SIMPLE REALLY, ARE YOU DUSTING… OR DUSTING?
Whimsy columnist CLIVE WILLIAMS and the unruly evolution of English words
At last, the Assembly acts to protect kids in childcare
MICHAEL MOORE
Secret tram plan that makes no economic sense
RICHARD JOHNSTON
Heart attack: There’s good news and bad
NOEL BEDDOE
North American singer STEVE POLZ has stories to tell and names to drop at the National Folk Festival
Explore the Zoo to uncover hidden mythical creatures!
As you make your way through the park, discover fascinating Greek legends, including the Hydra, Pegasus and Cerberus.
Challenge your mates in our Olympic Games! Head to the Viewing Park and put your skills to the test with a series of ancient Greek–inspired challenges.
Dance with the Rhinos and Giraffes as the Viewing Park air is filled with Greek Music from Stratos Gianakakis, Canberra's premier Bouzouki player!
cubs while you're here!
By Helen MUSA
A gentle radicalism lies at the heart of the 60th National Folk Festival as co-artistic directors Michael Sollis, Holly Downes and Chris Stone embrace a “make love, not war” spirit suited to troubled times.
Overseas headliner Steve Poltz seems a perfect fit.
Speaking to me by WhatsApp, the raconteur-singer says he is not particularly political these days, although he enjoys discussing politics with people who are well informed.
“I used to be more political, but it got boring to me. There’s a lot happening in the world that I can’t control,” he says.
24/7, 365-days-a-year
“I’m 66 years old and I’m fed up with the 24/7, 365-days-a-year breaking news. I’m trying to give people a sense of spirit. I’m trying to spread the joy all around.”
As a child he suffered severe asthma and allergies, so the family moved to the dry climate of Palm Springs. There, he insists, he and his sister met Elvis Presley.
rings.
the country, and he recently appeared at the Port Fairy Folk Festival.
“I even got to take a dip at the Pea Soup beach,” he says.
Poltz often talks about his earliest memory – the assassination of US president John F Kennedy.
“I was about three and a half,” he says. “It was late November 1963 and I was about to go to bed. My mum was ironing and crying. I didn’t know why. I wanted to cheer her up, but I was too young.”
No problem now. Humour has long been part of Poltz’s personality. He loves doing comic voices, often mimicking fellow musicians.
“I’ve been doing that forever,” he says. “On my new album Joyride, which just came out last week, I even do the voice of Jesus. It’s kind of a dialogue I may or may not have had with Jesus.”
preparing for its 60th celebration of culture at EPIC.
Peace is firmly on the minds of the co-artistic directors this year, to be seen in Songs of Peace, presented by Fred Smith and Songs of Protest, where artists will perform union and social-justice anthems.
Performers from Palestinian, Jewish and Ukrainian heritage traditions have also been invited to contribute to the festival’s message of harmony. Puppetry is an unexpected inclusion in this year’s program. Dee Palanisamy from Deelightful Tales will tell Asian folk stories, while Pico’s Puppet Palace will introduce ecological themes and Keith Preston, Uma Preston and Deborah Baldassi will bring history to life in their show Railway Bob.
“He put me on his shoulders and hung out with me and my sister,” Poltz recalls. “He was super nice.”
Poltz divides his time between Canada, where he was born, and the US.
“I was raised Canadian and American. I’m a dual citizen so I’m 50-50 both ways. It’s cool to have both passports, particularly in these times.
Another Palm Springs memory involves a Halloween visit to the home of flamboyant pianist Liberace.
“He had piano keys for the front steps of his house and rings on every one of his fingers. He always had his blond chauffeur with the white teeth
The annual Canberra Traditional Boat Festival will be held at the Canberra Yacht Club, Yarralumla, on the weekend of April 11 and 12.
On the Saturday, more than 30 boats will be on display, including steamboats, electric launches, putt-putts, sailing and rowing crafts, some more than 100 years old.
On Sunday, the boats will take part in a grand parade from the Canberra Yacht Club to Kingston Harbour, where they can be seen between 10am and 11am. The public program is free.
Eco-friendly cleaning and rejuvenation of:
• All feather & down
• Woollen, silk, polyester and cotton blankets and underlays
“Yes, I always like to have a couple of nice rings on my fingers,” he laughs. “When I’m travelling I love going to vintage shops and estate sales. I collect old books, too.”
Although he lived in Nashville for about a decade, he has moved back to San Diego, where his music career began.
“I’m an ocean child,” he says, despite the Palm Springs years.
That affinity with water has made his current Australian visit particularly enjoyable. It is his 23rd trip to
Jose Sibayan and Pieter Price, from ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service, will speak to the ladies of the Weston Creek View Club at Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, on April 7. The lunch meeting gets underway at 11.30am. Lunch costs $40 and visitors are welcome. RSVP to 0408 864616 by 5pm on April 1.
Talkative from childhood, he says his family could never get him to be quiet.
All this makes for lively performances, with plenty of storytelling between songs. Poltz chats about whatever has caught his imagination, movies, art, travel or the day he has just had.
“Normally I just talk about whatever happened that day, about what I see around me. My show is always, to some extent, a monologue of my life.”
Meanwhile, the National Folk Festival team is already in full swing
Youth arts will also feature strongly. The Canberra Youth Orchestra is scheduled to perform in a special collaboration with didgeridoo player Mark Atkins and composer Keyna Wilkins on her concerto Celestial Emu (Dhinawan), adapted especially for the ensemble.
Peace and harmony may be the guiding themes, but organisers promise plenty of energy and variety across the program.
The 60th National Folk Festival, Exhibition Park, April 2-6. Full details at folkfestival.org.au
Monday – Friday: 9am – 3:45pm
• repairing, resizing and re-casing
• add extra feather and down to your quilts, pillows or sleeping bags
The failures of governments across Australia to regulate the childcare industry and to protect small children presents significant challenges.
The seriously sad part is that there are so many wonderful, diligent and committed educators in the childcare sector who become tainted by relatively few failures.
The issues that were exposed after a motion by independent MLA Thomas Emerson forced the government to release a raft of papers on early childhood centres. His motion followed the release of papers in June 2025 by the NSW government that revealed deeply concerning incidents in early childhood education and care centres.
These papers on issues within ACT Childcare centres may be accessed by the public having now been published on the website of the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The documents may also be found through a link from Emerson’s website that carries the following disclaimer: “Content warning: some documents contain accounts of child abuse and other distressing material. Call 1800RESPECT if you need support”.
Emerson followed the publications with another motion in the Assembly
“Protection
in late February. He argued: “The fact is that we do have a sector currently that has allowed some bad actors and providers with skewed priorities to enter and operate in early childhood in the ACT. They are in the minority, to be sure”.
Minority or not, protection of children in our childcare centres is paramount.
As part of his campaign for better childcare, Emerson conducted his own poll. He found 98 per cent of respondents “strongly agreed or agreed that reform is needed to ensure safety always comes first in the sector”. The respondents included 63 per cent parents or carers and 35 per cent workers in the sector.
While some academics would be
Although the ACT Government argues it has been on the job, clearly a decent push was needed for them to get underway with the necessary reforms to childcare.
able to criticise the conduct of the poll, particularly around selection bias, the overwhelming results provide a very clear indication of the sort of reform that is needed. It falls into line with reforms that have been put in place in other jurisdictions in Australia.
In questions posed on improvement and funding in the childcare sector, there was well over a 90 per cent positive response. The survey covered a range of areas about qualifications of staff, to loopholes in the Working with Vulnerable People card system, to assessments of early childhood centres, and to for-profit versus not-for-profit centres.
Profit should never be the primary driver for childcare.
Amendments to Emerson’s motion, moved by Laura Nuttall, for the Greens, softened some of the sterner elements of the motion and were eventually supported by all members of the Legislative Assembly.
The resultant motion was gracefully accepted by Yvette Berry, the minister responsible, thanking “members in this place for their constructive discussions leading up to this debate about reforms to early childhood education policy”.
She pointed out that “for decades, early childhood educators have been calling for a bunch of reforms which include better pay and conditions and which ultimately improve conditions and outcomes for children”.
Her position does beg the question – if it is decades – why wasn’t action taken earlier?
Although acknowledging “there is more work to be done”, Berry did argue: “That is why the ACT government has backed early childhood educators from the get-go and has been implementing reforms for years, including through Set up for Success, which is the ACT’s early childhood strategy – the first strategy of its kind”.
Although she and her government had opposed the original motion for full transparency, she clearly had seen the writing on the wall. She wrote to Emerson before the February motion, “to provide an update on
the work already in train nationally and locally to improve quality and child safety in the early childhood education and care sector, along with additional information”.
Although the ACT Government argues it has been on the job, clearly a decent push was needed for them to get underway with the necessary reforms.
Having accepted the final amendments by the Greens, the motion for improvement in childcare centres was passed without dissent.
There is now a reasonable expectation for a sensible outcome that will support so many committed childcare educators and improve confidence in the childcare sector. This work provides a great example of the Legislative Assembly working as it should.
Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an in dependent minister for health. He has been a political columnist with CityNews since 2006.
”If the staff of our medical institutions were not filled by migrants they couldn’t function.” After a heart attack, NOEL BEDDOE went looking for answers.
I had a heart attack on St Valentine’s Day; please, no unseemly humour. The treatment I received, impressive as it was, raised a couple of questions for me and inspired me to do some research.
The outcomes of that research were enlightening.
Firstly, very good news for Canberrans – if you have a heart attack and seek help you’ll be in excellent hands.
I had chest pain and saw my GP. My blood pressure, normally very good, was through the roof. “Am I having a heart attack?” I asked. “Probably” was his response.
I was sent to the public hospital in Bruce. In the emergency department, I was triaged to the top of the pops, attended by half a dozen staff members, connected to a couple of machines and given the news – yes, it was a heart attack all right.
Three ambulances waited outside; I was placed in one, hitched up with pads to be shaken back to life if my heart failed completely, and carried across the outskirts of Canberra to the public hospital in Garran.
There I was wheeled from the am-
bulance bay to an operating theatre where a team of three awaited me; a camera was inserted in my arteries so that I could watch the performance of my heart pictured on a screen; when stents were inserted I could watch them open and bloodflow be reinstated.
I was then booked into the hospital cardiac unit, where I remained for three nights.
My pain had begun at 8am; by 2pm I was wheeled out of the operating theatre having had life-continuing surgery. When I was checked out after three days of intense treatment this was the bill – not one red cent.
In the cardiac unit I was treated by a vast array of impressive, expensivelooking machines; I was attended night and day by an array of staff – a lot of people – and very few of them were of Anglo-Celt ethnic origin.
Most in the very skilful, very committed, very professionallycompetent medical team that gave me
Canberra Hospital’s critical services building... “In the cardiac unit I was treated by a vast array of impressive, expensive-looking machines,” says Noel Beddoe.
such remarkable attention had come to Australia, this generation or maybe the one before, from Africa, India, various countries in south-east Asia and the Pacific islands.
Two young ladies who carried out apparently-sophisticated testing in the middle of the night wore the Islamic hijab. They were committed, competent and kind.
Released from hospital, I was moved to do some research from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This is what I learned:
About a lifetime ago, in 1950 – the average Australian family had 3.5
children. The figure to-day (rocked me a bit) is 1.48; today, one in five Australian women aged 35 is childless. Simply put, this means that Australians are not producing enough people to replace those retiring from the workforce.
If the staff of our medical institutions were not filled by migrants they couldn’t function. Eight per cent of our population in 1950 was aged over 60 and the median age of death was 66; today 22 per cent of our people are aged over 60 and the median age of death is 82.
