THE BANK VAULT’S EMPTY, BUT LABOR’S STILL SPENDING Tens of billions in the red because of bad policy choices and reckless spending, but the Barr government isn’t stopping. JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED shake their heads.
OCTOBER 22, 2026
Independents embarrass Labor on human rights
MICHAEL MOORE
Legislative Fibre keeps them going through the motions
KEEPING UP THE ACT
Now is the hour for the Coalition to embrace AI
ROBERT McMAHON
Performers plan to ‘shake it up’ for Parkinson’s
HELEN MUSA
DARK SIDE TO SUSAN
THREE BIG PAGES OF GARDENING
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MEET OUR EXERCISE EXPERTS Holly Hazelwood – Exercise Physiologist
Blake Dean – Exercise Physiologist
Holly is a former sports journalist who believed so strongly in the power of exercise to heal and nurture that she undertook her 4 year degree in Exercise Physiology. Holly is be able to work with people directly to support them through their pain journey and regain independence and a joy for living again. Holly provides one on one and group exercise classes both on land and at our hydrotherapy centres to support people to gain freedom from chronic pain.
Blake has expertise in improving clients mobility and decreasing their pain through appropriate exercise. Blake delivers our ‘My Exercise’ program, targeting the relief of lower back and sciatic pain, shoulder and upper body concerns as well as leg, hip and ankle interventions – for those who do not qualify for physiotherapy-led GLAD programs. Blake provides individual & group exercise for younger people with a disability. Blake treats clients in-clinic or via our hydrotherapy program as well as attending your gym with you.
Sophie Bullock – Exercise Physiologist
Sarah Solano – Exercise Physiologist
Sophie has post graduate qualifications in hydrotherapy, and as a non-sports centred Exercise Physiologist, helps clients who struggle with engaging in exercise due to a lack of sports participation. Sophie’s goal is to improve clients health via our hydrotherapy program, gym instruction and in-home visits. Sophie also is known for her passion for working with children.
Sarah believes that exercise is the best medicine. She is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with her degree in exercise physiology and rehabilitation. Previously Sarah was a swim teacher, personal trainer and an allied health assistant in the hydrotherapy field.
Nick van Diemen – Physiotherapist
Natasha Elword – Exercise Scientist
Nick (they/them, he/him) has returned to Canberra after completing a Master’s in Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland. Their passion comes from a love of science and helping people. With eight years in disability support, Nick brings broad experience and enjoys working with clients across a wide range of needs.
Tash discovered her passion for exercise after completing her Certificate IV in Personal Training in 2015, later earning a Sport and Exercise Science degree from the University of Canberra. She joined Arthritis ACT in 2019 and now supports group classes, exercise programs and administration. Outside work, she enjoys family time, running, hiking and cooking.
Liam Barber – Exercise Physiologist
Nat & Grace – Allied Health Assistants
Liam has a passion for working with paediatric and mental health conditions, as well as supporting people to pursue a better quality of life. He has experience working across a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular conditions across all age groups.
Nat has recently completed studies as an Allied Health Assistant and has returned from a hiatus, during which she worked with us in administration, to provide more hands-on support. Grace is a student exercise physiologist who brings enthusiasm and care to supporting our clients to achieve their health and wellbeing goals.
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COVER STORY / Susan Scott
Well written, well read
Volume 32, Number: 41. Phone 02 6189 0777.
Susan thrills to the dark mysteries of the universe It’s the unanswered questions of the universe that inspire prize-winning ANU physicist Susan Scott. She tells reporter DHWANI PATHAK she hopes her career will inspire more young women to pursue science. When the world’s first gravitational wave detection began to look promising in September 2015, Prof Susan Scott was at home, trying to make sense of an email about an unusual signal. As the hours passed, the excitement grew. What initially could have been dismissed as noise in the detectors was beginning to look like something extraordinary. By midnight, sleep was out of the question. “It was like when I was a kid on Christmas Eve,” she says. “I had visions of these black holes twirling around each other all night.” A world-leading mathematical physicist and pioneer in gravitational wave experiments, she was a part of the international team of 1000 scientists that detected ripples in space and time (gravitational waves), for the first time. The discovery opened a new way of observing the universe. For Scott, a professor at the Australian National University, it was the culmination of years of work in a field she had
entered in 1997. Her contribution has now been recognised with the Harrie Massey Medal and Prize, awarded jointly by the Australian Institute of Physics and the UK Institute of Physics. She is only the second woman to receive the honour, which was first awarded in 1990. The president of the UK Institute of Physics will present the medal in Sydney in December. The award is named after Sir Harrie Massey (1908-83), an Australian mathematical physicist who worked primarily in the fields of atomic and atmospheric physics. Last year she was awarded the George Szekeres Medal from the Australian Mathematical Society in recognition of her outstanding contribution to research in the mathematical sciences, including her work on the structure of spacetime, singularities, black holes and cosmology. As a student, the now Distinguished Professor Scott had no female role models close by. She knew of Marie Curie, but she was from “another country, and another time”. During her four years studying at
Distinguished Professor Susan Scott… “It was like when I was a kid on Christmas Eve. I had visions of these black holes twirling around each other all night.” Photo: Tracey Nearmy/ANU Monash University in Melbourne, Scott did not have a single female lecturer in mathematics, physics or any other subject. “In theoretical physics, there were basically no women. And so it was very hard for a woman to have a career in that field and to progress within that career,” she says. “You do kind of ask yourself whether
you can progress in a field like that, when there are no other women.” Things have improved, she says, and she hopes her achievement will give younger women an example of what is possible. Scott’s own interest began when she was a primary school student who loved mathematics. Watching the first moon landing, she wondered how astronauts could leap about on the lunar surface. “It was inspirational,” she says. “I wanted to understand how these people could leap about on the lunar surface like that.” The answer involved gravity, which eventually became central to her research. Today, she uses mathematical techniques to study gravitational waves and Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. Unlike light, gravitational waves can reveal extreme cosmic events, including collisions between black holes, that are difficult to observe through traditional telescopes. For Scott, that careful process is part of the work, but it is the unanswered questions that keep her interested. “The unanswered questions are what keep the work exciting,” she says. One of those questions is quantum gravity, which seeks to bring together gravity, which describes the universe
on large scales, and quantum mechanics, which describes the very small. “These two theories do come together inside a black hole,” she says. “We need to try to develop a theory which covers the coming together of those two things.” She is also interested in neutron stars, which can pack about one-anda-half times the mass of the sun into a space roughly the size of Canberra. Gravitational waves offer a way to investigate their structure and properties. She is involved in Einstein First, a program introducing modern physics and mathematics to school students through hands-on activities and experiments. The aim is to make concepts that can seem abstract more accessible and engaging, particularly for girls who might otherwise lose interest in science. “We find that often the girls in particular in primary school disengage with science and stuff because they don’t kind of feel involved,” she says. For someone who began by wondering how astronauts could move on the moon, the questions have become considerably more complex. But the impulse remains the same: to understand how the universe works, and to encourage others to be curious enough to find out.
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POLITICS / human rights
Independents embarrass Labor on human rights Why does it take the independents to identify that Australia has faltered in maintaining its proud record of upholding human rights globally? As independent ACT senator David Pocock points out: “Of all the many issues people contact me about, human rights and the Gaza Genocide is by far the biggest”. This is not surprising. How often does the subject of war crimes come up in conversations with friends and colleagues at a barbecue or over a beer? A group of independents are taking on the federal government’s failure on human rights, and it is not just about the shocking actions of Israel in the Middle East. As independent MP Andrew Wilkie says: “Australia has often had an outsized influence in the creation and preservation of international law”. He added Australia’s role has included “critical matters from peaceful scientific settlement in the Antarctic, to the end of apartheid in South Africa and Independence for East Timor” and drew our attention to the “moral and legal obligation not to fund, arm or invest in illegal settlements, war crimes or genocide”. Wilkie originally came to prominence when he was pilloried (rather than being protected) as a whistle-
The 40 per cent of ACT voters who put David Pocock as their first preference at the last election should be feeling very proud of his performance. Senator David Pocock… human rights is the biggest issue people contact him about. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP blower who identified that there was no evidence for “weapons of mass destruction”. It was the excuse used by the “coalition of the willing”, led by the US, to justify the invasion of Iraq and the removal of the regime of the dictator Sadam Hussein. His current concerns should not be surprising. As an aside, Israel has nuclear weapons – they are considered as “weapons of mass destruction” – and yet the US still supports the Netanyahu regime in that country. The attacks on the International Criminal Court by the US and its leader, Donald Trump, shows a complete lack of respect for international law. The president’s statement to the UN threatening to annihilate Iran was another example. Withdrawal
from the World Health Organization, and rejecting compliance with International Health Regulations is yet another. The US support for Israel, when both completely ignore international law, should be a wake-up call for all nations. While the Australian government is slumbering on these international moral and legal obligations, it is the independents who have taken action. The 40 per cent of ACT voters who put David Pocock as their first preference at the last election should be feeling very proud of his performance. It has been enhanced by working closely with other crossbench independents and the Greens in the Senate and the House of Representatives. The legislation that they have agreed to support is a combination of amendments that they have dubbed the Red Line Package Omnibus Bill. It is time to draw a red line around any actions that undermine international law. The Omnibus Package, if it passes,
will have the effect of stopping defence goods, technology and services that originate in Australia being supplied where they are in breach of human rights and international law. This includes greater transparency where they might facilitate genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity. More specifically, the package is designed to stop the Future Fund, superannuation funds and registered charities investing in companies or activities connected with violations of international law. There are criminal and civil liabilities set out in the package. In a 2025 report, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese described faith-based charities as “key financial enablers of illegal projects in occupied Palestinian territory”. The report found that the Jewish National Fund and more than 20 affiliated entities funded settlement expansion and military-linked projects, while online platforms such as Israel Gives have enabled tax-deductible crowdfunding in more than 30 countries for Israeli military units and settlers since October 2023. Michael West Media reported that the Jewish National Fund by
receiving “over $200 million in tax-deductible donations, is breaking international law, while the government looks the other way”. This is why pro-Palestinian activists target Spotlight, Anaconda, Mountain Designs and Harris Scarfe, arguing they support the charitable Spotlight Foundation in its similar support for activities that violate international law. The Red Line legislation that was introduced with the support of independent MP Sophie Scamps and seconded by Wilkie, illustrates the importance of independents in their role of exposing government failure. The message is powerful when so many Independents work together to improve human rights. Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health. He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.
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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
KEEPING UP THE ACT / poking fun at ACT politics
shushcapital.com.au
Legislative Fibre to keep going through motions This term of the ACT Labor Government (aka the low-rated TV series, Yes Chief Minister) has been marked by motions. A motion is where one MLA stands up and asks the other MLAs to agree on an idea that occurred to them in the shower that morning. Once infrequent, there are now more motions passing through the ACT Legislative Assembly than through the portaloos at the Multicultural Festival. Motions this term have included banning artificial grass, calling on some shops to open later and allowing cats to travel on public transport. Worthy enough, but I’m not convinced our MLAs are getting to the issues that really matter to Canberrans. So, we humbly submit the following motions for consideration.
Act geological standard time
That all ACT Government project timelines be expressed in geological eras to improve accuracy. This would include an archaeological-layer diagram to show the successive depths of abandoned completion dates.
L-plates for Chris Steel
Given Chris Steel’s is perpetually learning from his mistakes, that a permanent learner’s permit be attached to his body as a warning
6 CityNews October 22-28, 2026
formally reclassified as a Fly-In-Fly-
position with the chief minister to Once infrequent, there Out become the ACT’s principal export. are now more motions Never build it and they will come passing through the ACT That all of the previous Canberra Legislative Assembly than Stadium studies be classified as fanand compiled into a box set called through the portaloos at the tasy Game of Domes. Multicultural Festival. Green flex carry over to future reviews and accrue reward points. Reach nine reviews in a row and get the tenth review for free.
A licence to license to anyone approaching him. For the further protection of Canberrans, that Chris accrue demerit points that may ultimately prevent him from driving any ministerial portfolios.
Stop me if you’ve heard this before That the ACT Government adopt a circular-economy target requiring 100 per cent of old announcements be recycled into new announcements by 2028.
From the sky to the lake
That the government publish a timetable for its election commitment to restore the Birdman Rally, while also honouring a broader public wish that every government minister go jump in the lake.
The Canberra dollar
That Canberra adopt its own currency to reflect the mysterious change in value of Australian money once it crosses the territory border. Thus, $100 million of infrastructure elsewhere becomes $800 million in Canberra dollars.
Liberal certainty
That the new ACT Developer Licensing Scheme require every builder to obtain a licence proving they are licensed to apply for all the other licenses that they are required to be licensed for. Also, that the government simplify construction regulation by establishing one central office where builders can be directed to the other seven offices. Finally, that a Builder Protection Scheme be introduced to protect builders from excessive licensing schemes.
That any Liberal MLA using the phrase “when we form government” be required to specify a century. Further, that the position of Leader of the Canberra Liberals be officially recognised as the ACT’s most renewable resource.
Press release nutrition panel
Reward points for reviews
The Barr FIFO motion
That all ACT Government reviews
That every ACT Government media release includes an ingredients label. For example, “Contains 45% aspiration, 34% spin, 20% recycled material and 1% actual outcome.” That the chief minister’s role be
That all Greens’ criticism of Labor carry the disclosure, “Previous involvement may apply”. Greens MLAs should also be issued with yoga mats to improve flexibility and stretching when opposing policies they previously supported in coalition with Labor.
Moving targets
That every ACT Government target be mounted on castor wheels to ensure targets are easier to move when approached.
