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NEWS / ACT Volunteer of the Year

Hospice volunteer dedicated to

By Elizabeth KOVACS

On Sundays – every Sunday for almost 30 years – Trish Carling spends her day volunteering at Clare Holland House, serving meals, assisting residents and providing companionship at the hospice.

Three years ago she extended her volunteering to also support the Motor Neurone Disease Clinic and Support Group.

Little wonder then that Trish, 62, has been named the 2025 ACT Volunteer of the Year for her service to the community by Volunteering ACT.

“I don’t do anything magic,” she says of her hospice work.

“I just do little things, such as bring them tea or a chocolate, or hand out flowers from my garden.

“Even after eating sticky toast and offering them a hot face washer, it can make such a huge difference.

“It’s amazing how little things can affect and improve a way of life.”

Often she’s asked how she’s able to work in such an environment.

“They’ll tell me, ‘isn’t it sad?’, and I say, ‘yes, it can be, but it’s incredibly

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fulfilling’ and I get a lot of joy out of it,” she says.

“We don’t talk about sickness. We laugh a lot and we talk about [patients’] interests and passions.”

From avid gardeners to puzzlers, Trish says it’s important to remember that people living with motor neurone disease (MND) and those who are living in hospice care can continue to be, and are, amazing individuals with lots to give.

“We are all alive until we are not,” she says.

“Volunteering at Clare Holland House and [MND support groups] is a privilege, and it’s my role to help acknowledge that the patients know they are still there, they’re still alive and they’re not reduced into thinking that they are a disease.”

Retiring from her full time job at Parliament House in Canberra three years ago as a senior research officer (where she had been for 40 years), Trish says her volunteering work was always a nice balance between the two.

“It’s a lovely community,” she says.

“From the nurses and staff to the patients, everyone is so welcoming and thoughtful.”

Suffering a big family loss in 1996, it was a newspaper advertisement that brought her attention to the work she would eventually dedicate her weekends to.

“They needed volunteers in hospice care,” she says.

“I had seen several people close to me in care and wanted to help.

“I’ve got a very large family and we cared for each other, but I couldn’t stop thinking about those who didn’t.”

Completing her training that year, Trish has consistently been a friendly face of Palliative Care ACT for those entering the Clare Holland House.

Her good deeds have not gone unnoticed by other volunteers, with one co-worker nominating her for the Senior Volunteer of the Year Award.

“I felt so relieved when my category came and went, and my name wasn’t called,” Trish says.

“I was so shocked when they called my name for the big award.

“It felt wrong to receive an award for something that I love doing.

“It’s really incredible, some of the work that is being done right now in care facilities,” she says.

“There were lots of young people doing amazing things there that are inspiring.”

Trish says death is a hard thing to come to terms with unless people are dealing with it directly.

“It’s a part of life,” she says.

“There’s a bit of stigma attached to healthcare in these residences, but there’s some amazing work being done.

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‘The tax reform process was meant to deliver reductions in inequitable fixed charges that provided disincentives. What a joke.’

Labor’s smoke-and-mirrors rorting of our rates

A rates bill in the order of $8000 to $10,000 a year for a retiree is devastating. How is this a ‘fairer taxation system’. There is a failure to understand the complexity of wealth versus income,” writes political columnist MICHAEL MOORE.

Have you ever wondered how your rates are calculated? Your rates notice will tell you that the calculation is made on the unimproved value of the land. However, this is only a small part of the story.

The government manipulates the level of rates you pay through a series of other interventions. The most pliable, and significant manipulation, is the “rating factor”. There is no explanation of the calculation of this “rating factor” in your rates notice, no transparency.

The reason behind this is the ACT government’s expenditure has doubled since Andrew Barr first became Treasurer in 2011. They cannot control expenditure, so the rates keep rising.

Independent MLA, Fiona Carrick, exposed the lack of transparency in the rates notices through the government’s failure to identify how much of your rates is spent on interest

payments (CN July 31).

Additionally, the government has also failed to explain, in your rates notice, just how rates are calculated. This is despite a large heading identifying “How your rates are calculated for 2025-26”. No wonder! It is smoke and mirrors.

Consecutive Labor governments have preached that the long-term tax reform process is for a fairer taxation system. The focus is on wealth held in property, as this delivers a more progressive revenue system intended to fall more heavily on those who can afford it.

There is a difference in rates calculations for residential land, residential units, commercial land and rural land. This column will just focus on residential land – although it is a similar story for the other two. The Revenue Office website states there are “two components: a fixed charge and a valuation charge”.

The fixed charge is a very regressive form of taxation as are the levies that together amount to around $1500

“The government failed to explain, in your rates notice, just how rates are calculated.” Photo:

Google Earth

for every ratepayer. This flies in the face of a “fairer taxation system”.

The calculation of the “rating factor’ varies on the value of the property for residential land (as it does for residential units). The land value is multiplied by a variable “rating factor”. This figure changes from 0.2708% of the property valuation for properties valued under $150,000 through to 0.5734% of properties valued over $1,000,000.

Using a smoke-and-mirrors approach, the government changes these percentages with every new

budget. The government simply decides how much money they wish to raise and plays with the range of percentages in the “rating factor” to deliver the financial outcome that suits them. To this they add a fixed charge that this year varies from $406.20 to $4214.75.

The outcome of this process can be seen across a range of suburbs. The government argues there will be an average rate increase of 3.75 per cent. This claim beggars belief when so many suburbs have increases of from 4 per cent to 18 per cent.

Using inner-Canberra as an example, at the high end, Forrest ratepayers face an increase this year of 18 per cent. In Griffith and Yarralumla, the increase is 10 per cent, while Campbell, Braddon and Kingston are looking at an increase of around 7 per cent. Ainslie will increase by 4 per cent and Hackett, Lyons and Mawson by 3 per cent.

In Tuggeranong Gowrie, Monash, Richardson and Theodore increase by 4 per cent. In Wanniassa, Bonython and Conder the increase is 5 per cent. Calwell, Chisolm and Oxley will have a 3 per cent increase. There is a similar pattern across Canberra.

The focus on wealth misses the ability to pay. Many people who live in older suburbs bought their houses 30

or 40 years ago. The land values have increased. However, the ability to pay has decreased substantially as people retire, rely on superannuation, savings and pensions for their income.

A rates bill in the order of $8000 to $10,000 a year for a retiree is devastating. How is this a “fairer taxation system”. There is a failure to understand the complexity of wealth versus income.

Policy decisions made in the 2025-26 Budget include “$521.3 million of new tax measures, and initiatives incorporating fees and charges amendments”. These include huge increases in costs of such things as registration, ambulance levy, driver licences, fines and utilities taxes.

The tax reform process was meant to deliver reductions in inequitable fixed charges that provided disincentives. What a joke. Calling a levy “Safer families” or “Health Levy” or “Police, Fire and Emergency” is simply an attempt to justify a further regressive taxation approach. Canberrans have had enough of smoke and mirrors.

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

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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.

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Nick (they/them, he/him) has returned to Canberra after completing a Master’s in Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland. Their passion comes from a love of science and helping people. With eight years in disability support, Nick brings broad experience and enjoys working with clients across a wide range of needs.

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.

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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.

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BEST OF POLITICS

Digital danger lies in believe first, question never

The other day, I had firsthand experience of how easy it is for malicious actors to influence others in the digital age.

It was a lesson in how the subtle behavioural changes from our use of social media platforms has made us accustomed to believe first, question never.

What we see, read and hear is con sumed like fast food – quickly with little thought about the long-term damage. These behavioural influences though have also permeated into much of how we also behave in many other ways of our modern life.

need to feel that someone, anyone, cares.” Photo: Aner Tau

The example? A person I know had swallowed whole what a malicious actor had told them. Pure disinformation. The person blindly accepted what they had been told. No challenge, no thought of if that information correlated with other information or the credibility of the source.

When that person was made to think about what they had been told, they found it difficult to acknowledge that perhaps they had been had. Guilt and shame of knowing you’ve been had by a manipulator is one big reason why many don’t confront it in the first place.

The malicious actor will usually be in the form of victim-hero. They know how much we are hooked on our devices, and our need to feel that

someone, anyone, cares. That leaves a big door open for them.

This is why information quality, reliability and validity presents both our single biggest opportunity and threat to our democracy.

It offers the opportunity to allow minor parties and independents to quickly generate awareness and build momentum behind their campaigns.

Social media levels the political communication field massively, it allows for audiences to be reached effectively, but importantly for mitigating the power of stakeholders in politics, relatively cheaply.

The threat is disinformation and misinformation. I have seen some incredibly smart people fall for disinformation. And disinformation itself

What we see, read and hear on social media is consumed like fast food – quickly with little thought about the long-term damage.

is changing and evolving rapidly.

Those engaging in disinformation learn from other content creators, especially those in social media. That young 20-year-old digital nomad has learnt lots, practices lots, but also informs lots of others on what works.

Now content is professionally made, even with studio backdrops to add credibility and authenticity, with presenters looking more mainstream than fringe. And that is because they could well be.

The other big change on disinformation is how governments have started to slide into this. The best disinformation works on creating doubt in the viewer’s mind on multiple constructs, but essentially the belief system. The plausible deniability feature.

Maybe this is fake, but maybe it’s not. It makes sense after all because I saw something like this from someone different last week. Plus they had 100,000 followers. And the government seems elusive on this

topic, like the person said, so yeah, maybe this is the truth.

That’s how manipulation in a message works really well. To get you to doubt the facts as you currently know them. If a picture tells a thousand words, a three-minute video is a thesis.

AI? It adds speed to the malevolent actor’s armoury. Messages are made in minutes. Using real people in their own voices. It takes only 15 seconds of someone’s voice to recreate it.

When you watch something do you think now – is it fake or is it real? That doubt destroys the truthful messages, emboldens the fake and dishonest.

Disinformation in 2025 is proactive because methods to stop it are reactive. It uses that time gap effectively, creating impact before any learned colleague can stop it.

How can we mitigate its influence in politics?

Firstly, candidate images and voices should only be allowed to be used during election campaigns with the approval of those candidates. Big change, yes, but big changes have already happened in campaigns in the last decade.

Next, making it clearer when AI is being used. Mandatory use of a brand

symbol such as Content Credentials may help. It would let people know if the content they’re watching was made by humans or not.

Political advertising and communications definitions need modernising. Government advertising should not be political advertising. Far too many governments of all colours have relied on government credibility to achieve political credibility.

The flow-on effect is people questioning all government advertising, harming campaigns we need to see be effective, such as healthy eating, speeding or a myriad of other social marketing campaigns that governments run.

This is only a start. We have to act now to protect our democracy with modern means in its fight against the digital dark arts. Otherwise it will be too late.

Dr Andrew Hughes lectures at the ANU Research School of Management, where he special ises in political marketing.

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Gran and little Dion’s year of angst fixed in an hour

“Gran talked in such a way, chokes and all, that it was clear she was honest, she was not exaggerating. And like in the tearjerker movies, she triumphed.” HUGH SELBY has some good news in the public housing despair of little Dion and his gran.

I can’t imagine a liveable world without flowers. Florists with their artistry leave their mark upon so many of our life events, from birth to death and everything in-between.

This week a new florist has opened in the Dickson shops, taking the space deserted by the NAB several years ago and forlorn ever since. There is so much colour and energy about that shop. Fingers crossed that they do well. It was four hands of fingers crossed when little Dion’s gran and I took the bus to Civic this week to go to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT), down near the Civic pool and the pedestrian bridge that can take us all into this year’s bustling Floriade with colour, colour everywhere.