And, of course, we are not alone
with the resulting problems; for example, both Japan and China are facing crises whereby they do not have enough people to service the economic needs of masses of people who own a lot of assets but are past the years of being able to hold jobs.
We should be clear about this: Australia faces continuing, massive competition for the most valuable asset in the world – people.
We have our current enviable standard of living because we have continued to attract new Australians who have migrated here from overseas.
I recently read a report in The Sydney Morning Herald that said recent comments and behaviour by politicians and others have made Australia less attractive to potential migrants to our country.
If that’s true, those being unwelcoming to migrants are the enemies of our future security and prosperity. And, of course, migrants will bring with them attitudes, beliefs and habits that will have their impact on Australian way of life and character. I’ve read that there are those who believe the essential Australian way of life should remain forever as it was 70 years ago. The proponents of that view can forget it; if we want to survive, that game was over decades ago.
Noel Beddoe is a Canberra novelist.
A woman came into my clinic for a consultation about her hearing aids, telling me her hearing aids were 4 years old and she had never found them to be of much help. She said the salesperson quoted her $14,000 for a pair of hearing aids, however, the monthly special of 20% discount meant they cost her $11,200. So, she ‘only’ paid $11,200 for hearing aids that did not help her. Sadly, I hear this all too often.
Here are some things to do to avoid this type of problem:
1. Visit your GP. If you or someone you know has a problem with their hearing, visiting your GP to check for wax in the ears, and to get advice is a starting point.
2. Qualifications. Always check the qualifications of the person you are dealing with. A person without professional qualifications has no business advising you about your hearing. They need to belong to a professional association with a Code of Conduct, so you know they are acting in your best interests, not their own.
years. If you are not sure about their advice, then seek a second opinion. The wrong hearing aids can be an expensive waste and could lead you to stop wearing them. You should always have a trial of hearing aids to ensure that they are right for you.
6 Pensioners and eligible DVA card holders often have entitlement to free services. If you are covered by a government concession, then let the clinician know (even though your clinician should ask). Eligible clients may obtain free hearing tests, consultations, and free hearing aids (referred to as fully subsidized hearing aids).
“A person without professional qualifications has no business advising you about your hearing. They need to belong to a professional association with a Code of Conduct, so you know they are acting in your best interests, not their own.”
– Dr Vass
These hearing aids are appropriate for many people, however if you have great difficulty hearing in background noise (for example a restaurant), then you may want to consider partially subsidized hearing aids. This is when the government pays a certain amount, and you pay for additional features and benefits. Your decision should be based on the following:
you are dealing with a qualified clinician, then they belong to a professional association. The best contact is an independent complaints body referred to as Ethics Review Committee. You can email ethics@auderc.org.au and view the website www.auderc.org.au. You can make an anonymous complaint and your complaint will be handled in a confidential and professional manner. If you are in the ACT, contact the ACT Human Rights Commission email human rights@act.gov au and the website www.hrc.act.gov.au
3. Independent advice. You should get independent, professional advice.
4. There are a wide range of hearing aids out there. Finding the right hearing aids for your communication needs can be challenging. Hearing aids vary in price and performance. Bluetooth® connectivity and rechargeable hearing aids are available on most hearing aids, along with apps that allow you to control your hearing aids from your mobile device. Be aware that just because a hearing aid is more expensive, that doesn’t mean they are the best hearing aid for you.
5. Just as hearing aids vary in performance, clinicians may also vary in performance due to training, experience, and skills. Make sure that you are comfortable and confident in their advice. You are likely to be with this clinician for the life of your new hearing aids, typically 4 to 5
(a) Can you afford the more expensive hearing aids? Don’t go into financial stress if you can’t afford them. (b) Are you clear on the free vs partially subsidized features & benefits? Never believe someone who tells you the free hearings are not good or of poor performance, this is simply not true. (c) If you try the partially subsidized hearing aids and are not happy, then return them. Do not keep hearing aids because you think the failure is yours or that you will improve over time. If the hearing aids are not working for you in the trial period, then they will not work for you in a year or two.
7. If you have a complaint, then seek help. Your clinician should be able to help you through most of your needs. Sometimes, a problem may be beyond the expertise of even the best clinician. However, if you have a complaint there are things you can do. If
Without the usual fanfare, the ACT Government has released the eight-year-old secretive business case for Light Rail Stage 2B. Planning expert RICHARD JOHNSTON knows why they’ve been hiding it – the economics are disastrous.
Without its customary fanfare, the ACT Government has finally released its business case for Light Rail Stage 2 and the preferred route of the controversial push to Woden.
Prepared by Transport Canberra and City Services and dated January 29 2018 it has long been “Cabinet in Confidence” and kept away from public view.
Oddly, the contents pages are listed up to page 191, but the released version shares only up to page 90. Nevertheless, it is not hard to see why the government wanted to keep this under wraps, as there is plenty of damning material in this version.
Perhaps the most remarkable outcome was that the all important Benefits/ Costs Ratio (BCR) for their recommended Option 2 was only 0.42.
This means that the projected costs of the project were almost two and a half times the expected benefits.
This would be a disastrous result for any sensible, publicly-funded project and should have immediately
condemned Light Rail Stage 2 as unaffordable and not worth proceeding any further with. But not to this ACT Government, which shows no sign of being diverted.
An article by the Corporate Finance Institute, available through Wikipedia, explains that for a “BCR<1 [ie, less than 1] The project is destroying value and should not be undertaken”.
It is likely, of course, that the “costs” for such a project will prove to be understated, and that the “benefits” claimed are optimistic and overstated, as was suggested by the ACT Auditor-General’s report in September 2021 on the Business Case for Light Rail Stage 2A.
The A-G recommended that much more economic assessment should be undertaken. It is not evident that happened and it appears the business case for the whole of Stage 2 has not been revised or updated despite the government having put out a Draft EIS, with revised route options for Stage 2B, last year.
Here are some specific points revealed in the business case for LR2:
• The substantial risks and difficulties involved in taking the light rail routes through the Parliamentary zone are mentioned (getting federal parliament approval etcetera), but not the major environmental impacts on this most important part of the national capital (loss of visual amenity through destruction of many, magnificent 100-year old trees, traffic conflicts etcetera).
• Para. 1.9 refers to: “The risk that the planned strengthening of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge across Lake Burley Griffin is insufficient”. We now know a completely separate bridge is required for LR2 – at what cost?
• Fig. 3-8 on page 48 shows “work trips
by bus” to be already 23 per cent to Civic from “Stage 2 Corridor”, compared to only 6-7 per cent into the Parliamentary Triangle and Barton – why is this? Should bus services be improved, or do many more workers in this area insist on private car use, because they can?
• Fig. 3-11 on page 51 purports to show a substantial reduction in “car kms travelled in 2036” with light rail. In fact the diagram is misleadingly drawn and the change is less than one per cent!
• At the bottom of page 63 is a box containing a short and very superficial comparison of “Light rail or bus rapid transit?”, including the comment “one light rail vehicle
providing three times the capacity of a bus”. As has been previously pointed out, individual buses (which are typically used for feeder routes rather than for “bus rapid transit”) provide a much greater proportion of seats to standing areas than light rail vehicles and bi-articulated vehicles such as those used in the Brisbane Metro have high capacity. “Bus rapid transit” is also, of course, much less costly to install and change as required and inherently much more flexible than light rail on its permanently fixed alignments.
• On page 68 is the comment: “Option 2 provides better connectivity to employment and cultural centres, and involves lesser costs and construction complexity. Community feedback in 2017 also indicated a strong community preference for that alignment.” This highlights a key issue with Light Rail Stage 2 – is it actually going to provide a better service for commuters and others wishing to access employment and cultural centres than the existing bus-based services, which of course can and should be augmented and fully electrified as soon as possible?
Richard Johnston is an architect and town planner, and formerly a senior executive in the ACT Planning and Land Authority. He is a life fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia.
South.Point Tuggeranong is quietly redefining what a suburban shopping centre can be, evolving beyond retail into a genuine community hub where people gather, connect and return, not just to shop, but to belong.
In a time when many centres are grappling with how to remain relevant, South.Point has taken a deliberate, community-first approach. The result is a year-round calendar of activity that reflects what locals say they want, rather than what retail traditionally dictates.
“Most importantly, we recognise and appreciate South.Point as a community hub,” says marketing manager Carole Arulantu. “It’s an everyday lifestyle destination, a meeting place for all ages and, for many, a second home.” That sense of ownership from the community is no accident. South.Point has actively sought feedback, running competitions and surveys to understand what people want to see more of and just as importantly, which activities they would prefer refreshed or replaced. The answers were clear, frequent activities, family-friendly experiences and opportunities for people to come together.
“We asked our community directly what they wanted,” Carole says. “They told us they want more to do, more often, not just during school holidays. So that’s exactly what we’re delivering.”
And delivering they are.
March has seen the centre come alive with weekly free craft sessions for young children and weekend face painting, small but meaningful activations that give families a reason to visit beyond a shopping list. It’s a simple formula, but one that builds loyalty and habit.
The approach continues into Easter, with a free scavenger chocolate hunt and roaming Easter Bunny set to draw families into the centre. Importantly, these are not ticketed or exclusive events, they are designed to be accessible, reinforcing South.Point’s role as a shared community space.
It’s also a centre willing to take risks. The recent Lunar New Year celebrations featured a live horse for pats and photos, and more recently a mechanical bucking bull delivered in conjunction with The Stable Door, gave hundreds of visitors a chance to test their balance and enjoy the fun.
These unusual and memorable additions captured attention and reinforced South.Point’s willingness to do things differently.
“Community wants unique and unexpected experiences,” says Carole. “We’re always looking
at ways to bring something new into the centre.”
The upcoming April school holiday program reflects that thinking, celebrating Earth Day and the growing focus on sustainability, with communities coming together on April 22 to support environmental action, conservation and climate awareness.
A free reptile zoo workshop, daily craft activities and a major family competition, offering a Taralga Wildlife Park experience, getaway with accommodation at Charlie on Church cottage, and a BMW from Canberra BMW for the weekend will provide both engagement and genuine value for families. Even those who don’t win have a chance to secure one of 25 free family movie passes from Limelight Theatre.
Alongside this, daily craft activities will run throughout the holidays, giving kids a creative outlet to make, build and explore.
Kids who purchase 2 cinnamon donuts from Donut King receive a free iced mini donut. If they find the golden ticket in their bag, they win a family pass to Canberra Reptile Zoo. Looking further ahead, the programming broadens beyond children to include adults and
the wider community. Paint-and-sip sessions, wine tastings, baking workshops and flower arranging are all on the horizon.
One of the more ambitious projects will be the launch of an all-girl band competition in June, developed in collaboration with a local dance studio. With local celebrity judges and an international judge for the finals, the initiative speaks to South.Point’s desire to support local talent while creating something distinctly Canberra.
“We’re creating experiences for everyone,” Carole says. “It’s about giving people a reason to come here, spend time here and feel part of something.”
Seasonal events continue to anchor the calendar. Mother’s Day will see a “Queen of the Day” activation in centre court, offering free pampering, refreshments and a touch of theatre, while “Christmas in July” will bring winter-themed experiences including snow, festive treats and mulled wine.
Spring school holidays will see the return of family favourites, including a petting zoo and free craft activities, again reinforcing the centre’s commitment to consistency as much
as creativity.
Behind the scenes, South.Point has also strengthened its security presence, introducing firmer measures that have been well received by shoppers.
