreme Court before a judge and jury.

You need to know all available options.

Traffic Law

A great majority of matters before the ACT Magistrates Court and the NSW Local Court come from actions, and accidents, on our roads.

• What are the penalties for drink-driving?

• Are they different in NSW and the ACT?

• What is the Interlock and can I get it?

• Can I appeal a licence disqualification?

• If someone is hurt or killed in an accident and it’s my fault, what will happen to me? Make sure you get the right answers.

LEADING LAWYERS

MALIGANIS Edwards Johnson (MEJ) has been protecting the rights of injured Canberrans since 1985, says partner Craig Edwards.

“MEJ are the legal specialists in personal injury and understand the complexity of the laws that govern compensation in the ACT,” he says.

“Being injured can have a traumatic effect on your life and on your family and it is important that you act quickly after an injury has occurred.”

Craig says the experienced team at MEJ

know that without the right legal advice and representation, you can miss out on fair compensation and incur unnecessary costs.

“MEJ’s philosophy is simple – if you’ve been injured through someone else’s fault then you deserve fair compensation,” says Craig.

“However, it’s important that you act quickly to achieve the best possible result.

MEJ offers a free initial consultation and work on a “no win – no fee” basis.

MEJ, call 6257 2999, or visit mej.com.au

Proud to help people through the tough times

BRIGGS Law opened in Canberra in February 2021, says principal solicitor Georgia Briggs, and has branches in Canberra and Wagga Wagga.

Georgia has been practising since 2015, and principal solicitor Julie Briggs since

“We offer legal services across a wide range of areas,” says Georgia.

“I work primarily in criminal defence law, family law, care and protection law and wills and estate management law.

“Julie works in employment and migration law, particularly skilled migration, contract, environment and water law, govern ment and commercial law.

“Operating from two locations ensures that our clients have access to all the areas they work in. Clients can make appoint ments to attend either of our offices, or via telephone or video link, whichever is the most convenient.

“We are always mindful of the costs of the work involved and the specific circumstances of each of our clients.

“We do this work because we genuinely love it. We are proud to help guide people through what can be the hardest moments of their life and ensure that they have someone in their corner, providing them with timely, affordable and most importantly quality legal advice.”

Georgia says people place their trust in Briggs Law, “knowing that we will provide them with clear advice that helps them make well informed decisions about the way forward.”

Briggs Law, Level 10, 15 London Circuit, Canberra and 81-83 Johnston Street, Wagga Wagga. Call 6971 9020, or visit briggslaw.com.au

She says her team offers a wealth of experience in wills and estate planning and disputes.

Tanya’s been in the industry for more than 20 years and loves connecting with her clients.

“Personal law is just that: personal. All the expertise in the world doesn’t mean anything if you don’t also have the emotional IQ to truly put yourself in someone else’s shoes,” she says.

Tanya says that their focus is on estate planning, making wills, and organising people’s power of attorney, as well as answering questions about guardianship issues and tribunal issues.

“I love the people side of it, I love hearing people’s stories, hearing their issues or problems and helping them to work out a path forward.”

MV Law, Level 2, 121 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic. Call 6279 4444 or visit mvlaw.com.au

If you’re injured in a motor vehicle accident or at work, you could face time off work, loss of income and mounting medical costs.

Maliganis Edwards Johnson help families protect their rights and get fair compensation. And if you don’t win you don’t pay us anything.

practice, Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators has grown over more than three decades, but continues to provide a friendly service, says Ken Hubert.

Best-known as a family lawyer, but experienced in all areas of law, Ken says his approach is to find what is important to each party and work out an appropriate mix.

“You can argue about your rights and entitlements, but at the end of the day, what’s most important to each party?” he says.

Ashilpa Khanna, a notary public and wills and estateplanning lawyer for Capon & Hubert, says she’s focused on giving honest and expert advice at all times.

“We will always use common sense, respect, courtesy and good judgement when dealing with clients,” she says.

the firm, says he similarly takes great pride in helping anyone in the property sphere.

“I like to be able to get inside a client’s business knowledge and see how I can value-add to that,” he says.

Together, Ken says the firm is proud to provide concise legal advice across a wide range of legal fields.

“It allows us to offer so much more than I could have by myself,” says Ken.

“We’re friendly, approachable and we each work in areas that complement each other.”

Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Email enquiries@chsol.com.au, call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

Family lawyers build trust with clients

WHEN it comes to family law, the experienced team at Infinity Legal pride themselves on building a sense of trust with their clients, says director Julia Shavaiz.

Having operated in Canberra for more than eight years, Andrea says Infinity Legal are specialists in all areas of family law including separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlement, family violence, adoption and consent orders.

“Our firm recognises that family law can happen across all genders, backgrounds, religions and language groups and we take that into account in our practice,” says Julia.

“The experience and diverse backgrounds of our solicitors, as well as our admin and legal support staff, go a long way in helping people feel comfortable.”

Infinity Legal was started by family law specialist Julia Shavaiz, who regularly appears in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Family Court, Children’s Court, ACAT and the Magistrates

Court of the ACT as well as representing clients at mediation and Family Dispute Resolution Conferences.

“We truly know the depth and breadth of family law and know how to build that sense of trust,” says Julia.

“A big focus for us is being open and transparent with clients and working with them to deliver an outcome they are happy with.”

Julia says another big focus of Infinity Legal is trying to resolve matters before they go to court, if possible.

“Court proceedings aren’t pleasant for anyone. They just cause more disruptions to life on top of what many people are already going through, especially with family law matters,” she says.