Big dry
That Big Splash be renamed Big Dry until further notice, and that swimmers at Canberra’s remaining pools be issued hard hats in case their pool suddenly becomes an apartment construction site while they are doing laps. So, come on MLAs, let’s get to it! Canberrans are frustrated that the Assembly is wonderfully regular when it comes to motions, but strangely constipated when it comes to progress. Think of our suggestions as the fibre you need to get things moving.
citynews.com.au
NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA (ACT)
newsletter
A night-of-nights for heritage award celebrations UPCOMING EVENTS • LANYON ‘Beyond the Farm Gate’ Heritage Walk Sunday 25 October 10-11.30am Bookings trybooking.com/DPUIY
Linda Roberts, President
• WODEN Heritage Walk
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Sunday 22 November 9.30-11.30am Bookings trybooking.com/DQKKE
It was the night of nights for heritage on October 15 at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. The buzz was palpable as 100 guests connected to our 13th National Trust Heritage Awards gathered to hear who had been recognised from our record of 25 finalists. What I particularly love about this event is the eclectic range of entries from builders and architects representing large public as well as residential buildings, community groups and individuals, all with a passion for conserving our precious heritage, whether through construction/remedial work or highlighting fantastic stories through exhibitions, books, artworks or events. A city that values its layered built heritage, First Nations’ heritage and natural environment is stronger, richer and better placed to face the future. Thanks to Minister for Heritage Chris Steel for his support and presenting our awards. More details, including the judges’ reports at: www.nationaltrust.org.au/ 2026-national-trust-act-heritageawards-winners-2/ Linda Roberts, President
• NATIONAL TRUST AGM Thursday 29 October 5-6.30pm Bookings trybooking.com/DQAMA
Lifetime Achievement award recipient Antoinette Buchanan with our patron the Honorable Margaret Reid AO
Winners are grinners… award recipients of the 2026 National Trust (ACT) Heritage Awards.
Awards that recognise Canberra’s precious heritage 2026 National Trust (ACT) Heritage Awards winners are: • BUILT HERITAGE PUBLIC / COMMERCIAL Sydney and Melbourne Buildings Façade Revitalisation Program – Winner City Renewal Authority, Philip Leeson Architects, Communication Link NFSA Heritage Building Renewal Stage 2 - Highly Commended National Film and Sound Archive
• BUILT HERITAGE RESIDENTIAL Barton Kitchen Garden Room - Winner Josh Mulford Architects F.T.C. Alterations - Highly Commended Typology Architecture
Iconic Trails Garema Place Public Realm Renewal - Highly Commended City Renewal Authority, ACT Government
• EVENTS, EXHIBITIONS AND TOURS The judges split this category to Award two winners EXHIBITIONS Taglietti: Life in Design - Winner Canberra Museum and Gallery, Dr Silvia Micheli: University of Queensland, Tanja Taglietti: Taglietti Studio and Archive and Virginia Rigney, Canberra Museum and Gallery. EVENT / TOUR Bringing the Iconic Callam Offices to a New Community – Winner
Woodland and Wetlands Trust: Megan Lech, Jason Cummings, Dean Maxworthy, Dylan DeLorenzo. Alex Humphreys. Geological Society of Australia: Megan Lech, Tiah Penny, Doug Finlayson, Des Strusz, Amber Jarret, Marita Bradshaw Hall Heritage Centre: Ken Heffernan. Daagun: Tyson Powell. ACT Parks and Conservation Service: Leith Collard. 2025 ANU design students: Rebecca Fauby, Safa Fahiz, Brianna Collette, Phoebe Spilsbury
• HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND POLICY RESOURCES
Centenary Stories - Highly Commended Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel
Minders of Tuggeranong Homestead
HERITAGE BOOK
Antoinette Buchanan
• FIRST NATIONS HERITAGE
Woden Town parkrun
The Man Who Planted Canberra: Charles Weston and His Three Million Trees - Winner Robert Macklin with Dr John Gray
Visitor Facilities at Yankee Hat Aboriginal Rock Art Site – Winner The Traditional Custodians of the Namadgi Ranges and associated peoples Navin Officer Heritage Consultants Art of Multimedia Makin Trax Australia and Stone Three Architecture
• HERITAGE INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION
• HERITAGE LANDSCAPES AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
citynews.com.au
The judges split this category to Award two winners INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION CATEGORY Mulligans Flat Geoheritage Trail: Where Geology and Culture Connect – Winner
No winner
• LOCAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS Dickson Shops 60th Anniversary Celebration - Winner Dickson Residents Group
• OUTSTANDING ADVOCACY • LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
PA R K H YAT T
National Rose Garden Stormwater Upgrade Winner National Capital Authority an Woden Contractors Pty Ltd
TM
Supported by
Proud supporters of the 2026 Heritage Awards
The National Trust receives support and funding from the ACT Government
CityNews October 22-28, 2026 7
CITC advertising feature
25th anniversary of celebrating Canberra’s The ACT construction industry marked a milestone this year, as the Construction Industry Training Council (CITC) celebrated 25 years of recognising the region’s most outstanding graduating apprentices. The 2026 Graduating Apprentice and Industry Encouragement Awards presented 47 awards: 33 to outstanding graduating apprentices and 14 Encouragement Awards to first-year female apprentices. Nearly 400 people attended the anniversary celebration at the Hellenic Club in Woden. Employers, unions, trainers, industry representatives, apprentices and their families filled the room for what has become one of the ACT construction industry’s most significant annual events. Over 25 years, CITC has recognised more than 750 outstanding graduating apprentices and more than 150 first-year female apprentices across a wide range of trades. The day’s highest honour, the 2026 Vince Ball Outstanding Graduating Apprentice, went to Casey Gibson, a painter and decorator with DC Painting & Decorating. The award is named after the awards’ founder. It was presented by ACT Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations Michael Pettersson MLA, Vince Ball and Ruth Hundertmark, Chief Executive Officer of MAS National, this year’s Platinum Sponsor. It capped a remarkable afternoon for Casey, who also won the Outstanding Apprentice Award for Painting and Decorating and the award for Woman in a Non-Traditional Trade. The awards also recognise the employers, supervisors and training organisations whose support helps apprentices build the skills, confidence and experience for a successful career. As CITC marks 25 years of the awards, encouraging more young people, particularly women, into construction remains as important as ever. These pages celebrate this year’s recipients and the achievements that make them the future of Canberra’s construction industry.
The class of 2026… this year’s winners in the Outstanding Graduating Apprentice Awards.
AWARD WINNERS
The ACT Regional Building & Construction Industry Training Council congratulates the finalists. 8 CityNews October 22-28, 2026
Casey Gibson – Painting & Decorating Vince Ball Construction Industry Outstanding Graduate Apprentice Award; Outstanding Woman In A Non-Tradtional Trade; Outstanding – Painting & Decorating Jacob Bill – Bricklaying Outstanding – Bricklaying Shane Mass – Plumbing Certificate of Excellence – Plumbing Dale Meere – First Nations Plumbing Outstanding First Nations Plumbing (joint winner); Certificate of Excellence – Plumbing Zachery Donkin – Plumbing Outstanding – Plumbing Abigail Holmes – Systems Electrician Certificate of Excellence – Systems Electrician Riley Jud-Brettingham – Systems Electrician Outstanding – Systems Electrician Rvindu Kotalawala – Systems Electrician Certificate of Excellence – Systems Electrician Louisa Hou – Systems Electrician Certificate of Excellence – Systems Electrician Isabella Wallace – Refrigeration Outstanding – Refrigeration
Ashley Smart – Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning : Outstanding – Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Bradley Spink – Landscape Construction Outstanding – Landscaping Ethan Saunders – Metals Engineering/Light Fabrication : Outstanding – Metals Engineering/ Light Fabrication Angela Constance – Metals Engineering/Heavy Fabrication : Outstanding – Metals Engineering/ Heavy Fabrication Carl Johnson – First Nations Air Conditioning Outstanding – First Nations Air Conditioning (joint winner); Certificate of Excellence Julian Woolcock – Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning : Certificate of Excellence Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Logan Jen – Wall & Ceiling Lining Outstanding – Wall & Ceiling Lining Jesse Patrick – Cabinet Making Outstanding – Cabinet Making Blake Hudson – Carpentry Certificate of Excellence – Carpentry Joshua Zaja – Carpentry citynews.com.au
most outstanding apprentices
AT THE AWARDS…
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARDS Outstanding – Carpentry Kira Williams – Carpentry Certificate of Excellence – Carpentry Emmi Ildiko Lee – Carpentry Certificate of Excellence – Carpentry Anthea Woodburn – Woman in a NonTraditional Trade : Certificate of Excellence – Civil Construction Plant Operations Aaron Grant – Civil Construction Diesel Mechanic : Outstanding – Civil Construction Diesel Mechanic Kynan Dodd – Civil Construction Road Construction & Maintenance : Outstanding – Civil Construction Road Construction & Maintenance Jack Buckley – Civil Construction Plant Operations : Outstanding – Civil Construction Plant Operations Calum McFarlane – Civil Construction Plant Operations : Certificate of Excellence – Civil Construction Plant Operations Harry McFarlane – Wall & Floor Tiling Outstanding – Wall & Floor Tiling Cory Saunders – Carpentry (First Nations) Meritorious Performance – First Year Carpentry citynews.com.au
Zarlee Drury – Carpentry (First Nations) Encouragement – Carpentry Annabelle Fenwick – Cabinet Making Encouragement – Cabinet Making Millana Charnock – Systems Electrician Encouragement – Systems Electrician Phoebe Crisp – Systems Electrician Encouragement – Systems Electrician Hayley Fisher – Heating, Ventilation Heating & Air Conditioning : Encouragement – Refrigeration Sarah Bogue – Civil (Pipe Laying) Encouragement – Civil (Pipe Laying) Skye Wheatley – Civil (Plant Operations) Encouragement – Civil (Plant Operations) Anna Mongan – Civil (Plant Operations) Encouragement – Civil (Plant Operations) Aimee Hamon – Systems Electrician Electronology - Fitter Encouragement – Systems Electrician Hayley Colson – Systems Electrician ESI Distribution (Overhead Lineworker) Encouragement – Systems Electrician (Overhead Linework)
Amy Wiggan – Systems Electrician ESI Distribution (Cable Jointer) Encouragement – Systems Electrician (Cable Jointer) Alesha Tilyard – Carpentry Encouragement – Carpentry Kayla Ellis – Systems Electrician Encouragement – Carpentry Isabella Wilkinson – Systems Electrician Encouragement – Carpentry Kayla-Therese Jones – Landscape Construction Simone Oliver – Plumbing
CityNews October 22-28, 2026 9
A lifetime building futures for Canberra’s apprentices CITC advertising feature After more than two decades championing the ACT’s construction apprentices, Vince Ball has retired from the Building and Construction Industry Training Council, leaving a legacy of opportunity, achievement and recognition for generations of young tradespeople. For Vince Ball, a successful career has never been measured simply by the buildings completed or the qualifications awarded, but by the opportunities created for young people entering the construction industry. After leading the ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Council (CITC) for more than 20 years, Vince has stepped away from an organisation he helped shape into an influential advocate for vocational education and apprenticeships.
From apprentice to advocate His journey began as a plumbing apprentice before moving into training and workforce development with the Commonwealth Department of Works. “I was invited by my employer ... to manage all the Department apprentices,” Vince recalls. “My role was to monitor and provide training across all sectors of the industry and to introduce innovative ways to ensure that they all received the best training possible.” Those opportunities included placements on some of Canberra’s most significant construction projects, including the new Parliament House and Russell Hill offices. Plumbing apprentices also spent six months working alongside government inspectors, gaining practical experience that would prove invaluable. “A large number made special mention of how their six months placement with the Plumbing Inspectors helped them in later years with establishing successful businesses,” Vince says. Following senior training and management roles with Actew and work developing national training packages, Vince became CITC’s executive director in 2002.
Recognising achievements It was a time when he believed traditional trades were being overlooked in the vocational education system. “In 2002 the construction industry was not invited to nominate its outstanding trades apprentice for our local ACT Training Excellence Awards,” he says. His response was to establish an awards program specifically recognising the achievements of construction apprentices. “I also wanted these awards to recognise our outstanding graduating apprentices and for these apprentices to share this occasion with their partners, family members, their supervisor and industry dignitaries at no cost.”
Vince receiving acknowledgement at the Deputy Prime Minister’s 2008 awards for commitment to Australian Apprenticeships. Funded through industry sponsorship and donations, the Graduating Apprentice and Industry Encouragement Awards have become one of CITC’s most enduring achievements. Over 25 years, they have recognised more than 750 outstanding graduating apprentices and more than 150 first-year female apprentices. This year’s anniversary celebration is expected to attract more than 400 guests, recognising 27 graduating apprentices and presenting 14 encouragement awards to first-year female apprentices.
A lasting impact For Vince, the most memorable moments have often come from the audience rather than the stage. “I have had the pleasure of seeing the enjoyment and pride of the apprentices’ parents, grandparents and family members so proud and excited in seeing their child being recognised,” he says. “Many a tear is shed at these awards; they are very special to the apprentice and particularly family members.” His contribution has extended well beyond the awards. Vince introduced the Kids at Risk program for Year 10 students in ACT public schools, supported programs at Bimberi Youth Justice Centre and developed nationally accredited asbestos awareness training. During the Commonwealth’s Global Financial Crisis (GFC) school building program, Vince oversaw compliance arrangements that helped secure employment for 426 apprentices on ACT projects.
CITC in good hands Current CITC Executive Director Jason Jennings says Vince’s effectiveness came from his practical understanding of the industry and the people working within it. “Vince came to the role as a tradesman. He completed a plumbing apprenticeship and spent his early career looking after apprentices, so he understood the training system from the apprentice’s side,” Jason says. “That gave him credibility with employers and with young people.” Jason, who first worked with Vince on the CITC Executive Committee from 2010, says his approach was straightforward and personal. “He was practical and he knew the trades. When something needed sorting out, he would pick up the phone or go and see the person.” “He wanted apprentices recognised in front of their families and employers, and for many of them that day has meant a great deal.”
Building on a strong foundation Jason Jennings Current CITC Executive Director 10 CityNews October 22-28, 2026
Jason took on the Executive Director role in January 2025, after 14 years as the organisation’s Deputy Chairperson. He says the focus now is on growing CITC’s
Vince Ball reflects on his career and years with CITC. His auditing and reporting processes were recognised nationally as best practice.
