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NEWS / Australian Art & Objects Maker of the Year

Mandolin brings maker a sweet sound of success

By Helen MUSA

Graham McDonald, CityNews music reviewer with a famously sharp ear who can spot a flat note from a mile away, has been named the Australian Art & Objects Maker of the Year for his Art Deco mandolin.

Known among Canberra’s music circles for his frank comments on pitch – which have sometimes raised eyebrows in local music companies –McDonald credits his acuity in part to decades of working with instruments. McDonald has spent years crafting fiddles, guitars, mandolins, ukuleles and bouzoukis.

He describes instrument-making as “just as much a tactile art as an auditory one. You’re always feeling, bending and twisting wood, so it’s a combination of sound and touch – you get muscle memory as well as musical memory.”

The winning mandolin… it features a spruce soundboard and a resonating body of blackheart sassafras from Tasmania.

soundboard and a resonating body and neck of blackheart sassafras from Tasmania to add some extra visual interest. McDonald says he is agnostic about the timber’s origin – as long as it’s high quality.

McDonald has been making stringed instruments since the 1980s, sometimes full-time and sometimes alongside other roles.

“I build on commission as well as make things that just appeal and might be interesting and a challenge to design and make,” he says.

“I did build an Irish bouzouki for a well known Irish musician, Donal Lunny. Very well known in Irish music circles, and pretty well unknown outside!

“He left it in a car on Okinawa and the soundboard split so I don’t know where it ended up.

“Mostly I sell to amateur or semipro musicians who want an instrument made to their specifications.

His award-winning mandolin is based on a sketch he discovered at the National Music Centre in Dakota among the papers of renowned Brooklyn-based archtop jazz guitar builder Jimmy D’Aquisto, who died 30 years ago.

“It had a lobe shape,” McDonald says. “I thought that was interesting, so I decided to make one. Now I’ve made four of them, each a little different as I’ve tweaked my own design.”

He can’t remember exactly where he first read about the competition,

Arts & Entertainment 27-29

Crossword & Sudoku 31

Dining & Wine 29

Gardening 30

Keeping Up the ACT 14

Letters 12-13

News 3-14

Politics 4, 8, 10, 11

Streaming 28

which this year attracted more than 400 entries from 44 countries, but he thought it would be worth entering.

“I thought if I was going to enter something it should be an instrument which was distinctive and did not look like every other mandolin,” he says.

The instrument features a spruce

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While putting his children through school, he worked as director for the Australian Folk Trust and the National Folk Festival, and on staff at the National Film and Sound Archive.

“There is great joy in hearing a talented musician create music on one of my instruments,” he says.

“I have reviewed the Canberra Mandolin Orchestra a couple of times, several of whom play my mandolins, but I am only reviewing their performance, not the instruments.”

So, where is the prize-winning mandolin?

“It was sold to a woman in Victoria, who I have never met. She saw it advertised on my website and sent me the money,” says McDonald.

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POLITICS / mystery of the lost millions

Audit figures reveal Calvary Hospital takeover cost taxpayers $150m and there’s likely more to come.

That’s odd: $114m budget blowout, but for what?

The more than $100 million blowout surely warrants questions from the media and the opposition and an explanation from the treasurer. Unfortunately, all we have heard to date is a deafening silence.

JON

STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED.

In the 2025-26 ACT Budget presented by Treasurer Chris Steel, the estimate of annual expenditure to June 2025 was $9.256 billion.

However, the actual expenditure, as shown in the just released audited financial statements for 2024-25 results, was $9.370 billion, an increase of $114 million on the forecast Mr Steel had made just three weeks before the end of the financial year, which is odd.

The more than $100 million blowout in the expenditure forecasts in just a few weeks should surely warrant questions from the media and the opposition and an explanation from the treasurer. Unfortunately, all we have heard to date is a deafening silence.

Unfortunately, the audited financial statements do not provide an explanation for the change in the updated forecast, as they provide only a comparison of the final (audited) results with the original forecast made in the 2024-25 Budget.

The 2025-26 budget statements had already forecast an increase of $254 million in expenditure for 2024-25 from the original budget. Readers would recall this was largely attributed to the need to provide additional funding for

health care due to an increase in demand.

The audited statements now show that the blowout was in fact $369 million (4.1 per cent of the total budget).

We also have a better, and concerning, explanation of the blowout in the cost of health services from the notes accompanying the audited statements that refer, among other things, to a “higher use of agency nursing staff and visiting medical officers” to meet a “significant growth in demand for health services”.

Feeble excuse for underfunding health

We are unable to confirm the claimed significant growth in demand for health care. In fact, the annual report of the Canberra Health Service, reports a drop in activity and service performance against the original budget targets. For example, the number of elective surgeries performed was 16,565 against the target of 17,450; an under delivery of 885 surgeries or 5.3 per cent.

Just 51 per cent of triaged patients categorised as urgent were seen within the clinically recommended timeframe compared to the budget target of 75 per cent.

Concerningly, the government could not achieve the 100 per cent target for patients

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requiring immediate resuscitation; the actual result was 99 per cent. We will provide a review of the health system performance separately, but note here that the claimed increase in demand is nothing more than a feeble excuse for underfunding health in the original budget, poor planning for activity and staffing, and an ad hoc use of temporary agency staff with resulting higher costs.

We note the Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith (as well as her officials) has declined to answer simple questions about unfilled clinical positions, with the latest response reported from the chief operating officer being: “I wouldn’t actually be able to say what [the] exact vacancy is because we’re in the process of allocating people who are suitable”, is worth framing as a prime example of bureaucratic obfuscation.

At last, the costs of Calvary

The audited financial statements provide, at last, complete information on the cost of the acquisition of the former Calvary Hospital. We note that while the budget papers have remained largely silent, that there are 42 references to Calvary Hospital in various parts and notes of the audited financial statements.

For interested readers, details of the settlement costs are provided in Note 36 on Page 87. The costs comprise a payment of $88.199 million in compensation; the ACT government forgiving $12.910 million in amounts owed; while accepting $47.926 million of accrued employee liabilities; and waving $0.220 million in Supreme Court costs, resulting in a total of $149.261 million in settlement costs.

We consider that while this information is much more comprehensive than the government has been willing to previously disclose, there are likely to be costs incurred but not reported separately and further additional costs budgeted in 2025-26.

The above figures do not include the legal

costs incurred by the Territory.

The 2025-26 budget further includes two “initiatives” relating to project management resources to co-ordinate commercial and legal matters ($2.070 million) and capital expenditure for transitioning the hospital to the Canberra Health Service ($2.550 million).

Table 1 details the audited results for aggregate revenue, expenses and the operating balance, along with their comparison to the original budget forecasts.

The table highlights, once again, the entrenched habit of the ACT government of overestimating revenue and underestimating expenses, at the time of the budget.

Aggregate revenue fell short of the budget forecast by $174.5 million (2.1 per cent) and expenditure was higher by $368.8 million (4.1 per cent), which resulted in the net operating balance deficit increasing by $543.3 million (63.5 per cent).

The deficit as a proportion of the budget increased from a forecast 9.5 per cent to 14.9 per cent. Other than the 15.1 per cent deficit in the 2019-20 covid year, this is the highest deficit in the ACT since self government.

The blowout in expenditure in 2024-25 will almost certainly have implications for the 2025-26 budget, which had factored in expenditure growth of 3.8 per cent. At that time we had considered it to be insufficient to cover the natural growth factors such as inflation, wages and population.

The current budget estimates provide for expenditure growth of just 2.6 per cent. With wage growth at 3.25 per cent and CPI increasing at 2.75 per cent, according to the government’s forecasts, a blowout in expenditure in 2025-26 is inevitable.

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

Table 1: 2024-25 Original Budget and Audited Outcome

A second opinion on hearing loss – you need professional advice, not a sales pitch

A woman came into my clinic for a consultation about her hearing aids, telling me her hearing aids were 4 years old and she had never found them to be of much help. She said the salesperson quoted her $14,000 for a pair of hearing aids, however, the monthly special of 20% discount meant they cost her $11,200. So, she ‘only’ paid $11,200 for hearing aids that did not help her. Sadly, I hear this all too often.

Here are some things to do to avoid this type of problem:

1. Visit your GP. If you or someone you know has a problem with their hearing, visiting your GP to check for wax in the ears, and to get advice is a starting point.

2. Qualifications. Always check the qualifications of the person you are dealing with. A person without professional qualifications has no business advising you about your hearing. They need to belong to a professional association with a Code of Conduct, so you know they are acting in your best interests, not their own.

years. If you are not sure about their advice, then seek a second opinion. The wrong hearing aids can be an expensive waste and could lead you to stop wearing them. You should always have a trial of hearing aids to ensure that they are right for you.

6 Pensioners and eligible DVA card holders often have entitlement to free services. If you are covered by a government concession, then let the clinician know (even though your clinician should ask). Eligible clients may obtain free hearing tests, consultations, and free hearing aids (referred to as fully subsidized hearing aids).

“A person without professional qualifications has no business advising you about your hearing. They need to belong to a professional association with a Code of Conduct, so you know they are acting in your best interests, not their own.”

– Dr Vass

These hearing aids are appropriate for many people, however if you have great difficulty hearing in background noise (for example a restaurant), then you may want to consider partially subsidized hearing aids. This is when the government pays a certain amount, and you pay for additional features and benefits. Your decision should be based on the following:

you are dealing with a qualified clinician, then they belong to a professional association. The best contact is an independent complaints body referred to as Ethics Review Committee. You can email ethics@auderc.org.au and view the website www.auderc.org.au. You can make an anonymous complaint and your complaint will be handled in a confidential and professional manner. If you are in the ACT, contact the ACT Human Rights Commission email human rights@act.gov au and the website www.hrc.act.gov.au

3. Independent advice. You should get independent, professional advice.

4. There are a wide range of hearing aids out there. Finding the right hearing aids for your communication needs can be challenging. Hearing aids vary in price and performance. Bluetooth® connectivity and rechargeable hearing aids are available on most hearing aids, along with apps that allow you to control your hearing aids from your mobile device. Be aware that just because a hearing aid is more expensive, that doesn’t mean they are the best hearing aid for you.

5. Just as hearing aids vary in performance, clinicians may also vary in performance due to training, experience, and skills. Make sure that you are comfortable and confident in their advice. You are likely to be with this clinician for the life of your new hearing aids, typically 4 to 5

(a) Can you afford the more expensive hearing aids? Don’t go into financial stress if you can’t afford them. (b) Are you clear on the free vs partially subsidized features & benefits? Never believe someone who tells you the free hearings are not good or of poor performance, this is simply not true. (c) If you try the partially subsidized hearing aids and are not happy, then return them. Do not keep hearing aids because you think the failure is yours or that you will improve over time. If the hearing aids are not working for you in the trial period, then they will not work for you in a year or two.

7. If you have a complaint, then seek help. Your clinician should be able to help you through most of your needs. Sometimes, a problem may be beyond the expertise of even the best clinician. However, if you have a complaint there are things you can do. If

COVER STORY / 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial

Tony’s pulling together the best things he’s seen

By Helen MUSA

The National Gallery of Australia’s 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial, After the Rain, is set to open on December 6.

It follows previous triennials – Culture War riors in 2007, unDISCLOSED in 2012, Defying Empire in 2017 and Ceremony 2022.

The national collecting institution is justly proud of having snared First Nations artist Tony Albert as artistic director but “curator” is a title he shies away from, I find when I catch up with him by phone to his Brisbane studio.

With an acute eye and an outgoing personal ity, Albert burst on to the national scene years ago through his satirical exhibitions of vintage “Aboriginalia” – objects produced for tourist consumption – but his practice since has spanned many genres.

“After the Rain is the first artist-led indig enous triennial,” Albert says.”So I’m bringing a different take to the idea of being a curator. I’m not setting myself up to be an authority, but I’m pulling together the best things I’ve seen.”

Taking a pragmatic view, he notes that with big biennials and triennials at big galleries, fewer projects allow more time and resources for artists to create their most seminal works.

“I wanted to do fewer projects which would allow more time and energy to free up artists to make their most seminal works to date.”

“Immersive,” Albert says, is how he wants viewers to see this triennial.