“It’s about people’s livelihood. We want to reduce the stress they have to go through as much as we can.”

Infinity Legal, 1/54 Nullarbor Avenue, Franklin. Call 6230 1839 or visit infinityfamilylawyers.com.au

Do you need family law advice?

Ken Hubert

Family Law and Mediation

Ashilpa Khanna

Wills and Estate Planning Lawyer. Notary Public

Experienced in all areas of Family Law, including adoptions. Ken is an accredited business and family mediator.

Daryn Griffiths

Property and Commercial Solicitor

A valid and up-to-date Will can help reduce stress for your family & friends, limit administration costs, and lessen the possibility for dispute over your estate.

Let us help to navigate the complexity of conveyancing laws in the ACT & NSW including stamp duty, identity verification, and tenancy laws. We also specialise in retirement village agreements.

never had to talk to a lawyer about what happens when you separate,” says Lucy Stramandinoli, co-owner of Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law.

“For parents, their top priority is the kids. Life gets 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

“Especially when the parties have children, as coparenting and communication about the children is critical as everyone in the family moves on from the relationship.”

Lucy believes it’s important to establish a connection 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.

Commercial and Residential Conveyancing for ACT & NSW

Law firm that puts clients first

KJB Law is a general law firm, specialising in family law, residential and commercial conveyancing, retirement village entry, estate planning and estate management says principal Andrew Freer, who specialises in wills and estates.

“For over 40 years KJB has serviced the Woden area, we are reliable, forward thinking and here for clients legal needs over their lifespan,” says Andrew.

“Our aim is to offer the best possible solution, whether you need advice about estate planning, buying or selling a business, family law, conveyancing or if you need an advocate in court.

“Our lawyers are highly experienced and respected in the community and can help you by producing successful results in a cost-effective manner.

“I enjoy contact with people. Estate planning and estate administration involves understanding family and financial circumstances. Gaining this understanding is critical to providing good advice.

“From a personal perspective it is interesting – in fact, there is never a dull moment.

“I was recently recognised by Doyle’s Guide for 2022 as a Pre-eminent Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer.”

The foundation of the KJB Law firm, Andrew says, are the strong relationships they have with their clients.

“We put our clients first, we treat them with respect and explain their options to them in plain English.”

KJB Law, 10 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6281 0999 or visit kjblaw.com.au

Responsive legal firm prides itself on value

WMG Legal’s dedicated service has seen it become the longest serving law firm in Gungahlin and one of Canberra’s most respected, says principal solicitor Wayne Warton.

Specialising in a wide range of legal fields including property and conveyancing, wills and estate planning, business and commercial, debt recovery and more, Wayne says WMG offers dependable advice that’s tailored to client’s specific needs.

“Legal matters can get complicated for people so we try to take care of the whole experience for them,” he says.

“We’re really efficient. With most law firms you have to wait days for a call back but we try to get on top of things as soon as possible, usually within the same day.”

Wayne says the experienced team of professionals at WMG are also dedicated to providing the most cost-effective solutions to legal issues.

“Our team recognises that sound legal advice should not cost the earth,” he says.

“We work closely with our clients at every step of the process to keep them informed and up to date. Our professional services are available throughout Canberra and the surrounding areas.”

WMG Legal, Suite 4, 75 Gozzard Street, Gungahlin. Call 6253 9766 or visit wmglegal.com.au

Working for the best possible solution

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

SPRING CLEANING

Time to get started on that annual clean sweep

IT’S time to pack up the winter woolies because spring has sprung. There’s no better way to get set for summer than with a good spring clean. Whether it’s decluttering the house, the garden or the garage, here’s a few businesses who can help get the job done.

THE local team at House to Home are experienced packers who have been helping Canberrans get their property ready for sales, renovations, insurance work, downsizing and relocating for over 10 years, says co-owner

Renee

Le Grande.

“Our expert team will save you hours of time and stress by packing all your personal belongings, household items, right through to packing up the shed,” she says.

“The team offers a personalised service and recognises every client is different and has different needs and expectations.

“Some people want the kitchen, bathroom and wardrobes packed, others want everything that is in a cupboard or behind a closed door.”

Renee says they also offer a full walk-in walk-out service, where clients hand over their keys and the staff completely clear the property, remove the furniture, take necessary items to a charity store, get the old property cleaned, and set everything up again in the new home.

House to Home. Call 0457 456767 or visit house-to-home.com.au

ACT Carpet & Floor Cleaners offer three main lines of cleaning – carpet cleaning, tile and grout cleaning and flood restoration – says certified technician Frank Bartorilla.

“We are certified for all three of those areas, and there’s not many in Canberra that are actually certified. Doing the job well and making sure you’re satisfied is our number one priority” he says.

“I’ve been doing this work for six and a half years.

“ACT Carpet & Floor Cleaners is a fivestar rated, locally owned and operated business.”

Frank says ACT Carpet & Floor Cleaners give out a bottle of stain remover and free top ups with every job.

“And for carpet cleaning, people can go online and get an instant quote. They don’t have to ring us up or anything, they just punch in the number of bedrooms in the house, put the living room in, the hallways and the stairs and we’ll give them a quote, and it’s pretty accurate,” he says.

“Customers can take advantage of our fast book online as well.”

ACT Carpet & Floor Cleaners, call 0438 449999, or visit actcarpetcleaners.com

AFTER establishing Leigh’s Water Tank Cleaning eight years ago, owner Leigh Maxwell says the successful two-man business has been thriving ever since. They can vacuum-clean plastic, galvanised and concrete tanks, and also provide liners and repair cracks.