Broadening opportunities His contribution to vocational education has also earned significant recognition, including the Norm Fisher Award in 2003, the Friend of CIT Award in 2008 and the John Scott Memorial Award in 2009. He was also one of three national finalists in the inaugural 2008 Deputy Prime Minister’s Award for Commitment to Australian Apprenticeships, becoming the first person to receive both the
reach while staying close to the ACT industry it was set up to serve. “Each Executive Director builds on what came before and then hands the organisation on,” he says. “Vince’s time was a long chapter in that story, and the focus he kept on apprentices is part of what carries forward.” CITC is now leading the NextBuild series, a set of national studies into how technology is changing the Building and Construction workforce. The first, the NextBuild Digital Blueprint, was completed in 2025. This year’s NextBuild AI Blueprint looks at artificial intelligence and is due for release before the end of the year, and planning is under way for a third study in 2027. The partnership behind the research has grown each year. This year’s study is part funded by BuildSkills Australia and the industry training funds in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania. “We’re a small organisation in Canberra, but we are being trusted with national work,” Jason says. “That’s good for the ACT industry, because what we learn comes straight back here.”
Norm Fisher and John Scott Memorial awards. But he remains concerned about changes to the apprenticeship system, particularly the loss of government oversight and the reduced involvement of major builders in directly employing apprentices. “The demise of the Apprenticeship Board by the Federal Government has been, in my opinion, the biggest mistake made by government,” he says. He believes the changes have affected apprenticeship completion rates and the breadth of practical skills available to young workers.
Supporting the next generation Closer to home, CITC’s Construct Your Career program is working to bring new entrants into the industry, helping young people and career changers see a future in the trades. Helping apprentices finish is the other priority. CITC now has staff working in the field with apprentices and employers, watching for early signs that an apprentice is struggling and arranging support before problems grow. “Finishing an apprenticeship is the hardest part for a lot of young people,” Jason says. “We are putting more support around them, at work and outside it, so that when things get tough, they’ve got someone in their corner.” He says CITC’s purpose hasn’t changed in 38 years, even if the way it works has. “We are here for the ACT Building and Construction industry. What’s different now is that we are doing that on a bigger stage. We want to keep growing, and we want to stay close to the people we serve.” For Vince, that continuing commitment to young tradespeople may be the most fitting legacy of all. citynews.com.au
FROM NOVICE TO NATIONAL SUCCESS, CASEY IS A CUT ABOVE Just three years after entering the painting and decorating industry with no previous experience, Canberra’s Casey Gibson has claimed the ACT construction industry’s highest apprentice honour, capping an extraordinary rise for the young tradeswoman. Casey, who works with Canberra business DC Painting and Decorating, was named the recipient of the prestigious Vince Ball Construction Industry Outstanding Graduating Apprentice Award at the 2026 Construction Industry Training Council (CITC) awards. Named in honour of the awards’ founder, the accolade recognises outstanding achievement among the ACT construction industry’s graduating apprentices. Casey also received the Outstanding Apprentice Award for Painting and Decorating and the Woman in a Non-Traditional Trade award, completing a remarkable afternoon of recognition. The top honour was presented by ACT Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations Michael Pettersson MLA, CITC founder Vince Ball and Ruth Hundertmark, chief executive officer of this year’s platinum sponsor, MAS National. For DC Painting and Decorating owner Daniel Williams, the recognition is a source of enormous pride and a reflection of Casey’s dedication, natural ability and determination to succeed. “Casey started with us three years ago without any painting experience, but she picked things up incredibly quickly,” Daniel says. “She’s always been eager to learn, and that hasn’t changed. She’s constantly looking to develop new skills, take on challenges and improve her work.” Her achievements extend well beyond the CITC awards. After previously winning gold at the Canberra WorldSkills competition, Casey progressed to last year’s national championships, competing in front of thousands of spectators and bringing home a bronze medal. This year, she claimed another Canberra gold medal, securing the opportunity to represent the region at the national championships again next year. “To see how far she’s come in just three years is fantastic,” Daniel says. “She’s worked incredibly hard for every achievement, and we’re all very proud of her.”
DC Painting &
Casey’s success has also been supported by Canberra Institute of Technology trainer Adam Teer, whose commitment to developing her technical skills and confidence has made a lasting impression. “Adam regularly commends Casey on her contribution during training, but he also deserves recognition for the time and effort he’s invested in her development,” Daniel says. “Having that support and encouragement makes a real difference to young people learning a trade.” Away from competitions and award ceremonies, Casey has become an integral part of DC Painting and Decorating, earning praise for her professionalism, excellent client relationships and consistently high standards. She particularly excels in decorative painting finishes, where precision, creativity and attention to detail are essential. For Daniel, those qualities reflect the standards he has worked to establish throughout his business. DC Painting and Decorating is a small Canberra business built
around quality workmanship, reliability and personalised service. Working alongside Casey and several trusted regular subcontractors, Daniel oversees residential and building projects, with an emphasis on careful preparation, attention to detail and delivering finishes that clients can be proud of. The business has developed strong working relationships with established builders including Transform Building Solutions and Casey Projects, which regularly engage the team to provide painting services across their projects. Recommendations from satisfied customers and exposure through social media have also helped generate new business, reinforcing the importance of reputation in a competitive industry. Daniel believes one of the advantages of operating a smaller business is the opportunity to maintain personal relationships with clients and take genuine responsibility for the standard of work delivered. Whether working with an established builder or an individual homeowner, the focus remains on providing dependable service, professional workmanship and a finished result that meets expectations. That same commitment to quality extends to training and developing the next generation of tradespeople. For Daniel, Casey’s achievements are particularly rewarding because they demonstrate what can happen when a young person is given an opportunity, supported by experienced professionals and encouraged to pursue excellence. Her success has also brought recognition to the specialist skills involved in painting and decorating, a trade requiring far more than simply applying a coat of paint. “There’s a lot of skill involved in getting a quality finish, particularly with decorative work,” Daniel says. “Casey takes real pride in what she does, and that shows in the standard of her work and the way she deals with clients.” With three CITC awards, national WorldSkills recognition and another national competition ahead, Casey has established herself as one of Canberra’s most promising young painting and decorating tradespeople. For Daniel, however, the greatest reward is seeing someone who arrived with no experience develop into a confident, capable and highly regarded tradeswoman. “She’s a great example of what young people can achieve when they’re prepared to work hard, keep learning and take pride in their trade.”
DC Painting and Decorating specialises in all aspects of internal and external painting, plastering and decorative finishes such as wood graining, marble effect, texture coatings and wall papering delivering high-quality workmanship and attention to detail across every project.
D E C O R A T I N G
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KINDNESS / empathy isn’t competitive
No poor-boy-made-good here, I was privileged I’m dawdling down the street of the most special town in the world for the first time in years, along with five 20-somethings. They are among my favourite people in the world, on my favourite street in the world. We meander past a café that was a bookshop that was a medical centre annex that was the outpost of the mechanics that was a video store that was three slum dwellings that was the repository of the furniture shop. This year my five beloved youngsters sit inside with me and it is a funky café with Frieda Kahlo and Mexican death goddess posters on the wall, and smiling kind people serving at the counter. On one wall are a bunch of books, written by the owner, and the covers are by Bettina, a girl I spent 10 years at school with whose parents toiled on the bananas with mine for so many years. Lovely covers they are, too. The beautiful shelves frame a couple of windows, one of which shows the annex at the back, nicely painted but still a composite of fibro, tin, asbestos, and the tiny crushed outhouse behind it, held together by funnel-webs and country town physics. I remember it well as that little room was where, for a tricky time,
“It’s not competition, it’s conversation. And what is the purpose of conversation? Depends on what your life is for.” Photo: Anna Shvets mum and dad and I used to live. Not particularly legally or luxuriously. But with joy. This morning we six had just walked up the street from our Airbnb, the most impressive house in town, and the comparison was sweet, but the story – poor boy made good – is one I don’t like. I was privileged, so me having “made good” is false and dumb. So that made me think, waiting for the pre-beach frappuccino concoctions they like, that perhaps there was no reason to tell the kids about this tiny room their dad came from. It reminded me of watching
Some folks never learn to read the room… they hear someone’s pain that reflects their experience and say to the woman weeping at her miscarriage, ‘that’s nothing, I had six of them’. Without meaning to hurt, they do.
12-year-olds in playgrounds talking about almost anything. “My dad fell over and broke his foot”, says Trev. Others reply: “That’s nothing, my dad broke his whole leg”. Boys will often have competitions, not conversations. Scorecards, not empathy. It spills over into adult life in some people, too. Sharon says she’s delighted because little Johnny got a certificate for English at school. Her sister Beatrice says that’s great but cannot discuss it for a moment before bragging about her little Janey who came first in the universe in maths and climbed Kilimanjaro on the weekend for Brownies. It’s not
mature or kind, but there’s often reasons. Some folks I loved were so damaged by events that they spoke not a word of it for decades. Others were so hurt, without the quotidian connection with learning and social mores that culturally diverse people often suffer, that they simply never learned to read the room. They hear someone’s pain that reflects their experience and say to the woman weeping at her miscarriage, “that’s nothing, I had six of them”. Without meaning to hurt, they do. It’s not competition, it’s conversation. And what is the purpose of conversation? Depends on what your life is for. Are you collecting data for your next incursion? Does your health and wealth depend on crushing the other guy? Do you care for those around you? Are you here to distribute whatever love you have? I’m figuring out my purpose and 60 more years and will have it down pat, but one thing’s for sure – our next generation of Australians do not need to know how tough we had it when that narrative is so useless to them. Them who’ve been here 60 millennia, many in this town, have had a pretty
crap couple of centuries, just quietly So did I share this morning that this was where I used to live? Damn right – and probably exaggerated, too. I hope to grow up soon! And I sure as hell hope that no one thinks of me as anything less than privileged – in that tiny space I experienced love and attention, support and kindness, and was a prince. When I walked out that door on to the street the mechanic and furniture man and nurse all smiled hi, and the ladies at the Vinnies let me pick my books to read that day and maybe a new old T-shirt. I’ve spent a career listening to others’ troubles and that’s a privilege, too. If someone gives us the honour of telling us their tales and troubles, they need our listening. We can share ours later, if invited. One day I’ll live up to that. Antonio Di Dio is a local GP, medical leader and nerd. There are many more of his Kindness columns at citynews.com.au
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POLITICS / no money in the bank
The bank vault is empty, but Labor’s still spending “The ACT bank account is not just empty, but in the red to the tune of tens of billions of dollars because of bad policy choices and reckless spending. Concerningly, there is no sense the government has considered changing its modus operandi.” JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED shake their heads. Following a recent Legislative Assembly inquiry, it is indisputable that the ACT Government’s finances are in an unsustainable position because of its policy decisions and choices. The conclusions in economist Saul Eslake’s recent report are unambiguous and uncontested, even by the government. Unfortunately, what has been overlooked in the Eslake analysis is the parlous state of ACT government services and the policy choices that have precipitated a dramatic and parlous degradation in essential services, such as health, education and public housing – services that play a key role in ensuring a measure of equity in our community. Eslake has, as a consequence, suggested targeting some of those service areas to achieve savings and hopefully return the budget to balance. We do not agree with that proposal, or a number of others, for several reasons. Firstly, it is based on a superficial comparison of cost metrics without any apparent understanding of the specific circumstances of Canberra. For example, for some of the impacted services the territory is in fact compensated financially through federal transfers. While the ACT Government is surely aware of those factors, it has nevertheless inflicted brutal cuts to health and education. Eslake’s other budget “solution” is to pursue greater compensation for cross-border services. It is ironic, however, that the substantial increase in the cross-border consumption of services in, for example, health and education has occurred as a consequence of deliberate decisions taken
citynews.com.au
by the ACT Government to freeze the release of land for affordable houses and thus deprive existing and potential Canberrans of affordable housing choices, other than apartment living in sub-quality buildings with poor amenity. t is indisputable that the ACT Government has stimulated urban sprawl across the border into NSW, in order apparently to minimise urban sprawl within Canberra. Cross-border travel for work and access to services such as health and education have more than doubled over the past 15 years. The government has consequently foregone hundreds of millions in GST distributions and tax collection – a benefit to NSW – a fraction of which it now seeks to recoup for service delivery to those onetime Canberrans, now living in NSW, on whom we turned our back and waved goodbye. Declining student achievements in the territory’s public school system have been reported for well over a decade. A trend decline in enrolments in the public system has ensued as parents lost confidence, and those who could afford it, moved their children to private schools. The teachers’ union has been at pains to stress that its recent industrial action is not merely about a pay rise, but more concerned with the conditions in our public schools. While the previous long-serving minister, Yvette Berry, did nothing of substance to improve the public school system, the new Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith’s most significant response has been to make cuts to frontline staff in the least-advantaged
I
handing the reins to Andrew Barr. The ACT bank account is currently not just empty but in the red to the tune of tens of billions of dollars because of (bad) policy choices, as Eslake has pointed out, and reckless spending. Concerningly, there is no sense that the government has considered changing its modus operandi. mong the How was the ACT vault – once full – emptied? Photo: AI stock reporting on cuts to schools, thus exacerbating the very education and health, there has not problem teachers are fighting to see been a mention of the proverbial addressed. elephant – light rail – which remains he minister brings form to untouchable. Rather, the media has public education from her been tacit in its approval of cuts and other portfolio of health more focused on promoting projects where she has, in the space of a few from developers to occupy public short years, overseen the decline of parks and spaces to make the project an above-average hospital system “viable”. to one of the worst The question of whose interests performing in the the government is serving or whose country. interests take priority has not been That deterioration asked. Is it children in public schools was no accident, with special needs and/or sick rather it culminated Canberrans unable to afford private through deliberate health insurance or developers seekpolicy choices to ing windfall profits? redirect critical inOver the last nine months, espevestment in hospital cially while delivering the 2026-27 capacity as well as budget, Treasurer Chris Steel has real term cuts to been claiming that the budget was recurrent funding. on track to return to surplus. It is not Almost concurrently, cuts to the clear whether these funding cuts are health budget have been announced. necessary to achieve the expenditure Cutting funding for already unforecasts published in the budget. In derfunded and dilapidated universal other words, was the budget premised access public services makes no on cuts to education and health? Or, has logical sense. That is, unless there is the budget just passed, deteriorated? no choice or a higher priority. In our view, it’s both. The 2026-27 Minister Stephen-Smith reported, budget estimates were unrealistic, and inter alia, that “there is no money short of even a CPI increase. It was in the bank”. That begged many questions that the mainstream media beyond doubt that there were either implicit cuts to spending or that the has been either unable to answer or deficit would inevitably blow out. The disinclined to pursue. territory’s finances have massively To continue with the Minister’s deteriorated because – you guessed it – idiom, how was the vault – once full – of the rising interest costs of debt. emptied? Market borrowings (ie, gross debt) We recall that Katy Gallagher reached $15.4 billion in June 2026. handed three surpluses (even during Of that debt, $8.42 billion (ie, 55 per the GFC) and negative net debt, when
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Among the reporting on cuts to education and health, there has not been a mention of the proverbial elephant – light rail – which remains untouchable.
cent) will mature over the budget and forward estimates period. he government will need to refinance these loans because it is already borrowing to pay interest on its debt. In addition, the budget forecast is for new borrowings of $4.68 billion over the next four years. Since the budget was handed down, debt servicing costs have increased due to an increase in the bond yields. The amount of the increase in interest costs on the $13.1 billion in refinancing and new debt will depend on the specific instruments, but is likely to be in the order of $150 million. The deficit will persist and/or more funding cuts will inevitably follow. It can be said with certainty that these cuts would be unnecessary, in fact the budget would be in solid surplus if the government had stabilised debt. We acknowledge that it would be unlikely for the ACT Greens to ask meaningful questions about the state of the budget or its priorities and choices in the past and for the future, having been part of the government for three terms and being heavily involved in priority settings. We hope, however, that the independent cross-bench and the opposition can hold the government to account. s for Canberrans: those who have private health insurance and no children, or children enrolled in private schools, there is nothing to worry about. For those who send their children to public schools and wait years for a hospital procedure or dream of owning their own home things will inevitably continue to deteriorate. But then again, the current ACT Labor Government does appear to have adopted the mantra, as famously first espoused by one time Liberal Party minister Joe Hockey, that if working-class battlers want to own their own house, be able to afford private health insurance and send their children to private schools, “they should get a better job”.