To this end, he has divided the exhibition into 10 sections, engaging artists Alair Pambegan, Aretha Brown, Blaklash, Dylan Mooney, Hermannsburg Potters, Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre, Vincent Namatjira, Jimmy John Thaiday, Naminapu Maymuru-White, Thea Anamara Perkins, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists and Grace Kemarre Robinya, and Warraba Weatherall. The projects, he says, are “very immersive and challenging in their use of space. I want to trans-

MAKING RIGHTS REAL FOR OLDER PEOPLE

port visitors into these incredible installations.”

Working with the national collection opened up the possibility of focusing on Albert Namatjira, simply because the NGA holds no fewer than his 98 paintings.

“He’s such a hero to us all – the first Aboriginal person to get Australian citizenship – and he understood why his art had value.”

Tony Albert adds that he has established a relationship with Namatjira’s work and family. He didn’t realise the artist’s house outside Hermannsburg still existed until he visited it and devised the idea that “Albert’s house” would sit at the centre of the exhibition. A large glass-dominated replica will be the exhibition’s “pulsating heart”.

In their research, which involved Namatjira’s grandson Vincent, they came across 13 historical letters Albert Namatjira wrote to his mentor Rex Battarbee, revealing what great mates they were.

Vincent Namatjira, already prominent for his in-your-face portraits of public figures such as Gina Rinehart and as a winner of the Archibald Prize, has created Royal Albert, a portrait of Albert as king of his world, a signal to all the artists to continue telling their stories.

He has also created a portrait of every featuring artist for the entrance of the triennial.

“My idea was to get the artists in, to allow them to lead the installation.”

Another key installation, of special interest to Canberrans, has been created by Thea Anamara Perkins, maternal granddaughter of pioneering Aboriginal activist Charlie

live in the past but the past lives in us.”

It forms a neat connection with the triennial’s history, since her mother, curator Hetti Perkins, was responsible for the last indigenous triennial, Ceremony.

“This is a kind of three-generational look at Charlie’s leadership through their eyes – we see him on the beach with his grandchildren; we see him as a family man – a representation of Blak excellence to which we can aspire. It’s been a privilege to document their lives so abundantly.”

But the triennial isn’t just for Canberrans. Another installation links back to the first triennial in 2007 that featured work by the late Arthur. Since then, his son Alair Pambegan has completed 600 red, white and black ochre-painted flying fox sculptures for the Queensland Art Gallery collection, and now 500 for the triennial.

“Alair painted his flying foxes in my Brisbane workshop to achieve a monumental outcome, honouring his father’s custodianship,” Albert says.

Concluding the exhibition will be threedimensional, soft-sculpture weavings from Yarrenyty Arltere Artists’ featuring flocks of birds gathered around tactile fabric droplets and an ancestral woman, Beautiful Ulkumanu.

“If you consider the title After the Rain, it looks at water as a ceremonial cleanser and a source of renewal. People will be able to walk through a veil of rain,” Albert says.

Crafting Canberra’s Outdoor Excellence

Located in the heart of the ACT, Artisan Landscapes has redefined what it means to design, build and nurture outdoor spaces. Owner Mark explains, “We love what we do — working with nature to showcase the best of its beauty sparks a natural passion in our team.” With more than 40 years of combined in-house experience and over 25 years serving Canberra, the team has earned a stellar reputation for creativity, craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.

From landscape design and consultation to precision earthworks, stone masonry, paving and large-format tiling, Artisan Landscapes manages every element of an outdoor transformation. Whether it’s decking and pergolas, irrigation and lighting, or bespoke garden structures and screening, they offer a comprehensive suite of services for both residential and commercial clients. Mark is also deeply passionate about plant selection, choosing plant varieties that will thrive in Canberra’s climate and enrich each garden for years to come. Reflecting on a recent project, he notes, “We’re not just building a yard — we’re creating a tailored experience and a lasting connection with the outdoor space.”

This dedication has not gone unnoticed. Artisan Landscapes was recently honoured with the 2025 Quality Business Awards title of “Best Landscaping in Belconnen,” a category reserved for businesses achieving a quality score above 95% and five stars across all criteria. It’s a testament to the team’s consistency, commitment and uncompromising standards. For anyone looking to transform an outdoor area into something truly spectacular, Mark and his team are ready to bring your vision to life, one thoughtfully crafted detail at a time.

LIBERALS IN CRISIS

Shifting deckchairs won’t save the sinking Libs

Shifting the deckchairs will not stop the Liberal Party sinking.

Right across southern Australia the Liberal Party is wrestling with who they are. Winning government is way out of reach while the internal strife continues.

There has been an Australian tradition of putting women into leadership roles when things look disastrous for a political party –whether in government or not. Maybe this tradition will now be modified to place next generation women to lead a party out of trouble.

The ACT has bucked this trend to a certain extent. Being in opposition for almost a quarter of a century has allowed a revolving door of men and women who have not been able to drag the Liberal MLAs into a policy position that would give them a chance of being elected.

There is some hope that Tuggeranong MLA Mark Parton will be able to provide this leadership. However, even the Deputy Leader of the Canberra Liberals Deborah Morris is a conservative making the challenge of a co-ordinated approach a Herculean task.

Across the border in NSW, Mark Speakman has fallen on his sword in favour of Kellie Anne Sloane as Leader of the Opposition. The former journalist and TV presenter will now

have the unenviable task of uniting a fractured political party. Polling for the NSW Libs has driven the change and they see their only chance as backing a woman.

The Victorian Liberal Party MPs have ejected their “Peter Duttonesque” former police officer, Brad Battin in favour of first-time MP, 35-year-old Jess Wilson.

Battin was gracious in his concession speech, with Ms Wilson elected unopposed in the hope that a woman

The Liberals are destined for the depths of political oblivion while they squabble about who has the biggest deckchair.

could seriously challenge the Labor government of Jacinta Allan.

Ms Wilson was able to defeat a teal challenge in her state seat of Kew by espousing moderate views on issues such as climate change. Following her election, she said her focus would be on repairing the budget, fighting crime, improving health and housing.

She replaced Ballin after only 11 months in the job. Polling over that time for the Liberals dropped from 42 per cent to 33 per cent while Labor’s vote has increased.

The major concern for Victorians, like those of us in the ACT, is that the Standard and Poor’s rating has dropped to AA+ increasing the interest rates that have to be paid by the government.

With a Victorian debt of more than $200 billion, there remains a significant challenge. Proportionally, this is not dissimilar to the challenge facing the ACT.

The Liberals should be in a good position to challenge Labor on financial matters. It is the rest of

the policies that have swung so far to the right that makes them largely unelectable across NSW, Victoria, the ACT and SA.

Federally, the challenges are even more difficult. Sussan Ley has moved her own chair around on the deck of the Liberal Party. Although she has supporters such as former Senator Hollie Hughes, there are those who are stoking the engines of discontent.

Hughes lost her seat to the conservative Jessica Collins thanks to intervention in the preselection battle by Angus Taylor, who is one of the pretenders to the Liberal throne.

Hughes resigned from the Liberal Party saying it no longer reflects the vision of Robert Menzies and added: “I don’t think they reflect what a lot of Australians feel anymore”.

Sussan Ley is attempting to woo her conservatives. She has caved on “net zero” but argues the need to prepare for war. She recently told the Menzies Institute that Australia should focus on preparation for war in the case of failure of diplomacy.

Ms Ley presented a slightly more moderate approach than that of another would-be challenger, Andrew Hastie. She outlined the need to

boost Australia’s fuel supply to store enough to last longer than 90 days, to invest in air and missile defence systems, and to rapidly build aerial and underwater drones.

A few weeks ago, I drew attention to South Australia. In that state, recent polling shows Labor incumbent Premier Peter Malinauskas winning an extraordinary landslide. It is possible on current polling that the Liberals would be reduced to less than six lower-house seats, with leader Vincent Tarzia failing to be elected.

The Liberals are destined for the depths of political oblivion while they squabble about who has the biggest deckchair. Rather than changing leaders, what is needed is a co-ordinated set of policies that are largely acceptable to middle Australia.

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.

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LIBERALS IN CRISIS

Best not mess with the shearers’ cook!

The most poignant aspect of the Liberal Party’s climate-change suicide is the humiliation they have so gleefully heaped upon the thin, vulnerable form of their “leader” Sussan Ley.

The picture of a thundering herd of “no net zero” extremists – including several women – heading down a Parlia ment House corridor for the meeting that would strip her leadership of any meaning was heart-rending.

That she submitted to it and continued the charade until a date to be fixed by her tormentors is a political horror show, a disgraceful ending to the latest chapter in our climate-change saga. Indeed, it is so absurd that it cries out for some motive beyond mere masochism to explain it.

Does she truly believe that she’s acting in the best interests of the Liberal Party? Is she hoping that her bravery in the face of such cruelty, will somehow turn the tide? Will martyrdom at last shame the Neros and Caligulas in our Italianate House of Parliament to turn thumbs up?

Honestly?

Perhaps she might consult a predecessor whose middle name foretold the rolling mutiny he endured before those same extremists ended his rule publicly and pathetically. And today?

Cartoon: Paul Dorin

the lonely sidelines.

But if not a Damascene conversion, what else would motivate this 54-yearold female pioneer of the Liberal Party leadership.

In classic form, she rose without a trace. Born in Nigeria to English parents, her mother carried the surname of “Weston” into the marriage, an honoured Canberra moniker from the city’s earliest days.

Poor Malcolm is reduced to fishy similes of piranhas and goldfish in his cry from

But after a childhood in the United Arab Emirates, she arrived in Australia as a teenager, moved to Canberra where her father worked for the AFP while she attended Campbell High and Dickson College.

After marrying and settling on her

Does she truly believe that she’s acting in the best interests of the Liberal Party? Is she hoping that her bravery in the face of such cruelty, will somehow turn the tide?

husband’s family farm in north-east Victoria she had three children, studied economics part-time at La Trobe University then joined the ATO at Albury as director of technical training from 1995 to 2001.

Alas, the marriage would end in divorce in 2004, but she rallied with a master’s degree in tax law, and, a master of accountancy at Charles Sturt Uni. She became a commercial pilot, a shearers’ cook, farmer and finally public servant based in Albury. There she quietly put some National Party noses out of joint when elected to their former leader Tim Fisher’s Farrer seat in 2001.

In the Abbott and Turnbull governments, she held various ministerial portfolios including Health, Sport, and Aged Care. She resigned from the min-

istry in January 2017 following a controversy over her travel expense claims, but returned in August 2018 when Scott Morrison succeeded Malcolm Turnbull as prime minister.

Continuing her glide path, she served as Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories and Minister for the Environment prior to the government’s defeat at the 2022 election.

After the 2025 poll as Deputy she became the Acting Leader and won the subsequent vote against Angus Taylor, her principal tormentor. And the next tick on the altimeter? Up or down?

I would just cast a warning note: I have met a few shearers’ cooks in my time. They are never to be underestimated… to say nothing of that powerful Weston bloodline.

robert@robert macklin.com

Christmas charity stall

Relay for Life Team, the Bold Bandannas, will hold a fundraising Christmas Charity Stall for cancer research at the Belconnen fruit and veg markets, 8am-4.30pm, on Saturday, November 29. Homemade Christmas puddings, cakes, hampers, shortbread and rum balls will feature amid the regular fare of homemade jams, pickles, marmalades, lemon butter and sugar-reduced preserves.

Christmas knees-up

The Shiny Bums will provide the Christmas entertainment at the next lunch meeting of the Weston Creek View Club at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, from 11.30am on December 2. Cost is $40 and interested ladies are welcome. RSVP to 0408 864616.

Christmas craft market

The crafts people of Kangara Waters Retirement Village, Cummings Place, Belconnen, have lots of seasonal goodies for sale at their annual Christmas Market, 8.30am12.30pm on Saturday, December 6. Stalls will feature patchwork, porcelain art, jewellery, paper craft, bags, homemade cakes and biscuits as well as other Christmas treats. Cash payment is preferred.

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the Christmas and team spirit in your team by sponsoring a Christmas tree!

A charity event helping families in need in our community, featuring one of Canberra’s tallest 17 metre high Christmas tree, over 400 Christmas trees and over 1 million solar lights.