“We use an underwater camera and monitor, as well as remote start/stop and full-throttle control on our pumps, to ensure a complete and efficient clean, with minimal water loss,” Leigh says.

When it comes to spring cleaning your tank at home, Leigh likes to remind his customers that having a water tank “is low maintenance, not no maintenance.”

“Don’t forget to clean out gutters, leaf screens and drain your first flush system and if you are still putting up with brown water after recent rain events, give us a call,” he says.

The business is based in Picton, but services the area from Hawkesbury down to the Snowy Mountains,

with many jobs in the Canberra region.

“I really enjoy my work and sorting out problems for people,” Leigh says.

“Our customers are always happy to see us and we get great feedback for our customer service – we turn up when we say we will and return all our calls.”

Leigh says the Australian Government Department of Health recommends that water tanks be inspected every two to three years for accumulation of sediment, which can lead to harmful bacteria building up and possibly causing health issues.

“If you’ve got a water tank that runs your washing machine and flushes the toilet, you can potentially have the dirt and dust washed in, which also damages the systems,” he says.

Leigh’s Water Tank Cleaning, call 0412 267600, email leighswtc@bigpond.com or visit leighswatertankcleaning.com.au

a healthier environment for your family and pets.

“If you want to remove stains from your carpet, then steam cleaning is the best option.

“We

yet affordable cleaning services for floor coverings, upholstery, car seats, mattresses and more,” he says.

“Multiple clubs across Canberra and Queanbeyan enjoy our high-quality service featuring our commitment to provide an unsurpassed level of attention to detail and service excellence.”

Luca says In Detail is known as an affordable carpetcleaning service.

“Prices start from just $40 per room. Our carpetcleaning treatments typically take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the size of the space,” he says.

“Having your carpets professionally cleaned creates

“It uses hot water and chemicals to break down the dirt and grime that has accumulated on your carpet. Steam cleaning is more effective than other methods when it comes to removing pet urine and other stains.

Luca says they also have allergy and bacteria treatments.

“Our allergy and bacteria treatments are an effective way to keep nasties at bay. We recommend this treatment every six months,” he says.

“Our allergy and bacteria treatments are hypoallergenic – using non-toxic and dye-free products.”

In Detail Cleaning Services, call 0412 109584 or visit indetailcleaningservices.com.au

Still time to plant a peach tree

By Jackie WARBURTON

PEACH and nectarine trees are coming into full bloom, but once they’re in flower it’s too late to spray for peach leaf curl.

If there already is a problem, remove leaves that are more than 50 per cent damaged by peach leaf curl and dispose of them in the green bin.

The new leaves that follow will not be damaged, but don’t take them off as they grow to shade the fruit in summer.

Use an organic fertiliser with lots of potash and phosphorus to fertilise the tree and water it well.

Planting flowers under fruit trees to attract bees helps with flowers forming fruit on the trees. Flowers in the orchard are beneficial for attracting insects and encouraging biodiversity in the garden.

There’s still time to plant a peach or nectarine tree before the weather gets too hot. There are many compact, small-size trees that can also suit a pot or a small courtyard. They like a lot of compost, a rich soil, mulch and full sun. They are vigorous growers and can start fruiting after three years of being planted.

IF space is limited for growing plants in a courtyard or small garden, then bonsai can be a good plant for indoors or outdoors.

A common shrub, Forsythia, grows to at least two metres tall,

but can be kept as little as 30 centimetres as a small bonsai.

Most bonsai plants need special, small pots, a free-draining potting mix and some gravel. The selection of the bonsai trees is endless. Some

Australian natives look spectacular when trained as bonsai trees.

THE vegetable garden is getting busy and direct sowing of seeds of carrots, parsley, and silverbeet can be done now.

If sowing carrots, dig over the area so the soil is light and weed free and in full sun. Make a 10-centimetre, small trench and mix small carrot seed with a little sand to help with drainage and even distribution of the seed. Lightly cover the soil and keep weed free.

Carrots will take some time to germinate but will get going once the soil warms next month. Most root vegetables don’t like too much manure in the soil and, with carrots, they grow hairy and not straight if the soil is too rich. Keep the fertiliser away until there is green growth above the soil.

Plant radishes with carrots if room is limited as they grow well together.

Onions and leeks can still be planted in the ground while the

soil is still cool. Mulch with pea straw or organic mulch and don’t overwater.

It is the last time for potatoes, asparagus and other winter vegetables such as rhubarb to be in the ground ready for spring growth. Feed the soil with organic fertilisers as it begins to warm up and the nutrients will be ready for the plants when they need it.

Summer herbs and plants that can be planted now are lemon grass, Vietnamese mint and tarragon.

SUMMER bulbs, such as liliums and gladioli, need to be planted and get some good growth before summer. Dig over the area and try to plant summer bulbs as quickly as you get them home as they don’t like to dry out.

WINTER-flowering shrubs, such as honeysuckle bush, camellia sasanqua, and some viburnums, will need a little prune this time of year. Prune no more than a third of the shrub at one time. Mulch and fertilise with a pelleted organic fertiliser around the drip line of the tree and water it well.

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Provoking a savage truth with dance

By Helen Musa

ONE of Canberra’s proudest exports, dancer-choreographer Daniel Riley, is about to make his mark with his first fulllength work for the Adelaidebased Australian Dance Theatre.