“The community has responded very positively,” says Carole. “People want to feel safe, and that’s a key part of making this a place they choose to spend time.”
It is this combination, listening, responding and consistently delivering what the community want that sets South.Point apart. In a competitive retail environment, it is not relying on foot traffic alone, but actively building it through engagement.
As Carole puts it: “When you listen to your community and give them what they’re asking for, they come back and they bring others with them.”
In Tuggeranong, that approach is not just working, it’s becoming a blueprint.
South.Point Shopping Centre
Cnr Anketell and Reed streets, Tuggeranong. Call 02 6293 1000.
southpointcanberra.com.au
Industrial relations lawyer RICHARD CALVER signals rising food and wine prices as employers in hospitality grapple with the ACT Government’s complex portable long service leave scheme.
The ACT Government’s portable long service leave scheme, which currently covers only workers in the contract cleaning industry, will be expanded to eligible employees in hairdressing and beauty, and accommodation and food services from July 1.
For food and beverage outlets in particular, the scheme introduces a significant administrative change to how long service leave liabilities are managed and funded.
Portable long service leave differs from traditional long service leave because the entitlement accrues based on time spent working within a covered industry rather than with a single employer.
It rewards service in that industry rather than loyalty to a single employer.
Under the ACT model, the benefit is administered centrally by a statutory authority known as ACT Leave. Employers pay a levy into the scheme and ACT Leave later pays the long service leave benefit when a worker becomes eligible.
There are quite complex transi tional arrangements that I won’t deal with but about which affected employers should get advice. In es sence, eligibility under the traditional method of accumulating long service leave does not remove or replace eligibility under the portable scheme.
Employers may have obligations under both frameworks, depending on the worker’s service history and industry coverage.
The services industry scheme formally started in 2025 but wider coverage was delayed by the government for hospitality, accommodation and food services in response to economic pressures in the hospitality sector.
of levy contributions paid for that worker. Contributions remain in the scheme to fund future entitlements. But a worker can continue to build an entitlement as long as they continue to work within any of the industries within the one scheme. So, for the services industry scheme, this means contract cleaning, hairdressing, beauty, accommodation and food services. They cannot however go to the building and construction industry scheme and take their entitlement with them.
Despite no evidence for a resurgence in the sector, businesses should register by July 1 at the latest and start contributing for eligible workers once the scheme commences on that date.
Businesses that have not submitted a registration form by August 1may face compliance risks and potential enforcement action.
Under the scheme, employees accrue 6.06 weeks of portable long service leave after seven years of
.
recorded service in the industry, and 0.867 weeks for each additional year thereafter.
At the nub of the scheme is the fact the service is able to be accumulated at an industry level, allowing workers to continue to accumulate service when they move between different employers within the relevant industries in the ACT.
This design purportedly reflects the highly mobile nature of hospitality employment, where workers
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Administrative obligations will increase and stand as a further business cost. Hospitality employers must register their business and employees with ACT Leave, submit quarterly returns reporting wages and service (with minor exceptions), and pay the required levy based on that reporting.
The scheme applies broadly to full-time, part-time, casual employees and apprentices, although employers do not pay the levy for apprentices once the training contract has been provided to ACT Leave.
If a worker leaves the hospitality industry or another covered industry before reaching an entitlement, employers are not entitled to a refund
Located in the heart of Canberra’s medical precinct in Deakin
At Canberra Family Health Centre, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-focused healthcare for individuals and families. Located centrally in Deakin, our centre offers a wide range of medical services designed to meet your health needs at every stage of life.
From the perspective of those concerned with the welfare of hospitality workers, the scheme is designed to address structural features of the sector such as high turnover, casualisation and multiple short-term jobs. Workers who move between restaurants, bars or hotels will still accumulate industry service toward long service leave, something that often does not occur under traditional employer-based systems. Supporters argue that this may improve workforce retention and help recognise hospitality as a long-term career rather than temporary work. But the outcome of the scheme will be a tale to be told.
“One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results.”
–Milton Friedman
Associate Professor Maryse Badawy MB/ BS Degree, FRACGP, FHKAM (Family Medicine), Grad Dip Fam Med, Master Family Medicine, Member Australasian Menopause Society
National and International Family Medicine and Academic experience.
It was heart-warming and insightful to read the letter from Dr Desmond Bellamy (“Plea to make future meals animal-free”, CN February 19).
How extraordinary that someone finally mentioned the problem that the majority do not recognise as such, the inclination to shrug off other living beings’ sufferings.
Many EU countries are ahead of Australia in regard to animal protection legislation – Austria and Switzerland, for example, recognise animals as sentient beings rather than objects.
Austrian law is the first to explicitly state that animals are not things, while Swiss law recognises the “dignity of creatures”, requiring protection against unjustified pain, suffering, or neglect.
In 2023, Denmark, a country with one of the largest per-capita meat consumption quantities in the EU and the world, launched the world’s first national Action Plan for PlantBased Foods, supported by a €170 million ($A275 million) fund to boost the production and consumption of plant-based foods. This includes investments in research, farming and training for chefs, in order to shift towards sustainable diets, aiming to lower agricultural climate emissions.
Why is our Australia not fair and our amazing Australians not advancing as much as they should be? Why is our beautiful country behind? With so many of us who care deeply not only for our own interests
and work not only for our own ends?
If we are, as a community and country, not capable of accepting that the world in which we care equally for people, animals and planet is our only future, both existentially and ethically, then let us calculate cold facts and high likelihoods.
We either continue to do what we are doing and have increasingly and predictably worse disasters (due to climate change and pandemics) or we wake up, accept and rise to better understanding, choices and actions.
Bruna Krstulovic, Barton
dose of dorin
Steel-making aside, Nick Standish (letters, CN March 19) incorrectly calculates the amount of “free land” required to support the renewables that are going to wean us off fossil fuels.
Using Victoria as an example, the second smallest state, further clouds the issue. Creating a continuous power source of 1513MW is not that difficult, and yes it could be done solely in Victoria. Wind and solar rated at 5000MW nominal augmented by
batteries could provide a continuous power source of 1513MW.
And regarding the figure of 5000MW, Victoria ALREADY has installed roughly 6000MW of solar ALONE, and most of it is not on “free land”, it’s on rooftops.
We do actually have huge tracts of “free land” in Australia, and only a small percentage of this would be required to produce 10 times the power required for steel making.
Fiona Colin, Malvern East
Nick Standish sure loves his calculations, but his logic is puzzling (“Nick answers his critics on numbers”, letters, CN March 19).
Why should “all the free land in Victoria” be used to generate power for Australia’s steel industry? Our two steelworks are in Port Kembla, NSW, and Whyalla, SA. Using the ACT as a unit would have been clearer for readers.
Setting that aside, how did Nick arrive at 2.5 MWh per tonne of “dirty or green” steel?
If he meant green steel made using green hydrogen, that is different – but Port Kembla and Whyalla use traditional coal-fired blast furnaces. Their electricity use is much lower.
Port Kembla, for example, consumes about one TWh per year to produce roughly three million tonnes of steel, around 300 kWh per tonne (0.3 MWh) – about one-eighth of Nick’s figure, a substantial difference.
Regarding total land use for renewables
A space built with care, quality and community at its core. Trusted by locals. Designed for everyone.
infrastructure to electrify the whole economy (not just steel), the Net Zero Australia study by the University of Melbourne, ANU, University of Queensland, and Princeton University estimates and “envelope” of roughly 110,000 km², but this figure exaggerates the impact because, as readers know, much land (typically more than 85 per cent) remains usable for grazing under solar panels and both cropping and grazing under wind turbines.
An ANU study estimated the total land area “lost” to agriculture would be only 1200 km² or about half of the ACT.
Ray Peck, Hawthorn, Victoria
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rarely gets it right, but through his connections with Islamist supporters he knows that Iran is bent on converting the world to its brand of Islam by any means.
We need only to observe Iran lashing out with missiles and bombs at other Middle Eastern Islamic states that don’t support Iran’s cultic aims, and its financing of cultic terrorism in Australia and other Western countries. Iran has worked towards nuclear bombs for decades. Once it has them, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (a UN body) estimates it has enough enriched uranium for a dozen or so, it will use them against its two Great Satans, Israel and the US. That will result in Iran’s destruction, which in turn will result in an East/West war like the world has never seen.
So, yes, Michael Moore (“Why would Albanese support an illegal war?”, CN March 12), Mr Albanese is right to support the war.
Although, like most of Mr Albanese’s support of the Western enlightenment it is a milquetoast (timid, meek, or submissive) support, it is right.
And optimistically you can sleep peacefully in your bed when Iran’s nuclear arsenal is totally dismantled, and that poor country can enjoy civilised life.
Anthony Hordern, Jamison
I have no major issue with Colin Lyons’ contention (“Rapid population growth comes at a cost” letters, CN March 12) that our current level of immigration is excessive and that this is costing us economically.
However, I do not agree with him that South Korea, Japan and Taiwan are examples of countries with stable populations.
According to the Britannica website, a country has to have a total fertility rate (TFR) – the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her childbearing years – of 2.1, which is the replacement rate for a population to stay stable in the long run.
When TFR is below 2.1 for extended periods,
populations tend to age and decrease. None of those countries has a TFR anywhere near replacement rate. South Korea’s TFR is 0.8, Taiwan has a TFR 0f 0.78, just pipping South Korea for the lowest TFR in the world; and Japan has a TFR of 1.15. South Korea’s population is being held up by foreign workers coming to the country. Taiwan has recently recorded 26 consecutive months of population decline. Japan’s population has been declining consistently since 2005.
In 2015 Japan’s population was estimated to be 127 million. By 2020 it had declined to 126.15 million and by 2024 it had declined to 123.8 million.
Chris Rule, Conder
“If you have a big enough dictionary, just about everything is a word,”
– Dave Barry
Following on from my previous Whimsy column, here are some more examples of odd English words – and, as a bonus, the correct usage of “z” and “s”.
Words that are spelled the same (and often pronounced the same) but have different meanings depending on context are called homonyms.
In common usage, when context alone determines the meaning, we’re usually talking about polysemous words (words with multiple related or unrelated meanings).
These 10 examples highlight English’s capacity for selfcontradiction, where context alone determines the meaning of the word. Each has evolved dual senses through metaphorical extension or historical divergence.
Bound
• Heading toward: “The train is bound for London.”
• Tied up/unable to move: “He was bound by ropes.”
Cleave
• Split apart: “The axe cleaved the log in two.”
Dusting shelves and dusting a cake… highlighting English’s capacity for self-contradiction, where context alone determines the meaning of the word.
• Cling closely: “The baby cleaved to her mother.”
Clip
• Attach: “She clipped the papers together.”
• Cut off: “The gardener clipped the roses.”
Dust
• Remove fine particles: “She dusted the shelves before guests arrived.”
• Apply fine particles: “The baker dusted the cake with icing sugar.”
Left
• Departed: “She left the room in a hurry.”
• Remaining: “Only one slice of pizza is left.”
Oversight
• Lapse/mistake: “It was an unfortunate oversight that her name wasn’t on the list.”
• Supervision: “He had oversight of the entire project.”
In common usage, when context alone determines the meaning, we’re usually talking about polysemous words (words with multiple related or unrelated meanings).
“The council sanctioned the new housing development.”
• Penalise: “The government sanctioned the company for breaking the law.”
Seed
• Plant seeds: “The farmer seeded the field in spring.”
• Remove seeds: “She seeded the watermelon before serving.”