Sponsoring a Christmas tree means that all the money raised from the sponsorship goes to St. Anthony’s Bread Charity.

There are over 400 Christmas trees for sponsorship! Family sponsorships start from $69 per tree and Business sponsorships are $300 per tree. Sponsored Christmas trees will have a sign with the chosen sponsorship name.

Thank you for your support and amazing response.

Team Christmas Park

Why the Liberals have to get back to the future

The Liberals of 2025, both in the ACT and federally, show the challenges faced by broad-based parties who try to rebuild the brand.

The brand rebuild, though, is harder for the Liberals coming from the right, than Labor coming from the left.

Why? Issues, such as climate change, health and education, are ones that have always been identified as being better handled by Labor than the Coalition.

Labor have quietly been moving into the centre-right space of economic and fiscal management, along with foreign affairs, once seen as other key policy offerings of the Liberals.

This change into the sensible right has happened at local and federal levels, and when it comes to metrics on who is better handling the economy, Labor are neck-and-neck with the Coalition at most levels of government.

each leadership change and drama, never healed.

So now it is Labor who is seen as Liberal lite, whereas the Liberals are seen as the Nats from the city.

The upshot of all of this, federally and locally, is that the Liberals chase the conservative slice of the electoral pie. In the ACT, that is now roughly 25 per cent federal vote, perhaps around 35 per cent locally if the most recent election results are a guide in 2025. This story is closely repeated around the nation.

Labor have quietly been moving into the centre-right space of economic and fiscal management, along with foreign affairs, once seen as key policy offerings of the Liberals.

This repositioning by Labor has taken time, sacrifice, and overcoming internal resistance. For some in Labor, the repositioning has equalled walking away from the “true believers” Labor platform and, instead, embracing the corporate world through events such as the Labor Business Exchange where tickets recently went for up to $12,000 each.

The Labor of 2025 has agreed to opening new coal mines, embraces corporatisation of government organisations, and is now known to be bigger threats to the CSIRO than recent Coalition governments.

This repositioning of the Labor brand as the dominant and only choice in the centre right

A headline act, such as a Barnaby Joyce, would give One Nation scope to expand beyond the “Three I’s” (Islam, immigration and identity) and push the Coalition hard on issues such as climate and energy. Their primary vote, already at Newspoll record highs, would likely go even higher and see the Nationals threatened in some rural seats.

Barnaby Joyce knew all this, and played both Coalition parties well enough to get the wins he needed without making any sacrifices. Clever politics. But in doing so he revealed just how aware the Coalition senior leaders are to what is going on in this space.

Yet that space is limited to 25-30 per cent. It will never win you government but it can prevent you getting it. It is absolutely insane that this is all happening for a vote share that small, and unlikely to grow anytime soon with the growing influence of Gen Y, Z and the Alphas on electoral outcomes.

Even here in the ACT, the fight for the right makes no sense. No one else wants it. Only nine seats out of 25 in the ACT belong to the conservative side of politics. And that number is decreasing.

There are those in the Coalition who believe that a Voice-style campaign can win over voters on key issues where Labor are seen as either weak or as poor managers. That is a lot of optimism when they can’t even put together leadership teams that have the full support of

The strategy of changing climate discussions into energy and pricing ones may win new believers, but it may also cost more existing ones. Not so clever, then. Locally, there is no more hope of a majority. To be in government, the Libs are going to have to become Labor lite: make sacrifices, keep internal divisions internal and be patient. Can they? Not as of today. They will need to form an alliance to get government. Considering the way both sides hate each other, someone has to go AND something has to give. There is no more one-or-the-other anymore. Hard conversations have to be had. They need to be seen as a (better) version of Labor lite. Moving into the right is a net zero play. They have to get back to the future. Anyone got a spare DeLorean?

Builder says ACT planning delays are ‘bureaucracy at its worst’

Local builder and business owner Frank Walmsley says the ACT’s planning and lease-variation processes have become so convoluted that even the simplest residential projects are being delayed by layers of bureaucracy and outdated systems.

avoid penalties.

• Spend five days chasing the bank to prevent a late fee.

Research School of Management, where he specialises in political marketing.

“We’re not talking about major developments,” Walmsley said. “We’re talking about ordinary homeowners trying to build a granny flat or a small extension, and being forced through a process that’s completely out of step with modern Australia.”

Walmsley, who has helped more than 350 Canberra families build secondary dwellings, says the system is failing everyday homeowners.

“Having helped more than 350 families, I can say this is just one simple example of how easily the system goes wrong,” he said. “At a time when the Federal Government is talking about eliminating red tape to boost housing supply, here in the ACT we are drowning in it.”

“It’s bureaucracy at its worst,” Walmsley said. “In 2025, we’re still dealing with scanned forms, six-week appointments, and manual payments. It’s exhausting, unnecessary, and completely avoidable.”

Walmsley says the issue becomes even more absurd when considering how minor some lease variations are.

“If a project meets planning and building requirements, it shouldn’t trigger another layer of approval.

A recent example from a Canberra resident demonstrates the extent of the dysfunction. To complete a minor lease variation, the applicant had to:

• Complete the Application to Vary a Crown Lease form (044-AVCL).

• Visit a Justice of the Peace to certify identity and witness documents.

• Email the forms to ACTPLA DA Leasing. Book an appointment with the Land Titles Office (LTO) — the next available date was six weeks away.

Notify ACTPLA of the appointment, because the two agencies do not communicate directly Attend the LTO appointment, only to discover ACTPLA had not processed the form.

Pay a $172 fee in person, because the LTO still cannot take online or phone payments.

Learn that an additional banking form, not listed in the official checklist, was required – and then scramble to provide it within five days to

“You shouldn’t need to change three words on your Crown lease just to build a granny flat, and it should never take four appointments and 16 weeks to get it done,” he said. He believes the simplest and most immediate fix is to remove the need for Crown lease variations for low-impact residential projects, such as small extensions, secondary dwellings, or design adjustments that do not alter the intent of the original lease.

“If a project meets planning and building requirements, it shouldn’t trigger another layer of approval. The system could be simplified overnight with one legislative change,” he said.

After years of consultation and stalled reforms, Walmsley says industry confidence is slipping.

“We’ve been waiting for meaningful planning reform, but nothing has changed. Just as the Federal Government is calling on states and territories to improve housing efficiency and delivery, the ACT bureaucracy is going backwards,” Walmsley said.

“Maybe it’s time for the Legislative Assembly to take control, to step in, modernise the system, and make Canberra a leader again in planning efficiency.”

Walmsley is urging the ACT Legislative Assembly to adopt risk-based assessments, improve digital integration between agencies, and eliminate redundant lease-variation requirements for minor projects, reforms he says would immediately reduce costs and delays for Canberra homeowners.

‘Appalling’: sports club lost to apartment blocks

How appalling that, with next to zero community consultation, the ACT government approved the rezoning of the Eastlakes Football Club’s Kaleen Sports Club.

These community facilities will be demolished to make way for three blocks of apartments.

It is abhorrent that Eastlakes stands to make a small fortune out of selling this land to a developer after many years of neglecting maintenance on its sport’s club building.

Community leases should never be used as a future slush fund for clubs or organisations. Currently, some 1000-1500 children and adults play organised indoor sport competitions here every week and many more attend Snap Fitness Gym which is open 24/7.

The Bristol Club family bistro and events/ meeting venue will also disappear. Will there be compensation for the owners of these businesses who have faithfully provided a community service for many years?

A gym is not permitted in the proposed new development and there is no other similar indoor sport centre anywhere in northside Canberra.

Kids and adults will be forced to give up their indoor sports competitions. How can such well used and valued assets be ripped away from the community they have served? Shame ACT government, shame!

Dianne Deane, via email

We need to pull well back on immigration

Stephen Saunders’ letter (CN November 13) touches on the immigration issue.

It is a significant issue for Australia with many rightly opposed to the seemingly uncontrolled immigration under the current Labor government.

The current government does not have an immigration policy, but is allowing relatively unfettered immigration in lieu of policies to actually support and grow the economy.

High immigration does the job of pushing GDP up so they can claim they are growing the economy, see no recession, no depression, aren’t we good!

Australia doesn’t need immigration, we could do okay without it, though many of our retailers and others whose business depends in part on an increasing population would throw a hissy fit.

We should have a firm annual limit to immigration which should be debated and agreed by parliament on a three to five-yearly basis. It should accommodate some refugees and family reunions and not exceed a set proportion of the current population, not a number but a percentage. I would suggest 0.5 per cent of the national population as assessed by the ABS at the previous January 1.

The debate should be about the percentage, not a yes or no to immigration. I am sure there are some one-percenters out there and they need to provide reasoned

argument and evidence in support of their preference. We need to pull well back from the nearly two per cent this government has taken us towards.

Geoff LeCouteur, Dunlop

War memorial no place for cultural diversity

I am not a racist and adore the sound of the didgeridoo, but a proposal by the AWM to have on display “Australian Frontier Wars” – the supposed conflicts between white settlers and the indigenous tribes – really gets up my nose, like a blowfly without wings!

The AWM Canberra (and other war memorials throughout Australia) is no place for cultural diversity. Forced upon us is the inclusion of “welcome to country”. I do not need a daily reminder of Australia divided by displaying three flags.

I have previously written: “Let the silent voices of the Australian war dead etched on the Cloister Walls of the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, and the many other memorials throughout Australia be the only reason for one flag, one nation!”

I am proud of my heritage and soldiering. In a far western town, I went to school with my Aboriginal mates, we swam in the same dam, played sport, swapped “sangers”, went to war fighting beside one another and were bloodied as one on the battlefield at Long Tan South Vietnam, August 18 1966 and the many other foreign soils our

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government sent our armed forces to do their bidding.

There is no reason for racial division in Australia. The Voice referendum failed because “unity is strength – advance as one!”

Ross E Smith, OAM, JP via email

Minor incursions are not invasions!

Christopher Ryan (letters, CN November 20) repeats Ian Pilsner’s nonsense about “invasions” in World War II.

Several minor incursions – a few Japanese sailors wandering around Admiralty Gulf in 1944 – do not add up to invasion.

Read my book Invading Australia rather than repeating exaggerations and myths.

And a U-boat landed for water in Northland – so Nazi Germany invaded New Zealand!

Peter Stanley, Dickson

Murrumbidgee deserves better than Fiona

Fiona Carrick MLA campaigned as an independent, but she’s no Pocock, nor Emerson.

Real independence means deciding based on the whole community, not just the NIMBYs she feels like listening to.

In her centrepieces – Burrangiri, “liveability” in Woden, Save Woden Pool –where are the young people? There’s over 25,000 in the electorate. She cannot claim

to represent this electorate while never consulting this group of people.

From opposing mixed-use housing to attempting – and failing – to derail vital health infrastructure in the Canberra Hospital expansion, Carrick routinely puts her and her NIMBY chorus’ short-term wants ahead of long-term needs.

As former chair of the community council, Carrick built her profile by resisting growth – and now continues that approach in the Assembly, prioritising exclusion over inclusion.

On the Woden Pool – opened when I was 37 years away from birth and a facility as old and tired as Carrick’s ideas – her campaigners have resorted to abusing people like me, and when I raised this, I was met with radio silence.

Murrumbidgee deserves far, far better than Ms Carrick. For the future of my generation in this community, and for a better Canberra, show her the door in 2028.

Michael Bourke, Fadden

Another name for Andrew?

Perhaps King Charles should consider calling his younger brother, since he has been stripped of all his titles, by his real name: Andrew Battenberg Hannover. Both paternal and maternal surnames were changed by George V in July 1917, during World War I, because they were “too German”. Tony Pintos-Lopez, via email

Is this where being kind has no place?

It’s disappointing to see the same callous disregard for animals (wildlife, introduced and domestic) shown by the government reflected in letters written by Canberrans.

Sitting behind a computer, writers so casually blame animals for a multitude of problems. It doesn’t seem to matter whether it is a kangaroo, a duck, a fox, rabbit, dog or bird. It is as if their lives don’t matter.

While the ACT government declares some animals as “pests” that somehow need to be “managed” by either poisoning, trapping and shooting. Drivers recklessly kill many more because the government refuses to build wildlife-friendly road infrastructure. I see what remains of their smashed bodies as I drive around Canberra.