Riley, who can claim the title of the first indigenous director of a mainstream dance company in this country, will soon be here with his new work, “Savage”.

It’s a provocative title for a provocative work and Riley is inclined to turn it back on me and to find out what I think it means.

When I suggest there’s a touch of bitter irony in the title, he responds: “If that’s the way you see it, I’m happy to say the word out loud – I’m taking the power back through the word.

“I understand the connotations of that word; my ancestors had to live with it, we were labelled that, but who were the savages? Maybe those who stole the culture and the land.”

“If you want to know what it means, you need to ask what First Nations people think, what are the truths of our founding myths about power and identity and who holds the power.

“The greatest of all myths was terra nullius because it was a lie, this nation was

M a n h a t t a n S h o rt F i l m F e sti v a l

founded on a lie and it has never been properly addressed.”

That’s where “Savage” comes in.

“I am the first First Nations person to be a mainstream director of a dance company, so I have the platform to ask those questions and I feel enabled by it.

“This is a full-length work of approximately 60 minutes that exposes myth and identity in an abstract way.”

Riley’s been working with dramaturg Kate Champion on the structure of the piece and with composer James Howard (Jaadwa) using his original music, but it’s early days.

All the while he and his family are still getting to know Adelaide.

“It’s beautiful, my family are very happy here and it reminds us of Canberra a bit… Adelaide is an incredibly vibrant city artistically and in its First Nations community, the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains.”

Riley knows that the Kaurna have been at the centre of restitution of language, but no more so than his own, the Wiradjuri people of western NSW, whose language he is now learning.

Although his heritage is in the DubboWellington area, he grew up in Canberra, studying at Telopea Park High School, Canberra College and QL2 Dance, before going on to tertiary dance studies at QUT, then to fame as an artist with Bangarra Dance Theatre and later as a freelance

2 8 S e p t e m b e r

independent artist.

But it is notable that he has returned whenever possible to Canberra to work as a choreographer for QL2 projects, most recently in January 2021.

By no coincidence at all, his long-time mentor has been Elizabeth Cameron Dalman, who founded the ADT in 1965, but who now lives at Mirramu, Bungendore.

Dalman says: “He is a wonderful performer, a talented choreographer and already has a great vision for the company. I worked with Daniel’s father on a dance work in regional NSW in the ‘90s. He told me that his son, Daniel, who was 12 at the time, was wanting to learn to dance. So, I suggested that Daniel apply to go to QL2.”

“Elizabeth and I speak often,” Riley says. “We are constantly emailing backward and forward. I’m looking forward to seeing her at my show and will probably get to spend some time with her afterwards, because it’s not travelling anywhere else this year.”

In Canberra, about nine Quantum Leap dancers will join the ADT ensemble, including Riley.

As for his new job, Riley says: “Every day is an adventure, every day it’s different finding out where I need to be, making sure I’m doing things properly and plan ning the administrative work – there is no degree in being an artistic director.”

“Savage”, Canberra Theatre, September 29-30.

Dancer-choreographer Daniel Riley.

Saving stories with some imagination

ARTS IN THE CITY

By Helen Musa

“ROALD Dahl and the Imagination Seekers” is coming to Tuggeranong Arts Centre, October 6-8. Especially made for ages six and up, the show is immersive, involving games and imaginative play. In it, only a secret organisation known as The Ancient Guild of Taletenders can save Dahl’s stories, with help from the young audience.

CANBERRA pianist Ronan Apcar and flautist Emma Warburton have created a hybrid classical recital/theatre work, “Diary of a Music Student”, built around anecdotes of their highs, lows and achievements at university, interspersed with musical works. Level 5 (Café), ANU School of Music, 7pm, September 29.

CAPO, the Capital Arts Patrons’ Organisation, is opening applications for a record 21 annual awards. Applications close on October 28 at capitalartspatronsorganisation.org. Since 1983, CAPO, a volunteer, non-profit organisation, has disbursed more than $3 million in arts fellowships and awards.

DIRECTOR Chris Baldock has chosen one of the 20th century’s most brilliant plays, “Dancing at Lughnasa” by Irish playwright Brian Friel, to showcase the talents of MuSE, his Mockingbird Student Ensemble. Ralph Wilson Theatre, Gorman Arts Centre, September 28-October 1.

THEATRE / Bell Shakespeare Comedy afoot when Bard’s twin blokes aren’t

By Helen Musa

SHAKESPEARE’S “The Comedy of Errors” is one of the most popular plays ever written.

Often frowned upon by scholars as an early play unworthy of the Bard, it is descended from Roman comedy and Italian Commedia dell’arte and is the prototype for Shakespeare’s mistaken identity scenario, which reaches its apogee in “Twelfth Night”.

It is also the forerunner to several famous musicals, such as “The Boys from Syracuse.”

But there’s a lot more to “The Comedy of Errors” than meets the eye, as audiences have found in the past when Bell Shakespeare has brought the play to Canberra, including a memorable occasion when former ACT arts minister Bill Wood, himself an identical twin, turned up to a production with his politician twin brother from Queensland and caused both confusion and delight.

One thing that most people know about “The Comedy of Errors” is that its star turns are the identical twin blokes, the servants called Dromio.

Blokes, did I say? Well, according to Janine Watson, the director of the Bell Shakespeare production coming to The Playhouse soon, that’s not necessarily so. In her version, the twin Dromios, played by Julia Billington and Ella Prince, are neither specifically male nor female, but non-binary, with their personal pronouns changed to “they/them”.