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Jon Stanhope is a former chief minister of the ACT and Dr Khalid Ahmed a former senior ACT Treasury official.
CityNews October 22-28, 2026 13
WHIMSY / lost for words
When words are divorced from their meaning “My wife is teaching me Cuban. It’s like Spanish but with fewer words for luxury goods.” –Emo Philips
Enormity
Words often become divorced from their original meaning. Purists deride those ignorant of the true meaning of the misused word.
Epic
Eventually the misusers have the last laugh, because the misused meaning becomes mainstream and is recognised as such in dictionaries. An example is “decimate”. Purists will tell you it dates back to the Roman practice of killing one in 10, but in common usage it just means “devastate”. Anyway, here’s how some words have drifted away from their original meaning:
Aesthetic
• Original meaning: Pertaining to beauty or artistic taste. • Common usage: Descriptor for vibe or style, especially in social media.
Ambivalent
• Original meaning: Having mixed or conflicting feelings. • Common usage: Indifferent or uninterested.
Anxious
• Original meaning: Nervous or worried.
• Original meaning: Great wickedness or moral outrage. • Common usage: Sheer size. • Original meaning: Grand in scale or heroic, like Homer’s Iliad. • Common usage: Denotes excellence (eg, “That burger was epic.”)
Fortuitous
• Original meaning: Happening by chance. • Common usage: Fortunate or lucky.
Infamous
• Original meaning: Famous for something bad. • Common usage: Very famous.
What’s in a word… A disinterested judge is ideal; an uninterested one is bored. Painting: The Sleeping Judge by Thomas Couture (1859).
Ironic
• Original meaning: A situation where the opposite of what’s expected happens. • Common usage: Coincidences or just weird situations.
• Common usage: Eager.
Chronic
• Original meaning: Persisting for a long time (especially illness). • Common usage: Severe.
Nonplussed
Dilemma
• Original meaning: A situation requiring a choice between two (often equally undesirable) options. • Common usage: Any problem. • Original meaning: Unbiased, impartial. • Common usage: Uninterested. (A disinterested judge is ideal; an uninterested one is bored.)
estate agents (with a qualifier added eg, “very unique”).
• Original meaning: Something extraordinary or unusual. • Common usage: Anything remotely impressive.
On a lighter note: A man is riding through blistering desert heat on a camel when he comes across a dying dog beside a sand dune. The dog sees them and calls out: “Oh help me, please! I’ve been lost in this desert for days and I’m dying of thirst! Please, please help me!” The man immediately leaps off his horse, pulls out his water canteen and rushes to the dog. He pours water into a cup and offers it to the dog, who quickly laps it up and says: “God bless you, sir! You’ve saved my life!” As the dog drinks some more, the man puzzles over this unexpected encounter, saying, “I didn’t know dogs could talk.” At that point the camel says, “Me neither…”
Phenomenal
Redundant
• Original meaning: Unnecessarily repetitive. • Common usage: “Replaceable,” as in employment.
Reticent
• Original meaning: Reluctant to speak. • Common usage: Synonym for hesitant or unwilling.
Travesty
• Original meaning: A distorted or grotesque imitation. • Common usage: “A shame” or “a bad thing”. (A travesty of justice isn’t just unfortunate – it’s a mockery of the whole process.)
• Original meaning: Bewildered or confused to the point of inaction. • Common usage: Calm or unimpressed (especially in the US).
Ultimate
• Original meaning: Fame for a bad reason. • Common usage: Sometimes used to mean fame.
• Original meaning: One of a kind, unparalleled. • Common usage: Beloved by real
Notoriety
Disinterested
• Common usage: To skim or glance at.
Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.
• Original meaning: Final, last, or most fundamental. • Common usage: The best.
Unique
Peruse
• Original meaning: To read thoroughly or carefully.
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POLITICS / artificial intelligence
Now is the hour for the Coalition to embrace AI I recently opined how the federal Coalition was giving an excellent impression of being a policy vacuum. Aside from broad policy pronouncements, half way through the Albanese Labor government’s second term, the opposition is far from assuring Australians it has the policy platform needed to resume government. This is unfortunate as, in recent weeks, the government has made some policy missteps that ought to have been critiqued by an effective opposition with its own policy. But, as the old ad jingle for the women’s clothing outlet Sussan trilled, “this goes with that”. And so, an ineffective opposition begets ineffective policy formulation. It’s hardly rocket science. On the subject of rocket science, I as one of many Australians look on with a mix of wonder, excitement and trepidation about what is seemingly the ceaseless march of artificial intelligence (or AI). And we have seen its power when things go wrong, infiltrating Medicare databases beyond original instructions. But trade union demands that it be regulated to protect traditional jobs impress as a fantastical mix of self-delusion and self-harm: the
Given the Coalition’s relationship with big business has soured in recent years, AI could be a valuable opportunity to collaborate on big policy design and re-build mutual trust. The opposition should engage directly with the fears harboured by many parents about their kids’ futures in a world of AI. Photo: Laura Musikanski thought that we in Australia can withstand the development of a borderless technology whose power promises to outstrip the reforming impact of industrial mechanisation is plain folly. It is for this reason that Australians are increasingly worried about their employment future in a world where AI will transform the very nature of work. Once, a parent might have considered their duty fulfilled getting their child through school and into university, a trade or secure employment. Today, that no longer looks so predictable. We have all heard stories of jobs previously undertaken by office workers, junior lawyers, accountants or public servants that suddenly don’t
seem all that secure in the face of AI. Tasks that might have taken a junior lawyer half a day to complete can suddenly be completed in a few minutes, especially by a skilled operator who knows how to guide AI platforms, define and refine prompts to produce quality output and avoid AI “hallucination” (errors). Recently I had lunch with a former APS colleague. She told me of a conversation with HR in which she was offered the services of once-coveted graduates in their forthcoming rotation among divisions. No thanks, she replied, I can be more productive investing in my existing advisers to use AI and produce what a grad can in a fraction of the time. This seemed so selfish in a way: investing now in today’s young professionals is necessary for tomorrow’s professional workforce. But, once I put aside my tut-tutterie, I sort of got her point. In a world of tight funding and tighter deadlines,
resource decisions have become pragmatic if not also a bit expedient. And AI has provided the outlet for both. Which brings me back to the Coalition and policy opportunity. A sensible policy platform would be for it to engage – head on – the issue of AI and its role in our future economy. Rather than futilely resisting, as unions might, such policy should seek to harness AI’s enormous power to improve workers’ output. Lord knows our national productivity could do with a shot in the arm. Tertiary education needs to strike a balance between prohibiting AIgenerated material (ie, cheating) and skillfully teaching its use to students to apply it in their future workplaces. National energy grids need to support its thirsty power consumption and data centres should be built where they are needed. Given the Coalition’s relationship with big business has soured in recent years, this could also be a valuable opportunity to collaborate on big policy design and re-build mutual trust. But the Opposition should also engage directly with the fears understandably harboured by many parents about their kids’ futures
COOMA
and livelihoods. “Sweeteners”, as we used to call them back in my days in government, are necessary tools to sooth those worried about large change. The opposition might therefore extend its old Australian Technical College model – now school trade training centres – to provide rigorous AI skills to school students who, as workers, will need them. And courses at universities should be properly structured (and funded) to integrate responsible and ethical AI into professional practice. We cannot bury our heads in the sand about AI. To do so would be like a lemon tree in a cyclone: fruitless. But we can and should ready ourselves for its inevitable impact. And the opposition would do well to grab this policy bull by the horns. Dr Robert McMahon PSM is a visiting fellow at the ANU, adjunct professor at the University of Canberra, and a former assistant secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
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CityNews October 22-28, 2026 15
LETTERS / well written, well read
Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au
I have the Invisible Man as my local member Columnist Michael Moore laid bare ACT ministers who go to ground when the news spotlight reveals their bad calls. (“Gutless’ ministers who don’t face up to bad news”, CN October 7). I’ve learned it’s not just local government politicians. I bought my new Mawson home in a buoyant housing market just weeks before this David Smith. year’s federal budget. I celebrated my move too soon. It’s taken me four months to sell my old place after the market collapsed following Anthony Albanese’s budget call to ditch his handson-heart promise not to change negative gearing and CGT. I’m not a property investor and I was just moving house after 35 years, but got badly burned by the housing market’s budget reaction. I have lost many thousands of dollars from the much-reduced sale price of my old home and the cost of bridging finance in a painfully slow market. I wrote to my new (Labor) local MP, David Smith, to complain. Nothing. Maybe it mistakenly went into his spam folder, I thought optimistically. So I tried again, politely asking for a reply. He is, after all, my only local MHR. Same result.
What’s all the fuss about surcharges?