Readers will remember three-yearold Dion and his gran. CityNews has run a series of articles about their plight.

Helped by Canberra Community Law, gran had prepared the paper-

work about all the problems with her Housing ACT property.

She had set out not only what were the many defects in her home, but also how those defects had adversely affected their lives as tenants.

A message from Housing ACT a week ago gave no signs of hope. If anything, it seemed to gran that the tribunal prehearing conference was going to be a nasty waste of time.

The conference

The conference was run by a lawyer, the tribunal member, who sat at the narrow end of a shoe-box shaped table. I’ll use a fictional name for him, John.

Gran, her support person from ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS) and I were on one, long side, with a representative from Housing ACT and their lawyer on the other.

John knew how to manage all those there. He explained the conference

CLINIC OPENING SOON

process and got each of us to say who we were.

Although he and both sides had all the paperwork he invited gran to tell her story.

There are moments in life when the unexpected creates a memorable shift in perception. Recall those moments in film when someone acts with unforeseen courage and strength. It is as much a surprise for the character as it is for the audience. The bottom line is that, against the odds, good triumphs. That’s what happened in that

conference. Gran spoke about the house problems, the garden problems, how difficult it was to toilet train a small boy when taking him to the toilet needed an umbrella, why her son had to find somewhere else to live because little Dion’s room was mould infested and the window couldn’t open, so Dion took her son’s room. She talked about why she couldn’t let Dion out in the garden because of the druggie needles.

Gran talked. She talked in such a way, chokes and all, that it was clear that she was honest, she was sincere, she was not exaggerating.

And like in the tearjerker movies, she triumphed.

I have no clue as to what, if any, instructions the two young women from Housing ACT were given by their superiors. But I do know that they treated gran with respect, that they laid out a proper solution to all the problems that have continued for over a year, that they patiently explained and re-explained each part of that solution so that gran could fully understand it.

They could not have been more professional.

Tribunal member John played the critical part of moving things along, and ensuring that the orders he then made to resolve the dispute were clear, effective, and represented what the parties had agreed.

It took about one hour to resolve issues that have festered for more than a year.

Gran and little Dion’s needs have been respected, as have the shortfalls in their housing this past year. The rent has been properly reduced to compensate for those shortfalls. They are going to be offered another home.

Aftermath

Housing ACT does not have enough accommodation for those who are entitled to it. It does not have sufficient tradies to repair and maintain its properties in a timely manner. If gran and little Dion’s experience is typical then its management is crisis driven: keep making wellmeant but impossible promises until that bluff is called.

This problem, especially the scale of it, lies with Life Leader Andrew’s priorities. I think he prefers shiny, red toys to giving shelter.

Gran’s face bloomed on the bus home, the stress melting, the colours emerging. Next day she was taking bursting flowers, and her excitement, to Canberra Community Law, to give them a well-deserved thank you.

The complete series of articles on this saga are searchable under Hugh Selby’s name on citynews.com.au. Hugh is a former barrister and CityNews columnist, principally focused on legal affairs.

BEST OF POLITICS From October, a

‘There are tangible consequences from the downgrades – the degradation of public services such as health’

You were warned,

but you didn’t

listen, Mr Barr

“An

improvement of almost $2 billion, or $500,000,000 a year over each of the next four years, is far-fetched even by the ACT government’s standards, and surely demands that the budget papers be categorised as fiction.”

JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED reveal the crushing reality driving the ACT’s credit rating demotion.

In a column revealing the shortcomings of the 2025-26 ACT Budget in July, we warned that with net debt rising at 10.1 per cent annually another downgrade of the ACT’s credit rating was inevitable and imminent.

That downgrade, from AA+ to AA, was announced on September 5 by the ratings agency S&P Global.

We had also predicted the previous credit downgrade in 2023 from its longstanding, and highest possible, AAA rating to AA+.

As we wrote at the time of the earlier downgrade, it gives us no pleasure that our prediction was then and is again, correct.

There are tangible consequences from these downgrades in, for example, the degradation of public services such as health and public housing, and a regressive increase in taxation, or more likely both, given this government’s appalling record.

In any event, the costs are disproportionately distributed to those on low-to-moderate incomes.

We would, of course, have been pleased to have been proven wrong since that would have meant that the ACT government had abandoned its reckless management of our finances and its apparent disinterest in the needs of those Canberrans for whom life is a struggle.

It may appear a very short time span over which the ACT has gone from having the highest credit rating of all Australian states and territories to the equal lowest, along with Victoria.

However, this outcome had been in the making for well over a decade because of sustained financial mismanagement and was only delayed because of the strength of the finances Andrew Barr had inherited when he was appointed Treasurer – a budget

in surplus and negative net debt, while coming out of the global financial crisis.

The nationally reported reasons cited by S&P Global for the downgrade, refer to the “territory’s significant budget deficits and large capital spending pipeline, including an extension to the city’s light rail”.

From a surplus of 1 per cent (of the total budget) in 2011-12, the ACT’s budget dipped into an uninterrupted and increasing sequence of deficits from 2012-13 onwards, blowing out to $1.06 billion in 2023-24, ie 12.2 per cent of the budget.

An even larger deficit is expected for the recently completed 2024-25 financial year – Chief Minister Barr’s 13th and final deficit budget before handing the poisoned chalice to Chris Steel.

The deficit during the 12 years of Barr’s reign over the Treasury portfolio was an average of 8.2 per cent every year, ie they were deep and persistent.

Compounding the impact of this unprecedented run of deficits on the ACT’s finances is the large capital works program that, year on year, was largely or entirely funded through borrowings.

These two factors (deficits and debt-funded capital programs) have produced a third whammy –rising interest costs that cannot be accommodated from the available finances – necessitating additional borrowings for interest payments.

This is indicative of a debt spiral, and if unchecked will potentially result in financial disaster.

“Primary Balance” is a budget measure that reflects a government’s ability to service its debt. It is calculated by taking revenues and subtracting expenditures on operating activities as well as capital works, but excluding inter-

excludes the historical cost of debt. If the Primary Balance is in surplus, the budget has the capacity to service debt depending, of course, on the magnitude of the surplus. For example, if the surplus is larger than the interest costs, it is reflective of a capacity to pay the interest on past borrowings and repay some of the principal. For a government committed to prudent financial management, this is a most desirable position.

However, if the Primary Balance is in deficit, the government will need to borrow to pay its interest costs in addition to the borrowing required to fund the deficit. If this state continues, debt will obviously grow with no prospect of being either stabilised or repaid. The ACT has, worryingly, been in this state persistently for some years now.

Table 1 details the Primary Balance and interest costs from the past three years’ audited financial statements, and the estimates from 2024-25 to 2028-29 as published in the current budget. The table (in the last row) also details the proportion of interest costs funded from borrowings.

Table 1 confirms that the ACT government has not only been borrowing to fund the deficit and then more, but to also pay all the interest costs. Notably, while borrowings to pay interest will continue over the forward estimates, the government has forecast that 39 per cent of the interest

in 2028-29, will need to be funded from borrowings, with the forecast improvement to come from a forecast turnaround in the operating budget. While this does seem rather fanciful, to be fair, as they say in the classics, “pigs may fly”.

The rating agency has a grim view of the government’s forecast return to surplus, reportedly noting “the territory’s return to budget balance had been repeatedly delayed”. That is a significant vote of no confidence in the ACT government’s forecasts.

In fact, Barr made such a forecast in each of the years he was Treasurer – turning out to be wrong – as we have previously highlighted, on every occasion.

Table 1 forecasts that in the next four years a Primary Balance deficit of $1.089 billion in 2024-25 will flip by 2028-29, to a surplus of $872 million – an improvement of almost $2 billion or $500,000,000 a year over each of the next four years – is far-fetched even by the ACT government’s standards, and surely demands that the budget papers be categorised as “fiction”.

Of course, 2021-22 is not the first year that the Primary Balance was in deficit. We have reported previously that the Primary Balance was negative on average over the decade 2011-12 to 2020-21, which was a major turnaround from the preceding decade.

Table 2 provides average Primary Balance and interest costs over 2021-22 to 2023-24 and the previous two decades.

We have previously pointed out

from the light rail project’s fans, urgers and devotees that the project has a small cost relative to, say, the overall budget, or the sum of budgets over the life of the project, or the total economy.

S&P has now taken the unusual step of naming this project within the large capital spending pipeline as the reason for the ACT’s credit downgrade.

S&P has reportedly foreshadowed that it “could further downgrade the territory if it reported materially weaker operating margins or deficits after capital accounts compared with forecasts”. Given the government’s record over the last decade, that is highly likely.

The number one question we should surely now explore is whether Treasurer Chris Steel has the capacity and/or the will to dig the ACT out of the hole that his predecessor Andrew Barr has knowingly dropped us in.

However, we’re not encouraged by his now infamous entreaty, at a time when the government was borrowing to pay interest on its borrowings, that the government should borrow because “debt has never been so cheap”.

The government is also blindly persisting with the tram to Woden via Barton notwithstanding its negative transport benefits and the fact that much higher priorities, notably health and housing are in crisis. Not much hope there!

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

Sad things Mr Weston could not have imagined

Having just launched my pean of praise for Charles Weston in The Man Who Planted Canberra with at least three million trees and shrubs, I am terrified that the trees in my suburb of Weston will be the end of us.

And I am deadly serious.

I don’t blame Mr Weston. He did a brilliant job in turning the national capital into his “dream city” where the designer Walter Burley Griffin failed.

But he presumed that subsequent authorities would tend to his creation that led the “garden city” movement into even greater comfort and pleasure for its residents.

He did not – could not – anticipate the Barr government that would destroy Canberra’s financial foundation in service to a 19th century technology – the tram.

He could not imagine (who could?) that after 24-years in charge, its health system would have people waiting four hours to be treated, and the neglect of its arboreal riches would threaten the lives of its men, women and children.

The Weston suburban experience is a sad example.

When we moved into our home unit in Mountview Estate which overlooks Cooleman Court, in 2003, the gully that carries the storm waters into the

Charles Weston… could not imagine that the neglect of Canberra’s arboreal riches would threaten the lives of its men, women and children.

drainage system had been planted with a well-spaced grove of young eucalypts and some exotic shrubbery.

through the park to the shops and the restaurants. Cooleman Court hosted a Woolworths, and the full range of necessities on the ground floor; upstairs a gym, more coffee, pop-up dress shops and a Reject shop upstairs. All with adequate parking.

Court equivalent. Shopping and even parking there is now a horrible, scary experience.

• They wrecked the Griffin/Weston plan for a compact garden city in favour of a spread-eagled expansion

Trapped in penny-pinch mode, the ACT government walked away from the essential servicing of the magnificent asset that Mr Weston and his successors bequeathed us.

• They destroyed our city’s financial integrity with a tram network that neither served the majority nor replaced the private traffic.

Trapped in penny-pinch mode, they walked away from the essential servicing of the magnificent asset that Mr Weston and his successors bequeathed us.

But what really worries me is the Weston gully. It is now a firebomb waiting to explode and the lighting spark called summer is nearly upon us.

In 2003 we had a view from the back deck across the suburbs to Mt Taylor. That finally disappeared three weeks ago behind a mighty wall of the gully’s fire-loving eucalypts now up to 30 metres high.

Their great branches wave to the

places that will inevitably create the spark that allows them to crack their seeds in the flames of procreation.

And as we know from the last great firestorm, the wind speed will trap the residents in their homes.