Trim
• Cut away: “He trimmed the hedge.”
• Decorate/add to: “They trimmed the Christmas tree with lights.”
Weather
• Withstand/endure: “The old boat weathered many storms.”
• Wear away/erode: “The rocks were weathered by wind and rain.” These shifts and dualities are not mere quirks but a testament to English’s unruly evolution –borrowing from Latin, French, Germanic roots, and beyond, then bending under social, technologi-
cal, and cultural pressures.
They remind us that language is alive, often defying logic, yet endlessly fascinating.
Then there’s Z and S
You may also have wondered why American English uses “z” while Australian English uses “s”?
In the US, Noah Webster’s 1828
American Dictionary of the English Language standardised “-ize” to align with Greek roots, reflect pronunciation, and assert cultural independence from Britain.
This choice stuck, shaping American publishing and style guides such as Merriam-Webster.
In Britain, “-ise” gained favour in the 18th-19th centuries, influenced by French spelling and major publishers such as The Times and Oxford University Press. Samuel Johnson’s 1755 dictionary also leaned toward “-ise.”
As a British Commonwealth nation, Australia adopted this convention, with style guides such as the Macquarie Dictionary mandating “-ise” for words like organise and realise
Some words, such as advertise
or compromise, always take “-ise” globally, as they derive from French or Latin, not Greek -izein Interestingly, the Oxford English Dictionary prefers “-ize” for etymological accuracy but allows “-ise” in British usage for consistency.
Both spellings are correct; the choice depends on regional standards. Americans use “-ize” for classical purity, while Australians follow Britain’s “-ise” tradition. It’s a quirk of history, driven by dictionary-makers and publishers, not by any debate over meaning.
Writers should, however, respect the spelling of organisations as used by the organisation itself – so, for example, the Defence Intelligence Organisation in Australia and the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization in the US.
Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.
is a belief that jewellery should do more than decorate; it should carry meaning, memory, and identity.
Owned by qualified jeweller and gemmologist Venetia Major, the studio is built on experience, artistry, and a deeply personal approach. Each piece emerges from a collaborative journey between client and maker, where stories are listened to as carefully as sketches are drawn. As Venetia says, “Every piece we create is a conversation and an opportunity to capture something deeply personal and make it tangible.”
Behind this philosophy is a highly skilled and passionate team. Deb, a qualified jeweller with over 23 years of experience, brings exceptional craftsmanship
unique insight into these remarkable gemstones. Bernadette, with more than 30 years in jewellery sales, specialises in vintage and antique pieces, helping clients discover designs rich in history and character.
Together, the team creates jewellery that is not only beautiful but enduring—designed to be treasured and passed down through generations in a world of fleeting trends.
Venetia Major – Bespoke Jewellery 3/8 Victoria Street, Hall. Call 02 6230 9587 or visit venetiamajor.com
At Gail Freeman & Co, the strength of the business lies not only in its expertise but also in the seamless collaboration between its accounting and support
The staff work closely with clients to build trusted relationships and guide them through every step of their financial journey. Their highly skilled accountants and support team ensure every detail is managed with care and accuracy. Together, they create a cohesive operation where nothing is left to chance.
“Our team builds strong relationships with clients from the very first interaction,” says Gail Freeman. “Our high standards are achieved, by accounting and support staff working together to double-check every detail to ensure complete accuracy and compliance.”
That shared commitment to high standards is a defining feature of the firm. Every piece of work is carefully reviewed, ensuring it aligns with current legislation and meets the expectations the team has
With a long-standing team that has worked together closely, Gail Freeman & Co has developed a culture of trust and collaboration. Each team member brings their own strengths, creating a complementary skill set that benefits every client.
“Because our team has been together for so long, we understand how to work together efficiently and effectively,” Gail says.
“Clients gain the advantage of multiple specialists working collaboratively, with their best interests always front of mind.”
The result is a level of service that gives clients confidence, clarity and peace of mind at every stage.
Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd Unit 971 Leichhardt Street, Kingston. Call 02 6295 2844 or visit gailfreeman.com.au
At Gail Freeman & Co, the strength of the business lies in its team, where accountants and support staff work seamlessly together to deliver consistently high standards. Every piece of work is carefully reviewed and double-checked, giving clients confidence that experienced professionals are working collaboratively in their best interests.
Gail Freeman Director Bethany Freeman-Chandler Senior Accounting Manager
Specialising in training and industry consultation, Creative Safety Initiatives (CSI general manager), Brian Vernon says the organisation aims to reduce the number and severity of accidents in the workplace.
“CSI is an ACT-based training provider committed to a continuing focus on improving safety standards in the building, construction, demolition, mining industry as well as other sectors.
We offer nationally recognised accredited training courses ACTGovernment approved courses, and non-accredited industry training. We also offer WHS products and quantitative face-fit testing services.
With courses ranging from asbestos and silica exposure awareness, workplace impairment, safe and respectful workplaces, white card, bullying and harassment to heat awareness and HSR training.
Creative Safety Initiatives represents a group of dedicated people committed to creating safe work environments, safe communities for workers & through education, they aim to encourage harm reduction and attitudinal change in safety in the workplace”, Brian says.
Creative Safety Initiatives
Unit 7/10, 8 Cape Street, Dickson. Call 02 6230 1320 or visit csisafety.com.au
For nearly 20 years, Car Mechanical Services (CMS) has delivered top-quality automotive care across Canberra, building a trusted reputation as a multi-award-win ning, family-owned business with a strong focus on reliability, sustainability and community connection, says director Raffy Sgroi.
says the business has grown by staying true to its values – offering professional, personalised vehicle services while actively contributing to a stronger, more inclusive Canberra.
The company also provides training programs for young mechanics, as there is always a training shortage in the automobile industry, Raffy says.
“Our Skills and Inclusion Programs and My Career Portfolio, which are ongoing programs, blend mentorship, practical experience and hands-on learning to equip students,” she says.
“We’re leading by example, and when you’ve got an inclusive workplace, there is harmony.” the Sustainability Leadership Award in Asia, Australia and NZ at the International Business Awards, and a silver in the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion category. These awards follow on from Car Mechanical Services being one of the first automobile repair companies in Canberra to win a sustainable small business of the year award, in 2023.
Car Mechanical Services 82 Kalgoorlie Crescent, Fisher. Call 6162 4111 or visit carmechanicalservices.com.au
At Creative Safety Initiatives, we don’t just provide safety solutionswe build lasting partnerships based on trust, expertise, & results. With decades of industry experience, we deliver customised safety systems & compliance services that protect your people, your business, & your peace of mind. Discover how our commitment to excellence is reshaping workplace safety acrosås Australia.
NON-ACCREDITED TRAINING COURSES
• Bullying, harassment & racial vilification training
• Chemical awareness training
• Chemical suit training
• Domestic & family violence awareness training
• Electrical safety awareness training
• Environmental awareness training
• Hazardous manual tasks training
• Healthy eating & nutrition awareness training
• Heat awareness training
• Height safety awareness refresher training
• Ladder safety awareness training
• NSW asbestos & silica awareness training
• SA asbestos & silica awareness training
• WA asbestos & silica awareness training
• Onsite fire & emergency procedure awareness training
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) awareness training
• Preliminary impairment assessor training
• Safe & respectful workplaces workshop
• Safe talk suicide prevention awareness training
• Safe use of hand & power tools training
• Sun smart training
• WHS committee member training
• WHS hazard identification training
• WHS managers & supervisors training
• Workplace mental health awareness training
NATIONALL RECOGNISED & ACCREDITED TRAINING COURSES
• 10830NAT Course in crystalline silica exposure prevention
• 11369NAT Course in workplace impairment prevention
• 11421NAT Course in safe & respectful workplace training in gender equity
• 11084NAT Course in asbestos awareness
• CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
• CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies & procedures in the construction industry
• CPCSIL2001 Use & maintain respiratory protective equipment
• CPCSIL3001 Work with products & materials containing crystalline silica
• CPCSIL4001 Supervise & manage work with products & materials generating respirable crystalline silica
• MSMWHS216 Operate breathing apparatus ACTGOVERNMENT APPROVED COURSES
• ACT Health & Safety Representative refresher training (1 day)
• ACT Health & Safety Representative training (5 days)
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
• Quantitative face fit testing, masks & filters
• Dust particle monitors & accessories
To enquire or book training, please contact our friendly staff by: phone: 02 62301320 email: info@csisafety.com.au or visit www.csisafety.com.au
For nearly two decades, Car Mechanical Services has been a trusted name in Canberra, offering top-quality automotive care with a strong community focus. Familyowned and operated, Car Mechanical Services stands out not just for its mechanical expertise, but for its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and nurturing the next generation of technicians.
Originally established in 1982, Car Mechanical Services has built its reputation on a foundation of honesty, technical excellence, and deep local engagement. Directors Raffy and Charlie Sgroi have led a wellqualified and dedicated team through the business’s growth, guided by a strong belief in quality service and meaningful customer connections.
“Our decision to establish in Canberra was driven by the family-oriented nature of the community and the region’s steady growth,” says Director Raffy Sgroi. “Being part of a region with such strong local spirit has allowed us to connect with residents and offer services tailored to their needs.”
Car Mechanical Services has grown alongside Canberra’s expanding suburbs, adapting to a vibrant and evolving city. “We’ve seen a lot of change – new homes, more businesses, and a strong focus on sustainability,” says Charlie. “That aligns perfectly with our values and has helped us grow with the community.”
From logbook servicing and diagnostics to mechanical repairs, brakes, suspension, and air conditioning, Car Mechanical Services offers comprehensive automotive care for both private and fleet vehicles. The workshop is known for its “no surprises” approach – all work is clearly explained and approved before anything is done, giving customers confidence and peace of mind.
“We treat every car like it’s our own,” says Charlie. “People come to us because they know they’ll get honest advice and excellent workmanship. Trust is everything in this business.”
In a traditionally resource-heavy industry, Car Mechanical Services is setting the bar with its ecoconscious initiatives. The workshop is Cleanawaycertified, adheres to stringent environmental standards, and is proactive in recycling used oil, parts, and materials. They also offer servicing for hybrid and electric vehicles – a growing field the team is passionate about.
“We’ve made sustainability a core part of our operation,” says Raffy. “We’re constantly improving how we work to minimise waste and support environmentally friendly solutions for our customers.”
Looking ahead, Car Mechanical Services plans to expand its electric vehicle repair services while continuing to implement greener workshop practices.
Training the next generation is central to the business’s mission. Car Mechanical Services partners with local schools to offer work experience — particularly for students with disabilities or who are neurodivergent. Through mentoring and apprenticeships, the team helps young people build meaningful careers in automotive repair.
“We want our workshop to be a place where everyone feels welcome and supported,” says Raffy. “Giving students and apprentices a real chance to grow and learn is incredibly rewarding — they’re the future of our industry.”
Car Mechanical Services also supports the broader Canberra community through sponsorship of local sports clubs, involvement in community events, and partnerships with inclusive organisations. “Supporting local causes isn’t just good business – it strengthens our neighbourhood and reflects who we are,” says Charlie.
Car Mechanical Services’ commitment to quality and community has earned it high praise, including winning many local and national business awards in automotive services and management. Raffy currently holds the title of National Businesswoman of the Year, along with international awards for management. The business has also been recognised for outstanding customer service and leadership in sustainable practices.
Looking ahead, Car Mechanical Services is set to launch new career discovery programs in partnership with local schools, with a focus on underrepresented groups. The team also plans to host workshops to raise awareness about electric vehicle servicing and green automotive careers.
