Everything you need to know about making the most of doonas
Well written, well read Greens need to tread carefully in life after Shane ANDREW HUGHES
After everything, how can this man hug me?
ANTONIO DI DIO
Prepare plants to survive frost
JACKIE WARBURTON
Carolyn Kelly didn’t wait the eight weeks to have a breast lump tested locally. Turns out it was a highly aggressive tumor.
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.
“I tried to take it for what it is – as a wake-up call – and reevaluate what is important in my life and where I want to be.” Carolyn Kelly shares her breast cancer journey with journalist BINA BROWN.
The prospect of waiting for eight weeks for a mammogram in the ACT to confirm whether a lump in her breast was cancerous was too long for Canberra resident Carolyn Keily.
While not overly worried about the lump, the then 42 year old contacted a private Sydney clinic and made an appointment for a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. They booked her in the following day. Her lump turned out to be a highly aggressive tumor, and she underwent a lumpectomy two weeks later. Carolyn was then able to return to Canberra for weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, but she wonders what might have happened if she’d waited two months to start the process.
Carolyn encourages friends around her age group to have regular checkups at Breastscreen ACT. It is now coming up to two years since the diagnosis and lumpectomy. Like many women who have been diagnosed before her, Carolyn had no family history of breast
cancer and led an active, healthy lifestyle.
Women aged 50-74 are strongly encouraged and reminded to visit Breastscreen ACT every two years.
It is less known that free screening is also available to women aged 4049 and over 74.
“I keep sending friends off to be screened. Two friends have since had early cancer diagnoses, which is not a referral rate I want,” says Carolyn.
An optimist at heart, Carolyn saw the cancer as another obstacle to navigate in life.
“I tried to take it for what it is –as a wake-up call – and re-evaluate what is important in my life and where I want to be. I prioritised my family and my own health,” she says.
She discovered that the world didn’t stop because of her diagnosis.
Carolyn was juggling a job she enjoyed with significant family hurdles, but she was wary of being viewed through a lens of sympathy.
Instead, she advocates for a more honest conversation about the “dark moments” we all face.
isn’t always to find a fix; it’s about the validation that comes when we stop pretending everything is fine and admit when things are difficult.
fatigue, Carolyn’s exercise physi ologist recommended a surprising remedy: more movement.
boating, stumbling across Dragons Abreast. For Carolyn, the benefits were as much social as they were physical.
ence to my energy levels,” she says, “but I also found a community.
than ever before. More than that, I absolutely love the time I get to spend on the water with my team”.
participating in the family-friendly, community focused, fund raiser for breast and ovarian cancer research, The Mother’s Day Classic.
run will take place from 8am on Sunday May 10 at the new venue of Lennox Gardens, Flynn Drive, Yar ralumla.
Register to run, walk, volunteer or donate at: mothersdayclassic.com.au Bina Brown is a Canberra-based journalist and long time supporter of the Mother’s Day Classic.
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‘It’s a credit to
Dear Shane,
I write to thank you for the long years of contribution that you have made as a Greens MLA to the life of Canberra through your various roles in the Legislative Assembly.
Your contributions will be missed as you launch into the next phase of your life.
I understand that you have your detractors, but those who seek change and have a vision for a different world will invariably be criticised.
The dedication you have shown as Leader of the Greens reflects a strong personal commitment to the people of the ACT.
The environment and social justice have been key elements of your personal drive for a better Canberra, a better Australia and a better world.
The people of Kurrajong expressed their appreciation by resoundingly returning you for a fifth term in the Legislative Assembly. Your skills in handling the balance of power as well as your competency as a minister, speaker and attorney-general account for the support you received.
Although there are many issues on which you and I would express different perspectives, I express my admiration for the contribution that you have made over more than four
Your legacy on climate and housing, for example, will stand the test of time.
Your drive to introduce light rail in Canberra will be admired by many. However, being the effective politician that you are, there will always be those who are angered by your actions. It is a credit to you that children will no longer go to jail. As attorneygeneral in the Labor-Greens coalition (2020-24), I am sure you are proud of your role in delivering legislation in November 2023 increasing the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 years old, and then to 14 years on July 1 2025.
You have played a significant role in phasing out fossil fuels and making Canberra a greener city. The Gungahlin to Civic tram line is admired by many. Controversy continues, however, over the next two stages, primarily centring on financial management.
The founder of the Greens Party, Bob Brown, described you as “a person of great integrity, intelligence and compassion”. I also support his description of “exemplary political representation, including becoming the first Greens speaker of a parliament in the world, and then being a very successful attorney-general”.
Your legacy on climate and housing will stand the test of time. Your drive to introduce light rail in Canberra will be admired by many. However, being the effective politician that you are, there will always be those who are angered by your actions.
Your experience working within cabinet, first as a strong independent voice, and later in a coalition, provided the perfect background for developing a new governance model for the ACT.
It is a great shame that so many of your colleagues were unable to see beyond their own ideological prejudices to give you a chance to show what might be possible.
Had your colleagues given you more time and supported the discussion stages, it would have shown faith in your ability, experience and skills.
Your role as the speaker required patience, the ability to work with all
ACT politicians irrespective of their party-political background and also provided for you an insight into their strengths and weaknesses. Your experience in this position ought not be underestimated.
This common background with Liberal leader, Mark Parton, could have provided the foundation on which to explore alternatives to the quarter of a century of ongoing incumbency of Labor.
Sadly, I seriously doubt that anyone will be able to duplicate your ability to work so effectively across the community and with all our politicians. But I would love to be proved wrong. There is life after politics. All the best for your future.
Michael
Greens need to tread carefully in life after Shane, Page 6.
Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health.
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Shane Rattenbury’s departure from ACT politics raises some interesting questions for the Greens.
Firstly though, it must be noted that Shane made a significant contribution to ACT politics. Be that in serving as Greens leader for so long, roles in cabinet, championing climate change policies and, of course, cutting the deal which saw Light Rail Stage 1 get built and free Horse Park Drive from the car park it used to be in peak hours.
I’d also have as one of his greatest achievements being the building of a solid and sustainable base of around 10 per cent for the Greens locally. That strategy gets them seats, influence and achievements.
Perhaps one of the most enduring aspects to Shane Rattenbury’s legacy will be what it takes to endure over the long term in ACT politics: a community background as an activist, soft power balanced out by hard stances on certain issues and a connection with a base of true believers.
And Shane, thank you for engaging with me in the way you did, I hope we can do coffee one day soon.
Why did he really go?
When he announced
his resignation, a fair few people contacted me, and asked, what’s the real reason why he’s leaving now? It’s a good gig after all, right?
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Firstly, the facts. Seventeen years is a long time in politics. Nights, weekends, usually gone. Family occasions are missed. Adding to that is the impact on what you do, say and implement. Not everyone is in Scott Morrison’s “silent majority”. You will hear and see some ugly words.
As a party leader you can’t switch off either. Even when not looking at something, you are thinking about it. No wonder many politicians like to disappear into relative obscurity when it’s done. Many are burnt out and need to recover.
But politics being politics there is also speculation. What’s the word there you ask? The hard left, who hold factional power locally in the Greens, were none too pleased about the idea of replacing a left-leaning progressive government with a moderate Liberal one, despite the party having a similar strategy in Tasmania.
more moderate older environmental centred, it was only going to end in tears.
There is talk that some in the party also thought that soft equals weakness in the eyes of some opponents, and that not enough resistance or space was being put between themselves and Labor. The idea, too, of chasing government on a primary of 10 per cent was also seen by some as folly.
So, with some calling for his job internally, years more of being a minor party ahead and most achievements done, it’s understandable why he called it.
What does this mean for the ACT Greens?
New leaders mean new directions and policies. Tears shed for the departed leaders one day are replaced by joyful pressers for the new leader the next.
So often for the Greens, be it a local or national level, the entire brand offering success is built around the leader’s brand. If that brand can’t resonate, especially with the base, then they go backwards.
Example? In 2025 a hard-core approach by Adam Bandt led to a split in the base vote and the loss of lower house seats. The Greens post-Rattenbury will need to be careful on how they manage this. Losing even 2-3 per cent of the base primary vote is going to come at a high price.
When he announced his resignation, a fair few people contacted me, and asked, what’s the real reason why he’s leaving now? It’s a good gig after all, right?
The fact that discussions had even taken place between the Greens and Liberal leaders poured hot kimchi chilli into the lentil soup, you might say.
But it was shrewd politics from Rattenbury. Like his mentor, Bob Brown, he realised that soft power will usually trump (pardon the pun) hard power. It was the politics of high risk, high reward for those involved though.
And in a party controlled by increasingly younger, hard activists slowly pushing out the
Push away the older climatefocused voters and they’ll likely drift to the independents and get them elected instead. Ignore the emerging younger new base of the party and they could go elsewhere, too. It’s a delicate balance between each group in the base and watching this play out will be fascinating.
What does it mean for us broadly?
In a CityNews piece I wrote before the 2024 ACT election, I mentioned how this term would likely see all three leaders at that election gone.
Two out of three have, and from what I hear the third wants to, but for timing and opportunity. This term of ACT politics is becoming the most interesting in decades.
Policies and strategies are also changing, and it is very much game on for share in what is the most contested ACT electoral market this century.
The real winners? Us, as maybe we aren’t taken for granted by our party of choice.
Dr Andrew Hughes lectures at the ANU Research School of Management, where he specialises in political marketing.
As the weather cools and energy prices climb, many of us are trying to stay warm without cranking the heating.
The doona – or duvet, if you prefer –is central to that battle.
But with shelves stocked with everything from inexpensive polyester duvets to down doonas costing thousands, what’s actually worth your money?
Fortunately, there’s solid textile science to guide you – and it’s less complicated than the marketing suggests. It’s mostly about thickness
Here’s what most doona advertising glosses over: all doonas of the same thickness provide roughly the same warmth, regardless of filling material.
That’s because a doona’s job is simply to trap air around your body –your own body does the heating.
So no, an expensive goose down doona is not automatically “warmer” than a cheaper polyester one from a discount retailer.
Thickness equals warmth – though in practice, determining how thick a doona actually is can be surprisingly difficult, as manufacturers often don’t provide this information.
But warmth isn’t the only thing that matters.
Down and feathers
Down is the soft, fluffy clusters that grow next to a bird’s skin for insulation – distinct from the tougher outer feathers, which are heavier and less effective at trapping air.
Down creates enormous loft (thickness) with very little weight, making it feel light and airy.
Down quilts are also marketed as being highly breathable. They allow moisture (sweat) to move through the quilt relatively freely, so you’re less likely to overheat.
Well-cared-for down doonas can last decades.
Down doonas are generally the most expensive available, and not all downs are the same.
The most common types are duck and goose, with goose down generally considered superior (larger down cluster, higher loft). But both are marketed similarly.
For the best quality, look for higher “fill power”, meaning the down clusters are larger and trap more air. This results in a thicker and lighter weight doona.
For the truly committed, Icelandic eiderdown (ethically collected from
the nests of Eider ducks without harming the birds) represents the gold standard – but they can cost upwards of $A30,000.
Wool is a strong contender
A wool quilt is the closest natural alternative to feathers.
It doesn’t quite match down for loft, but it’s not far behind – and it brings some unique extras.
Wool absorbs volatile organic compounds (a class of indoor air contaminants). Research suggests it has a meaningful “buffering” effect on moisture, moving sweat away from your body significantly better than polyester.
Like down, however, wool is another animal product. Depending on the source of the wool, it may be a byproduct of the meat industry.
While shearing sheep is essential for the animal’s health, farming practices such as tail docking and mulesing (where flesh is cut from the lamb’s buttock area, to reduce the risk of flystrike infection) may still spark concern.
Cotton, polyester and bamboo?