I dare not think of the horror awaiting the crowded shoppers in Cooleman Court, for that’s where the gully leads.

When Weston experimented with species from around the world, he chose the several hundred that passed his trenchant examination of suitability for our soils and weather.

We got lucky; so many passed the test that he was able to spread many different species across the city.

Unlike Sydney and Melbourne, for example, where very few species protect their people. When climate change kills them, our trees would still bathe Canberra in shade.

We had the best arboreal protection in the world. But only if we cared for it.

Then came the Barr government. robert@robert macklin.com

The doctor will see you soon – his mum says so!

History bounces around. It’s 1993 and a small medical practice in downmarket Redfern. Most of the patients are unemployed, or worse, indigenous and unemployed like Jimmy.

My mum was beyond comparison, the worst medical receptionist of all time. We were at the bottom of a 15-storey public housing tower architecturally designed to crush the human spirit.

House calls involved trips from Bondi to Kenso to Newtown, but some of the scarier ones involved just catching the elevator or schlepping the stairs, with a bag full of Medicareissued opiate injections and recently released Long Bay Jail prisoners checking out the merch I clutched tighter than my bag in kindy Still, it was good. Once the punters knew you were one of Dr Kelly’s, they’d mostly leave you be. Their knives and stares were as nothing to his acid wit and gruff affection, and those of us starting the journey in his rooms were under his protection. It was like working for Gandalf. Loved, loud, intolerant of fools.

“Son,” said Dr Kelly, “you inevitably learn more about a person’s mental health from their fridge

than from your poorly wielded stethoscope.”

have pulled a hamstring, with their exertions that day.

It’s 1926 and dad doesn’t want to go to his first day of school, scared. It’s 1972 and I feel the same. Dad didn’t get to go, I did. Eventually, I learned to spell butterfly and interconnectedness and chaos theory. Also pretentious and get back to work.

It’s 1788 and a few miles down the road Jimmy’s ancestors see some European ships in a place definitely not called Botany Bay, and History ensues. The butterflies of fate must

In 1993 I did some house calls with Bernie and questioned why he so rudely helped himself to something from their fridge upon arrival. “Son,” he said, “you inevitably learn more about a person’s mental health from their fridge than from your poorly

With a clenched fist resembling a bronzed frozen chook, she feared no one, and things went well. A few hours in, though, I needed a quick break for a coffee and a wee, but she was having nothing of it!

wielded stethoscope.” Old school, brilliant, wonderful human.

As was his long-suffering receptionist, Aunty Barbara. She was so calm in any given crisis that when Bernie advised that the only time Barbara missed Mass at Lane Cove was in 1943 when she led a crack team of French Resistance girls, armed with nothing but bad accents, in smuggling Allied secrets in the baguettes in their bicycle baskets, I believed the lot.

In that same 1943 mum and her scared teen sisters saw terrifying men in a big ship land in their harbour. Historians say it was the Allies winning the war. Mum remembers it differently and bonded firmly with the women she met here who remembered 1788.

One Saturday I was charged with running the show and Aunty Barbara was not around, presumably assisting at Mass or organising freedom fighters, and my mum volunteered to sit at the front desk and tell people to

sit down and figure out roughly what order they were to be seen.

With a clenched fist resembling a bronzed frozen chook, she feared no one, and things went well. A few hours in, though, I needed a quick break for a coffee and a wee, but she was having nothing of it!

Every time someone walked out of the office she’d intone the single word “Next”, and point at some unfortunate, like she’d seen done on TV shows. By noon I was a decaffeinated wreck with a bladder full enough to go back way before 1788 and extinguish the great fire of London.

“Mamma mia!”, said I, simultaneously quoting dad and Abba. “Whatsa matter you?”, I complained, still steering clear of the ham fists. You will see every one of them, now, she said. Nobody misses out. And no whining from her bambino Antonio.

I knew she and the family never saw doctors back home. And that

when they got a fever in those days, the awful could happen. Less than half of their siblings had made it to 10, and she would not tolerate these little Aussies waiting, and if I was late getting my devon sandwich and cannoli (glorious combination) then so be it. She loved those 1788 women and their grandkids in the clinic, and I was beyond lucky to see them. Loss and pain can make you bitter, or make you better.

Dr Kelly used his privilege and decency to champion his patch, mum used her hurts to help anybody. Ultimately, whatever side of the harbour we were on, in 1788 or 1943 or every day in between, our unique capacity for love is limitless.

Our indigenous Australians were so decent, dignified, mum was honoured by knowing them, even after all they’d been through they connected and shared. They gave her optimism, and me, too.

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

BEST OF PLANNING

Woden’s

In November we got a glimpse of

massive tower

Scentre Group, owners of Westfield shopping centres, have released its Woden Town Centre Concept Masterplan, which includes nine towers, all higher than Woden’s tallest building.

The plan identifies substantially more development than that in the government-prepared 2015 Woden Town Centre Masterplan.

Nine of the 17 proposed buildings would stand at 55, 45, 44, 39, 34, 32, 31, 30 and 28 storeys. All are higher than Woden’s tallest building, Grand Central Towers (26 storeys) and taller than the ACT’s highest building, Belconnen’s High Society Towers (27 storeys).

The nine-stage development could begin in 2030 and would take until 2052 to complete. It would add 3860 apartments; increase retail space by about 7000 square metres; 8020 parking spaces; 9600 square metres of community space, which could include a gym, wellness spaces, mult-ipurpose courts, dance studios, a children’s crèche and amenities (to be developed by 2036, along with 1000 homes).

It states it will consider the potential to integrate adjoining government-owned land, support the delivery of community facilities and explore opportunities to enhance public areas, including the Town Square.

The proposal is broadly consistent with the role and function identified for the town centre in the 2015 Masterplan of a “major community and commercial hub for the Woden Valley and wider Canberra region. It will be a place that attracts people to live, work, socialise and enjoy throughout the day and evenings”.

Fiona

Carrick, MLA for the Woden electorate

of Murrumbidgee, says the community, understandably, is concerned about the density and the scale of the proposal and potential impacts including traffic congestion, parking, overshadowing and the creation of a heat sink.

To demonstrate the large amount of development proposed is feasible and desirable, Scentre Group will need to undertake extensive analysis including of water, sewer, stormwater and fire infrastructure capacity and augmentation; public transport, parking, pedestrian and cycle linkages, community facilities needs, recreation demand, climate change and heat-island impacts and amelioration, housing demand, building setbacks, shadow and wind analysis and building height.

While densifying is an appropriate goal it has to establish why developments of up to 55 storeys are appropriate. Extending the rhetoric, why not 100 storeys?

In the 2015 masterplan the maximum building height permitted was 24 storeys in the core area although it recommended some flexibility to allow for development to occur as markets change over time.

A key finding of a shadow analysis undertaken was that taller development on the western edge of the town centre had more impact on surrounding residential areas than any other areas of the town centre. Consequently development adjoining Melrose Drive was capped at about 12 storeys.

A major issue is who will occupy the proposed 3860 dwellings. Will they have the design quality, price and size to attract families with children? If not, the rhetoric about reducing sprawl is overstated. If they are attractive to families, where will the children attend school? Will new schools need to be provided? Will there be capacity at schools in nearby suburbs?

If the occupants are older what facilities and

BEST OF WHIMSY

Is Donald Trump the greatest egotist of them all?

There are two types of people: those who walk into a room and say, “Well, here I am,” and those who walk into a room and say, “Ah, there you are.” Collins

The Oxford definition of an egotist is “a person who is excessively conceited or absorbed in themselves”.

Determining whether Donald Trump is the greatest egotist to serve as US president is inevitably subjective as ego has been a notable trait of some other past presidents. Theodore Roosevelt, for instance, was known for his larger-than-life personality and relentless drive for attention. Lyndon B Johnson’s ego often manifested in his domineering political style and his obsession with his legacy. Richard Nixon’s egotism was driven by deep insecurity and a need to con trol the narrative. One of the early populist presidents, Andrew Jackson, projected an enormous ego, exemplified by his unapologetic policy decisions and personal feuds.

Trump’s personality is widely described as one of overt self-confidence, self-promotion, and a need for public recognition – traits consistent with egotism. His frequent use of extravagant language to describe his achievements as “the best,” “unprecedented” – and his emphasis on loyalty (to him) – show that he’s the centre of his world.

What sets Trump apart from his predecessors is his use of social media to promote himself and attack critics.

Trump is undoubtedly one of the most outwardly egotistical US presidents, but whether

he is the “greatest” depends on how one rates egotists from different eras – through analysis of their public behaviour, leadership style or historical impact.

Here are some enlightening quotes about egotists:

“Is your husband religious?” “Oh, yes, he thinks he’s God Almighty.” – David Frost’s wife

He was a cock who thought the sun had come up to hear him crow. – George Eliot In my case, self-absorption is completely

justified. – Clifton Webb

Every time I’m wrong, the world makes a little less sense. – Frasier Crane

If I only had a little humility, I’d be perfect.

Ted Turner

I’ve given up reading books. I find it takes my mind off myself. – HL Mencken

Sometimes I just stare at a photograph of me and miss myself. – Larry Sanders

But enough about me, let’s talk about you. What do you think of me? – Bette Midler

There, but for the grace of God, goes God. Winston Churchill

“I simply cannot find the words to tell you how superb you were.” “Try.” – Claire Trevor and Judith Anderson I have my faults, but being wrong isn’t one of them. – Jimmy Hoffa

My father wanted to be the baby at every christening, the bride at every wedding, and the corpse at every funeral. –Alice Roosevelt Longworth

He had a genius for backing into the limelight. – Lord Berners

Sherard Blaw arrived, the dramatist who had discovered himself, and who had given so ungrudgingly of his discovery to the world. – Saki

He has love bites on his mirror. – Kathy Lette

“I only know of two painters in the world – yourself and Velasquez.” “Why drag in

Velasquez?” –Art-lover’s conversation with James McNeill Whistler

She’s always nice to her inferiors, whenever she can find them. – Dorothy Parker

“Do you think you’ve learned from your mistakes?” “What mistakes?” – Leslie Caron I like to be introduced as America’s foremost actor. It saves the necessity of further effort. – John Barrymore

An inferiority complex would be a blessing if only the right people had it. –Alan Reed

To conclude: Basil was a successful egotist who had built up his business from nothing. He’d always been generous to the church and when he became terminally ill, he prayed for advice on what to bring to heaven.

The heavenly advice was to bring that which he valued more than himself. So, he filled a suitcase with gold bars and when he duly arrived at the pearly gates St Peter said: “I’ll be very interested to see what you brought.”

Basil opened the case and proudly showed St Peter the gold.

St Peter could not contain his surprise: “You brought a suitcase full of pavers?!”

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

Image: newlifeinwoden.com.au what the future might look like for Woden.

plan reaches for the sky

equately consider the cumulative impact of the Geocon, Hellenic Club and the Scentre Group proposals or possible developments elsewhere in the town centre including in the Phillip Service Trades area.

The approach will not allay concerns the government is outsourcing its planning function. Given the complexity, the Scentre Group’s meritorious goal of a connected, efficient, walkable and vibrant community hub integrating housing, commercial, retail, culture, services and recreation, could more effectively be or that “contributions” to the provision of com munity and recreation facilities will be funded primarily from reduced lease variation charges.

Mike Quirk is a former NCDC and ACT govern ment planner.