Is this what the Bush Capital is turning into, a hard-hearted and thoughtless community? Where harsh treatment of animals is accepted practice? Where being kind and helpful has no place?

What is clear is that this tone is set at the top and that is the responsibility of the ACT Government. And the impact of the government’s cruel policies towards animals upon Canberra is undeniable.

If Canberrans want a compassionate society, we should be striving to protect the environment, our animals and the vulnerable in our community.

Robyn Soxsmith, Kambah

Thermal drones used to cull kangaroos

Wildlife lovers are thrilled that a previously unknown group of koalas have been found living in the Blue Mountains, NSW.

These koalas were found using thermal drones. Drone technology has other positive applications for wildlife, including finding animals who have survived bushfires so food and water can be supplied to them.

This is not the case in the ACT, however. During this year’s 17th kangaroo “cull”, the ACT government used drones to hunt down and terrorise kangaroos at the Aranda Nature Reserve.

In addition, instead of using drone technology to estimate kangaroo population numbers, the government uses the Walked Line Transect method whereby amateur

volunteers physically count kangaroos in the reserves. These numbers are then extrapolated to estimate the kangaroos that are “not seen”. This outdated method is known to be problematic, especially given the kangaroos hop away when approached, resulting in potential duplication in the count.

In 2025, more than 3500 kangaroos and joeys were killed under the Kangaroo Management Plan.

Given the suffering involved and the large number of lives at stake, you would think the government would want to obtain the most accurate figures possible. It seems that the ACT government uses the most up to date technology to kill kangaroos but not to count them.

Rebecca Marks, Palmerston

We want leaders who can see the future

Paul Dorin’s cartoon (dose of dorin, CN, November 20) neatly shows that while Opposition Leader Sussan Ley may have jettisoned the weight of net zero, her position is still precarious.

Declan McGrath (letters, CN November 2020/11) goes further, arguing that with three-quarters of younger voters (now a majority) naming climate change as a key voting issue, “nothing can save Sussan Ley”. And now that Ley has denounced new coal-fired power plants, it’s highly likely the fossil-fuel diehards in the Coalition will want to topple her even sooner. Toppling Ley might claw back a few votes from One Nation, but most Australians will prefer leaders who can see the future, not ones dragged backwards into the past.

Ray Peck, Hawthorn, Victoria

Another name for Andrew?

Perhaps King Charles should consider calling his younger brother, since he has been stripped of all his titles, by his real name: Andrew Battenberg Hannover. Both paternal and maternal surnames were changed by George V in July 1917, during World War I, because they were “too German”.

Tony Pintos-Lopez, via email

Planning changes will destroy joys of urban living

In the final draft of the proposed new planning reforms (DPA04) dated October 2025, the Barr/Steel regime has finally confirmed its barely concealed intentions for a massive destruction of the majority of existing Canberran’s urban residences – in particular those currently zoned RZ1.

More townhouses, row houses, duplexes and low-rise apartments are the specific identified targets of these reforms.

These RZ1 residences, in the main, comprise free-standing, single homes on the traditional quarter-acre block. This planning format is a long-cherished Australian tradition that allows families to raise their children with space to play and be outdoors in a natural environment with significant tree and plant coverings to protect from the harsh Australian climate. These blocks also attract myriads of birds and other fauna to complete this lifestyle. Canberra, in particular as the Bush Capital, is cherished by families as permitting this lifestyle.

Not any more, however, if Barr and Steel, the planning bureaucracy, developers and the ACT and Capital Region branch of the Property Council of Australia have their way, as proposed under the DPA-04 blueprint.

Particularly concerning for existing RZ1 homeowners should be Chris Steel’s comments made during his recent National

dose of dorin

Press Club speech hosted by the Master Builders Association. He explicitly stated that he expected the outer suburbs of Belconnen, Weston Creek, Woden Valley and Tuggeranong to be where most of the low-rise apartments, townhouses and terraces (stipulated under DPA-04) would be built. Moreover, he indicated that he will be looking at faster approvals through streamlining assessments, pre-approvals and also DA exemptions for some of these proposals; and additionally the Property Council has also indicated its intention to seek to have third-party appeal arrangements amended.

If such development is allowed to proceed at scale in these localities, these new developments will destroy the existing amenity of these well-loved and cared for suburban streetscapes.

DPA-04 has been referred to the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Transport and Planning (SCTP), which may consider conducting an inquiry into the proposals.

Existing home owners on RZ1 blocks should ensure that they lobby their local LA members and members of the SCTP, if they have any concerns about the proposed reforms in DPA-04.

Ron Edgecombe, Evatt

We are stuck with rising costs of electricity

Lesley Walker (letters, CN, November 20) failed to mention the context in which investment in renewables is taking place in the US states of Texas and Florida. Both states have a dominant base load capacity fuelled by natural gas (51 per cent in Texas, 75 per cent in Florida) and a nuclear power industry (7 per cent in Texas, 11 per cent in Florida).

With this reliable base load capacity, those states are proceeding to replace their coal-fired generators with renewables and batteries, at a pace that is not affecting the cost of electricity (see texaselectriicityratings.com). The state of electricity generation in Texas and Florida is the envy of the Opposition in Australia. It should have been the goal of AEMO when it was established 16 years ago, but ideology took over. Changing course now will be a difficult sell for the Opposition, because keeping the cost of electricity down at the same time as re-equipping with large gas turbines will be nigh impossible, not to mention the policy on gas exploration in Victoria.

So, we are stuck with rising costs of electricity until the renewables and stored energy of the AEMO Integrated System Plan can meet most of the nightly demand.

That leaves many unknowns, to quote some: reliability without base load generators, the threat of cyber-attack, acceptance of the state of the environment when hundreds of new renewable sites and their connections pop up all over the countryside. Then there is the question which would worry any engineer: could transport really run on batteries?

John L Smith, Farrer

Out-of-step town’s not changing

John Quinn, in his letter “Tragedy of living in a ‘progressive’ Labor town”(CN November 13), correctly points out that between 2001 and 2025 his rates went up from $46 a month to $261, nearly a 600 per cent increase.

I make the point that, for the same period, the minimum wage went up from $11 an hour to $25, an increase of just over 100 per cent.

This out-of-step rates increase doesn’t seem to matter to the majority of out-of-step voters who made the ACT the only jurisdiction in Australia to vote an out-of-step “Yes” in the Voice referendum.

This progressive Labor town (as Quinn says ) has returned a Labor member for 69 of the 76 years since representation began in 1949, and it doesn’t look like changing any time soon.

Paul Temby, via email

Claims against RobertsSmith are legally true

Recent letters from Ross Smith (CN November 6) and Vi Evans (CN November 20) fails to understand some basic facts about the actions of Ben Roberts-Smith (BRS) in Afghanistan and the case against him.

Both correspondents claim that BRS did what he had to do, with Ms Evans asking if any of us would have done anything differently. The answer to this question is “Yes, almost all of us would have acted differently”.

It must be remembered that the accusations against BRS were not made by journalists or by Afghan citizens. They were, in fact, made by other SAS operators that fought alongside BRS, saw what he was doing and reported him to their superiors.

These superiors then acted to investigate the actions of BRS and a few other SAS operators. The, now-Liberal MP Andrew Hastie was one of those reportedly appalled by BRS actions.

For those seeking to excuse the actions of BRS and a few other SAS operators in Afghanistan, two excellent and well researched books have been written in recent years detailing these actions.

Should anyone think that these books make false claims, BRS launched defamation proceedings against the relevant authors, with the court finding that the claims contained in these books to be true.

In a last- ditch attempt to have this overturned, BRS sought an appeal to the High Court earlier this year, which was totally rejected. Claims about BRS crimes in Afghanistan are, therefore, legally true.

Mike Desmond, via email

When a clown enters a castle…

Columnist Michael Moore’s concluding adage in his epistle on democracy (CN November 13) attributed to Edmund Bourke on the triumph of evil vis-à-vis the indolence of good men is quite apt ,but prompted me to recall a Turkish proverb pertaining to the current leadership: When a clown enters a castle he does not become a king; the castle becomes a circus.

John Murray, Fadden

Parton could star in

the ‘killing season’

On November 12, Mark Parton became the leader of the parliamentary Liberal Party in the ACT Legislative Assembly when then leader, Leanne Castley, resigned.

On November 18, Jess Wilson became Leader of the Opposition in the Victorian Parliament when Brad Batlin lost a spill motion in the Liberal Party room.

On November 21, Kellie Sloane assumed the mantle of leader of the parliamentary Liberal Party in Macquarie Street when the incumbent, Mark Speakman, announced his resignation after a delegation of Liberals advised that he had lost the support of the party room.

With speculation rampant that Sussan Ley’s hold on her position remains tenuous at best, is it any wonder that this time of the year is known as the “killing season”.

At this rate, Mark Parton will be the

longest serving Liberal leader in the nation by Christmas.

Ian De Landelles, Murray’s Beach, NSW

‘Moderate’ Parton? What’s a hardliner?

Anyone who thinks that Mark Parton is a “moderate” within the Liberal Party (Michael Moore, “Last chance for Libs to climb out of the sandpit”, CN November 20) should have a look at his policy positions on key issues.

In Legislative Assembly debates on sensible, evidence-based poker machine reforms in 2020 and 2024, for example, Parton argued that he is not prepared to support reforms to reduce gambling-related harm if these might pose a threat to clubs’ viability.

He made it clear that he has no problem with – and indeed enthusiastically endorses – the continued exploitation of club members by predatory, designed-tobe-addictive gaming machines.

As gambling losses increase at the same time as the ACT’s poker machine numbers decrease, he justifies these losses on the grounds that local suburban sporting clubs rely heavily on licensed clubs.

I don’t know about you, but I do not want my child’s footy jumper subsidised by poker machine revenue, which comes disproportionately from addicted gamblers.

If this is a “moderate”, I’d like to know what a hardliner looks like.

Karina Morris, Hawker

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New Canberra school to open in Wright

Stromlo Forest Anglican College opens in 2026 as Canberra’s newest school, offering a complete learning pathway from Early Education to Year 12. The college begins with Early Education from six months to three years, a three year old program, a Pre Kindergarten program, and Kindergarten to Year Two. Years Three to Eight open in 2027, followed by the senior years in 2028.

This is the first new Anglican school in Canberra in more than twenty years. It is designed to be modern, inclusive, and environmentally responsible. The campus follows a vertical design inspired by a forest, with a ground layer that encourages community and a canopy layer that supports growth.

Located in Weston Molonglo, the college serves a fast growing region where families value strong academic outcomes and a genuine sense of belonging. The school aims to become a local hub for learning, sport, connection, and family life.

The college combines high academic expectations with a commitment to pastoral and academic care. Inquiry learning sits alongside explicit teaching to build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy. The school culture will be guided by the values of Courage, Love and Character.

The foundation team brings deep experience. Jo O’Brien joins as Head of Early Education School after more than twenty years across leading schools.

Foundation Principal Andy Gordon is known for building strong cultures that support growth and belonging.

Stromlo Forest Anglican College

To find out more, visit www.stromlo.act.edu.au

Early learning centres grow confident learners

For more than 40 years, early childhood educator Sarah McCulloch had been working towards owning and operating her own centre.

A qualified teacher, also with experience teaching kindergarten to year 4, Sarah’s dream has always been to put her own personal touch on an opera tion.

Working across three different boutique centres, she says each location has been carefully designed to feel like a “home away from home”.

“As one family put it, it feels like family daycare on steroids,” she says.

“Relationships are foundational, so we want our areas to feel homely, calm and relaxing to reduce high levels of anxiety.”

Operating for five years, Galileo Early Learning has had the same staff, many of whom followed Sarah’s dream from the start.

“Ninety per cent of our families found us through recommendations,” she says.

“We also get many schools advising us that our children are entering into the system exceptionally confident in themselves and their ability to tackle new things.”

It is this confidence that Sarah says they are constantly pursuing.

“We are getting them school ready, for them to know that they can do it.” One of Galileo’s centres, the Galileo Spanish Australian Preschool, on 28 Astrolabe Street in Red Hill, features a culturally inclusive curriculum where teachers speak English and Spanish with the children.