For the team at Car Mechanical Services, it all comes down to people – customers, staff, and community.
“We’ve always believed in doing things properly, treating people with respect, and giving back where we can,” says Raffy.
At Panacea Landscapes, success is built from the ground up through skilled teamwork, clear leadership and a shared commitment to quality outcomes. Under the guidance of owner Shannon Blackbourn, the Canberra-based business has earned industry recognition. Multiple accolades at Master Builders ACT and HIA Awards highlight the team’s craftsmanship and professionalism.
For Shannon, those awards reflect the people behind the projects. “Awards are a wonderful acknowledgement, but they really belong to the team,” she says. “Every project is a group effort, and it’s the pride and care our team brings each day that leads to those results.”
That culture of collaboration underpins every Panacea Landscapes project. From concept to completion, the team works closely together to deliver consistent,
high-quality outcomes, focusing strongly on communication, accountability and attention to detail.
Shannon believes leadership plays a critical role in maintaining that standard.
“We’ve created an environment where people feel supported and motivated to do their best work,” she says. “Strong leadership isn’t about control, it’s about setting clear expectations and backing your team to succeed.”
With a growing list of industry awards and a reputation for excellence, Panacea Landscapes continues to demonstrate that strong leadership and a united team are the foundations of long-term success.
Panacea Landscapes Call 0498 287 789 or visit panacealandscapes.com
• Led by a qualified horticulturist and landscape designer with over 20 years of experience
• Specialising in landscape design, garden transformations and ongoing maintenance programs
• Serving residential, commercial, strata and real-estate clients with friendly, reliable service
• A family-owned local business committed to the highest quality workmanship and tailored solutions
A strong team culture and a shared commitment to animal care continue to define Weston Woden Animal Hospital, where care, collaboration and consistency underpin every aspect of the practice.
Recognised as a finalist in the 2025 Local Business Awards, the team’s achievement reflects not only clinical expertise but also the relationships they have built with pet owners across Canberra’s south.
Each member of the practice plays an important role, contributing to a supportive environment where knowledge is shared and high standards are maintained.
From preventative health care through to complex diagnostics and surgery, the team approaches every case with care and attention to detail.
“Clients value the clear communication and genuine compassion shown throughout each stage of treatment, which helps build long-term trust,” said Saraih Werry, director.
“Our focus has always been on providing the best possible care for our patients while supporting their owners with clear, honest advice,” said Saraih.
“We take the time to explain options and ensure owners feel confident in every decision.”
Ongoing professional development remains a priority, ensuring the practice stays at the forefront of modern veterinary medicine while maintaining its personal approach.
“We’re proud of the way our team supports each other,” Saraih added. “That positive environment flows through to our patients and their families.”
This recognition highlights more than technical capability, it reflects a cohesive, dedicated team working together to deliver reliable, high-quality care for the Canberra community and the animals that are such an important part of it.
Weston Woden Animal Hospital 176 Dixon Drive Holder. Call 02 6288 4777 or visit westonwodenvet.com.au
There’s something for everyone at Canberra Southern Cross Club this Easter long weekend. Bring your family and friends and enjoy good food and time together.
On Good Friday, we’re serving a chilled Australian Seafood Platter at Woden and Jamison. This generous spread includes fresh oysters, Queensland prawns, bugs, dressed crab salad, Tasmanian smoked salmon, marinated mussels, and salt & pepper squid. It’s served with a tossed salad, cocktail sauce, champagne mignonette, and lemon. If you’re dining at Woden, you can also add a lobster.
Services continue on Sunday 12 April (Easter 2) at 9am and 10:45am.
On Easter Sunday, enjoy a classic roast with a slow-cooked Gundagai lamb shoulder at the Yacht Club. It’s marinated with rosemary, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, and served with roasted onions and potatoes, broccolini, and gravy. It’s a great option to share with family.
Wesley Uniting Church Canberra invites the community to share in a full program of services across Holy Week and Easter in 2026.
Whether you’re in the mood for seafood or a traditional Easter meal, we’ve got something for you this long weekend. Pre-order only, so make sure to place your order on our website and join us this Easter.
Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden & Jamison Yacht Club Yarralumla cscc.com.au
Services include Palm Sunday on 29 March at the same times. Holy Week continues with Holy Tuesday (31 March, 7pm – The Way of the Cross, Church Choir Service) and Holy Wednesday (1 April, 6:30pm –Lamentations).
Maundy Thursday (2 April) includes Lamentations at 6:30pm and a Eucharist Service at 7pm. Good Friday (3 April) will be observed with a 10am combined service and 5pm Passion Kantaten.
Easter Sunday (5 April) features a combined Eucharist Service and Renewal of Baptismal Vows at 10am.
Each service will feature thoughtful readings, music and messages that reflect the significance of the Easter story, in a welcoming and inclusive setting.
Whether attending a reflective Good Friday service or joining the celebration on Easter Sunday, Wesley Uniting Church provides an opportunity for the Canberra community to come together during this important time in the Christian calendar. All are welcome to attend.
Wesley Uniting Church
20 National Circuit, Forrest Visit wesleycanberra.org.au
“What makes Good Friday so good?”
At Easter, many people ask the question: what makes Good Friday “good”?
At Queanbeyan Presbyterian Church, we would love to explore that with you.
Good Friday reminds us that the cross of Jesus was not a tragic accident or a sign that God had lost control.
It was the clearest display of God’s love, mercy, and rescue for sinners. Easter Sunday then brings the great news that Jesus did not stay in the grave.
He is risen, and that changes everything. Whether church is familiar to you or not, you are warmly invited to join us this Easter. Come and reflect, come with questions, or simply come and listen. Everyone is welcome.
Queanbeyan Presbyterian Church 2 Morisset Street, Queanbeyan NSW. Call 0422 715 329.
QUEANBEYAN, NSW · REFORMED · PRESBYTERIAN
A congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, faithfully serving Queanbeyan and the surrounding region for the glory of God.
St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Canberra invites the community to mark Easter with a program of traditional services centred on worship, reflection and celebration.
At St Andrew’s in Forrest, Good Friday Services will be held at 9:30am and 5pm, offering a meaningful opportunity to pause and reflect on the significance of the day.
Easter Sunday services will be held at 9:30am and 5pm, sharing the message of hope, renewal and new life at the heart of the Christian faith.
Worship at St Andrew’s reflects a strong Presbyterian tradition, with services shaped by biblical teaching, prayer and music, delivered in a thoughtful and structured format that resonates strongly with many in the Canberra community.
Situated in Forrest, St Andrew’s is one of Can -
berra’s most established churches, recognised for its heritage-listed building and longstanding presence in the national capital. The church continues to play an active role in community life, bringing together people of all ages through faith, fellowship and shared purpose.
Belconnen and Weston Creek will also hold Good Friday and Easter Sunday Services at 10am. Whether you are part of the congregation or visiting for Easter, all are welcome to attend and share in this significant time of the year.
Presbyterian Church of Saint Andrew 1 State Circuit, Forrest. Call 02 6295 3457 or visit standrewscanberra.com
Saturday 28 March
Evil Unleashed; Evil Tamed: Discover four distinct Christian perspectives on one of humanity’s deepest questions.
A thought-provoking full-day seminar (9am to 5pm) with opportunities for reflection, dialogue, and response. $50, with morning tea, light lunch & afternoon tea included. Register via the QR code below by 27 March
Palm Sunday 29 March
Palm Sunday Service - 9am and 10.45am Against Evil-Towards Hope: For Ukraine - 5pm*
Holy Tuesday 31 March
The Way of the Cross: Art and Music - 7pm
Holy Wednesday 1 April
Lamentations for Holy Wednesday - Nicola Porpora
Soprano & instrument ensemble - 6:30pm*
Maundy Thursday 2 April
Lamentations for Maundy Thursday - Nicola Porpora
Contralto & instrument ensemble - 6:30pm*
Eucharist Service - 7pm
Good Friday 3 April
Good Friday Service - 10am
Graupner Passion Kantaten - 5pm*
Easter Sunday 5 April
Eucharist Service & Renewal of Baptismal Vows – 10am
Wesley Uniting Church
6295 3680 | www.wesleycanberra.org.au
20–22 National Circuit, Forrest *Wesley Music Centre events
Easter at South.Point Tuggeranong is set to delight families with an interactive, community-driven celebration, headlined by a fun-filled Easter Hunt and surprise appearances from the Easter Bunny roaming the centre.
Running from 4 to 6 April, 11am to 2pm daily, the free activity invites children and families to start their journey at the Easter Cart in Centre Court before heading off on a clue-based adventure throughout the centre. Participants collect a basket and clue card, solve each step of the hunt and visit participating stores to receive stamps and Easter eggs along the way before returning to claim a final sweet reward.
The initiative reflects what visitors have asked for, more engaging, hands-on experiences that bring people together and make time at South.Point more enjoyable.
“Our community has told us they want more interactive and family-friendly experiences, and the Easter Hunt is a perfect way to bring that to life,” says Marketing Manager Carole Arulantu. “It encourages families to explore the centre together while enjoying something a little different.”
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Easter Bunny will be roaming the centre across all three days, offering plenty of opportunities for photos and spontaneous moments of fun.
“We want South.Point to be a place where families can create memories and traditions,” Carole says. “Events like this help turn a regular visit into something special.”
South.Point Shopping Centre
Cnr Anketell and Reed streets, Tuggeranong. Call 02 6293 1000 or visit southpointcanberra.com.au
1 State Circle, Forrest
Holy Week Wednesday 12:45pm Maundy Thursday Communion 7:30pm
Good Friday 9:30am and 5pm Easter Sunday 9:30am and 5pm
cnr Ross Smith Crescent and Gatty Street, Scullin Good Friday Service 10am Easter Sunday Service 10am
Mahony Court, Weston Good Friday Service 10am
Easter Sunday Service 10am
A much loved Canberra attraction enters an exciting new era in time for the school holidays with the Grand Opening of The MAZE Reimagined at Yarralumla Play Station. The grand opening is Saturday, March 28.
Spanning four acres and featuring more than 2.4 kilometres of winding pathways, the reimagined maze is designed to spark curiosity, encourage exploration and deliver a fresh, immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
From the moment gates open at 9.30am, families will be invited to step inside a world of discovery ahead of the official opening ceremony at 10am.
Cube surprises with perspective-driven illusions and unexpected visual tricks.
The opening day promises more than just the maze. Visitors can enjoy farm animal encounters, mini golf, live DJ entertainment and a lively atmosphere throughout the precinct.
Free face painting, balloon twisting and giveaways will delight younger guests. A special appearance by Dusty the Dinosaur adds an extra layer of fun, with prizes offered to those who find him hidden within the maze.
Running from 9.30am to 5pm, the launch marks a standout addition to Canberra’s school holiday calendar.
Canberra Walk-in Aviary Unit 13, Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls. Call 02 6230 2044 or visit canberrawalkinaviary.com.au The MAZE – reimagined
At the heart of the experience are three standout attractions. The Infinity Room offers a mesmerising play of mirrors and light, creating the illusion of endless space, while The Hive Maze challenges visitors with a maze within a maze, full of twists, turns and decision points. Adding a playful edge, the Infinity
Yarralumla Play Station 9 Pescott Lane, Yarralumla. Call 02 6282 2714.