Best of Business

Peppermint Grove brings bespoke jewellery consultations to Canberra

Peppermint Grove Jewellery is renowned for its beautifully crafted bespoke designs, created with a level of care and artistry that has earned the Australian jeweller a loyal following nationwide. Known for working closely with clients to create meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces, Peppermint Grove transforms personal stories, milestones and heirloom stones into jewellery designed to be treasured for generations.

For a limited few days only, Peppermint Grove is offering Canberra clients the rare opportunity to experience its personalised design service in person. These exclusive consultations allow clients to sit down with the Peppermint Grove team to discuss custom engagement rings, wedding bands, anniversary pieces or the redesign of existing jewellery. From the first sketch through to stone selection and final detailing, every element is tailored to reflect the individual style and story of the wearer.

This consultation service is ideal for those seeking something truly unique, a piece that cannot be found in a display cabinet, but is thoughtfully designed from the ground up. Clients are guided through design options, metals, gemstones and settings, ensuring confidence and clarity throughout the process.

With consultation spots strictly limited, early bookings are encouraged. Readers interested in securing a personalised Peppermint Grove consultation in Canberra can book online and take the first step toward a bespoke jewellery piece crafted just for them.

Peppermint Grove Jewellery pgj.com.au/canberra-consultations

Green Associates cements

national standing with multiple recognitions in 2025

Wealth management firm Green Associates has reinforced their position as leaders in financial planning with several prestigious industry accolades in 2025.

Directors Craig Green and Trina Wood were named in Financial Standard’s FS Power50, a defini tive list of the nation’s 50 most influential financial advisers. The recognition, determined by readers of Financial Standard and FS Advice, acknowledges exceptional client service and broader industry contribution.

Adding to the firm’s achievements, senior adviser Adam Lai was shortlisted as one of three finalists for Adviser of the Year at the 2025 FAAA Awards, competing against the country’s best financial planning professionals.

The firm, which has been operating since 1989, specialises in tailored wealth management and financial planning for individuals, small to medium enterprises, senior executives and officials, as well as corporate clients. Their approach centres on personalised discovery sessions with senior advisers, ensuring bespoke solutions rather than standardised packages. Beyond client services, they host regular Market Update events featur ing guest speakers, keeping clients informed on market movements and regulatory changes.

These recognitions solidify Green Associates’ reputation as a standout performer in the finance landscape, distinguished by their commitment to helping their clients thrive.

Green Associates greenassociates.com.au

Peppermint Grove Jewellers

From Perth to Canberra

Peppermint Grove Jewellers is travelling to Canberra for an exclusive Trunk Show.

Enjoy a private, one-on-one appointment with our owner to view engagement rings, wedding bands, and bespoke designs. 9th–13th February 2026

Appointments essential book through our website pg j com.au since. 1967

Best of Business

Setting the standard for stress-free renovations in Canberra

Renovation Matters has built a trusted reputation across the ACT by delivering what homeowners value most: renovations that are simple, transparent and genuinely stress-free. Led by owner Kim Persson, a finalist for Business Woman of the Year, the business specialises in thoughtful home improvements that create safe, comfortable and stylish spaces for modern living.

With more than 100 successful renovations completed, including over 50 renovate-to-sell projects, Kim and her team have helped homeowners improve everyday liveability while also enhancing property value. Their work ranges from targeted upgrades to full home transformations, all delivered with careful planning, strong project management and clear communication.

“Renovating can feel overwhelming for many homeown ers,” Kim says. “Our role is to remove that stress by managing every step, from early planning and budgeting through to completion, with honesty and care.”

Renovation Matters works exclusively with experienced and trusted local trades and suppliers, selected not only for the quality of their workmanship but also for their professionalism and communication. This ensures smooth coordination on site, reliable timelines and a positive renova tion experience for clients.

Every project is guided by a simple principle: creating spaces that enhance comfort, confidence and everyday living.

“Whether a client is preparing their home for sale, upgrad ing to suit their lifestyle or planning for the future, we focus on practical solutions that make life easier,” Kim says. “We treat every home as if it were our own.”

Clear advice for a complex financial world

Since 2009, Access Wealth Group has worked with Canberra families, professionals and retirees to help them build and protect wealth with confidence. Operating as a boutique financial planning firm, the business is deliber ately structured to deliver personal, practical advice rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. Each strategy is shaped around a client’s goals, lifestyle and long-term financial position.

The firm brings strong expertise in public sector and De fence superannuation, retirement planning, tax-effective wealth strategies and long-term investing. This specialist knowledge reflects Canberra’s workforce and allows Access Wealth Group to address the distinct financial challenges faced by government employees, Defence personnel and long-term public servants. Clients receive clear, transparent guidance designed to simplify complex financial decisions and support informed choices.

A defining feature of the business is its client-first culture. Advisers invest time in understanding individual circumstances and future aspirations, building relation ships that extend well beyond initial advice. All recom mendations are subject to internal peer review, reinforcing accuracy, consistency and professional rigour while giving clients confidence in the quality of advice they receive.

As financial markets and regulations continue to evolve, Access Wealth Group maintains close engagement with clients through regular reviews, ongoing communication and proactive advice. Whether supporting young families, mid-career professionals or those approaching retirement, the firm provides the structure, clarity and long-term perspective needed to plan ahead with confidence.

Access Wealth Group

2/74-76 Halley Street, Chisholm. Call 0410 443 742. accesswealthgroup.com.au

Renovation Matters offers transformational renovations that add the biggest impact and value when selling your property.

If you are not selling, we can help you renovate to meet your specific requirements!

NOW IS THE TIME…

Step into the pilot’s seat

Jump into the pilot’s seat at Jet Flight Simulator Canberra for an unforgettable hands-on aviation experience, where participants take control of a highly realistic replica of a Boeing 737, guided by an experienced simulator instructor. Flyers can choose their departure and arrival points from more than 24,000 airports worldwide, explore sophisticated navigation systems, or simply enjoy a scenic flight over tropical destinations.

Shorter sessions are ideal for younger participants and first-time flyers, introducing the primary aircraft controls including throttle, flaps, elevator and ailerons, as well as basic take-off and landing procedures.

Longer sessions allow pilots to experience a wider range of airports, weather conditions and lighting scenarios, while building confidence and skill with the aircraft’s systems.

Both educational and entertaining, the experience is well suited to school holiday activities and those curious about recreational flying or a future aviation career. It’s also an exciting way to challenge yourself and try something completely different.

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra offers instant online bookings and gift vouchers, making it easy to plan ahead or purchase a memorable gift. Thirty-minute sessions are perfect for younger children (minimum age six), while teenagers and adults often opt for longer flight times to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra jetflightsimulatorcanberra.com.au or call 0438 834 026.

The Dante Alighieri Society of Canberra continues its long standing commitment to promoting Italian language and culture and is now welcoming enrolments for Term 1, 2026, commencing in February.

With a proud history dating back to 1957, the society has been offering an authentic Italian language and cultural experience to the Canberra community for more than 65 years and is widely regarded as the leading place to learn Italian in the national capital.

The Dante Alighieri Society offers the widest range of adult and child Italian language courses available in Canberra, all delivered at competitive prices and tailored to learners of all levels. It is also the only organisation in the region where non native speakers can sit the internationally recognised PLIDA certificate of Italian language competency.

President Franco Papandrea said learning Italian was about more than language alone.

“Studying Italian opens the door to culture, history, travel and connection,” he said. “Our courses are designed to be welcoming, engaging and

practical, whether students are learning for personal interest, family heritage or future opportunities. We look forward to welcoming new and returning students when Term 1 begins in February 2026.”

With assistance from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the society employs mother tongue Italian language assistants to support Italian programs in Canberra schools and also provides subsidised Italian language courses for children whose schools do not offer the language.

Membership is open to everyone and includes access to a vibrant calendar of cultural and social activities, from weekly conversation groups to special events and celebrations.

Enrol now for Term 1, 2026.

The Dante Alighieri Society of Canberra – Italian Cultural Centre 80 Franklin Street, Forrest. Call 5117 3996. danteact.org.au

Best of Business

A refined Indian dining experience rooted in tradition and hospitality

Under the leadership of Directors Mandeep Dhaka and Surena Dhaka, The Lotus Indian has established itself as a destination for authentic Indian cuisine delivered with warmth, consistency and care. Known for its refined flavours and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant brings together traditional recipes and contemporary presentation, creating a dining experience that resonates with Canberra locals and visitors alike.

Mandeep’s vision for The Lotus Indian is centred on quality, authenticity and inclusivity. Each dish is prepared using carefully selected ingredients, bal anced spices and time-honoured cooking techniques that reflect the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine. From rich curries and fragrant biryanis to delicately spiced vegetarian favourites, the menu caters to a wide range of tastes while remaining true to its cultural roots. The restaurant also offers plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring all guests can enjoy the experience with confidence.

Beyond the food, The Lotus Indian is recognised for its attentive service and relaxed, inviting setting. Mandeep believes hospitality is about more than what arrives at the table.

“It’s about making people feel welcome, comfort able and cared for from the moment they walk in,” he says.

Over time, the restaurant has built a loyal follow ing of diners who return not only for the food, but for the familiarity and trust created with each visit. Whether it’s a family gathering, a celebration or a quiet dinner out, The Lotus Indian continues to be a place where memorable meals are shared.

The Lotus Indian 18 Barker Street, Griffith. Call 6247 3510. thelotusindian.com.au

Happy New Year

Thank

Experience Modern Indian Dining in Griffith

Step into The Lotus Indian, where bold spices

Dine

Empowering Canberrans to make confident financial decisions

In a rapidly changing economic environment, Can berrans are seeking more than financial products, they want clarity, direction and trusted advice. Leading this shift is Canberra Advice Financial Planning, where Principal Financial Adviser Serhan is reshaping wealth management by prioritising conversation over capital.

“People often come to us feeling uncertain about money. My role is to listen first, understand what matters to them, and turn that into a clear, achiev able plan,” Serhan says.

This people-first approach has become the firm’s hallmark. Throughout 2025, Canberra Advice strengthened its reputation as a trusted partner for households across the ACT by making strategic financial guidance more accessible. From young professionals to families and retirees, Serhan’s style removes jargon and replaces it with straightforward pathways toward financial security.

The year also brought challenges, prompting Serhan to focus on improving financial literacy and supporting clients through periods of uncertainty. Her goal remains consistent — helping people make informed, confident decisions.

What makes Canberra Advice different?

Uniquely Personal – Your financial strategy is shaped around your life, values and goals – not a standard formula.

Product Agnostic – The firm is not tied to any financial products, ensuring recommendations are always in your best interest.

Complex Made Simple – Whether navigating Defined Benefit Schemes, SMSFs or ESG-aligned investing, Canberra Advice focuses on clarity so you

feel supported and in control.

“Financial wellbeing isn’t about complexity,” Serhan says. “It’s about confidence and having the right guidance at the right time.”

Canberra Advice Financial Planning Unit 258/44 Constitution Avenue, Parkes. Call 0422 354 617. canberraadvice.com.au

The capital’s largest aged care provider proves ‘not-for-profit’ can mean ‘best in business’

Goodwin Aged Care Services, Canberra’s largest locally based not-for-profit provider, is earning its ‘Best of Business’ stripes not through profits, but through capital investment and a mission perfectly aligned with the new rights-based Aged Care Act, which commenced in Novem ber 2025. This forward-thinking strategy future-proofs seniors living in the ACT.

