DO WE REALLY HAVE TO WALK 10,000 STEPS A DAY? HUNTER BENNETT says this magic number feels like a medical rule. But where did it come from? And is it even true? AUGUST 13, 2026
Is the government going crazy-brave?
ROBERT McMAHON One man’s lowdown on high heels and make-up CLIVE WILLIAMS Here’s some news!
KEEPING UP THE ACT
Kids strike a chord A trio of Canberra’s best and brightest young musicians is heading to the big-deal finals of a national competition
Scienceweek.net.au
15 - 23 AUGUST
NEWS / Miles Franklin Literary Award
Six years, 21 drafts earn hip-hop poet top prize Queanbeyan author and hip-hop artist Omar Musa moved to Borneo to write his second novel Fierceland, which has taken out Australia’s premier literary award, writes LIZ HOBDAY. When Omar Musa discovered he’d won Australia’s premier book prize, he literally stopped in his tracks. The author was in the Philippines when he received news he had taken out the Miles Franklin Literary Award, leaving him standing still in the middle of a street. “I was just gobsmacked, totally blown away,” he said. The Queanbeyan author took six years and 21 drafts to write his second novel Fierceland, and said he never expected his efforts to be so recognised. “It’s hard work, you’re broke most of the time, full of self doubt and impostor syndrome, as well as exciting breakthroughs and adventures along the way,” he said. The winner of the prestigious $60,000 book prize, awarded annually to a novel of the highest literary merit about Australian life, was announced at a ceremony in Sydney. A globe-spanning family saga with mythical elements, Fierceland is the story of Sydney artist Roz and tech entrepreneur Harun, who return to the island of Borneo for their father’s funeral.
Their family’s wealth was built on the palm oil trade and the novel deals with colonialism, capitalism and the destruction of Borneo’s rainforests. Musa said he was careful not to be heavy-handed exploring those issues, keeping human drama at the centre of the tale – although one of its main characters is actually the rainforest itself. “You still want it to be an exhilarating experience for a reader... it’s about being playful, even when you’re dealing with matters of life and death, power and exploitation,” he said. Musa is the son of CityNews arts editor Helen Musa. He has family ties in Malaysia, but was born and raised in Australia. He was nervous Fierceland might romanticise or oversimplify Borneo, an island shared by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. He relocated to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, while writing. Musa tried to replicate the texture and musicality of Malaysian English or “Manglish”, adding readers in Sabah and Sarawak especially welcomed the local refer-
INDEX
ences and slang. “I’m really proud of that, I hope it’s just the beginning and it cracks the door open for a lot of people who were born and raised there to tell those stories,” he said. It’s estimated Malaysian Borneo has more than 80 native languages
Since 1993: Volume 32, Number: 31 General manager: Tracey Avery, tracey@citynews.com.au
Arts & Entertainment 17-20 Crossword & Sudoku
21
Dining & Wine
20
Gardening
Omar Musa, local author, visual artist, rapper and poet from Queanbeyan has won the 2026 Miles Franklin Award for his novel, Fierceland. Photo: Peter Hislop
Sales & marketing executives: Damien Klemke, 0439 139001 Ashika Nambiar, 0425 149860 Lisa Clarke, 0413 590811
22-23
Letters
14
News
3-14
Politics
4, 10
Streaming
18
Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au Do we really need to walk 10,000 steps a day? Story Page 12.
Have you considered a pre-arranged funeral? Pay today’s prices for the funeral you want, with a personalised payment plan.
Arts editor: Helen Musa, helen@citynews.com.au Production manager: Janet Ewen Graphic designer: Mona Ismail
Well written, well read
Ph 02 6189 0777 Fax 02 6189 0778 9b/189 Flemington Rd, Mitchell 2911
and Musa found people who spoke 16 of those tongues to include various translations of the one poem in Fierceland. The author has also published four books of poetry, four hip hop records, written a play and held solo exhibitions of his woodcut prints,
making it not surprising he views the demarcation of various art forms as somewhat contrived. But Musa sees novels, in particular, as a radical way of creating empathy, because readers enter into the thinking of characters different to themselves. “We need literature and art that pushes the boundaries and creates new vocabularies more than ever, because ultimately, sharing stories is a humanising process, in a world that is so often keen to dehumanise and demonise people,” he said. Fierceland won the $25,000 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Fiction in February, while Musa’s 2014 novel Here Come the Dogs was long-listed for the Miles Franklin and the International Dublin Literary awards. The Miles Franklin is Australia’s most prestigious literary award. Apart from the $60,000 cash prize, the winning author goes into the history books alongside previous winners including Thea Astley, Tim Winton, Peter Carey, Melissa Lukashenko and the 2025 winner, Siang Lu. Established under the will of My Brilliant Career author Stella Miles Franklin, the annual award honours a novel of the “highest literary merit” presenting “Australian life in any of its phases”. –AAP
Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, 9b/189 Flemington Road, Mitchell.
Distribution manager: Penny McCarroll
CANBERRA’S LOCAL WHEEL STRAIGHTENING SERVICE
With 36 years experience, William Cole Funerals provide excellence in funeral service.
Canberra Wheel Repairs has the latest wheel and rim straightening lathe, enabling us to successfully realign most damaged alloy wheels.
02 6280 5967 Visit us at
1/184 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick rallimaxwheelrepairs.au citynews.com.au
02 6253 3655 williamcolefunerals.com.au | 60 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen, ACT CityNews August 13-19, 2026 3
POLITICS / gambling advertising
Why won’t the big parties take a punt on reform? The major political parties are banking on brinkmanship when it comes to gambling reform. The reality is that the Albanese Labor government does not really want gambling reform and the Liberals would prefer it if it was not on the agenda. However, the Peta Murphy report has embarrassed the government into taking some action. The downside for Labor (and to a lesser extent for the Liberals) is the considerable donations they receive from gambling. This has certainly long been the case for poker machines and the Labor Party in Canberra – whether the funds come directly or indirectly. No-one really wants to compromise. The vigorous questioning in the Senate Committee by ACT independent David Pocock and the Greens’ Sarah Hanson-Young represents the reality of community concerns. Compromise on this issue by the Liberals and Labor should be a thing of the past. When the late Peta Murphy, as chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, tabled the You Win Some, You Lose More report, the compromises had already been made. Making compromises is at the heart of the work of parliamentary
Senator David Pocock and ACT Minister Marisa Paterson… passionate advocates to end gambling advertising. committees. So why didn’t the government accept the compromises and implement the 31 recommendations in the report that were designed to reduce harm? This highlights one of the great challenges of politics as framed by Voltaire in the 1770s when he interpreted an Italian proverb as “Il meglio è l’inimico del bene”, which loosely translates “perfection is the enemy of progress”. Perhaps the real problem lies with the huge donations received by political parties from the gambling industry. The search for perfection is often at the heart of the failure to compromise. In politics it can also be used as a tool to undermine progress. The gambling lobby, represented by groups such as the ironically named Responsible Wagering Australia,
The reality is that the Albanese Labor government does not really want gambling reform and the Liberals would prefer it if it was not on the agenda.
put a huge effort into influencing governments so that their profits are not undermined. The art of such lobbyists is to put roadblocks in the way of government reform and, at the very least, cause delay. The current Senate inquiry is into the bill that was supposedly tabled to implement the Murphy Report recommendations. The frustration of the crossbench senators at the current inquiry is clear. The legislation does not do enough. The debate over gambling advertising is reminiscent of similar debates regarding tobacco advertising decades ago. To overcome the resistance of those who benefitted from the revenue, governments developed Health Promotion Organisations such as Healthpact in the ACT and
VicHealth in Victoria. These organisations across Australia supported those that would have lost revenue when tobacco advertising was shut down. They funded healthier messages at arts venues, as well as in the media and sporting clubs. Recommendation 4 of the Murphy report outlines a similar approach. According to a poll conducted by the Australia Institute: “Three in four Australians (77 per cent) would support a ban on gambling advertisements”. Like tobacco, the aim should be to start with advertising and move further to reduce the harm associated with gambling Dr Marisa Paterson, who completed a PhD on gambling in remote indigenous communities, is the ACT Minister responsible. She has been a passionate advocate to put an end to gambling advertising. Of course, this largely falls outside her jurisdiction as it is a federal responsibility. She updated the Gambling Harm Prevention and Mitigation Fund Guidelines in 2025 arguing: “We are ensuring that revenue from gaming machines is reinvested into projects that actively reduce the harm those machines can cause”.
Dr Paterson saw the reduction in the number of poker machines by about 30 per cent up to July 2025 as a voluntary surrender project by the ACT government established in 2018. It has left the ACT with around 3500 poker machines. The next goal has been set to reduce the number of poker machines to 1000 by 2045. This is such a long-term step for a passionate advocate and the minister responsible for reducing gambling harm. In marked contrast to the questioning by Senator David Pocock, Dr Paterson is bound by cabinet solidarity and the constraints of the Labor Party machine. Voltaire is also interpreted as “perfection is the enemy of the good”. This needs to be kept in mind in the case of gambling, and in so much of politics. Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health. He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.
“Like driving two BMWs at the same time” MICHAEL SCHØNWANDT
Lucas & Arthur Jussen The most sought-after piano duo of our time – be spellbound by this ‘double Dutch’ phenomenon.
F R I D AY 2 8 A U G U S T Book now at snowconcerthall.com Situated on Canberra Grammar School’s beautiful Red Hill campus at 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill ACT
4 CityNews August 13-19, 2026
citynews.com.au
OPINION
Why the Eastern Grey kangaroo has no future One night in 1930, a Tasmanian farmer Wilf Batty, of Mawbanna, heard a commotion in his chookhouse and, rifle in hand, went to investigate. A short time later, he shot dead the last wild thylacine, or “Tasmanian Tiger”. Six years later, the last known member of the species died at Beaumaris Zoo in Hobart. Only two months before, the thylacine had been granted protected status. For all the previous history of Tasmania, going back to Captain Cook’s time, there had been open season all year round on these apex predators. A study published in 2025 proposed that gene losses that accumulated throughout the thylacine’s evolutionary history made the species more susceptible to extinction. The authors suggest that genetic traits that would have made the thylacine more capable of adapting to environmental changes were lost and that these losses may have contributed to their eventual demise. It is my contention here that, thanks to both declining numbers coupled with likely gene loss, the total extermination of the Eastern Grey kangaroo is most likely far closer than we Canberrans think, or for that matter any of the local politicians we
What’s required is that a significant majority of Canberrans welcome Eastern Greys into their gardens as eaters-down of lawns, trimmers of hedges and such. Frankly, I cannot see that happening. As the Eastern Greys approach and pass their point of no return on their way down the road to extinction, too few will see that future unfolding for them. Photo: Stuart Robinson elect to the House of Assembly. And so, Chief Minister Andrew Barr and his government and ALP-Greens cronies have likely turned us all into a collective Wilf Batty. In the Darwinian contest for “survival of the fittest”, it is the predators on the kangaroos that select out the least fit of them: the oldest, the slowest, the weakest. They are very good at it, because their lives depend on it. Likewise, in this natural contest, the strongest of the prey animals: the females best able to protect themselves and their young; the males best able to defend their family group and give the predator a thorough kicking, operate to select out the least “fit” of the predators. Natural selection is thus a two-way street.
Enter the shooter, likely riding on a quad bike, or in a 4WD utility, and the last kangaroo predator left. Gene selection in or out of the hunted population now plays no significant role. So come the arrival by natural mutation of a virus or bacterial species already here, or transported in by a migratory bird, of the kangaroo equivalent of COVID-19, AIDS, bird ‘flu, tuberculosis or whatever, the national kangaroo population could be so polluted by genes that long-term decline leading to extinction could likely be the only future for the species. At the present time, no farmer or grazier ever gets prosecuted for shooting kangaroos without a permit, or even with one, but for shooting in the wrong place at the wrong time.