Cotton is better at moving sweat away from your body than polyester, though not quite as effective as wool. It’s also generally the easiest to care for – a solid choice for budgetconscious shoppers who still want a natural fibre.
If you sleep hot, think carefully before choosing polyester. Synthetic fibres absorb very little moisture, meaning sweat has to travel through air spaces alone, and water vapour doesn’t move efficiently through
polyester materials.
The result: that cosy warmth at bedtime can turn into sweaty discomfort by 2am.
Bamboo also deserves a mention, though mostly as a caution. Bambooderived fibres (almost always viscose or rayon) are produced by chemically dissolving raw bamboo down to its components, then extruding it as semi-synthetic fibres. Claims that bamboo products are inherently antibacterial or uniquely eco-friendly are generally unsubstantiated – a classic case of greenwashing.
The bed as a system
Think of your bed as a system rather than focusing on the doona alone.
Look for doonas with internal “baffles”, which create separate compartments that keep filling evenly distributed even through washing. Adding a wool blanket between your sheet and doona (or a wool underlay on top of the mattress) can boost warmth and breathability; keeping the wool layer closest to your body is where it does its best work absorbing moisture.
Similarly, two lighter doonas layered together will likely be as warm as one thick one.
Rebecca Van Amber, senior lecturer in Fashion & Textiles, RMIT University. Republished from The Conversation.
Premium steakhouse, Hunter & Barrel, will open its doors at the Canberra Centre, 20 Scotts Crossing, on 8 May 2026, bringing its signature fire-led dining experience to the nation’s capital.
Renowned for its rustic character, flamegrilled steaks, barrel-aged spirits and sophisticated yet relaxed hospitality, Hunter & Barrel Canberra is set to inject a bold new energy into the city’s dining landscape. The venue offers a premium paddock-to-plate experience that champions Australian produce, open-fire cooking and an immersive atmosphere designed to elevate both everyday dining and special occasions.
Ravi Singh , CEO of parent company Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group, says Canberra’s evolution as a culinary destination made it a natural next step for Australia’s fifth Hunter & Barrel venue, with the brand already established in Sydney,
Melbourne, Perth and, most recently, Adelaide.
“Canberra has a dynamic restaurant scene and has matured into one of Australia’s most sophisticated dining cities,” says Mr Singh.
“Opening here feels like a natural progression because Canberra is a city that genuinely values quality produce, considered cooking and a strong sense of occasion. Hunter & Barrel was made for that.”
The Canberra venue design blends primal, explorer-inspired aesthetics with contemporary Australian sophistication, reflecting both the ruggedness of fire-based cooking and the refinement of modern hospitality. At its heart is an open-fire grill and rotisserie, a cooking method
experiencing renewed global interest as chefs return to elemental techniques that prioritise flavour, texture and authenticity over complexity.
Leading the culinary direction is Head Chef Thomas Brimble, whose career spans Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe, nearly a decade in private members clubs in central London including Crockfords, which is Britain’s oldest private members club, and senior roles across the APAC region.
He says the Canberra menu has been intentionally crafted to let quality produce take centre stage.
“There’s a growing move away from overworked plates,” says Head Chef, Thomas Brimble. “People want to taste the hero
ingredient, especially when it’s exceptional Australian produce. Fire cooking allows that to speak for itself.”
That philosophy is reflected across three signature menu programmes and a barrel aged spirits programme with gin, whiskey, tequila and rum aged in-house in oak barrels before forming the base of signature cocktails and a considered wine list that reinforces the venue’s local connection. A Power Lunch offering will also be available Monday to Friday from 12–4pm, with curated set menus starting from $39. Hunter & Barrel Canberra operates seven days a week from 12pm–10pm.
For more info and reservations: hunterandbarrel.com/au/ canberra/city Phone 02 5119 0888 20 Scotts Crossing, Canberra
In 1966 I was born in a little place, a few miles from what used to be called an aboriginal mission. About the same time, Bill was born, near a mission, too.
Over years, loving parents and a great little town nurtured me and told me I belonged. Mum and dad had been there 15 years already.
Bill was removed from his birth place, never told who his parents or home were, only that they did not love him and were bad people, and this was not their land. And they’d been around a few thousand years longer than my folks.
By the time I was 11, I’d “perma nently” moved six times, but every time I was cherished and loved. I had a trophy from cricket or something to feel proud of, books and friends and home, and every evening I was kissed good night and hugged.
When Bill was 11, he had already run away a few times, and experienced the worst possible things, plural, that any child could – physically, emotion ally, socially, spiritually – you name it, from cruel people who had no right to be anywhere near children. And with completely permanent damage.
By the time I was 15 I was fumblingly trying to convince a girl to hold my hand at the Nambucca Heads picture theatre. Success zero, but it
had given me a free, wonderful high school at the end of my street, great teachers to drag me up. At the end of the train trip, accompanied by dad so I’d be safe, the University of Sydney gave me a free ride to do whatever I wanted.
By that age, Bill had saved up
By that age, Bill had embarked on a long career in homelessness, poverty and fear. And always, always, the rejection.
When I was 30 I discovered I could string self-serving words together and got overly praised for it.
At 30 Bill accidentally became a re-
In my late 50s I met Bill in one of my privileged roles. We had so much in common it was uncanny, and then – and then – I wept and he had to comfort me.
spected artist, and got relentlessly taken advantage of by shysters and crooks.
At 40, the kids I love dearly started to bring me crazy amounts of joy and
At 40, the kids Bill loved so dearly had unsurprising challenges that led to the pain he feels every day.
In my late 50s I met Bill in one of my privileged roles. We had so much in common it was uncanny, and then – and then – I wept and he had to comfort me. He. Had to comfort. Me.
Not a day goes by where I don’t think 56 times of Cath, Alex, PDubs, Matty, Emma, Anna, Matt, Robbie. Not a day goes by where I don’t think of Bill. A man who from every possible disadvantage, who’d walked the rabbit proof fence home from every indignity, who has single handedly created love from rage, sanity from
madness, art from the void.
All the while living every moment with the physical and mental consequences of what Australia has done to him, while every moment fearing homelessness will return, while every day seeing his life diminished by cruel ignorance on his TV news, while enduring rejection even from the most unexpected quarters.
How can this man then hug me, share a drink, a laugh and say he’s prepared to move on and travel together. And to ask for so little? I’ve written and spoken of kindness, the anecdote and the research, for years. I knew nothing about it until I met Bill.
Aussies discovered wi-fi, selfies, pavlovas, penicillin and mowing lawns on a slope. With Bill’s help, we will pioneer a reconciliation through a people who are not just the longest enduring indigenous occupiers in the world, but the most forgiving.
Antonio Di Dio is a local GP, medical leader and nerd. There are many more of his Kind ness columns at citynews.com.au
”Cravings might just be my personal time machine. Lately, they seem to reach straight into my childhood, pulling me toward the comfort foods stamped into my memory,” writes PAUL DORIN.
What are my cravings saying about my life? Well, for starters, they’re definitely not
As our family clan grows, through birth and love, I find myself thinking more and more about the relatives who were always around when I was growing up, especially those who aren’t here any more. It’s funny how those memories seem to resurface through food cravings.
Cravings might just be my personal time machine. Lately, they seem to reach straight into my childhood, pulling me toward the comfort foods stamped into my memory.
They take me back to cheese and beetroot sandwiches and jam-in-the-middle biscuits at my grandmother’s table. And then there were nana’s homemade buttermilk scones, fresh from the oven with jam and cream for afternoon tea. Honestly, my taste buds are basically nostalgic detectives.
I sometimes find myself buying a loaf of crunchy sourdough simply because it reminds me of nana’s homemade bread. It turns out memories are very persuasive shoppers.
My grandma would often make herself a beetroot and cheese sandwich for lunch and make me one, too. It was the only time I ever had one, usually during sleepovers at grandma and grandpa’s.
And if she made her family-favourite homemade lemon butter, nothing was better than a thick spread on a slice of fresh bread. I
was in absolute sandwich heaven.
I always knew the best day to visit grandma was right after she’d finished baking her famous jam-in-the-middle biscuits. Now my aunty carries on the tradition using grandma’s recipe. They’re so good I can’t even describe them without drooling.
About a month ago, I was chatting with friends about the sandwiches we took to school for lunch. In primary school, mine was always the classic devon and tomato sauce. I haven’t had one since I was a kid, which is probably a good thing.
These days, the closest I get is mortadella, thinly sliced on fresh bread rolls, which I love. In high school, unless mum had stopped by grandma’s and brought home a jar of her lemon butter, it was usually jam or plain tomato sandwiches.
In the last 12 months, I’ve indulged a few childhood cravings, using my cooking skills to recreate them.
At sleepovers at nana’s, she would spoil me with baked apples, pitted and filled with jam, sprinkled with cinnamon, then baked again with a meringue topping. They were heavenly.
A recent craving I had was for salt-andvinegar chips, a favourite snack growing up. If I didn’t come home with a bag of lollies, they were usually traded for a packet of salt-andvinegar chips instead.
The way I used to eat them would annoy anyone watching. I’d nibble along the ridges like a typewriter reaching the end of a line,
ROSS FITZGERALD & DICK WHITAKER tell the story of Arthur Stace, a down-and-out drunk who found Christianity and for decades wrote, in chalk, the word “Eternity” more than half a million times around Sydney.
Arthur Malcolm Stace is one of the more remarkable people in the rich tapestry that makes up the story of Australia.
He was a down and out drunk – on the “White Lady” (methylated spirits mixed with water) – and was destitute, roaming the streets of 1920s Sydney with no fixed place of abode. His eventual recovery and conversion to Christianity makes a fascinating story.
Stace (1885-1967) had the odds well and truly stacked against him from the beginning, being born into an alcoholic family, and as a boy forced to steal and eat food scraps from garbage bins to survive.
His education was minimal and he is recorded as being illiterate, although it appears he could at least write his name. He worked for a local two-up school as a “look out” or “cockatoo” to warn when there were police in the area. He also acted as a scout for his sister’s brothels – inviting passers by into their establishments. When fully grown he was only a diminutive 160 centimetres (5’3’’) tall,
likely a result of his mother’s drink ing. He became a ward of the state, a chronic alcoholic, and was then sent to jail at 15 years of age for petty theft and vagrancy.
In 1916 Stace enlisted as a soldier in World War I, and surprisingly passed the medical. He was sent to France, but spent much of his time in military hospitals suffering from pleurisy and bronchitis and was eventually discharged from the AIF in 1919 on medical grounds.
Following his discharge, he returned to his alcoholic ways around the streets of Sydney. He became a perambulating drunk for the next 10 years, descending to the lowest level of the street drunk –that of a metho drinker.
In 1930 he converted to Christianity after hearing a sermon by the reverend R Hammond given at St. Barnabas’ Anglican Church in Broadway, and was able to give up alcohol.
However, an even bigger change occurred one evening in 1932 when he heard a sermon by the evangelist John Ridley, who spoke about eternity to his congregation.
Ridley challenged his congregation: “Eternity, Eternity, I wish that
written on a Sydney
I could shout that word to everyone in the streets of Sydney. You have got to meet it; where will you spend Eternity?”
At that point Stace claimed he received a “powerful calling from the Lord”, to take that message of eternity on to the streets of Sydney – not by shouting it, as Ridley had asked – but by writing it.
For the next 35 years he would arise early and visit various locations around the city, writing in chalk the word “Eternity” in an immaculate copperplate style, believing that the
then hit return and start again. I still love sitting down in front of the telly and nibbling just like the old days.
Another childhood ritual I enjoy is making a salt-and-vinegar chip sandwich. I like to think my inner 10-year-old would be very proud. Recently, while cleaning out a few drawers at home, I stumbled across a couple of my mum’s handwritten recipes. One of them was
an all-time favourite, and the moment I saw it my craving radar went off like a fire
It was a beef curry with crushed nuts, packed with the kind of flavour I absolutely adored growing up. I used to hover around mum while she cooked, savouring the smells and watching her every move like a culinary detective. My mum’s Hungarian goulash is another dish I often make, keeping her recipes alive in my own kitchen.