Goodwin’s commitment to growth is visible in the physical landscape. The soon-to-be-completed Goodwin Village Downer is a blueprint for modern retirement, featuring 109 independent living apartments and 20 dedicated serviced apartments designed for residents to ‘age in place’. To address local affordability, the village proudly subsidises seven units through Community Housing Canberra. With over 60% of Downer apart ments already pre-sold, Canberra is eagerly embracing Goodwin’s new era of seniors living.

Further expansion is also on the cards with the recent Development Application approval for an extension of their existing village in Monash.

Beyond property, Goodwin is the Territory’s leading complete care provider. It offers a full spectrum of ser vices, from Residential Aged Care and flexible Home Care packages to Allied Health support. Critically, Goodwin is a leader in clinical excellence, offering specialist dementia care through its highly regarded Memory Support Units.

Goodwin proves that when social mission drives business strategy, excellence follows. Their pioneering, world-first wastewater heat recovery system, which earned the prestigious Blue Bell Innovation Excellence Award, is testament to their commitment to sustainabil ity and social responsibility.

Goodwin Village Downer Call 6175 5059.

goodwin.org.au/retirement-living/downer

“Goodwin’s

In the heart of Canberra’s inner north, a vibrant new community is taking

Goodwin Village Downer o ers 109 independent

twinstitch.upholstery

Caterpillars are a mixed blessing

By Jackie WARBURTON

Butterflies and moths were in abundance in spring, so there is an explosion of caterpillars, which is good for the birds.

While caterpillars can be a pest in large populations, a little chewed leaf in the garden is a sign of good biodiversity.

But in the vegetable patch and the orchard, all caterpillars are a menace, and crops need to be protected.

The best solution this year for me has been kaolin clay, which is a natural occurring mineral that

can be sprayed over fruit trees to protect them from certain pests and diseases.

Best of all it protects plants from heat stress and sunburn.

The milky covering does not look attractive, but it’s better than netting. I have reapplied it every month or so and, so far, I don’t have any codling moth or pear and cherry slug issues.

Gravel and drought-tolerant plants are back on trend as are all low-growing plants that are no fuss and low maintenance.

Grasses are still in the mix for the best blooms and one of the best Australian native grasses that comes to mind is a new variety called Foxtail Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides). It likes full sun and will survive drought times through the summer.

well as attracting insects to the garden.

Overall, my best bloom at the moment would be Purple Loosestrife (Lysimachia atropurpurea “Beaujolais”). This small, upright little grey leaf plant has the most amazing deep-maroon flowers and its small flower spikes curve at the tips. They look terrific in a vase.

MY best books for this year are two must-haves for any Canberra gardener.

The first is The Man Who Planted Canberra by fellow CityNews columnist Robert Mackin with the late John Grey.

This is a brilliant read and explains why and how we have a city of trees. I met John Grey at a Friends of ACT Trees event and understand his passion for trees.

The second book is called Plantology. It took Teena Crawford and Lisa Ellis, landscape designer and nursery manager respectively, many years to write.

While not all the species of plants highlighted will grow in our climate, it does give a range of substitutes. This is the best

MY best success in the vegetable patch this year has been carrots, which I’ve been successful in growing bunches not rows. Once a carrot plant had self-seed, I bent over the flower stalk and let the seed germinate on its own. I thinned out seedlings in autumn and watered occasionally through winter. Now I’ve had a good supply of carrots in the garden to pick and cook.

MY Stella Cherry tree also had the best crop ever. It’s self-pollinating and great for any small garden.

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

Jottings…

• Pick stone fruit when there is a blush on the skin.

• Sow seeds of broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.

• Keep watering grapes and pumpkins while growing.

• Pinch outside shoots on tomatoes for bettergrowing fruit.

THE BEST IN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 2025

‘Individual artistry’ triumphs in year’s top picks

MUSICALS

editor HELEN MUSA says that “brilliant individual artistry” triumphed in her picks for the best five arts moments in 2025.

MUSIC

Sweet Charity, The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, April 29-May 18:

A new local star was born when Amy Orman stepped on stage for Free-Rain Theatre to sing and dance up a storm in the role of dancer-for-hire Charity Hope Valentine.

Orman brought overseas professional experience to the role, easily capturing the vulnerability and indomitable spirit of a girl who, in her

Greater Love, Second World War Memorial Concert, Llewellyn Hall, August 15:

Conceived by Christopher Latham to honour the many acts of sacrifice by those who fought in World War II, this concert honoured heroism through the power of music.

Featuring nine newly commissioned works, the concert presented an extraordinary line-up of performers including actor John Bell as narrator, William Barton on didgeridoo, Dong Ma on erhu, the CSO and ADF musicians, the Flowers of Peace Chorus,

Surprisingly, this epic concert came to a quietly optimistic close.

THEATRE

Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Echo Theatre at Aunty Louise Brown Park, The Q, Queanbeyan, February 12-16, then at other venues across the ACT:

Macbeth may be one of Shakespeare’s darkest works, yet Jordan Best’s open-air performance proved almost joyous.

With Isaac Reilly, as Macbeth, and Lainie Hart, as Lady Macbeth, none of the tragedy was lost.

Performed on the grass in front of a tent, it conjured up Shakespeare’s own theatre, where audience and actors could share

Harmonies from real fishermen

By Helen Musa

Cornwall’s famed sea-shanty ensemble Fisherman’s Friends – born in the fishing village of Port Isaac and made popular by the Doc Martin TV series – sails into Australia for the first time. Their rousing harmonies, shaped by real fishermen, lifeboatmen and coastguards, promise a night of maritime warmth. Llewellyn Hall, January 15.

One of Australia’s biggest volunteer-run festivals, the Illawarra Folk Festival brings more than 100 performers together for three joyful days under the northern escarpment at Bulli. Once a small Jamberoo event, it has grown into a vibrant celebration of folk culture, community spirit and musical discovery. Bulli Showgrounds, January 16-18

With Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker, The Australian

Christmas Eve adventure, where toy soldiers battle the Rat King and the Sugar Plum Fairy reigns in the Land of Sweets. It’s the ideal first ballet for children, complete with dressing-up and dancing along. The Playhouse, January 8-11.

More than 25,000 Elvis devotees will pour into Parkes, NSW, for the southern hemisphere’s largest celebration of the King. Now in its 33rd year, the Parkes Elvis Festival embraces a Love Me Tender theme with hundreds of events and an atmosphere only Elvis could inspire. January 7-11.

Puccini’s heartbreaking masterpiece Madama Butterfly returns in Moffatt Oxenbould’s venerable production, conducted by Andrea Battistoni, Erina Yashima and Paul Fitzsimon. International and Australian stars share the roles of Cio-Cio-San and Pinkerton as the score soars from Un bel dì to the Humming Chorus. Sydney Opera House, January 2-March 25.

DANCE

Essor [Thank You], The Australian Dance Party at the National Portrait Gallery, March 1-2:

This 20-minute solo performance, choreographed and danced by First Nations performer Yolanda Lowatta, was created in response to Some Lads, a series of photographic portraits by Tracey Moffatt of dancers such as Russell Page, Graham Blanco, Matthew Doyle and Gary Lang who had influenced Lowatta.

Here, the choreography unveiled a beautiful overall fluidity, with some movements derived from indigenous women’s dance and others from Western contemporary dance. Moments such as the leaps with a leg held in arabesque were quite balletic.

VISUAL ARTS

Portrait of a Landscape, GW Bot, Belco Arts, May-July:

A celebrated Canberra artist, GW Bot’s works have been likened to earth songs.

This curated collection showed her art from the past four decades.

Some works reflected the landscapes of the Canberra region – the grasslands, the mountains and the expansive waters of Weereewa (Lake George). Others tracked the artist’s wanderings through Cornwall, France and Austria.

Most notable was the artist’s way of expressing meaning through her use of signs, marks and symbols that she calls glyphs. Through her own visual experiences, recounted in her poetic and deeply moving works, Bot linked herself to ancient wayfarers.

The top five series in the 2025 world of streaming

By Nick OVERALL

From mind-bending dystopias to a drama series discussed on the floor of parliament, 2025 has served up a stacked year of TV.

Here’s my five of the best to catch up on over the holiday break.

Honourable mentions to The Studio, Dept. Q, Andor, Task, The Pitt, The Rehearsal, and The Girlfriend.

5. Your Friends and Neighbours (Apple TV Plus)

As the start of a show goes, Jon Hamm lying in a pool of blood spreading across the marble floor of a ritzy mansion is hard to top.

The star of Mad Men takes on the role of a rich financial adviser who loses everything overnight after he’s fired from his job. Now stuck in a vacuous suburban existence, he begins to find his thrills in a whole new way: stealing from his equally rich friends. This quirky descent into kleptomania entertained and amused with ease but also has the ability to emotionally confound. Tie it in with a banger soundtrack and Your Friends and Neighbours cemented itself as one of the year’s most enjoyable new shows.

4. Severance (Apple TV Plus)

Truly TV’s most mind-bending series. Severance turned up its cerebral stakes with one of those killer cliffhangers that makes the next season feel like an eternity away. The concept of office workers being able to surgically separate their work life from their home life has extended into the philosophical, the

2025 – MY TOP FIVE BOOKS

religious, the romantic and the humorous. It feels like there’s still so much to explore as the world of Severance keeps building. It’s a show that makes a subscription to Apple’s streaming service worth it.

3. The White Lotus (Binge/HBO Max)

In its third season, The White Lotus shows no signs of slowing down in its ability to get people saying: “Oh, my god, did you watch last night’s episode?” Is there a better compliment than a show for that? This season took a new roster of insufferable yet fascinating, cashed-up travellers to Thailand and made the most minute interactions of their holiday hilarious and jaw dropping TV. It was a bit of a slower burn compared to the previous two seasons, but this time The White Lotus built up to its most catastrophic and tense ending yet. There are already rumours circulating that the fourth season

will be set in the French countryside. Just imagine the faux pas

2. Pluribus (Apple TV Plus)

Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan’s new foray into sci-fi makes for the year’s most fascinating TV thought experiment. Pluribus tells the tale of a woman immune to a virus that makes everyone else incessantly happy and optimistic. It moves with a calculated slow pace, but this series asks its audience to peel back its mystery at their own pace and ponder the way it makes us feel. There are so many ways Pluribus fascinates. It can be interpreted as an exploration of the cold danger of AI, a satirical takedown of crushing political correctness, a cautionary tale for a generation that’s always fighting to prove whose life is the most fulfilling via social media. Where it goes next is the biggest question and that’s the best thing about it.

1. Adolescence (Netflix)

A show that swept awards season, changed the conversation, even made it on to the floor of British parliament.

This Netflix mini-series about a family trying to come to terms with a young boy’s murder of a classmate was timely, disturbing and technically immaculate.

Each episode filmed in one continuous take created unparalleled tension that crackled thanks to a stellar cast, most notably Owen Cooper who became the youngest actor to win the Emmy at just 14. It was only four episodes long but in that time Adolescence crammed more story into its plot than other shows can hope to in 10 seasons.

Adolescence will be talked about in years to come as a defining series of its time. Hard to watch yet impossible to look away from.

Of grieving, books, mystery, protest and power

Book reviewer COLIN STEELE reflects on his top five books for 2025.

Geraldine Brooks’ Memorial Days (Hachette, $32.99) is a profoundly moving memoir of what followed for her after her journalist husband, Tony Horwitz, died of a heart attack on a Washington DC street on Memorial Day in 2019. Brooks takes the reader through her and her family’s grief, issues in reclaiming Tony’s body and dealing with myriad bureaucracies over health cover, banks and credit cards. And then trying to complete the manuscript of what would become her award-winning book, Horse.