National parks and reserves are commonly regarded as refuges for pest species, such as rabbits, ‘roos, and wombats. As one farmer’s wife put it to me once: “They all want shooting out. Really!” These days, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that there is no future for the Eastern Grey kangaroo as a species. Random mutation will still go on, but increasingly, the selection will be random also, leading to increasing genetic scrambling and accelerating decline of the population; as the bushfires in the ever-thickening pyrophytic bush around Canberra steadily increase in frequency and intensity. The only significant “predator” left
is the automobile, and its insurers will be the main lobby in favour of continued shooting and the random gene selection that goes with it. I take government denials on this with an enormous shovelful of salt. What is required is that a significant majority of Canberrans welcome the Eastern Greys into their gardens as eaters-down of lawns, trimmers of hedges and such. Frankly, I cannot see that happening either. As the Eastern Greys approach and pass their point of no return on their way down the road to extinction, too few will see that future unfolding for them. And our ALP-plus-phonyGreens government will have turned us all, whether we like it or not, into a collective Wilf Batty. Ian MacDougall, a former science teacher at Narrabundah College, has a BA from Sydney University and has studied physics, chemistry, biology and geology at tertiary level.
There’s truly no place like home! At Euphoria Support at Home, we provide personalised support to help you stay independent and live comfortably at your home for longer.
1300 367 551
stbasils.org.au
Wentworth Ave & Telopea Park, Kingston ACT 2604 citynews.com.au
CityNews August 13-19, 2026 5
COVER STORY / Strike A Chord competition
Young musical trio makes the national finals Three of Canberra’s best and brightest young musicians are heading to Melbourne later this month after becoming the only ACT ensemble selected for the championship finals of Musica Viva Australia’s 2026 Strike A Chord competition. The Kingsland Piano Trio, made up of Covenant Christian School students Evie Kurzawa, 13, violin, and Sylvia Kurzawa, 11, cello, together with Canberra Grammar School pianist Ryan Xing, 14, is one of just 12 finalists chosen from 170 chamber groups that entered this year’s national competition. Established in 2020, Strike A Chord has grown into Australia’s premier chamber music competition for school-aged musicians. This year’s finalists come from Queensland, SA, WA, Victoria, NSW and the ACT, with Victorian ensembles dominating the field. Named after legendary Canberra arts patron Sir Richard Kingsland, founding council chairman of the Canberra School of Music and a long time champion of the arts in the national capital, the trio has been playing together for about 18 months. All three first met through the Canberra Symphony Youth Chamber
The Kingsland Piano Trio, from left, Evie Kurzawa, violin; Sylvia Kurzawa, cello and Ryan Xing, piano. Photo: Arianne Schlumpp Orchestra. According to Canberra Symphony Orchestra community and education manager Donna Parkes and renowned cellist, Lindy Reksten, reaching the finals is an achievement in itself. “Strike A Chord is exceedingly competitive,” Parkes says. “There
was a real sense of pride around the Canberra Symphony and the School of Music that the Kingsland Trio had made it.” When I catch up with the trio in a practice room at the ANU School of Music on a freezing Canberra afternoon, they quickly warm the room with the opening movement of
Beethoven’s Piano Trio Op. 1. Their lively eye contact and instinctive communication reveal the close musical connection that chamber music demands, and which seems remarkable in performers so young. The two Kurzawa sisters are part of a deeply musical family. Their mother is a violinist, another sibling plays viola, and together they are not far off forming a family orchestra. Evie, who enjoys sport, hiking and camping when she’s not practising, studies with violin teacher Sylvie Lundy, while primary school student Sylvia studies cello with Rachel Johnston and balances music with a love of art and creative writing. Evie is so committed to her violin studies that she flies to Melbourne once a month for lessons with Latvian-born concert violinist Sophia Kirsanova. Ryan Xing, already racing through Year 9 at Canberra Grammar School, is equally versatile. Besides piano, he also plays cello and organ, is a secret Rubik’s Cube enthusiast and admits to a passion for rollercoasters, a revelation that prompts alarm from his teachers. But piano study,
first with Wendy Lorenz and now with Stephanie Neeman, remains his main focus. Parkes believes the competition offers young musicians much more than the chance to win a prize. “It gives music students an extension, and it works. They get so excited about what they’re doing, and they’re as good as the best in the country,” she says. Reksten says it will be a whirlwind weekend. The trio will fly to Melbourne on Friday, August 28, familiarise themselves with Melbourne Recital Centre, compete in the championship finals on Saturday, August 29, and return home on Sunday. “And,” she adds impromptu, “maybe there’ll even be time for some ice cream before they fly back.” The Strike A Chord championship finals will be held at Melbourne Recital Centre on August 29 and will be livestreamed at musicaviva.com.au/ strike-a-chord/
DEAKIN
Create a comfy Canberra home 19 ONLY 19 AUG AUG ONLY
Locally made double & triple glazed uPVC windows & doors
Boost energy efficiency
Contact us www.windotek.com.au 6 CityNews August 13-19, 2026
Enhance insulation
Reduce outside noise
0451 727 517
$0JOINING JOINING FEE $0 FEE* WEEKS FREE ++44WEEKS FREE* *Terms and Conditions apply.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
CALL US ON 0491 295 135 OR SCAN TO FIND OUT MORE *TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY
13 Bedford St, Queanbeyan citynews.com.au
BRIEFLY
Joseph “Joe” McGrail-Bateup, Canberra’s late town crier.
Town crier Joe dead at 58 By Helen Musa
Actor, Canberra town crier and Guinness World Record holder Joseph “Joe” McGrail-Bateup has died. He was 58. Born in Goulburn in 1967, he began performing with Goulburn’s Lieder Theatre before moving to Canberra, where he appeared in numerous musicals, short films and commercials. He was a regular performer in Canberra Rep’s Old Time Music Hall productions. In 2017 he was appointed Canberra’s honorary town crier, adopting the title “Lord Joseph”, and quickly became a colourful fixture at community events, fetes and car shows. His booming voice brought him international attention in June, only weeks before his death, when Guinness World Records recognised him for the loudest shout ever recorded by an individual, 122.4 decibels, eclipsing the previous record set in 1994. He had earlier entered the record books in 2019 for the fastest time to shoot 10 arrows into a target. Joe McGrail-Bateup is survived by his daughter, Audrey.
Calling new and soon-to-be dads The Perinatal Wellbeing Centre invites new and expecting dads to come together for its upcoming Dad’s Brekkie BBQ, a free social event designed to help fathers build connections. Dr Yvonne Luxford, centre CEO, said: “There’s a lot going on when you’re a new dad. Dad’s Brekkie BBQ is a chance to take some time out and spend a Saturday morning in a friendly environment, enjoy some free activities, and see the services Canberra has to offer.” Perinatal Wellbeing Centre Playspace, 6 Minns Place, Weston. 9.30am-noon, on Saturday, August 2.
Vintage manchester for sale Vintage manchester, including tablecloths with serviettes, crocheted and embroidered doilies (some over 100 years old), and stamped linen sets will feature at the next market at St Ninians Uniting Church in Lyneham. Organisers citynews.com.au
say that what’s on offer is “perfect” for collectors. The sale will also include books, DVD’s, clothes and jewellery. Morning tea and lunch available. At the church hall, corner of Mouat & Brigalow streets, Lyneham, 9.30am1pm, August 21 and 22.
Crackdown on impaired drivers Police are targeting drink and drug drivers across Canberra throughout August. During the month-long road safety crackdown officers will conduct high-visibility and intelligence-led roadside testing operations. During the last financial year, police carried out 100,688 random breath tests and 3118 roadside drug tests, resulting in 528 drink driving charges and 700 drug driving charges. Police have also been able to test drivers for cocaine since January 1, 2025, in addition to cannabis, methamphetamine and MDMA.
A look at waste and recycling Brianna Keyes giving her presentation on waste and recycling to the ladies of the Tuggeranong Day View Club at its next lunch meeting at Lanyon Vikings Club, Condor, 11am2pm,on Tuesday, August 18. Visitors welcome. Cost is $37, RSVP to 0422 799913 or kupke@internode.on.net
Call for reporting homeless deaths ACT Shelter is calling on the ACT Government to amend the Coroners Act 1997 so that the death of a person experiencing homelessness becomes a reportable death. CEO Corinne Dobson said the ACT has no system to identify how many people experiencing homelessness die each year, what caused their deaths, or whether those deaths could have been prevented. “People experiencing homelessness do not become less valuable because they do not have a home. Every life matters, and every death should count,” she said. “We investigate road deaths, workplace deaths and deaths in custody because understanding why people die helps prevent future deaths. People experiencing homelessness deserve that same commitment.”
Worried, stressed, or overwhelmed? Check in on your mental health with free access to new online self-guided tools. Plus telehealth support from qualified mental health practitioners.
mentalhealthcheckin.gov.au 1800 595 212
8:30am – 5pm weekdays (except public holidays)
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra. CityNews August 13-19, 2026 7
PLANNING / population growth
Hazards of counting heads before they’re here We frequently hear references to Canberra’s population exceeding 800,000 by 2065, a growth of more than 7900 a year. The source of this estimate is the government’s ACT Population Projections 2025 to 2065. But such statements should be treated with considerable caution as it is difficult to estimate what is happening next year, let alone the next 40 years. To highlight that, in 2020 and 2021 the covid pandemic led to negative net overseas migration (NOM) and an increased level of net interstate migration (NIM). In 2023, 2024 and 2025 there was significant negative NIM. During 2025, the ABS estimated the ACT’s population increased by 6033 to 487,200 of which 2836 was from natural increase (births less deaths), 4738 from NOM and a 1541 outflow from NIM. While the greatest uncertainty is estimating the level of migration, the assumption that the total fertility rate (TFR – the number of children a woman could expect to have in her lifetime) will trend downward for several years before stabilising around 1.31, could be a little high as the ACT’s TFR in 2024 was 1.27 having fallen from 1.74 in 2014. The projection assumes the Territory will be a destination of choice for increasing numbers of Australians
Given the level of uncertainty, the benefits of the population projections in planning infrastructure and services beyond five to 10 years are limited. Photo: Mike Welsh and overseas arrivals. Migration is difficult to predict as it is influenced by a large number of factors including the number of returning migrants, international students and working holiday makers; the job vacancies available, the increasing availability of remote work and the policies of federal and overseas governments. Migration could fall from a federal government decision to cut the public service as occurred under Fraser and in the first Howard government; a continuing reduction in the proportion of APS jobs in the ACT (it fell from 38.2 per cent in 2015 to 35.4 per cent in 2024-25) and the greater flexibility in working arrangements, which are enabling people to work elsewhere
Despite its efforts to diversify the economy, the ACT Government’s primary role is to manage population growth generated by the policies of other governments.
while their job is nominally in the ACT. International migration to the ACT (and to Australia) could fall in response to cuts in the federal government’s migration program. The supply of international migrants in the medium term could also fall as countries in Asia and elsewhere limit emigration in order to retain skilled workers to prevent further ageing and address population decline caused by plunging fertility; and from improved local education facilities. In response, Australian governments will have to substantially increase skills training to address labour shortages in areas including, construction, information technology health and aged care. Some economists argue higher overseas migration delivers greater
revenues and economic activity than the energy demands and the health, education, housing and infrastructure costs it generates; that it is needed to overcome the challenges of a falling and ageing population including fewer workers and consumers to drive economic growth and innovation. However, a lower level of growth could reduce the environmental and economic consequences of climate change, which include an increased intensity of floods, fires and droughts. A drying climate could call into question the adequacy of the Territory’s water resources to accommodate the projected population. Our high carbon footprint has been increased by what has been called “affluenza”, characterised by high consumption of resources and energy. Our national footprint would be reduced by the increased use of renewable energy and removing incentives that encourage the construction of large, resource and energy intensive houses (there is no capital gains tax on the family home) and the use of large SUVs. Despite its efforts to diversify the economy, the ACT Government’s primary role is to manage population growth generated by the policies of other governments. Given the level of uncertainty,
the benefits of the projections in the planning of infrastructure and services beyond five to 10 years are limited. Its current policies will assist in achieving a lower carbon footprint, but need review to ensure they are the best use of the funds available, meet housing preferences and whether the inter-town public transport task could be more effectively met by bus rapid transport. Barry Jones, science minister in the Hawke government, observed that a politician who thinks beyond the next election is viewed as a long-term thinker. The assumptions in the projections represent a business-asusual approach. To demonstrate it has the flexibility and capacity to respond to uncertainty, it would be prudent for the ACT government to explore the economic and environmental implications (including the consequences of a more rapidly ageing population) of a growth scenario of fewer than 5000 people a year. Mike Quirk is a former NCDC and ACT government planner.
INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
Keeping it local
Spectacles Prescription sunglasses Contact Lenses & Solutions Eye testing Spectacle suppliers to: The department of Veteran’s Affairs & ACT Spectacle Scheme
Corey’s
COME TALK TO OUR FRIENDLY, FULLY QUALIFIED STAFF
Ph: 6239 2534 Curtin Shopping Centre | 6281 1220 | curtinoptical.com.au 8 CityNews August 13-19, 2026
Fyshwick | Hawker | Jindabyne
citynews.com.au
ADVERTISMENT
A second opinion on hearing loss
– you need professional advice, not a sales pitch A woman came into my clinic for a consultation about her hearing aids, telling me her hearing aids were 4 years old and she had never found them to be of much help. She said the salesperson quoted her $14,000 for a pair of hearing aids, however, the monthly special of 20% discount meant they cost her $11,200. So, she ‘only’ paid $11,200 for hearing aids that did not help her. Sadly, I hear this all too often. Here are some things to do to avoid this type of problem:
years. If you are not sure about their advice, then seek a second opinion. The wrong hearing aids can be an expensive waste and could lead you to stop wearing them. You should always have a trial of hearing aids to ensure that they are right for you. 6. Pensioners and eligible DVA card holders often have entitlement to free services. If you are covered by a government concession, then let the clinician know (even though your clinician should ask). Eligible clients may obtain free hearing tests, consultations, and free hearing aids (referred to as fully subsidized hearing aids).
you are dealing with a qualified clinician, then they belong to a professional association. The best contact is an independent complaints body referred to as Ethics Review Committee. You can email ethics@auderc.org.au and view the website www.auderc.org.au. You can make an anonymous complaint and your complaint will be handled in a confidential and professional manner. If you are in the ACT, contact the ACT Human Rights Commission email human.rights@act.gov au and the website www.hrc.act.gov.au.
1. Visit your GP. If you or someone you know has a problem with their hearing, visiting your GP to check for wax in the ears, and to get advice is a “A person without starting point.
These hearing aids are appropriate for many professional qualifications people, however if you 2. Qualifications. Always has no business advising you have great difficulty check the qualifications of about your hearing. hearing in background the person you are dealing noise (for example a They need to belong to a with. A person without professional association with a Code restaurant), then you professional qualifications may want to consider of Conduct, so you know they are has no business advising partially subsidized acting in your best interests, you about your hearing. hearing aids. This is when not their own.” They need to belong to a the government pays a professional association with certain amount, and you – Dr Vass a Code of Conduct, so you pay for additional features know they are acting in your best and benefits. Your decision interests, not their own. should be based on the following: (a) Can you afford the more expensive 3. Independent advice. You should get hearing aids? Don’t go into financial stress independent, professional advice. if you can’t afford them. (b) Are you clear 4. There are a wide range of hearing aids out on the free vs partially subsidized features there. Finding the right hearing aids for your & benefits? Never believe someone who communication needs can be challenging. tells you the free hearings are not good or Hearing aids vary in price and performance. of poor performance, this is simply not true. Bluetooth® connectivity and rechargeable (c) If you try the partially subsidized hearing hearing aids are available on most hearing aids and are not happy, then return them. Do aids, along with apps that allow you to control not keep hearing aids because you think the your hearing aids from your mobile device. Be failure is yours or that you will improve over aware that just because a hearing aid is more time. If the hearing aids are not working for expensive, that doesn’t mean they are the best you in the trial period, then they will not work hearing aid for you. for you in a year or two. 5. Just as hearing aids vary in performance, clinicians may also vary in performance due to training, experience, and skills. Make sure that you are comfortable and confident in their advice. You are likely to be with this clinician for the life of your new hearing aids, typically 4 to 5
7. If you have a complaint, then seek help. Your clinician should be able to help you through most of your needs. Sometimes, a problem may be beyond the expertise of even the best clinician. However, if you have a complaint there are things you can do. If
Book an appointment today, Phone: 02 6282 2717
Dr William Vass Suite14, John James Medical Centre, 175 Strickland Crescent, Deakin • Email: williamvass@bigpond.com • Website: drvasshearing.com.au
POLITICS / superannuation
Is the Albanese government going crazy-brave? In the three months since the government handed down its much-criticised Budget, and yet seemingly survived the backlash largely unscathed, it has increasingly engaged in a pattern of behaviour that signals it might be moving into a new phase of governance. Crazy-brave. John Howard’s final term of government was, in very different ways, marked by a similar form of behaviour. Having walloped the Labor Party in 2004 and been rewarded with that most rare of political prizes, majority in both houses of parliament, the Howard government moved too far too quickly on IR reform earning the ire of the community. Despite later watering down WorkChoices to curb its excesses, the government went on to lose the election to Kevin Rudd in 2007. WorkChoices played a major part in that defeat. Part of the motivation for the Howard government having moved too far on WorkChoices mark 1 was that it was under intense pressure from its business constituency, and indeed the more hardline of its ministers and MPs, to take advantage of its rare majority largesse to achieve
Former prime minister Paul Keating... the father of the modern superannuation system. Photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong/AAP fundamental IR reform. The Albanese government enjoys a similar form of parliamentary dominance following its emphatic win in last year’s election. While it does not control the Senate, it holds a very large majority, at 94 seats. Not only is this dominance quantitative, it has become increasingly obvious that it is also qualitative. Despite a litany of broken promises and failure to address cost-of-living pressures, the government has easily repelled accountability by an ineffective Opposition whose deposing of Sussan Ley and replacement by Angus Taylor has done little to nothing to improve its parliamentary performance against Anthony Albanese and his government. While this gap has allowed the
government to push through poorly conceived and designed changes to negative hearing and CGT with little to no push-back by the Opposition, this parliamentary dominance is also starting to manifest in other ways, some arguably a good deal more reckless. I recently wrote about how the PM diminished his office and disgraced Australia in his disgraceful joking – replete with chest-level hand jiggling – about two royal melons presented by the female Japanese PM. This was perhaps one of the lowest points in diplomatic conduct by a prime minister I can recall. However, more recently, something caught my eye that made me think the government could be moving into the territory of policy hubris: its own version of WorkChoices. At a recent “productivity investment” roundtable hosted by billionaire Anthony Pratt attended by Albanese, treasurer Jim Chalmers and former prime minister Paul Keating, Albanese posited that superannuation could be used as a “productivity tool” to fund national priorities. Of super savings, he said there was “real potential to see these funds as a national asset that can be used more appropriately and get better returns not just for individuals and for retirees, but for the nation”. “More appropriately”? More
appropriate for what? And more appropriate for whom? Earlier, in July 2023, the Treasurer gave some hint to what these “more appropriate” investments could be. He said these could be investing “in those big national priorities”, such as housing, infrastructure and renewable energy transition. All keynote Albanese government policy initiatives. And why wouldn’t the Treasurer be excited by super as a funding source? Whereas Australian net government debt is currently sitting at around $1 trillion, our superannuation savings pool is around $4.3 trillion. Quite the honey pot for governments short of a quid and looking for ready money to fund pet infrastructure projects that are monstrously expensive, prone to massive cost blow-outs and short on return. The NBN and Snowy 2.0 both being prime examples. However, at this point it is worth remembering several things. First, superannuation is Australians’ own savings for our own retirements, locked up until we reach retirement age. Second, these compulsory savings have been created in part by workers forgoing pay increases. And third, for these reasons,
superannuation funds have a statutory duty, a “sole purpose test”, to invest in assets “solely” to provide for members’ retirement benefits. And these do not include government pet policy projects. The fact the government wheeled out 82-year old Paul Keating – the father of the modern superannuation system – shows its intention to lay the groundwork for accessing our superannuation for its “national priorities”. What it also shows is that the government might well, in the words of Keating himself, be in the process of flicking the switch to (policy) vaudeville by changing the purpose of superannuation to serve its interests at the potential expense of members’ investment returns. Dr Robert McMahon PSM is a visiting fellow at the ANU, adjunct professor at the University of Canberra, and former assistant secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
ERINDALE
19 ONLY 19 AUG AUG ONLY
$0JOINING JOINING FEE $0 FEE* WEEKS FREE ++44WEEKS FREE* *Terms and Conditions apply.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
CALL US ON 0491 295 135 OR SCAN TO FIND OUT MORE *TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY
10 CityNews August 13-19, 2026
citynews.com.au
EXPERIENCE PERSONALISED SERVICE LIKE NEVER BEFORE!
Our mother/daughter led team is dedicated to providing individually tailored solutions for each client.
With specialised knowledge in tax and superannuation, backed by expert qualifications, we ensure everything is up-to-date and in compliance with the law. Say goodbye to surprises – trust us for stability and expertise.
We love what we do, and it shows in every detail.
You will deal with the same long term staff every year.
If you are looking for first class service and a different approach
… connect with us today!
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892
Call us now to see how we can help on 02 6295 2844 | www.gailfreeman.com.au | info@gailfreeman.com.au citynews.com.au
CityNews August 13-19, 2026 11
HEALTH / walking
Do we really need to walk 10,000 steps a day? You’ve probably heard that hitting 10,000 steps a day is the key to health and longevity. HUNTER BENNETT says this magic number feels like a medical rule, handed down by doctors. But where did it come from? And is it even true? Believe it or not, the infamous 10,000 steps a day recommendation didn’t come from a research laboratory. In fact, it is not scientific at all. It came from a Japanese pedometer called the manpo-kei which translates to “10,000-step metre”. This pedometer went on sale just after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, at a time when there was a growing worry people in Japan weren’t moving enough. The number was mainly chosen because it was catchy and easy to remember. The Japanese kanji character for 10,000 – – even looks a little like a walking person, which may have played a role in deciding on the number. So 10,000 was a slogan to sell a step-counter, not an evidence-based recommendation. So what does the research say? Getting 10,000 steps a day can be a useful goal, and it will have a positive impact on your health. But you can reap health benefits from even less. A recently published systematic
review combined the results of 57 studies and more than 160,000 adults to examine the relationship between daily steps and health. Interestingly, they found 7000 steps a day was where health benefits were maximised. Reaching 7000 steps a day was linked to a 47% lower risk of dying early, a 25% lower risk of cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke), a 14% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, a 38% lower risk of dementia, a 22% lower some of depression and a 28% lower risk of falls. Some health benefits started well before 7000 steps. The researchers found going from about 2000 to 4000 steps a day makes a real difference. These health benefits then increase again slightly from 4000 to 7000 steps a day, after which the benefits start to plateau. These results align closely with other research looking at all types of physical activity, where going from being inactive to moderately active yields the largest health improvements. Moving from a moderate to high level of activity does provide additional benefits, but these are much smaller in magnitude.
Researchers found going from about 2000 to 4000 steps a day makes a real difference. Photo: Polina Tankilevitch Why walking is good for you Walking is a form of “aerobic” exercise. It raises your heart rate and places stress on your respiratory, muscular and cardiovascular systems. If you do it regularly, it can improve your heart and metabolic health, and reduce your bodyweight. Walking can also reduce stress and improve mental health, possibly due improvements in feelings of selfesteem and self-efficacy that comes with regular movement. Steps versus minutes There is some additional nuance that needs to be considered when discussing how far you walk each day:
how hard you walk. Most people choose a walking pace that pushes them into the realm of “moderate intensity” exercise. However, the health benefits of exercise scale up with exercise intensity: you get more bang for your buck from more intense exercise. So, if you pick up the pace and move towards a vigorous exercise intensity (where it’s hard to maintain a conversation), you will get larger health benefits in less time. This is why official exercise guidelines treat 75 minutes of vigorous activity as roughly equal to 150 minutes of moderate activity. With this in mind, rather than
focusing on steps, you might be better off focusing on the number of minutes you accumulate each week. Recent research even suggests short bursts of high-intensity exercise spread across the day can have surprising health benefits. So, if you’re short on time, walking faster is one of the simplest ways to get more out of that same walk. But walking alone isn’t enough Walking covers the “aerobic” side of fitness well. However, it doesn’t really address the “anaerobic” side. Anaerobic fitness refers to your muscle mass, muscle strength, and power. Having higher anaerobic fitness is linked to having a better quality of life and lower risk of mortality as you get older. This is why most health authorities recommend muscle-strengthening activities (such as lifting weights) at least two days a week. This will also help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, while also helping you avoid falls and stay independent for longer as you get older. If you can aim to hit 7000 steps each day, and add in weight training twice a week, you’re going to have most of your bases covered from a health perspective. Hunter Bennett, Lecturer in Exercise Science, Adelaide University. Republished from The Conversation.