“Every child comes with an invisible backpack, and it is up to us to unpack it and give support where needed” says Sarah.

Galileo Early Learning is enrolling now, and has limited spaces available.

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19 Astrolabe Street, Red Hill (call 0433 461300), 3 Carleton Street Kambah (0447 757475).

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Fostering a joy in childcare learning

Catering for ages six weeks to six years, Denman Village Early Learning Centre owner Lise Percival says their goal is to foster a joy in learning.

“We cater our programs to the children’s needs and interests,” she says.

“It’s important that the children enjoy and engage with their experience.”

Lise says the centre is committed to providing high-quality care and education to all children that is respectful and nurturing.

“The program is responsible for the evolving nature of early childhood environments and is supportive of different learning styles,” she says.

Recently receiving an “exceeding” mark from the National Quality Standards (NQS), Lise says the centre is proud to go above and beyond for its children.

Acknowledging that leaving home for the first time can be a stressful task for parents and children alike, Lise encourages parents to arrange a tour of the facilities.

“Once the child has been accepted, I encourage parents to attend orientation sessions with their child to get them used to the environment and talk to the educators,” she says.

“We want to ensure that everyone feels comfortable.”

With more than 25 years of experience in education, Lise says it’s a joy to see the personal growth in a social and academic sense in each child.

“We prepare the children for their next steps,” she says.

Denman Village Early Learning Centre 7 Felstead Vista, Denman Prospect. Call 6287 3648. denmanvillagechildcare.com.au

Grand Master Neal Hardy, Chief Instructor of Fire Dragon, teaches Pai Lum, or White Dragon Kung Fu to Canberrans of all ages and experience levels.

Pai Lum Kung Fu is a traditional Chinese martial art, which teaches effective (that means very nasty!) self defence, but also how to achieve inner harmony. Meditation and Chi Gung (internal energy) are mindfulness exercises which are integral to training, helping students find release from the stresses of everyday life.

Students find that training increases their self confidence and ability to be assertive - the benefits of training help students in all aspects of their lives.

Fitness is a key element to all martial arts –but you don’t have to be fit to start Pai Lum Kung Fu. Training will improve your strength, your flexibility, and your cardio-vascular fitness, as you work within your limits, and learn how to

extend those limits.

And, the fun element is important – learning how to perform spinning techniques, spectacular jumping and flying kicks, to spar with other students, and to learn traditional Chinese weapons.

As a Family style, Fire Dragon takes care of all students, women and men, girls and boys.

Everyone is helped to learn to the best of their ability, to improve themselves, and reach their potential in all aspects of life. Fire Dragon takes particular care to ensure children are, and feel safe, and valued.

Fire Dragon Australia

Email Masterhardy@firedragon.com.au

Call 0421 849 551 www.firedragon.com.au

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Suitable for women and men, girls and boys from 8 to 80. Reach your potential!

Beginners Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6.30 to 8.00pm, at the All Saints Church Hall, Cowper Street, Ainslie

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Confidence, Community, Culture

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to become their own version of remarkable.

Here at Galileo, your child is invited to take the first steps of their educational journey within a supportive and caring environment as we cater for the developmental needs of children from 3 months to 5 years.

Our curriculum covers social and emotional learning, sensory experiences, STEM, literacy, arts, languages, meditation and yoga.

Galileo Spanish Australian Preschool 28 Astrolabe Street Red Hill

Galileo Early Learning 7/3 Carleton Street Kambah

Galileo Early Learning 19 Astrolabe Street Red Hill

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Building wealth with clarity and confidence

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DW Private Wealth Level 1, Unit 6–8/45 Novar Street, Yarralumla. Call 6154 6150 or visit dwprivatewealth.com.au

Goodwin welcomes new Board Chair

Canberra’s largest locally based not-forprofit aged care provider, Goodwin Aged Care Services, has announced a significant leadership transition, welcoming experienced director and corporate governance lawyer Ms Fiona Jolly as its new Board Chair.

Ms Jolly’s appointment was made following the organisation’s Annual General Meeting on November 20, 2025, where she officially took the reins from the outgoing Chair, Ms Laurann Yen. Having previously served as Vice Chair, Ms Jolly brings a deep understanding of the sector and a strong passion for the future of aged care, specialising in supporting organisations through periods of change. “Goodwin has a proud history and a bright future, and I look forward to working with my fellow directors, management, and our dedicated staff to ensure we continue to deliver the highest quality care and services for older Australians,” Ms Jolly said. The meeting also saw a farewell to Ms Yen and Mr David Murphy after 11 years of outstanding service, and the welcoming of two new directors, Ms Julie Blackburn and Mr Bruce Papps.

A Year of Progress and Quality

The leadership change caps another strong year for Goodwin, with continued growth, innovation, and quality across its residential

care, retirement living, and home care services.

CEO Stephen Holmes noted that the year has been defined by “progress, renewal, and continued commitment to quality and care”.

Key milestones included preparing for the new national Aged Care Act and Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, celebrating the first anniversary of Goodwin Village Araluen joining

Outpace

22 February 2026

the community, and investing in its more than 800 staff through ongoing professional development and programs designed to recognise their high standards of service.

Downer and Monash Drive Expansion

Goodwin is simultaneously driving two major retirement living developments that are set to redefine senior housing across the ACT, a strategic response to the growing need for contemporary living options.

In North Canberra, Goodwin Village Downer is nearing completion, with the 109 independent living apartments and 20 dedicated serviced apartments on track to welcome residents in early 2026. The village has seen “exceptionally high” demand for its modern, connected lifestyle, which will incorporate a wellness centre, a modern gym, and a dynamic social calendar.

Meanwhile, in the South, the highly anticipated expansion of the existing Monash Village has just secured critical development approval (DA). This project will deliver 56 additional modern and flexible retirement living units, with construction scheduled to commence in 2026. The existing Clubhouse facilities will also be refurbished and extended to accommodate the changing needs of current

and future residents

“This project isn’t just about adding 56 apartments; it’s about strategically growing our capacity to support more seniors in the ACT,” said Holmes. This dual investment underscores Goodwin’s long-term commitment to creating sustainable, high-quality communities for Canberra’s seniors.

A Race against Dementia

Goodwin is set to continue its commitment to supporting those impacted by Demetia serving as the state sponsor for Dementia Australia’s Canberra Memory Walk & Jog. The popular Suburb Showdown will be back to encourage friendly competition across the Capital. Schools will also be invited by Goodwin to participate in the newly launched Schools Challenge which will foster great intergenerational connections and an opportunity for young people to learn about this insidious disease that affects many families.

The public is invited to join Team Goodwin and walk with them on February 22 and to sponsor or fundraise for the different teams to help meet the ambitious goal of raising $100,000 for Dementia Australia in 2026.

More info or to register: goodwin.org.au/mwj26

Celebrating Seniors

RETIREMENT PLANNING

Working together to make retirement work

David Luke Retirement Planning specialises in advising those coming up to, or already in retirement, says director David Luke.

“I can help maximise your Centrelink entitlement, minimise tax exposure, set up income streams and of fer investment advice and implementation,” he says.

“I have been a financial planner in Canberra and surrounding regions for 23 years, exclusively advising on retirement,” he says, and has run his own business for the last five years.

David says financial rules are daunting when you look at them for the first time.

“I can lead you through the process of the ATO, Centrelink, and investment markets, to make them work for you and achieve the retirement you want,” he says.

“You don’t need any prior knowledge with the rules or with financial planning, just an idea of what you want to achieve.”

He says he will break down the issues so you understand how it all fits together.

“I have no relationship with any product providers – I am on your side and I’m a one-person operation so you will always deal directly with me,” says David. “I’m more than happy to visit you at home, after hours or on weekends.

“Don’t let the complexity of the system make you think it’s all too hard. Make it work for you instead.”

David Luke Retirement Planning

Level 1, 33 Allara Street, Canberra City. Call 0404 857242 davidlukeplanning.com.au

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Director David Luke.

It’s easy to underestimate the importance of a funeral. Across cultures and throughout history, rituals have been created to pay tribute to those who have died. These practices satisfy our deep-seated need to honour the memory of the departed and provide reassurance that they have been

Today, funerals are changing. Families want to have their say in how the funeral will look and feel. There is no ‘one size fits all’. Families want more involvement. They want the funeral to be meaningful, relevant and true to the life that was lived. Families want authenticity. For some, the word ‘funeral’ sounds solemn or gloomy. Don’t call it a funeral at all! Call it whatever you like. A gathering, a tribute, a farewell, a ceremony, a send-off, a get-together, a muster;

our loneliness and lasting memories.

Always remember, funerals can be any way you want them. Relaxed, formal, funny or serious, colourful or filled with music, outdoors or in a favourite place, themed, or held at dusk or dawn; the important element is that the funeral reflects the life that was lived and how that life mattered

Funerals are about “good” grief. Funerals provide a safe space to express emotions and share feelings, facilitating healthy grieving. They enable us to thank, to express love, and to acknowledge

Funerals help us say: Thank you. I love you. I’m lonely without you. I’ll always remember you. You meant a lot to me.

Tobin Brothers A Guardian Funeral Provider. Serving the Canberra Community for 75 years. Belconnen 6251 2344. Kingston 6295 2799. Tuggeranong 6293 3177.

• Make the rules work for you, to enjoy retirement on your terms.

• I have 23 years of experience in advising retirees in the Canberra region.

• Extensive experience in government super such as CSS and PSS.

• Centrelink advice and implementation.

• Is a redundancy right for you at this time?

The Grove nearing completion and ready to welcome more residents

The final independent living villas at The Grove in Ngunnawal are nearing completion, marking a major milestone for one of Canberra’s most sought-after retirement communities. Developed and managed by Keyton, The Grove offers a vibrant, connected lifestyle for over-55s, with thoughtfully designed homes and strong community wellbeing.

This final stage delivers 29 new villas, with only limited homes still available. Among them is Keyton’s groundbreaking Passive House villa, the first of its kind in Australian retirement living. Built to rigorous energy-efficiency standards, it provides exceptional comfort, lower energy costs and a healthier indoor environment.

Stage One residents are already enjoying the lifestyle, connection and convenience The Grove offers, with Stage Two on track for completion in early 2026. Residents benefit from a peaceful loca-

tion just minutes from Ngunnawal shops and Casey Market Town, plus access to walking paths, a nearby golf course and future co-located aged-care facilities.

A standout feature is the transformation of the historic Gold Creek Homestead into a multi-purpose event and activity space for arts, crafts, Pilates and commu nity events. New landscaping, tiered lawn areas and preserved heritage elements create a serene hub for village life. With amenities including a heated pool, lawn bowls green, gym, library and village bus, The Grove is designed for residents to thrive. Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill says it’s “a lifestyle built around safety, wellbeing and genuine connection.”

The Grove Ngunnawal

To learn more or secure one of the final villas, visit thegrove.com.au or call 1800 550 500.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

funeral or cremation

Simple Goodbyes offers dignified, straightforward choices, from direct cremation to simple funeral services at Norwood Park Chapel. For those unsure where to start or wanting a pressure free experience, we’re here to show that a respectful farewell can be both meaningful and affordable.

• We offer honest, transparent pricing with no upselling, just Simple choices.

• We provide affordable funeral or direct cremation options that cover everything most families need.

• You receive personal and consistent care from a dedicated local team, with the same person supporting you from the first call to the final farewell.

• We are a local and independent service, Canberra owned and staffed, and not part of a large chain.

• We offer a modern alternative, with all your Simple choices delivered with honesty, integrity and dignity. Call 6161 5859 or 0493 372 877 info@simplegoodbyes.com.au simplegoodbyes.com.au

A Local, Transparent Approach to Funerals and Cremations in Canberra

When faced with the loss of a loved one, families can feel overwhelmed, not only emotionally, but by the complexity and cost of arranging a funeral. Simple Goodbyes, a locally owned and independent Canberra funeral service, was created offering a modern alternative approach. Their guiding belief is simple: “A funeral or cremation doesn’t have to be expensive to be dignified and meaningful.”