Grand Opening at Yarralumla Play Station 28 March 2026
A new chapter in Canberra family entertainment begins with the Grand Opening of The MAZE – Reimagined at Yarralumla Play Station on Saturday 28 March, with gates opening at 9:30am and the Official Opening Ceremony at 10:00am
Spanning four acres and more than 2.4 kilometres of winding pathways, The MAZE – Reimagined invites visitors to explore, discover and challenge themselves through a series of immersive maze experiences.
Throughout the maze you will discover three signature experiences:
The Infinity Room – a mesmerising space where mirrors and light create the illusion of endless reflections.
The Hive Maze – a maze within a maze, filled with multiple pathways and decision points that challenge visitors to find their way through.
The Infinity Cube – a curious structure where perspective and design create playful illusions and unexpected discoveries.
The grand opening celebration promises a full day of entertainment for the Canberra community.
Explore The MAZE – Reimagined across four acres and 2.4km of pathways
Discover The Infinity Room, The Hive Maze and The Infinity Cube
Visit and feed the Farm Friends
Playing a round of mini golf or two
Music and atmosphere with a live DJ
FREE face painting from 9:30am – 11:30am
FREE balloons and balloon twisting from 9:30am – 11:30am
Aviary offers a great time away with the birds
Parrots, finches, doves and quail are among the birds ready to interact at the Canberra Walk-in Aviary, says owner and manager Mick Logan.
The aviary is great fun for all ages.
Now is the best time to get up close and personal with a range of friendly, free-flying birds, he says.
“While not all birds will interact with you, visitors get the chance to observe, up close, species of birds that otherwise would be hard to see in the wild,” Mick says.
“We provide a small plate of food and a tub of mealworms and you can wander around and feed the birds.
“Provided the weather is fine, you can have a great
time feeding the birds, taking photos or just observing our feathered friends.”
The aviary is a 1000sqm planted walk-in enclosure that has more than 500 birds from about 65 different species from Australia and the world, Mick says.
“We accept student and senior concession cards,” he says.
The aviary is open every day, 10am-5pm, with last admissions at 4.30pm.
Special Guest – Dusty the Dinosaur
Keep your eyes open inside the maze because Dusty the Dinosaur will be hiding somewhere in The MAZE!
Find Dusty and win a prize - 11:00am – 1:00pm
Designed to encourage curiosity, exploration and fun, The MAZE – Reimagined provides a unique experience for families, friends and visitors of all ages.
Looking for an engaging school holiday activity for your children? Gooromon Park in Canberra has you covered!
With over 25 years of experience developing confident horse riders, Gooromon Park offers hands-on riding programs tailored for every skill level, fxrom complete beginners to advanced equestrians.
Designed specifically for young riders aged 6 and up, these programs introduce children to the world of horses in a safe and supportive environment. Expert instructors guide participants through essential riding skills, horse care, and safety measures, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
Each day includes two thrilling riding sessions, where kids can enjoy jumping, vaulting, and fun games. Participants also gain valuable horse care education, learning about grooming, saddling, and proper nutrition.
Interactive games and activities further enhance their experience, culminating in a certificate of attendance to commemorate their achievements.
Available options include a one-day program for $195 or a four-day program for $685.
These programs take place during ACT school holidays at Gooromon Park, located just 20 km from Canberra’s CBD.
Spaces are still available, so be sure to book early by calling 02 6230 2230 or registrations forms can be online at www.gooromonpark.com.au
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity for your children to create lifelong memories with horses!
Gooromon Park
214 Gooromon Ponds Road, Wallaroo NSW. Call 02 6230 2230 or visit gooromonpark.com.au
There’s so much family fun this school holidays at the National Zoo and Aquarium
Come meet the new arrivals to the lion pride, mum and dad Nairibi and Mlinzi welcomed three baby boys Kiazi, Tsenza and Mnavu to the pride to join big sister Nyra.
There are exciting activities each day with excellent entertainment every single weekend such as jumping castles, live music, educational fun for the kids as well as roving entertainment. There’s truly no better place to take the family in Canberra.
With animal encounters and tours running daily, one of Canberra’s best playgrounds and Australia’s first Zoo and Aquarium combination, memberships are an absolute must to take advantage of a whole calendar of memory-making fun.
For the avid adventurers out there, why not treat yourself to one of Australia’s most renowned accommodation spaces, Jamala Wildlife Lodge. This African-inspired space spruiks 18 unique suites rang -
ing from the uShaka Lodge where a ring-tailed lemur, meerkats or a beautiful saltwater aquarium meets your floor to ceiling windows.
The Giraffe Treehouses are a great family inspired getaway where you can feed Skye and Khamisi from your own private balcony.
The Jungle bungalows are also a great place to stay for any animal lover - cheetahs, sun bears or even a tiger will be your exclusive backyard neighbour. This school holidays there’s no better place to be then the National Zoo and Aquarium, Canberra’s Centre of Adventure.
National Zoo & Aquarium
999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston. Call 02 6287 8400 or visit nationalzoo.com.au
Join Luminescence children’s choir holiday program 2026!
Luminescence Children’s Choir Holiday Program is a five-day workshop for young people aged 7–12 who love to sing. There is no application or audition requirement for our holiday programs – all young singers are welcome!
Led by composer and pianist Sally Whitwell and Luminescence Chamber Singers bass-baritone Alasdair Stretch the Luminescence Holiday Program invites young singers to explore their voices and the magic of singing together over five glorious days.
Learn new songs, meet new friends, and discover music through games and play. The program runs from Monday July 6 to Friday July 10 between 9am-3pm at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. Supervision is available from 8.30am-5.00pm at additional cost.
Luminescence luminescence.org.au
The Luminescence Holiday Program gives young singers the chance to explore their voices, build confidence, and experience the magic of singing
Luminescence Children’s Choir Holiday Program is a 5 day workshop for young people aged 7–12 who love to sing. There is no application or audition requirement for our holiday programs –all young singers are welcome!
Weglarz.
“We show the history of corrections in Australia starting from the First Fleet, up until today,” he says.
“On November 1 2023, we celebrated our 150th anniversary, we’re the oldest working jail in Australia.”
Andrew says people should think of them as a big-city museum in a rural setting.
“We have a working gallows, people can use a real trap-door, but we also have fire trucks and tractors from history,” he says.
“We also have a show of Aboriginal history.”
Andrew says they have serving, minimum-security prisoners working as guides.
“We have done risk assessments with them, and they are coming to the end of serving their time,”
previously received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, alongside some fantastic reviews.
Andrew has been doing this work for eight years, having previously worked as a senior prison officer in the UK and in Canberra.
“My passion is the privilege I have been given to tell Australia’s history,” he says.
“I also set up displays in the reception areas of some other correctional facilities, too.”
Cooma Correctional Museum 2 Vagg Street, Cooma. Open every day, 8.30am-3.15pm. Call 6452 5974. correctiveservices.dcj.nsw.gov.au
South.Point is set to become a go-to destination these April school holidays, offering a full program of free, hands-on activities designed to keep kids engaged and families connected.
At South.Point, the highlight is an interactive Reptile Zoo workshop running across the two-week break, giving children the chance to learn about wildlife up close in a fun and educational setting. Alongside this, daily craft activities will run throughout the holidays, giving kids a creative outlet to make, build and explore.
South.Point marketing manager Carole Arulantu says the program has been shaped around what families are looking for during the holidays. “We wanted to create something that was easy for families to enjoy, where kids can be active, curious and entertained without parents needing to plan too much,” she says. A major competition adds to the excitement, designed to empower children to take the lead. Kids will need to solve a set of wildlife-themed questions to earn their family’s entry into the draw to win a family wild getaway to Taralga, including a BMW Canberra vehicle for the weekend, one night’s accommodation and continental breakfast at Charlie’s on Church, and entry to Taralga Wildlife Park.
“It’s about giving kids a sense of involvement and achievement, while creating something memorable for the whole family,” Carole says.
There’s even more to enjoy at South.Point, with a special treat from Donut King. Children who purchase two cinnamon donuts between 11am and 2pm, from April 7-19, will receive a specialty bag with a complimentary mini donut, and one lucky child will also find a golden ticket and win a family pass to the
movie passes to Limelight Cinemas. So, kids can take their families to a movie of their choice.
“At South.Point, we’re focused on creating experiences that bring people together and make time spent here genuinely enjoyable,” she says.
South.Point Shopping Centre Cnr Anketell and Reed streets, Tuggeranong. Call 02 6293 1000 or visit southpointcanberra.com.au
Open every day throughout the holidays, the park is the perfect destination for families looking to enjoy fresh country air and hands-on encounters.
At the heart of the experience is the chance to cuddle a wombat, a rare and unforgettable moment that delights visitors of all ages. Gentle, curious and undeniably cute, these iconic Australian animals provide a unique opportunity for connection that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere. Over Easter, visitors can also cuddle soft, friendly bunnies, adding a seasonal touch to the experience.
For those looking for even more interaction, guests
close encounters are what make Taralga Wildlife Park stand out, offering a genuine connection with animals in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Beyond these highlights, the park features a wide variety of animals and open spaces to explore at your own pace. With daily opening hours across the school holidays, Taralga Wildlife Park is an easy and rewarding day trip, delivering a unique mix of education, interaction and pure enjoyment this Easter season.
Taralga Wildlife Park
257 Bannaby Road, Taralga NSW. Call 0419 014 540 or find them on Facebook.
Drawing | Painting | Sculpting | Printmaking
For ages 5-12 years
Morning and afternoon workshops
7 - 10 and 13 - 17 April
Book online or find out more lavenderartstudios.com.au/school-holiday-program
This April, Lavender Art Studios invites young artists to step into a world of imagination, creativity, and artistic discovery through its highly anticipated School Holiday Art Workshops.
Running across two inspiring weeks in April, the program “Artistic Whispers from the Enchanted Grove” offers children aged 5-12 a unique opportunity to explore drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking in a calm and nurturing studio environment. Each workshop is thoughtfully designed to immerse students in a creative journey inspired by nature, storytelling, and the magic of the forest.
Guided by experienced professional art educators, students receive personalised support while developing essential artistic skills such as tone, composition, and material handling. The extended holiday format allows children to explore a wide range of mediums in depth, helping them build confidence and discover their individual artistic voice.
All art materials are provided, and each session is carefully structured to balance skill development with enjoyment, making it a rich and rewarding creative experience. With a professionally equipped
studio and a long-standing reputation for excellence in art education, Lavender Art Studios offers a truly distinctive holiday program. Workshops run daily with flexible booking options, making it easy for families to plan a creative school holiday experience.
Lavender Art Studios Visit lavenderartstudios.com.au/ school-holiday-program
Pied Piper Productions presents another exciting April school holiday show for the whole family, Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr. Journey “under the sea” with Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder, Scuttle and their aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.
This delightful production is based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.
In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home – and her
fins – behind and live in the world above.
But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.
Pied Piper Productions Bookings trybooking.com/ DDNOM
All enquries to Nina Stevenson 0409 823 640. Email info@pied-piper.com.au
By Helen MUSA
Most people have heard of Sigmund Freud’s idea that sons may see their fathers as rivals for their mother’s affection – the Oedipus complex.
Now Canberra audiences will have a rare chance to see the ancient play from which that idea takes its name.
Admired by Aristotle as the perfect play and the quintessential tragedy, Oedipus the King presents a world in which the god Apollo appears to have planned a man’s fate. Yet Oedipus insists it was he himself who struck the fatal blow.
The drama has many strings to its bow.
A university professor once told me it is essentially a detective story, with Oedipus both detective and perpetrator. Known as the cleverest of men, he became king after solving the riddle of the Sphinx, Oedipus vows to uncover the murderer whose crime has brought plague upon Thebes.