We are committed to offering quality dental care for the whole family. Whether you are in need of regular check-ups, root canal treatment, wisdom tooth extractions or tooth-coloured fillings, you are in good hands with our friendly and experienced dentists.
Dentures
Dental Fillings
Wisdom Teeth
Emergency Visit
Kids Dentistry
Gum Disease Treatment
Sedation Dentistry
Dental Implants
Dental Veneers
Dental Check-ups
Contact us or Book online 02 5114 3388 | admin@deakindentalcare.com.au Unit 1 / 8 Phipps Close, Deakin, ACT | www.deakindentalcare.com.au 12 CityNews August 13-19, 2026
citynews.com.au
WHIMSY
One man’s lowdown on high heels and make-up “If you’re given the choice between money and sex appeal, take the money. As you get older the money will be your sex appeal.” –Katherine Hepburn
You may wonder why women go through the time-consuming ritual of applying make-up and suffering the pain of walking in high heels. I noticed that in America women go to work in flat shoes then change into high heels when they get there. So, in an everyday context it’s more about the destination than the journey. Having studied psychology at the ANU and being married for quite a few years I’m aware that there’s more to this issue than may superficially appear to be the case. Men have somewhat arrogantly tended to think that women wear make-up and high heels to try to subvert them into a relationship and marriage. That may be partly true, but it’s much more complex than that. At play are evolutionary and social psychology, cultural and fashion norms, psychological identity and self-expression, and social expectations and pressure. To take these in turn, first evolutionary and social psychology: • Make-up exaggerates cues of fertil-
citynews.com.au
Over centuries, make-up and heels have become symbols of fashion, sophistication and status, not just sexual display. Photo: Julia Malushko ity and health. Clear skin, bright eyes, red lips, facial symmetry can signal attractiveness on a subconscious level. • High heels change posture – lifting the hips, accentuating the calves, altering gait, which historically has been seen as sexually attractive. So, yes, part of the original social power of both make-up and high heels may stem from attractiveness signalling. Second, cultural and fashion norms. Over centuries, make-up and heels have become symbols of fashion, sophistication and status, not just sexual display: • In many professional or societal settings, women may wear them to signal competence, control,
Men have somewhat arrogantly tended to think that women wear make-up and high heels to try to subvert them into a relationship and marriage. That may be partly true, but it’s much more complex than that. or authority – the same way men might wear a suit and tie. • High heels can make a woman appear taller, more assertive, or more commanding – useful in competitive environments where physical presence affects perception. Third, psychological identity and self-expression. Many women describe wearing make-up or heels as a way to express identity, creativity, and mood: • Make-up can feel like armour – a psychological boost that changes how one feels about oneself, not just about how others perceive them. • The ritual of getting ready can create a sense of confidence and composure, even if the physical experience isn’t always comfortable. Fourth, social expectations and pressure: • Many women feel socially expected to look a certain way, especially
in workplaces or media-driven cultures. • That expectation – often created and reinforced by both men and women – can make appearance feel like part of the “performance” of being taken seriously or dressing for promotion to the next level. • Some discomfort is endured for social legitimacy or professionalism, rather than attraction. In summary, make-up and heels are a cultural performance of power, identity and beauty, with roots in attraction but in modern contexts they portray status, confidence and intimidation. Ultimately it depends on the woman, the setting and the intent. Next Whimsy I’ll take a look at men’s grooming and dress to see what that’s all about. On a lighter note: A married couple is celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary at home, just the two of them. After a few glasses of champagne, the husband looks lovingly at his wife and unwisely says: “Honey, after all these years, be honest with me. Have you ever cheated on me?” She sees an opportunity to have
some fun at his expense. She sighs. “Since you’re asking ... I have – three times.” “What? Three times?!” he exclaims. “Let me explain,” she says gently. “The first time was when we were just married. You needed that heart surgery, and we couldn’t afford it. I… made a deal with the surgeon, and he did the operation for free.” The husband blinks, stunned. “Wow… I guess I owe my life to that.” He takes another sip and asks: “What about the second time?” “Remember when you were passed over for that promotion? I met with your boss, and after… some persuasion, he gave you the job.” He rubs his forehead. “And I thought I’d earned it, but, well, thank you.” Then he asks nervously, “And the third time?” “Do you recall two years ago when you wanted to be elected president of the rugby club – and you were 13 votes short?…”
Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.
CityNews August 13-19, 2026 13
LETTERS / well written, well read
Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au
This hacker knows more about me than my kids! I’ve received a note from my electricity provider informing me that a third party may have my name, address, date of birth, phone number, the BSB and last three digits of my bank account, the last four digits of a credit card, and details of my account. This hacker knows more about me than my kids. It happens too often. Recently, a sizable pathology group, a major telco, an important health fund, an iconic national airline and the largest non-bank consumer lender in Australia have given away data. To access an online account these days, users need an email address, a mobile phone for the code they’ll receive, and a password too large to fit on a Post-It note stuck to the side of the monitor. If we consumers are pulling our weight, why aren’t these large companies? Harsher penalties, please. Dick Bauch, Latham
Incompetent or is this what government wants? At a recent Assembly Committee Infrastructure Canberra claimed buses would have considerably longer travel times than light rail on the intertown public transport route to Woden. The claim was based on an assumption that buses would be operating in general traffic. The true comparison would be with Bus Rapid transport (BRT) operating on its own right of way. It is alarming that Infrastructure Canberra would make this claim as it indicates it is either incompetent or only providing advice to the government that the government wants to hear. Why can’t the government and Infrastructure Canberra provide a genuine comparison? Perhaps the result would not be favourable to light rail. Given the financial position of the Territory, infrastructure projects should only proceed when they are justified. Light rail could be costing the Canberra community hundreds of millions more than necessary to meet transport and city development objectives. Mike Quirk, Garran
Cemetery map should lead the way Woden Cemetery is one of Canberra’s best-kept public spaces. The grounds are immaculate, the gardens are beautifully maintained, and the staff clearly take pride in presenting a place of peace and dignity for visitors. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the online cemetery map. Recently, I visited to locate a particular grave using the cemetery’s website. The map legend appeared logical enough, but once on site it bore little resemblance to the physical layout. After wandering around for some time, I was fortunate to encounter a groundsman who knew the cemetery well and promptly directed me to the grave. It made me wonder how many family members, historians and genealogists have experienced the same frustration. For many, a cemetery visit is an emotional occasion, not one that should begin with confusion. This is not a criticism of the dedicated staff, who were exceptionally helpful, but rather 14 CityNews August 13-19, 2026
missing curving crossing, on to Flynn Drive, then along open Langton Crescent closer to many famous national attractions, across the National Triangle say, just south of Old Parliament House in clear level view of the new one, through the growing employment centre of Barton (in the CNA) and on to Woden. Jack Kershaw, Kambah
dose of dorin
Husic should been allowed to speak
a suggestion that the online mapping be reviewed and updated to accurately reflect the cemetery’s layout. It would be a small investment that would make a significant difference for everyone visiting one of Canberra’s most respectfully maintained public places. David Evered, via email
Ironically, Faruqi ignited this racist conundrum While I don’t agree with Pauline Hanson’s racist outbursts, I also don’t agree with the recent court decision that Hanson racially discriminated against Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi. Just hours after the death of the Queen, in 2022, Senator Faruqi, posted that she could not mourn the death of the Queen and labelled her as a “leader of a racist empire”. Hanson’s response, “piss off back to Pakistan”, resulted in Faruqi taking Hanson to court under the Racial Discrimination Act. The court ruling would suggest that one form of racism is more acceptable than the other. Ironically, it was Senator Faruqi who ignited this whole racist conundrum, calling Britain a “racist empire” inherently inciting hate against another race. Faruqi is happy to enjoy all the benefits of British institutes and systems – she earned a doctorate in environmental engineering from the UNSW and receives a $233,660 base salary as a senator in a parliament based on the Westminster system! Fundamental to Hanson’s remarks is a more serious issue – and the answer is not sending back migrants to ‘’where they came from” but ensuring that they don’t bring their historic hate with them to Australia. Declan McGrath, Gordon
Rates up and library services down I have received a notice from Libraries ACT advising that “opening hours will change from August 27. We understand that changes to opening hours may affect some routines, particularly for members who use libraries in the evenings or on Sundays”. In my case, this reduction in opening hours means I can no longer visit and use the Civic Library on a Saturday as I usually do. The annual rates notice from the ACT Revenue Office always goes in the other direction, that is, it expands. Rates up and library services down – not good! Murray May, Cook
Government gives free plugs to a chosen few The ACT Government’s monthly Our Canberra newsletter advertises selected businesses, and thus gives them a competitive advantage over other businesses. Unlike other publishers, the government does not appear to charge a fee for its advertisements. The July Our Canberra, for example, included a link to “A guide to winter dining in Canberra”. The guide advertised 19 restaurants. I asked the Chief Minister what plans he had to provide equal publicity for Canberra’s other restaurants. His office replied: “This is a common approach and more of this content across a broad range of topics can be found on the Our CBR website.” The anonymous reply gave as examples The Bookworm’s Guide to Canberra, Your Guide to Enjoying the Colder Months in Canberra, Canberra’s Best Hot Chips and Canberra’s Best Breakfast Spots. Apparently, the only criterion for this free advertising is recommendations from Instagrammers who follow We Are CBR. Leon Arundell, Downer
Oh, for a less-destructive light rail route The ACT’s draft Southern Gateway Plan proposes intensive property development, and hence higher land prices and rates, along the extended stage 2B light rail route from Parliament House to Mawson. The Commonwealth Park to Capital Hill section is not included in the Plan, presumably because it’s under the Commonwealth’s planning and development controls. The tram is planned to “shoot through” that section on the shortest route. However, in the process the iconic bifurcated Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and that avenue’s superb cultural landscape will be ruined, and we’ll get a gaping latecomer in the form of an expensive State Circle-connecting tunnel right on the Capital Hill view axis. The Commonwealth needs to work with and assist the ACT to realise, optimise, and increase the intrinsic national values available in a better and non-destructive 2B route in the subject Central National Area. It should see the southbound tram travelling from Commonwealth Park across Acton Waterfront, on to Acton Peninsula with its major national attractions and the potential for more (like a cable car to the base of soon-to-be-refurbished Black Mountain Tower), over the lake on Griffin’s
The recent Labor conference should’ve allowed debate on Ed Husic’s concerns and made a resolution on the matter, even if highly qualified. The approach of the major parties needs to be even-handed and reflect society. One of the concerns in the Muslim world is that Israel seems to be receiving special treatment. We see this in the US and now even in Australia. This causes tensions. All nations and all people should be treated equally. Israel may argue that its people suffered terribly in October 2023. And they did. Muslims can argue the shoe is now on the other foot. In Gaza alone 75,000 people have died; recent events in the West Bank are shocking. I react to verified information as do many others, including Mr Husic. Those really aggrieved may well protest. We see this even in India now. Governments need to do better. Aside from this, it may help at the polls. Herman van de Brug, Holt
Could we elect a ‘competent’ government? Columnist Robert McMahon (CN July 30) identifies the obvious issue with the high protest polling for One Nation, but could we elect the “confident and competent” government that he recommends, let alone endure the consequences of facing up to the hard truths. We are an ageing nation with low productivity and high underlying inflation, and we are divided culturally. We have brought it upon ourselves over the last 60 years, so it is a generational matter. The birth rate has declined steadily from 222 births per thousand population per year in 1960 to 118 births in 2020. Minors, pampered and undisciplined, are now more likely to be noted for their political activity than any worthwhile educational achievement. Consequently, we do not have a sufficiently large or skilled workforce to meet our essential needs. The current government has resorted to a Ponzi scheme of skilled migration that brings more demand than it can supply. Multiculturalism, fed by high immigration rates, is stressing society which is already divided by identity politics and the countercultural movement. The ideological family of critical theories wants to dismantle our British and Judaeo-Christian heritage, with little or no concern for what will replace it. Considering the concept of “woman” to be connected to biology is becoming a challenge to live out. Supporters of LGBTQ rights stand alongside Islamist extremists who believe that homosexual acts are death penalty offenses. The thought of Pauline Hanson governing the nation is consistent with our schizophrenia. John L Smith, Farrer
Worst cull I’ve ever witnessed This year’s kangaroo cull was the absolute worst I have witnessed. Residents have found huge pools of blood, which suggest the animals have been shot and left to bleed out. I found two of these myself. It was a sickening sight. There are numerous other examples at Red Hill and the Pinnacle. The cull has also been unusual in that it normally finishes a couple of weeks earlier than the timeframe. I believe the shooters were struggling to get the numbers, which is not surprising given the population estimates are highly inflated. I’ve seen the Mulligans Flat sanctuary 10 times. It is horrific. Rebecca Marks, via email
Canberrans are owed an explanation for cruelty Kangaroos and their young are deeply social, sentient animals capable of experiencing joy, social connection, as well as fear, pain and distress. The repeated culling of kangaroos in nature reserves across Canberra has again decimated kangaroo families, leaving behind fragmented groups and isolated individuals that are clearly now experiencing grief and distress. The ACT Government to date has failed to demonstrate any positive environmental outcomes from killing kangaroos. Canberrans are owed an explanation as to why this repeated cruelty continues year after year. Blanca Furze, via email
Are we getting value for money? Why are ACT ratepayers and taxpayers funding what is effectively a state government when many of its functions could be carried out by a well-managed local council? With a population of under half a million people, we support 25 members of the Legislative Assembly, ministerial offices, advisers, administrative staff and a substantial local public service. This represents a significant ongoing cost to the community. Does it provide value for money? Many local councils throughout Australia successfully deliver roads, parks, waste management, planning, community facilities and a range of essential local services with far fewer elected representatives and considerably lower administrative overheads. Recent public concerns surrounding governance, integrity and administrative decision-making have also highlighted the importance of transparency and public confidence in our institutions. If the ACT were administered through a professional local council, with the Australian government retaining responsibility for broader state-level functions, substantial savings could potentially be redirected into essential community services, infrastructure, health and housing rather than maintaining another layer of government. Surely, after more than 35 years of self-government, the time has come for an independent review of its costs, benefits and long-term value to the ACT community. Errol Good, Macgregor citynews.com.au
Quality Business Awards
advertising feature
Quality Business Awards Australia independently recognises Canberra businesses for service, customer satisfaction and community responsibility using verified reviews, scoring, manual checks and annual reassessment. Winners achieve top quality ratings.
