Whimsy columnist CLIVE WILLIAMS rounds up the lost anecdotes.
One Nation has nothing to offer Canberra, but… ANDREW HUGHES
Never criticise someone’s bliss, and that’s a rule!
ANTONIO DI DIO
Caring for those fickle frangipanis
JACKIE WARBURTON
$1000 OF PETROL
TO BE WON Details Page 22
FREE kids activities plus your chance to win a wild family adventure! Get hands-on with nature: 7-11 April and 14-18 April
Since 1966, Norwood Park has provided a beautiful and tranquil setting for memorials and ceremonies in the ACT. The landscaped grounds sit elevated above Canberra and are one of Australia’s most established memorial parks.
• Indoor and outdoor chapel areas
• On-site function room/catering and picnic areas available
• Custom plaques and a large selection of urns
• Over 20 acres of various memorial gardens
• Friendly and supportive staff
• Our grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset
www.norwoodpark.com.au
By Tia PRIEST-WILLIMOTT
Italian-born master cutter
Roberto Pozzato is heading a local academy that’s training the next generation of hairdressers.
“What I’m teaching is based on discipline because I think that talent is common, but discipline is very hard to find,” the new arrival to Canberra says.
“So, my goal is to teach work ethics and how to bring your best self everywhere you go.”
Roberto has been making waves (and bobs, and fringes and, well, you get the picture) in Jamison since the start of this year.
Before heading to the ACT, Roberto worked in London and Sydney for Toni&Guy, a British international chain of hairdressing salons founded in 1963.
Roberto wants the next generation of hairdressers to embrace the creativity behind the skill, from the way they wrap the cape around each client, to the way they handle their scissors.
“I’m also teaching things like body position because I believe that your body is an extension of your hairdressing tool, so if you’re using your body wrong then you can’t create the
•
I wasn’t able to communicate with my customers,” Roberto says.
Thanks to friendly customers, classic movies and friends, Roberto learnt English and started working with Toni&Guy.
Four years later, he decided it was time to “fly again”.
So, he and his best mate packed up and moved across the world to Sydney.
“I started in Bondi Junction in Toni&Guy, then I became a national educator with them, and then in 2022 I moved to the CBD,” Roberto says.
After seven years in Sydney, Roberto moved to Canberra for a change of pace.
“Now that I’m here, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.”
Alongside his passion for hairdressing and teaching local talent at the academy, he’s a strong advocate for men’s mental health.
correct shape in a haircut,” he says.
“The customers are the audience. I always build up a show and that’s why I’m teaching performance.
“I want to teach them how to dance and fly when they’re giving a haircut.”
Throughout his career, he’s given models, actors, actresses and influencers fresh haircuts. Now, he’s cutting the hair of Canberrans.
Roberto’s passion for hairdressing started when he was 14 in the small Italian village of Brandizzo.
“My hair was blonde and curly and, as I grew up, it started getting darker and straighter and I just didn’t like it. So, I went through a buzzcut phase,”
Roberto says.
“My mum said to me, ‘I’m paying every week for a buzzcut. Get a different haircut or I’ll buy you a clipper’.”
Roberto opted for the clippers.
“I started giving myself mullets and mohawks, all crazy things… But it was hard to do it on myself, so I called my mates and that’s how I started and I
never stopped,” Roberto says.
“They all said, ‘Roberto, you’re actually really good at what you’re doing, you’ve got eyes for the end result’.”
A few years later Roberto went to hairdressing school, where he officially got his qualifications.
After learning as much as he could from various Italian salons, he decided he wanted to see more of the world.
“So, I took all my stuff and moved to London without a word of English… I had to start as an apprentice because
“In November last year, me and my best mates in Sydney helped organise a beard bash competition,” he says.
All the proceeds went to helping men’s mental health.
Beard owners stay tuned – Roberto and his friend are looking at holding a similar competition in Canberra, with some basic plans in the works.
Roberto has high hopes for his time in Canberra, but for now, he invites you to sit back, let your hair down and watch the magic unfold starting from his scissors and comb.
General manager: Tracey Avery, tracey@citynews.com.au
Sales & marketing executives: Damien Klemke, 0439 139001
Ashika Nambiar, 0425 149860
Lisa Clarke, 0413 590811
Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au
Arts editor: Helen Musa, helen@citynews.com.au
Production manager: Janet Ewen
Graphic designer: Mona Ismail
Distribution manager: Penny McCarroll
Evans
The Victorian teachers and ABC staff have gone on strike seeking a fair deal. Australia can expect to see ongoing and expanding industrial strife unless there is a fairer redistribution of wealth.
The media has focused on the issue of housing, and there is no doubt the issue is real, and younger workers are feeling that they have been shafted by previous generations. The only individuals who are able to purchase homes are those supported by the Bank of Mum and Dad.
A supply-and-demand problem does exist regarding housing and is exacerbated by the levels of immigration. However, it is not the full story. The broader context is about distribution of wealth.
Major parties have been reluctant to effectively tax big business. Is it the donations made to those parties? Is it effective lobbying and influence by big business? Is it the relationships built by the powerful with those in power? Or, has the attempt by Kevin Rudd to introduce the mining industry super profits tax and the loss of his prime ministership tainted the behaviour of politicians? Or, perhaps, it’s a combination of all these factors?
In late April, 2010, then-prime minister Kevin Rudd announced his
intention to tax the super profits that were being made by a thriving mining industry.
This, along with postponing the emissions trading scheme, would cost him his job. Although the super profits mining tax was initially supported by the Murdoch media, a total turn around followed with what can only be described as a relentless campaign against the idea.
The outcome is that Australian resources continue to provide extraordinary profits for the mining industry and its shareholders. The extraction and distribution of Australia’s natural gas resources that return very little money to ordinary Australians, for example, is outrageous.
Currently, our tax system transfers wealth from those who can least afford it to those already seriously wealthy. Will the government have the courage in the next budget to introduce a fairer system?
The scandalous half-truth tactics deployed by the mining industry at the time were nauseating. But they were effective – and the rich continued to get richer, while the distribution of wealth to ordinary workers began a long, slow decline.
According to the mining industry at the time, it would be mum and dad investors who would miss out. The reality was that such investors, even through their superannuation, received a minimal share of the profits.
The stock market also facilitates the distribution of profits from the less well off to the wealthy.
Donald Trump’s announcement that he would not pursue “dire vengeance” on Iran was preceded, according to CNBC, reports by “a sharp and isolated jump in volume” in Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and oil markets.
It would appear that someone close to Trump was able to make huge profits on oil futures, estimated by The Financial Times in the order of $US580 million ($A834 million).
While ordinary people struggle with cost of living, our government supports Israel and America invading Iran over oil. The pretence of weapons of mass destruction (this time nuclear potential) is as farcical as it was in Iraq. In the Middle East, the country that has actually invaded a range of its neighbours is Israel – and they do have nuclear weapons!
Which brings us to the price of oil. As soon as the Straits of Hormuz was blocked, our fuel prices skyrocketed. Diesel was $1.66 a litre just before the crisis. A couple of weeks later, it rose to over $3 a litre. Old stocks of fuel were still being held by the distributors. No one can convince me that the major distributors were not price gouging.
The federal government’s response was to allow the ACCC to investigate. However, as former Commissioner Alan Fels pointed out, the ability for them to do anything about price gouging is minimal thanks to amendments made to their legislation under the
former coalition government and not corrected since.
The price of fuel skyrocketed, and other prices are following suit. Transport will cost so much more. For farmers, the cost of running their machinery and purchasing fertiliser will also go through the ceiling –pushing the price of fresh produce.
Our current taxation processes facilitate a transfer of wealth from those who can least afford it to those who are already seriously wealthy.
Will the government have the courage in the next budget to introduce a fairer taxation system? If they are not willing or able to do so, Australian workers will have little choice but to take industrial action, including on the streets.
Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health. He has been a political columnist with CityNews since 2006.
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
Since the mid 1980s there have been several proposals for high-speed rail (HSR) linking the east coast capitals. All have been derailed on the issue of cost.
The latest proposal, the NewcastleSydney-Western Sydney Airport HSR, is the first stage of a HSR linking Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. Will the proposal suffer the fate of its predecessors?
The business case, prepared by the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) estimates the project will cost $93 billion and over the next 50 years will generate some $250 billion for the economy, produce 99,000 jobs, cut travel time from Sydney to Newcastle from two-and-a-half hours to one hour and improve housing affordability by facilitating increased demand and supply of housing in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast.
Infrastructure Australia (IA) is supportive of the project’s potential to deliver economic benefits and to increase the quality of life from increased productivity, tourism, access to housing, education and health services.
However, it has identified issues needing further assessment including whether the housing estimates can be delivered given labour and resource constraints; further justification of housing and employment benefits
and costs, its constructability (the 194km first stage Newcastle-to-Sydney requires 114km of tunnels and 41km of viaducts); the travel-time savings; the environmental impacts; the impact on travel patterns and travel choices and an investigation of the funding strategy.
A decision about the project’s future is expected in 2028. If approved, it could be operating from Newcastle to Sydney Central by 2039 and to the Western Sydney Airport by 2042. Under this timetable it would be surprising to see HSR arriving in Canberra before 2050.
Its development will almost certainly be funded through a publicprivate partnership (PPP) to leverage private sector expertise and capital.
PPPs are not without risk and a number have failed primarily from an underestimation of risk, poor contract management stemming from inadequate skills within the bureaucracy,
Given it could be decades (if ever) before highspeed rail serves Canberra, consideration needs to be given to more immediate transport needs.
an undue focus on cost minimisation rather than best value, higher than expected construction costs or overestimates of patronage.
The Commonwealth has provided initial funding of $660 million for the business case, design, planning and environmental approvals for the Sydney-to-Newcastle HSR stage. The level of funding reflects an attempt to de-risk the project.
Any assessment should demonstrate HSR is a better use of funds than alternatives including the provision of providing light rail, bus rapid transit and comprehensive cycling networks in major cities; funding the construction of social and affordable housing; funding health, schools, libraries, recreation and cultural facilities.
Given it could be decades (if ever) before HSR serves Canberra, consideration needs to be given to more immediate transport needs.
IA’s two-to-four-year infrastructure priority list identifies upgrades of the existing Canberra-to-Sydney railway
to increase capacity and reduce travel times. The number of projects on the priority list far exceeds the infrastructure funds available.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr supports improving the existing Canberra-to-Sydney line with the aim of cutting the trip from more than four hours to three hours, which he says was achievable for less than a billion dollars and would make it a genuine low-carbon alternative to driving or flying.
The ACT has formed a working group with the NSW government to investigate possible improvements to the Sydney-to-Canberra railway line and has proposed that feasibility work be jointly funded by both jurisdictions and the Commonwealth.
Once the HSR is developed, the Canberra-to-Goulburn section could become redundant. The potential redundancy should be considered in determining investment priorities as should the viability and timing of HSR.
While the HSRA has yet to finalise the alignment of the Sydney-to-Melbourne corridor, a major component is likely to be a spur line connecting the Sydney-to-Melbourne HSR alignment to Canberra Airport, similar to that identified in the 2013 High Speed Rail Feasibility Study and by Fastrack Australia in 2023. Travel time between Sydney
and Canberra is estimated to be 60 to 90 minutes.
A priority should be to acquire land along the HSR alignment to capture future land value increases and reduce construction costs.
Fastrack Australia outlined how the HSR could be a catalyst of regional growth, stimulating residential development around Sutton, Gundaroo, Gunning, Yass and Goulburn. It also suggested Canberra’s light rail network be extended to the Airport; and the existing railway alignment from Queanbeyan and Bungendore be converted to light rail, which would facilitate development in Kowen and Bungendore. How the light rail or perhaps a bus rapid transport alternative is to be funded would need to be determined.
Demonstrating HSR or improvements to existing rail infrastructure are a better use of funds than alternatives will be a complex and difficult task given the state of government finances.
Why do I have a feeling of deja vu?
As Earth Day approaches this April, South. Point Shopping Centre is bringing sustainability, learning and curiosity together through a vibrant school holiday program designed with one clear focus, empowering children.
More than just a place to shop, South.Point continues to position itself as a true community hub, and this year’s Earth Day inspired activities reflect a growing commitment to engaging young minds in meaningful, handson experiences. Through a carefully curated mix of wildlife encounters, creative play and interactive challenges, children are not just being entertained, they are being encouraged to take the lead, make decisions and actively engage with the world around them.