The lolly jar at the fire station I work at is the crew’s treasure trove, regularly restocked thanks to my cravings for childhood favourites such as Strawberry & Creams, Chocolate Freckles, Milk Bottles, Pineapples and Snakes
The deal is simple: half a packet for me, half for the station. I call it my charity work, and it completely cancels out any sweet-tooth guilt. As for marshmallow sherbet cones, they never make it to the jar. Those go straight to my tummy. So, if my cravings are anything to go by, my life is basically one long walk down memory lane, with a packet of chips in one hand and a jam-in-the-middle biscuit in the other.
Paul Dorin is the CityNews cartoonist.
Lord was guiding his hand each time he wrote “Eternity”.
Because he firmly believed that he was doing divine work, he dressed only in his best outfit for these expeditions – a threadbare suit, battered felt hat, carefully polished shoes, collar and tie – a diminutive shadowy figure moving around in the early morning light of Sydney.
He wrote on footpaths, seats, billboards and doorways – in fact any flat, smooth surface that would take chalk.
The regular appearance of this
distinctive graffiti all around town aroused immense curiosity among Sydneysiders – who was writing this and what did it mean?
Then one day the mystery was solved. Stace was seen by the reverend Lisle Thomson writing the word on a footpath and he notified a newspaper reporter.
His story eventually appeared in the Sydney Sunday Telegraph in June 1956. Stace became an instant celebrity, dubbed “Mr. Eternity” by the media.
He died in 1967 aged 82, a remarkable innings for a man who had formerly embraced the White Lady. It is estimated that Arthur Stace wrote “Eternity” more than 500,000 times.
Early on New Year’s Day 2000 his incredible work was celebrated when the word “Eternity” appeared in a spectacular light display on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The letters were 18 metres (60 feet) high and written as a giant replica of Stace’s work. It was seen by a worldwide television audience of an estimated two billion people.
Ross Fitzgerald AM is emeritus professor of history and politics at Griffith University. Dick Whitaker is a widely published author and lecturer in the fields of meteorology and Australian history.
I would like to join letter writer David Maplesden (“CIT Bruce ditches active seniors”, CN April 16), in urging the CIT against cancelling its higher-level intensity exercises classes for over 60-year-olds.
I was dismayed when the AIS cancelled its regular aqua aerobics classes for elderly people a couple of years ago. These wellattended classes represented an affordable, regular and easily accessible option for participants as well as a much-valued social activity.
For the vast majority of participants, the cancellation of the classes meant this physical and social activity disappeared from their lives. It was a thoughtless and cruel decision.
I am over 70 years old and attend a local gym nearly every day, along with many other members of a similar age who work hard to maintain a high level of fitness.
These people are fit, happy and socially active and make a solid contribution to society.
The continued loss of sporting options for all Canberrans, including for the over 60s, is a deeply disturbing trend across Canberra. But it is one that carries real costs to the community through poorer social outcomes and a greater drain on our medical services. Cutting such options is a false economy across the whole of society.
Dianne Deane, via email
Re the letter from David Maplesden (CN April 16) about the closure of seniors fitness classes at CIT Bruce. This group can attend the EQUIPD Allied Health gym at the Chifley community health centre.
I am a senior disabled person and this gym is perfect for me. It is manned by five or more exercise physiologists and there are many classes (strength for life, various yogas, every fitness – hard, medium and easy, tai chi etcetera).
There’s also a gym (7am-6pm daily), filled with pin-loaded exercise machines, support bars and steps. It costs $22 a week, which is most reasonable.
Glenn Armstrong, via email
Jack Kershaw (letters, CN April 16) says critics of ACT light rail “appear to concentrate on poor cost-benefit outcomes based on projected tram usage”.
He doesn’t suggest that’s an unreasonable concern, but says we appear to overlook the “land-value capture” that trams provide.
I can assure Jack that the ACT Government and its consultants tried very hard to maximise that as a “benefit” (even though there is no guarantee this would be realised) but still failed to go anywhere near matching their projected costs (which will, no doubt,
have been greatly underestimated).
I do agree with Jack that Light Rail Stage 2B is on the wrong route anyway and should “enhance pride in the national capital, while saving Commonwealth Avenue’s important bridges and trees”.
Rather than Jack’s preferred route via Acton Peninsula, however, I’d suggest it should go along Constitution Avenue and Kings Avenue where it would be much closer to high density residential and employment areas.
Alternatively, as I have previously suggested, it should go underground from
Commonwealth Park to Adelaide Avenue, since excessive cost is apparently of little concern to this government.
Richard Johnston, Kingston
Jack Kershaw (letters, CN April 16) argues trams provide greater land value capture than bus rapid transport (BRT) because of the permanence of its routes.
This is unlikely in Canberra as BRT would dose of dorin
To be as kind possible
To be as kind as possible, columnist Michael Moore (“We’re two-faced when looking away from war crimes”, CN April 23) is an epistemic trespasser, well outside his field of expertise, and, it appears, comprehension, when he declares that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been “vey clear in declaring Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal who has oversighted a genocide”.
In January 2024 the ICJ delivered an interim, procedural judgment; one key paragraph from the ruling drew the most attention: “In the Court’s view, the facts and circumstances... are sufficient to conclude that at least some of the rights claimed by South Africa and for which it is seeking protection are plausible.”
This was interpreted by many, including some legal commentators, to mean that the claim that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza was “plausible”.
This interpretation spread quickly, appearing in UN press releases, statements from campaign groups, and many media outlets.
In April 2024, however, Joan Donoghue, the president of the ICJ at the time, said in a BBC interview that this was not what the court had ruled.
Rather, it declared that South Africa had a right to bring its case against Israel, and that Palestinians had “plausible rights to protection from genocide”, rights which were at a real risk of irreparable damage.
The judges had stressed they did not need to say for now whether a genocide had occurred, but concluded that some of the acts, if they were proven, could fall under the United Nations’ Convention on Genocide.
Experts suggest that the final ICJ judgment is not likely before late 2027 or 2028.
For an illustration of the legal shallowness of this interim decision, the UK’s response was that there was no “serious” risk of genocide and therefore the ruling did not meet the threshold for “Responsibility to Prevent” obligations, something which Australia did not take up either.
Bill Reid, Crace
operate on its own right of way, on the long identified intertown public transport route (IPTR).
BRT in Canberra, like the Brisbane bus metro, would be designed to give a traveling experience similar to light rail. It would stimulate development along its corridor with the advantage of having a substantially lower cost of provision.
The Barr government, in these financially stressed times, should justify why it did not even analyse BRT for the IPTR to Woden.
This question has been asked numerous times, but the government has never provided an answer. Why?
The new Woden bus interchange has finally opened. But it is clear the needs of the less mobile were given a low weighting in its location and design.
It is an inferior location in addressing such needs when compared to the original interchange or even the temporary interchange.
The government needs to provide a transfer service from the interchange to Woden Plaza for those with mobility issues. Its location is inconsistent with the aims of meeting the needs of an ageing population and the reduction of car use.
Mike Quirk, Garran
It is understandable that Joe Prevedello, CEO of Master Plumbers ACT, is concerned about the decline of gas (“When gas goes, what’s the plan for keeping warm?”, CN April 16).
It will affect jobs in his sector, and he is right that a government-led transition plan to 2045 is essential.
His concerns about heating and cooking during power outages are also valid. Not everyone can afford a home battery, even with rebates and interest-free loans.
However, electric vehicles (EVs), especially used ones, are likely to become far more common over the next decade.
With a single EV battery capable of powering an average household for two to four days, blackouts could become far less disruptive.
That said, equity concerns exist. Low-income households are least able to manage the upfront costs of electrification. Governments must ensure these households are not left behind. Programs such as the ACT’s Access to Electric initiative – which can fully fund appliance upgrades and insulation for eligible households – is a strong start.
With gas prices rising so high in recent years due to global factors, many low-income households have been unable to afford to run their gas heaters.
Switching to electricity could save these households around $1200 annually and annual carbon monoxide tests on gas heaters would no longer be required.
Households just need help to make the switch.
Ray Peck, Hawthorn, Victoria
Canberra’s claim to be the “Bush Capital” is at odds with the way it manages its native wildlife.
In particular, the regular killing of thousands of kangaroos seems cruel and unnecessary.
Kangaroo populations are naturally regulated by food availability, rainfall, and their reproductive biology. These characteristics limit population growth without ongoing human intervention.
If biodiversity protection is the government’s aim, its focus on kangaroos is misplaced.
Feral cats are the major driver of native species decline in Australia. One feral cat can kill up to 700 small mammals, birds, and reptiles in a year. Cats commonly kill for pleasure and not from necessity, and have contributed to multiple extinctions of Australian wildlife.
Culling a native herbivore while not adequately addressing the feral cat problem seems neither desirable nor scientifically consistent.
Clive Williams, via email
Under
Regarding the excellent and informative article on annual flu vaccination (“What’s new with flu and when’s the best time to get a shot”, CN April 16) it should be noted Queensland, NSW, SA and WA health services are all
providing free, needleless, nasal-inhaled flu vaccination (Flumist) for children.
This is in addition to the nationally funded traditional intramuscular flu vaccine injection.
I know when our children were under five, we would have much preferred the lessinvasive Flumist option to ease the anxiety of both parent and child at vaccination.
ACT Health’s decision to not fund Flumist for our under fives is illustrative how far ACT health service delivery has fallen behind other states.
Dr Gordon Wing, via email
Anthony Hordern is not a fan of renewable energy. Like Gilbert and Sullivan’s “model of a modern major-general”, he is keen to enlighten his readers with facts “astronomical, meteorological, economical and metallurgical” (“Solar panel waffle ignores the elephant”, letters, CN April 21).
Despite Mr Hordern’s concerns, the world is pushing ahead. In its World Energy Investment 2025 report, the International Energy Agency noted that “around $US2.2 trillion is going collectively to renewables, nuclear, grids, storage, low-emissions fuels, efficiency and electrification, twice as much as the $US1.1 trillion going to oil, natural gas and coal.”
Given the current oil crisis, it’s not hard to imagine that this move away from fossil
fuels will only accelerate over the course of the decade.
Rio Tinto, one of the world’s largest metals and mining corporations, is already developing a portfolio of renewable energy projects to supply its aluminium assets in Queensland.
A truly modern major-general would know that “in matters vegetable, animal and mineral”, renewables are the future of all things quite electrical.
Anne O’Hara, Wanniassa
It has been well documented that many small businesses along London Circuit and other construction corridors are suffering from severe downturns in trade.
We see plenty of pretend sympathy and some real sympathy. Sympathy doesn’t pay the bills or wages. What’s missing is fair compensation.
If government activity directly disrupts a business’s ability to trade, compensation should be based on something simple and objective – the revenue that business has lost.
But how much?
The proposed compensation, determined after consulting accountants, would be between $6 million and $12 million. The light rail extension to Commonwealth Park is 1.7kms long and cost is expected to exceed $1.46 billion. That is a cost of almost $1 million per metre.
The compensation proposed would be equivalent to the construction of between 6 metres and 12 metres of track. This compensation seems reasonable given that the losses, if any, made by businesses have been caused by a government decision.
The government is morally obliged to provide fair compensation. Compensation determined by independent experts based on industry benchmarks.
The figure of $12m is a small part of the cost of light rail. The CFMEU and the construction companies make good money from this. The businesses impacted aren’t asking for a profit or a windfall – just compensation.
Peter Strong, Community Economics
I tend to agree with Anthony Hordern (letters, CN April 21), green hydrogen to power steelworks would only approach economic viability if we had oodles of green power left over.