Watson argues her case forcefully, adding that it’s not the only bit of gender fluidity in

the play, for – and she suspects Shakespeare wouldn’t have minded at all – she’s also turned Antipholus of Syracuse’s sister-in-law, Luciana, into a male, Luciano.

That means that when “he” finds himself attracted to his brother-in-law, it has a certain frisson of the sort that would’ve been common in Shakespeare’s days when boys played women, but which also allows for genuinely touching moments.

Some of the characters are conventionally gendered, like the more upper-crust Antipholus twins, played by Felix Jozeps and Skyler Ellis, but, she says, the flipping of genders is a powerful thing to see.

“By making the twins Dromios non-binary, we see how they live in their real lives. We’re not being politically correct, we’re just placing them in those roles and then letting them take that space.”

Watson has a long history with Bell as a mainstage actor and a director with its “Players” company, who, after graduating from the National Theatre Drama School in Melbourne, trained with Zen Zen Zo company, known for its physical theatre, so you can be sure that in this production there will be a great deal of slapstick, indeed she promises it. She was supposed to do the play a couple

of years ago until covid got in the way and has seen “The Comedy of Errors” in various iterations about four or five times, first at age 17 done by Launceston Repertory Society and then as one of the shows in her graduating year.

This is her mainstage debut for Bell and while at first she tended to agree with the “inherited perception” that it’s a silly play with not much depth in the characters, she took the time during lockdown to do a lot of reading and found it “so beautiful and so poignant”.

“People argue that comedy is totally different from tragedy, but the very first speech of the play by Egeon is like a Greek tragedy with a big long prologue, then it moves into comedy,” she says.

“Many people suppose that comedy tells us nothing about the characters, but in ‘The Comedy of Errors,’ we learn something about each of them as they realise their mistakes.

“I looked deeply into the sensibility of these people who have been ripped apart from their families… just like in ‘Twelfth Night’, Shakespeare used comedy to explore romance and lost love.”

She set it in a hedonistic seaside town during the 1970s, which was known for both its liberation movements and its colourful dressing. Set and costume designer Hugh O’Connor had a lot of fun making it completely over the top.

“The Comedy of Errors”, The Playhouse, September 30-October 8.

Welcoming vibe for a city breakfast

I’M not a food court fan, but sometimes I find myself at a shopping centre feeling peckish. What to do?

On a recent weekend I steered away from the food court and headed straight to Negozio by Amelia, new at the Canberra Centre and in the Beauty Garden, behind Raku.

It’s a charming spot with a welcoming vibe… a lovely Italian bottega with great coffee, loads of Italian goodies and deli items to buy, a showcase of sweets, and an impressive breakfast menu (small but mighty).

While my breakfast was being made, I browsed the shelves lined with coffee, juices, wines, biscuits, and sauces, including Bippi Italianstyle chilli, “approved by nonna”. Also, Italian country-style pasta or a pasta maker for those who want to create their own.

I also browsed the large glass display with rows and rows of beautiful-looking Italian desserts (same style and quality as sister operation Pasticceria Amelia, Belconnen Markets). They’re irresistible and made with love from Nonna Amelia’s most treasured and traditional recipes.

Out of the three breakfast options on the menu, I selected the chilli scramble ($17.50). The silky scrambled eggs were served on top of slices of sourdough. Dollops of Bippi Italian-style chilli and a lovely

WINE

of flavour. Tiny micro herbs danced on top. It was a perfect portion and thumbs up for the sensational eggs, which were not overcooked, clunky or dry. Delightful.

The second breakfast option, which sounded just as lovely, was bruschetta with sauteed greens, confit vine tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fried eggs and salsa verde ($19.90).

The third was waffles, created with whipped Sicilian ricotta, berries, pistachios, coconut, rose water floss and brulée peach ($22).

I struggled to select a dessert because they were all so gorgeous, but

orange dome. It was pretty as a picture – light and not too sweet. The jelly on the outside was a deep ruby red and little gold leaves formed a perfect circle around the bottom. I was called away after it was served, but Negozio by Amelia didn’t skip a beat in packaging it up for me to take home, with the dome placed ever-so-carefully on a gold take-away plate.

Although I didn’t have a coffee (I was already over my daily limit), I bought a kilo of the Roasting

is what Negozio by Amelia was pouring on my visit. It’s rich and strong, with lovely earthy tones. The décor is light, bright and airy at Negozio by Amelia. The café is entirely open and the marble tables with gold bases add a touch of class. Service was super friendly, and everyone was greeted and thanked for coming.

Claws out against Australian wine in China

There was a young lady of Niger Who smiled as she rode on a tiger; They returned from the ride With the lady inside, And the smile on the face of the tiger.

IN this year of the Tiger, China still has its claws out when it comes to Australian wine.

That Tiger Stance (which is a real thing in taekwondo, also called the Cat Stance or beom seogi) is despite the fact that there’s an obvious market for Australian red wine in China.

This is epitomised in the early September report by “Vin Joy News” that Chinese customs authorities in Gongbei, Guangdong seized RMB 35 million (about $A7.5 million) worth of smuggled Penfolds wines that were “funnelled” from tax-free Macau to mainland China.

The report reveals that demand for highend wines is still present; it says that “photos released by Gongbei authorities showed bottles of Penfolds Bin 389, RWT Bin 789 and Bin 407, which sells for RMB 1119 ($236), RMB 1855 ($390) and RMB 1448 ($313) respectively.” These are excellent prices.