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Never say never, and the third time I detailed the loss I suffered from his government’s deceit. I now know I have the Invisible Man as my local member, and the only consolation I have is knowing that his service can’t get any worse. It wasn’t worth the price of finding out. David Robertson, Mawson
Let’s keep Gungahlin clean and green We have been living in Gungahlin since late July to be closer to our daughter, her family
and our precious grandson. We love the beautiful views, convenient light rail, shops, cafés and restaurants. However, it saddens us to see so much rubbish around the town centre, from takeaway cups and straws to cigarette butts. Can we all take responsibility for keeping our beautiful Gungahlin clean? Let’s use the bins, respect our environment and teach our children to do the same. Come on, Gungahlin! Let’s be proud of our city and keep it clean, green and welcoming for everyone. After all, first impressions matter! Didien Orme, Gungahlin
I struggle to understand the noise being raised about the banning of credit card surcharges in Australia. I have travelled overseas with both Australian and UK credit cards and have never been charged a surcharge for their use. This practice was banned in the UK in 2018, and obviously firms rolled up the price structure of their cost of doing business. Any increase in the CPI would be one-off, and lo and behold we’re back to normal. In fact, I have been offered discounts for cash both here and overseas, so I wonder why this practice doesn’t become more common now. Disappointingly, I went to a nearby coffee shop the other day, and they refused to accept cash. The gentleman in front of me, expressed his thoughts and walked out, so they lost custom. What sort of business can survive doing that? Anyway, the sun will come up tomorrow morning and life will go on! Dave Jeffrey, Farrer
Hawke favoured consensus Columnist Dr Andrew Hughes exaggerates when he claims that Bob Hawke “used anger of the union movement to become PM” (CN October 15). In truth, even before he entered Parliament, Hawke championed consensus over
confrontation. Conflict, if it did occur, required peaceful resolution. It was his left-wing critics and opponents who were driven on by anger. Stephen Holt, Macquarie
Horse racing is not a sport! Why does the news on Freeview channels reference horse racing as a sport? It is not a sport, it is gambling and animal cruelty. It is whipping horses to make them gallop fast. And why is it fine to show drunk people showing off their alcoholic drinks at these horse racing venues? Alcohol advertising has been banned from television for years. Maybe these so-called news items should be followed by gambling and alcohol support services hotlines or banned altogether as news items. You win some, you lose more! Francine Horne, via email
The only accurate account of Labor’s failure I would just like to express my complete agreement with the editor’s comments on the column “No slop here, it’s all my creative direction” (CN September 30). Keeping Up the ACT is the only true and accurate account of the abject failure of the ACT Government to govern the territory in the interests of the residents of Canberra. Shannon Cuthbertson, via email
NCA may have problems with a bulky stadium The late Terry Snow’s company’s latest foray into major development is a large multi-purpose rectangular stadium in Commonwealth Park, under National Capital Authority control. The concept and spectacular graphics of Snow’s stadium have received widespread praise from stakeholders, including federal politicians. An independent NCA may have problems with the inherently bulky stadium being in the National Triangle, very close to Commonwealth Avenue, a side of the triangle physically and visually joining Capital and City Hills. The Chief Minister wants to replace Civic Pool with a conference centre, and build a new pool in Commonwealth Park. A better overall scenario could see the much-loved Civic Pool retained and refurbished; Commonwealth Park left alone, sans the residence; the existing conference centre sold for redevelopment; a new conference centre built in the south-east sector of City Hill; Bruce Stadium restored for athletics and events; Manuka Oval for cricket and AFL; and, reflecting Canberra’s important dispersed town arrangement, a new, medium-sized, roofed, steeply tiered, rectangular stadium for rugby codes, soccer, concerts, etcetera, located on the west side of Athllon Drive, Tuggeranong Town Centre, on vacant land mostly zoned for the purpose in a spectacular Canberra lake, riparian and mountain setting. Jack Kershaw, Kambah
Judge us not by a stadium but by compassion How do you measure the liveability of a city state? Not by building part-time stadiums, but surely how you treat the most vulnerable in our city. On that metric we do poorly. As the territory has recently bought that CSIRO land, it should be a village for homeless and those waiting for public homes, perhaps in the form of Tiny Houses, not 15 per cent but 100 per cent with on-site services and transit vehicles. We would really be a city to be proud of, measured 16 CityNews October 22-28, 2026
by how we treat those who could potentially be working and contributing to the economy, rather than importing more Uber drivers and dog walkers. What a shining example we’d be to the rest of Australia; only those that want to be homeless need be. We’d follow in the steps of some Scandinavian countries that have virtually eliminated homelessness. That is greatness and compassion on a grand scale! As we are overflowing with debt and we have to be imaginative about it. Replace Stage 2B with either electric buses or better value bus rapid transit at half the cost or better than the tram. We must rid ourselves of those old diesels. If we are to have a stadium (I am neutral sportwise), I think we need to be imaginative about it and find ways to make use of it seven days a week. Divert part of the $11 billion likely cost (Australian Logistics Study Centre), but also do something else that would make us proud to be the city we are and look after those less fortunate to most of us. Russ Morison, Theodore
Leadership failure remains contested Alan Schroot (letters, CN October 15) suggests that the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is the fault of Palestinian leaders who have rejected Israel’s “generous offers of statehood.” That characterisation is incomplete. The 2000 Camp David summit and later talks did involve significant territorial proposals, yet the offers differed in detail and were never accepted as a final, mutually agreed settlement. Responsibility for the failure remains contested, with Israeli, Palestinian and third-party accounts differing on who bears primary blame and how generous the offers truly were. Continuing areas of disagreement included Israel’s proposed borders, the status of Israeli settlements, control of East Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees’ right of return, and the extent of real Palestinian sovereignty from Israeli control. Clive Williams, Forrest citynews.com.au
OPINION / missing-middle housing muddle
Give the little guys a better go at building houses Canberra needs more homes and a government that stops getting in the way, says Canberra Liberals Leader MARK PARTON. The three biggest ways to address the housing affordability crisis in Canberra, or anywhere for that matter, are supply, supply and supply. The biggest single reason for the housing crises in so many Western world markets around the globe is a slowdown in building new homes. Here in Canberra, I reckon it’s a fair expectation that the ACT Government’s housing policies should work in harmony to achieve escalated supply… but they simply don’t. Instead, we have a government that opens the door to more housing with one policy, then puts another obstacle in the doorway with the next. I’m referring specifically to the government’s missing-middle reforms and its new developer licensing scheme. From October 1, developer licensing became mandatory for relevant development and building approvals involving three or more dwellings. As of October 14, the public register listed just 12 licensed entities. These 12 licensed entities are the only ones who can submit a DA for a develop-
ment of three dwellings or more. The names on the register include major established large “Investment goes elsewhere and homes that might have been developers such as built remain drawings on a page,” says Mark Parton. Photo: Geocon, JWL and conceptual image of the Missing Middle Housing Reform program Village Building. leaving their neighbourhood and These busiyoung families to find homes near nesses have the scale, organisational grandparents, schools and established capacity and development pipelines services. to absorb another licensing regime. Delivering those homes requires But a three-townhouse project on a someone willing to take on a modest suburban block is generally not in project with modest returns. their wheelhouse. Large developers generally The government’s missing-middle need projects of sufficient scale to ambitions depend on a much broader justify their overheads and capital market of smaller builders, local commitments. Smaller suburban developers and landowners working developments depend on participants with experienced professionals. who may undertake only a handful of The number of developer licence holders will presumably grow. But the projects, or just one. Those are the people this governquestion is whether the people most ment should be encouraging. Instead, likely to deliver three, four or six it has imposed another barrier. homes in an established suburb can There is a familiar pattern here. justify entering the system at all. Ministers announce an ambitious Missing-middle housing gives peogoal, fail to think through how their ple options between a detached house policies interact, and leave houseand an apartment in a large complex. holds and businesses to deal with the It allows retirees to downsize without
consequences. In housing, that bumbling has a real cost. Investment goes elsewhere and homes that might have been built remain drawings on a page. And that’s before you factor in the LVC and Tree Charge obstacles to missing middle developments. To be clear, building quality matters. Too many Canberrans have experienced the financial and personal consequences of defective homes. They deserve effective protection and meaningful accountability. Builders and building certifiers already operate under licensing arrangements. The government already has a responsibility to enforce those arrangements. And if this extreme government push to clamp down on so-called “dodgy developers” results in a drastic reduction in the number of homes delivered, nobody wins. Before adding another licensing regime, ministers should explain why the existing system failed to prevent or adequately address poor work. My concern is that developer licensing has become the government’s response to its own failure to enforce the licensing arrangements already in place. Meanwhile, the new requirements affect whether homes get built. An established developer can spread assessment costs, administration and continuing compliance across
a pipeline of projects. A landowner considering three townhouses must justify that burden against one development. They can simply decide not to proceed, and it looks as though that’s the case. The government risks tilting the market towards larger, established operators while discouraging the smaller participants its own housing policy depends upon. There is a practical adjustment available. For low-rise missing-middle developments in RZ1 and RZ2, I believe developer licensing should begin at seven dwellings. Projects of up to six dwellings should be exempt from that additional requirement. Building standards, approvals and accountability for defective work should remain. The exemption should prevent larger projects being artificially divided to avoid licensing. The government should then concentrate on enforcing standards and acting against those responsible for poor work. Planning permission means little if the people expected to deliver the homes cannot justify proceeding. Making room for missing-middle housing while deterring the people who would build it is a fundamental failure to connect regulation with the reality of how missing-middle homes are built.
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www.jwsremovals.com.au CityNews October 22-28, 2026 17
FEATURE / exploding head syndrome
The common condition with a terrifying name FLAVIE WATERS decodes the science behind the experience with a dramatic name: exploding head syndrome. Have you ever been drifting off to sleep when suddenly you hear what sounds like a gunshot, a door slamming, or an explosion inside your head? You jolt awake, heart pounding, sit upright in bed, but the room is silent. Nothing has happened – but it felt very real. This experience has a dramatic name: exploding head syndrome. Despite the alarming name, it’s not dangerous, not painful and not a sign something is wrong with the brain. Exploding head syndrome is a type of sleep disorder known as a parasomnia. Parasomnias are unusual experiences that occur while sleeping or during transitions between sleep and wakefulness. In exploding head syndrome, a person “hears” a sudden noise that seems to originate from deep inside the head. It’s a sensory perception generated by the brain rather than an external sound. It typically occurs when drifting in or out of sleep, most commonly when a person is drowsy and about to
fall asleep. People commonly describe a sudden bang or loud metallic noise, gunshots, an explosion, crashing waves, buzzing electricity, a door slamming or fireworks. Exploding head syndrome can be intensely frightening. The loud noise may be accompanied by other sensations, including Exploding head syndrome can be intensely a brief stab of pain in the frightening with the loud noise may be head (though it’s normally accompanied by other sensations. painless), flashes of light, Photo: Elisaveta Bunduche / Unsplash out-of-body sensations, or the sensation of electricity The distress is caused not by pain, coursing through the body. but by confusion and the body’s alarm The episode only lasts for a split response. The brain is partially second or a few seconds, and typically awake, disoriented, and briefly actidisappears completely once the pervates the fight-or-flight system. son wakes up. Some people experience We don’t know the exact cause, but only a single episode, while others researchers have proposed several may have occasional episodes or brief theories. clusters before the condition settles. Because episodes occur during the Because the experience is so sudden transition into and out of sleep, they and unusual, many fear they’ve had may be related to the same processes a stroke or seizure, or that something that produce what are known as catastrophic has happened. Others hypnagogic hallucinations (vivid interpret it as a supernatural or sensory experiences you can get while ominous event. falling asleep).
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As we fall asleep, different parts of the brain gradually switch off in a co-ordinated sequence. In exploding head syndrome, that process may be linked to the shutting down of neural systems that inhibit auditory sensory processing. Your brain may end up interpreting this as a loud sound. A related theory proposes a brief reduction in activity of the brainstem, particularly the reticular activating system (which is involved in regulating transitions between wakefulness and sleep). Exploding head syndrome typically does not involve pain, and is therefore different from headaches and migraines. Exploding head syndrome is more common than you may think. It occurs in at least 10 per cent of the population, and around 30 per cent of people will experience it at least once in their lifetime. It can occur at any age, often after the age of 50. It may be slightly more common in women, but we don’t know why. Exploding head syndrome is more likely in people who have other sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or sleep paralysis. It is also associated with: • being more stressed or emotionally tense than usual, • anxiety,
• disrupted sleep patterns or poor sleep associated with daytime tiredness. Exploding head syndrome is harmless and not a sign of a serious brain problem. Episodes are usually brief, and may occur sporadically or in brief clusters before resolving on their own. Medications are considered if episodes are frequent and very distressing but there haven’t been any large clinical trials that can guide treatment. Some people report that addressing sleep problems such as insomnia, reducing tiredness and practising mindfulness and breathing techniques can help. Despite its dramatic name, exploding head syndrome is harmless. For many people, the most effective intervention is understanding what it is – and knowing that it is not dangerous. However, seek medical advice if episodes occur frequently, impact on your quality of life or are causing distress. Consult a doctor if they are painful, or associated with seizures, prolonged confusion, loss of consciousness or severe headache. Flavie Waters, research professor, School of Psychological Science, The University of WA. Republished from The Conversation.
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Weddings
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A sacred promise, A Beautiful Beginning: Weddings at Saint Christopher’s Cathedral
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From elegant evening gowns and contemporary silhouettes to sophisticated outfits for mothers of the bride or groom, the boutique offers plenty of inspiration for those wanting to make an impression. Bridesmaids are equally well catered for, with an extensive selection of colours, styles and sizes to complement any wedding theme. Experienced stylists provide personalised guidance, helping customers explore different designs, find flattering fits and enjoy the experience of choosing something special. Whether planning a wedding or preparing for a memorable night out, Affordable Bridal makes finding the right dress an enjoyable experience. Affordable Bridal Unit 112/227 Flemington Road, Franklin. Call 0493 560 589 or visit affordableb.com.au
Few promises carry more meaning than those exchanged on a wedding day. At St Christopher’s Cathedral, Canberra couples can begin married life in a setting where faith, love and commitment come together. For Catholics, marriage is both a civil contract and a sacrament, making the occasion profoundly spiritual. Love brings two people together, but their wedding vows provide the foundation for a marriage that can grow and mature. Those promises become an anchor for their shared life and the decisions ahead. It is a promise made publicly, nurtured privately and carried into every season of married life. The Catholic Church helps couples prepare for this commitment through a range of marriage preparation courses. For those who wish, support is also available during the first five years of marriage. As Canberra’s mother church, St Christopher’s Cathedral offers a memorable setting for Catholic
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CityNews October 22-28, 2026 19
Weddings
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Making magical memories for all
ring that reflects their own style and story. There is another meaningful option: giving an inherited piece new life. A treasured family stone or sentimental item can become part of a contemporary design, bringing a connection to the past into a couple’s future. The business’s standing in Canberra was recognised at the 2025 Canberra Region Local Business Awards, where McGlades was named both Jewellery Store winner and Business of the Year. For couples planning their wedding, choosing the rings is more than another task on the checklist. It is choosing something they may wear every day, long after the flowers have faded and the celebrations are over.
Making magical memories for all and able to cater for up to 120 people, the Royal Hotel in Queanbeyan is the perfect destination for weddings, says events supervisor Liz Hansen. With a bar, in-house catering and a bridal suite, the 1850s hotel offers a mix of “contemporary comforts and amenities, integrated with the original architecture”. “We give as much as we can to make the day special for our bridal party and their guests,” says Liz. Collaborating closely with local artists, decorators and photographers, Liz says the Royal Hotel fosters a sense of community to make the environment as magical and special for the wedding party as possible. “They love coming here just as much as we love them coming here,” she says. “It’s all about helping the couple out to give them the best experience.” According to Liz, who had her own wedding at the hotel a month ago, the services provided by the venue are “incredible and it’s clear to see that the staff love doing what they do”. “I think it speaks for itself that [staff] want to have our weddings here, too,” she says. “We have a lot of knowledge and love customising the experience for each couple. “It’s an amazing experience. We are as excited as the couple is and look forward to working with them from the get go, up until the day after where we can check them out as newlyweds.”
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From 1939 to ‘I Do’: The Canberra jeweller crafting love stories A wedding ring may be small, but the story it carries can last a lifetime. For Canberra couples looking for something personal, McGlades Jewellers offers an unusual combination: more than eight decades of local history and the ability to create a piece from scratch. Established in 1939, McGlades is Canberra’s longest-established jeweller, continuing its legacy of craftsmanship, personalised service and strong relationships with Canberra families. Still family owned and operated, its City Walk store brings designers, jewellers, goldsmiths and gemmologists together under one roof, with handmade jewellery designed and crafted onsite. Couples can explore classic diamond engagement rings, colourful sapphires, natural and lab-grown diamonds, and wedding bands ranging from understated gold to shaped and diamond-set designs. For those with something particular in mind, McGlades’ custom design service turns an idea into a
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Visit McGlades Jewellers 20 CityNews October 22-28, 2026
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Weddings
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More than words on your wedding day Every couple has a story worth celebrating, and Canberra celebrant Bethany Freeman-Chandler believes their wedding ceremony should be as individual as the people saying, “I do”. As Bethany the Celebrant, she brings warmth, humour and a calm, professional approach to creating meaningful ceremonies that reflect each couple’s personalities, relationships and hopes for the future. Rather than relying on standard scripts, Bethany takes the time to understand what matters most to the people she works with, weaving their stories into a ceremony that feels natural, relaxed and genuinely personal. “I believe your ceremony should feel like you,” Bethany says. “I don’t use generic templates. I take the time to get to know you both and write something that is personal, meaningful and true to your story.” From intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, Bethany works closely with couples to ensure their ceremony captures the right balance of emotion, personality and occasion. She also encourages the involvement of family and friends and can help couples write personal vows, adding another meaningful touch to their special day. Behind the scenes, Bethany takes care of the practical details, from legal paperwork to coordinating with venues, photographers and other wedding professionals. “I want the day to feel calm, well-organised and stress-free,” she says. “My job is to manage the details so the couple can focus on the moment.” Beyond weddings, Bethany creates personalised vow renewals, naming days and life celebrations, bringing the same thoughtful approach to life’s important milestones. For Bethany, the greatest reward is helping people feel comfortable, confident and completely them-
Canberra celebrant Bethany Freeman-Chandler. selves as they celebrate moments they will remember for years to come. Bethany the Celebrant Call 0414 317 561, visit bethanythecelebrant.com.au or find Bethany the Celebrant on Facebook and Instagram.