But it would be a case of baby-out-withthe-bath-water using that equation on which to base objection to solar panels and batteries.
The old “sun-don’t-shine, wind-don’tblow” argument ignores the crucial element: battery storage. Battery technology has advanced rapidly. Costs continue to fall.
The 2025-26 GenCost reports that “largescale battery storage systems achieved cost
reductions of between 11 per cent and 16 per cent, depending on the duration, in 2024-25, marking the technology’s consistent performance in driving down capital costs over multiple years. This stands in stark contrast to fossil fuel technologies, with large gas open-cycle plants experiencing a 32 per cent cost increase and black coal plants rising by 13 per cent over the same period.”
What are those “more reliable generating systems”?
Fiona
Colin, via email
The elevation of Mark Parton to leader of the Canberra Liberals in our Hare-Clark free-for-all came with the splutter of a Roman candle – much fizz, flutter and hype, reminiscent of radio static.
Following the inevitable burn out of the Roman candle and resulting explosion, the question is: Where to now?
The strategy of Chief Minister Barr and his cohorts in observing innocently from afar is a stroke of brilliance as the vanity tram rattles on and the ratepayers are sucked further and deeper down the debt sinkhole.
Do we not have a Roger Ramjet to rescue us?
John Lawrence via email
This Mother’s Day, Blu Ginger Indian Restaurant will cook for mum with the same love and care as she would for her family, says owner Reddy Manne.
“Blu Ginger consistently uses the age-old recipes with a modern twist,” he says.a
“The restaurant covers all regions of ethnic India, all meals are cooked fresh with local and imported ingredients and all spices are ground in store.”
First established in 2000, Reddy says the restaurant has become renowned in Canberra for its butter chicken, jhangiri and shahi ghost, among other choices.
“We serve gluten-free meals and accommodate any dietary requirements,” he says.
“Blu Ginger caters fresh, made-to-order meals at affordable prices.” Blu Ginger Indian Restaurant 2/5-21 Genge Street, Civic. Call 6247 2228 or visit bluginger.com.au
Start your journey this April or May and go in the draw to win a Yass Valley retreat (16–18 Oct 2026)
Step above the buzz of the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets and into a calm, welcoming studio designed for real life.
Healthy Living Yoga has created a space where movement, mindfulness and community come together, whether you’re just starting out or returning to your practice.
From gentle, restorative sessions to dynamic vinyasa flows, every class is designed to help you move better and feel more balanced.
Choose from:
• Vinyasa & Hatha-based flows
• Yin, Restorative & Yoga Nidra
• Monthly Sound Baths for deep relaxation
START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY
Healthy Living Yoga: F2-3, Level One, Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, 36 Mildura St Fyshwick (Accessible via ramp on Dalby St)
of Australia’s most sought-after luxury lodges, right in your own backyard. Gift mum a stay at Jamala Wildlife Lodge.
The exquisite Jamala Wildlife Lodge is nestled in the grounds of the National Zoo and Aquarium and boasts18 unique African inspired suites. It is a 22-hour all-inclusive stay where your meals and drinks, an exclusive Jamala Tour and the superb rooms are all a part of the experience, as well as discounts on all tours and encounters should you wish to spoil mum further.
Jamala’s rooms are split into 3 distinctive precincts. uShaka Lodge holds 7 rooms and when in the lounge area you will find yourself having a coffee gazing at a stunning saltwater shark tank and next to a family of colobus monkeys. Rooms can feature meerkats, lemurs or an aquarium view.
The Giraffe Treehouses are where the ultimate
and greet with your backyard neighbours, Skye and Khamisi, right from your own private balcony! If you’re looking for more space or to invite friends and family to share the occasion, the Giraffe Treehouses can be joined into a Giraffe Double Suite!
The absolute premium experience are the Jungle Bungalows where outside your floor to ceiling window is an unmatched view of an exotic habitat where you’ll come nose-to-nose with either a sun bear, tiger or a trio of cheetahs!
Those looking to splurge a bit more and escape to the African savannah can book into the Lion Pride Bungalow and share your space with the lion family!
National Zoo & Aquarium
999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston. Call 02 6287 8400 or visit nationalzoo.com.au
In the heart of Manuka, ACT, there exists a hidden gem that has been transforming the lives of locals one undergarment at a time. Stephanie’s Underwear Boutique stands as a beacon of comfort, quality, and confidence in the realm of intimate apparel.
With a keen focus on perfect fitting underwear and personalised bra fitting services, Stephanie’s store has earned its reputation as a haven for those seeking comfort without compromising style.
The importance of perfectly fitting underwear cannot be overstated. Ill-fitting undergarments can lead to discomfort, posture issues, and even skin irritation. Stephanie’s meticulous attention to detail, with Fil’s 30 years experience in bra fitting, ensures that every customer leaves with undergarments that not only fit flawlessly but also enhance their natural contours. The result? A level of comfort and ease that allows individuals to carry themselves with confidence, knowing that they are supported in all the right places.
One of Stephanie’s Boutique greatest achievements is their unparalleled expertise in bra fitting. Unlike the one-size-fitsall approach often seen in mass-market stores, the team at Stephanie’s takes the time to understand each customer’s unique body shape and size. The personalised fitting services ensure that every woman leaves with a bra that provides the perfect blend of support, comfort, and style. This attention to detail sets Stephanie’s Boutique apart, as it caters to the individual needs of each customer, promoting not only physical comfort but also a boost in self-assurance.
Beyond the physical benefits, Stephanie’s Boutique also offers an extensive range of high-quality, carefully curated
This Mother’s Day, give the gift of a story that has moved generations. Les Misérables is more than a musical—it is a powerful exploration of love, sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, this timeless production follows those who fight for redemption, justice, and hope in the face of adversity. At its heart are deeply human stories—of mothers, daughters, families, and the choices we make for the people we love.
Brought to life by the passionate cast and crew of Queanbeyan Players, this local production captures the scale and emotion of this iconic show while celebrating the talent within our own community. From soaring anthems to intimate, heartfelt moments, Les Misérables promises an unforgettable theatrical experience. As Sarah Powell, the President of Queanbeyan Players shares, “This is one of the most moving productions we’ve ever staged,” and “the power of this story, combined with the strength of our local talent, makes it truly unforgettable.”
Whether introducing someone to live theatre or sharing a beloved classic, this is a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day. Join us at The Q and experience a story that continues to resonate across generations.
Queanbeyan Players
Les Misérables
Tickets from www.theq.net.au
brands. From luxurious lace to everyday essentials, the store boasts an array of options that cater to various tastes and lifestyles.
Stephanie’s Boutique is more than just a store; it’s a testament to the power of personalised care in the realm of intimate apparel. In a world where comfort and confidence go hand in hand, Stephanie’s expertly curated selection and fitting services have become a cornerstone destination for beautiful women across ACT. For those seeking the perfect fit and a boost in self-assurance, Stephanie’s Boutiques the destination of choice.
Stephanie’s Boutique Lingerie, Manuka Arcade, Manuka www.stephaniesboutiquelingerie.com.au • 6295 0469 • stephanies@vergola.com.au
The Goodie Locker, that’s exactly what you’ll find, with curated gifts that not only look good, but do good too. Inside, you’ll find a range of hampers and readyto-gift sets designed to feel generous and effortlessly special. With options starting from just $25, it’s an easy way to walk in and leave with something that feels quietly luxurious – without the price tag.
They’ll even create a unique hamper tailored to your budget – as special as Mum herself – working with you before it’s beautifully wrapped and ready to collect. A simple way to take the guesswork out of gifting.
How can they offer gifts that feel so beautiful, yet so affordable? As a not-for-profit, The Goodie
Because every mum deserves more, The Goodie Locker’s Mother’s Day promotion runs throughout May. Spend $30 or more and receive a complimentary scented candle – a small extra that adds a little indulgence.
So visit in May, or simply give The Goodie Locker a call on 6262 0483 and have Mum’s gift taken care of – a beautiful gift that gives back. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm.
The Goodie Locker 45 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah. Call 02 6262 0483 or visit goodielocker.com.au
Celebrate Mother’s Day in style at Crowne Plaza Canberra with an indulgent High Tea experience at Redsalt Restaurant.
Treat Mum to a beautifully curated selection of savoury delights and sweet treats, from delicate finger sandwiches and brioche rolls to freshly baked scones and handcrafted desserts, all paired with premium teas and a glass of sparkling on arrival.
It’s the perfect way to say thank you and create meaningful moments together in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Why not make the occasion even more memorable with a stay? Turn your celebration into a city escape and enjoy everything Canberra has to offer.
With spacious, comfortable rooms, warm hospitality, and a central location just moments from Lake Burley Griffin and the city’s top attractions, Crowne Plaza Canberra is the ideal base for a weekend away.
Our accommodation packages, including breakfast and parking, make it easy to relax and unwind while spending quality time with loved ones.
Whether you’re planning a special Mother’s Day treat or simply looking for a well-deserved getaway, enjoy the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort.
Celebrate, stay, and make lasting memories this Mother’s Day at Crowne Plaza Canberra.
Crowne Plaza Canberra
Call 02 6274 5500 or visit canberra.crowneplaza.com canberra.crowneplaza.com/offer/ mothers-day-2026
SPEND $30+ & RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY SCENTED CANDLE
Thoughtfully
Every purchase at The Goodie Locker supports young domestic violence survivors and young adults with disabilities striving to overcome adversity, so your gift gives twice!
The relentless pace of modern life requires a dedicated escape, and in the heart of Braddon’s Midnight Precinct, The Scalp Spa offers exactly that: a true, high-end sanctuary without leaving Canberra. Opened in 2024, The Scalp Spa is Canberra’s First Head Spa, created to combat the effects of a high-stress city lifestyle.
The Scalp Spa is dedicated to promoting optimal scalp health and profound stress relief. Services are designed to address common problematic scalp concerns, including dandruff, inflammation, and itchiness, with a speciality in hair loss.
Their comprehensive service menu extends far beyond signature head spa treatments, incorporating hair growth solutions, luxurious skin treatments, relaxing spa services, and deeply relaxing body treatments.
For those seeking added wellness benefits, the clinic also features an infrared Sauna for detoxing.
Every experience at The Scalp Spa is designed to be a complete reset, focusing on holistic well-being. This indulgent escape makes a perfect Mother’s Day gift for those needing a moment of serenity.
Claim your calm. Visit The Scalp Spa for your ultimate reset. You can also take advantage of their weekly special: Facial Fridays, offering $50 off your favourite facials every Friday.
The Scalp Spa G01/1 Elouera Street, Braddon (located in the Midnight Precinct). Call 0416 005 298 or email info@thescalpspa.com.au
Sunday, 10 May 2026 | 11:30am – 1:30pm
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Crowne Plaza
Canberra with an elegant High Tea at Redsalt Restaurant. Indulge in a selection of savoury bites, sweet treats, premium teas, and a glass of sparkling on arrival — the perfect way to spoil Mum.
Make
your favourite facials, every Friday! Your sanctuary for deep relaxation, healing touch and radiant rejuvenation. Our dedicated Spa Therapists help you completely unwind with our touchbased therapies, helping to ground you from your busy lifestyle. 0416005298 info@thescalpspa.com.au G01/1 Elouera St, Braddon (Located in the Midnight Precinct)
your best life in Canberra’s top retirement communities
Retirement today is all about choice – choosing lifestyle, choosing community, choosing what matters most. And in Canberra, Keyton offers three exceptional ways to shape that next chapter: The Aerie at Nar rabundah, Isabella Gardens, and The Grove Ngunnawal. Across these three villages, retirees are discovering modern living that blends freedom, connection and peace of mind. Resort style facilities, beautifully maintained grounds, welcoming neighbours and low maintenance homes mean more time to do what you love – and less time worrying about the “what ifs.” Whether you’re after adventure, wellbeing, community or a comfortable lock up and go lifestyle, Keyton makes choosing the right fit easy.