In 2022 with Horse out of the way, Brooks allows herself to grieve alone, living in a shack on Flinders Island off the coast of Tasmania. Memorial Days is a moving and ultimately uplifting account of one individual’s attempt to cope with a death and the attempt to transition to a new reality.

THE Welsh border town of Hay-on-Wye is the world’s leading book town. James Hanning in The Bookseller of Hay: The Life and Times of Richard Booth (Corsair. $55) documents how this was created by the remarkable Richard Booth (1938-2019), who appointed himself Hay’s King Richard Coeur de Livre (Bookheart) in 1977.

In 1962, Booth established, aged 23, a bookshop in Hay. By the early 1970s, Booth

was selling around 2000 books a week and by the end of the decade selling 10 times that number. By 1986 there were 40 bookshops in Hay, although not all of them were owned by Booth, who once said he had inherited one fortune, made two, and lost four.

Hanning covers, in fascinating detail, Booth’s epic bookselling career, which combined brilliance and dubious business practices, including illegal library book purchases through mob connections.

Booth’s personal demeanour was often shambolic and appearance unkempt but this did not prevent indulging an hedonistic lifestyle, that included three wives, within the vibrant Bohemian scene around Hay in the 1970s.

five books to date have sold more than 50 million copies.

Booth claimed to have had an affair with Marianne Faithfull, who famously said that Booth was “completely mad”.

By the late 1990s, Booth saw his book empire beginning to implode but his legacy lives on. Hanning concludes that Booth’s greatest achievement was “to change a small market town into a global brand”.

PHILIP Pullman’s The Rose Field: The Book of Dust, Volume Three (David Fickling Books, $34.95) is the final part of his Book of Dust trilogy, which continues Pullman’s acclaimed previous trilogy, His Dark Materials. The second trilogy began in 2017 with La Belle Sauvage and continued with The Secret Commonwealth in 2019. The

The Rose Field is included in my top five in the context of marking the completion of Pullman’s epic six-volume work, a remarkable achievement, which confirms Pullman’s place alongside JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis in creating an original imaginative fantasy world, which also reflects issues in the contemporary world.

It will, however, definitely help new readers to have read the preceding volumes to fully appreciate Pullman’s complex and always inventive back story, the links to his main character, Lyra Belacqua, the huge cast of characters, and the nature of the mysterious Dust, “an analogy of consciousness, and consciousness is this extraordinary property we have as human beings” .

JUNO Gemes has spent more than 40 years documenting the changing social landscape of Australia and, in particular, the lives of indigenous Australians.

In a beautifully illustrated book, Until Justice Comes (Upswell, $65), Gemes has assembled a powerful collection of more than 220 photographs, accompanied by new writings and poems by a wide range of contributors.

Gemes photographs brilliantly document crucial landmark indigenous moments, such as the Redfern Revolution, the land rights campaigns, the National Apology to the Stolen Generations and the election of 11 indigenous members to the 47th federal parliament, as well as activism played out on the streets.

DONALD Trump has been a daily and, for many, a depressing news item this year. Trump’s golden ambitions are covered in the chapter “Tanned by the Sun King” in Robert Wellington’s Versailles Mirrored – The Power of Luxury, Louis XIV to Donald Trump (Bloomsbury Academic, $49.99).

Wellington, an ANU associate professor of art history, superbly blends artistic and historical expertise into a very readable narrative.

He reveals, through eight case studies, including Ludwig II of Bavaria, Alva Vanderbilt and two Dukes of Marlborough, how the Palace of Versailles, the defining symbol of opulence in 17th-century France, was subsequently adopted by the nouveau riche to show off their wealth and thus their alleged social and political capital.

2025 – MY TOP FIVE RESTAURANTS

Tough call, but Wendy’s

Dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON’s sunk her teeth into selecting her favourite restaurants for the year.

My taste buds danced their way through meals at more than 45 establishments in 2025 and have been put to the test to select the top five dining places for the year.

Decisions were challenging, but inspiring to make.

Here are my top five for 25, in alphabetical order (by establishment name).

Clover Wafu Italian, in Civic, is an exciting concept, adapting Japanese flavours and techniques with Italian. Does it work? You bet, including the utterly addictive warm edamame with anchovies, lemon, chilli and parmesan. The creamy tiramisu is created with Japanese yuzu. Housed in the Sebel Hotel (and close to the Canberra Theatre Centre, Clover is comfortable and caring. Cross-cultural ideas at their best.

Lunetta Trattoria , on top of Red Hill, is worth a visit just to soak up the

2025 – MY TOP FIVE WINES

spectacular views. Housed on the ground level, we were over the moon with the décor, service, food, wine and casual atmosphere. Exceptional was the light chicken parfait and the broccolini with whipped lemon buffalo ricotta. The massive open kitchen pumps out Italian-inspired dishes that are truly squisito Absolutely fun is the yummy yum cha at Oh No in Manuka. Book for 1 hour and 45 minutes for an all-you-can-eat experience. Don’t miss the prawn toast, formed into small spring roll shapes. Super special is the salted egg yolk lava bun, dark in colour but glistening with gold on top. Dessert anyone? Indulge in the smooth, silky, creamy mango pudding. Young and fun staff.

Romanee Wine Bar’s sommelier has strong credentials and knows his wine. But the Braddon bar also ranks highly for its food, including cured kingfish with pepper berry, radish and Buddah hand. Sharing is the name of the game, including with the baked Raclette – melted Swiss cheese served with drizzles of quality honey and sunflower seeds for crunch.

A new kid on the (Kingston) block, Tintino is a playful wine bar-bottle shop combo with an inviting and exciting food offering. The menu is compact but top-notch. Truffle toasties are super fun, Gildas perfectly poised, and cauliflower blossom and egg yolk with cashew delightful. Tintino now has

an outdoor area, and dishes change regularly to maintain interest. Cool vibe all round.

Honourable mentions go to Queenies (Kingston) for its recently refreshed, all-gluten-free menu, which never compromises on presentation or taste. Rebel Rebel (Acton) is a strong player in the hospitality scene and continually dares to be different with its innovative dishes. A huge toast to Rizla (Braddon), which this year celebrated its sixth birthday with great food and attentive, caring service. Steak lovers must visit recently-opened Vice (Civic) for melt-in-the-mouth Stone Axe Pastoral Company Wagyu rib eye, duck-fat roasted chats and a sinful vanilla bean flan.

Local white blend leads the year’s top drops

Wine writer RICHARD CALVER takes to his notes and his nose to line up his top five wines for 2025.

Looking back nostalgically is like pursuing grammar: we find the present tense and the past perfect.

Memory is a strange beast: sometimes memory lane is a dead end. So, I keep notes on most wines that I’ve tasted.

The wines that I underline for 2025 are the five most memorable for me: context plays a big part in this evaluation. The importance of context is discernible whenever I use idioms out of context: people look at me as if I’m thick as thieves. To the wines:

1. At my birthday lunch, hosted by my two adult children at Beltana Farm in September, my daughter recommended the Ravensworth 2022 The Grainery. It is a blend of viognier, marsanne and roussanne, white Rhone varietals, all grown in Murrumbateman. This wine was textural, perfectly balanced, stone fruit and light acidity, cashew nuts in the finish, and went extremely well with the fresh and elegant food that the restaurant produced. We only had one meat dish, as the vegetarian dishes were superla -

tive. This wine is a testament to the skills of Canberra winemaker Bryan Martin and, for me, the epitome of wine that matches well with vegetarian food.

2. My second favourite wine was also associated with a birthday: my sister from NZ had given me a 2018 Villa Maria Reserve Syrah two years ago for a special birthday where both sisters from across the ditch came to visit. I put the wine away and brought it out mid-year at a family Sunday dinner. Light red in colour despite its age, the nose was of blackberry and a hint of pepper and violets. It was light in the mouth; hence, I suppose, the designation syrah rather than shiraz, and finished like silk, leaving just a hint of plum. It too was a good food wine, well complementing the roast lamb that I’d cooked.

3. In contrast to the lightness of the Kiwi, my next choice is at the other end of the spectrum. Perhaps we opened it up too soon, a 2023 Warrabilla Parola’s Shiraz , but it was an excellent wine. All of the Parola’s are from exceptional vintages and the 2023 is no different: extraordi -

mouth filling and rich. This is a wine that matches perfectly with eye fillet steak and an instance where I wish, while in Rutherglen, I’d purchased more than just one bottle from the winery, which is a delight to visit.

4. The fourth wine is one I’ve written about in a previous column but had to be included in this list, the 2020 Burge Family Winemakers Homestead Tinta Cao-Souzao. This blend is usually used in the making of port/ fortifieds, but this table wine was superb. It was deep red in colour with a white flower and fragrant plummy nose, including a hint of mint. The palate showed soft approachable tannins. It finishes long with cherry/berry fruit and is longer made.

5. The fifth wine is a pinot noir. I’ve mentioned this wine before in a column. In the 2025 National Wine Show awards the Stargazer 2022 Palisander Vineyard Pinot Noir was awarded a gold medal and allocated 95 points out of 100. Samantha Connew is the winemaker at Stargazer, located in the Coal Valley Tasmania. I’ve tried three of her wines and found them to be textural and complex, worthwhile drinking, with the pinot noir tasted at the wine show, expressive and velvet like.

“No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.” –Abraham Lincoln

SUNDAY ROAST

YOUR YEAR IN THE STARS / 2026

Tumultuous year beckons: expect the rise of

“CityNews” weekly astrologer JOANNE MADELINE MOORE shares her predictions for the year ahead.

Prepare for a tumultuous year of changes as four of the major planets switch signs in the

With Saturn and Neptune shifting back into Aries (on January 14 and 27) expect the rise of strong political leaders (and the fall of others) as well as the restructuring of some religious institutions.

Uranus transits back into Gemini (from April 26 until 2033), which signals amazing advances in technology involving mass media, communication, education, electronics, cars and computers.

And then Jupiter jumps into Leo (from July 1 until July 2027) which is positive news for Leos, the entertainment industry, ambitious creative projects and the price of gold.

The most difficult period is October 24 until November 14, when Mercury and Venus are both retrograde. So, it’s not the ideal time to get married, buy a home, start a business or go on a big, expensive holiday.

The luckiest days are February 22-23, when Venus and Jupiter bless love, romance and friendship. And also July 29, when Jupiter conjuncts the Sun (the Jupiter Cazimi in Leo) which amplifies each planet’s positive effects. Plus, August 31-September 1, when Jupiter (planet of good luck and prosperity) makes beautiful music with Saturn (planet of wisdom and achievement).

What’s ahead for you? Read the personal forecast for your zodiac sign:

(March 21-April 20)

LOVE & LUST

In 2026 it will be tricky to get the balance right between invigorating independence and cosy companionship. January and February are the best months to revitalise a tired old relationship or start a promising new one. With a Solar Eclipse in your romance zone (on August 12-13), and love planet Venus reversing through your relationship zones (from October 3 until November 14) expect a rollercoaster ride in the second half of 2026. Some optimistic Rams will revisit an old romance, but do you really want to travel down that rocky road again?

LOOT & LUCK

With Saturn and Neptune transiting into your sign in January (on the 14th and 27th) you’ll find good fortune comes through creative visualisation, redefining yourself, and plenty of persistence. The harder you work, the luckier you’ll be! July 29 is the luckiest day of the year (the Jupiter Cazimi) when you could receive a fabulous gift, win a competition or celebrate a lucrative day at the casino or races. But avoid borrowing money and signing contracts from October 3 until November 14, when Mercury and Venus are retrograde.