FUSE Property recognised for quality, built on experience and a strong team FUSE Property may have opened its doors in 2018, but behind the business is decades of property experience, strong local knowledge and a dedicated team committed to quality service. Owner Zoe Stead took over FUSE Property in 2021, bringing more than 22 years of industry experience and a career built from the ground up. Zoe stepped into property management just six weeks into her first role, a sink-or-swim moment that helped shape the practical, straightforward and client-focused approach that continues to underpin FUSE Property today. Now recognised in the 2026 Quality Business Awards for Property Management, FUSE Property specialises in property management and sales, supported by local expertise and long-standing client relationships. Zoe says the recognition belongs to the whole team, including Jacqueline Penfold, Nathan Burraston and Leesa Ffrench. “Our team is a huge part of what makes FUSE what it is. We work together, support each other and share the same commitment to looking after our clients and their properties,” Zoe says. At the heart of the business is communication, honesty and fairness. “I believe honesty is non-negotiable, even when the message isn’t always what clients want to hear,” Zoe says. The award comes at an exciting time, with FUSE preparing to open its second office in Kingston, building on its established Queanbeyan presence. The expansion will strengthen its presence across Canberra.
JWS Removals owner Jack Stafford.
Trusted movers earn recognition
FUSE Property owner Zoe Stead. FUSE Property 56 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan, with Kingston opening soon. Call 02 5110 7090 or visit fuseproperty.com.au
Canberra-owned JWS Removals has been recognised as a recipient of a Quality Business Award, celebrating the team’s commitment to reliable service, careful handling and stress-free moves. Owner Jack Stafford says the recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the experiences of local customers. “We are incredibly proud to receive this award because our reputation has been built one move and one happy customer at a time,” Jack says. With more than 10 years’ experience, JWS Removals assists with local and interstate relocations, commercial moves and professional prepacking. As an owner-operated business, Jack works directly with clients from the first enquiry through to moving day, providing clear communication and personal attention. “Moving can feel overwhelming, so our job is to make every stage simpler, organised and as stress-
Sold
free as possible,” he says. The team treats customers’ belongings with the same care it would bring to its own move, while working efficiently to keep everything on schedule. This practical, customer-first approach has helped JWS Removals earn strong recommendations across Canberra. “The award recognises our whole team,” Jack says. “They work hard, take pride in every detail and genuinely care about giving customers a great experience.” For families, businesses and individuals planning a move, the award offers further reassurance that JWS Removals is a trusted local choice for moves of every size. JWS Removals Call 0448 401 604 contact@jwsremovals.com.au jwsremovals.com.au
Committed to Delivering Exceptional Customer Service and Outstanding Results in Sales and Property Management
SCAN HERE FOR SERVICES
SCAN HERE FOR PROPERTY
19 Rosewood Glen, Jerrabomberra JERRABOMBERRA
Sales and Leasing enquiries 02 5110 7090 0423 967 399 56 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan
citynews.com.au
CityNews August 13-19, 2026 15
Quality Business Awards
advertising feature
Raising the barre in the nation’s capital
Trust built under the bonnet
For over four decades, Ballet Canberra has stood as a cornerstone of dance education in the Nation’s Capital. Originating as the Betsy Sawers School of Dancing, the Cook-based studio carries forward a rich lineage of technical discipline and artistic tradition. At the heart of the studio is Director Helen Linkenbagh. Trained at Sydney’s McDonald College of the Performing Arts, Helen holds degrees from the University of Surrey (UK) and Melbourne’s Victorian College of the Arts and in 2022 was selected to train as a part the first cohort of Affiliate Teachers with the Royal Ballet School. She holds Registered Teacher Status with the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance and is the current External Examiner for the RAD’s Certificate in Dance Teaching programme. Her fifteen years in the UK featured working as a Lecturer in Dance Studies at RAD Headquarters in London before being appointed Director of Dance at Brighton College. Her background brings international experience and evidenced, recognised pedagogy directly to local students. Ballet Canberra’s curriculum balances technical rigour with broad accessibility. Dancers begin with creative movement in early-years classes, working under the Royal Ballet School’s System of Training, before advancing through structured Junior, Intermediate, and Senior pathways. Training integrates examinations with the RAD and ISTD syllabi in Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Jazz, and Tap, complemented by strength conditioning, reformer Pilates, adult classes, and performance ensembles. Ballet Canberra combines prestigious international standards with an inclusive studio ethos, nurturing the next generation of dancers while honouring its enduring community heritage.
Trust remains central to every job completed at Car Mechanical Services. For Car Mechanical Services director Charlie Sgroi, that belief has shaped more than 45 years in the automotive industry and helped the Fisher workshop become a trusted choice for Canberra motorists. Recognised with a Quality Business Award, the business has been acknowledged for its customer reviews, reliability and consistent service. “This award means a lot because it reflects what our customers say about us when we’re not in the room,” Charlie says. “People remember whether you listened, explained the problem properly and treated them fairly.” The qualified team handles routine servicing, diagnostics and mechanical repairs, combining expertise with modern workshop practices. Customers are kept informed, with recommended work explained before it proceeds. Charlie says good mechanical service is about preventing problems as much as repairing them. “We want customers to understand their car and feel confident about what needs attention now, what can wait and why,” he says. The workshop is also committed to training young mechanics, workplace inclusion and sustainability. Its skills programs provide practical experience and mentoring, creating pathways into an industry facing a shortage of trained technicians. “We’re proud of the award, but the real achievement is having customers return and recommend us to their families,” Charlie says. Knowledge and transparency keep Canberra drivers moving safely. Ballet Canberra Cook Hub, Templeton Street, Cook. Call 0488 343 290, email helen@balletcanberra.com.au Visit balletcanberra.com.au
Car Mechanical Services Unit 2, 82 Kalgoorlie Crescent, Fisher. Call 02 6162 4111 or 02 5119 3940. Visit carmechanicalservices.com.au Open Monday-Friday, 7.30am-5pm.
Car Mechanical Services director Charlie Sgroi.
Where Canberra’s dancers come to shine More than 40 years of exceptional dance training in Canberra. From first steps to advanced training, Ballet Canberra combines professional teaching, internationally recognised training and an inclusive environment where every dancer is encouraged to reach their potential.
2026 ENROLMENTS OPEN Book a FREE trial class today • Classical Ballet • Jazz • Contemporary • Tap • Strength and Conditioning • Reformer Pilates • Performance and Competition Coaching
0488 343 290
balletcanberra.com.au
Cook Community Hub, Cook 16 CityNews August 13-19, 2026
citynews.com.au
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
INSIDE
Falling demand drives down grape crush
RICHARD CALVER
Freewheeling festival of Latin American films By arts editor
HELEN MUSA Dramatic landscapes, political machinations, technological innovation, family drama and comedy; audiences can expect it all in spades at the coming Latin American Film Festival. “This festival is the main event we do together as Latin American embassies every year,” says Máximo Eduardo Gowland, Argentinian ambassador and convenor of the event, founded in Canberra and turning 15 this year. Gowland, known as an aficionado of film and theatre, describes the program as “a wonderful opportunity to highlight the cultures of Latin America”. Ranging from a romcom from Panama to a family movie from Costa Rica, there are 13 films screening in the festival until August 27, and they’re all free to see. Gowland has seen all of the trailers and most of the films, and sees the central motif in the selection as a passion for landscape, as in a film from Guatemala that is effectively a road journey introducing viewers to a country they might otherwise never visit. A model of co-operation, this year’s
Norma Aleandro, Héctor Alterio, Eduardo Blanco, Ricardo Darín, and Natalia Verbeke in Mexico’s 2001 comedy-drama Son of the Bride. festival involves films from the 13 countries with embassies in Canberra. “We’re not all on the same page,” he stresses, “but we come together jointly.” What’s more, with different issues surfacing across the region at any given time, along with the extraordinary complexities of negotiating the rights to screen movies in Australia, past efforts to create an artificial theme have foundered. Instead, this is now a freewheeling festival that traverses many different themes and locations. Nor does the event limit itself to new movies, but casts back in time to pick the best of the best. Argentina itself, for instance, is screening
Bruno Garcia, Wagner Moura, Camila Pitanga and Fernanda Torres in Brazil’s movie Basic Sanitation, the Movie. the 2001 comedy-drama Son of the Bride, a massive box office hit in its day that, along with France’s Amélie, was just pipped at the post for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2002 by the Bosnian film No Man’s Land. He and his team have been busy negotiating venues around the country, preferably at universities, which provide a natural wordof-mouth form of promotion that has seen attendances rise dramatically in recent years. Foremost among its partners is the ANU Film Group, which has helped secure the capacious Kambri Cinema at the ANU and assisted with promotion. Gowland emphasises that the festival is not focused primarily on the Latin American public, who usually come anyway, but on
Naian González Norvind in the Mexican film, Corina. members of the Australian public who are keen to expand their horizons. He’s much too seasoned a diplomat to single out favourites, but he does draw my attention to the variety on offer and to the different ways problems, from the most basic to the most elevated, are handled in different societies. Habanastation from Cuba, for instance, takes us into the world of teenage gamers in a dangerous neighbourhood, while also drawing attention to the surprising phenomenon of class in Cuba. Perhaps less surprising is the class divide shown in Peru’s entry, A World for Julius, based on the novel by Alfredo Bryce, in which a privileged boy in the 1950s comes to understand a world full of injustice.