Yet he cannot see the truth before him. Only the blind prophet Teiresias perceives it clearly.
In an act of supreme dramatic irony, the playwright Sophocles ensures that we the
audience know the truth while Oedipus does not. We watch him caught in his own net.
The tension produces a classic example of catharsis, the emotional release that tragedy can evoke.
Michael Smith, founder of the producing company Greek Theatre Now, a journalist and administrator who studied opera at the Victorian College of the Arts and later at the Royal Academy of Music in London, has been singing since he was 15, when he was a student at Melbourne High School.
He moved to Canberra from Victoria in late 2017 to work in public affairs for the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, but resigned after three months. He now works as a physical exercise instructor and plans to run the historic Athens Marathon in Greece this November.
Smith is also expanding his Canberrabased company into a travelling troupe, with a booking in Perth in September and hopes of speaking with the Greek government about performing at one of the ancient sites in 2027.
As Smith directs this colourfully costumed Oedipus, he says, he has wondered whether Freud’s theory may not be entirely fanciful.
In the play, Jocasta tries to calm her husband by saying that many men have dreamed of lying with their mothers and that such thoughts should be dismissed and for Smith, the theme has a personal resonance.
His mother, who suffered from Parkinson’s disease, often needed his care.
“Many nights she was in pain,” he recalls.
“She was so sick that I lay beside her in bed trying to calm her. I didn’t think about it at the time, but I was lying where my father lay.”
“I’m a carbon copy of my dad, the same personality and the same singing voice. Later I realised I was lying where he lay.”
Smith also reflects on the famous moment in the play when Oedipus encounters his birth father, Laius, at a crossroads. Both men, he notes, are seized by the same road rage; the quarrel escalates and Oedipus strikes the older man down.
“These people are exactly like us,” Smith says. “But the play also has the presence of the divine. Far from being outdated, these works are absolutely up to date.”
He believes there is renewed interest in Greek mythology among younger audiences, evident in popular children’s series such as Percy Jackson and the Olympians and the Goddess Girls books.
This production, however, is primarily for adults, though Canberra schools have
expressed interest. Smith notes that Dionysus, the god of wine, is also the god of theatre, an art form he believes should remain free from social constraints and excessive political correctness.
“I worked with a trauma psychologist who once told me that the lips and the mouth are the digestive system of the mind, you have to express the horror in your head,” he says.
With that in mind, he has deliberately cast a younger actor, Andrew Mackenzie, as Oedipus opposite the more mature Kate Blackhurst as his mother and wife, Jocasta, a choice he describes as “a little bit gross and a little bit in your face”.
Another in-your-face moment comes when the blinded Oedipus appears with bloodied eye sockets while embracing his young daughters and telling them he is both their father and their brother.
Smith has also developed the script for the production, working from the celebrated translation by Sir Richard Claverhouse Jebb, widely regarded as the academic gold standard.
“I went through it line by line, updating it everywhere,” he says. “You have to know exactly what every line means.”
Oedipus the King, Burbidge Amphitheatre, Australian National Botanic Gardens, April 1-6. Paperchain Bookstore will host a conversation with Michael Smith and Tatiana Bur, of the ANU, on March 31.
Adding to the endless list of spin-off movies to major TV series, this month Peaky Blinders gets the treatment with a new film streaming on Netflix.
Titled The Immortal Man, it brings Cillian Murphy back to the screen as Tommy Shelby, the ruthless Birmingham gangster who has become one of modern TV’s most iconic characters.
Set in the soot-stained streets of Britain in the early 20th century, Peaky Blinders followed Shelby and the pack of mobsters he leads in a brutal world dominated by criminal turf wars.
Over six seasons Peaky Blinders only got better and better before coming to its violent crescendo in 2022.
But it was not the end of Shelby’s story.
This new film picks up in the years following the finale of the series.
Now set in World War II, Shelby becomes entangled in a Nazi plot to flood Britain with counterfeit money.
As he was in the series, Murphy is magnetic in the leading role and once again makes the character his own.
Essential viewing? Probably not for general audiences but for the die-hard fans of Peaky Blinders it’s a nice cherry on top of a great show. I doubt we’ve seen the end of this franchise yet.
WHEN Rupert Murdoch divorced Jerry Hall in 2022, rumour has it the settlement
included a strict clause she was not to talk to the writers of Succession and give them ideas for their hit drama-comedy series.
Loosely based around the dynastic antics of the media mogul’s family, the HBO Max series became one of the best shows on modern TV and drew huge audiences.
It’s no surprise then that Netflix has decided to cash in on that popularity with a new documentary series that is about the real-life family.
Streaming now, Dynasty: The Murdochs, is a very bingeable four-part series that explores the strange and exuberant lives of
this billionaire family.
There’s a look back at how the Australian mogul built his sprawling news and business empire before the show then pivots to the ongoing feud between his three children all competing for the crown.
Sounds a little familiar?
I was a little underwhelmed with the surface level access to the family’s inner workings here, but the doco is still an entertaining and informative look at the power plays that made the Murdochs what they are today.
IN an age where drama series about serial
killers and criminals are pumped out so often it feels like they’re on conveyor belts, it’s refreshing to see one set itself apart by not taking itself too seriously.
That’s the case in Deadloch, a dramacomedy streaming on Amazon Prime Video that’s just dropped its second season.
The first series was set in the fictional town of Deadloch, Tasmania. The locals are
preparing for the biggest event on their calendar, an annual winter festival when a body turns up on the beach, sparking a major murder investigation and throwing the populace into chaos.
The search for the killer brings together two very different detectives.
There’s Dulcie (played by Kate Box), a meticulous, by-the-book cop who must follow every thread to its very end.
Then there’s Eddie (played by Madeleine Sami), a disorganised but effective investigator sent from Darwin to tackle the case.
The show became an international hit thanks to a witty and compelling script, lifted by a sense of dark, Aussie humour that parodies much of the crime dramas seen elsewhere in the streaming world.
Season two moves away from Tasmania, this time going to Darwin where the team must investigate an even more personal murder: one of Eddie’s own family.
Amusing and engaging, Deadloch is one of Australia’s most impressive streaming exports and lightens up a genre that can feel like it’s drowning in dour cliches.
Leave it to Aussies to have a laugh in even the most stressful of situations.
Australian rock legend James Reyne brings The Fall of Crawl Tour to Canberra in a nostalgic celebration of the songs and stories of Australian Crawl. Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, April 2.
In a recent ceremony, the Australian government formally returned a group of pre-Hispanic artefacts, including three Olmec ear-shaped plaques, a Zacatecas funerary bowl and an Aztec ceramic whistle to Mexico after they were intercepted by Australian Border Force in 2023 and identified as having been illegally exported.
Daniel Riley, artistic director of Australian Dance Theatre, has been announced as the new ambassador of Quantum Leap, Canberra’s youth dance organisation. Riley was a member of the first generation of young artists to participate in its programs during the late 1990s.
James Reyne… Southern Cross Club, Woden, April 2.
composer Natalie Williams. Snow Concert Hall, March 29.
Canberra Mandolin Orchestra hosts Dancing Feet ’26, the lively finale of the UPSTAGEING Canberra Festival, inviting audiences to join an afternoon of bush and social dancing with plenty of toe-tapping music, raising funds for orphanages and sick children in Poland. Ainslie Arts Centre Main Hall, March 29.
Presented by the Canberra Choral Society, also as part of the UPSTAGEING Canberra festival, Our Stories, directed by Dan Walker, brings together the CCS choir with soprano Rachel Mink and baritone Alasdair Stretch, a string quartet and pianoforte, exploring songs shaped by lived experience. James Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, March 29.
Under the artistic direction of Louis Sharpe, the National Capital Orchestra opens its season with a program featuring Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto performed by Mia Stanton, Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony, and Sonic Boom by Australian
Super Rats dive into the rich traditions of Romanian music in a performance featuring shepherds’ doinas, dances from the rivers and plains of Oltenia and songs drawn from the fading musical glories of Bucharest, the result of decades of obsessive study, they say. Smith’s Alternative, March 29.
Art Song Canberra welcomes Australian soprano Lorina Gore, trained in Canberra, for Romance Sublime! joined by Canberra accompanist Anthony Smith in a program including Strauss’s Opus 10 alongside songs by Quilter, Sondheim and others. Wesley Music Centre, March 29.
On a recent venture to the south coast, I happily munched my way through new and relatively new dining spots in Batemans Bay, and around Mogo and Mossy Point.
Here are highlights for those heading down the coast for the holidays.
Savour the sea and toast to today at the Oyster Cove Cocktail Bar, on the bay’s boardwalk, with fab water views. Oysters are fresh and cocktails creative, including the classic margarita ($22). Order oysters natural, with mignonette, blood orange gin vinaigrette and pickled ginger, or coconut liqueur vinaigrette ($5.50 each). Tapas is also the go.
On Orient Street is the reformed, heritage-listed Bayview Hotel, under new owners. Canberrans do a double-take because the décor mirrors the Kingston Hotel and Civic Hotel, complete with bright red tartan carpet and fake library books (no coastal theme here). The menu and wine lists are more-or-less the
the bay. The steak was juicy and cooked just so ($34.90 for 300 grams of Angus Porterhouse or $39.90 for Angus Scotch Fillet).
For a quick, delicious coffee and a massively tasty Jaffa ($14), head to small but mighty Open Face, which opened about a year ago. It can be noisy, but that Jaffa, created with quality ham and cheese on Lagom Bakery bread ($14), is worth the visit. Although far from new (established 1978), the Batemans Bay Ice Creamery is a hot spot
flavours of ice cream. On a brilliantly sunny morning, I indulged in the short stack of three pancakes with strawberries and maple syrup ($18). Across from the Marina on Beach Road is Sawaan (Quays Hotel), well-known for tasty Thai. Sit by the windows for water views. As a large group, we shared heaps of dishes. Loved the minced pork and prawn dim sum (four pieces, $11.90) and worshipped the red roasted duck
curry ($27.90). Note: Sawaan hadn’t secured its liquor licence on our visit. BYO wine only.
Further afield is Foxdog Distillery with its stunning architecture, massive feature wall of gin bottles and sweeping views of the Wandera Mountain and Mogo State Forrest. It’s an idyllic backdrop. We sipped award-winning Mandarin gin and Samphire gin (both $16) before sharing deep-fried, but super light, beer-battered butternut pumpkin tacos ($20). Next was Soprano pizza ($29), loaded with Italian pork sausage, mushrooms, cheese and white truffle oil (burnt around some edges but not the end of the world).
The Arlo Restaurant , Oaks Ranch, Mossy Point, is a mustvisit for more of a fine-dining experience. I’ll have more to say in an upcoming full review of this special spot.
most rose’ is made from,” he said, “so I played around in 2022 and decided to co-ferment five per cent cabernet with 95 per cent riesling, the grapes that I grow. This is the fourth time I’ve produced this wine and it’s now our second biggest seller at the cellar door.”
The colour of the rose’ is salmon pink, reminiscent of a Provence rose’, and the bouquet is a mix of strawberry and jasmine. The palate is dry but there’s a hint of sweetness in the finish that embraces the lime characteristics of a young riesling. It’s very different from other rose’s. I bought a bottle.
schoolhouse, a tiny wooden structure, built in 1888, which operated as the Toula Public School till 1940. Its bell features on the Helm label. Ken is on the cusp of picking his 50th vintage and as an octogenarian remains smart as a tack.