Compare the 389 “baby Grange” price here at Dan Murphy’s where a member can get it for just over $85 a bottle (the 2019 vintage).

These prices are even more starkly good when you consider the basis on which China imposed around 200 per cent tariffs (more precisely,

anti-dumping security deposits) on the import of Australian wine.

The deposit tariffs on wine to mainland China are in place for five years (from March 26, 2021). It is alleged that Australia dumped cheap wine.

In July, Wine Australia reported that total Australian wine exports declined by 10 per cent in volume to 625 million litres and 19 per cent in value to $2.08 billion in the year ended June 30. Don’t you love bureaucrat speak?

The media release telling us these stats says: “The decline in volume and value was not unexpected, as it was largely the result of the continued impact of the significant reduction in exports to mainland China.”

Wine Australia didn’t supply specific commentary on mainland China in the June Export Report media release, but they supplied the figures to me by email. They spell disaster in paint-bynumbers. The exports for the year to the end of June 2022 were six million litres of wine valued at $24.6 million FOB; this was a decline of 88.5 per cent in volume and a decline of 95.9 per cent in value compared to the same period last year.

The dispute about so-called dumped Australian wine is being arbitrated at the World Trade Organization, a process that is set to take years. Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties are tariffs that governments impose on imports that

they decide are below fair market value, usually at prices lower than the exporting countries’ domestic markets. From the example of the smuggled wine, I just told you about what seems like a pipedream.

In this context Rachel Triggs, a Wine Australia general manager said: “The dispute settlement proceedings at the World Trade Organization continue to follow the process. The proceedings are expected to take a few years to conclude. It is something that our sector is following and we’re keeping exporters up to date as this progresses.

Wine Australia, and the peak representative organisation for the Australian wine sector Australian Grape & Wine, are working in close collaboration with the Australian government to monitor and support the sector’s interests during this time.”

Meanwhile Wine Australia has closed its Shanghai office, a decision that, again quoting Ms Triggs, “was based on the current environment and market opportunity”.

Question: What’s the only animal that can go into and then out of a tiger’s den?

Answer: A tiger.

STREAMING

treatment in a new drama series charting how the bombastic British PM fumbled his way through the covid pandemic.

Rewinding the clock to 2020, “This England” sees Oscar winner Kenneth Branagh step into the shoes of Bojo as he’s first elected to the top job and as that tiresome virus begins to spread across the world.

The five-episode series is being marketed as a “look behind closed doors” that will recount Johnson himself catching the virus, the birth of his son, and the mounting criticism that led to his resignation in July.

The show drops on Binge from September 22, just weeks after the Conservatives announced Liz Truss as his replacement.

Johnson’s controversial parties at Downing Street saw him breach his own lockdown rules and make him the only English PM to ever be sanctioned for breaking the law while in office.

He’s the latest in a spate of modern political figures put to screen as a drawcard for viewers.

Benedict Cumberbatch played one of Johnson’s senior advisers, Dominic Cummings, in the “Brexit” film (on Stan), which hit screens in 2019 and depicted the country’s separation from the EU as a tragicomedy.

Cummings also gets a spot in this new series (played by Simon Paisley Day) as does Johnson’s wife, Carrie (Ophelia Lovibond).

It’s a bold thing indeed to take on the role of one of these contentious “characters” in

drama series “The Comey Rule” (Stan), where Irish star Brendan Gleeson donned the infamous toupée to some eerily accurate effect.

Too soon? One could argue a few more years need to pass before the entertainment industry has a chance of tackling these still raw political sagas with any level of objectivity.

Still, whether you like Boris or not there’s no denying he’s always been good TV. Branagh’s got big shoes to fill.

OVER on Disney Plus this month, the billionaire mouse continues to turn its most iconic animated films into live action remakes.

“The Lion King”, “Dumbo”, “Mulan” and “Aladdin” have all got the shiny modern makeover and this time it's “Pinocchio”, the classic tale of the wooden puppet and his adventures to become a real boy.

Tom Hanks plays his maker, Geppetto in this latest take on the story which has been in production for more than seven years and sees “Back to the Future” director Robert Zemeckis in charge of the film.

The original “Pinocchio” is also available on Disney Plus and remains a charming family flick even 82 years after it was first seen around the world.

REMEMBER the guy who got crane kicked

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Who would have thought 40 years later he’d have his own TV show that’s still popular five seasons deep.

“Cobra Kai”, the spin-off of the beloved “Karate Kid” movies, has just dropped its newest set of episodes on Netflix and, yet again, proven itself a black belt in action television. It’s the story of what happened to the teenage antagonist of “The Karate Kid”, Johnny Lawrence, 34 years after his defeat at the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament.

All washed up, Lawrence seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai dojo and resparking his rivalry with the now highly successful Daniel LaRusso.

Following an explosive season four finale, this newest entry in the “Miyagi-verse” will see Lawrence face off against the villain of “Karate Kid Part III” Terry Silver, who wants to make his "No Mercy" style of karate the only game in town.

For anyone needing to refresh their memory, there sadly won’t be much luck finding the original films on any of the streaming platforms.

Netflix does have the 2010 remake with Jaden Smith, but let’s just say that’s an iteration of the “Karate Kid” that doesn’t land any punches.

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Would you like to watch those old family videos once again, or listen to your favourite records on CD? We can take your vinyl records or cassette tapes and put them onto CD and we transfer video tapes onto DVD.