Then there’s a dark thriller, Dogs, from Uruguay, centred on the sudden disappearance of a dog that sparks confrontation. Unique cultural questions are canvassed in the Panamanian film Donaire y Esplendor, portraying a romance between two women set against the backdrop of Carnival, while Ecuador contributes The Legend of Tayos, following archaeological expeditions into the Ecuadorian Amazon. There is no children’s sidebar, but in the Costa Rican film Maikol Yordan 2, the humble farmer Maikol Yordan, says it out loud, embarks on a wild journey through Holland, Greece and Egypt to find a medicine that will save his ill mother. For sophisticated Canberra filmgoers there are films with a literary slant, such as the Mexican comedy-drama Corina, in which a woman working at a publishing house searches for a mysterious writer to save her job, or Guatemala’s entry, Martin and Margot, whose two protagonists go in search of an even more mysterious poet. Brazil’s entry, the comedy Basic Sanitation: The Movie, sees a small community in the state of Rio Grande do Sul resort to making a video in an attempt to solve the sanitation problems that plague their village. And you can’t get more basic than that. The Latin American Film Festival in Australia, Kambri Cinema, ANU, until August 27. Details at laffaustralia.com
GraingGraere
JUDITH NANGALA CRISPIN & STEPHEN HARRISON AFTERNOON OF THE HARPIES
Opening 6pm Thursday 13 August until 30 August
citynews.com.au
1/34 Geelong St, Fycshwick www.graingergallery.com.au
CityNews August 13-19, 2026 17
MUSICAL THEATRE / I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
Director’s debut is perfect, now she’s changing it By Helen Musa
One of Canberra’s best-known stage performers, Janie Lawson, is about to make her directorial debut with Free Rain Theatre Company’s production of the boutique musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. The second longest-running Off-Broadway musical, it was originally written for four performers, but because those actors play 58 different characters, this production shares the roles among six performers: Amelia Andersson-Nickson, Sarah Copley, Connor McNaught, Deborah O’Toole, David Pearson and Sam Thomson. Through a series of witty vignettes and songs, the show takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride through modern relationships, from first dates and dating disasters to marriage, babies, raising children and finally dating in later life. When I catch up with Lawson, recently seen during ACT Hub’s Cabaret Festival in her self-written show DNA, and before that in Free Rain’s productions of The Beauty Queen of Leenane and Equus, I discover she’s been immersed in an entirely new experience. After Free Rain artistic director Anne Somes, with whom Lawson has performed for many years, invited her to direct the musical late last year, Lawson didn’t simply analyse the script. Instead, she headed to the National Institute of Dramatic Art for a
Deborah O’Toole and David Pearson as Muriel and Arthur in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change . Photo: Janelle McMenamin week-long intensive directing course. Somes is acting as associate director on the production, but Lawson says she’s been enormously supportive, allowing her to go with her vision. “The NIDA course was fantastic, one of the best projects I’ve ever been on. Being a director is so different from being a performer. There’s so much work that happens behind the scenes,” Lawson says. “The course gave me the tools to do the script analysis, break down the themes and really understand directing. It was directing 101.”
The full cast, from left, Sam Thomson, David Pearson, Deborah O’Toole, Amelia Andersson-Nickson, Sarah Copley and Connor McNaught. Photo: Janelle McMenamin
One lesson stood out above all others. “You have to be very clear about your vision so you can communicate everything clearly.” Back in Canberra and seeking advice from designer Cate Clelland, Lawson has brought that vision to life. When we speak, the company is bumping into the theatre. “Everything’s going really well. We’re all on the same page.” She’s equally enthusiastic about working with Louise Newey from Free Rain’s costume team to create a carefully planned
colour palette. “The costumes move through shades of red, from pale pink to deep crimson, while the set is a crisp black and white. The colourful costumes represent love, but they’re also simple enough to allow all the quick costume changes.” It won’t be the first time Canberra audiences have seen I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. An early production toured here from NIDA with Amy Kowalczuk among the cast, and Stephen Pike revived it at The Q in 2013.
Originally written in 1995, the musical was updated in 2018 to reflect contemporary relationships, including dating apps, online dating and same-sex couples. It’s this revised version that Lawson is directing. “When I first came across the show it struck me as being so relatable,” she says. “Some parts reminded me of important moments in my own life, but the original didn’t really reflect today’s world. The updated version includes same-sex relationships and online dating, so it’s much more relatable to a broader audience.” The show unfolds through 19 short vignettes, each looking at another aspect of love. For Lawson, one of the show’s greatest strengths is Joe DiPietro’s witty book and lyrics, matched by Jimmy Roberts’ wonderfully varied score. “The music is incredibly diverse. ‘Always a Bridesmaid’ has a country feel, there are beautiful close-harmony ensemble numbers, classic music theatre songs and even touches of gospel,” she says. “I never really thought about directing until a couple of years ago. I’ve spent most of my life performing, and with Free Rain since the mid-1990s, but Anne approached me and this just seemed like the right piece at the right time. It’s something completely different for me and I think it’ll be a unique version.” I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Free Rain Theatre Company, ACT Hub, Kingston, August 19-September 5.
STREAMING
Ted’s gone into extra time, It’s no secret Ted Lasso kicked one of Apple TV’s biggest goals. This heartfelt comedy series about an American football coach who takes the reins at a struggling English Premier League club became an international hit when it first started streaming in 2020. Jason Sudeikis stars as the titular Ted Lasso, thrown into the deep end when he gets the unexpected call to lead a soccer team that just can’t seem to catch a break. They’re down the bottom of the ladder, barely able to scrape together a win and that’s exactly how the club’s owner wants it. Spurned by an ex-husband who publicly humiliated her, she’s determined to bury the one thing he loved more than anything: the club she now owns. It turns out hiring Lasso is her plan to put the final nail in the coffin. Although he knows little about this strange code of football from across the pond, Ted’s unconventional approach turns out to be the very thing the team needs to finally reach its potential. Carrying with him a relentless sense of optimism and ambition to make the team get along, Lasso begins to conjure a miracle by giving them the one thing they’d been missing: hope. It was the feel-good vibe of the show that made it such a sensation, even for non-soccer fans. Amassing millions of viewers, things wrapped up in a satisfying conclusion with a season three finale deserving of what the show had built. Wrapped up… until now. It turns out Ted Lasso has just gone to extra time, getting a fourth season, which has begun streaming on Apple’s platform. Unable to let a good thing go to waste, they’ve brought back the show for another attempt to pull in subscribers. In this season Lasso is now sent to coach the Lady 18 CityNews August 13-19, 2026
Jason Sudeikis stars as the titular Ted Lasso… now sent to coach the Lady Greyhounds, a struggling second-division women’s team. Greyhounds, a second-division women’s team in even more dire straits than Richmond FC before them. Can he once again pull off a miracle? More pressing, can the show? When platforms don’t let things go, the result is often half-baked writing designed to dish out episode quotas rather than tell an original story. This time the kick is far from goal indeed. Here’s hoping Ted Lasso can find the net once more. THIS month Netflix has claimed streaming rights to one of TV’s big drama hitters. The Hunting Wives is now streaming on the platform and there’s big plans for its future. This gossipy murder mystery follows Sophie O’Neill (Brittany Snow) a former political public relations pundit who becomes obsessed with a rich socialite citynews.com.au
ARTS IN THE CITY
Music, songs and a bum thief! By Helen Musa
OPEN 7 DAYS Except Public Hols Excellent choice Free cleaning!
fishco.com.au
Opera Australia’s winter season will conclude with La Stupenda: A Joan Sutherland Celebration, honouring one of the greatest operatic voices of all time in the centenary year of Dame Joan Sutherland’s birth. Directed by Stuart Maunder and hosted by journalist and opera enthusiast Laura Tingle, the gala promises to be a dazzling tribute. Sydney Opera House, August 20 and 22.
The 2026 Art Music Awards will bring together Australia’s contemporary classical, jazz, improvised, sound art and experimental music communities to celebrate excellence across 16 award categories, and the Richard Gill Award for Distinguished Services to Australian Music. The evening’s performances will be curated by Canberra music creator Sia Ahmad, whose distinctive DIY punk aesthetic has made an
Fresh is Best! FRESH Fish & Seafood
Tim Winton’s The Bugalugs Bum Thief brings the beloved children’s story to the stage with music and songs, following Skeeta Anderson, Mick Misery and Billy Marbles as they set out to solve the mystery of the notorious bum thief. The Q, Queanbeyan, August 17-18.
The National Photographic Portrait Prize has announced this will be its final year before a new prize model is introduced in 2027. Alongside works by 30 finalists selected from more than 1000 entries, visitors will also see a special retrospective celebrating the history of the prize. The 2026 winner, who will receive $30,000 in cash and $20,000 worth of Canon equipment, will be announced on August 21.
FishCo
6239 6415 19 Dalby St Fyshwick
TREASURE YOUR FAMILY MEMORIES Bugalugs Bum Thief… The Q, Queanbeyan, August 17-18. impact on the national music scene. The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne, August 19. Brindabella Orchestra will present an afternoon of French-inspired music featuring works by George Gershwin, Saint-Saëns, Bizet, Fauré and other composers. Weston Community Hub, August 16. Unearthed: Chinese Funerary Ceramics explores ancient Chinese burial traditions through rarely-exhibited funerary objects from the National Gallery’s collection, spanning the Han to
Photo: Phil Erbacher
Song dynasties. Australian Centre on China in the World Gallery, ANU, July 27-October 30. The National Gallery’s major touring exhibition of works by Anmatyerr artist Emily Kam Kngwarray will take masterpieces from the national collection to five galleries across Australia. Beginning at Araluen Arts Centre in Mparntwe, Alice Springs, the exhibition will return Kngwarray’s art to the Central Desert near her home Country before travelling to Cairns, Perth, Newcastle and Burnie.
CONVERSION SERVICE – VINYL, SLIDES & ALL VIDEOS TO DIGITAL OPEN 7 DAYS • 6293 4677 songland.com.au Cooleman Court, Weston Creek
but is he still able to score? The first season originally premiered on other streaming platforms after it was first made by American TV network Starz. Netflix saw the potential for wider distribution though, scooping up the rights in a major deal and distributing it to subscribers where it’s become a major hit. Now Netflix plans to produce a second season of the series, which is expected to drop later this year. While the first season pretty much covered the entire plot of the novel, The Hunting Wives… things begin to unravel when a teenage girl’s death the second season is now rocks the small community and opens up a Pandora’s box of secrets. continuing the story beyond what was originally written. named Margo Banks (Malin Ackerman) when she moves That’s always a risk when the story goes in its own to Texas to start a new life. direction in order to appease the executives who This infatuation seems glamorous on the surface, need more seasons fast. *Cough, cough* Game of but it soon begins to pull Sophie down a dark path. Thrones. Margo introduces her to “the hunting wives”, an It’s been reported May Cobb has a very heavy hand exclusive clique of rich, horse-riding, target-shooting, in constructing the new season of The Hunting Wives hard-partying women who want to recruit Sophie to though. their cause. All that bodes well for Things begin to unravel when a teenage girl’s death Netflix to have yet another rocks the small community and opens up a Pandora’s subscriber obsession on its box of secrets Sophie never could have expected. hands. This one is based on a best-selling book by American author May Cobb.
citynews.com.au
CityNews August 13-19, 2026 19
DINING / Contentious Character, Kingston Foreshore
The foreshore’s quirky Character When Contentious Character recently moved from Fyshwick’s Dairy Road to Kingston Foreshore, it stayed true to its quirky personality.
Experience Modern Indian Dining in Griffith Stylish atmosphere
Great for dinner & drinks
Modern Indian flavours
Perfect for sharing
That desire to make you smile included fun sayings featured on wooden wine barrels, interior signage and wine labels such as “No Riesling to Worry” and “Chardy Party”. Contentious Character is an urban winery featuring a cellar door, restaurant and bar. It’s a super place to sip, snack, taste and dine right on the lake (inside or out). Order nibbles, small plates, large plates, a cheeseboard or sweets. We were up for sharing over a leisurely lunch, starting with salty white anchovies and slices of sourdough toast spread with a punchy, vibrant salsa that tantalised the tastebuds ($16). Our food adventure continued with the dish Contentious Character fondly labels Blue Cheese Affair ($18), with the cheese marrying well with thin slices of pear and decorated with crispy shavings of dried leek (swapped out for the eggplant crisps noted on the menu). Equally delicious was the smoked trout roulade ($24 for a small plate), served with tart and sweet cornichons. Moving on to warm share plates, we gave a big tick to the truffle mushroom arancini, well executed with plenty of parmesan. Pretty on the plate, the arancini was arranged on a bed of peppery rocket and served with smooth, garlic aioli ($21). We squirted lots of fresh lemon on our salt and pepper squid and dipped the tender pieces of seafood into the vibrant citrus aioli ($22). The harissa aioli served with the cauliflower bites offered zing ($12), although the dish was
Truffle mushroom arancini… arranged on a bed of peppery rocket and served with garlic aioli.