Husband and wife team Mariana Galinec and Steve Baker, both long time Canberrans and the new owners, were drawn to a business grounded in the values they hold deeply: honesty, integrity, respect and care. They found that in Simple Goodbyes, a service built on full transparency, genuine support and local knowledge.

Simple Goodbyes is known for its fully transparent pricing, openly displayed on the website, with no hidden fees and no pressure to upgrade.

The core offerings are straightforward and affordable options designed to cover everything most people need. Depending on the option, the Direct Cremation ($3,299) and Complete Funeral Package ($5,999) include transfers, paperwork,

HEALTH & WELLBEING

coffin, flowers, music, slideshow preparation and use of Norwood Park Chapel.

Optional additions are fixed and clearly outlined, allowing families to make confident decisions without upselling.

What also sets Simple Goodbyes apart is its personal and consistent approach. When someone calls, they speak directly with a team member, never a call centre. Emma, Garth or Erica will meet with those arranging the farewell, guide them through arrangements and locally care for their loved one from beginning to end.

Simple Goodbyes provides clear guidance, genuine care and a simple path forward for those saying goodbye, with fair, easy to understand pricing woven into an approach that is open and centred on compassion.

Simple Goodbyes

For guidance or support, call 6161 5859 or 0493 372 877. info@simplegoodbyes.com.au simplegoodbyes.com.au

Program helps reduce need for hip replacements

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes cartilage breakdown, joint pain and stiffness. As the condition progresses, some people eventually require joint replacement surgery, particularly in the hips and knees.

To help delay or potentially avoid this outcome, Arthritis ACT runs the GLA:D program, which includes two educational sessions and 12 supervised exercise classes delivered over six weeks. The program is designed to reduce the need for hip and knee surgery by improving symptoms in people living with hip and knee osteoarthritis, a condition particularly common in those over 65.

Originally developed in Denmark, GLA:D is an evidence-based program built on decades of research into conservative management of osteoar thritis. Data collected from participants continues to support improved access to non-surgical care across the world.

“This program is a conservative management option for osteoarthritis that can be used both as a preventative measure and as prehabilitation to reduce pain and improve mobility,” says Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey.

With a focus on joint stability, muscle strength and confidence with movement, Rebecca says participants also benefit from practical tips, advice and education provided by physiotherapists who deliver the sessions.

“These exercises can genuinely reduce the likeli hood of needing a hip replacement, which is a very big deal,” she says.

Arthritis ACT has also recently launched a new

MEET OUR PAIN MANAGEMENT EXPERTS

Emil Terbio – Exercise Physiotherapist

Physiotherapist Emil comes to us with a wealth of physiotherapy experience and knowledge from the public hospital system and also private practice. Emil works closely with our team of Exercise Physiologists on a coordinated approach to improving your pain and overall wellbeing. Emil has a special interest in neurology and improving the lives of people living with neurological conditions. He’s also mad keen on soccer and will support you with all sports related injuries and injury prevention.

Sophie Bullock – Exercise Physiologist

Sophie has post graduate qualifications in hydrotherapy, and as a non-sports centred Exercise Physiologist, helps clients who struggle with engaging in exercise due to a lack of sports participation. Sophie’s goal is to improve clients health via our hydrotherapy program, gym instruction and in-home visits. Sophie also is known for her passion for working with children.

Sarah Solano – Exercise Physiologist

Sarah believes that exercise is the best medicine. She is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with her degree in exercise physiology and rehabilitation. Previously Sarah was a swim teacher, personal trainer and an allied health assistant in the hydrotherapy field.

Jarrod Phillips – Exercise Physiologist

Jarrod is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who graduated from the University of Canberra in 2024.

He has a passion for wanting to help those in need and aims to provide the best possible treatment and advice to each and every one of his clients.

Blake Dean – Exercise Physiologist

Blake has expertise in improving clients mobility and decreasing their pain through appropriate exercise. Blake delivers our ‘My Exercise’ program, targeting the relief of lower back and sciatic pain, shoulder and upper body concerns as well as leg, hip and ankle interventions – for those who do not qualify for physiotherapy-led GLAD programs. Blake provides individual & group exercise for younger people with a disability. Blake treats clients in-clinic or via our hydrotherapy program as well as attending your gym with you.

Jacqui Couldrick – Physiotherapist

Jacqui has a particular interest in hip and knee osteoarthritis. Jacqui delivers the GLAD program designed to reduce the need for joint replacements, or if a joint replacement is unavoidable, to prepare you thoroughly for surgery and recovery for day to day tasks. Jacqui is studying towards a PhD in the outcomes of the GLAD program.

Holly Hazlewood – Exercise Physiologist

Holly is a former sports journalist who believed so strongly in the power of exercise to heal and nurture that she undertook her 4 year degree in Exercise Physiology. Holly is be able to work with people directly to support them through their pain journey and regain independence and a joy for living again. Holly provides one on one and group exercise classes both on land and at our hydrotherapy centres to support people to gain freedom from chronic pain.

• Occupational Therapy – Assistance with the planning and modification of your home, workplace or car. Applications for NDIS, the Disability and Housing Support Pension, and also driving assessments.

• Physiotherapy – including the GLAD program for knee and hip osteoarthritis, sports injury prevention and rehabilitation, and pain condition support.

• Exercise Physiology – Individual exercise prescriptions, small group classes to increase strength and improve rehabilitation, strength and balance classes, hydrotherapy support.

Celebrating Seniors

DOWNSIZING AND DECLUTTERING

Sometimes the obvious is just staring us in the eye. But it just takes some planning to start as well as process to achieve. But all things worthwhile take effort. As two great men of history said, failure to plan is planning to fail, and, if you can’t describe what you are doing as a process, you don’t know what you’re doing.

Many questions come to mind when working through the best latter years and retirement plans. How much do we really ‘future proof’ where are we going to live in retirement? Where are we going to spend our most important golden years? What offers us value and financial security and financial optimization? What offers us flexibility? What offers us community, fresh air, drivability as well as access to health services.

There is common thinking that many people leave retirement decisions such as ‘where to live’ when downsizing or seeking a new beginning until too late. They leave it until their opportunity to fully enjoy retirement and community living and community spirit is diminished. People need to plan early when the best financial and personal decisions can be made.

With respect to planning for a retirement home the newly released Invest-2-Retire package at Summerfield seems to tick all the boxes. Cash flow positive. Guaranteed Rental Return for 5 years. Indicative 11%+ ROI.

The Summerfield Country Estate is a thriving over 55’s affordable luxury estate at the vibrant community spirited Braidwood between Canberra and Batemans Bay, and has really hit on a formula where strategic financial and personal planning for future retirement as to where to live can be worked through in a very strategic and proactive manner. Most importantly, for the Invest-2-Retire model it is freehold, not lease or

license, so you can borrow, with no ghastly exit fees or selling restrictions. You can sell when you like and keep all the capital growth.

So what is Invest-2-Retire all about. It really is very simple. Identify you want an affordable luxury villa in the Summerfield Country Estate and purchase as an investment property. Extraordinary value and amenity compared to Sydney and Canberra. Backed by a 5-year rental guarantee. Take advantage of taxation deprecation benefits in your own personal circumstances. Most importantly, take advantage of the current reducing interest rates and flexibility to sell your home when you see best and maybe you can even pay off your debt at a later time with your super. Let us look briefly at the investment equation – the numbers. For every investment decision you should consult your financial adviser. For example, you are 57 and your wife 55 and you love the beautiful freehold 3 bed 2 bath 2 car Summerfield home which you can purchase for $930,000 plus stamp duty and costs. You plan to retire in 5 years. You have excellent equity in your own home. Your employment pays you $120,000 per year before tax. Or maybe you both work. You are advised of the depreciation analysis for this new home. You run through the numbers using your own home and Summerfield as security. With the rental guarantee the indicative PIA analysis shows a positive cash flow of $127 per week. You consider the indicative return on investment of 11%+ taking into account capital growth is fabulous. You go to contract. No better time with current interest rates on the down and property on the up to invest. And then retire when ready. The Invest-2-Retire formula just makes a lot of sense.

Summerfield Country Estate Give the

“ My first meeting with Steve was an eye-opener. My friend who recommended Steve to me was correct, Steve knew what questions to ask as I really had no idea. He then directed me along a pathway, but kept checking that I understand what he was suggesting and why. I have been delighted with Steve’s manner and approach to teaching me about finance. He has been positive and encouraging. I am learning more on each visit. I do enjoy talking with Steve at each session. I am no longer frightened that I will have no money to furnish my old age. Steve has explained to me how my money is working for me and I do not have to worry about my old age.”

Celebrating Seniors advertising feature

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Supporting older Australians living with Diabetes

For many older Australians, living with diabetes is more complicated than simply managing blood glucose levels. Ageing often brings multiple chronic conditions, frailty, cognitive changes, medication complexity and financial or technology barriers. For some, the added pressures of residential aged care or relying on carers can make diabetes management even harder.

Karen Jameson, Diabetes Australia Credentialled Diabetes Educator said the organisation is focused on helping seniors stay well, safe and independent for as long as possible. A wide range of tailored resources is available, including NDSS fact sheets on Healthy Aging and Diabetes Management in Aged Care, local self-management programs such as the 1800 Prevent coaching service and support through the Diabetes Australia Clinic in Turner. Carers and aged care workers can also access training through NDSS and Diabetes Qualification.

Karen said simplifying diabetes management is central to supporting older Australians. The organisation’s work focuses on preventing complications, strengthening aged care standards and ensuring seniors have access to the right information and support at the right time.

Technology, while promising, remains a challenge for many. Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems are subsidised for people with type 1 diabetes, but not for most with type 2, living cost as a major barrier. Limited digital skills, poor vision and reduced dexterity can also make devices and apps difficult to use. Diabetes Australia continues to advocate for better access and support.

LIVE WELL WITH DIABETES.

With Diabetes Australia’s telehealth clinic, you can speak to a credentialled diabetes educator or dietitian from the comfort of your own home.

We offer:

M Blood glucose monitoring and management

M Medication reviews

M Guidance on accessing and using technology and tools

M Diet and nutrition guidance for optimal health

M Sustainable lifestyle change strategies

M Understanding and preventing complications

Book your telehealth appointment today.

Accessing care can also be difficult for seniors who no longer drive or have mobility issues.

Jameson said telephone and telehealth services play a major role. The Diabetes Australia Helpline and NDSS Helpline offer free education, guidance and problem solving. Seniors can also receive coaching on medication, monitoring and general management, while carers can access information and support through NDSS.

Karen said diabetes in later life is closely linked to nutrition, social connection and mental wellbeing. Group education, online sessions, simple meal guidance and telephone coaching help reduce isolation and support good health. Mental health resources focus on diabetes distress, depression and coping strategies.

One case shows how targeted support can make a difference. Bob, 78, had erratic glucose levels affecting his mood and daily functioning. After installing a CGM and adjusting his medication timing, his levels stabilised, improving his energy, wellbeing and confidence.

Diabetes Australia 1800 177 055 info@diabetesaustralia.com.au

19 Moore St, Turner

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Make the most of your ACT Seniors Card in 2026

ACT Seniors Card holders can look forward to the release of the new Seniors Card Discount Directory in early 2026. Covering the 2026–28 period, the updated directory will feature listings for more than 500 businesses, services, programs and supports available across the ACT and surrounding region. From everyday essentials to leisure activities, health services and local retailers, the directory continues to be a valuable guide to savings and opportunities for older Canberrans.

Once printed, hard copies of the directory will be available from the COTA ACT office at the Hughes Shops and through ACT libraries. However, we strongly encourage users to have a go with the online ACT Seniors Card Directory on the website. The website version is always the most up-to-date, with new listings, changed details and seasonal offers added throughout the year. The online directory also provides direct links to business websites, making it easier to check details, book services and explore discounts. You can access it at www.actseniorscard.org.au.

To stay connected and receive regular updates, ACT Seniors Card holders are encouraged to follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ACTSeniorsCard), where we share news, reminders and information about upcoming opportunities. Card holders should also make sure their email address is registered with their Seniors Card details (by emailing: contact@cotaact.org.au). This allows access to our popular SCOOP e-news – which includes special offers, community information and updates from local businesses.

your ACT Seniors Card – whenever and however you choose to use it.