A sacred beginning.
A lifetime of love. Celebrate your marriage at Saint Christopher’s Cathedral. Exchange your vows in the Catholic tradition and prepare for married life with guidance from your priest or deacon.
“So that they are no longer two, but one flesh” MATTHEW 19:6
Begin your marriage journey. (02) 6239 9846 | cathedral@cg.org.au | saintchristopher.org.au/marriages Book at least six months ahead. At least one partner must be Catholic and both must be free to marry in the Catholic Church. 22 CityNews October 22-28, 2026
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It’s all go, go, go in the vegetable patch In the vegetable patch, it’s all systems go for planting tomatoes, zucchinis, capsicums and cucumbers. Now that the soil has warmed, root crops can also go in for a summer and autumn harvest. Snow peas and beans can be planted now, with the trellis or framework they need for climbing installed at the same time. Where root crops or alliums, such as onions and chives, were grown last season, plant solanaceous vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants and capsicums. All tomatoes like to be planted deeply into the soil and should be staked at planting time. Water them in well and keep the vines growing strongly. Remove side shoots to encourage stronger
vine growth. Tomatoes benefit from calcium and magnesium in the soil to promote healthy growth and help prevent blossom-end rot. Add a little dolomite lime to the soil before planting. Capsicums need to grow quickly, with as much heat as possible. They require at least six hours of daylight, plenty of water and acidic soil. Plant them out by midNovember, when the soil is warm, then put in a few more plants every couple of weeks to extend the harvest. Cucumbers are climbing summer vegetables that can be grown easily in pots, on balconies or in small garden spaces. Once the flowers produce fruit, pick the cucumbers regularly to encourage further production. If the first fruits are left on the plant, it may stop producing flowers and fruit, completing its growing cycle and dying sooner. In the orchard, codling moths will be active. Spraying trees with kaolin clay can help prevent moths from damaging fruit or laying eggs on leaves. Hormone traps can also be hung in the trees. Netting is another option, providing
protection from possums, rats and birds. Use the finest mesh available. Aphids and other insects will be abundant with the fleshy spring growth and good rains we have had recently. Planting flowers in the garden will encourage predatory insects, such as hoverflies and lacewings, which feed on aphids and other pests without the need for spraying. A BULB that grows particularly well in Canberra, filling spaces beneath large trees or in dry shade, is the Peruvian lily (Scilla peruviana). Its deep purple, cone-like flowers are a showstopper in any garden. The bulbs will multiply over time if left undisturbed. Cobalt blue is the most common flower colour, although the white-flowering variety is just as delightful. Despite its name, it doesn’t come from Peru. It originates from the Mediterranean and grows well in our climate. The entire plant dies down through summer, reappearing when the weather cools in autumn. In larger gardens, it makes an excellent filler between the end of the spring bulb display and the
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beginning of summer flowering. Give the bulbs some fertiliser while they are growing and divide large clumps if flowering begins to decline. A GOOD ground cover for attracting birds to the garden is Grevillea Royal Mantle. This native plant is ideal for covering large areas, spreading up to six metres wide. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and long-lived. Its bright red, spidery flowers are produced generously. In a protected position, it can flower almost all year round in our climate. For a smaller space, Grevillea Bronze Rambler is an excellent choice. It grows to about 1.5 metres wide and looks terrific as a grafted plant or cascading over a wall.
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GARDENING
Small tree suitable for courtyards By Jackie Warburton
Maples now are in full leaf and if they are in shade they will be attractive to aphids.
The Woodward Lane Garden, which features groves of Silver Birch, Cut-Leaf Birch and Purple Birch, underplanted with a variety of bulbs and perennials.
7th & 8th November 2026 9.30am - 4.00pm 9 beautiful gardens located in & around Crookwell: including ‘Markdale’, an Edna Walling designed garden, acknowledged as one of the great country gardens of Australia.
Garden Lovers Market
Plants, Tools, Garden Art & so much more
at Crookwell Public School 7th November 8:30am - 2pm
$30pp for 9 Gardens (18 years & under free) Tickets are available online 123 tix or at the Garden Lovers Market
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Nine gardens open for Crookwell festival Nine gardens, from compact town blocks to sprawling rural properties, will open for the Crookwell Garden Festival on November 7-8. Nine of the Crookwell region’s finest gardens will open to visitors over the weekend of November 7-8 for the 2026 Crookwell Garden Festival, showcasing everything from carefully designed town gardens to expansive gardens on working rural properties. Several gardens will be open to the public for the first time, while returning favourites have undergone significant development since their last appearance in the festival. The gardens will feature mature trees, colourful annuals, bulbs, perennials, shrubs and roses, with owners sharing their gardening experiences and tips with visitors. Smaller town gardens will demonstrate how thoughtful planning and creative design can make the most of limited space, while larger rural gardens will offer sweeping views of the Southern Tablelands. Crookwell’s cool climate, fertile soils and elevation of 700 to 1100 metres provide
ideal conditions for many cool-climate plants, although gardening in the region can present challenges. The festival will also feature a Garden Lovers Market at Crookwell Public School on Saturday, November 7, selling cool-climate plants, gardening tools, sculptures, garden art and outdoor furniture. Crookwell, in the Upper Lachlan Shire, is about 90 minutes drive from Canberra. The region is known for its rolling hills, expansive rural landscapes and distinct seasons. The nine gardens will be open from 9.30am to 4pm on both days. Weekend tickets cost $30, providing entry to all nine gardens, with free admission for children under 18. Groups of 10 or more can buy tickets online for $25 a person. Tickets are available through 123tix, at the Garden Lovers Market, Ensemble & Co and Cake Me Up cafes in Crookwell’s main street, or the Visitor Information Centre in Goulburn Street. The planned Music in the Garden event has been cancelled.
These small trees are suitable for all small gardens, courtyards, pots and orientalthemed gardens. They are shallow rooted and need moisture in the summer. Their flowers are insignificant, but it is the foliage for which they are grown. In spring and summer the foliage comes in all shades of green and there are some spectacular red varieties, such as rubrum and Bloodgood. Their size can be from four metres to dwarf small variants grafted on to small rootstock. Plant maples in early spring or autumn and, in both cases, plant into prepared soil. Mature maples can be pruned now they are in their growing season. Remove branches back to a main trunk to keep the shape of the tree and prevent water shoots or fast-growing shoots from the branches. Removed any dead, diseased or damaged wood when the weather is warm and dry. Maples need a little protection from the hot winds in summer but overall, a great tree for a courtyard or small garden.
Maple tree foliage comes in all shades of green and there are some spectacular red varieties. Photo: Jackie Warburton
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GARDENING
Tough plant grown for its foliage By Jackie Warburton
A tough, old-fashioned plant that grows in a shady garden in Canberra is the Gold Dust Plant or Spotted Laurel (Aucuba japonica Variegata). The Spotted Laurel is grown for its striking foliage – dense growth habit and its leathery glossy leaves. While it can be a feature in a shady garden, it must be protected from the summer sun to prevent leaves from scorching and turning black. They are dioecious plants, which means there are male and female plants. If both are planted together, the females will produce beautiful red berries that live on the bush for many months through winter. There is a low-maintenance cultivar called Rozannie that’s available with male and female parts on every flower. It’s guaranteed to flower and have attractive berries right through winter. They will need to be watered for the first few months, but once their roots are down, they’re drought hardy and grow well under the eaves or in shade. It’s a long-lived and reasonably fast-growing plant that can be used as an informal hedge. LOUISIANA Iris is in flower now. It makes a truly delightful plant for the perennial garden. It can add height to the garden and its flowers come in many colours; the most colourful is cobalt blue and gives a stark contrast against whites and greens. Irises can survive well on the edges of a pond or a boggy, low areas of the garden. They like a pH of six or so and like to be shallow rooted with their necks out of the soil. They clump with age and really put on a show. STACHYURUS praecox, a small, deciduous tree that caught my eye many years ago in old Canberra gardens, is one of the most beautiful winter-flowering plants that grows in our region.
TREASURE YOUR FAMILY MEMORIES
Aucuba Japonica… its beautiful red berries that live on the bush for many months through winter. Photos: Jackie Warburton It flowers before the spring leaves appear. The dainty, pendulous racemes in winter are lovely. They don’t mind the shade and can be trained on a wall or espaliered if space is tight. Good compost-rich soil is all they need, and their autumnal foliage is dramatic as well. It’s a good all-round shrub for our climate and a must-have for any garden enthusiast. HEDGE maintenance will be at its busiest in the next month or so. Hedges will need pruning after the spring growth and the heat of summer sets in.
Any large, hard pruning of evergreen hedges needs to be done in the next month to allow time for them to put on new growth before the summer heat. Pruning to have the bottom of the hedge slightly wider than the top will result in a betterlooking hedge and let the light into the centre of the bush to thicken it and promote new growth. Some hedges will have pest and disease issues that can be seen now. Cleaning old leaves from underneath hedges and keeping the water up to them along with fertilisers will get them through the warmer months.
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Louisiana Iris… in flower now and a delightful plant for the perennial garden.
The winter-flowering Stachyurus praecox… a deciduous shrub with dainty pendulous racemes.
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Melbourne Cup
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Race day elegance at Crowne Plaza Canberra Celebrate the excitement and glamour of Australia’s most iconic racing event with a Melbourne Cup lunch at Crowne Plaza Canberra on Tuesday, November 3. From midday, guests are invited to dress to impress and enjoy an afternoon of fashion, racing, sparkling wine and exceptional food in a lively atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends, colleagues or clients. Priced at $150 per person, the experience begins with a sparkling welcome drink, followed by a selection of wines and beers to complement a gourmet canapé-style menu designed to delight. Guests can graze on an enticing selection of favourites, with delicious bites including fresh salmon crostini, indulgent truffle arancini, tender pork belly and mouth-watering Wagyu sliders. Grazing stations and roaming favourites ensure there is something to tempt every palate throughout the afternoon. No Melbourne Cup celebration would be complete without a sweet finale, and the chef-crafted dessert bar promises the perfect finishing touch to this indulgent dining experience. Of course, the excitement extends beyond the menu. Settle in, soak up the vibrant atmosphere and catch all the Melbourne Cup action as the nation stops to watch the race that captures Australia’s imagination. Whether you’re planning a memorable day out with friends or organising a special occasion for your team, Crowne Plaza Canberra offers an inviting setting to enjoy the festivities in style. With limited places available, early bookings are recommended for this popular race-day celebration. Crowne Plaza Canberra 1 Binara Street, Canberra. Call 02 6274 5515.
Melbourne Cup Day at Canberra Southern Cross Club The Race That Stops the Nation is back on Tuesday 3 November, and we’re celebrating at Woden, Tuggeranong and Jamison. Whether you’re dressing up for a special afternoon or catching the race with friends, there’s a way to enjoy the day that suits you. At Woden, join us in Top of the Cross for our Melbourne Cup Buffet from 12:30pm. Enjoy seafood, sparkling, sweeps, prizes and entertainment, with all the action live on the big screens. Prefer something more relaxed? Visit us in Woden Central and pre-order a Melbourne Cup Platter to share, with marinated prawns, smoked salmon, leg ham, aged cheddar, dips and more. At Tuggeranong, catch all the action live on the
massive LED screen at Southbound. Book the Melbourne Cup Package for $55 per person, and groups of four or more can add a charcuterie board and a bottle of sparkling to the table. At Jamison, The Yard is open from 11am to 5pm with cold drinks, great food and the race on the big screen. Pre-order a Platter for One or a Group Platter and settle in for a relaxed afternoon. Bookings and pre-orders are essential. Learn more at cscc.com.au Canberra Southern Cross Club Bookings cscc.com.au
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to celebrate Melbourne Cup Day than with great food, drinks, live racing action and plenty of race-day excitement. On Tuesday 3 November, join us at Woden, Tuggeranong or Jamison for a Melbourne Cup celebration to remember.
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Bookings and pre-orders are essential. citynews.com.au
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
INSIDE
For NZ, sauvignon blanc still leads
RICHARD CALVER
Performers plan to ‘shake it up’ for Parkinson’s By Helen
MUSA Shockwaves swept through the music world when it was revealed in 2018 that legendary US singer Neil Diamond had Parkinson’s disease and would no longer tour. Now, a pair of enterprising musicians are taking up the baton for Parkinson’s research in a show they say will “shake it up”, and it’s coming to Canberra. Entertainers Damian Mullin and Peter Byrne, an ambassador for the Shake It Up Australia Foundation since Diamond’s diagnosis, will play Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond respectively in From a Diamond to a King, coming to the Canberra Southern Cross Club. With $10 from every ticket going to the not-for-profit foundation, which supports research into Parkinson’s disease, the tour aims to help tackle a growing neurological disorder. With 35 new diagnoses every day in Australia, the need is critical. The brainchild of Band His Business, part of Byrne’s mate Shane Hill’s operation, the tour is part of a drive to achieve better outcomes for people with Parkinson’s. When I catch up by phone with Byrne,
Damian Mullin, left, as Elvis and Peter Byrne as Neil Diamond… planning a showstopper together at the end of the concert. I discover that he and Mullin will be supported by a 30-strong band drawn from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. With that musical firepower and a venue capacity of 800 to 900 people, he is
A MUSiCAL FABLE
optimistic of a good outcome. But Elvis and Neil Diamond? The connection is not immediately obvious, except that both, one dead and the other very much alive, are still adored around the world.