At the centre of the program is the interactive Canberra Reptile Zoo workshop, running across the two-week school holiday break. Offering children the chance to get up close with reptiles and native wildlife, the experience brings the Earth Day themes to life in a practical and engaging way, helping young participants better understand ecosystems, conservation and the role each species plays in the environment.
Daily craft activities complement the workshops, giving children space to create, build and explore while reinforcing environmental awareness. Importantly, these sessions are designed to let children guide their own outcomes, choosing what they make, how they approach it and how they express their ideas. This sense of autonomy plays a key role in building confidence and encouraging independent thinking.
South.Point marketing manager Carole Arulantu says the program has been carefully shaped to put children at the centre of the experience.
“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. “But more than that, we wanted kids to feel like this was theirs, that they’re part of it, making choices and driving the experience.”
Carole says Earth Day provided the perfect foundation for this approach. “Earth Day is about awareness and responsibility, and those are things children can really connect with when they’re given the opportunity,” she says.
“If we can help them feel confident in asking questions and exploring ideas, that’s incredibly powerful.”
That philosophy is brought to life through a major competition that places children firmly in the driver’s seat. To enter, kids must solve a series of wildlife-themed questions, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving and persistence.
drive through the region’s
The experience also includes entry to Taralga Wildlife Park, reinforcing the program’s Earth Day
opportunity to spend time together watching a movie of their choice.
Adding a playful twist, Donut King Tuggeranong is running a special promotion from April 7 to 18. Children who purchase two cinnamon donuts between 11am and 2pm will receive a specialty bag with a complimentary limited edition mini donut. Hidden among them is a golden ticket, with one lucky child winning a family pass to the Canberra Reptile Zoo, a hands-on attraction where families can safely interact with reptiles and learn about their role in the ecosystem.
“It’s about giving kids a sense of involvement and achievement, while creating something memorable for the whole family,” Carole says.
“They’re not just entering a competition, they’re working something out, taking ownership and seeing the result of their effort.”
The reward is a thoughtfully designed family getaway to Taralga. The prize includes the use of a premium BMW from BMW Canberra for the weekend, offering a comfortable and enjoyable
message, rewarding children’s effort and curiosity with meaningful experiences that build confidence and deepen their understanding of the natural world.
“There’s something really powerful about hands-on experiences,” Carole says. “When children can see, touch, create and interact, it builds confidence and helps them understand that learning can come from doing.”
There are also instant rewards to keep the excitement building. The first 25 entries will receive family movie passes to Limelight Cinemas Tuggeranong, giving families another
“At South.Point, we’re focused on creating experiences that bring people together and make time spent here genuinely enjoyable,” Carole says. “If kids leave feeling confident, curious and proud of what they’ve done, then we’ve created something truly valuable.”
This Earth Day, South.Point is showing that empowering children starts with opportunity, the chance to explore, to question and to take part. By placing kids at the centre of the experience, the centre is not only creating memorable school holidays, but helping to nurture a generation that feels capable, engaged and connected to the world around them.
South.Point Shopping Centre Cnr Anketell and Reed streets, Tuggeranong. Call 02 6293 1000.
southpointcanberra.com.au
One of the big questions from the South Australian election is could One Nation get the same number of votes in Canberra?
ACT Labor seemed to be worried. There was not one but two senior ACT Labor leaders, Andrew Barr and Andrew Leigh, on the Monday after trying to raise fear that it could.
Leigh’s ad though seemed to have a touch of AI to it, and when posted on X likely didn’t get the response hoped for but, hey, social media, right?
So are their fears warranted locally? No, but One Nation might have an influence in 2028 if luck and strategy go their way.
Here are three reasons why I think they won’t do that well.
1. Us
Canberra is perhaps the most progressive area in the nation politically.
Marriage equality? Resounding yes. The Voice? The only yes. Government? We have voted in a majority of parliamentarians for decades now from Labor and the Greens. They’ve been joined by two progressive independents. The Liberals dominant faction is moderate progressive.
Then there’s our way of life. Trading hours are the envy of those in some of the bigger states such as SA. An education system with colleges
and a large public service.
We are one of the most diverse places in Australia, home to scores of embassies and consulates, and with students who travel from all corners of the globe to study at our universities.
Sure, not all feel the love of this, but elections and issue-based referendum results say that’s only a minority. A minority that’s likely split on who they identify with at the ballot box.
This has made it hard for One Nation to establish any sort of foothold here. You need a base to survive and compete as a political party. That base comes from us. And most of us are in the base of someone else right now. It can change, but in Canberra it is likely to be more of a change
from one progressive party to another progressive party.
2. Who we want to represent us
So if One Nation were to do well, where would that be in the ACT? Where could a leader get resonance and momentum enough to make a difference? Inner-urban areas are out as those areas are now becoming threeway tussles between Labor, the Greens and the emerging independents.
So maybe the middle-ring areas of Belconnen and Woden? No, Labor and the Liberals take the lion’s share there, and the Greens and independents are likely to go down to the wire in 2028 for the last spots as happened in 2024. That leaves the outer areas of Canberra. Outer areas are drifting to
It is hard, very hard, here in Canberra to get elected even if your leader, candidates, policies and campaign are all decent.
One Nation if the numbers from SA can be extrapolated here. BUT can or should they?
The fear Labor is expressing locally is that they may no longer finish above the Liberals in seat count with One Nation in the field due to preference flows. One Nation won’t be just to blame for that, performance in government will be the main culprit.
Could we see an effective One Nation leader in a progressive city? Possibly. A more modern, palatable leader like the far-right parties have in Italy, France, and Germany could change that story. But there is no sign yet of that person emerging here.
Past behaviour can be an indicator of future behaviour. But as a marketer, I know that’s what it is – an indicator, but not necessarily a predictor. SA has shown that.
Current polling also says that. Then there’s our system. The Independents for Canberra had a significant campaign in 2024, worked tirelessly in many parts of Canberra. The result? One person elected. Fiona Carrick will tell you about the hard work she had to do, the painful lessons learnt from prior defeats, before getting to the Assembly. It is hard, very hard, here in Canberra to get elected even if your leader, candidates, policies and campaign are all decent. Our closest system in Australia, Tasmania, has a similar history.
Should One Nation be ignored by our parties then? No way! Not in the dynamic context of the 2020s. Yes, so much can change quickly, but some things do take time. But if the 2020s are teaching us anything, surprises can happen.
Dr Andrew Hughes lectures at the ANU Research School of Management, where he special ises in political marketing.
CLIVE WILLIAMS’ Whimsy column runs every two weeks. Sometimes his signature joke at the end is lost to space limitations. To make amends, he’s written a column for this ‘in between’ week – and it’s ALL anecdotes!
“Comedy script writing is one of the few trades that doesn’t have to fear competition from the Japanese.”
– Denis Norden
I’m told that some readers of Whimsy only read it for the joke at the end. Sometimes it’s left off in CityNews due to space limitations.
To make up for the missing anecdotes, here’s a column that’s ALL anecdotes.
People’s sense of humour may be different, and I recognise it would be unwise to give up my day job. Anyway, here you are:
AT two am, a doctor’s mobile phone rings. Both husband and wife wake up. The tired husband says: “It must be a patient calling. Tell them I’m on shift at the hospital and left my phone at home.” The wife passes this on, and a voice responds which the husband also hears: “I’m so sorry to bother you, I was simply needing the name of
an emergency medicine for our son’s abdominal pain.” The now embarrassed doctor whispers the names of a couple of options to his wife, who repeats them to the caller. Then the caller asks how to administer them. The husband whispers that too. The caller thanks her and says: “That’s very kind of you, madam – may I just clarify one thing? Is the person with you also a doctor?”
THERE was Fred with a long face sitting at the bar staring at his drink when a large, troublemaking bikie steps up next to him, grabs his drink, and gulps it down in one swig. “Well, whatcha’ gonna do about it?”, he says, menacingly.
“This is the worst day of my life,” Fred responds, “I’m a complete failure. I was late to a meeting and my boss fired me. When I went to the parking lot, I found my car had been stolen and I don’t have any insurance. I left my wallet in the cab I took home. I found my wife with another man,
and then her dog bit me.
“So I’ve come to this bar to work up the courage to end it all. I bought myself a drink, I dropped a poison capsule in it, and I’m sitting here watching the poison dissolve; then you show up and drink the whole thing! But enough about me, how’s your day going?”
A TRUE story: Russian mathematician Abram Samoilovitch Besicovitch was notoriously thoughtless. One day he drove a couple of hours to visit an old friend. When he arrived, the two hugged each other warmly and soon began talking about mathematics.
After a while, his friend said: “Well, Abram, it’s time for lunch. Let’s have a bite to eat.”
In the afternoon, the two continued their conversation. Five or six hours later, the friend said:
“Well, Abram, it’s time for dinner. Do you want to join me?”
Besicovitch happily accepted the invitation. But his friend pointed out: “Shouldn’t you call your wife? She’s probably worried about you. Maybe she’s waiting for you at home.”
“No,” Besicovitch replied, “she’s not worried. She’s waiting in the car.”
A COMPUTER engineer, a systems analyst and a programmer were driving down a mountain when the brakes gave out. They screamed down the mountain, gaining speed, and finally managed to stop on a safety ramp. They all got out of the car.
The computer engineer said: “I think we should turn off the engine and restart it.” The systems analyst said: “I think we should rotate the tyres.” The programmer said: “I think we should drive it back up the hill and see if it does it again.”
THE Highway Patrol State Trooper (obviously in the US) was having a slow day when over the hill comes a 100-mph speedster. The Trooper pulls him over and says to the driver: “I’ve been waiting all day for you.” The driver says: “Well, I got here as fast as I could.”
A MIDDLE-aged man gets stopped for speeding in his treasured red Corvette. Pulling in behind him, the Trooper walks up to the Corvette, looks at his watch and says: “Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today’s Friday. If you can give me a reason for speeding that I’ve never heard before, I’ll let you off.”
The driver pauses for a minute then says: “Years ago my wife ran off with a State Trooper. I thought you were bringing her back.”
“Have a nice day” replies the Trooper.
YEARS ago I was flying into Burbank airport in California. The two-hour flight had been quite bumpy, but we landed without incident. Upon landing, a flight attendant made the following announcement: “Ladies and gentlemen, we had a special person on board today; he is 86 years old and even though we had a bumpy flight, he was calm the entire trip. Let’s give this man a round of applause.”
The entire plane responded and clapped loudly. The flight attendant then came back on and said: “Captain Peterson really appreciates your response.”
Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.
Last week, I couldn’t sleep. With Rafa the wonder dog quietly snoring at our feet, I searched for I Figli Di Nessuno (Nobody’s Children), a 1951 fillum (French-Italian, like Cinema Paradiso).
It’s a deliberate melodrama film directed by Raffaello Matarazzo and starring Amedeo Nazzari, Yvonne Sanson and Françoise Rosay.
The owner of a marble quarry falls in love with the daughter of one of his employees, and they have a baby together.
The girl’s mother attempts to sabotage the relationship with tragic consequences, involving orphanages, people becoming nuns, reunions, and sick kids in hospitals.
It is utterly predictable, but so is every song on Springsteen’s first five albums and it doesn’t stop me loving every minute over and over.
The show was inexplicably special to mum and dad. They talked about it all the time when I was growing up and to me it was like The Greatest Film Ever Made because of their attitude, and that, of course, I’d never seen it and probably never would. It just meant so much to them.
Years pass and I’m in my twenties and there are shops in Sydney that sell Italian veggies, pastries, salamis, godawful baccala salted cod, and the other things they missed. Most holidays I’d schlep home with some of this stuff in the car (on the condition that they were not allowed to cook the fish till I was at least past Kempsey on the way back to Sydney – that stuff was the napalm of the sea).
These marvellous Italian shops in Five Dock, where I became a local GP, one day started selling videos, and I found this show! Maybe it was 1994, and Italy’s heroic striker Robbie Baggio had missed a World Cup final penalty against Brazil to crush the hearts of millions (I’m not bitter, really, I’m totally fine) and I drove home with patient wife, stinky toxic fish and Italian videos.
We excitedly put the movie on, planning a five-minute intro before lunch, then to go back and watch the whole thing later. For 10 minutes I watched the tear jerker start up, then for the entire rest of the show, I watched
my parents as they watched it. Piecing it together.