The kids are alright… 52 years, nothing’s changed CINEMA / reviews

By Dougal MACDONALD

“The Railway Children Return” (PG) IN 1944, there was a second blitz when German rocket bombs began to fall on Britain.

Fifty-two years after the original “Railway Children” film was made, Morgan Matthews directs a sort of a sequel, with some of the original actors repeating the characters they played then; or maybe different characters – I never saw the original.

In this sequel set in Oakworth village in Yorkshire, Jenny Agutter plays grandmotherly Bobbie whose daughter Annie (Sheridan Smith) is headmistress at the local school. Three evacuees from Manchester extend the family: Lily (Beau Gadsdon), Pattie (Eden Hamilton) and Ted (Zac Cudby) are taken under their wing.

The children come across a young black US soldier hiding in a railway carriage who tells the children that he is on a secret mission. Actually, he is AWOL. The children, promising not to reveal his secret mission and location, now agree to hide him in their house.

This sequel has occasional moments of gravity acknowledging racism and a throwaway line with a subtext about immigration and a thinly veiled nod to Brexit.

Whether a scene where US military police would arrest and handcuff a British child is debatable. But this is genial, enjoyable stuff filmed in the same location as the original film, which has remained resolutely the same despite the 52 years between films.

Tom Courtenay as a genial uncle figure is a reassuring presence and the children, two of whom make their film debut, are the right age for the roles and delightfully endearing.

I became aware of Jenny Agutter as a 19-year-old skinny-dipping in “Walkabout”. Now 70, her filmography lists 118 credits.

At all cinemas

“Bodies Bodies Bodies” (MA)

IN an otherwise empty cinema, there was me in the back row and a pair of young adults several rows nearer the screen.

As they passed me after the lights came back up, I asked what they thought about director Halina Reijn’s film of this story by Kristen Roupenian scripted by Sarah DeLappe. “Quite good”, the woman replied, followed by a brief agreement from her companion.

They asked me what I thought about it. In a George Washington cherry-tree moment, I had to reply that I disliked it intensely.

As its plot about a house party collapses into a pile of blood, party detritus and a quintet of dead bodies, the film’s vocabulary increasingly bespattering its dialogue becomes not so increasingly objectionable as unnecessary.

I have no problems with women using the unprintable word in any or all of its grammatical possibilities. But here, that happens without the character thinking why she is doing it. She is angry. The reasons behind her anger don’t hold up.

As the film’s 94 minutes dragged on it became increasingly apparent that economising on lighting was important for the people in the back office waiting to see box-office cash start rolling in. As the plot about a game of murder reduces character numbers, the survivors wave hand-held LED-torches to light the scene!

I found nothing in the story that I could like or that impressed me about the techniques applied in its making. Am I becoming antique? Perhaps. And I wish I knew what that trio of creative minds wanted their production to tell the world. And why. At all cinemas

HOROSCOPE PUZZLES

By Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

You’ll experience the greatest satisfaction if you share your goals and dreams with other like-minded people. Collective collaboration is the key. But you need to think long-term and be patient. Do your best to get the balance right between being creative and being productive; between having inspirational ideas and making practical progress. Mercury is still in retrograde motion until Sunday, which could disrupt your daily routine or stir up an old health issue.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Bulls are often stubborn creatures, which can put others offside. You can also be jealous, possessive and materialistic, as your acquisitive side goes into overdrive. This week Venus transits into Libra, which highlights your desire for harmony and balance. So strive to be more adaptable, as other people won’t behave in predictable ways. Smart Taureans will choose compromise over confrontation, diplomacy over drama, and generosity over greed.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Dynamic Mars is marching through gung-ho Gemini, which usually means you’re feeling proactive and are raring to go! But Mercury (your power planet) is retrograde until Sunday. So prepare for a stop/start kind of week when you’ll sometimes feel as if you’re going backwards. If you are patient and adapt to changing circumstances, then you could have a lot of fun, games and general shenanigans along the way. It’s all part of the rich celestial tapestry this week.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Be careful when talking and driving, as Mercury reverses through your conversation and transport zone. Otherwise you could find yourself smack bang in the middle of an argument or accident. Slow down! There is much inner peace to be found via activities like meditation, contemplation, yoga and tai chi as you listen to the wisdom from within. With the New Moon and Venus stimulating your domestic zone, cooperation is the secret to a fresh family chapter.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

You’re in the mood to talk, text, tweet, publish and/or podcast as the New Moon activates your communication zone. But with Mercury still retrograde, make sure you convey your message clearly and concisely, otherwise misunderstandings are likely. Mercury is reversing through your financial zone until Sunday. So it’s not a good week to buy a new phone, borrow money, make an expensive purchase or sign an important contract. Instead, be patient and wait.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

With Mercury (your ruling planet) reversing until Sunday, expect travel disruptions, phone frustrations or computer chaos that will test your limited patience. So how can you survive Mercury retrograde in a reasonably sane state of mind? Make sure you back-up all your computer files; allow plenty of time to get to appointments and catch flights; check and then double-check everything; and be incredibly adaptable. Plus maintain your sense of humour!

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Stylish Librans have a passion for fashion. And this week – with the New Moon and Venus both transiting through your sign – it’s the perfect time to refresh your appearance via a hot new hairstyle, a makeup makeover or a creative wardrobe revamp. But with Mercury (planet of commerce) still in retrograde mode (until Sunday), watch that impulse buys don’t burn a big hole in your stretched budget. Remember – some of the best things in life are free!