COTA Ageing ACT Call 6282 3777. More information at cotaact.org.au/events/upstageingcanberra

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Edgy theatre where the audience plays God

By Helen Musa

As Canberra enters a new ethical frontier with the introduction of voluntary assisted dying on November 3, The Mill Theatre is staging German lawyer and writer Ferdinand von Schirach’s play GOD.

Directed and designed by The Mill’s director Lexi Sekuless, the play invites audiences into a live moral debate.

GOD is a kind of companion piece to von Schirach’s 2015 play Terror, staged at The Mill last year by Kim Beamish, in which a fighter pilot who shoots down a hijacked plane to save 70,000 people stands trial for murder. Sekuless didn’t think people would like Terror, but it became so popular they had to add an extra show.

In Terror, the audience voted “guilty” or “not guilty,” but in GOD they’ll be voting for or against the right to die. A key to the success of plays like this, Sekuless says, is their participatory nature – audiences become part of the story, and the outcome changes nightly.

The format works, she says, because “people can understand anything about true crime law – juries, courtrooms – they’re very familiar with that. Think of all the different NCIS shows: NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawai on.”

to decide whether a perfectly healthy woman should be granted the means to end her own life. The audience listens to expert testimony and, at the end, casts a vote.

The questions posed are stark: how far

does freedom go? Should doctors be permitted to assist someone who is not terminally ill? And when the legal question is settled, what

The characters sound utterly convincing – Heidi Silberman plays Rachel Gärtner, the woman requesting the right to die; Alana Denham Preston plays counsel Ms Biegler;

and Jay James Moody is chair of the Ethics Council. They’re joined by Helen McFarlane as Professor Litten, Maxine Beaumont as Dr Keller, Timmy Sekuless as Dr Sperling, Richard Manning as Bishop Thiel, and Sarah Hartley as the Council associate.

But von Schirach made them all up, though Sekuless says that when she asked

a doctor and an Anglican priest what they thought, their answers could have come straight out of the script. And in 2020, the German Constitutional Court did indeed bring down a major decision on the right

GOD places moral choice squarely in the hands of its audience – who get to play God,

As Sekuless and I pause to reflect on our reactions to the recent voluntary death of an actor friend, she notes that for anyone involved, the subject is intensely emotional. The play canvasses just a few arguments – through a lawyer, a medical expert, and a Catholic priest – but she believes the emotional impact could be overwhelming. Nonetheless, she praises von Schirach’s ability to keep audiences on edge, constantly changing their minds. “This writer makes us constantly re-assess the questions,” she says. Entirely unrelated to the moral arguments is the matter of the newly-installed pillars in the tiny 67-seat Mill Theatre in Fyshwick. When Sekuless asked a tradesman working on her brother Timmy’s flat if she could borrow a saw, he got curious, came on board, and built several beautiful pillars – so tall they make The Mill seem larger than life. A stickler for a good-looking production, she says: “We can’t have enough set builders and costume designers.”

GOD, The Mill Theatre, Fyshwick, November 26 (in preview), then December 3-18.

STREAMING /Stranger Things

The nostalgic potency that drives Stranger Things

When it comes to modern shows that have truly become one with the zeitgeist, it’s hard to beat Stranger Things.

Which is, in many ways, rather ironic considering Netflix’s sci-fi horror blockbuster hit is based around the zeitgeist of another era entirely.

The neon-laden 1980s is the backdrop for the hugely popular series about a group of friends who have to fight an inter-dimensional evil threatening their home town.

This week Stranger Things returns for its epic fifth and final season.

The wait has been long. The hype has built and people have, well, sort of forgotten what the hell happened last season.

The last time Stranger Things was on screens was in 2022, more than three and a half years ago.

That’s almost 10 years after it first appeared on Netflix.

If fans hadn’t done enough waiting, the streaming platform has decided to drag out the final season into three installments, sure to milk it for all it’s worth.

The first four episodes were released on November 27. The next three come out on Christmas Day. Is that it? Nope. The show’s grand finale is being held off until New Year’s Eve.

It’s exciting to have such an anticipated finale season spaced out a little, but with how long Netflix has made viewers wait

already, it does feel a bit excessive.

The cast of once kids are now sporting facial hair and becoming parents themselves. If that’s not a sign to wrap it up I don’t know what is.

The wait between installments has been so long it almost feels like the show is quite literally of another era.

Who’s the bad guy and what do they want again? Unless viewers have crammed a four-season binge in this year they might still be left a bit foggy on the details.

But the plot of Stranger Things isn’t really what has ever mattered anyway. It’s the vibe.

The bitter-sweet synthesizer notes are nostalgic enough to pull heartstrings in beat with its soundtrack.

The creepy kaleidoscope of neon hues glowing through fog like in Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

And tense, old-school action that can make palms sweaty the same way a good arcade machine once might have.

Combine all that with a charismatic cast of characters and the show has delivered Netflix arguably its biggest hit of all time.

When season four dropped there were reportedly 52 billion minutes of Stranger Things streamed in the US alone.

I’m writing this column from a cafe waiting for a bus and a group of friends one table over are talking about it right now, speculating on which characters may or may not survive this last season. It’s hard to overstate the sheer pop culture magnetism of it.

Perhaps why Stranger Things is so popular is the way it represents total escape from the anxieties of the modern

The feeling conjures up makes even people who weren’t kids in the 1980s nostalgic for the charms of the decade, an era where memories were made away from the internet.

Once upon a time when people wanted

to watch a movie it wasn’t a case of tapping on a screen.

There was a trip to the video store, picking out a tape with a bright, eye-catching cover.

Music wasn’t a subscription, but a cassette tape plugged into a Walkman. A vinyl displayed on a shelf. Is it any wonder record players are making a comeback?

Yes, I am not quite of that generation but I do lay claim to memories of walking the aisles of Blockbuster in its dying days and picking out ‘80s classics like The Terminator and Back to the Future over and over again.

There is something about Stranger Things that conjures up these feelings across generations.

There’s a sheer nostalgic potency to the show’s atmosphere that is tangible. Like a cassette or video tape: graspable. Stranger Things is a show about a generation gone-by that belongs to a new generation and might just go down as the most iconic show of this era. The streaming one. I take it all back if Steve dies, though.

Alan’s back, but thinking ahead ARTS IN THE CITY

By Helen MUSA

Popular British comedian, actor, writer and TV personality Alan Davies is back on stage after a decade with his new show Think Ahead, in which he portrays himself as a late middle-aged stand-up once again hitting the road. Best known for his role in Jonathan Creek and his regular appearances as the Dunce on QI, Davies brings his trademark wit to the Canberra Theatre stage, December 8-9.

The Stellar Company and Tuggeranong Arts Centre will present Woden’s World, an inclusive community project celebrating this year’s International Day of People with Disability. Twelve community arts groups representing all abilities, backgrounds, identities and ages will join forces to create performances, including a 20-minute live “sculpture court” mirrored in 55 countries around the world. Woden Town Square, December 3.

Rebus Theatre also marks International Day of People with Disability by showcasing the talents and stories of people with disability and also reprising their hit show Stages of Empathy. Gorman Arts Centre, December 3.

The Austrian Harmonie Choir rings in the festive season with Singen, a joyful afternoon of Austrian and Australian Christmas carols, a raffle of Christmas hampers and even a visit from Santa. Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, November 30.

The Canberra Community Chorale celebrates the season with a concert featuring Dvořák’s Mass in D Major, the tender carol Lully, Lulla, Lullay arranged by Philip WJ Stopford, and Deborah Cheetham Fraillon’s Australian carol Christmas With You. Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, November 30.

The Llewellyn Choir presents Lit by a Star, a program featuring Benjamin Britten’s youthful and rarely heard Christ’s Nativity alongside works by Ferko, Chatman and others. Yarralumla Uniting Church, December 6.

The Oriana Chorale’s Colours of Earth showcases contemporary choral music, from Caroline Shaw’s Ochre to Luke Byrne’s Desert Sea and Dan Walker’s To a Child, inspired by Judith Wright’s poetry. The program also features the world premiere of Leaves by Oriana’s Emerging Composer in Residence, Aija Draguns. Wesley Uniting Church, December 6.

DINING / Queenies, Kingston

Gluten-free without compromise

It’s exciting to see new-season menus on Canberra’s dining scene.

Queenies’ seasonal menu is entirely glutenfree without compromising on presentation or taste.

Although gluten-free dishes are increasingly common, it can still be challenging for those with dietary requirements to be able to select anything their little heart’s desire

Queenies at Kingston, has invested great effort into designing creative dishes loaded with flavour – dishes that are easy to share and feature lovely textures and intriguing ingredients (some native). A couple of dishes, such as Korean fried chicken, remain… no doubt Queenies didn’t dare remove them due to popular demand.

An exciting explosion of flavour and colour, the citrus-poached prawns were cool and re freshing, with cucumber consommé, compressed pineapple, sea grapes, red drop peppers and smoked salt ($27).

Although we weren’t expecting it to be cold, the butternut ravioli was a star dish, featuring a thin layer of lemon-scented ricotta in between perfectly rounded pasta. Crispy basil and a sprinkling of salted caramel walnuts were perfect additions ($22).

Our generous kebabs of spiced lamb were moist and placed on top of smooth, sexy sumac labneh ($25). Cherry tomatoes, pickles and greens added a burst of colour.

The favourite main was the tender, juicy juniper and pink-pepper-infused steak, cooked to perfection and featuring a mound of thin, tasty parsnip chips ($48). We loved the dauphinoise potato and greens on the day were a generous serve of vibrant broccolini.

Humble carrots were masterfully glazed and cooked to hold crunch. They arrived on a

bed of more of that yummy sumac labneh and topped with wonderfully nutty pistachios ($9.50). Queenies’ pomme puree is decadent ($9.50).

Tomatoes are coming into their own with the warmer weather. Queenies creates its caprese salad with small heritage tomatoes cut in half and carefully plated with slices of baby bocconcini, fried basil and smoked salt ($23).

While the Palak Kaju Chhena immediately caught our attention, it was our least favourite ($40). The cashew and cottage cheese croquettes were lovely, the spinach sauce spicy and the puffed rice fun, but we felt the dish overall was too “soupy”. For us, it was a poor choice with the other mains we had selected.

Next time, we will be specific about the order and timing we want our dishes to arrive. All three entrées emerged at the same time. We ate the more intensely flavoured hot one first (for obvious reasons) but would have preferred to be kinder on our palate by enjoying the more delicate cold dishes first.

Queenies’ wine list celebrates loads of local labels and is carefully considered. Service was efficient, attentive and friendly. Queenies is to be applauded for working super hard to make customers feel comfortable and at home.

WINE / pinot noir revisited

Of cherry and plum merged with light spice

In December, Brown Family Wine Group sent me a bottle of 2022 Grand Assemblage Tamar Ridge Pinot Noir.

When I receive wine, I make an entry in my wine spreadsheet, something I’ve been doing since my wine collection from my lockup storage area was stolen. The insurance company and I had many discussions about the value of my wine when, in 2013, the steel roof of my storage unit was levered off by four young thieves (they were caught on CCTV but not in person) and most of the wine I’d been collecting and cellaring for my adult life was stolen.

Now, I have a more-thancomplete record of what wine I’ve bought/been given. So, I looked up the value of the Grand Assemblage to make the spreadsheet entry complete and my gratitude was reinforced when I

discovered that it sells for $180 a bottle. Which leads me to the question: what do you call a rich spider? A web designer with a large net worth.

I awaited lunch with the editor of City News and two others before tasting the wine, some 10 months after receiving this bounty. In part, it was trepidation at trying such an expensive wine. By way of comparison, the editor supplied a Waipara Hills 2012 Pinot Noir. Waipara is a small area of NZ north of Christchurch, so it’s another colder-climate pinot noir production area, but it doesn’t have, say, the reputation of the Martinborough region for NZ pinot noir.

Despite my best efforts, no current value for the wine could be gained from an internet search. But one website had it advertised for $18 in 2014, nicely 10 per cent of the value of the Grand Assemblage without allowing for the hefty level of inflation over the last 13 years.

The Grand Assemblage had a deep red colour and, at first, a slight bouquet of raspberries rather than the expected cherry.