The movie was released in 1951. They’d met and married in 1951. Their dads had set it all up and they’d met for a couple of walks in the park and a movie (in an old building that looked exactly like Cinema Paradiso, where many years later I did some growing up, too) –this was that movie!
The key plot driver is an evil mother-in-law, and mum had some views on them, especially her own. In Australia in the ‘90s, they silently watched the whole show, for the first time in 43 years, then wordlessly played it again and again. No lunch or dinner. Unbelievable.
Eventually we were reciting the speeches at the end together. It was amazing. How good was this movie? It was terrible. It was wonderful. It was a joy to see what they’d seen.
Imagine mum, an old maid at 22 when her five older sisters were all married at 14 and my aunty Rosa and aunty Fortunata already nonnas in their twenties. She’d met this bloke for five minutes and thought he was a boofhead and had to marry him next week and here she was watching The Greatest Film Ever with him and maybe… maybe he wasn’t so bad.
Anyway, last week I watched this show and every word seemed to come back to my memory like Born to Run or the averages of the 1977/78 Australian cricket team. Not a minute had passed.
Every book, every film, every anything has a parent. It is somebody’s pride and joy. And even if it is bloody awful, there’s somebody out there who, for some reason, has it as their all-time favourite piece of art.
I will watch this silly wonderful show every year forever, because it connects me to those two lovely folk who I knew better than anyone and yet hardly at all.
One of the Rules of Kindness is never criticise someone’s bliss, and that seems pretty right to me.
Antonio Di Dio is a local GP, medical leader and nerd. There are many more of his Kindness columns at citynews.com.au
GAI HIGGINSON & ORS -V- AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY & ANOR – NO. ACD6 OF 2024
Gai Higginson has brought legal claims against the Australian Capital Territory and the Commissioner for Social Housing (“the Commissioner”) as a class action.
A class action is a type of legal proceeding that is brought by one person (called “the Applicant”) against another person (called “the Respondent” or “Respondents”), on their own behalf and on behalf of a group of people who have similar claims against the Respondent/s (“class” or “group members”).
This proceeding concerns a decision made by the Commissioner for Social Housing to require the relocation of around 810 residents of social housing properties (the “relocation decision”) and notice of the implementation of the relocation decision (the “relocation notice”).
The Applicant claims that the Respondents breached contractual and consumer legislation obligations in its conduct during the Growth and Renewal Program. More specifically, the Applicant alleges that the relocation decision and relocation notice breached the Commissioner’s obligation under the tenancy agreements each resident held with the Respondents not to interfere with the quiet peace and enjoyment of their home, and that their behaviour amounted to unconscionable conduct in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.
Ms Higginson is bringing this legal claim on behalf of herself and each other person who:
(a) was living in a social housing property owned by the Commissioner (also known as ACT Housing) at any time during the period between 23 December 2020 and 1 November 2023; and
(b) had an obligation to pay rent to the Commissioner in respect of that property; and
(c) received correspondence from the Commissioner: i. about the Growth and Renewal Program; and / or ii. that their home had been identified for sale or development under the Growth and Renewal program and that they needed to move; and
(d) suffered loss or damage by reason of the matters raised in these proceedings.
You may be a class member if you fit this description.
If you are a class member, you will be bound by any judgment handed down by the Court or settlement reached with the Australian Capital Territory government UNLESS you formally “opt out” of (withdraw from) the proceeding.
To remain a class member, there is nothing you need to do, but you should contact the Applicant’s lawyers who are:
Ken Cush & Associates – Email: housing@kencush.com.au or Telephone: (02) 6257 9922.
To “opt out” of the class action, you MUST fill out a form and send it to the Federal Court of Australia. This form can be accessed by contacting the Applicant’s lawyers.
“Even if we are outraged at his crimes, and willing to condone the unnecessary police violence as just deserts, Tayler Hazell has a good legal claim.” But, says legal columnist HUGH SELBY, it’s unlikely to take him far as he faces at least nine years in the AMC.
It’s been reported that Tayler Hazell is suing for what police did to him after his arrest in March last year when, while drug-
• stole a car from outside a childcare at Sutton with an eight-year-old child inside (though fortunately, soon let the child out of the car);
• while driving erratically struck, seriously injuring, two schoolboys near St Edmunds College, Manuka;
• then crashed the car near the cathedral and was arrested; and,
• while handcuffed and clearly indicating he was not resisting, was the victim of unnecessary, unlawful force by late-arriving police officers (not the arresting officers).
Hazell is seeking damages from the police employer for injuries including pain, fear and embarrassment, as well as aggravated damages for violence and disgrace.
The media showed photos of his
face. Readers with experience of contact sports, paramedics, nurses and doctors can assess the severity, or otherwise, of those cuts and abrasions, noting that he had just crashed the car.
Hazell was sentenced in the ACT Supreme Court in recent days to a non-parole period of nine years.
His civil claim for money compensation is expected to be heard in July.
A likely reaction to Hazell’s claim is: “He’s got to be kidding. If it was my child who was taken, or my child or grandchild who was seriously injured, I’d applaud anyone who took to him with a baseball bat, and not just to his head”.
But, for good reason, neither we nor our police are permitted to take the law into our hands, especially when good camera footage is recording the unlawful violence.
Even if we are outraged at his crimes, and willing to condone the unnecessary police violence as just deserts, Tayler Hazell has a good legal claim.
especially if any award of damages is not large.
might be not much more than pocket change.
There’s yet another twist in this case.
Remember Hazell’s two victims, the two boys who were seriously injured?
They have a legal case against Hazell for those injuries.
It’s likely that their lawyers have already used the provisions of the ACT’s Motor Accidents Injuries Act, 2019 to secure compensation from the “Nominal Defendant”. This is the scheme funded by the government, and our “compulsory third party” contributions.
If Hazell gets anything other than pocket change then the Nominal Defendant can get those funds from him. He’s left with nothing.
The ACT law that governs his claim is the Civil Law (Wrongs) Act, 2002 . Had he suffered those injuries resisting arrest then he could not claim. But he was handcuffed and non-violent when set upon by police.
The question will be what compensable damage did he suffer?
We should expect this to be an experts’ picnic as medical, psychiatric and psychological reports are obtained to advance or rebut his claims to having suffered injury at
In this case, the liability of the defendant police employer seems clear, so there will be money paid to Hazell, or rather to his lawyers.
In a case like this one the lawyers often fund the expert reports and other expenses of preparing for a hearing.
If any offer to settle from the defendants covers all those costs, plus the professional time of the lawyers, then there will be a settlement. The plaintiff, here Hazell, then walks away with what’s left over, which
It’s a wonderful world we live in. Two boys seriously injured, a 32-year-old man in jail, where he won’t get the treatment or training that might turn his life around (although the sentencing judge was not optimistic about his rehabilitation prospects), two coppers who were caught on camera doing the wrong thing for which many would thank them, and a Sydney law firm that makes money out of it. Such is life.
Hugh Selby, a former barrister, is the CityNews legal columnist.
GUNGAHLIN HOMESTEAD OPEN DAY
Saturday 11 April 10-2.30pm 80 Bellenden Road, Crace.
Guided tours, performances, displays, stalls, Kid’s Korner refreshments. GOLD COIN ENTRY.
CANBERRA’S
EMERALD TOWER –
MLC TOWER
Sunday 12 April 10-11am
$15
Join Rohan Goyne to learn more about this 1950s landmark, our first multistorey building. Trybooking. com/DHSES
KAMBAH: MID-CENTURY MODERN HERITAGE
Sunday 12 April 2-4pm
$15
View the architecturally significant Urambi Village and find out what makes this suburb unique. Trybooking.com/DHSDW
HACKETT: MID-CENTURY MODERN
SUBURBAN WALK
Wednesday 15 April 2-4pm
$15
See innovations in architecture, pioneering townhouses and emergence of native gardens. Trybookings.com/DHPPE
Sunday 19 April 10-11am
$15
Hear stories told by Rohan Goyne of the contributions of PMs Stanley Melbourne Bruce and Sir Robert Menzies to the national capital and how their leadership made Canberra what it is today. Trybooking.com/DHSEW
HERITAGE POLARIS
Saturday 18 April 6am-4pm
An orienteering cycling event where teams of two seek out heritage checkpoints. Short course for families or 7-hour course. Back for 10th year! Heritagepolaris.com.au
TRACING TIME: FROM OLD CANBERRA TO MODERN
Sunday 19 April 2-4pm
$15
Explore how the architect brought to life the vision of a monumental building to house our national collection and foster knowledge and research. Trybooking.com/DHNHY
MID-CENTURY MODERN AT THE NLA
Wednesdays 22 April & 6 May 9.30-11am $15
Explore how the architect brought to life the vision of a monumental building to house our national collection and foster knowledge and research. Trybooking.com/DHSDI
TIM ROSS PRESENTS NT ORATION
Tuesday 28 April 6-8pm $20
Join Tim to hear about mid-century design legacy of Canberra, the national importance of our modernist capital and threats our residential design icons now face. Bargain at $20 Trybooking.co/DHSUT
AXES OF A NATION: WALKING THE GRIFFIN VISION
Saturday 2 May 2-4pm $15
Discover how the Griffin’s design philosophy encompassed the surrounding hills, a future lake, sweeping vistas and bold geometry to shape a democratic capital.
Trybooking.com/DHUQH
HUGHES: MID-CENTURY MODERN HERITAGE WALK
Sunday 3 May 10-12pm $15
Take a tour of a suburb laid out in the early sixties with some very innovative features to enhance life in the suburbs. These included underpasses to facilitate safe passage to school and shops, a cluster of utilities in a central location, ovals, curving street layout. Trybooking.com/DHUIO
CAMPBELL: MID-CENTURY MODERN HERITAGE WALK
Sunday 26 April 9.30-11.30am $15
From geology and pre-urban landscape to a workers camp, the lure of gold and touch of espionage, there’s lots to take in! We’ll also visit a Roy Grounds designed house. Trybooking.com/DHOGX
MID-CENTURY
MODERN HOUSE TOUR
Saturday 2 May 10-11am and 11.30-12.30pm
$15
Visit this inter-war functionalist house, located in a heritagelisted precinct, designed by noted architects Moir and Sutherland. Trybooking.com/DHTDK
SWINGER HILL: MID-CENTURY MODERN HERITAGE WALK
Saturday 9 May 9.30-11.30am $15
Appreciate this exceptional example of 1970s medium-density housing with its distinctive design principles respecting the natural contours of the site. Trybooking.com.au/DHUAN
ACTON PENINSULA HERITAGE WALK
Sunday 10 May 9.30-11.30am $15
Uncover local stories, explore the sites of early buildings and about the tradies and public servants who lived and worked here a century ago. Trybooking.com/DHUIN
The football community needs to be reminded of how lucky they are to have facilities all over Australia, and a football club in almost every suburb.
Other arts communities receive no such support – let alone the provision of infrastructure!.
It will be a great day when every suburb has a community hub to nurture and grow the arts – music, drama, literature, visual art – that celebrates diversity!!
Instead, we have public land dotted with footy clubs and arenas, performing the same old plot: a winner and a loser, the good guys and the bad guys (yawn) – a banal narrative on constant loop, over and over again.
Now we see this disgusting display of ungratefulness (“Coach injured by shattered glass at Canberra Stadium”, citynews. com.au March 20, in which Raiders coach Ricky Stuart complained: “The people that make decisions about our stadium don’t care about the stadium. They don’t care about the nation’s capital having the shithouse stadium that we have.”).
Canterbury’s coach Cameron Ciraldo should be offering to repair the damage he made to the glass himself!
Enough is enough. It’s time for the arts community to stand up and demand a fair go, in return for its massive contribution to society and our culture!
For example, nearly every single person
experiences music, art, literature and drama as part of their everyday life – mostly for free!
But only certain groups embrace football in their day-to-day lives. It’s a massive imbalance, and sporting groups need to be reminded of how lucky they are, while arts creators and communities struggle to receive any such support.
For every footy and sporting facility, there should be an equivalent arts facility! Then, and only then, can we expect to see profitability and sustainability in the arts, with real cultural outcomes, harmony, and
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.
inspired creative minds. Wake up, Australia – it’s time to relinquish our fetish for winners and losers, and develop creativity and diversity in our society!
Jim Budd, via citynews.com.au
Just a small plea that Noel Beddoe’s article (“Heart attack: there’s good news and there’s bad”) of March 26 prompts me to make.
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.