“Well, I had to come up with an idea connecting them,” Byrne tells me. “Then I discovered that Elvis recorded a live version of Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline in Las Vegas in 1970, so I sing that in the first half and we do a ripper of a reprise in the second.” Another connection is that Diamond covered Presley’s classic Don’t Be Cruel on his album Up on the Roof: Songs from the Brill Building. So did Elvis and Neil Diamond ever meet? I ask. No, is the answer, making this something of a what-if scenario, imagining the two performers in their prime. Their health conditions, of course, were very different. Diamond did not overindulge like Elvis, although he did smoke. Even so, Byrne reports, Diamond’s voice remained strong. People may not realise that, although he stopped touring, he has continued writing and recording music and recently released a new album. Like many people with Parkinson’s, Diamond spent some time concealing his condition, believing it was “an old-person’s disease”. He was to discover that the stereotypes surrounding Parkinson’s do not apply to everyone. Not all sufferers experience tremors; some may have difficulties with walking or other symptoms. In Diamond’s case, Byrne recalls, the condition appeared to affect his memory,
including his ability to recall lyrics. “I saw him in early 2018 and he was mixing up words. I thought it was weird, and then I heard from someone in a fan club that he’d been doing that for quite a long time.” Forgetfulness might not matter in a recording studio, but it brought Diamond’s touring career to an end. He had generally visited Australia only every six or seven years, and his diagnosis in 2018 forced him to cancel the Australian and New Zealand dates of his 50th anniversary tour. Byrne has been a Diamond tragic since he was 15. “It really grabbed me. I got haunted by the melodies and the beautiful lyrics. I was hooked and I still am today,” he says. He admits that his Irish accent occasionally comes through in the Diamond songs. As for his counterpart Mullin, Byrne says, “He dresses exactly like Elvis and he’s got this charismatic personality on stage.” Sometimes, he adds, women want to grab bits of Mullin’s clothing, even though he is an impersonator. Byrne ends on a mysterious note, hinting that he and Mullin are planning a showstopper together at the end of the concert, performing a duet that never happened in real life. What’s the bet it will be Heartbreak Hotel? From a Diamond to a King, Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, November 6.
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CityNews October 22-28, 2026 27
STREAMING
Hands shaken, price rises are only matter of time Hands have been shaken for one of the biggest Hollywood studio mergers in history and it could soon hit the wallets of Aussie streaming subscribers. Paramount has now completed its acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery in a deal worth $US110 billion ( $A160 billion). The scale of it is hard to put into words. Paramount had to outbid even Netflix to secure the trove of hugely popular franchises in an agreement that President Donald Trump had to personally approve. The combined company is now simply called Skydance and it brings together some of the biggest movie and television collections on Earth. Currently, the content of Warner Bros and Paramount is split across two different streaming platforms in Australia. Warner Bros has the HBO Max, which includes shows such as Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Euphoria and the highly anticipated Harry Potter reboot coming in December. That’s on top of cultural juggernauts such as Lord of the Rings, Friends, Sex and the City and the DC superheroes universe (Superman, Batman, and all the rest). On the other hand, Paramount has huge names in its vault such as Yellowstone, NCIS and South Park and Mission: Impossible, to name only a few, that are available on its streaming site Paramount Plus. The merging of these two companies
Skydance comes to life at the New York Stock Exchange on October 8 with co-CEOs Ynon Kreiz, left, and David Ellison there to ring the bell. Photo: Yuki Iwamura/AP means the libraries of both streaming services will likely come together to form one mega catalogue of content. Exactly what it will look like isn’t confirmed but Skydance has flagged that is the long-term plan. On paper, it seems like it could be a win for subscribers who are already inundated
with platforms to choose from. In Australia we’ve got Netflix, Stan, Paramount Plus, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Plus, and every other brand suffix in the English language. One less streaming service seems pretty good, right?
While that may become the case, there’s a good chance that when Paramount and Warner Bros combine their content, subscription pricing for this mega platform is likely to be severely hiked up in return for the added content. The standard price for an HBO Max subscription is currently $15.99 a month, while it’s $12.99 for Paramount Plus. If the platforms did merge, it seems unlikely they’d lift the cost to $29 a month out of fear of losing subscribers to competing platforms such as Netflix but a substantial increase would definitely be on the cards. The problem would be competing platforms such as Netflix then also decide to dig deeper into the wallets of subscribers in return, lifting the general cost of streaming to a point where the “convenience” of the whole idea that saw it take off in the first place becomes even more eroded. Nothing is concrete yet and it could be some time before we see the company make a major move in its Aussie market, but it’s clear a major shake up to the streaming landscapes is in the pipeline. The company has stated they want to keep HBO as something of “its own thing” due to a huge brand recognition and appreciation thanks to mega hits such as Game of Thrones. How they manage to seamlessly bring
the brands together will be interesting, but doing so will give Netflix its biggest competitor yet. In Australia, Netflix’s standard subscription price sits at $20.99 a month, so more expensive than both its HBO and Paramount competitors. It’s a deal that hasn’t been well received over in Tinseltown where they’re pumping out all these productions. Those in the film and TV business have argued the merger is going to reduce competition and subsequently slash hundreds of jobs. The deal has therefore put a number of protections in place to counter the criticisms, including that Paramount must release 30 new films each year. Interestingly that agreement says these can’t include AI-generated movies, an ominous sign that such discussions are already happening in the industry. Something tells me it won’t be long before we start seeing AI generating content on these major platforms. Hey, “Skynet” actually sounds like a pretty catchy name for a streaming service.
FILM / Monument
Composer scores a monumental movie moment By Helen Musa
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In a coup for the ANU Film Group, Monument, directed by Bohemian Rhapsody and X-Men director Bryan Singer, will receive its Australian premiere on October 30. The screening, presented in partnership with the ANU School of Music, is also a coup for Canberra’s music and film scenes, as American-born film composer and academic Kenneth Lampl has received a 2026 APRA Screen Music Award nomination for his score for the feature. Lampl convenes composition for film and video games at the School of Music. In Monument, Amnon Rechter (Joe Mazzello) and his father, Yacov (Jon Voight), are prominent Israeli architects facing the biggest commission of their careers. The year is 1999, the penultimate year of Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon, and they are tasked with erecting a monument to honour all victims of the war, Christian and Muslim alike. The resulting conflict between father and son explores questions of loyalty, complicity and the role of art in a divided society, but for Lampl, politics aside, it is simply “a beautiful father-son story”. The score has attracted praise for its ability to heighten the film’s emotional impact without overwhelming the action. One reviewer noted: “The sweeping score from composer Kenneth Lampl further amplifies the film’s overall boldness.” Another wrote: “The music throughout
American-born film composer and academic Kenneth Jon Voight as architect Yacov Rechter in Monument. Lampl… nominated for a 2026 APRA Screen Music Award. Photo: Jenny Wu is genuinely great. It never oversells the emotions but does underscore the main emotion in each scene. The film is good, but the music pushes the whole production to greatness.” An internationally recognised film composer, academic and author, Lampl was already well established in his field when he came to the ANU 10 years ago. He served as head of the ANU School of Music from 2017 to 2019 before concentrating on teaching and composition. “I’ve written more film scores than anyone in the country,” he says. “I’m a big part of the filmmaking community here. I’m one of the local talents.” His work spans film composition and music education, and his latest book, The Craft of Film and Video Game Composition, has just been submitted to Routledge Press.
Lampl’s invitation to score Monument came through producer Jason Taylor, whom he met while working on Seth Larney’s 2020 science-fiction film 2067. Taylor had worked with Singer on X-Men during his Hollywood days and suggested Lampl to him. “He recommended me to score the film, but I only met Bryan when I went to the first screening in New York City in March this year,” Lampl says. Singer likes to work collaboratively, Lampl explains. He sent music to the film’s editor, Benj Thall, and Singer then worked on it. Singer was specific about what he wanted, particularly that he did not want a Middle Eastern sound. Fortunately, the director and composer shared a love of the music of John Williams and the films of Steven Spielberg.
“A lot of my music is informed by them,” Lampl says. The film’s many tense scenes, action sequences and dramatic moments also offered Lampl the opportunity to explore a variety of musical approaches. “I worked on this for about a year, shuttling music backwards and forwards. It was very much a team effort, with Jason and Benj involved. We came through collectively.” Lampl will introduce the Australian premiere of Monument and take part in a post-screening question-and-answer session, discussing the score, his creative process and the role of music in the film. Monument, ANU Film Group, Kambri Cinema, ANU, October 30. Details at anufg.org.au. citynews.com.au
DANCE / Liz Lea
Lea’s new work to ‘saturate the senses’ By Helen Musa
There are few busier dance artists in Australia than Liz Lea, 2017 CityNews Artist of the Year, champion of diversity and dance, and still a formidable stage dancer who, in August, presented Diamond, the second work in a planned trilogy. Now, as part of both the BOLD and Craft + Design Canberra festivals, she’ll be staging a double bill of dance works themed around design, dance, disability and dissent, titled ALTER. Lea, who directs three festivals, DANscienCE, BOLD and I Dance, has also created three science-inspired children’s shows and, now trained in Audio Description, has begun developing an app to provide AD in venues. She also created The Stellar Company, through which she has launched the Chamaeleon Collective, Canberra’s first inclusive dance company. For the past two years or so, Lea has been dashing between Canberra and Penang, in Malaysia, working on a major exploratory project under the aegis of Liz Lea Creates. Now she has contrived to present it as the opening performance in the third iteration of the BOLD dance festival, which she first staged in 2017. This year, Lea has also brought the festival under the aegis of the Craft + Design
Rehearsing the new work ALTER… a double bill of dance works themed around design, dance, disability and dissent. Canberra Festival, arguing eloquently that dance itself is a form of design, as it deals with how you position your body in space. Now it’s full steam ahead on ALTER, billed as a new double bill of dance, design and technology, exploring the interplay of body identity in a cross-cultural exchange between Australian and Malaysian artists. Malaysian dancers Low Yu En, Luvenia Kalia and Aida Redza will be here, performing with Australian artists Katie Senior, Mia Rashid and Jareen Wee.
Produced and directed by Lea, the work involves the active intervention of Malaysian creative technologist Low Zi Xiang and lighting designer Karen Norris, while Canberra hip-hop artist Citizen Kay has composed a new score. Partly created to reflect Canberra’s brutalist architecture, in keeping with its connection with Craft + Design Canberra Festival, projected designs will be triggered live by the dancers to create a surroundsound experience, or what they are calling a
ARTS IN THE CITY
Fred’s ‘United States of Anxiety’ Troubadour and 2023 CityNews Artist of the Year, Fred Smith brings America to the stage in a musical safari through the main streets and back roads of the “United States of Anxiety”, drawing on his years of living, working and touring in the country through song, story, images and comedy. The B, Queanbeyan, November 3.
Tempo Theatre is back with another whodunit, Arnold Ridley’s Tabitha, directed by George Belibassakis. Three dear old ladies, one poisoned cat and one murdered landlady should leave audiences guessing who did it and why. Belconnen Theatre, October 23 to 31. Sandy Evans and Andrea Keller bring their new project Resonance to Canberra with vocalists Jenny Barnes and citynews.com.au
Professional, fun tuition in Ballroom Dancing
By Helen Musa
Canberra writer Sandy Bigna has won the $10,000 2026 ACT Book of the Year Award for Little Bones. Described by one publisher as a “gothic magic-realist verse novel,” Little Bones follows 11-year-old Bones, a young girl navigating grief and loss who has drifted away from her Sandy Bigna. friends and is reluctant to make new ones. Using elements of magical realism, Bigna explores friendship, belonging and the difficult process of learning to let go. Two other authors from the year’s shortlist of seven received highly commended honours and $2000 each. Merlinda Bobis was recognised for In the Name of the Trees, which weaves together the stories of women across generations, with Canberra and the Philippines providing the settings for a novel in which trees become witnesses and custodians of lived experience. Martin Thomas received a highly commended honour for Clever Men, an exploration of the 1948 AmericanAustralian Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land and its consequences.
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• KIDS MEDAL CLASSES
Thursdays from 5pm at the Pearce Community Centre, building 2, Collett Place Pearce.
Ausdance ACT’s Youth Dance Festival 2026, The Metaverse, will see young dancers take to the stage for three evenings of student-devised performances. The Playhouse, October 27 to 29.
Drag queen, singer and television personality Courtney Act joins artist Paul Yore in conversation about the creation of Yore’s elaborate new portrait of Courtney and the shared experiences that brought them together. National Portrait Gallery, October 24.
ALTER, Belco Arts, November 7, two performances.
‘Little Bones’ claims top book award
• PRIVATE DANCING LESSONS
The “Godfather” of Australian piano playing, Piers Lane, a five-time soloist at the BBC Proms, once more brings his touch to Snow Concert Hall for a landmark performance of Chopin’s complete Nocturnes, the final concert of the 2026 season. Snow Concert Hall, Red Hill, October 29.
The British Film Festival brings a host of dramas, documentaries and romantic comedies to the screen, including Wicker, starring Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård. Palace Electric October 28-November 29.
work of fluid movement aimed at saturating the senses. The dissenting elements of the work, Lea tells me, are all about the design of the body and movement, and pushing against physical norms. Her collaboration with Penang immersive storytelling studio Maitree, directed by Peta Khan and recognised with an Australian Human Rights Commission Award, has been closely involved with the project, but she will not be here in Canberra. Nor will XR (Extended Reality) developer Steve Voon, from Malaysia, although Lea reports that he’s been working closely with the dancers to make the production more meditative and immersive. While officially she is the director, Lea points out that it is the dancers who often create the choreography. “Not directing allows me to sit out and look at it,” she tells me. “It’s been a dream to work with deeply intuitive creative people to create a sonic landscape… we hope that such works could eventually find their way into galleries.” As for the BOLD festival, that will definitely look at dissent in dance. Lea notes that one of our leading dance lights and festival patron, Elizabeth Cameron Dalman, has been known for her environmentally themed work and for staying on stage into her 90s, an act of dissent from dance norms.