He was in fine fettle as he took us through some of his current release wines before we experienced the museum tasting. The two current release
Riesling is not made every year. “In fact,” he said, “it’s only been made 17 times and is sourced from the two best vineyards in this valley.” This wine epitomises the best of the Canberra District.
The Riesling Rose’ is unique. Ken said that his daughter, Stephanie Helm, winemaker at the Vintner s Daughter, had prompted him to make a rose’ because of its popularity, which Ken at first rejected saying: “Rose’ is often a bullshit wine.”
He meant that it is often produced too sweet, too pale, lolly water.
“I don’t grow any grenache or sangiovese that
The museum-release wines prove Ken’s proposition that his wines can be kept for a long time. This came through in the tasting of the 2006 and the 2013 Premium Riesling. Neither displayed the petroleum taste that you get from some aged rieslings, a small amount of which can add to the flavour profile but I’ve tasted aged rieslings that are not drinkable because of this.
The 2006 had stewed apples on the nose, still bright in colour. Despite its age, the fruit characteristics were there, well balanced with a hint of citrus. The 2013 was still bright in colour, with toasted coconut on the nose. The textural elements of this wine were enhanced and it was mouth filling with balanced fruit and alcohol. These are wines made by an expert winemaker. Alas, I’m only an expert in ice cream, as I went to sundae school.
•
By Jackie WARBURTON
Kiwifruit are beginning to ripen now and are ready to eat once the birds discover them.
Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a vigorous climbing vine that needs plenty of space. It can grow up to five metres in a single season.
The plants are dioecious, which means both male and female vines are required for pollination and fruit production. One male vine will pollinate five to six female vines, although most suburban gardens will produce more than enough fruit from just one or two vines.
Kiwifruit are versatile garden plants. In summer they provide welcome shade, while in winter they are deciduous and can be pruned.
Male vines can also be grown purely as ornamental climbers. I
have successfully used them to shade sunny areas without the need to manage fruit.
Plant kiwifruit vines in winter while they are dormant. Flowering occurs in September and October, so it helps to have other flowers nearby to attract bees for pollination.
Male vines can be trained up a pillar and pruned hard after flowering, allowing female vines space and sunlight to produce fruit.
Training the fruiting canes horizontally improves yield, produces better-quality fruit, and makes vines easier to net if needed.
Pruning should be carried out several times during the year to keep growth under control. Remove damaged or crossing branches as they appear. In winter, prune back to the main framework branches, leaving sturdy stubs with six to eight buds.
When cut, kiwifruit vines exude a white latex. The fruit are also slightly prickly and may irritate the skin, so gloves are recommended when handling the vines.
If space is limited, try the self-fertile kiwi berry, Actinidia arguta ‘Issai’. Kiwi berries are closely related to traditional kiwifruit but have smooth skin and smaller fruit. They can be trained in the same way, and only one vine is required for fruit production.
AUTUMN colour is now appearing in foliage, along with the fruit and berries of many trees. Some autumn-fruiting trees make excellent seasonal feature plants in the garden. Hawthorns (Crataegus species) are well suited to our region, and C. smithiana is commonly used as a long-lived street tree.
However, some hawthorns are considered weeds, including C. monogyna. These should be removed immediately. For correct identification, refer to canberra. naturemapr.
Collectors may wish to look for a more unusual species: Crataegus tanacetifolia, the Tansy-leaved hawthorn. This thornless tree can be grown as a small to medium shade tree.
In autumn it produces striking orange-yellow fruit that often remains on the tree through winter.
The tree is extremely hardy and is not affected by pear and cherry slug. The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, and is suitable for jams and jellies. It would also make a
is about
month away. If the vegetable garden is not to be planted with winter crops, consider sowing a green manure now.
Green manure crops are mixtures of grains and legumes grown in fallow vegetable beds. They replenish nitrogen and increase organic matter in the soil over winter. Good options include fava beans, lupins, millet and barley. Sow the seed over lightly tilled soil and water in. Once the plants begin to flower, chop them down with a spade and dig the material into the soil.
If timed well, this should occur about six weeks before planting spring crops later in the year. Green manure crops are also useful where crop rotation is not possible.
jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au
• Fertilise roses for autumn growth.
• Divide herbs while the soil is still warm.
• Take semi hardwood cutting from camellias.
By Joanne Madeline Moore
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Thursday’s Full Moon (in Libra) lights up your partnership zone, so focus maximum attention on the special loved ones in your life. It’s also time to get the balance right between invigorating independence and cosy togetherness. Your motto for the week is from birthday great, writer and activist Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)
Are you stuck in a Taurean rut? Have you been too stubborn to embrace change? This week’s Full Moon shakes up your daily routine zone, plus Mercury and Mars are both moving through your peer group and networking zone. So use it as an opportunity to open your mind, extend your connections and expand your world. Then the Venus/Pluto square (on Friday/Saturday) could stir up a personal problem, or conflict with a partner or work colleague.
GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)
The planets precipitate a romantic or friendship shake-up, as you reassess your relationship priorities. But, under the influence of extravagant Jupiter, you could blow your budget with a spontaneous spending spree or commit yourself to an ambitious project that you really don’t have the energy or enthusiasm for. So think things through before you make promises! Short-term big talk is no good if it doesn’t translate into long-term dynamic action.
CANCER (June 22 – July 23)
Caring Cancers are the natural nurturers of the zodiac but looking after loved ones won’t be easy this week, as you juggle your busy personal and professional lives. The Full Moon falls in your domestic zone, so it’s a good time to clean and de-clutter your living space, then you can enjoy entertaining family and/or close friends on the weekend. Some lucky Crabs will travel somewhere special – to a much-loved destination with good food and beautiful surroundings.
LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)
The Full Moon fires up your tempestuous nature, so you’ll feel amped up and ready to perform! But don’t let overconfidence (and over-exuberance) trip you up. Your head’s full of ambitious dreams and fabulous schemes, but they will only work if you can persuade other people to contribute to Team Leo. You’ll find creative collaboration (especially with people in your local community) will take you a lot further than functioning as a solo operator.
VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
Thursday’s Full Moon stimulates your self-esteem and money zone. So – if you want to do well financially – spending sprees are out, and serious saving is in. It’s also an appropriate time to reflect on your personal values and reassess your priorities. Then, on Friday, expansive Jupiter trines Mercury (your ruling planet). So it’s a fabulous time for study, business, networking, travel and socialising. Make sure you do something that makes your heart sing.
LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
With the Full Moon falling in your sign (on Thursday) many Librans will feel charged up with lunar energy and intuitive insights. You’re also keen to motivate, encourage and inspire others, plus make the most of your well-developed diplomatic skills. Your motto is from birthday great, writer Maya Angelou: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive. And to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style”.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
Thursday’s Full Moon is a good time to meditate, contemplate, ruminate and try to relax and rejuvenate. Then the Venus/Pluto square (on Friday/Saturday) could stir up an old issue or resentment, especially involving a romantic or family relationship. So it’s time to be patient and compassionate as you develop a practical, long-term plan. Your motto for the moment is from this week’s birthday great, movie icon Bette Davis: “The key to life is accepting challenges.”
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
Friday’s Mercury/Jupiter connection encourages you to transform your life by broadening and deepening your horizons. Physically, mentally and spiritually. It’s also time to expand your circle of influence and make some positive (and possibly radical) changes, especially at work. Stay alert, so you can capitalise on any lucky opportunities that come your way. On the weekend, be careful you don’t upset someone by making an impulsive, insensitive remark.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
Thursday’s Full Moon lights up your career/reputation/life direction zone. So – this week - many Capricorns will find more meaningful, creative, compassionate and/or spiritual ways to make the world a better place. Your motto for the moment comes from environmentalist, activist and birthday great Jane Goodall: (who was born on April 3, 1934) “Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.”
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
On Thursday, the Full Moon activates your travel and adventure zone, so you’ll feel restless and experience a strong drive for freedom and independence. It’s a delicate balancing act but being the real, authentic, quirky Aquarian you were born to be is a top priority at the moment. Your motto is from birthday great, writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou: “If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”
PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
This week’s stars increase your creative and intuitive side, so it’s a wonderful time to do a Full Moon meditation and/or work on a special creative project that packs an emotional punch. To have magical dreams and colourful visions. To express your inner artist as you write, sing, draw, dance, perform, paint or play music. Be inspired by birthday great, memoirist and poet Maya Angelou: “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
Joanne Madeline Moore
1 Name an edible bivalve mollusc. (7)
2 To break to pieces, is to do what? (5)
3 When one torments, one does what? (7)
4 To discover or notice, is to do what? (6)
5 Name the capital of France. (5)
6 What is a convulsion? (7)
7 To be brief and pithy, is to be what? (5)
13 Name a garden plant with edible leafstalks. (7)
15 Which term means for the reason that? (7)
16 What are inns also known as? (7)
17 What is an instrumentality? (6)
18 Name a US harmonica player, Larry ... (5)
19 What is another term for offspring? (5)
20 To examine accounts, is to do what? (5)
Chartered accountant GAIL FREEMAN says there's a lot happening in the superannuation space right now, and shares some important reminders.
If you are an employer, on July 1 the new payday super regime starts.
I have written about payday super previously. You can find this in the citynews.com.au archive, in the December 2, 2025 edition. It is now only three months away and super is going to have to be paid with wages every pay period.
This will clearly impact cash flow, so now is a good time to start paying the super with your payroll.
Under this new system there is no leeway for late payments. The super payment must be received by the fund/s within seven days of the payroll date. This is a very tight timeframe.
Most payroll programs are set up for payday super, so it is not too hard to start paying super now. The old system continues until June 30 so any super that is due and relates to the period before then does not need to be paid until late July.
THERE are other significant changes that go along with payday super. The most important is that any late payments become tax-deductible. Before June 30 this year, late payments were nondeductible as were all the other charges imposed. Therefore, if you pay super late, you have the comfort of knowing that it is taxdeductible from July 1, unless it relates to an earlier period.
THEN there is the additional tax on super balances of more than $3 million. If your super balance is between $3 million and $10 million, you will pay an extra 15 per cent on the earnings above $3 million. If your super balance exceeds $10 million, you will pay a further 10 per cent on the earnings above $10 million.
For clarity, this means that the earnings of the first $3 million are taxed the same as they are now and only the excess is subject to the additional tax.
If you are anxious about this, please contact your superannuation advisor for clarity. The additional tax will be assessed to you personally, but you can choose to ask the fund to release it. Fortunately, both the $3 million figure and the $10 million figure will be indexed.
NOW for some good news. The general transfer balance cap increases to $2.1 million effective from July 1.
This is the total amount of superannuation that you may transfer into a tax-free pension. If you have already begun a pension, you will be entitled to a percentage of this increase if you commence another pension. It is not the maximum amount you can hold in super and if, with good earnings, your balance exceeds $2.1 million, there are no further implications for you until such time as your super exceeds $3 million (see above).
AND in more good news from July 1, the total amount that you and your employer can contribute to concessional superannuation contributions, tax-deductible contributions, increases to $32,500. Also, the non-concessional contributions cap increases to $130,000. This allows you over three-years to contribute $390,000 to super. This can be very helpful if you have an inheritance or savings and want to top up your super, but it is not tax deductible.
All these changes continue to make superannuation a very effective vehicle for ensuring your retirement is comfortable.
If you require information on any tax or superannuation related matter, contact the expert team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 02 6295 2844.
Come along and see the friendly free-flying birds that can be photographed and fed. Walk amongst over 500 birds from 60 species from Australia and around the world!
Open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm with the last admission 4.30pm