If you have chest pain and you suspect however dimly you are having a heart attack, please DO NOT go to you GP but CALL 000 and GET AN AMBULANCE to the emergency department, where all the wonderful treatment Noel describes will happen much sooner, and your chances of survival are much higher.
Dr Peter Tait, via email
‘Precious workers’ we can’t do without
Congratulations to Noel Beddoe on recovering from his heart attack and on his important observation regarding Australia’s dependence on immigration (“Heart attack: there’s good news and there’s bad”, CN March 26).
If only Pauline Hanson and her cohort could understand how to research facts, and get off their stuck record of ignorance, prejudice and hatred of “the other”, they might realise that this country that they profess to love, could not run without all those precious workers that we welcome from overseas.
Her party is, in fact, jeopardising Australia’s ability to attract immigrants because of their negativity.
My husband has been institutionalised with dementia for the past five years. The difficult task of caring for him and others in his situation, has been most carefully and wonderfully undertaken by a workforce which is almost completely composed of
immigrants from Nepal, the Middle East and Asia.
To my knowledge, there is just one Caucasian worker there. I thank them every day for doing this important work. Perhaps Pauline and her supporters could call in some day, when they’re not plotting more negativity, and observe these dedicated and skilled people doing the work that many would not choose to do.
Glenda Naughten, Farrer
Liberal Andrew Hastie’s decision to withdraw from the recent leadership contest was strategic, rather than an admission of defeat.
His assertion that the Liberal Party must reassess its long-held beliefs of supporting policies such as negative gearing and capital gains tax and seeing One Nation as an existential threat to the party’s very existence, clearly demonstrates he is signaling his ambition to become the party’s leader.
Espousing these changes, is designed to establish a point of differentiation between he and Angus Taylor.
As a highly trained military professional, Hastie well understands that losing a battle by a strategic withdrawal, is only a part of the plan to win the war.
Ian De Landelles, Murrays Beach NSW
The ACT’s legislated emissions target is “to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the ACT to achieve zero net emissions by June 30 2045”.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory reports confirm that since 1990 the average Canberran has caused 150 net tonnes of CO2e emissions in the ACT.
Last year we each added another three tonnes. Each year we get farther from net zero.
Since 1990 the average Canberran has caused another 200 tonnes of emissions, outside the ACT, from generating electricity that we use here.
The Commissioner for Sustainability concluded that more than 90 per cent of our carbon footprint comes from emissions that we cause producing goods and services outside the ACT that we consume here.
If the people of the rest of the world were to match our emissions, annual global emissions would quadruple.
On March 17 independent MLA Thomas Emerson moved a motion in the Legislative Assembly, calling on the government to bring forward the ACT’s net-zero target to 2040.
The motion was supported by the Greens and independent Fiona Carrick. It was defeated by Labor and the Liberals.
Leon Arundell, Downer
Thanks to Michael Moore for sharing the results of the Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy (CAPaD) online poll (“We’re mugs, our energy wealth flows overseas”, CN March 19).
With oil, petrol, diesel and gas prices still high, it’s telling that two of the top five responses were “Tax the fossil fuel industry” and “Stop subsidising the fossil fuel industry and divert these funds to a just transition”.
As Senator David Pocock notes, unlike Norway, Australia has little to show for its natural resources.
The Superpower Institute, led by Rod Sims and Ross Garnaut, has proposed two levies on fossil fuels – the Polluter Pays Levy and the Fair Share Levy – to cut emissions, raise revenue and ease household energy
costs. Together, they could raise about $35 billion a year from 2026 to 2050.
Why should taxpayers foot the bill for climate damage? The May budget is the moment for the Albanese government to show the courage to act.
Ray Peck, Hawthorn, Victoria
New Nationals leader and aspiring deputy prime minister Senator Matt Canavan has issued a call for Australians to make more of everything, including “more Australian babies”.
Implementation strategies are still to come but “all of our God-given resources” are expected to feature. The male leaders of some theocratic states could probably offer a few tips on command-and-control techniques designed to deliver desired “people” results.
The senator is a father of five on a high salary with additional benefits and allowances.
His nationwide imploring remains in tune with his strong personal conservative religious beliefs, and the blunt and interfering, crusading tactics that he has used in the past to reject, reverse or restrict various hard-fought-for social reforms, particularly those concerning Australians’ personal rights and decision-making.
Given this procreation proclamation and the SA election results, the few remaining moderate Liberal politicians must be wondering how many more voters, especially women, will turn away from the Coalition.
The Liberal Party is supposed to be getting on with reviving and reforming itself radically, including as the leading Coalition partner. Without a major and trustworthy change in direction towards the centre, the party’s major policy capitulations to the Nationals in recent months, the lack of positive and realistic policies and tacit acceptance of the Nationals’ reactionary sprays of social conservatism will most likely taunt and haunt Liberal candidates at all state elections and federal by-elections between now and 2028.
Sue Dyer, Downer
Richard Johnston’s column on light rail Stage 2 (CN, March 26) highlights the continued ineptitude of the ACT government in supporting a project that provides 42 cents of benefit for every dollar spent.
The benefit cost ratio is similar to that of Light Rail Stage 1, which was found to cost twice as much as Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) to deliver a similar level of benefit.
Its development has diverted much needed funds from areas of greater community need, including housing.
The analysis was done in 2018 and did not consider the possibility of improved bus technology or the cost of providing a separate bridge crossing.
Despite this, and an Auditor-General’s assessment that Stage 2A was a poor use of funds, the government commenced the 1.7km stage at a cost of $577million.
The Federal and the ACT governments will be looking to cut unnecessary expenditure given increasing debt, rising inflation and economic impacts of the Iranian war.
In this context, light rail stage 2B should not proceed and Stage 2A repurposed as a busway.
Increasing the frequency and coverage of the bus network, utilising BRT on the intertown public transport route, intervention to direct employment to areas well served by public transport and
encouraging working from home would be more effective in reducing car use than the light rail extravagance.
Given the minimal justification of the project, was an undisclosed commitment made to Capital Metro to develop Stage 2?
The ACT government has demonstrated it has the intellectual depth of a One Nation policy and it is from the shallow end of the think tank.
Will the Legislative Assembly have the competence and character to cancel or at least review the boondoggle?
Mike Quirk, Garran
The ACT Government has released a version of the business case for light rail Stage 2, dated January 29, 2018.
Besides there being only 90 pages released of the 191-page report, what content is given is hopelessly out of date and totally worthless.
To a professional project analyst, the report is replete with nonsensical errors, especially in respect of cost estimates.
Even eight years ago, government cost estimates were complete fiction. Estimates in the report do not include the high cost of bridging the lake. Since then, we have had limited information on the cost of Stage 1 and the outrageous cost of $577 million for build-only 1.7 km for Stage 2A, plus much more for raising London Circuit
and other works.
The report recommends that the government adopt Option 2 (Civic-Parkes/ Barton-Woden) with a benefit cost ratio of only 0.42, ie 42 cents return on the dollar invested.
So why has the government released it now? To what end, given that it is completely worthless?
A light rail cynic can have absolutely zero faith in the ACT Government, given its total obfuscation on light rail from its outset in 2012.
Maybe it was simply released by mistake – that would not be a surprise from our hapless Minister Steel (and to think he is the heir apparent!). Or maybe it is there for the government to simply claim that it has released it but, in consistent fashion, will simply ignore any public criticism thereof and forge ahead wasting more billions.
Max Flint, co-ordinator, Smart Canberra Transport
A PHD thesis has been undertaken over the ACT Government’s management of eastern grey kangaroos from 2009 to 2024.
The thesis is both original and independent. Dr Varvaro’s research found, among other things that:
• The main drivers for killing kangaroos were the beliefs of rural lessees and the ACT Government’s close ties to the housing
industry and urban developers.
• The ACT Government receives revenue from urban development through profitsharing joint ventures.
• Key “ACT” ecologists who support the killing of kangaroos in the ACT are also strong advocates for the commercial kangaroo harvesting industry more broadly and for transforming the ACT’s operations into profitable ventures.
• The draft version of the ACT Kangaroo Management Plan (KMP) acknowledged that there had been little or no research into the impacts of kangaroo grazing on other species of flora and fauna listed as threatened in the ACT. This acknowledgment was removed from the published KMP.
Dr Varvaro noted that there appeared to have been no instances where the ACT Government attempted to “collaborate” with the public, and its efforts to “consult” or “involve” the public were constrained and conditional. This is particularly the case with the development of alternatives to “culling”.
Ultimately, the thesis found continuing to kill kangaroos comes at the cost of lives, justice and democratic processes.
Robyn Soxsmith, Animal Protectors Alliance
In seizing upon my careless referral to the high “cost of renewable energy” instead of the high cost of electricity in my letter
(CN March 5), Lesley Walker (Letters, March 19) has identified one of the anomalies in the disastrous introduction of renewable energy into the grid and the resulting high cost of electricity.
Even though natural gas is used to generate only a few per cent of our total electricity demand, the cost of gas largely determines the high average wholesale price of electricity.
The spot price of wholesale electricity, set every five minutes by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), is determined by the bid of the last (most expensive) generator required to meet the total demand at that moment.
This is predominantly from a gas-fired generator, necessary because of the unreliability of wind power and then to the unreliable old coal-fired power stations that have been let run down and not replaced under this disastrous renewable energy roll out.
Ms Walker notes that wholesale prices were down in the December quarter. This was largely due to the unusually consistent winds over that period. This cannot be expected to continue. Moreover, the overall cost of electricity includes the continually rising transmission costs and other retail costs.
The cost of the transition to renewable energy was always going to be expensive even though the cost of generating renewable energy will always be the cheapest, but the politics of transition has caused a national disaster.
John L Smith, Farrer
us means investing in long-term savings and peace of mind.
For homeowners looking to transform their space with confidence, Renovation Matters offers a tailored, end-to-end service focused on quality outcomes and long-term value.
Led by Kim Persson, managing director, Renovation Matters, the business specialises in managing renovations from concept through to completion, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully considered and expertly delivered.
Whether preparing a property for sale or creating a forever home, Renovation Matters works closely with clients to align design, budget, and timelines with their goals. From kitchen and bathroom upgrades to full home transforma tions, the team combines design expertise, clear communi cation, and trusted trades to deliver seamless results.
“Every renovation starts with understanding the end goal,” says Kim Persson. “Are you renovating to sell, or to stay? That decision shapes every step of the process.”
Clients benefit from having a single point of contact throughout, reducing stress and ensuring consistency from start to finish. With careful planning and experienced project management, Renovation Matters minimises surprises and delivers strong, reliable outcomes.
“Renovating should feel exciting, not overwhelming,” Kim says. “We guide our clients every step of the way so they feel confident and in control.”
A strong focus is placed on functionality, liveability, and long-term value.
“We create spaces that not only look beautiful but genuinely improve how people live,” she says. “If you’re selling, it’s about maximising return; if you’re staying, it’s about creating a home you truly love.”
With a reputation built on trust, transparency, and results, Renovation Matters continues to help Canberra homeown ers bring their vision to life.
Renovation Matters
Call 0427 696 662 or visit renovationmatters.com.au
Renovation Matters offers transformational renovations that add the biggest impact and value when selling your property.
If you are not selling, we can help you renovate to meet your specific requirements!
With more than 27 years of experience across residential, commercial and bespoke design projects, Arkitex founder and director, Alessandro (Alex) D’Ambrosio says they don’t just deliver drawings, they craft spaces that improve how people live, work and connect.
“At Arkitex, we approach each project as an opportunity to blend creativity with functionality,” he says.
“What sets us apart is our commitment to thoughtful, client-focused design where innovation, sustainability and context all play a central role.”
Bringing a deep understanding of architectural principles, planning regulations and project delivery, Alex says they strive to stay at the forefront of design trends and technologies.
With a masters in architecture and an unrestricted A Class builders licence, Alex says the most rewarding part of his job is seeing their clients’ visions come to life.
“From that first sketch to the final reveal, we love the collaborative journey transforming ideas into tangible spaces that truly reflect our clients’ goals, lifestyle and personality,” he says.
Whether a client is building from scratch, renovating or reimagining a space, Alex says they will be there from start to finish.
“At Arkitex, we believe great design is a dialogue,” he says.
“We are passionate about creating architecture that feels purposeful and personal.
“We welcome projects of all sizes and stages, and are always excited to explore new ideas.”