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

When it comes to your involvement with a friend, colleague, client, customer, group, club or organisation, retrograde Mercury scrambles communication and activates your argumentative streak. The New Moon and Venus stimulate your spirituality zone, so it’s time to calm down and smoke the peace pipe as you compromise and sympathise. Be inspired by birthday great, singer and actress, the late Olivia Newton-John: “I believe love is what makes the world go round.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Impulsive Uranus and retrograde Mercury continue to disrupt your work routine, career plans or future aspirations. So this week’s New Moon is the perfect time to revise, reassess and reboot your goals and dreams. Think of creative ways you can navigate the unpredictable economic landscape, adapt professionally and pivot personally. Draw inspiration from birthday great, singer and actress Julie Andrews: “When one door closes, another window opens.”

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

This week the New Moon and Venus light up your career zone, so utilise your natural charisma to charm others and attract opportunities into your world. Then use your can-do Capricorn attitude to take action. The Mars/Saturn connection reminds you to be proactive and practical. Preparation is the key. As singer/actress (and birthday great) Julie Andrews observes: “Work hard, apply yourself and be ready. Then, when an opportunity comes, you can grab it.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Aquarians often feel restless, rebellious and agitated. This week, with Mercury stuck in retrograde mode (until Sunday), you could suffer from low libido, a lack of motivation or just plain exhaustion. The New Moon illuminates your philosophy zone, so you need to slow down and look within as you contemplate, meditate and ruminate. Negotiation planet Venus also encourages you to hold out the olive branch of peace (especially to a stressed friend or colleague).

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

This week a friendship, romantic partnership or joint venture could veer off in an unpredictable direction as Mercury reverses through your relationship zone. Or a work colleague could surprise you by making a decision that seems like a backward step. And are you being rather lazy? With Venus and the New Moon both transiting through lackadaisical Libra, you could find your motivation is missing and your adventurous streak has gone AWOL!

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2022

3 What is an alternative name for grandmothers? (8)

7 What is an antenna known as? (6)

8 Which term describes those who exact satisfaction? (8)

9 Which small keyboard instrument resembles the harpsichord? (6)

10 Name a liqueur, also known as wormwood. (8)

11 What is a countenance, or facial expression? (6)

14 What are used for sharpening razors? (6)

17 To be submissive to authority, is to be what? (8)

18 What are dialects also called? (6)

19 Which books, etc, appear annually? (8)

20 What are convicts known as? (6)

21 Which term implies ordinary, or commonplace? (8)

1 Which instruments are used in combat, fighting, or war? (7)

2 What is a woman, engaged to be married? (7)

3 To be glaringly conspicuous, is to be what? (7)

4 Name the profession of Doc Holliday. (7)

5 Which term describes a master of any art? (7)

6 What are registered nurses known as? (7)

11 Name an altar attendant of minor rank. (7)

12 What is something preliminary or introductory? (7)

13 Who was the Australian Prime Minister 1945-49, Ben ...? (7)

14 To fulfil desires, is to do what? (7)

15 Which tyres have flexible walls for strengthening their treads? (7)

16 What is a colouring substance? (7)

CHARTERED

Billy's a tradie and said he'd been inspired by a story on social media about a man who manages not to pay GST and wanted my guidance as to how he could do the same thing.

"The story quotes him as saying he asks people to pay cash, not put it in his bank account and then he doesn’t have to pay GST," said Billy.

"He was complaining that some of his customers had agreed to pay cash then deposited the money into his bank account – and he got very cross. Can I do that, too, Gail?”

Whoa there, Billy, I said. The short answer was "no!" and to do that would be breaking the law.

"The Tax Acts require you to declare all income from all sources whether income tax or GST," I said.

"So not producing a tax invoice and remitting the GST to the ATO is illegal. It is called tax avoidance/evasion. It doesn’t matter whether you bank the money or not, it is still tax evasion.”

Billy said: “I just thought because it was a 'cashy', it didn’t matter.”

I replied: “Let’s think about what happens to the money the Tax Office collects; it gets used for welfare and Centrelink payments, health, education, defence, roads, railways, parks and playgrounds.

"So if you don’t pay your tax from 'cashys' then someone else has to pay for your medical costs and your kids’ education. I know people think it doesn’t matter, it’s just the tax office but if everyone did this then our taxes would have to increase.

“There's a page on the ATO website called 'Making a tip off’. There's an on-line form with tick boxes you can complete anonymously. One of them says: ‘Demanding or paying for work cash in hand to avoid obligations’. So this is clearly something that the ATO is concerned about. You can also ring 1800 060062 or send in a letter.

“It goes on to say, under the heading of concerns you may have, ‘you might be offered a discount for cash, a cash deal or a ‘cashy’ without a receipt or a discount for cash or mates’ rates’. This clarifies the status of a cashy as being tax avoidance/evasion.”

Billy said “Gosh, I have learnt a lot today.”

I said the form is simple to complete if you need to complete one. Every year the ATO publishes information on the shadow economy and reminds taxpayers to declare all their income. The ATO looks to audit taxpayers who have not declared all their income. They can go to court and possibly even jail, so it's not a smart thing to do.

"The best thing I can recommend to you is that you issue tax invoices for all the jobs you do, even if you are paid in cash. "I would also recommend that you bank any cash that you receive so that your banking correctly discloses all your income. That makes our job easier and also makes it easier for you.”

Billy said: “Thanks Gail. I'm now clear on cashys… and will take more care with what I read on social media.”

If you require help with anything tax related, 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.