LIFESTYLE

Jupiter and two eclipses stimulate your creativity and friendship zones, so it’s time to connect with your inner muse and extend your peer group. The more you rub shoulders with successful, exceptional people, the more inspired you’ll feel. The best months for a creative renaissance – when you start your book, paint your masterpiece, sing up a storm or get crafty - are July and August. Weekend getaways and interstate adventures are particularly favoured between April 24 and May 18, when Venus visits your travel zone.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

“I can be reborn as many times as I choose throughout my life.” – Lady Gaga

(April 21-May 21)

LOVE & LUST

Unhappily single? January, February and April are the prime months to look for lasting love, especially with a virile Virgo or a sexy Scorpio. Best places to look? When you’re on holiday or online. Coupled Bulls – February is the perfect time to go on a romantic holiday with your partner. But you may feel as if your relationship is stalling or even going backwards in October and November, when Mercury and Venus reverse through your love zone. Plenty of patience and understanding will get things back on solid ground.

LOOT & LUCK

In 2026, Lady Luck could knock on your door via a family member, neighbour or local community connection. So keep your eyes and ears open, especially during July, when Uranus could send an unexpected financial opportunity your way. August through until December looks unpredictable, as Uranus transits through your money zone. Expect some financial ups and downs and be extra careful with joint finances (especially in October and November). Smart Bulls will save during the peaks and budget wisely during the troughs.

LIFESTYLE

From January 1 until April 26 (when Uranus visits Taurus for the last time until the 22nd Century) be brave and do something exciting/unexpected that scares/thrills you and shakes up your cosy comfort zone. A calculated risk could take your life from grey to technicolour in 2026! From May onwards (with Saturn and Neptune in your solitude and spirituality zone) spend more time looking within as you relax, rejuvenate, meditate, contemplate and ruminate. With bountiful Jupiter in your family zone (from July onwards) there could be a new addition to the family via a pregnancy, birth, adoption, engagement or wedding.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

“It’s not brave to do something that doesn’t scare you.” – Lena Dunham

(May 22-June 21)

LOVE & LUST

Attached Twins – May and August are the best months to pamper your partner, so plan something deliciously dramatic and super romantic. Singles – Cupid’s arrow is most likely to strike suddenly around April 24, when Venus and Uranus encourage falling in love fast (which is a Gemini specialty). So – in the meantime – avoid being impatient and settling for second-best. A relationship could become complicated (or cool down) between October 25 and November 14, when Venus reverses through your romance zone. Plenty of patience and understanding will see you through.

LOOT & LUCK

Lucky Jupiter transits through your money zone until June 30. So smart Twins will squirrel money away when things are going well to cover you when cash flow is low. And avoid borrowing money, buying a house, starting a business or signing important contracts from June 29 until July 24, when Mercury reverses through your financial zone. From July 1 onwards, Jupiter brings good fortune involving communication, education, social media and neighbourhood contacts. Mixing and mingling in your local community could lead to fortuitous connections and big rewards!

LIFESTYLE

In 2026, Uranus shifts back into your sign (where it stays until 2033), plus Mercury (your patron planet) and Venus reverse through your wellbeing zone. So expect a year of adjustments, backflips and reassessments leading to big changes, especially involving physical appearance,

health, personal projects and/or self-image. It can be the beginning of a remodelled and revitalised you, as you keep exploring and growing in exciting new directions. Foreign travel is likely in February and (courtesy of the Lunar Eclipse) August is the best month to shine brightly in the career spotlight.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

“Don’t sit still, don’t ever try to be less than what you are.” – Angelina Jolie

(June 22-July 23)

LOVE & LUST

Singles – love and travel are linked from February 11-25. If you’re attached, then January, May and June are wonderful months to escape on a weekend getaway or heavenly holiday with your partner. But Venus reverses through your romance zone (from October 3-25) which could exacerbate an existing problem or create a new conflict. So avoid making major romantic moves in October (like proposing, getting married or initiating a break-up). Singles – any dating experiences in October are likely to be disappointing, and you may have to kiss a few frogs before you finally find your Prince (or Princess)

Charming

LOOT & LUCK

Jupiter boosts confidence and optimism between January 1 and June 30, especially involving personal projects and self-improvement. Then finances and luck are linked from July 1 onwards, when Jupiter (planet of prosperity and good fortune) transits through your money zone. So expect a boost to your bank balance via a pay rise, bonus, gift or extra business coming your way. Any windfall won’t last long if you don’t manage it wisely though, through smart budgeting and sustainable living.

LIFESTYLE

Expect to refocus on a professional dream, as Saturn and Neptune transit into your career zone in January. With hard work, creative visualisation and plenty of patience, you can make your dreams come true. Be ambitious and believe in yourself! The best times to go on holiday are January, February 1-25 and August, but avoid travel between February 26 and March 21, when Mercury reverses through your adventure zone. If you have to go away during this period, then check and recheck everything.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

“Be fearless in pursuing your dreams, even if they seem impossible. I’ve got big, big dreams for the future.” –

Margot Robbie

(July 24-August 23)

LOVE & LUST

Two Solar Eclipses activate your personal and partnership zones (in February and August), so 2026 is all about getting the balance right between being an autonomous individual and managing successful relationships: between personal boundaries and sharing; between giving and taking. The best times to join a singles’ site, go on a first date, fall in love or get married are January, February and December. Attached Leo – 2026 is the year when your partnership enters a serious new phase as your love deepens and becomes more passionate and profound.

LOOT & LUCK

With conscientious Saturn in your aspirations zone (from January 14), and prosperous Jupiter transiting through your sign (from July 1), make sure you have done all the planning and hard work that’s required so you can take advantage of good luck when it comes along. Your motto for 2026 is ‘Preparation + Opportunity = Success’. But be extra patient and diligent with finances from February

26 until March 21, when Mercury reverses through your money-from-others zone. The best period for financial growth and making business decisions is from July 24-August 6, when lucky Venus visits your $$ zone.

LIFESTYLE

From January 1 until June 30, happiness comes through keeping calm and centred in your cosy Lion’s den via regular meditation, contemplation and/or relaxation. You need to rest up for the second half of the year, when Jupiter jumps through your sign (for the first time since 2014). That will boost energy and prosperity – plus give you the can-do Cat confidence to pursue your goals with extra courage and enthusiasm. August, September and December are the best months to land a fabulous job, travel somewhere special or make a dream come true.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

“Be brave. Believe in yourself. Make yourself proud.” – Cara Delevingne

(August

24-September 23)

LOVE & LUST

Singles: February 26 until March 21 is not a good time to join a singles’ site, go on a first date, accept a proposal or get married, as Mercury reverses through your relationship zone. The best months to look for your soulmate and celebrate love are January, April and June, when romantic Venus and proactive Mars activate your sign. And don’t be shy about promoting your positive qualities. If you don’t love and respect yourself, why should anyone else? Attached Virgos: January, April, May and June are fabulous months to bring more fun, fantasy, travel and adventure into your relationship.

LOOT & LUCK

Your luckiest days of the year are February 22-23, when a partner, loved one, friend or acquaintance could send money, business or some other type of good fortune your way. From April 27 onwards (under the influence of Uranus) projects and promotions will proceed at work if you are innovative and keep updating your knowledge and skills. But take extra care with money and financial matters from October 25 until November 14, when Venus reverses through your money zone. Aim to be extra frugal and disciplined during this period.

LIFESTYLE

January and February are the best months to travel, as restless, curious Uranus stimulates your adventure zone and you’re keen to explore new people and places. Look, listen and learn! The Solar Eclipse on February 17 activates your physical and mental wellbeing zone, so it’s the perfect time to start a healthy diet, reboot your exercise program, join a meditation class and/or go on a digital detox. Then you can face the rest of 2026 feeling relaxed, renewed and ready for action.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

“The simple act of paying attention can take you a long way.” – Keanu Reeves

(September 24-October 23)

LOVE

&

LUST

The best month to meet your soulmate, get engaged, say ‘I do’ (or go on a holiday with your sweetheart) is in February, when the stars highlight love, pleasure and new beginnings. But romance and self-love will be hard to find and maintain from October 3 until November 14, when your ruler Venus (the planet of love) is retrograde. So it’s not a good time to join a singles’ site or go on a first date. An established relationship could hit a rocky patch as you argue with your partner or find faults within yourself.

LOOT & LUCK

Your luckiest days are February 22-23, when Venus and Jupiter send good fortune your way (especially involving

strong political leaders and the fall of others

work, colleagues, customers and/or clients). Mercury and Venus reverse through your financial zone from October 3 until November 14, so it’s not a suitable time to lend or borrow money, buy a house, start a business venture or sign important contracts. In 2026, clever Librans will find financial peace of mind via thorough planning, thrifty shopping, smart saving and sustainable living.

LIFESTYLE

The Solar Eclipse on February 17 stimulates creativity and sociability, as you start a new artistic project or plan to host a major celebration. But are you unhappy with your job or unsatisfied with your current life direction? With Jupiter and Uranus in your hopes and aspirations zones, the second half of 2026 is the time to change course and head off in a bolder, more adventurous new direction. And the Jupiter Cazimi on July 29 is the perfect day to write a wish list and set intentions and then send your dreams out to the Universe during the Solar Eclipse on August 12-13.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

“You can’t change the past, but you can always change your future.” – Olivia Newton-John

(October 24-November 22)

LOVE & LUST

Single Scorpios – get your skates on because the best month to join a dating site or look for love online is January. And some singles will fall for the boy or girl next door. February and March look unpredictable, as Mercury reverses through your love zone and communication could be strained. Coupled Scorpios – frustrations come to a head around the Lunar Eclipse on August 28. Whether the partnership sinks or swims depends on the actions you take and the choices you make. A solid relationship will come out stronger and more resilient.

LOOT & LUCK

The Solar Eclipse on February 17 signals a fresh start involving home, family and/or real estate. Jupiter transits through your career and reputation zones during the second half of 2026, so confidence is the rocket fuel that will take you places and make you stand out from the crowd. Good fortune could also come your way via a work colleague, client, customer, mentor or international connection. But money and luck will be temporarily in short supply from October 3 until November 14, when Mercury and Venus reverse through your sign. Smart Scorpios will be extra patient, thrifty and diligent during this period.

LIFESTYLE

With plenty of planetary action in your travel and adventure zones, you’ll feel restless from January to May, as Jupiter and the gypsy gene stir your wanderlust. The best months to travel interstate and overseas are January and May, but avoid big holidays or important business trips from June 29 until July 24, when Mercury reverses through your travel zone. On March 3, the Lunar Eclipse stimulates your hopes-and-wishes zone, so it’s time to seriously contemplate, “What are my long-term goals?”

NEW YEAR MOTTO

“If you present yourself with confidence, you can pull off pretty much anything.” – Katy Perry

LOOT & LUCK

A generous gift, lucky opportunity or financial boost could come your way between January 1 and June 30, when prosperity planet Jupiter transits through your moneyfrom-others zone. During the second half of the year, you’ll find friendship, luck, travel and business are all linked. So it’s a good time to start (and promote) a promising venture, especially with a friend or business partner from another country or culture. July 29 – the Jupiter Cazimi – is your luckiest day of the year, especially involving travel, education and international connections.