Arkitex Unit 5/24 Torrens Place Torrens. Call 0413 570599 or visit arkitex.com.au
Penash Plaster Products is preparing for an exciting new chapter, with a move to a new Queanbeyan location scheduled for May.
region for handcrafted decorative plasterwork, the business specialises in traditional fibrous plaster, along with custom cornices, ceiling roses and architectural features made to order. All products are manufactured on site, allowing for flexibility, quality control and accurate matching of existing details.
With a strong focus on heritage restoration and bespoke plastering, Penash works with homeowners, builders and renovators to match existing profiles or recreate original details. The team also brings character and individuality to new builds, creating architectural features such as curved cornices, arches and detailed plasterwork that give homes a more considered finish.
project planning and selection across a wide range of decorative plaster options.
Penash continues to deliver professional plastering services, including repairs, cornice installation and restoration works across modern and heritage properties.
As the move approaches, clients are encouraged to get in touch early for upcoming projects and enquiries.
Penash Plaster Products
Servicing Canberra & surrounding regions.
*Moving soon – check website for address details. Call 0455 961 885 or visit penashplasterproducts.com.au
We have a huge range of decorative plaster cornice and ceiling roses in our online catalogue. Included are many styles that are unique to the Canberra region. Our plaster cornice and ceiling roses are handcrafted locally.
• Decorative plaster cornice (supply & install)
• Custom cornice matching & reproduction
•
•
•
As the weather cools and more time is spent indoors, autumn is a great opportunity to get on top of clutter and make better use of space around the home. From garages to spare rooms and home offices, practical storage can make everyday living more efficient.
At Ex-Government Furniture in Fyshwick, there’s been strong interest in versatile storage, particularly unique pieces such as map cabinets. Co-owner James Fullerton says these are proving popular for more than just office use.
“Map cabinets are great because they’re so adaptable,” James says. “People are using them for everything from tools and artwork to hobby storage and documents. They’re a really practical way to keep things organised and easy to access.”
Alongside these, full-height cabinets continue to be a go-to for larger storage needs, especially in garages and workspaces. “We’ve got a range of heavy-duty options that help people properly sort out their space,” he says.
Smaller additions like mobile storage caddies and quality office chairs can also make a noticeable difference. “Something as simple as a good chair or smart storage unit can completely change how a space works,” James says.
New stock continues to arrive regularly, with a mix of practical furniture and one-off pieces. “There’s always something different coming through,” he says.
With durable, functional furniture at accessible prices, Ex-Government Furniture offers a straightforward way to refresh and organise the home this season.
Ex-Government Furniture 26/105 Newcastle Street, Fyshwick. Call 02 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture.com
really beautiful to look at, it’s a great joy,” says Robyn Monteleone, partner at Select Custom Joinery.
Operating since 2000, Select Custom Joinery is known for creating sustainable kitchens and joinery.
“We are a niche business and specialise in using timber and other solid materials,” she says.
Their commitment goes beyond just using sustainable materials, and Robyn says they always think about longevity, with everything they design meant to last for a long time.
Robyn’s husband Gino Monteleone, the primary cabinet maker and partner of the business, trained as a furniture maker.
“Gino’s training started with building custom furniture,” she says.
“Our kitchens and custom pieces are built to
come.
With the aim of creating pieces that are customised for each client’s lifestyle and personality, Robyn says they often design a feature in each person’s home which is unique to them.
“The satisfaction that clients get something that really suits their lifestyle and them, something they’re proud of and really enjoy using is the most rewarding thing,” she says.
“We are only a small team, so client meetings are by appointment.”
Select Custom Joinery 1182 Wallaroo Road, Hall. Call 02 6230 9414. Visit selectcustomjoinery.com.au
Are you interested in using plywood, recycled timber and other sustainable materials? We’ll work with you to design a kitchen that’s innovative, unique, sustainable and durable.
Kitchens, internal joinery & furniture.
Upgrading a
Upgrading or improving a home shouldn’t have to be an expensive adventure, says store-owner John Rivers. “At Handyman’s Trading Post, people can find a great range of new, factory used and used parts and pieces at half the price,” he says.
Currently overstocked with many second-hand materials, including windows, glass sliding doors and timber panel (swinging) doors, John says CityNews readers can get a further 10 per cent off the prices of all second-hand items by mentioning this article. This excludes never-used, factory-seconds and items that have already been discounted by more than 10 per cent.
A leading supplier of factory-second and used windows and doors, John says they are also the experts in delivering purchased windows and doors
safely to homes or job sites.
Offering to take “want lists” from customers, John says they can alert customers when products from their list have arrived in store. John says customers can save hundreds, or even thousands, by buying second hand windows and doors. Items he says are often the key feature of renovations.
“For more than 42 years, Handyman’s Trading Post has supplied Canberrans with quality and affordable home and commercial building materials,” says John.
The Handyman’s Trading Post 167 Newcastle Street, Fyshwick. Call 02 6280 4036.
On facebook.com/p/Handymans-Trading-Post or Instagram.com/htpcanberra
Creating an outdoor space that works year-round in Canberra takes more than good design, it takes experience, precision, knowledge, and understanding of what the client wants.
That’s where CBR Pergolas has carved out a strong reputation, delivering tailored pergola solutions that extend living spaces and stand up to the capital’s climate.
Led by Andy Stodulka, Director and Engineer, the business focuses on custom-built structures designed around how each client wants to live. “Every home is different, and every client uses their space differently,” Andy says. “Our job is to design something that not only looks great, but actually works for their lifestyle.”
CBR Pergolas has become known for a clean, contemporary style that complements Canberra homes, from modern new builds to established properties. Their designs often feature sleek steel frames, several roofing options and open, light-filled layouts that create a seamless connection between indoors and out. The result is an outdoor area that feels like a natural extension of the home, rather than an add-on.
“We aim for a finish that integrates with the existing architecture,” Andy says. “It should look like it was always part of the house. That’s where good design and engineering come together.”
From entertaining areas to quiet retreats, the emphasis is on functionality as much as aesthetics. Whether it’s creating a covered alfresco space for year-round use or designing a structure that maximises shade without blocking natural light, each project is approached with a balance of form and function. “We take the time to understand what the client wants to achieve, then design a solution that fits seamlessly with their home,” Andy says. Durability is equally important. Canberra’s hot summers, frosty winters and unpredictable weather patterns require
Andy and his team guilt a beautiful custom pergola with excellent craftsmanship. The 10 year warranty gave us real peace of mind. Highly recommend.” – Mark
materials that can perform across extremes. “We build with longevity in mind,” Andy says. “Using engineered steel and proven construction methods means our pergolas are built to last, not just look good on day one.”
That approach is reflected in consistent client feedback, with many highlighting both the finish and the process. One client described the experience as “smooth and stress-free,” noting the result was “a stunning outdoor space we actually use”. Another praised the final build as “sturdy and well-constructed”, adding it had “added real value to our home”. Clear communication is another hallmark of the business. “We keep our clients informed
every step of the way,” Andy says. “From quote to completion, they know exactly what’s happening.”
It’s a detail not lost on customers, with reviews regularly referencing “excellent craftsmanship”, “ontime delivery” and “no hidden costs”, alongside the reassurance of a 10-year warranty.
For Andy, the outcome is simple. “If we can
From quote to installation, the process was smooth and stree-free. Andy’s team handled everything and delivered a stunning outdoor space we actually use.”
– Emily
help people spend more time enjoying their outdoor space, then we’ve done our job,” he says.
With a growing presence across Canberra, CBR Pergolas continues to help homeowners reimagine how they use their homes, combining contemporary design, engineered strength and a clear focus on customer experience to deliver outdoor spaces built for living.
The CityNews April Fuel giveaway offers one reader a very real financial boost.
A $1000 petrol voucher that could take the pressure off for months, easing the strain of rising fuel prices.
And entering couldn’t be simpler, if you’ve got a keen eye.
In this special advertising feature each advertisement holds a clue. A single letter is missing from selected words, and this omission appears only within the ads. Your task is to spot them.
Collect all the 18 missing letters as you move through the feature, then unscramble them to reveal a four-word phrase. It’s a puzzle that rewards attention to detail, and perhaps a second look, because the more carefully you read, the better your chances.
Once you’ve solved the puzzle, simply email your answer to david@ citynews.com.au along with your full name, address, phone number, email and date of birth. Entries close at 5pm on April 9, with the winner drawn and notified shortly after.
But beyond the prize, there’s something else at play here. This annual competition has become a favourite among readers and it supports the local businesses that make these pages possible.
So take your time, enjoy the challenge and keep your eyes peeled. Somewhere across these pages is the answer that could put $1000 worth of fuel in your tank.
Not a bad return for paying attention.
Email entries to: david@citynews.com.au
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
Holly is a former sports journalist who believed so strongly in the power of exercise to heal and nurture that she undertook her 4 year degree in Exercise Physiology. Holly is be able to work with people directly to support them through their pain journey and regain independence and a joy for living again. Holly provides one on one and group exercise classes both on land and at our hydrotherapy centres to support people to gain freedom from chronic pain.
Sophie has post graduate qualifications in hydrotherapy, and as a non-sports centred Exercise Physiologist, helps clients who struggle with engaging in exercise due to a lack of sports participation. Sophie’s goal is to improve clients health via our hydrotherapy program, gym instruction and in-home visits. Sophie also is known for her passion for working with children.
Nick (they/them, he/him) has returned to Canberra after completing a Master’s in Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland. Their passion comes from a love of science and helping people. With eight years in disability support, Nick brings broad experience and enjoys working with clients across a wide range of needs.
Blake has expertise in improving clients mobility and decreasing their pain through appropriate exercise. Blake delivers our ‘My Exercise’ program, targeting the relief of lower back and sciatic pain, shoulder and upper body concerns as well as leg, hip and ankle interventions – for those who do not qualify for physiotherapy-led GLAD programs. Blake provides individual & group exercise for younger people with a disability. Blake treats clients in-clinic or via our hydrotherapy program as well as attending your gym with you.
Sarah believes that exercise is the best medicine. She is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with her degree in exercise physiology and rehabilitation. Previously Sarah was a swim teacher, personal trainer and an allied health assistant in the hydrotherapy field.
Tash discovered her passion for exercise after completing her Certificate IV in Personal Training in 2015, later earning a Sport and Exercise Science degree from the University of Canberra. She joined Arthritis ACT in 2019 and now supports group classes, exercise programs and administration. Outside work, she enjoys family time, running, hiking and cooking.
• GLA:D® Program for hip and knee osteoarthritis.
• Education and supervised group sessions to build strength and confidence.
• Pain management strategies to reduce medication use Tailored support including preparation for or avoiding joint replacement.
For more than a decade, Rebecca Davey has been leading Arthritis ACT with one clear purpose: to ensure that chronic pain does not define a person’s life.
As CEO for 11 years, Rebecca has championed practical support, accessible services and genuine understanding for people living with chronic conditions. Her message is direct and empowering. Life is not over because of chronic pain. It simply requires new tools.
What sets Arthritis ACT apart is lived experience. More than half of Rebecca’s team manage chronic pain them selves. That perspective matters. Clients are supported by people who understand the daily realities, the frustration and the resilience required to move forward.
Rebecca’s background in nursing and midwifery shaped her approach to care. Clinical knowledge combined with empathy allows her to meet people where they are. Having navigated chronic pain herself, she knows how isolating it can feel. She also knows that change, while difficult, does not diminish a person’s value or potential.
“People come in feeling lost,” she says. “We help them unpack everything and give them a path forward.”
That path is practical. Education, movement programs, pain management strategies and peer support form what Rebecca calls a “toolbox” for living well. Success is measured in everyday victories: a client returning to work, playing with grandchildren or simply saying, “I can do this now.”
This International Women’s Day, Rebecca’s leadership is a reminder that strength is not always loud. Sometimes, it is the quiet determination to turn pain into possibility.
Arthritis ACT
170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011 041 or visit arthritisact.org.au
David Luke Retirement Planning specialises in advising those coming up to, or already in retire ment, says director David Luke.
“I can help maximise your Centrelink entitlement, minimise tax exposure, set up income streams and offer investment advice and implementation,” he says.
“I have been a financial planner in Canberra and surrounding regions for 23 years, exclusively advising on retirement,” he says, and has run his own business for the last five years.
David says financial rules are daunting when you look at them for the first time.
“I can lead you through the process of the ATO, Centrelink, and investment markets, to make them work for you and achieve the retirement you want,” he says.
“You don’t need any prior knowledge with the rules or with financial planning, just an idea of what you want to achieve.”