With more air, forest floor smells emerged, foreshadowing this wine as a pinot noir of depth.

The first taste demonstrated the complexity of the wine with a floral character that surprised and that then revealed the expected red fruits.

It finished beautifully, medium bodied with a silky smooth ending. This is a wine that will keep for the next five to 10 years, if well cellared.

In comparison, the Waipara Hills had stood the test of time pretty well. It was cherry red in colour. The nose had some faded plum notes and a hint of spice. On taste, cherry and plum merged with light spice. In the mouth the tannins were soft, with just a slight taste of cedar and a finish that didn’t last. But it was still a remarkably pleasant drink, especially with beef. It probably would have tasted better a couple of years ago. But then again, the older we get, the better we were.

To end, I thought of a few jokes about rich kids but none of them work.

Clematis, the ordinary delight

By Jackie WARBURTON

it flowers it’s a wonderful reminder of why we grow them.

The florida is a group-two clematis, which means it flowers mid-season and can have a little prune after flowering to encourage repeat flowering.

Group one flowers early in spring and only once. Group three flowers in late summer. To confuse matters more, they all get pruned differently.

All clematis need pruning to keep them in vigor. Group one flowers on old wood and is almost a no-prune

clematis, but keep it tidy with a light prune after flowering. If a hard prune is needed, the vine may not flower next season.

Group two is a light prune, and group three clematis, shoots from the base and flowers on new growth. It can be pruned to the ground after flowering.

All clematis like their roots in the cool and their heads in the sun. Importantly, position them out of strong winds so the large petals are not spoilt. The soil needs to be moist, as they are shallow rooted and can dry out quickly, keep the soil sweet and add a little lime if needed.

They can be planted on a trellis or grow-up trees, and they are commonly planted amongst climbing roses and arches.

Clematis aristata is a native, evergreen, small climbing clematis

that can manage our cold winters.

There are either male or female plants and, while their flowering is similar in with delicate creamy white starry flowers, it is only the female plant that produces fluffy seedheads after flowering. Hence, also, its common name, goats beard.

To propagate clematis, take small stem cuttings, about 10 to 15 centimetres long, in late summer/ early autumn. Tuck a node or two under the soil and it will strike over time.

A TREE that deserves more credit is the laburnum (or golden chain). It’s a leguminous plant that adds nitrogen to the soil it’s grown in.

A spreading tree, it can grow to a height of four metres and has lime green, delicate foliage in summer that turns to autumnal colour as the season changes.

But it’s the flowers that it’s grown for. The delicate long chain of wisteria-like yellow flowers are a magnet for bees and other insects.

The young stems are flexible enough they can be tied to a trellis and horticulturally shaped to an arbour for maximum effect when flowering.

They need full sun to flower and don’t like fuss of wet feet.

There are a few different

cultivars to try and one of the most unusual is Adams Laburnum (Laburnocytisus Adamii)

Striking yellow and/or mauve pink flowers can grow on the same small tree. In the horticultural world, this a bi-generic species that has merged as two genetic fusions is a wonder plant, The two parent plants are laburnum and chamaecytisus and this fusion is called a chimaera. Despite being hard to find, it grows well in our climate.

THE vegetable garden should be in full swing now. So be sure to keep a balance of water and nutrients to get a good crop through the season. It’s still time to sow seeds for late-summer tomatoes, zucchini and autumn flowers.

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

Jottings…

• Don’t hard prune hedges in the next two months.

• Feed all vegetables and fruit trees with seaweed extract.

• Remove iris rhizomes that have flowered.

• Use kaolin clay to keep pear and cherry slug at bay.

HOROSCOPE PUZZLES

By Joanne Madeline Moore December

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Mercury is moving forwards, so it’s time to communicate your creative ideas with extra pizazz, dream mind-blowing dreams, and/or make connections with folk from foreign shores. But – with the Sun, Venus, Mars and the Super Full Moon in your wanderlust zones – many restless Rams will feel cooped up, housebound and a bit stir-crazy. Pull on your travelling shoes and escape on a weekend getaway or plan an adventurous trip for sometime soon.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

The Super Full Moon urges you to shine a spotlight on financial matters and personal values. Do you need to let go of certain people, possessions or attitudes that have passed their use-by-date? With the Sun, Full Moon, Venus and Mars activating your money zones, be careful your main form of entertainment isn’t shopping. Your bank balance (and budget) won’t appreciate a shop-till-you-drop kind of week. Saturday night favours socialising with loved ones.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

It’s a good week for Geminis. Mercury is moving forwards – yeah! And on Thursday night/Friday morning there’s a Super Full Moon in your sign, leading to increased energy and motivation. Then, on the weekend, Mercury (your patron planet) makes a lovely link with prosperity planet Jupiter. So, Lady Luck is heading your way! If you want to get ahead, then strive to work smarter, not just harder. Your natural charm and generosity will win people over.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

This week there’s a Super Full Moon in your self-sabotage zone, which could dent your Crab confidence, dampen your enthusiasm, and/or make you doubt your intuition. Don’t dwell on the negatives! Hold your head high, tune into your intuition and trust your inner judgement. Be inspired by fellow Cancerian, Princess Diana: “I work on instinct. It’s my best advisor.” The weekend is a wonderful time for joyful celebrations and philosophical conversations.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

With the Super Full Moon stimulating your hopes-and-wishes zone, it’s important to dream a dream, turn it into a goal, and then make it happen. So, your motto is from birthday great Walt Disney (born on December 5, 1901): “All your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them.” It’s also a good week to plan a party, book a massage, attend a concert, see an exhibition, organise a night at the movies or a lunch date with friends.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

The buzzword for the week is Communication, as Mercury (your patron planet) is now moving forwards in your neighbourhood and conversation zones. Expect increased social interaction and activities within your local community. The Super Full Moon lights up your career zone as you shine on the professional stage. Then the Mercury/Jupiter trine (on the weekend) is wonderful for conversation, education and networking within your extended peer group.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Mercury is moving forwards in your money zone, so a financial problem should start to ease. With the Super Full Moon in your aspirations zone, and bountiful Jupiter in your career zone, it’s time to dream ambitious dreams for the future. Don’t hold yourself back with negative thinking or limiting beliefs. Inspiration for the week comes from birthday great, film producer and entrepreneur Walt Disney: “First, think. Second, believe. Third, dream. And finally, dare.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

This week the Super Full Moon highlights a close relationship, shared finances or a joint venture. Secrets and issues of loyalty could also be placed under the microscope, as you discover whether your trust in someone has been well-placed. And prepare for a welcome burst of Scorpio creativity and energy as Mercury is now moving forwards in your sign. Lucky opportunities could magically manifest, especially via a family member or an international connection.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Jupiter (your ruling planet) and Mercury (which is now direct) activate your money-from-others zone. So – over the next few months – expect a boost to your bank balance via a pay rise, work bonus, bumper tax return, inheritance, superannuation payout or extra business. Any windfall won’t last long if you don’t manage it wisely though. The late week Super Full Moon focuses on a close relationship as passions fire up, or a problem comes to a head.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Mercury is now moving forwards in your hopes-and-wishes zone, while the Sun, Venus and Mars are visiting your spirituality zone. Which favours meditation, contemplation, relaxation and investigation as you solve a problem, get to the bottom of a mystery or imagine a fabulous new dream. Then the Super Full Moon shines a spotlight on physical and mental wellbeing as you (ideally) eat more healthily, think more positively and exercise more often.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

With the Sun, Venus, Mars and the Super Full Moon all activating your networking and friendship zones, it’s time to communicate and connect (creatively, cooperatively and proactively) with family, friends, colleagues, clients and/or customers. You have the ability to influence people in positive ways as you employ charm, encouragement and praise to get others onside. The weekend Mercury/ Jupiter trine promises an overall sense of wellbeing.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Mercury is moving forwards in your adventure zone, which is good news for Piscean travel plans, long holidays and weekend getaways. Plus – with the Sun, Venus and Mars all transiting through your career zone – it’s a good week to be creatively proactive as you follow a professional dream. However – with the Super Full Moon firing up your home zone – don’t be so work-focused that you ignore your domestic life. If you do, expect there will be dramas!

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2025

3 Which Turkish city was formerly Constantinople? (8)

7 Name the Australian engineer who invented the automatic totalisator, Sir George ... (6)

8 Dealing with a disease in order to provide a cure, is what? (8)

9 Which nationality was Georges Bizet? (6)

10 What do we call the driver of a car? (8)

11 Which city was the host of the 2004 Olympic Games? (6)

14 Name another term for an account book. (6)

17 What are marinated fillets of herring, served as hors d’oeuvres? (8)

18 What is an earlier name for silver? (6)

19 Name another word for a large advertising billboard. (8)

20 Who are amongst the most caring people in hospitals? (6)

21 Name Australia’s national health scheme. (8)

1 What is a small seedless raisin? (7)

2 What do we call a woman engaged to be married? (7)

3 What is a narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land? (7)

4 Name a univalve marine mollusc. (7)

5 Which water makes the best cup of tea? (7)

6 Name an unpowered, flat-bottomed barge. (7)

11 In the Bible, who was the traditional founder of the Hebrew people? (7)

12 What is the unofficial name of the Netherlands? (7)

13 To be a wandering type of person is to be what? (7)

14 What is a form of pasta cut into flat sheets? (7)

15 Which term describes Australian soldiers? (7)

16 What is a preacher of the gospel? (7)

Gala celebrates big anniversary

The Dance Development Centre is about to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a gala production, Now & Then, reports HELEN MUSA .

One of Canberra’s most successful dance schools, the Dance Development Centre has thrived under Jackie Hallahan, its artistic director.

Hallahan has been widely honoured in the dance world with the Australian Dance Award for Services to Dance Education, a Stuart and Norma Leslie Churchill Fellowship and a Canberra Critics Circle Award.

Past students have gone on to dance with The Australian Ballet, Bangarra, West Australian Ballet, Chunky Move, Buzz Dance Theatre, Tasdance, Royal New Zealand Ballet, English National Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Béjart Ballet Lausanne.

But it wasn’t always “her” school, as Hallahan explains.

“When I began, it was the Gay Harding School of Dance. Gay wanted to move on, so I looked after it and renamed it the Canberra Dance Development Centre in 1985. In 2017 it became just the Dance Development Centre.

“I wanted to create a school where excellence in dance would be balanced with respect for individual artistry – valuing self-expression in every child we teach – and to nurture a lifelong love of dance,” she says.

Recently, alumna Isabelle Roberts, now working in musical theatre, returned to create a new suite with students. Other alumna still involved include Lauren Morford and Sara Black, who works with the Australian Dance Party.

Among the many dancers the centre has nurtured, none is more prominent than Paul Knobloch, who has maintained a close connection throughout his international career, notably with The Australian Ballet, where he his hard at work on Storytime Ballet.

“Paul still comes back to teach and mentor, and he’s now my artistic associate – he’s wonderful with the kids,” Hallahan says.

He is also curator of the forthcoming production Now & Then, with his creative ideas shaping the program. Without giving too much away, Hallahan reveals that the opening sequence will symbolise the centre’s beginnings in 1985, set to the famous waltz from The Sleeping Beauty, complete with scenic shifts. The closing section represents where the centre stands today – a more contemporary perspective on four decades of work.

Development Centre 40th Anniversary Gala: Now & Then, Canberra Theatre, December 2.

NO MORE BOONDAH Tackling Indigenous Smoking

Your journey to better health starts here.

At Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, we stand with you on your journey to quit smoking — for yourself, for your family, and for future generations. Smoking is one of the biggest health challenges in our community, but you are stronger than the smokes. Every cigarette not smoked is a step toward a longer, healthier life.

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

Winnunga offers culturally safe, free, and confidential support:

• Quit plans tailored for you

Why Quit?

Stronger lungs, stronger heart, stronger you

More money in your pocket — save thousands every year

Healthy bubbas — quitting before or during pregnancy helps babies grow strong

Be a role model for your kids, your mob, your community

It’s Never Too Late

Whether it’s your first time trying or your fifth, Winnunga is here to walk with you. Every day smoke-free is a win.

• Yarn with our friendly Aboriginal Health Workers

• Free nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, sprays)

• Ongoing support and encouragement at every step