But the best stories come from the residents who live it every day.
At The Grove Ngunnawal, Anita chose safety, comfort and community when she moved in as a single resident. “The safety facilities and sense of security made all the difference… I’ve never had a moment where I haven’t felt safe,” she says. What she cherishes most now is the warmth of the people around her: “You can’t put a price on being part of such a kind community.”
Over at The Aerie at Narrabundah, Harry and Margaret chose freedom and peace of mind in early retirement. With low maintenance living and a secure community, they can lock up and head off travelling without a second thought.
For many older Australians, managing health conditions like chronic pain or early cognitive decline can significantly impact independence and quality of life.
Mick and Julie, also from The Grove, chose friendship and a carefree lifestyle – and haven’t looked back once. Mick values the gated access and quiet surroundings, while Julie brings the village to life through committees, social nights and dinners. “There are so many benefits to living here… it’s been fantastic,” she says.
For Kathy, village life helped her rediscover joy after a major life transition. She’s embraced activities from aqua aerobics to Mahjong. “It’s like being on a cruise!” she laughs – a testament to the community that supported her when she needed it most.
“We have complete peace of mind knowing our home is secure and everything is taken care of while we’re away.”
With 2 and 3 bedroom villas now available and even more beautiful spaces coming, now is the perfect moment to choose your next step.
I choose comfort. I choose connection. I choose confidence. I choose Keyton. Discover more at keyton. com.au or call 1800 550 550.
Keyton Lifestyle Villages keyton.com.au/retirement-villages
Canberra Region Neurology and Pain Centre
Canberra Region Neurology and Pain Day Hospital
Local access to advanced treatment, without the need to travel to Sydney
Canberra Region Neurology & Pain Centre is now offering Donanemab (Kisunla™) for early Alzheimer’s disease, giving patients access to this advanced treatment locally.
Delivered through a fully accredited day hospital, specialist neurologists and an experienced multidisciplinary team support patients, ensuring care is thorough, safe and personalised.
At Canberra Region Neurology & Pain Centre, patients now have access to advanced, specialist-led care right here in Canberra.
The centre is the only facility in the ACT offering Donanemab (Kisunla™), a new generation therapy for early Alzheimer’s disease. This treatment targets amyloid plaques in the brain, aiming to slow cognitive decline and help patients maintain independence for longer.
Alongside this, Dr Roopa Gawarikar, a specialist in pain medicine, focuses on managing pain in older patients. Her expertise includes joint pain (knee, hip, shoulder and ankle), back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, neuropathic pain and chronic headaches.
With a fully accredited day hospital and infusion centre, patients receive care from a multidisciplinary team of neurologists, pain specialists and allied health professionals, all under one roof. This allows for a more coordinated and personalised approach to treatment. The goal is simple, to help patients stay mobile, reduce discomfort and maintain independence for as long as possible. With advanced treatments now available locally, Canberra families no longer need to travel interstate for specialised care.
Canberra Region Neurology and Pain Centre Unit 2, 3, 4 Corrina Chambers, 36-38 Corrina Street, Phillip. “Ives Complex”, Unit 35, 21 Thynne Street, Bruce. Call 02 6253 0066 or visit crneurologyandpain.com.au
Dr Roopa Gawarikar
MBBS, FRANZCR, FFPMANZCA
Specialist Pain Medicine, Physician and Radiation Oncologist, VMO at Calvary Private Hospital
Dr Yash Gawarikar
We choose to start our weekends on Thursdays, sometimes Wednesdays
You’ll find three warm and welcoming Keyton retirement communities in Canberra — Isabella Gardens in Isabella Plains, The Aerie at Narrabundah, and The Grove Ngunnawal — each with its own unique charm, set among beautifully maintained gardens and friendly, connected neighbourhoods.
Perfectly located across Canberra, each village offers modern, low‑maintenance homes and resort‑style spaces that make it easy to live life your way.
Whether you’re after convenience, community or a quiet retreat, our villages help make your next step a confident choice, naturally.
Goodwin Aged Care Services
the Canberra retirement landscape with its latest development, Goodwin Village Downer. This flagship community represents more than just new bricks and mortar; it marks a significant shift toward inclusive, flexible, and high-quality seniors living in the heart of the Inner North.
As the newest addition to Goodwin’s awardwinning portfolio, the village has already welcomed its first residents.
The new residents are quickly becoming accustomed to the service excellence and person-centred “Goodwin touch” that has defined the organisation for over seven decades.
The community spirit is already flourishing – recently, residents marked Earth Day by planting the village’s first edible greens, a symbol of the growth and vitality taking root in the community.
One of the most significant innovations at Goodwin Village Downer is a landmark partnership with CHC Australia. This collaboration addresses a critical gap in the housing system by providing seven twobedroom independent living units offered at affordable rental rates, priced at below 75% of the market rate.
laundry services
The initiative has seen an overwhelming response, with all seven CHC-partnered
“Our serviced apartments provide hotel-style convenience within a boutique household setting,” explains Riddhi Shah, Village Manager at Goodwin Village Downer.
“It’s the perfect balance of privacy and
choice and security for all seniors,” says Erik Boddeus, Executive Manager, Retirement Living, Property and Development.
“We are proud to deliver a high-quality environment where residents can live confidently and comfortably, knowing they are in a well-managed and supportive community.”
For more information on the Goodwin Village Downer lifestyle, visit www.goodwin.org.au
“Our goal is to ensure that no one in our community is overlooked by the housing system, providing eligible applicants with the same high-quality services and sense of belonging that every Goodwin resident deserves.”
Retirement represents one of life’s most significant transitions, and thoughtful planning ensures it becomes a time of opportunity rather than uncertainty.
Steve Wang says many clients underestimate the complexity involved in preparing for retirement.
“Retirement planning is about creating financial independence,” he says. “It ensures clients can enjoy their lifestyle without worrying about running out of money.”
A clear strategy considers income streams, investment structure, superannuation and future expenses, all tailored to individual goals.
“We help clients understand when they can retire, how much they can spend, and how to structure their finances to support their lifestyle,” Steve explains.
Beyond the numbers, retirement planning also provides emotional confidence.
“Knowing your finances are secure allows you to focus on what matters most, family, hobbies, travel and enjoying life,” he says.
For those approaching retirement, professional advice can turn years of savings into a reliable foundation for the future.
DW Private Wealth
Level 1, Unit 6-8 / 45 Novar Street, Yarralumla.
Call 02 6154 6150.
Email info@dwprivatewealth.com.au Visit dwprivatewealth.com.au
The team at Back in Strength Physiotherapy & Pilates.
For many Canberrans, maintaining strength and independence in later life is paramount, and Back In Strength Physiotherapy & Pilates is at the forefront of targeted senior care.
This trusted local clinic offers traditional physiotherapy, Women’s & Men’s Health, and group exercise classes, fostering a strong community where clients stay strong and connected.
The clinic has offered the ONERO® program since 2022, a supervised, evidence-based exercise solution for clients with low bone mass. As the longest provider of this program in Canberra, Back In Strength dedicates itself to comprehensive care, expertise and lifelong well-being.
ONERO® was developed by The Bone Clinic in Brisbane, in partnership with Osteoporosis Australia (OA), and is specifically designed to combat osteopenia and osteoporosis. It is a high-intensity resistance and impact training program with the key goals of increasing bone density, strengthening muscle, and critically, reducing the risk of falls.
Classes at Back In Strength are run and supervised exclusively by fully trained and qualified physiotherapists and exercise physiologists. Class sizes are capped at just eight people to ensure optimal safety and personalised supervision. Participants engage in structured high-intensity resistance and impact training using weights, alongside balance and fall prevention exercises.
With 36 classes running Monday through Friday each week, the clinic offers flexible options and recommends attending twice weekly to maximise results. The Back In Strength team is committed to helping clients live well and stay strong by combating osteoporosis. If you have low bone mass or osteoporosis, the team invites you to ask whether this supervised program is appropriate for you.
Back In Strength Physiotherapy & Pilates 1/14 Hannah Place, Deakin. Call 02 6282 9992 or visit backinstrength.com.au
“ My first meeting with Steve was an eye-opener. My friend who recommended Steve to me was correct, Steve knew what questions to ask as I really had no idea. He then directed me along a pathway, but kept checking that I understand what he was suggesting and why. I have been delighted with Steve’s manner and approach to teaching me about finance. He has been positive and encouraging. I am learning more on each visit. I do enjoy talking with Steve at each session. I am no longer frightened that I will have no money to furnish my old age. Steve has explained to me how my money is working for me and I do not have to worry about my old age.”
The UC Health Clinics are helping connect the University of Canberra with the wider community in a way that is practical, local and genuinely valuable. As a student-led health service based at the University of Canberra, the clinics deliver high-quality, evidence-based care while also giving allied health students the hands-on experience they need to become the next generation of health professionals.
Across six allied health disciplines, Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Physiotherapy and Psychology, the clinics supported more than 5,000 people in 2025. In the same year, more than 250 students completed clinical placements, providing care to the Canberra community under the supervision of qualified professionals. The result is a model that benefits everyone. Clients receive personalised care, while students build real-world capability in a safe and supported setting.
As one client shared: “I think the UC student-led clinics are a fantastic resource for patients like me and I am hugely grateful. The students and supervisors deserve praise for their expertise, their communication, their courtesy and their friendliness.”
Another client, Michael, said he was initially sceptical, but found the support life-changing: “I am dramatically stronger, fitter, and feel so much better for it.”
By combining clinical excellence with education and research, UC Health Clinics continue to improve health outcomes while shaping skilled, empathic clinicians for the future.
University of Canberra Health Clinics Building 28, Level C, Cnr Ginninderra Drive, Allawoona Street, Bruce. Call 02 6201 5843 or visit canberra.edu.au/health-clinics
Owned and operated by Hartley Lifecare, the Hartley Hydrotherapy Pool is one of the few dedicated hydrotherapy facilities in Canberra that is both fully accessible and open to the wider community.
Based in Hughes, the pool provides a consistent 34 degree environment designed to support rehabilitation, pain management and improved mobility. For people recovering from injury, living with disability, managing arthritis or other chronic conditions, water based therapy can enable movement that is difficult on land.
What sets this facility apart is its accessibility and flexibility. It can be booked for self managed sessions or exclusive use, making it suitable for individuals, allied health professionals and small groups. The setting is practical and community focused rather than
commercial or high traffic.
Importantly, community based hydrotherapy expands access beyond acute care settings and short term treatment plans. It gives people a local, reliable option to continue therapy at their own pace. They also create opportunities for preventative health, particularly for older Canberrans seeking low impact exercise. As demand grows for inclusive health infrastructure, facilities that are affordable, accessible, and centrally located play a critical role. The Hartley Hydrotherapy Pool is a straightforward example of community focused design meeting real need.
Hartley Hydrotherapy Pool Call 02 6185 1653 or visit www.hartley.org.au/hartley-hydrotherapy
Ageing can be a lonely process, says Arthritis ACT CEO, Rebecca Davey.
“Not only do some new aches and pains arise, but there can sometimes be a level of distress to changes related to ageing,” she says.
“That’s the really nice thing about coming to group exercise therapy.”
With classes ranging from as little as eight dollars, Rebecca says a lot of the members treat the classes as a way to increase their social networks.
“We are giving them a new community where they don’t have to explain themselves, because they are surrounded by peers who are going through similar things,” she says.
“Many of the people in our class now meet up in the outside world for coffee and lunch. They’re creating friendships.”
With classes only requiring an appointment with an exercise physiolo gist to ensure participants aren’t pushing themselves, Rebecca says they can get people enrolled within the week.