He says he will break down the issues so you understand how it all fits together.
“I have no relationship with any product providers – I am on your side and I’m a one-person operation so you will always deal directly with me,” says David.
“I’m more than happy to visit you at home, after hours or on weekends.
“Don’t let the complexity of the system make you think it’s all too hard. Make it work for you instead.”
David Luke Retirement Planning Level 1, 33 Allara Street, Canberra City. Call 0404 857242.
Visit davidlukeplanning.com.au
•
•
• Extensive experience in government super such as CSS and PSS.
• Centrelink advice and implementation.
• Is a redundancy right for you at this time?
Celebrate Mother’s Day your way at Canberra Southern Cross Club, with a range of thoughtful experiences designed to help you spoil Mum.
If you’re planning a relaxed morning, Woden’s Bubbly & Brunch Buffet is the perfect choice, offering a spread of brunch favourites paired with sparkling bubbles. Or, keep it classic at Jamison with a warm and welcoming Buffet Breakfast, featuring everything from fresh fruit and pastries to hearty hot favourites.
Looking to elevate the occasion? The Yacht Club’s lakeside Long Lunch is a beautiful way to celebrate, with a carefully curated three-course menu showcasing fresh Australian seafood, plus bottomless Prosecco for Mum to enjoy.
Prefer to celebrate at home? Our Mother’s Day High Tea To You is the perfect option!
Thoughtfully prepared by our chefs, this high tea experience is designed for sharing and serves 2–4 people, a delightful way to spoil Mum in the comfort of home.
However you choose to celebrate, it’s all about making Mum feel special this Mother’s Day.
Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, Jamison & Yacht Club Yarralumla cscc.com.au
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
WODEN
Bubbly + Brunch
11AM SUNDAY 10 MAY
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a relaxed brunch buffet, featuring a generous spread of favourites paired with sparkling bubbles.
$80 PER PERSON
JAMISON
8:30AM SUNDAY 10 MAY
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat spread featuring fresh fruit, yoghurt, pastries, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, golden hash browns and more.
$55 M | $63 NM | $39 CHILD UNDER 12
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.
Canberra Walk-in Aviary Unit 13, Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls. Call 02 6230 2044 or visit canberrawalkinaviary.com.au
YACHT CLUB Long Lunch
12PM SUNDAY 10 MAY
Spoil Mum with a memorable Mother’s Day Lunch at the Yacht Club. Enjoy lakeside views and a beautifully crafted three-course menu featuring fresh Australian seafood. All mums receive bottomless Prosecco to make the day even more special.
$115 M | $135 NM | $27.5 CHILD UNDER 12
DAY HIGH TEA to you! Pre-order now
Enjoy a delightful Mother’s Day High Tea from the comfort of home. Available for pickup or delivery, featuring a selection of finger sandwiches, fresh scones, and petite sweets, perfect for sharing.
$60 PER HAMPER | ADDITIONAL $5 DELIVERY FEE | PRE-ORDER BY 5 MAY
time,” says Nick.
“Through running, we can reduce our levels of stress and anxiety, which in turn leads to improved sleep and an improved overall sense of wellbeing.”
According to Nick, having a well-cushioned pair of running shoes is essential for helping with shock absorption.
“When we run, a force roughly equivalent to four times our body weight impacts our feet, arches, knees and lower back,” he says.
“Running shoes are also designed to flex in a way that works to help with the runner’s repetitive
next most important item of equipment is a good pair
been specifically designed to reduce the risk of blisters from sweating and friction.
“At The Runners Shop, we love hearing the stories of people’s enjoyment of and love for running,” he says.
“Finding a suitable, comfortable pair of shoes is where the team gets to be involved in your running story!”
The Runners Shop 76 Dundas Court, Phillip. Call 6285 3508 or visit therunnersshop.com.au
• Extensive range of shoes for Runners, Joggers, Walkers and Gym enthusiasts of all ages
• Brands include Asics, Brooks, Hoka, Saucony, Altra, New Balance, Nike and On
• Great range of technical running apparel which breathes (wicks moisture) all year round
• Extensive range of nutrition products including Tailwind, Huma, Gu and Pure Sports Nutrition
• Come in and speak to our staff of Runners, Triathletes and Orienteers with a passion and a first-hand knowledge of our entire product range!
The team at Weston Woden Animal Hospital.
Weston Woden Animal Hospital continues to build a trusted reputation among Canberra pet owners by offering compassionate, high-quality veterinary care for animals at every stage of life.
With a strong focus on preventative health, the experienced team provides a full range of services including vaccinations, dental care, diagnostics and surgery, ensuring pets receive tailored treatment in a calm and supportive environment.
Dr. Saraih Werry says the clinic’s approach is centred on both pets and their owners. “We understand that pets are family, and our role is to support that bond through thoughtful, thorough care,” she says. “Taking the time to explain options and involve owners in decision-making is a key part of what we do.”
The hospital also places emphasis on early intervention and education, helping clients recognise
changes in their pet’s health before issues become more serious. “From young pets through to their senior years, the team works closely with owners to support lifelong health and wellbeing.”
“Our goal is always to keep pets happy and healthy for as long as possible,” Dr. Werry says. “Preventative care, regular check-ups and open communication make a significant difference.”
Conveniently located and committed to professional excellence, Weston Woden Animal Hospital remains a reliable choice for Canberra families seeking personalised veterinary care they can trust.
Weston Woden Animal Hospital 176 Dixon Drive Holder. Call 02 6288 4777 or visit westonwodenvet.com.au
an honour to be Canberra’s trusted leader in the workwear industry.
“It’s extremely important that we provide the right equipment and the best safety products to our clients,” says Pat.
“We want to get it right the first time so that we build long-term relationships with our clients.”
Providing clothing and safety items for a wide variety of industries, Pat says they can help labourers, chefs, blue and white-collar workers all the way to government departments, such as Defence, and hospitals.
Providing a free measure-and-quote and free delivery service, Pat says they also provide a full embroidery and screen printing service.
“We are competitively priced and are prepared to negotiate on bulk orders,” he says.
“These are just some factors on why we believe Seears Workwear has become a household name.”
Seears Workwear 60 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Call 02 6280 4111 seearsworkwear.com.au
latest trending tastes from around the world.
“We’ve got American Reese’s, Hershey’s and candy corn, English bon bons and chocolates, sours and super sours, Dutch liquorice, Scottish tablet and our own Mrs Swag’s Fudge,” says Ian.
“We lost count at 1300 different treats and we know it’s more than that.”
Ian says that their Japanese treats & tastes are very popular right now, and personally finds their subtle flavours fun & different.
He says freeze dried lollies are also big right now,
exploring for new tastes, older people reminiscing and sharing in the thrill of finding a favourite and the great stories that go with them,” he says.
“We often see people who’d come as children now bringing in their own children and sharing their experiences, which is lovely to be allowed to join in on. It’s nice to have that history.”
Lolly Swagman 11 Old Hume Highway, Berrima. Call 02 4877 1137 or visit lollyswagman.com.au
Andre’s Osteria is a suburban Mediterranean dining room and bar in Weston Creek, led by hospitality young gun Andre Wilks and his father Bruce.
In just a year the restaurant has made a notable mark on Canberra’s dining scene, drawing locals for a menu that celebrates antipasti, snacks, house made pasta and succulent meats designed for flavour, generosity and good times.
As the weather cools, the cosy dining room and lively bar come into their own, offering a warm
neighbourhood atmosphere that pairs perfectly with the food and drinks on offer.
Signature dishes include the Wagyu short rib lasagne with pangrattato and carbonara arancini finished with crispy guanciale and cured egg yolk. Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Monday.
Andre’s Osteria 35 Brierly Street, Weston Creek. andresosteria.com.au
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
By Jackie WARBURTON
Frangipani, or plumeria, is a tropical plant grown indoors through cooler months and outside in pots over summer.
Though sometimes fickle to establish, once thriving it prefers to be left undisturbed.
Frangipanis are valued for their lush foliage and beautifully scented flowers, which appear in shades of white, cream, yellow, pink and red. The blooms are ideal for floating
in a water bowl indoors, offering a simple alternative to a vase display.
The key to keeping these plants healthy through winter in our region is to stop watering once the weather cools and leaves drop. Watering should resume in spring, along with a light application of slow-release rose fertiliser to encourage flowering.
Flower clusters form at the tips of branches, so minimal pruning will produce plenty of blooms, while full sun helps achieve larger flowers.
Frangipanis can be affected by rust on their leaves. Remove affected foliage or treat with a copper-based spray. Repotting is best done in early spring using a succulent mix or a general-purpose potting mix improved with sand.
Cuttings can be taken in warmer months using stems about 30cm long. Leave them in the shade for a few weeks, then place into sharp sand to strike. Once roots develop, plant them out.
Before soils cool completely, last-minute planting can include blueberry bushes. Autumn planting avoids damage to delicate spring flowers, which can be lost in transit. Blueberries prefer acidic, welldrained soil and grow well in pots. Pine needles make an excellent mulch, helping retain moisture while maintaining low soil pH.
IN the orchard, the main task now is harvesting apples and pears. Apples are ready when they develop a blush, release a light fragrance, and come away easily when twisted. Cut fruit should reveal brown or black seeds. Birds are also a reliable indicator, so consider netting the lower part of trees while leaving some branches for wildlife.
Pears are also ripening. These long-lived trees are both productive and ornamental, though some
varieties require a pollinator. Choosing a variety depends on taste preferences. Trixie, a miniature European pear, is compact at around 1.8 metres, self-fertile and produces heavy crops, making it easy to net.
Nashi pears can cross-pollinate with each other, so planting more than one can improve yield. For consistent production, a self-fertile tree is recommended, with fruit expected within two to three years. Pears enjoy similar conditions to apples and benefit from a small amount of boron around the roots to prevent fruit disorders such as lesions or internal corking.
jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au
• Last chance to get sweet peas in the ground.
• Reduce watering dahlias as the soils cool.
• Move sensitive plants under cover before the frosts arrive.
• Foliar feed winter vegetables.
By Helen MUSA
Former Narrabundah College student Leon Ford is the perfect example of a Canberraboy-made-good in the theatre.
A TV actor best known for his roles in series such as The Cooks, Changi, and Stepfather of the Bride, Ford has more recently appeared in Ten Pound Poms, Elvis and Dog Park. On stage, he played the title role in Tartuffe in a 2014 Bell Shakespeare production.
As a scriptwriter, Ford has written for Australian productions such as Love Me, Offspring, House Husbands and Rush. He also wrote and directed the film Griff the Invisible.
In an unusual move by Bell Shakespeare, Ford has been given top billing and features prominently on the poster for artistic director Peter Evans’ production of Julius Caesar, coming to the Playhouse in April.
If Ford had been playing Caesar or Brutus, that might have been understandable. Instead, he takes on the role of Cassius, the arch-conspirator in the plot to assassinate
“lean and hungry look”. Evans calls it the most famous murder in Western history.
Ford puts his prominence down to having been hired long ago, but it is surely also due to his rising profile, especially after co-creating and starring in the ABC/ Matchbox Pictures comedy series Dog Park.
When we catch up, Ford reminds me that I once reviewed him at Narrabundah.
He credits that school experience, along with his time studying at Theatre Nepean in Penrith, where he learned to do everything. Graduating in 1995, he often performed with Bell Shakespeare and recalls touring with productions such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Henry plays, while already beginning to write scripts.
Ford is adamant that the central character in Julius Caesar is Brutus, played here by Brigid Zengeni in a genderbending casting choice he describes as “an incredible move”. When Zengeni was recently unwell and the understudy stepped in, Ford notes, it became a completely different production.
“With Brigid, there is such a fascinating shifting gender perspective in the way Brutus considers all the evidence before taking part in the conspiracy,” he says. Cassius, Ford explains, is not just “lean and hungry”. Caesar also accuses him of
observing others closely – qualities Ford suggests any dictator would fear, and make no mistake, Caesar is leading the populace right into autocracy
Unlike Caesar and Brutus, Cassius has no domestic life, making him harder to build from the inside. Still, Ford has embraced the challenge.
“I’ve had to do a lot of imagining,” he says, “but what I’ve learnt is that he’s passionate about the Rome that existed before, when the government was more like what we understand to be democratic.”
“He’s genuinely outraged, and I’m enjoying being on his side, which I have to do as an actor anyway.”
As a play, Julius Caesar is no pushover.
“It’s like two different plays,” Ford says.