Salt and pepper squid… tender pieces of seafood in the vibrant citrus aioli. Photos: Wendy Johnson
cold by the time we got to it. The dressing on our leaf salad was too acidic for our liking ($14) One of our party (already a semi-regular) was keen on a dish already declared one of his favourites, the seafood pie ($42). Flaky, crispy pastry encased a wonderful mix of barramundi, prawns and scallops. I had a taste, and this heartwarming dish is on my list for a future visit. If ordering share dishes, ask staff to pace delivery. We didn’t, and so cold and hot dishes arrived in quick succession. We enjoyed lunch with She’ll Be Rose, a pale salmon-pink colour wine featuring subtle strawberry, floral and spice notes ($60 a bottle
at the table; $29 from the shop). Aside from its cool-climate wines, Contentious Character offers a small range of international drops. This list, and the food menu, will expand over time. Contentious Character’s journey began in the rolling hills of Wamboin. While Dairy Road was the next chapter, the team instinctively knew that securing a waterfront location was an opportunity too good to miss. Open from 11am, Thursday to Saturday. Wine flights and tastings available.
WINE / 2026 National Vintage Report
Falling demand drives down grape crush Celebrate Father’s Day at The Lotus with a specially curated three-course set menu, available for $65 per person for lunch and $75 per person for dinner. Bookings are essential, so reserve your table early and make Father’s Day one to remember.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT Book your table: 02 6247 3610 reservations@thelotusindian.com.au
Book a table or order online
thelotusindian.com.au 18 Barker St, Griffith, ACT 2603 20 CityNews August 13-19, 2026
Wine production is shrinking and demand is falling, according to the 2026 National Vintage Report. The 2026 Australian winegrape crush is estimated to be 1.27 million tonnes, that is 19 per cent lower than the 2025 vintage of 1.57 million tonnes and the smallest in more than 25 years, the report says. Respondents to Wine Australia’s survey said that poor seasonal conditions was one factor in reduced production. But other factors pointed to serious market and financial strain. Many issues were identified as impacting their businesses including oversupply, weak demand, low prices, cancelled or delayed contracts and grapes left unpicked, particularly for red varieties. Red wines are increasingly out of favour. The red wine crush decreased by 29 per cent while the white wine crush declined by 9 per cent. Shiraz is no longer the most prominent grape grown in Australia. Chardonnay was the largest single variety by crush size in 2026, overtaking shiraz. The crush of chardonnay was almost identical to its 2025 figure, but its share of the national crush increased to 23 per cent, with shiraz now at 19 per cent. There is only one refer-
Fergus McGhie, president of Canberra District Wines… “The Canberra District is not immune from the broad factors affecting the industry at large.” ence to the Canberra district in the report, shown as a subset of NSW: a table listing crush by state and region shows production in the Canberra district was too small to register as a percentage of the national crush. This table distinguishes between tonnes of grapes grown by the business that crushed them (“own grown” or “winery grown”) and tonnes purchased from an independent
business/grower. Canberra grows its own: 84 per cent of the grapes crushed are reported as winery grown. Twelve Canberra District wineries reported using a total of 312 tonnes in their production. Fergus McGhie, president of Canberra District Wines, said the picture is more complex than disclosed in these limited statistics for Canberra. “Obviously, not every wine business completed the survey and we don’t have a clear picture of how much Canberra fruit was really produced or processed locally,” he said. “The truth of the larger story though is with the smaller crush across the board. It is a reflection of increased costs, the change in consumer preferences and a struggling economy. “Also wine producers have plenty of inventory that they’re sitting on. The Canberra District is not immune from the broad factors affecting the industry at large. “We have vineyards that take a lot of time and money to establish so Canberra growers aren’t going anywhere. “We have to work harder on quality and make sure we get the recognition that we deserve, which is happening. “But the economy is in difficulty and we are caught up in a situation where the state of the Australian economy makes it more difficult for business to thrive, including wine businesses. “Where people have less money to spend we get caught up in that boat even though we have loyal people who keep buying Canberra wine. “We are always grateful for that loyalty. The restaurants and hospitality businesses in Canberra particularly support us.” citynews.com.au
HOROSCOPE Your week in the stars By Joanne Madeline Moore
PUZZLES
ADVERTISEMENT
General knowledge crossword No. 1075
August 17-23, 2026
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Mighty Mars (your ruling planet) squares nebulous Neptune, so motivation will be low and confusion high. And the more you try to assert your authority and independence, the more stressful and frustrating things will be. Just remember – you can’t be the boss all the time. Calm down and recalibrate, Rams! If you are more consultative, then the week will run more smoothly. The weekend is a wonderful time to exercise and socialise in the great outdoors.
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
8 9
10 11
12
13
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)
Many practical, sensible Bulls are set for a rather stressful and challenging week. Venus (your ruler) opposes Saturn in your solitary zone (hey – where did all my friends go?), while Uranus complicates financial matters (hey – where did my savings go?). Clever Taureans will slow down, re-evaluate and reboot. Maximum tolerance will get you a lot further than constant criticising and stressed-out angst. Sunday favours relaxing with family and friends.
The government has proposed changes to the private health insurance rebates for policyholders over age 65. 14 17
18
GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)
15
16
19 20
The planets activate your education and communication zones, so start thinking about what you’d like to learn and who you’d like to catch up with. Then Saturn disrupts the applecart on Friday, when you may have to rearrange your daily schedule or change your work plans. Don’t get grumpy, Gemini! Be inspired by singer, songwriter and musician Tori Amos (who turns 63 on Saturday): “Sometimes you have to do what you don’t like to get to where you want to be.”
21
LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)
This week the Sun (your ruling planet) plus chatty Mercury and lucky Jupiter are all jumping through your sign. So, there’s never been a better time to be more charming, more sociable, more beautiful, more loving and more generous. Your mantra for the moment is from birthday great, French fashion designer, businesswoman and style icon Coco Chanel (who was born on August 19, 1883): “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
The positive Mercury/Saturn link (on Monday and Tuesday) boosts productivity and propels you into an exciting world of possibilities. You’re pursuing a challenging personal project and working hard, but a close partnership or friendship requires much more clarity. Avoiding complex issues won’t make them magically disappear, so it’s important to communicate your intentions clearly. When the Sun moves into Virgo on Sunday, prepare to shine!
24 25
Solution next edition
Across
Down
4 Name a passerine bird. (6) 7 Ozone could be called what? (5,3) 8 To surpass, is to do what? (6) 9 What do we call a relative? (8) 11 To be contrary, is to be what? (7) 13 Which term means eternally? (7) 15 What describes a small quantity? (7) 17 What is ecstatic joy or delight? (7) 20 Name a Danish author, Hans Christian ... (8) 23 What, in the US, is a five-cent piece? (6) 24 Which post supports that which lights up a street, etc? (8) 25 To pay expenses, is to do what? (6)
1 To disencumber, is to do what? (4) 2 Name a piece of landed property. (6) 3 Denpasar is the capital of which Indonesian province? (4) 4 What describes the general course or tendency? (5) 5 What is a loud noise? (6) 6 Name another term for outhouses. (5) 9 Name an Australian tennis great Patrick ... (6) 10 Which fellows row boats? (7) 12 What is a primary linguistic form? (6) 14 Who tends a furnace? (6) 16 To intrude suddenly, is to do what? (6) 18 To put up with, is to do what? (5) 19 To congregate, is to do what? (5) 21 What is the legal title of the wife of a knight or baronet? (4) 22 What is a Scottish Gaelic known as? (4)
FREE PUZZLES EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au
LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
This week the Sun, Mercury and Jupiter highlight your hopes-and-wishes zone, so be proactive about setting goals, dreaming dreams and creating your preferred future. It’s also a good week to renew an old friendship or heal a troubled romantic relationship. However – as Saturn opposes Venus and the Sun moves into Virgo – keep things simple! Be inspired by birthday great, French fashion designer Coco Chanel: “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
22
23
CANCER (June 22 – July 23)
Neptune’s confusing your career zone and Saturn’s stirring up your domestic zone, so the work/life balance will be an extra tricky juggle this week. Your partner, family members or housemates will certainly let you know if you’re not pulling your weight at home! Try to be extra patient with a frustrating loved one. Draw inspiration from fellow Cancerian, his Holiness the Dalai Lama: “A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.”
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
Your luckiest day is Monday, when Jupiter (your patron planet) forms a fabulous aspect with lucky Venus. Make the most of it because things become more difficult as the week progresses. Most Archers are adventurous, free-wheeling folk but life will be a bit more restrictive on Friday (especially involving a lover, child or close friend) when stern Saturn opposes vivacious Venus. A smart Sagittarian will think before you speak, and plan before you pounce!
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd 02 6295 2844
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
Solutions – August 6 edition D R I V E L L T C A A A Q U A R I A N M I R B I L L E T S U I M P O L I T E B E R E P E A T E U N I C Y C L E L D N E B E F R I E N D N N A E L A T E D M X S C O R P I O N O E M T R A G I C Z L D R E S S A G E E T M D E E M E D
Sudoku medium No. 424
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2026 citynews.com.au
Solution next edition
Crossword No. 1074
PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
A CLIENT came in to see me this week and said she had just had her house valued at the date when construction was complete and she now had a substantial capital gain that she didn’t have to report. I was a little confused and clarified my understanding which is, she had built a house initially for rental and subsequently for her to move in and she had read that if you got a valuation after construction, then that part of the capital gain was not taxable. Sadly, I had to advise her that this is not correct. The correct position is if you build a house and live there for some period, the capital gain while it was your main residence is not subject to capital gains tax. To calculate this figure correctly you need to get a valuation from a registered valuer of the cost when the tenants move in. This was not her situation. Fortunately, this will still be the case when the new capital gains rules take effect.
If you have any queries about capital gains tax, changes to capital gains tax on negative gearing or any other tax-related matter contact the expert team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 02 6295 2844.
Expect a stop/start kind of week. On Monday and Tuesday, Saturn (your ruling planet) makes a fabulous link to Mercury when mental focus, organisational abilities and problem-solving skills will be high. Then Saturn opposes Venus on Friday, when self-esteem could plummet and there could be problems with a romantic partner or a close friend. Clever Capricorns will take the rough with the smooth, as you look at things from a wider and wiser perspective.
Monday’s nebulous Mars/Neptune square creates a bit of a minefield and a lot of confusion. An unreliable friend or a questionable acquaintance could lead you astray, so keep your realism radar set on high. And avoid getting caught up in dubious schemes, especially involving financial matters. Only accept the advice of reliable people who you know well and can really trust. Things settle down on the weekend, when the Sun transits into earthy, stable Virgo.
If you are between 65 and 69 you currently receive an extra 4 per cent reduction in your premiums, and if you are over 70 you receive an extra 8 per cent. These additional offsets will no longer be available, your offset will reduce back to the standard amount. When I heard this proposal, I was absolutely appalled. I know that many people over 65 struggle to pay their health fund and it is only this extra offset that makes it palatable for them. It seems counter-productive to remove this at a time when policyholders in that cohort are probably spending more on medical expenses than at any other time. Many people told me they would have to give up their private health insurance because they wouldn't be able to afford it going forward. The government rationale is that it frees up an extra $3 billion a year for aged-care programs. In my view, this is not an adequate rationale. Many people in this cohort are on fixed incomes, while they may have access to the pensioner health care card this does not compensate them for losing the offset.