“Our classes aren’t only for those with a fatiguing condition or a doctor’s referral to access the services,” she says.
“We have a lot of people who come to us for things such as ongoing rehabilitation post-stroke, for exercise to manage diabetes and some come because they know they need support to improve their general health and wellbeing,” she says. “That’s why we exist.”
Arthritis ACT, Pain Support & ME/CFS ACT 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011 041 or visit arthritispainsupportemergeact.org.au
Finding the right support can make a meaningful difference in your day-today life as a carer.
Carers ACT’s Respite offers a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for the person you care for, helping you feel confident that they are in capable hands while you rest, recharge, or focus on other priorities. With flexible options available, you can choose what works best for your situation, giving you a sense of control and reassurance. Day respite is offered at our Spence centre, providing a structured and engaging program in a community setting. For extended support, our overnight cottage-based respite in Crace and Isaacs offers short-stay, weekend, and emergency care in a comfortable, home-like setting.
Our experienced team delivers person-centred care that supports dignity, independence, and comfort. Participants can enjoy a range of social, cognitive and well-being activities, while carers benefit from peace of mind and valuable time to focus on their own well-being. All meals are provided, with dietary and cultural needs supported.
For those seeking additional support beyond respite, Carers ACT also offers programs such as the Staying at Home Program for carers supporting someone living with mild to moderate dementia. This program helps both the carer and the person they care for build practical skills, maintain daily routines, and continue living well at home.
Respite can be accessed regularly or when you need it most, helping you to maintain balance over time.
To learn more about Carers ACT’s Respite services, including eligibility criteria and how to refer, contact our team today.
Carer Gateway Call 1800 422 737
Are you concerned about how you’ve been treated? Or are you concerned about an older person who is a friend, relative, client or neighbour?
The ACT Human Rights Commission helps older Canberrans with concerns and complaints about:
• retirement villages and in-home support services
• health services and health practitioners
• age discrimination
• discrimination when accessing services or accommodation
• mistreatment, neglect or exploitation of a person 60+ years or a person with a disability
• ACT government services.
“Senior Canberrans are protected from discrimination and unfair treatment under ACT law,” said ACT Discrimination Commissioner, Karen Toohey.
“This means that you don’t have to put up with discrimination or unfair treatment because of your age, disability or any family or carer responsibilities.”
“You can talk to us confidentially while we work out the best way to address your concern.
“We can also help in cases where there is abuse, neglect or financial exploitation. We know that some older people do not want to report abuse because they are concerned about the impact on family relationships, or the care they receive.
“Anyone can contact us anonymously and we will work with an older person for the outcome they want,” Ms Toohey said.
ACT Human Rights Commission Call 02 6205 2222 or email human.rights@act.gov.au
By Helen MUSA
A dancer with a remarkable family history and a horrifying tale to tell is at the centre of Ausdance ACT’s Australian Dance Week celebrations, the biggest in the country.
Floeur Alder, 48, is the daughter and only child of the late ballerina Lucette Aldous, famous for partnering Rudolf Nureyev, and ballet dancer Alan Alder.
He was born in Canberra, the son of a chef at Parliament House, and trained here in Scottish highland dancing before a scholarship took him to the Royal Academy of Dance and then to the Royal Ballet.
Following illustrious careers on the boards, her parents founded the dance program at the WA Academy of Performing Arts and, in 2004, were recognised as WA State Living Treasures.
“Mum wanted me to be a pianist or a vet,” she tells me by phone from Perth. “They never forced me into dance. It was my choice.
“I am so grateful to have them as parents – famous, but extraordinary people. They had so much knowledge, which they trusted me with. I couldn’t be more grateful.
“Many fellow dancers had a lot of opinions and judgments. It was very hard in that way and it made me not want to be compared with mum. I trained in classical dance and I teach their work, but I had to
take a different path.”
Floeur studied dance at WAAPA, then took a gap year during which she won a fellowship to study overseas, three months of dance heaven, visiting Netherlands Dance Theatre, Ballet Rambert and Ballet Frankfurt. It was no disadvantage that her mother knew “Billy” – William Forsythe, the legendary director of Ballet Frankfurt and The Forsythe Company.
Then, suddenly, it was almost all over.
She had just moved to Highgate, in innersuburban Perth when, walking home at night, she was punched in the face and stabbed in the shoulder with a steak knife. She still has
Former Canberran Luke Cornish stencil artist has called out the “mindless destruction” of a Commonwealth cemetery in Gaza where the graves of Australian soldiers were desecrated.
Cornish has won the $20,000 Gallipoli Art Prize for his canvas No Rest (The Vandalism of Deir al-Balah) pointing to Israeli forces destroying nearly 150 out of 263 graves in its protracted bombing campaign.
“The whole embodiment of the Anzac spirit is to stand up for your mates, stand up for the people who can’t stand up for themselves – whether that’s a bunch of dead guys in a cemetery or a population of Palestinians,” he said.
“If we call out our own war criminals, we should be calling our war crimes across the board and destroying a war cemetery is the least Israel has done.”
His great-uncle Alfred Cook of the Australian Light Horse Regiment was
21.
no idea what prompted the attack, and the perpetrator has never been caught.
“It missed my vein but cut facial arteries and muscles in my shoulder. I have staples in my neck and I can still feel it pulling,” she tells me.
Fainter-hearted people might have abandoned dance altogether, but she was back dancing within a year.
“All I wanted to do was dance, so when I was wheeled into the operation I asked: ‘Will I dance again?’ I’ve had 26 years of therapy, but it made me deal with a lot of stuff I had to deal with,” she says.
“I know it sounds weird, but I say I prob -
I dance again?’
in Canberra when I was a child,” she says. “But strangely, I hadn’t been there for 15 years until last year, when we presented the film Pointe at Dendy during its east coast premiere.”
It is the feature-length film Pointe, screening at the NFSA on May 3, that will probably attract the greatest public interest in Dance Week. That’s the prediction of Ausdance ACT director Cathy Adamek, who, after seeing it last year and meeting Floeur and director Dawn Jackson, discovered her ACT family dance roots.
a nine-week trip to Russia, Denmark and England, with her mother tagging along to show her old haunts.
Her career has seen her perform with contemporary dance companies including Leigh Warren and Dancers, Tasdance, Strut Dance, Ochre Contemporary Dance Company and NT Dance Company, but now in 2026, she’s focusing on Dance Week and the Canberra connection.
“Dad was born here, you know. I have a lot of family and spent many Christmases
The film is likely to attract ballet aficionados, weaving together performance footage, personal moments and even drawing on footage of Aldous performing Aurora with Margot Fonteyn.
Floeur’s floor barre workshop at Gorman Arts Centre on May 3 focuses on a seated technique taught by her mother, which emphasises light, flexible rotation and strengthening, good for injury prevention.
At Mirramu on Lake George on May 2, Floeur will perform Djilba: A Moment in Time, created with sculptor and writer Virginia Ward celebrating Menang Noongar season of transition, and is dedicated to her late father.
Dance Week celebrations reflect the fact, as reported by Adamek, that Canberra is home to the highest number of dance schools in the country.
Events include a launch on top of Mt Ainslie, street dancing, a networking morning tea and free dance classes across Canberra.
Full Dance Week details at ausdanceact.org.au
By Helen Musa
The name Australian Dance Party has a cheeky political edge, fitting for a professional contemporary dance company based in Canberra.
As founding director Alison Plevey prepares for the company’s 10th anniver sary production, Sphere, she reflects on how that identity came to be.
“We live in a political environment in Canberra,” Plevey says. “I wanted to position dance within that narrative, but in a playful way.”
The company emerged in 2016 during a period of significant arts funding cuts, which also sparked the formation of the Canberra Arts Action Group. For Plevey, it was a call to action.
“Local artists were debating how the arts could be sustained as a profession, leading to the formation of the Canberra Arts Action Group,” she says.
“We needed a voice, not just to argue for funding, but to express the intrinsic value of art. From the beginning, Australian Dance Party did that through storytelling and embodied experience.”
Accessibility has always been central to her vision.
“Contemporary dance can feel serious or hard to access,” she says.
“I wanted to show that the body can communicate ideas – whether that’s beauty
“I wanted to show that the body can communicate ideas in a way that’s engaging and human.”
or something like climate change – in a way that’s engaging and human.”
Plevey’s interest in dance as communica -
tion dates back to her honours research at the WA Academy of Performing Arts. Raised in regional NSW, born in Dorrigo
Canberra Glee Club is a new start up providing music theatre classes for all ages. We learn and perform individual songs from musicals as a group with tailored choreography and solo oppotunities. Led by experienced singing and dance teachers.
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and growing up in Bathurst, she describes herself as “a regional girl through and through”.
After studying and working in Bathurst, including collaborations at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, she was drawn to Canberra after a call from Ruth Osborne of QL2 Dance.
“Canberra felt like a big country town,” she says. “The arts community is generous and supportive, and I’ve always wanted to contribute to that.”
That spirit of collaboration has defined Australian Dance Party’s work, usually staged in unconventional locations. Its first production, Strings Attached, brought together four dancers and eight Canberra Symphony Orchestra musicians in an intimate space at the Nishi Building. I was one of the many people enticed on to the dance floor as part of the show.
Since then, the company has performed at sites including Mount Stromlo Observatory (Nervous), the Australian National Botanic Gardens (Symbiosis), and even atop a military-style truck, The Soul Defender, in a work that subverted militarism with soul music. It also staged Energia at a solar farm on Mount Majura, exploring renewable energy in freezing conditions.
“It was amazing having the farm behind us as we considered renewable energy and also how we were using our own energy in the rat race,” she says.
The company has also embraced screen-based work, producing the Move to Zero series of seven short dance films to
highlight the ACT Government’s carbonreduction targets, addressing issues from plastic use to electric vehicles.
Now, Australian Dance Party turns to its milestone production, Sphere, staged in The Vault in Fyshwick. Plevey describes the site as “an amazing canvas” for an immersive, gallery-style experience where audiences can move freely through the work.
Directed by Plevey and Sara Black, Sphere features eight Canberra dancers, including Ashlee Bye, Gabriel Sinclair, Pat Hayes Cavanagh, Jahna Lugnan, Jason Pearce and Mia Rashid, alongside composer Sia Ahmad and Creswick Collective on video design.
The anniversary program also reflects the company’s growing reach, with recent performances of Impulse expanding beyond the city centre to Woden and Belconnen.
Offstage, Plevey’s life has taken on a new dimension as a mother to three-year-old Cora.
“It’s a different kind of awakening,” she says. “You pour everything into dance, and then you learn to balance that with family. It’s given me even more energy.”
Unsurprisingly, Cora is already into dance and music.
After a decade of bold, site-specific work and community engagement, Plevey is ready for what comes next.
“Bring on the next 10 years,” she says. Sphere, May 14-16, The Vault, Fyshwick. Details at australiandance.party
The Whitlams join the Canberra Symphony Orchestra for a huge orchestral collaboration, the first of its kind for an Australian indie band. The concept has evolved over some years as new albums have been written and released and the concert moves across The Whitlams’ catalogue. It features two arrangements by the late composer Peter Sculthorpe, a nod to his friendship with Freedman. Canberra Theatre, May 8-9.
Taiwanese-Canberran indie singer-songwriter Kim Yang, who rose to fame with her 2020 bushfire tribute Garden of Eden, will release her debut studio album Turn On The Lights on May 7. This follows two years spent in Beijing from 2023 to 2025.
Lose to Win tells the story of Mandela Mathia through storytelling, music and dance, tracing his journey from South Sudan through Egypt to Australia by the person who lived it. The Q, Queanbeyan, May 2.
David Mamet’s sardonic take on the Hollywood film industry’s obsession with money over art, Speed-thePlow, arrives in a new production directed by and starring Jay James-Moody alongside Lexi Sekuless and Joe Pike. The Mill Theatre, Dairy Rd Fyshwick, May 6–9 in preview, then May 13–30.