“The first half is a thriller where Cassius is devising a conspiracy. The second half is what happens afterwards. There’s no real right or wrong.”
Evans, who last year staged an earlier Roman story, Coriolanus, has set this production in a world evoking Eastern Europe in the 1990s, describing it as an exploration of politics, persuasion, and their violent consequences.
“I’m a writer, so I can dissect the script,” Ford says.
Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, The
Amita Hachidori…
The Pot Belly, Belconnen, April 10, Smith’s Alternative, April 11-12.
A dark cabaret experience featuring Amita Hachidori, known for a striking full fishnet bodystocking and powerful vocals, joins forces with button accordionist Kentaro Tamura in a show that has enticed audiences since 2009. The Pot Belly, Belconnen, April 10, Smith’s Alternative, April 11-12.
Wangka Wakanutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre, explores the extraordinary output of the Papunya Literature Production Centre between 1979 and 1990, highlighting hundreds of bilingual Pintupi-Luritja readers created with community elders and artists of the Western Desert movement. National Library of Australia until October 11. Entry is free.
ANU Meet the Author has Susan Lever in conversation with Robert Hefner on her new biography of poet AD Hope. Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre, ANU, April 21.
Australian musician Tim Rogers brings his Le Charme
Defensif east coast tour to Canberra, showcasing a career spanning more than 30 years, over 20 albums, 10 ARIA Awards and work across music, film, theatre and writing. Smith’s Alternative, April 10.
Welsh singer and broadcaster Aled Jones returns to Australia with an intimate new show, tracing his early life in North Wales through the ‘70s and ‘80s and sharing encounters with figures such as Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Leonard Bernstein, before moving into a second half of global highlights, including duets, television moments and audience singalongs. The B, Queanbeyan, April 17.
Love Triangle? Suburban drama?
Murder? Tick. Tick. Tick. No wonder HBO Max’s new series is turning heads.
DTF St Louis focuses on three middleaged adults looking for an exciting new spark in an otherwise plain and tedious American existence.
The trio get more than they bargain for though after joining an app designed for extramarital affairs.
There’s Clark (Jason Bateman), a weatherman who seems to have it all together on the surface but deep inside there’s a storm-abrewing.
His friend Floyd (David Harbour) is a confident sign language interpreter eager to embrace the excitement of the app.
Clark’s wife Carol (Linda Cardellini) is a switched-on real estate agent who gets dragged into the awkward situation.
Things spiral out of control after one of the three turn up dead, kicking off the mystery to play out over the next seven episodes.
This is a case of what it says on the tin, really. Set in Victorian England, the series follows a 19-year-old version of the detective while he’s studying at Oxford University.
Still honing his study craft and his wickedly smart observation skills, Sherlock’s life is thrown into chaos when a murder unfolds on campus, sending him down a rabbit hole that reveals a much larger conspiracy afoot.
British actor Hero Fiennes Tiffin (sounds like a Conan Doyle character himself, quite frankly) is the man chosen to play Holmes and pulls off the charisma and intrigue needed to keep audiences watching.
He now joins an absurdly long list of actors who have played Holmes or a side character of the famous detective in the last 20 years.
Mixing dark humour and drama together, DTF St Louis has split opinions but one take that seems unanimous is that it is undeniably original.
That may just make it worth taking a chance on for anyone looking for their next streaming addiction.
WE’VE now entered an era of “covid-era” movies. The great toilet paper scare of the
21st century and all the weird isolation that came with it serves as the backdrop for Eddington, the newest film from acclaimed and oddball director Ari Aster, now streaming on Binge.
Eddington is a hard one to pin down.
Taking place during the pandemic, it’s set in a fictional New Mexico town that shares a name with the film’s title.
Sheriff Joe Cross (played by Joaquin Phoenix) is a hardline cop deeply opposed to the covid rules enforced by the governments above him.
He sees himself as something of a protector of the town he’s known his whole life, the one who will stand up to the “big man” trying to infringe upon the freedom
and liberties of the local populace.
Then there’s Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal), a charismatic peacekeeper who closely follows the covid rules and believes the people who elected him should too.
As the pandemic deepens, the tension between these two very different men and their supporters bubbles away, becoming more volatile by the minute and turning something of an epicentre of the modern political climate, chaos over lockdowns, mask wearing, vaccines and the deeper political divide that has split America.
It’s an ambitious film, mixing comedy and drama into volatile subject matter. Does it hit the heights of political commentary it wants to?
Some think yes. Others think no. It just might depend on what side of the political fence you fall on.
FOR a detective pushing 150-years-old, Sherlock Holmes shows no signs of losing his place in the pop culture sphere.
This month marks the release of yet another iteration of the world’s most famous sleuth and once again it’s proving a hit.
Young Sherlock is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Just a few of the recent TV and film versions include Sherlock, Elementary, Enola Holmes, The Irregulars, Holmes and Watson, Holmes and Daughter, Miss Sherlock, Sherlock in Russia, even a show just called Watson dedicated purely to his sidekick! God. Any more of these and I’d begin to say this iconic character could get tiresome, but with the popularity he keeps drawing in it seems Sherlock Holmes is still far from elementary.
By Helen Musa
When I hook up by phone to Sabrina Live! star Nakita Clarke at home in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, I get more than I bargain for.
Named by The Australian as one of the Top 100 Influencers in Australia, at just 18 and about to turn 19, Clarke speaks with the smooth polish of someone who has lived a lifetime on stage.
Immediately turning to Sabrina Live!, a high-energy theatrical pop concert inspired by global pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, the former Disney star who became a major global pop artist in the mid-2020s, she says: “The audience for this show is very much all ages. You can bring kids, teenagers, adults and grandparents. I feel it is a show for everyone.”
Long before the flashing lights and arena-sized vocals we’ll hear at Llewellyn Hall, Clarke’s story began at just eight years old with a professional role as the littlest of the Trapp children, Gretl, in The Sound of Music, alongside her big sister Savannah Clarke, who played Louisa.
From there, she didn’t just grow into the arts, she immersed herself in them. Singing, dancing, acting, even playing instruments such as piano and bass guitar all became part of her daily life.
At the Village Nation Performing Arts Centre, where she trained from the age of four, she built the foundation of what performers call the triple threat (acting, singing, dancing), although in her case, with expertise in accents, the pundits are calling her the quadruple threat.
Her career quickly expanded with Elf the Musical and School of Rock the Musical, where she took on the lead role of Summer across Australia and South Korea.
Behind the scenes, life wasn’t always typical. Schooling came in between rehearsals, sometimes online, sometimes on the road. But for Nakita, that balance became a strength rather than a challenge.
“It’s not normal,” she admitted, “but it worked for me.”
With supportive parents and sister Savannah already forging her own path in the arts, Clarke grew up in an environment where creativity was encouraged and expected.
Now, in Sabrina Live!, Clarke takes centre stage in a show that blends theatre with the vibe of a live pop concert. The production, by Dan Fabian with choreography by Alex Miedzinski, channels the spirit of Carpenter’s music, from Nonsense to Espresso.
“It’s really theatrical, it has a theatrical pop concert kind of vibe, but it’s just me singing with four-boy and four-girl dancers, a good team of people, and it’s so cool to work with them and see how they work.”
Sure, it’s a tribute show, but for her, portraying Sabrina isn’t about imitation, it’s more about connection.
“She’s funny, a bit sarcastic, not too serious,” Clarke
Female writers are currently dominating the Australian crime fiction scene, with more women writing crime, psychological thrillers, and domestic noir than men, writes reviewer ANNA CREER .
One of the most successful writers currently dominating the Australian crime fiction scene is Dervla McTiernan.
Her 2018 debut novel The Ruin won the Davitt award for Best Adult Crime Novel and the Ned Kelly Award for Best First Novel.
Since then she has published a further six critically acclaimed, best-selling crime novels. Her latest, Three Reasons for Revenge (HarperCollins), however is a cause for celebration as it’s her first set in Australia.
McTiernan also introduces a female detective, Detective Sergeant Judith Lee, who works in the homicide squad in Melbourne and rides a BMW R1250 motorbike.
With her leather jacket and a buzzcut hairstyle, she looks “more like a jacked, angry Sinead O’Connor than a detective.” Judith is a tough experienced cop, hardened by trauma in her childhood.
When a university student, Alexis
Turner, walks into the police station, asks to speak to her and reports a sexual assault by a psychologist, Robert Walker, Judith remembers a complaint made against him 10 years earlier.
She wonders how many other women he has assaulted since then and becomes personally obsessed with bringing him to justice.
However, Alexis immediately disappears and there’s no evidence of an Alexis Turner enrolled as a student.
A day later, three mysterious parcels start to arrive at the door of three seemingly disconnected people: a TV celebrity, a struggling single father and a successful businesswoman. The parcels are outwardly identical.
“A shoebox, wrapped in embossed black paper and a crimson velvet ribbon… There was a flower too, a little coastal daisy tucked with the card under the ribbon”. It’s the content of the boxes that will bring devastation and even death to the three recipients.
Judith realises that the instigator of the attacks knows their victims intimately and how to target them where they are most vulnerable.
Three Reasons for Revenge is both an engrossing, thrilling revenge tragedy and a story of one woman’s strength and resilience to track down the sociopath responsible. And the ending will take your breath away.
It’s terrifying, high-adrenaline reading!
published on April 28 and Dervla McTiernan will be in conversation with Chris Hammer at a free ANU Meet the Author event in Kambri cinema on April 30.
reviewer Fiona Hardy is a relative newcomer. Her much anticipated debut crime novel, Unbury the Dead (2025) introduced private investigators Teddy and Alica, best friends “with flexible morals”. Alice is the expert driver who carries a gun, while Teddy is the
and
says. “So that’s similar to me, people say I’m always laughing and smiling.”
Unlike traditional musical theatre, Sabrina Live! gives Clarke something different, freedom.
“In musical theatre, you’re serving the character,” she explains, “but with pop, you can really feel it in your own voice.”
That freedom translates into a performance that feels alive, less scripted, combining Broadway-level storytelling with arena-scale spectacle, lighting effects, costume changes and a full band.
Alice and Teddy return in Old Games (Affirm Press) where they are tasked with finding the missing ashes of the late Ashley Perrineau, stolen from the house of his widower Suneet Prasad on the Mornington Peninsula.
Perrineau was a famous tennis player with four grand slam wins, ranked number one in the world in the 2000s and the face of Nike in Australia for a decade. Seven years ago he had gone for a walk along the esplanade in Mount Martha, slipped, fell down a cliff and died.
both be violent and dangerous if threatened.
Alice and Teddy discover a multitude of suspects, all of whom have secrets and constantly lie, including an obsessive stalker; a jealous accountant; an ambitious sculptor; an ex doubles partner; Perrineau’s mother who has always wanted the ashes interred and his nephew, a policeman currently suspended for shooting a suspect.
a bit sarcastic, not too serious. So that’s similar to
For audiences, Sabrina Live! promises a night of music, movement, and energy. But for Clarke, it represents a time where years of training, passion, and persistence converge under the spotlight.
From a little girl stepping on to the stage for the first time to leading a major touring production inspired by one of pop’s biggest stars, her journey feels right, and best of all, she says, “we can see that people are having the best time”.
The staff “pretended they were just like all their friends who worked in government offices” even though they know the business runs on the proceeds of violence.
Old Games reveals a fresh approach to crime writing.There is crime but no dead bodies. It’s character rather than plot driven and, in Alice and Teddy, Hardy has created detectives confident in their investigating skills without being tortured by angst that other writers see as essential in their fictional detectives. They even have happy home lives. Although they are not normal, they are definitely not noir.
Whether you love sweet or savoury baked goods, made fresh daily, you can do
WRONG at Under Bakery.
Originally opened in Mawson in 2020, Under Bakery is now truly settled into its much, much larger location at Dairy Road, Fyshwick.
This suburban bakery specialises in heart-warming, hand-crafted sourdough, sweet buns and pas tries. It’s come a long way since head baker Lachlan Cutting began selling cardamom and cinnamon buns at local farmers’ markets.
We popped by the new location, choosing a picnic table outside in the sun, for a coffee and treat (dine-in also available).
Under Bakery is famous for its artisan cardamom bullar and we devoured ours. Formed into sweetlooking, traditional knots, these buns are created with high-quality white flour, butter, brown sugar, salt, yeast, milk and cardamom seeds. They are sticky-sweet on top and have an irresistible soft interior ($5).
in an expertly executed peach and lemon custard bun ($5.50), delicious and a magical combo of flavour, texture and colour.