LIFESTYLE

Two Lunar Eclipses (in March and August) herald professional or domestic dramas as you make a big career move or reorganise your home life. Unpredictable, exciting Uranus is also visiting your work and daily routine zones until April 26. So expect a bumpy, exhilarating ride as Uranus shakes up your daily routine and work relationships! Don’t worry about what other people think – it’s time to be the authentic you, as you express your true self and experiment with new ways of doing things on a regular basis. August, September and December are terrific months for travel and adventure.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

“Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself.” – Bruce Lee

(December 22-January 20)

LOVE & LUST

The first half of 2026 is a lucky time for love, as Jupiter jumps through your relationship zone until June 30. Coupled Capricorn: plan a weekend getaway or longer holiday with your sweetheart (somewhere with an exotic, romantic, adventurous vibe). Unhappily single? Someone with a big personality could knock you off your feet, especially in January or February. You could also fall in love while you (or your future partner) are travelling, or with someone from another country or culture. Be extra patient and understanding between June 29 and July 24, when Mercury reverses through your relationship zone.

LOOT & LUCK

February and August are the best months to start a new financial cycle (or make a major purchase) as the Solar Eclipses stimulate your money zones. Finances and luck are linked from July 1 onwards, when Jupiter (planet of good fortune) transits through your money-from-others zone. So expect a boost to your bank balance via a pay rise, bonus, better job, bumper tax return, superannuation payout or extra business. The Jupiter Cazimi (on July 29) is an especially lucky time to receive money, gifts or extra business from others.

LIFESTYLE

With a Lunar Eclipse in your aspirations zone (on March 3), and Uranus charging through your daily routine zone (from April 26), it’s time to shake up complacency, set ambitious goals and draw up an adventurous wish list for the future. You can’t hit a target if you don’t have one! In October and November (courtesy of retrograde Mercury and retrograde Venus) your dreams might look like they’re going backwards but – if you are extra patient and persistent – they’ll soon be back on track again!

NEW YEAR MOTTO

“Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming.” –David Bowie

workplace romance in October and November, when Venus and Mercury both reverse through your career zone. With Jupiter jumping through your partnership zone, December is a fabulous month to celebrate with an old or new love.

LOOT & LUCK

Expect some financial ups and downs as retrograde Mercury and two Lunar Eclipses stir up your money zones (in February, March and August). It could be a case of cash pouring in one month and then slim pickings the next. Things look particularly complicated from February 26 until March 21, when Mercury reverses through your money zone and your bank balance could go backwards. So make sure you plan carefully and prepare for a feast and famine kind of year. The best time for a financial reboot is from September onwards.

LIFESTYLE

Pluto – the planet of dismantling, rebuilding and metamorphosis – continues its long journey through your sign in 2026. And the best month to detox, dig deep, dismantle the old, rebuild the new and reflect on the changes you want to make is February, when the Solar Eclipse encourages personal transformation. And your totally original, quirky creative side gets a real boost from April 26 onwards, when innovative Uranus (your ruling planet) shifts into your creativity zone (where it stays until 2033).

NEW YEAR MOTTO

“You change the world by being yourself.” – Yoko Ono

(February 20-March 20)

LOVE & LUST

(November 23-December 21)

LOVE & LUST

Singles: expect a few disasters before you find your dream lover. Don’t give up, though – each dating disappointment will lead you closer to your soulmate. Look for a partner who is not your usual type – someone who will stretch you in adventurous new ways. Attached Archers: with Saturn, Uranus and Neptune shifting into your relationship zones, you have much to learn from each other as you pursue exciting new dreams together. The best times to embark on a romantic getaway are late July, August and December.

(January 21-February 19)

LOVE & LUST

The best months to join a dating site, fall in love, celebrate an engagement or get married are February and August, when the Solar Eclipses promise exciting romantic beginnings. But love planet Venus is in retrograde mode from October 3 until November 14, so expect a few relationship bumps, especially if you are working or travelling with your sweetheart. Singles: avoid getting involved in a

Love is in the air from January 1 until June 30, as lucky Jupiter jumps through your romance zone. So it’s a terrific time to join a dating site, fall in love, celebrate an engagement, get married or renew your wedding vows. Retrograde Mercury rocks the relationship boat from June 29 until July 24, and it will take your substantial diplomatic skills to get things back on an even keel, especially if you’ve been putting work before love. Singles: expect a dating drought mid-year, when romantic prospects are thin on the ground.

LOOT & LUCK

For the first six months, Jupiter blesses romance, children, creativity, sport and speculation. So it’s a fabulous time to work with children, start a romance, launch a creative project or get sporty. When it comes to making a major decision at work, listen to your inner voice on July 29. The lucky Jupiter Cazimi will boost confidence and point you in the right direction. But good luck (and extra cash) will be in short supply from October 25 until November 14, when Venus reverses through your money zone.

LIFESTYLE

With plenty of planetary action in your wellbeing zone (including a Solar Eclipse and Jupiter transit), 2026 is the year to focus on your physical, mental and spiritual health. A fresh, fun approach to your daily diet and fitness routine will bring the best results. Find a motivated friend to work out with! But pace yourself between February 26 and March 21, when retrograde Mercury could temporarily slow you down. It’s a good time to dream, meditate, contemplate and ruminate.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

“Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.” – Anais Nin

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2025

I AM _ the ultimate fact. WHO AM I? _ the ultimate question. WHAT AM I? _ the ultimate discovery.

The School for Self Knowledge presents a nine week introductory course in Advaita Vedanta, for those seeking deeper understanding of life and a level of Self Awareness beyond transient world appearances.

Self Knowledge, being the highest form of knowledge, offers profound answers to fundamental questions of life. It integrates our inner and outer worlds, revealing Truth within, and the Unity of Existence underlying diversity. This practical course gives guidance for clear thought, mindful and effective action in life, through direct personal experience.

JUMBO CROSSWORD

GAMES Best board games for summer

By Matthew Thompson

Board games have been part of societies for at least 4000 years. The Royal Game of Ur, which scholars discovered in the tombs of ancient Sumer (now modern-day Iraq), can be dated back to around 2500 BCE.

This not only showed board games as an integral part of ancient homelife, but something people held dear.

Meanwhile, in Mediterranean cultures such as Athens and Rome, dice games were often played at taverns, with people gambling on the results.

Modern board games can range from party games that can take about half an hour, to epic war games that can take a whole day. Australia has contributed significantly; one of the most critically-acclaimed board games of the 21st century, Blood on the Clocktower, was designed by Sydney-based Steven Medway.

For those prone to decision paralysis, there are a number of resources devoted to covering the vast range of board games available. These include critic channels such as Shut Up and Sit Down, as well as YouTube channels such as No Rolls Barred, where you can see various board games being played.

There are even online digital libraries such as Board Game Arena, where you can try games (including some of the list below) before you buy them.

Here are my seven recommendations for anyone wanting to try out a new board game these holidays.

1. Sushi Go Party

Photo: Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels

This colourful, fast-paced game] has great art, and a “menu” that can be changed depending on the number of players (up to eight) and their familiarity with the game. Players win the game by creating the best combination of cards, depending on what’s available, by rotating the cards from player to player like a sushi train. It’s easy to learn, and relatively cheap.

2. Wavelength

In this party game, teams have to try and guess the location of a hidden target on a spectrum, using a clue from one “psychic” team member. The ends of the spectrum reflect two binaries, such as hot–cold or optional–mandatory, and the target falls somewhere in between.

The closer the team gets to where the psychic thinks the target should go, the more points they score.

3. Mysterium and Mysterium Park

In these team games, players play mediums seeking the counsel of another player – a ghost – who gives them clues to important information about murders in the house, including the ghost’s own murder.

The ghost offers the other players tarot cards

with abstract artwork with which they must attempt to discern the murder weapon, location and culprit.

4. The Quacks of Quedlinburg

This game sees players take the role of potion makers at the local fair, who must push their luck by drawing ingredients out of a bag to make the best potions without them blowing up in their face. It’s simple to teach and hilarious when someone else blows up their cauldron.

5. Modern Art

This is one of the most celebrated games from board game designer luminary Reiner Knizia. Players are art dealers auctioning off beautiful paintings done by five professional artists. Modern Art remains a fiendishly clever game that is easy to learn but hard to master.

6. Heat: Pedal to the Metal

This strategic racing game is based on 1960s Formula 1 racing. The base game boasts four tracks on two gorgeous boards, and lovely little cars that pass each other and risk spinning out around corners.

7. Nemesis

By far the most expensive (and complicated) game on this list, Nemesis can best be described as Alien: the board game.

Players have to move through a spaceship, discovering rooms and items as they go, taking care not to alert the horrific extraterrestrials that have managed to get on to the ship – represented by amazingly designed pieces. It’s a truly tense and fun experience for a full afternoon.

Matthew Thompson, Lecturer in History and Communications, University of Southern Queensland. Republished from The Conversation.

4 What is an official periodic enumeration of population, etc? (6)

5 One who takes part in a contest of speed is a what? (5)

6 How do we describe a person more characterised by want? (7)

7 How many persons make up a triumvirate? (5)

13 Which periods of time are each made up of 60 seconds? (7)

15 What is another term for tungsten? (7)

16 What are surfaces for displaying films? (7)

17 Name an official certificate of permission. (6)

18 To lack the sense of sight is to be what? (5)

19 What is an equine? (5)

20 What is an official at an eisteddfod known as? (5)

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

The games people play in tax returns

There are always some outrageous claims people try to make in their tax returns.

Here are some the ATO has shared with us.

• A truck driver tried to claim swimwear because it was hot where he stopped and he wanted to go for a swim. Obviously, the claim was denied. Swimwear is personal.

• Here's one for the "I wish" category – a manager in the fashion industry claimed more than $10,000 for luxury branded clothing and accessories so as to be well presented at work and to attend after-hours activities. The claim was not allowed as the clothing was all conventional.

• A mechanic claimed an air fryer, microwave, two vacuum cleaners, a TV, a gaming console and gaming accessories as being work-related. The claims were disallowed as the expenses were personal.

Now, here are some helpful hints to help you avoid ATO scrutiny. Keep your personal details up to date, addresses and bank account details.

I have had two clients not receive directors’ penalty notices because their address details were not up-to-date. The outcome is they did not comply with the notices and their companies were liquidated.

It’s amazing how many people tell me that they have shredded their receipts. You have to keep your receipts for a minimum of five years and in some cases a lot longer.

So if you don’t keep them your claims are at risk and could end up paying more tax than you need.

I have had a few cases recently where people didn’t have receipts in relation to expenses relating to a capital gain and the outcome was that we were unable to claim those costs.

This sounds like a motherhood statement, but always include all your income. The ATO has many sources of data and the income that you have not included could well be in one of those data sources.

The ATO therefore includes the missing income and charges you a penalty. Cryptocurrency profits and losses are items that I regularly find are forgotten as small crypto investors seem to think that they do not need to declare profits and losses from crypto.

When preparing apportionment claims for such things as floor area, deductible interest or capital gains, you will need a document showing your calculations in case you are ever queried by the ATO.

We see quite a few claims for apportionment purposes and the basis for the claim does not stack up. If you need guidance on how to apportion in your situation, we can help.

Always tell your tax accountant everything including any new loans you’ve had so that they can be claimed if relevant.

Too often we have finished a return when the client mentions something that would enable them to get an additional deduction. So it’s always better to mention any changed items when we are interviewing you.

The team that Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd wishes everyone a happy and prosperous 2026 and looks forward to providing you with tax, accounting and superannuation advice this year.

Disclaimer

This column contains general advice, please do not rely on it. If you require specific advice on this topic please contact Gail Freeman or your professional adviser. Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892.

info@gailfreeman.com.au | www.gailfreeman.com.au

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