In the ANU Meet the Author series Caitlin Vincent will be in conversation with Helen Musa on her new book Opera Wars. Inside the World of Opera and the Battles for its Future, which received extensive media coverage in the United States and UK on publication earlier this year. Cinema, Cultural Centre Kambri, May 7.
Three-time Grammy-nominated blues artist Eric Bibb brings the One Mississippi World Tour, with his trio band comprising Staffan Astner on guitar, Glen Scott, musical director and bass, and drummer Paul Robinson. The Street Theatre, May 9.
Fatima Killeen’s exhibition
Never The Twain Shall Meet: East is East & West is West reflects on the
environmental and human toll of war, examining the impact of conflict on landscapes and lives through her artistic lens. ANCA Gallery, Dickson, May 1–24.
The Little Birdy frontwoman Katy Steele will perform for Smith’s@Belco, presenting her Undressed tour, singing reimagined Little Birdy favourites, new solo material and bold covers. Belco Arts, May 9.
An upcoming exhibition titled BEYOND brings together four artists—John Pratt, Kati Gorgenyi, Toni Hassan and Ujala Afta—who explore the impact of living in an age saturated with constant news and rapid environmental and political change by drawing on newspapers and visual elements like digital codes. Chapel Gallery, Charles Sturt University, May 7–23.
Hop In! An Immersive World of Play is a new interactive exhibition for children aged 3–12 and their families, transforming familiar home and backyard spaces into playful, largescale environments. Highlights include Bunny Dearest, a giant soft sculpture by Melbourne art ist Beci Orpin. Canberra Museum + Gallery, April 18–October 11.
When it comes to movies
that should be watched while knowing as little as possible about them, there might not be one that fits the bill more than The Life of Chuck.
This new hidden gem of a flick stars Tom Hiddleston in the leading role and is now streaming on HBO Max.
So, if it’s best to go in blind, what can be said about such a film?
This is an adaptation of one of horror author Stephen King’s more obscure short stories.
Don’t expect horror here though, despite something of a frightening opening premise.
The Life of Chuck opens with the world coming to a close.
The internet has just gone down for good, economies are crumbling under widespread natural disasters, and anyone not in immediate physical danger is trying to cling on to some sense of normalcy as the stars above take their last breaths.
And amongst all this, bizarrely, is a man named Chuck who seems to keep popping up everywhere.
He’s on the local billboards, his name is talked about on radio stations, he’s even appearing on the last remaining TV commercials.
Yet nobody, up until now, has ever heard of him before.
Who is Chuck and why is it only at the end of all things, his smiling face seems to feature
everywhere?
To tell you more would be to tarnish the truly different experience this film offers.
A drama, but also a feel-good reflection on love, loss and the strangeness of existence, The Life of Chuck has been referred to as something of a modern day It’s A Wonderful Life.
Go in blind and it might just open your eyes in a whole new way.
BECOMING the talk of the streaming town once again after its long awaited return, the third season of Euphoria has just hit HBO Max after almost four years.
This glossy, neon-soaked drama follows a group of teens trying to navigate the complex modern world of identity, addiction
and relationships.
Zendaya is Rue Bennett, an opioid addict trying to both kick the drug and kick her life into gear as she immerses herself in a party-plagued existence.
Despite its characters being in their teens, Euphoria is technically not for that audience, thanks to its extremely explicit depiction of drug use, sex and violence.
I’m sure the R18+ rating slapped on the show definitely stops this tech-savvy generation from watching it and all.
Like much of the HBO catalogue, Euphoria is shot stunningly well.
Lurid, rainbow party lights make streaked mascara sparkle. Rooms spin in tandem with their character’s minds under the influence of all sorts of things they
shouldn’t have taken.
Euphoria is a dizzying, often visceral experience of a show that uses its shock value to elucidate a world of youth trying to find happiness in all the wrong places.
Despite the incredible production value though, the more the series has gone one the more it feels like any meaningful thing it has to say is lost in its own indulgence.
The characters in season three have matured (they need to after the break Euphoria has had) but, sadly, the writing doesn’t feel like it has along with them.
Still, with its unflinching exploration of modern teenage life, Euphoria has once again set social media on fire and found a massive audience, even if it is trying a little too hard to shock at this point.
SOMETHING Very Bad Is Going To Happen. Does that grab attention?
It seems to have on Netflix, where the drama series with that exact title has become a trending hit in the last few weeks
Produced by The Duffer Brothers (the duo behind Stranger Things), this psychological horror series follows a set of strange characters in the week leading up to a wedding that is about to go the way its title suggests.
Things start small. Scheduling errors, glitching devices, guests feeling that something is “off”. Soon these minor inconveniences start spiralling into something more sinister.
It’s essentially that concept of watching a car crash in slow motion turned into a television show.
This one creeps up on its viewers not with fast-paced jump scares, but a slow inescapable, yet undeniably addictive dread.
Jane Austen’s 250th birthday has resulted in a wave of new adaptations of her work.
The Other Bennet Sister, telling the story of Mary Bennet after Pride and Prejudice, is currently showing on Netflix, while a new series of Pride and Prejudice itself, starring Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden, is in production, as is a new film of Sense and Sensibility with Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Alicia Silverstone will also return this year as Cher in a new TV series sequel to Clueless.
But Jane Austen and crime fiction – a paradox? But not for those who write fanfiction. Many authors have recreated either Jane Austen, or her characters, as detectives in historical mysteries set in the Regency era. The result is cosy crime that tries to emulate Austen’s wit and irony.
Jessica Bull intro duced Jane Austen the detective in Miss Austen Investigates (2024) and three more novellas have followed, includ ing The Austen Christmas Murders (Michael Joseph) set in December 1798.
Jane Austen
is home alone in Steventon with only her parents. Her sister Cassandra is visiting their brother at Godmersham Park, her brothers Frank and Charles are at sea and Henry is living in London. To escape her mother’s decision to clean the rectory for Christmas, Jane visits her eldest brother James at nearby Deane Parsonage. But James has made a grim discovery of human bones in the cellar.
The local magistrate declares there will be no inquest, as it’s apparent the bones must be the remains of a soldier returned from the American War who had crawled into the cellar and was frozen to death.
Jane, however, believes the bones are female, remembering the mysterious disappearance of Mary Ellen Portal on her wedding day many years earlier, and begins her own investigation.
Who knows how Jane Austen would have investigated a murder but the details of a Regency Christmas make the suspension of disbelief worthwhile.
AUSTRALIAN authors Kemmy Gardiner and Shamini Kumar create a more convincing portrait of one of Austen’s least loved characters in Miss Caroline Bingley Private Detective (HarperCollins).
Caroline Bingley had been Lizzie Bennet’s rival for Darcy’s affection in Pride and Prejudice. Two years later at the age of 28,
IT’S TIME FOR YOUR PERFORMANCE REVUE
tion for the novel was one of the questions about Jane Austen that she’s frequently asked: “Did she ever fall in love?”
Austen’s sister, Cassandra, in later life told her niece Caroline about Jane meeting a handsome young man when on holiday with her family in Sidmouth, in 1801.
Caroline remembered: “I never heard Aunt Cass speak of anyone else with such admiration – she had no doubt that a mutual attachment was in progress between him and her sister. They parted… and shortly afterwards he died”.
she has reinvented herself as a woman of independent means. She owns her own townhouse in London, manages her own affairs, has her own staff and a carriage and driver. In the depths of winter, while staying with her brother and his wife in the country, Caroline learns that Georgiana, Darcy’s sister, has run away to London from Pemberley. She follows immediately, to discover that Georgiana intends to search for her missing Indian maid, Jade.
All Georgiana knows is that Jade has come to London to find her brother. Caroline is convinced she can find them both using her methodical approach to all tasks.
With the help of her trusted butler, Gordon, Caroline takes her carriage and her courage into the less salubrious parts of London where eventually they discover not only Jade but a brutal murder.
This is an impressive debut by two Australian writers. Austen fans will hope it’s the first in a series.
IN Six Weeks by the Sea (HarperCollins) eminent Austen scholar, Dr Paula Byrne joins the ranks of fanfiction authors.
In her afterword, she claims that the inspira-
Bryne imagines that this unknown gentleman might have been a real historical figure, Samuel Rose, a brilliant lawyer who loved literature. He was a friend of Wiiliam Cowper, Austen’s favourite poet and he famously defended the poet William Blake in his trial for treason.
Byrne has Jane meet Rose at the Assembly Rooms in Sidmouth where they dance. He’s “undoubtedly attractive – darkhaired… with the bluest of eyes”. But Jane is more interested in meeting her brother Frank’s naval friend Captain Parker.
Bryne establishes a classic love triangle, a familiar Austen motif, and crowds the novel with recognisable Austen characters. However, the plot is rather slight so the overall result is disappointing.
The rogue in question here is Raef McAvee, an Australian larrikin with high intelligence, which he uses to great effect, avoiding all work, cutting more corners than Jack Braham and climbing social ladders like a firefighter.
And generally applying his maxims – Raef’s Rules – which are polar opposites to Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life. Raef does not make his own bed but he does lie in it, a lot.
Raef is an anti-hero in the tradition of J P Dunleavy’s The Ginger Man and Martin Amis’s Money, where character deficits are treated as assets.
At school, he ensnares male and female friends so he can replicate their homework. He invents ways to stay home, such as baby oil up the nose and pepper in the eyes to simulate a cold.
front cover
In high school he exploits an encounter with a teacher to get a leg up in the final exams. Later he attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, although he is not an alcoholic, to access classes of society that would not be available without that common denominator.
Despite not completing an undergraduate degree, Raef wrangles his way into post-graduate studies at Harford University (which he pronounces Harvard) on the outskirts of Seattle in the state of Washington (which can be misunderstood as Washington DC with the correct emphasis).
Thereafter his rise in academia and the world of literature becomes unstoppable. He purloins a dead man’s novel and steals poems from friends eventually becoming the author of over 20 books, all aided and abetted by mentees, admirers and aspiring authors willing to do the hard work of researching, drafting, editing and even reviewing.
He eventually becomes regarded as an expert in a diverse range of fields from the sex industry, to prison reform.
As readers race through the chapters following Raef’s apparently inexorable rise, they are searching for clues as to how such a seemingly hideous creature can escape his karma. Will he be undone by his own hand or by his own handwriting? Yet he constantly seems to escape the consequences, even of sexual escapades that would make DHLawrence, Philip Roth, Henry Miller, Vladimir Nabakov and even Donald Trump blush.
Will Raef get his just deserts, or will the great pretender continue to fool everyone?
Carefully crafted, towards the end of this fictitious memoir the author inserts a new book, The Monkey’s Arse, which changes his antihero’s life. Without giving away what happens, there is a hint in Raef’s Rule No 8: “A biography accusing its subject of despicable acts lowers public respect for that person. An autobiography admitting the same acts enhances it.”
Rogue is utterly fascinating. This brilliantly explicit fiction is a remarkable piece of work. The simplest way to purchase Prof Fitzgerald’s best book yet is via Orders c/o Australian Book Marketing: contact@scholarly.info
By Richard CALVER
It was a cold and grey day. A last-minute lunch was called to lift the spirits and to get out of the house where hunkering down seemed a good option but then, in retirement, when isn’t it?
Ah, retirement when “getting lucky” means you find your reading glasses on the first try.
We ended up, predictably, at a Thai restaurant on the foreshore where the warming properties of massaman curry with a good shiraz were anticipated.
By Wendy JOHNSON
I hadn’t even arrived at the venue, but was emotionally committed to the second bottle.
I took a Kurtz Seven Sleepers shiraz 2023. This is a red that resonates with the style of the Barossa Valley: rich, full-bodied and fruit-forward.