Pastries at Under Bakery also feature croissants (plain, chocolate, and ham, cheese and mustard), macaroons and cookies.
The same knotted effect is a feature of Under Bakery’s equally famous cinnamon buns ($5) –beautiful creations with warm and slightly spicy cinnamon.
Also from the pastry range is Under Bakery’s vanilla bun ($5.50). This perfectly round treat is loaded with vanilla cream and is pretty on the plate. The cream is next level,
Under Bakery’s bread line-up covers all bases. Invitingly displayed are yummy baguettes, dark rye loaf, fig date and nut loaf, light rye loaf,white sesame loaf, white tin loaf and spiced fruit loaf ($7 to $12).
The team at Under Bakery strives for perfection when baking.
On our visit, a constant stream
asked if a large espresso machine would be coming in-house for those who love flat whites, cappuccinos, and the like, but were told a flat no (sadly, rather abruptly… perhaps staff are tired of being asked). We’re not sure whether this is a philosophical decision, an operational one or a space limitation issue.
At any rate, Under Bakery has partnered with hip Barrio Collective
It was one of those days out of the box: sunny with a light breeze, and three of us decided to have lunch at the usual Thai restaurant on the foreshore.
The weather suited a summer drink that would match well with this type of food and so we decided to consume and compare a couple of rosés.
According to Wine Australia, this style of wine, measured by retail sales, has been growing about 5 per cent a year since 2023. Rosé consumption (a different measure to retail sales) in Australia grew by an average of 13 per cent a year from 2020 to 2025.
But rosé still remains at around 7 per cent of the wine produced in this country.
We enjoyed both the rosés we consumed and they sell at a reasonable price.
I bought a French-made wine, a Gerard Bertrand Cote des Rosés, 2024, at a Kingston bottle shop and paid $28. The internet shows that some outlets have it on sale as low as $24. The label shows that the wine is made from a blend of grenache, syrah and cinsault varietals. It is made in Languedoc in
southwest France.
Most French rosé is made in Provence, not the proximate Languedoc, with Wine Australia indicating that 91 per cent of vines in Provence are used to produce rosé, which comprise between 85-90 per cent of that region’s production.
In any event, the nose on this Languedoc wine was floral with a hint of grapefruit. Its colour is deep pink, almost orange.
On taste, it is dry, which we appreciated, yet has a hint of watermelon, not a standout but very pleasant.
It matched the crab fried rice very well with the acidity on the finish cutting through the richness of this dish.
The Australian wine that stood in comparison was a Yarra Valley Dominique Portet Fontaine Rosé 2025.
The label puffs that the Portet family has “10 generations of French winemaking experience” but does not say from which varietals the wine is made.
It is priced at $28 from the winery. On the winery’s website they say that: “Merlot adds softness, shiraz brings spice and cabernet sauvignon gives structure and drive.”
Ergo, completely different varietals from the Languedoc wine. But this is a blend that works. We all preferred this wine to the French. Its colour is brighter than the French wine, with a salmon pink hue. On the nose there was a hint of cherry and some floral notes.
The taste was richer than the French wine with a delicate berry flavour that was clean and dry with a longer finish than expected from this style of wine.
It went well with the spicy chicken dish. It is in fact very close to the style of the French Provence wines that I’ve tried in the past, especially the dry and mouth-filling finish. In all, despite the Aussie’s nod to Provence, it was the better wine.
“Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best.” –St Jerome
By Joanne Madeline Moore
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Mighty Mars (your patron planet) powers through your sign from Friday until May 19, so it’s time to be the dynamic, courageous, adventurous Aries you were born to be! Circumstances may be difficult and times may be tough, but you have all the resources within you to survive and even thrive. Wisdom for the week is from playwright and diplomat Clare Booth Luce (who was born on April 10, 1903): “Courage is the ladder on which all the other virtues mount.”
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)
Taurus is a fixed sign, and you can be a bossy, stubborn Bull. Aim to be more adaptable and adventurous this week, as you focus attention on helping those around you. The Sun, Mars, Saturn and Neptune light up your humanitarian zone, so being of service to others sees you glow on the inside. But the Sun squares Jupiter in your communication zone, so take the time to double-check all information, communicate clearly and tread carefully with family and friends.
GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)
Mars and Uranus link up, so open and honest communication is required (especially at work) but make sure you don’t become the workplace nosey parker. Passing on unverified hearsay could lead to unexpected consequences, so think long and hard before you spread secrets and garrulous gossip. What’s needed are kind words, helpful actions and noble deeds. Those around you can expect some amusing antics from you and your peer group pals.
CANCER (June 22 – July 23)
This week the planets help you to prioritise your professional commitments and plan your long-term goals for the future. If you devise a firm direction forward, then Lady Luck is waiting in the wings via a new job, client, bonus, promotion or a cherished goal being realised. Volunteer work could also be extremely rewarding. However, on Monday, be careful you don’t overcommit and overextend (especially involving a professional project or a personal matter).
LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)
With the Sun, Mars, Saturn and Neptune transiting through fellow fire sign Aries, you’re feeling feisty and ready for fun. But with so many planets stirring up your adventure zone, you could also feel like a restless cat on a hot tin roof! Remember that hubris often comes before a fall, so the buzzword for this week is humility. Clever Lions will be kinder towards other people, and more tolerant of their individual idiosyncrasies and particular circumstances.
VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
Many busy Virgos will burn the midnight oil, as creativity bites and inspiration strikes. International connections look beneficial at work, and your involvement with a group, club or organisation has others looking to you for a practical plan. Resist the temptation to worry and make sure you get enough sleep. Use your networking skills to drum up support and don’t be afraid to ask others for help. At the moment, it’s not what you know but who you know.
LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
With Venus (your ruling planet) visiting earthy Taurus, you’re all about natural beauty at the moment. And environmental concerns could also be on your mind as you find novel ways to reduce, recycle and reuse. Librans are the fashionistas of the zodiac, so it’s up to you to lead the way towards a more sustainable future. Wisdom for the week comes from fashion designer/innovator (and birthday great) Vivienne Westwood: “Buy less, choose well, make it last.”
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
Stubborn Scorpios can too easily get stuck in a stultifying daily regime. This week it’s time to ricochet out of your usual routine and do something completely different. Variety is the spice of life as you experiment with exciting new activities and enjoy some spontaneous adventures. But the more you try to control others, the more they are likely to resist. If you want to avoid problems and power struggles, then learn to compromise and harmonise.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
The focus is on friendship and creativity as the Sun, Mars, Saturn and Neptune visit your peer group and self-expression zones. So, it’s the perfect week to connect with your inner muse as you dance, draw, paint, write, publish, perform or play music. And find some artistic friends so you can share ideas. Your motto for the week comes from singer-songwriter Billie Holiday (who was born on April 7, 1915): “If I don’t have friends, then I ain’t got nothing.”
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
It’s a wonderful week to let the good times roll, as Venus and Uranus liven up your entertainment zone. The stars highlight entertaining, eating out, movies, concerts, parties, personal pampering, fashion, fun and more. You’re keen to work a little less and indulge in leisure and pleasure a lot more! But be careful what you say to a stressed partner or family member. Deft diplomacy is paramount. If in doubt, just zip your lips and say absolutely nothing.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
Midweek, spontaneous Mars links up with sparky Uranus (your ruling planet) which is fabulous for fast thinking, inspirational ideas, innovative opportunities and bold actions. You’re also keen to create, activate and communicate, especially within your local community. Some caution is required, though, Aquarius. If you are too impulsive then you could say or do something that you later regret, especially involving a family member or a work colleague.
PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
With the Sun, Mars, Saturn and Neptune transiting through your money zone, financial matters are on your mind at the moment. And Mercury is moving through your sign until April 15, so it’s time to think rationally – for a change! To connect, communicate and converse with other people about a wide range of topics. Your motto for the moment comes from fashion designer (and birthday great) Vivienne Westwood: “The sexiest people are thinkers.” Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2026
8 Which naval officers are of the highest rank? (8)
9 Name something fired at, or aimed at? (6) 10 What are sudden divergences from some courses to others? (8)
11 What is the base unit of electric current? (6)
13 Which term implies the most distant? (8)
16 Which bombshells are thrown by hand? (8)
19 To steal, is to do what? (6)
22 Which high explosive consists of a nitroglycerine mixture? (8)
24 To be wantonly irreverent, is to be what? (6)
25 Which string fastens a boot? (8) 26 What is a British colloquial term for bread? (6)
4 To be ragged, is to be what? (8)
5 Which word is used after a prayer? (4)
6 To be passionate, is to be what? (6)
7 What are dishes from which food is eaten? (6)
12 Name the head of the Roman Catholic Church. (4)
14 To have become an adept in something, is to have done what to it? (8)
15 What is the official Gaelic name of the Republic of Ireland? (4)
17 What is measured movement, as in dancing? (6)
18 To be closer, is to be what? (6)
20 To fix firmly, is to do what? (5)
21 What is estimated worth? (5)
23 Baghdad is the capital of which Middle East? (4)
By Alex Mitchell
Surcharge fees on debit and credit card transactions will be ditched, despite strong opposition from businesses.
The Reserve Bank’s review of merchant card payment costs recommended the fees be scrapped on EFTPOS, Mastercard and Visa transactions because they don’t help consumers make more efficient payment choices and cost shoppers about $1.6 billion a year.
Business groups panned the suggestion and said it would simply drive up prices and reduce transparency.
But the central bank said extensive public consultation had not dissuaded officials from making the move.
The Bold Bandannas have completed the latest Relay for Life and finished the team’s year-long quest raising $71,364 for the Cancer Council ACT.
It was the charity team’s 27th Relay for Life and they again topped the fundraisers list for the ACT again.
The team will resume its fundraising at the Belco F&V Market, 8am-4.30pm on Saturday, April 18, selling their “trademark” preserves, in full and low-sugar varieties. Plus, they have new stocks of tea cosies; lace, crocheted and knitted coat hangers; and lots of children’s play items. More from 0451 679220.
The next meeting of the Narrabundah Probus Club will celebrate 50 years of Probus in Australia.
Probus is a network of social clubs that provide retirees with the opportunity to connect socially. Probus is not affiliated with any religious or political organisation.
Members are asked to bring
“Consumers are estimated to be paying $1.6 billion of a total $1.8 billion in card payment surcharges charged each year on designated card networks,” the RBA said.
“The surcharging framework, introduced more than two decades ago, is no longer achieving its intended purpose of steering consumers towards making more efficient payment choices.
“The increased prevalence of businesses surcharging all cards at the same rate, challenges with enforcing the current surcharging framework, and consumers using less cash have reduced the effectiveness of the surcharging regime.”
Consumers would prefer payment costs be incorporated into advertised prices, the Reserve Bank added.
The surcharge removal will kick in from October 1. –AAP
some item that associates them with the 1970s and tell the club about it. There will then be a quiz on the 1970s and the club will then go on a 1970s picnic at a club member’s house.
The meeting is at the Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, from 11.15am on April 14. All visitors are welcome.
LINDA Evans from KJB Law is the Yerrabi View Club’s guest speaker at its next meeting at the Eastlake Gungahlin Club, 11.30am, on April 16. Interested ladies are always welcome. More by emailing chanily3@bigpond.com.
CHRIS Widenbar, deputy project director, at the Australian War will speak to the ladies of the Tuggeranong Day View Club and their lunch meeting at the Lanyon Vikings Club, Condor, 11am-2pm on April 21. Visitors and new members are welcome. Lunch is $37. RSVP to 0422 799 913 or kupke@ internode.on.net
Your journey to better health starts here.
At Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, we stand with you on your journey to quit smoking — for yourself, for your family, and for future generations. Smoking is one of the biggest health challenges in our community, but you are stronger than the smokes. Every cigarette not smoked is a step toward a longer, healthier life.
Winnunga offers culturally safe, free, and confidential support:
• Quit plans tailored for you
Why Quit?
Stronger lungs, stronger heart, stronger you
More money in your pocket — save thousands every year
Healthy bubbas — quitting before or during pregnancy helps babies grow strong
Be a role model for your kids, your mob, your community
It’s Never Too Late
Whether it’s your first time trying or your fifth, Winnunga is here to walk with you. Every day smoke-free is a win.
• Yarn with our friendly Aboriginal Health Workers
• Free nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, sprays)
• Ongoing support and encouragement at every step