BOOKS
• ADULT BEGINNER CLASSES Wednesday 7pm - 8pm
Fred Smith… The B, Queanbeyan, November 3. Kristin Berardi. The project explores what it means to sustain a creative life across decades and the experiences of women working in the male-dominated jazz landscape. The Street Theatre, October 28. Indie rock band Youth Group celebrates the 20th anniversary of its number one single Forever Young with a tour featuring songs from Skeleton Jar, other favourites and, of course, Forever Young. Dissent Café and Bar, Civic, October 31.
• ADULT INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED Wednesday 8pm - 9pm
ADULT CLASSES NOW AT:
WESTON NEIGHBOURHOOD HALL, HILDER STREET, WESTON Phone: 0407 066 110 Email: dale_harris@bigpond.com Web: dalesballroomdancing.com Principal: Dale Harris CityNews October 22-28, 2026 29
Tabitha
By Arnold Ridley Belconnen Community Theatre
Opens this week and runs all weekend Fri 7.30pm. Sat 2pm & 7.30pm. Sun 4pm
Bookings: Canberraticketing.com.au Ph 6275 2700 Tickets also at the door October 23rd to 31st
A Tempo Theatre Produc on Tempotheatre.org.au
By arrangement with Origin Theatrical on behalf of Samuel French, A concord Theatricals Company
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DINING / Oculus Café x Kitchen by Mike
Dining in a very special space Dining at Oculus Café is dining in a very special space. At the centre of it all is a spectacular oculus that creates a light-filled, wow-factor environment. Hat’s off to Kerstin Thompson Architects for the design, Tom Fereday for the café’s customer furniture collection, Volker Haug Studio for the bespoke lighting and the National Gallery for repositioning the café to the ground-floor foyer with views of the Sculpture Garden. And then there is the food… The menu has been created by well-known Mike McEnearney, founder of Kitchen by Mike, whose 2014 cookbook by the same name is one of my faves. Kitchen by Mike doesn’t pay lip service to the philosophy that “we are what we eat”. Mike and his team are dedicated to good food made with fewer ingredients, less interference and great respect for produce. The café delivers. Canteen-style, diners order at the Kitchen by Mike pass, pay at the cash register and settle in at an individual table or at one of several long, communal tables. Mains on our visit included lamb, which we both ordered because the first lot of roasted chicken was finished and the second lot was not due for another 10 to 15 minutes. The pot roast lamb shoulder, with buttermilk, rosemary and honey was sensational and a generous serve. It was tender and delicious with a big slice of roast pumpkin with pomegranate and earthy, nutty nigella seeds. Impressive is the line-up of artistic looking,
The Oculus Cafe at the National Gallery… a light-filled, wow-factor environment. Photo: Wendy Johnson colourful seasonal salads, each “good for the soul”. My hearty potato salad was a celebration of quality ingredients. Loved the lentils, shallots and parsley. Loved the cab-sav dressing. Equally delicious was the peas and quinoa salad, finished off with basil oil. Gorgeous looking and super tasty was the pear and fennel salad. It featured lovely shavings of tangy parmesan, raisins and pine nuts. Don’t go past the signature sourdough which is served with Pepe Saya artisan cultured butter – churned and fermented to perfection ($5 a slice). The drinks list, including wine, is all-Australian. We enjoyed a Nick O’Leary chardonnay ($20 a glass) and White by Mike, a pinot gris blend made
by Ravensworth ($15). The menu structure at Kitchen by Mike is straightforward. One main and three salads is $35, one main and two salads $30, three salads $23, two salads $18, and one salad $10. Those wanting something lighter can enjoy wraps, quiches, slices of pizza, and more. Sweets include house-made cakes, tarts and other yummy looking treats. Oculus Café x Kitchen by Mike is open for breakfast, lunch and in between. The space is large – capacity for about 110 people – and it was packed on the Saturday we visited.
WINE / sauvignon blanc
For NZ, sauvignon blanc leads My fondness for New Zealand and NZ wines is a bias that I confess, eh. Which reminds me of a story. An Aussie, a Kiwi and a South African are at a bar one night having a glass of red, each red from their respective countries. All of a sudden the South African takes off his diamond encrusted watch, pulls out a gun and shoots the watch to pieces. He says: “In my country we have so many diamonds that we don’t need to wear the same diamond twice”. The Kiwi (obviously impressed by this boast) finishes his wine, throws the glass into the air, grabs the South African’s gun and shoots the glass to pieces. He says: “Well, in NZ we have so much sand to make the glass that we don’t need to drink out of the same one twice”. The Australian then leans over, grabs the gun and shoots the Kiwi. The NZ wine industry in 2026 had much more success than that ill-fated Kiwi. The recently released New Zealand Winegrowers Annual Report 2026 shows that NZ had an increase in overall sales of wine of eight per cent, a remarkable statistic given the global decline in wine sales generally. According to Wine Australia, in 2026 worldwide wine consumption fell to its lowest level since 1961. The NZ success is on the back of record export growth to $2.108 billion. At the same time, in line with a decline in production in Australia, the NZ vintage 2026 delivered a smaller harvest of about 440,000 tonnes, down 15 per cent on the
30 CityNews October 22-28, 2026
previous year. The report says this factor brought production into closer balance with current market demand and supports the industry’s focus on sustainable long-term growth. The leading grape continues to be sauvignon blanc, especially Marlborough savvy b. The export data shows that 276,242 million litres of this varietal were exported to the year ended June 2026. That’s out of a total export of 307,867 million litres, so savvy b was around 90 per cent of all exports. The number one destination for NZ wine is the US, then Britain with Australia coming in third. The second biggest exported wine is also a white: pinot gris. The pinot noir export market hasn’t recovered from its high point in 2018, but is the third biggest export varietal. NZ pinot noirs remain one of my favourite wines, especially those from the Otago region, the southernmost wine-growing region in the world. Marlborough still produces more wine than any other NZ growing region with a whopping 73 per cent of total production. That growth seems set to continue so the success of NZ wine is in lockstep with the success of Marlborough sauvignon blanc. Despite the good export data, the chair, Fabian Yukich, says NZ winegrowers are experiencing some of the same problems that have beset the Australian wine industry: an imbalance between supply and demand causing higher inventory levels, reduced domestic demand and pricing pressure on sectors of the industry. “Optimism is the sunshine of the soul radiated in action.” –William George Jordan
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Your week in the stars
General knowledge crossword No. 1085
October 26-November 1, 2026
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ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Finances, joint ventures, secret deals and trust issues are on the table! Monday’s Full Moon highlights hiccups involving self-esteem and/or financial management. Strive to be less impulsive and extravagant, and more cautious with cash and credit. Then Mars squares retrograde Mercury (on Friday/Saturday) so don’t spoil a potentially positive week by being reckless and making inappropriate comments. Slow down and consult with others along the way.
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
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TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)
Monday’s earthy Full Moon (in your sign) emphasises your practical side, so do your best to handle current situations in a suitably sensible and pragmatic fashion. When it comes to a romance, work partnership or joint venture, avoid getting stuck in a rut. The planets push you to find creative ways to express yourself personally and within relationships. But is someone trying to manipulate or confuse you? Keep your bulldust detector switched onto high.
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GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)
With the help of Monday’s Full Moon, use the power of your imagination and intuition to get to the bottom of a problem that’s been bothering you. If you listen to the wisdom of your inner voice (and pay attention to the symbolism in your dreams), then it will point you in the right direction. But remember Mercury (your ruling planet) is retrograde until November 14. So take extra care communicating and don’t get carried away and promise more than you can deliver.
CANCER (June 22 – July 23)
The silvery, ever-changeable Moon is your power planet, and many sensitive Crabs feel emotionally volatile and vulnerable when the Moon is full. This week’s Full Moon is in earthy, stable Taurus, so you’ll feel more grounded (and less moody) than usual. But remember Mercury and Venus are both retrograde, so be extra careful and consistent in the way you communicate with other people – especially children, teenagers, family members and close friends.
LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)
Get cracking, Cats! The Full Moon and Mercury activate your career and domestic zones, so relationships with work colleagues and family members are highlighted. But Mercury is retrograde (and Pluto squares the Sun), so avoid being bossy and controlling. Catching up with delayed chores and overdue DIY projects in your Lion’s den is favoured, as you clean, tidy, renovate or redecorate. However, hasty words could land you in hot water on Friday and Saturday.
VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
Very fussy Virgo – when it comes to a romantic relationship, do you have ridiculously high expectations? Have you placed your partner (or imagined partner) on a towering pedestal? With love planet Venus and Mercury (your ruler) both currently retrograde, stop expecting the perfect soulmate. Instead, be prepared to love a real flesh and bones person… faults and all. Happily solo? Prepare for a new education experience or a special travel adventure.
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1 Who receives publicity as a potential main female actor? (7) 2 Name a timepiece. (5) 3 Name a very thin filled pastry. (7) 4 Which term implies that something is eerie? (6) 5 Who is a lord, entitled to allegiance and service? (5) 6 To be neither positive nor negative, is to be what? (7) 7 Alan Jay Lerner’s collaborator, Frederick Ö. (5) 13 To be gruesome or horrible, is to be what? (7) 15 Which garden features rocks and plants? (7) 16 What are bicycle seats called? (7) 17 To swagger, is to do what? (6) 18 The aforesaid is known as what? (5) 19 What are appointments? (5) 20 Name a Hindu religious ascetic. (5)
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LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
It’s time to replace confrontation with cooperation! Venus (your ruling planet) is in retrograde mode until November 14. So, the more you focus on the needs of loved ones, the happier everyone will be. And the more proactive you are about finding win-win solutions to partnership problems (whether romantic or platonic), the more harmonious life will be. When it comes to communication, think things through before you speak, text and post.
Solution next edition
Across
Sudoku hard No. 429
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
Many Scorpions love the spectacle of Halloween celebrations, as Scorpio (ruled by Pluto – God of the Underworld) is the sign that rules the dark, mysterious parts of life. This week’s stars will help you get into a super intense and imaginative mood. So, finding a suitably dramatic, gothic costume (for you and/or your kids) is essential. Your motto comes from birthday great, poet Sylvia Plath: “Love life day by day, colour by colour, touch by touch.”
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
The Full Moon (and retrograde Mercury) increase your enthusiasm for assisting those who are sick or in need. You’ll find the more you lend a hand to others, the better you’ll feel and the more friends you’ll make. With Venus reversing through your peer group zone, you could revisit an old friendship from the past. Your motto is from writer Robert Louis Stevenson (who had the Sun in Scorpio and Venus in Sagittarius): “A friend is a gift you give yourself.”
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
The Sun, Full Moon and retrograde Mercury activate your peer group zones, which could lead to hasty words and impulsive actions. And some cash-strapped Capricorns could also face complicated issues involving finances and friends. So slow down and think (carefully) before you speak and act, especially involving children, teenagers, friends and acquaintances. When it comes to work, you’re keen to revisit a project that has been on the backburner.
Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd 02 6295 2844
Solutions – October 15 edition P H O B I C B D S E A H O M E W O R K A W I A C C R U E T G E A S T W A R D L G D B A Z A A R R I S I Z E E E S H R E D P E N N Y U A L M S A P R I C R A D R O I T D T M E L T D O W N A E M E M P L O Y A M T H A L A M U S E R N T E N D E R
Sudoku medium No. 429
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2026 citynews.com.au
Solution next edition
Crossword No. 1084
PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
The Sun is transiting through your travel and education zones, so you’re keen to book an adventurous holiday or plan a new course of study. But hidden tensions could bubble to the surface with a family member, neighbour or work colleague. Social media is also a potential minefield, as the Full Moon and retrograde Mercury stir up your communication zones. So be extra careful you don’t send the wrong message to the wrong person at the wrong time!
One of the biggest changes is payday super, which requires employers to pay superannuation contributions at the same time as employees' wages. For high-income earners, the maximum superannuation contribution base is $270,830, equivalent to $32,500 in contributions. Employers with staff earning more than this should seek professional advice about their obligations. The concessional contributions cap has increased to $32,500. This includes employer contributions and personal tax-deductible contributions. If your employer contributes less than $32,500 during the financial year, you may be able to make a personal contribution to bring the total up to the cap. To claim a tax deduction, you must lodge a notice of intent with your superannuation fund and receive its acknowledgement. You may also be eligible to use unused concessional contribution amounts carried forward from previous years. Seek professional advice before making additional contributions to avoid exceeding your cap. The annual non-concessional contributions cap – for contributions made from after-tax income without claiming a deduction – has increased to $130,000. However, if your total superannuation balance is $2.1 million or more, your non-concessional contribution cap is zero. Eligible contributors can use the bring-forward rules to contribute up to $390,000 in one financial year, effectively bringing forward two years of contributions. Doing so generally prevents further non-concessional contributions during the following two years. Eligibility depends on your superannuation balance and contribution history. Another significant change is Division 296, which introduces additional taxation on earnings attributable to superannuation balances exceeding $3 million. An additional 15 per cent tax applies to earnings attributable to balances between $3 million and $10 million, with a higher rate of 25 per cent applying to earnings attributable to amounts above $10 million. The Australian Taxation Office calculates the liability using information supplied by superannuation funds, including where an individual holds multiple accounts. The assessment is issued to the individual, although payment can be arranged through eligible superannuation funds. Anyone with a substantial superannuation balance should discuss the implications with their professional advisers. Finally, a reminder for self-managed superannuation funds with corporate trustees: every director must have a director identification number. If you have not obtained one, now is the time to act. From July 1, 2027, director IDs will also be required when lodging annual reviews and forms with ASIC. With so many changes, professional advice can help ensure your contributions and tax arrangements remain appropriate. For assistance with superannuation, taxation or small-business matters, contact Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 02 6295 2844.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
Retrograde Mercury and the Sun are in your career zone, while the Full Moon lights up your family zone. So, try to get the balance right between professional progress and domestic peace. And – if you must choose – then lean slightly towards harmony at home, with housemates and family members. Monday is the best day to start a big DIY project. Your motto is from actress Julia Roberts (who turns 59 on Wednesday): “My life at home gives me absolute joy.”
Superannuation rules rarely stand still, and July 1 brought another round of changes affecting employers, employees and self-managed superannuation funds.
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
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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 October 22-28, 2026 31
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