Dark plum and blackberry lead the charge, with enough weight and warmth to stand up to the curry without being bullied by it. It is only $20 a bottle from the winery, but mate Tom and I shared a case that substantially reduced the bottle price. This is good drinking now but will keep for at least five years.
Friend Ian plucked one of his older wines from his cellar and surprised us with a Pirramimma Stock’s Hill 2004 shiraz. This is a winery in the McLaren Vale in SA and the current release 2023 Stock’s Hill sells for around $25 a bottle. Ian indicated that when he purchased this wine, circa 2006, he paid $18 a bottle. The prices of both of these good SA shiraz wines shows how blessed we are in this country with good value-for-money wine.
These wines both had an ABV of 14 per cent so part of their richness and mouthfeel derived from this higher alcohol element, although the 2004 had far less fruit complexion than the younger wine.
In fact, lunch turned out to be an unexpected competition between young and old.
The younger wine was, as I said, fruit forward: red fruits fill the palate, with a touch of oak that gives a hint of vanilla.
The older wine changed a great deal over the course of the lunch. It needed air to fully show its complexity. It had obviously been stored well and its deep-red colour showed no hint of browning, a sign of a wine being over the hill.
The nose changed over the course of the lunch as did the development of the wine, with the bouquet changing from a broom cupboard smell on first opening to a lovely liquorice aroma after about 15 minutes.
The taste changed too, from slightly astringent to smooth and full bodied, again after about 15 minutes.
The aged wine was more complex and required more patience than the immediately rewarding younger wine. The fruit hadn’t disappeared so much as stepped aside. In its place came layers that build with time, savoury edges and softer tannins.
Both wines went very well with the massaman beef curry, as anticipated.
Lunch turned out to be an unexpected competition between young and old.
But neither went well with the green curry chicken dish. That was a clash of flavours. Red wine and chicken curry don’t get along. It was like the sauce and the tannins formed a committee and voted me out of enjoyment. I’m sure if it could, the chicken would have apologised for not being lamb.
The lunch turned into a simple but satisfying lesson. The younger wine gave everything up front: fruit, weight, warmth. The older wine asked for patience but repaid it with complexity and evolution over the course of the meal.
Youth is about fruit. Age is about everything that happens after the fruit waves goodbye.
When we walked through the doors of one of Belconnen’s newest restaurants, we were warmly welcomed by Gianni Guglielmin.
Gianni’s, named after the man himself, is an exciting addition to Belco’s dining scene and holds a prime position right underneath The Mercure. Seating 95 inside and with a few seats outside near the adjoining gelato bar, Gianni’s is Italian through and through.
The new venue, with its smart fit out, has got off on the right foot, but that’s no surprise given Gianni has operated popular Briscola Italian in the city for more than 15 years. He knows a thing or two about what makes customers tick and he knows that unpretentious, authentic Italian dishes warm the heart.
We secured a perfect possie by the massive windows that feature at Gianni’s, ordering two mocktails – the San Bitter Spritz ($10) and Virgin+ Mojito ($13). The calamari fritte (generous serve for $22), which we shared to start, hit the spot. The baby calamari was tender, the fresh rocket peppery, and the lemon caper mayonnaise smooth, thick and creamy. We squirted fresh lemon on top and dug in.
My friend is a massive pizza lover and struggled in deciding whether to order a rossa or bianca base. In the end, the rossa won. His oven-fired Toscana pizza on a house-made tomato base featured yum Fior di latte. It was loaded with mushrooms,
wasn’t a crumb left.
I craved pasta, but was challenged to choose because the line-up was too enticing. My linguine di mare ($36 with either olive oil or Napoli sugo) featured plump King prawns, silky scallops and magical mussels. The sugo was intensely flavoured, and I loved the white wine chilli and cherry tomato elements.
For greens, we shared a super-fresh rocket salad ($15) with fresh pear, walnuts, citronette and balsamic, with all ingredients beautifully balanced.
Gianni’s has a great lunch expresso combo ($25 per person), including a house vino,
Bambini menu is for kids 12 and under (meal plus ice cream for $16). A special section of alternate dishes and options to meet dietary needs is available.
To top off our experience, we decided not to order dessert at our table. Instead, we went around the corner to Gianni’s cute gelato bar (street entrance). Both gelato and sorbet are made by the owner of Romano’s Pizzeria, Queanbeyan, with no additives. My combo of raspberry and Belgian chocolate flavours was classic ($9 for a double). The service at Gianni’s was friendly and efficient.
All up? Gianni’s is belissimo
By Jackie WARBURTON
As the first frosts for the season are here, now’s the time to prepare plants for winter and protect them as much as possible from being “burnt”.
Some potted plants can be placed under cover or brought indoors. Plants in the ground should suit the conditions where they are grown.
Frost-hardy plants cope with severe winters, including heavy frost, snow and long chill periods. Frost-tolerant plants handle only
light frost once mature and dislike prolonged freezing.
Understanding frost tolerance improves success, especially with vegetables. Spinach, carrots and other root crops have high frost tolerance. Peas, radishes and lettuces tolerate only light frost. This knowledge helps determine planting positions and what needs protection.
Frost hollows can be improved by adding evergreen hedges, walls or small trees to redirect cold air and create a useful microclimate. Planting beneath trees can also offer protection.
MULCHING is important in winter as it reduces soil temperature fluctuation and plant stress. There
are many mulch options, some better than others. Apply mulch about 75mm thick. Chunkier materials last longer and allow water to penetrate the soil. Water the ground first, then mulch, then water again to lock in moisture.
THERE are few indoor plants suited to cold, outdoor winters. While many enjoy summer outside, they should be brought indoors for winter. Watering can be tricky, as plants become fussy if conditions are not right. Keep them about 20cm from windows with indirect light. Use tepid water no more than once a week.
Anthurium andraeanum, or flamingo flower, is a good choice for beginners. It has glossy leaves and grows in low light. It can be displayed in a small pot or in water with pebbles. Once it outgrows its container, divide and repot.
Keeping indoor plants in smaller pots makes them easier to manage and move through the seasons. Use liquid feed in cooler months, then a growth fertiliser in warmer weather.
Pot plants before winter and
give them extra care to encourage strong growth. An open potting mix works best; a blend of potting mix and orchard mix in equal parts is effective. A more open mix reduces fungus gnats and whitefly but requires more frequent watering.
IN the vegetable patch, remove spent summer crops, chop them finely and add to compost. Keep fallow beds weed-free and lightly mulched with organic material.
jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au
• Leave spent foliage on perennials through winter for habitat.
• Keep garlic weed free and sprinkle a little blood and bone.
• Turn compost and add water and organic matter.
• Dead rose for more flowering before winter.
By Joanne Madeline Moore
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Ambitious Saturn, creative Neptune and dynamic Mars (your patron planet) are visiting your sign, so your fiery, passionate, proactive, boisterous, bossy Aries side will be on full display. Do your best to get must-do, routine tasks out of the way early in the week. Then you can enjoy the activities that really make your heart sing. Be inspired by birthday great, actress Audrey Hepburn: “I believe, every day, you should have at least one exquisite moment.”
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)
It’s time for Bulls to bewitch and bewilder! With the Sun and Mercury both transiting through your sign, your positive and negative Taurus traits are boosted this week. So, expect to be more sensual, stable, patient and dependable… and more possessive, pedantic, slow-moving and stubborn! Your motto for the moment is from iconic Taurean actress (and birthday great) Audrey Hepburn: “The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy.”
GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)
Venus (the planet that rules appearance and aesthetics) is visiting Gemini, and Jupiter is jumping through your self-esteem zone. So, the stars urge you to look for the inner beauty within yourself – and other people. Here are some beauty tips from Hollywood movie star (and birthday great) Audrey Hepburn: “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak words of kindness. And for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”
CANCER (June 22 – July 23)
Jolly, generous Jupiter (the planet of prosperity and positivity) is transiting through your sign until June 30. This lucky placement only happens every 12 years, so make the most of it while it’s still around! You’ll find confidence, authenticity and robust self-esteem will take you places. Be inspired by Hollywood movie star, fashion icon and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn (who was born on May 4, 1929): “Always be a first-rate version of yourself.”
LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)
Have you been hibernating in your Lion’s den? With Mercury and the Sun (your ruler) activating your career zone, do your best to initiate positive, creative changes at work. It’s time to be bold rather than brooding, and proactive rather than reactive. And spend some quality time in nature. If you’re lucky enough to have one, then get out and potter in the garden. As birthday great Audrey Hepburn observed: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
Generous Jupiter activates your hopes-and-wishes zone, which boosts confidence as you pursue ambitious and adventurous aspirations for the future. Avoid being too safe and sensible! Let go of a perceived failure that has been holding you back. If you learn from your mistakes, then you can finally move forward. Family and friends will help you along the way. Your motto is from birthday great, Audrey Hepburn: “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”
LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
Prosperity planet Jupiter is jumping through your career zone until June 30, which only happens every 12 years. So don’t procrastinate and dilly-dally, Libra. A lucky opportunity could come out of the blue. You need to make hay while the sun shines and strike while the iron is hot! Be inspired by birthday great, actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn (who was born on May 4, 1929): “Opportunities don’t often come along. When they do, you have to grab them.”
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
This week the Sun and Mercury are moving through your relationship zone, so the focus is on partnerships (of the romantic, platonic and business variety). Smart Scorpios will go out of their way to avoid controlling behaviour and power struggles, as they argue a lot less and empathise a lot more. As Hollywood movie star, humanitarian and birthday great Audrey Hepburn wisely observed: “Nothing is more important than empathy for another human being.”
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
Impatient, speedy Sagittarians can be too quick to ditch family members, dismiss close friends, and disregard work colleagues who stuff up or disappoint. But is that always the best thing to do? Perhaps some people deserve a second chance? As movie star, humanitarian and birthday great Audrey Hepburn said: “People have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed. Never throw out anyone.” Work and family are connected on Wednesday.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
This week you’ll be at your Capricorn best as the Sun and Mercury light up your leisure and pleasure zones. Wednesday is the best day to relax and socialise with family and friends. In the words of birthday great, actress Audrey Hepburn: “Enjoy the day to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come.” With Mars, Saturn and Neptune moving through your home zone, you may also have to lend a helping hand to a stressed relative or housemate.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
The Sun and Mercury activate your family zone, so home is where the heart is this week. Even though you may be faced with an unpredictable domestic problem, be thankful for the relatives who nurture and support you. As birthday great Audrey Hepburn wisely observed: “I may not always be offered work, but I’ll always have my family.” With restless, proactive Mars visiting your local travel zone, try to escape on a much-needed weekend getaway.
PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
This week the planets increase your tendency to blurt things out and spread secrets. So, think before you speak, Pisces! When it comes to a recalcitrant relative or an annoying neighbour, be more diplomatic as you build bridges and let bygones be bygones. And don’t let negative self-talk hold you back. Be inspired by actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn (who was born on May 4, 1929): “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible’!”
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore
2026
21 Which abbreviated term means “belonging to Australia”? (2,4)
22 What, in the military, is a unit of ground forces? (8)
23 To be borne on water, is to be what? (6)
24 In which city areas do minority groups live in conditions of poverty? (8) 25 Name a US film actor, Rock ... (6)
Solution next edition Down
2 Name a milk drink containing whipped raw egg, etc. (7)
3 What is another term for a trapdoor? (7)
4 To make a journey, is to do what? (6)
5 When one decapitates, one does what? (7)
6 To have joined together, is to have done what? (7)
7 What is perfume also known as? (7)
13 Which term implies resentful displeasure? (7)
14 Name a short garment worn next to the skin. (7)
15 What is a white ant also known as? (7)
17 To have authorised, is to have done what? (7)
18 Name the Secret State Police of Nazi Germany. (7)
20 What is potassium carbonate? (6)