THERE is also new legislation that has passed the parliament that changes the lifetime capital gains tax exemption on assets purchased before September 1985. While the capital gain accrued before June 30 2027 remains taxfree. Any gain accruing after this date is taxable. The mechanism for calculating this capital gain is that a valuation needs to be obtained on July 1 2027, which acts as the cost base for calculating future capital gains. Again, I find this difficult to handle, as I believe people are entitled to certainty and in 1985 taxpayers were advised that future gains would be non-taxable provided the property was not changed in any material detail. This is now not the case. It seems totally inappropriate that gains accruing after July 1 2027 on the same property are now being taxed at a minimum rate of 30 per cent, even though the owners of that property or business thought that any future gains would be tax-free. These changes are only the tip of the iceberg and I will be writing about others during the coming months.
Sudoku hard No. 424
Monday through until Friday looks rather tricky, as taskmaster Saturn puts stress on a work relationship and/or Neptune confuses a professional partnership. Life will be easier if you set boundaries, communicate clearly and accept personal responsibilities with a Scorpio smile. As the Sun transits through your hopes-andwishes zone (from Sunday until September 22), make sure you have set goals and specific dreams that you are working towards.
This week’s lively stars will pique your Aquarian curiosity. The Sun, Mercury and Jupiter encourage you to get a burgeoning romance, business partnership or joint venture moving. Are you unhappily single and searching for love? Be on the lookout for a creative thinker who is a good talker. Your motto for the week is from writer Dorothy Parker (who was born on August 22, 1893): “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”
Harsh move on health rebates for older people
Unit 9, 71 Leichhardt Street, Kingston ABN 57 008 653 683
(Chartered accountant, SMSF specialist advisor and Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892)
info@gailfreeman.com.au | www.gailfreeman.com.au Follow us on Facebook @gailfreemanandco
Connect with me on Linkedin bit.ly/3bcXEZl
Disclaimer This column contains general advice, please do not rely on it. If you require specific advice on this topic please contact Gail Freeman or your professional adviser. Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892.
CityNews August 13-19, 2026 21
GARDENING
Growing African violets can become addictive By Jackie Warburton
Growing African violets can be addictive. They come in many different colours and sizes and can be grown on a sunny window with filtered sunlight and are an easy-togrow, indoor plant to propagate. African violets only like to be watered with tepid water on their soil and not their leaves. Wick watering is a terrific way of watering and special pots are available at the nursery. LICHEN is a combination of fungi and photosynthesising algae that we commonly see growing on trees. Having lichen in the garden is a good thing, and growing it on trees, rocks and outdoor surfaces is a benefit to the garden by showing the air quality is good and air pollutants are low. Once Lichen is growing well it helps purify the air
by trapping particulate matter such as dust. It also provides shelter and food for insects. There’s also convincing evidence over many centuries that people have eaten lichen, but it’s not recorded as a continuing staple to the human diet so it’s probably best left in the garden. Lichen, which can live for decades, doesn’t harm the host on which it is growing, but it can be slippery on paths, so it’s not a great idea to grow lichen on walkways or steps. It’s slow growing because it doesn’t have its own roots or vascular tissue to take up nutrients and uses the atmosphere to get their nutrients and water. Moss and lichen grow well together and can be used in terrariums, miniature rock gardens or a decorative plant covering rocks. While moss needs water and sunlight
to get established, lichen needs nothing, Further amazing bryophytes to try and grow are liverworts and hornworts. All have non-vascular systems and rely on clean air. A terrific reference to name lichen, moss liverwort or hornwort growing in your garden is a Canberra citizen science website called naturemapr.org EUPHORBIA myrsinites is putting on a show at the moment. The spirally leaves are symmetrically formed and a feature in itself. The contrasting tiny yellow flowers and bracks are really striking and not bothered by the frost. They like full sun position and good drainage. Deadheading the flowers will prevent spreading of any unwanted plants. Use gloves when handling these plants as the white sap can be irritating if you get on your skin.
African violets… addictive to grow. Euphorbia myrsinites… putting on a Photos: Jackie Warburton show.
BATHROOM RENOVATION
Bells that thrive in the damp
• Bathroom, Toilet & Laundry Renovation • All Professional Tradies • All Suburbs
CHRISTMAS Bells (Blandfordia grandiflora) is a good addition to a damp area in the native garden.
LOCAL TILING ACT
OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE CONTACT US FOR YOUR QUOTE 0475 000 528 | localtilingact@hotmail.com
Local Fencing Company in Canberra
Offering a range of fencing, custom gates, excavation services, modular walls, and retaining walls. 0431 539 221 | Queanbeyan, NSW | www.gnbfencingandexcavation.com.au
Raler EARTHWORKS
Christmas Bells…a good addition to a damp area in the native garden.
A native of eastern Australia, it can be a “wow-factor” plant. It’s a tufted perennial that grows 50 centimetres tall with evergreen, narrow leaves. In the warmer months, the majestic scarlet and gold bell flowers come into bloom on the tall stems. Christmas Bells can be grown in smaller spaces such as courtyards and patios. They are a magnet for nectar-feeding birds. After flowering, the seeds are ripe after about three months and ready for propagating.
Lic # 1993 14963
Canberra’s Trusted
Gold & Jewellery Buyer
let’s get to work
Selling estate jewellery or a luxury watch? Free expert valuations Private, face-to-face service Transparent testing
TIGHT ACCESS Ideal for backyards and confined spaces.
VERSATILE Earthworks, landscaping light demolition & site prep.
PRECISION WORK Trenching, post holes, drainage and more.
EFFICIENT Get the job done on time and on budget.
Visit our Canberra City
RELIABLE Operated with care. Quality results you can trust.
MINIMAL DISRUPTION
office today
Powerful performance with less impact on your property.
Immediate secure payment
0447 387 430
prelovedgold.com.au
PLUMBING Everything For Your Home,
From The Roof Down. Your trusted roofing specialists with over 20 years experience serving the Canberra area. Roof Gutter Cleaning & Vacuum Roof & Gutter Install & Repairs Roof Painting
0456 182 126
ralergroup@gmail.com
22 CityNews August 13-19, 2026
GAS FITTING & DRAINAGE • No job is to small • Provide fast reliable service • Clear Blocked Drains | Hot water Installations & Repairs • Service & Install all Gas Appliances • All Plumbing & Gas Services • New Homes & Renovations • We care about our customers • We get it fixed right the first time
PAT MORELLA | 0412 628 538
SUNDAY ROAST
Solar Panel Cleaning & Bird Proofing
0452 667 744 service@cbrroofworx.com Electrical Licence Number 2026711
30 Years Servicing Canberra
Competitive prices – No surprise fees
Solar Panel & Home Battery Installs
General Domestic Electrical
No pressure. No obligation. Just honest advice.
The flowers are self-fertile, but will have better pollination if there are more flowers around and the birds do the job for you. Anyone with the patience to grow Christmas Bells from seed should use a seed-rising tray with potting mixture of 50 per cent coir peat and 50 per cent sand with a little lime will get things started. Sprinkle the seed across the potting media as evenly as possible, top dress with more mix and water in. Don’t let the seed dry out at any stage. Give the seed trays plenty of air space to prevent fungal disease growing. Other boggy natives that complement Christmas Bells are sedges, native violets or club rush. All cope with soggy soils and drier soils when it is needed.
Talking to the names making news. Sundays, 9am-noon.
IAN
ROD
MEIKLE & HENSHAW citynews.com.au
GARDENING • Complete yard makeovers • Decking and pergolas • Landscaping design and construction • Lawn installation and garden beds • Paving, edging and concreting • Retaining walls • Mini excavation CONTACTS
0437650099 dusttolawn.com.au contact@dusttolawn.com.au
Monarch Window Cleaning A stumpery… over time the stumps will decompose to create a wonderful habitat for insects and wildlife. Photos: Jackie Warburton
250
Average 3 BR Home From $ Free Flyscreen & Tracks Clean
Nasturtiums… with bright blooms that grow well in our region, flowering for many months of the year.
The secrets of a garden stumpery By Jackie
WARBURTON If there is a shady part of the garden where very little grows, try adding a few old stumps to create a stumpery. Over time, the stumps will rot and decompose, providing a wonderful habitat for insects and wildlife. Pockets of soil can be placed in the crevices of the stumps, allowing small bulbs and plants to brighten a shady area. Once you have found the right stumps, the size of the area will determine the overall layout. They can be stacked together or placed individually throughout the garden. If using a felled tree as part of a stumpery, the limbs, smaller logs and branches can also be used to create a hügelkultur garden for growing vegetables. Hügelkultur involves placing the timber in a shallow trench, then covering it with soil. As it breaks
down, the logs and branches absorb excess rainwater, then release moisture back into the soil during dry periods. The preferred trees for hügelkultur are pines, maples and apple branches. Eucalyptus, walnuts and rot-resistant timbers should not be used. IT’S time to finish the last of the winter jobs in the vegetable patch, including planting deciduous trees and roses, as well as making the final preparations to the soil before spring arrives. When planting deciduous trees, dig a generous hole and backfill it with the same soil that came from the hole. If the soil is heavy clay, mix in gypsum, manure or compost. Plant the tree on a slight mound, water it well after planting, then water again when new growth appears in a few weeks. Now’s also the time to sow seeds for summer fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes, capsicums and pumpkins, along with flowers including zinnias, cosmos and marigolds.
Seedling trays on a heat pad will produce faster growth, while a sunny windowsill is suitable if you are sowing only a few seeds. Use seed-raising mix in small punnets or containers with drainage holes. Apart from potting media, you can also make your own seedraising mix by combining equal parts coir peat, sand and perlite. Water the mix before sowing, then water again after planting. Keep the mix moist with a spray bottle and out of direct sunlight until the seeds germinate.
peppery flavour, while the green seeds can be pickled to make Poor Man’s Capers. Wash the green seedpods to remove spent petals and other debris. Place them in a clean jar with thyme, garlic, a bay leaf and peppercorns, then cover with apple cider vinegar. Leave the jar in the cupboard or refrigerator for a few weeks. They’re ready to eat once they have changed colour slightly, and the longer they remain in the vinegar, the better the flavour will become.
FOR a head start on spring flowers while the soil is still cold, plant nasturtiums. They grow well in our region, produce bright blooms for many months of the year, and are available in yellow, red, orange and now tri-coloured varieties. They can be allowed to climb loosely or spread across the ground as a living mulch. Nasturtiums also attract bees to the garden and are useful when planted among fruit and vegetables to cover bare soil. Every part of the plant is edible. The flowers have a
jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au
COMMERCIAL CLEANING QUOTES AVAILABLE 0407 263 812 / 6259 3200 monarchservices@live.com.au New Website Now Live!
To know more & book instantly (Scan the QR Code)
30 YEARS. 2,860 GARDENS. ONE TRUSTED NAME.
Jottings… • Pick broad beans while they are young. • Liquid feed anything tha t is flowering. • Bring a sprig of Daphne indoors. • Prune lemon verbena now .
Canberra’s Award-Winning Landscape Design & Construction Team Call now for your free, no-obligation quote. ✓ 14 Landscaping Awards ✓ Free Quotes • Landscape design • Pools • Decks • Pergolas • Retaining walls • Garden transformations
02 6297 9040 dimensiongardenscape.com.au enquiries@dimensiongardenscape.com.au »» Servicing Canberra, Queanbeyan & surrounding regions ««
Proudly stocking the largest range of Australian native plants in Canberra and surrounds We specialise in local native plant varieties: • Hardy, cold and frost tolerant natives • A large range of tubestock to advanced
Come out today and see us at Pialligo!
Bring life to your garden this winter
Let our expert staff show you a range of plants suitable for your garden soil type, to grow and enjoy an abundance of Australian native plants.
5A Beltana Road, Pialligo, ACT | Phone 02 6257 6666
www.coolcountrynatives.com.au citynews.com.au
CityNews August 13-19, 2026 23
BELCONNEN Ph 6251 5149
MANUKA Ph 6201 1788
LYNEHAM Ph 6249 1758
WODEN Ph 6282 5466
GARRAN Ph 6147 5797
WWW.WALKINGCLINICPODIATRIST.COM.AU
Our multidisciplinary approach with podiatry, physiotherapy, exercise physiology and remedial massage under one roof.
BELCONNEN Ph 6189 5440
MANUKA Ph 6189 5445
WWW.CANBERRAPHYSIOCLINIC.COM.AU