06 October 2022

From the editor

a regular practice of

something to be grateful for – no

how great or small – helps to improve one’s overall wellbeing. It’s a key

continue to conclude this weekly

with a paragraph on “things I’m grateful for”. This past week has proven

bountiful.

Wednesday, my colleagues and I spent several hours at the COTA ACT Silver is Gold Seniors and Veterans Expo at EPIC where it was heart-warming to meet so many of our lovely readers.

On Thursday night, I joined friends of Project Independence to celebrate the charity’s 10th birthday.

Friday night, I was privileged to attend opening night of Bell Shakespeare’s brilliant production of The Comedy of Errors at Canberra Theatre, which had been postponed for two years due to you-knowwhat. Chatting with some cast members after the show, they were as delighted to be back on stage, touring this production, as theatregoers were to see them perform.

Oh, what a night on Saturday, when legendary Aussie band, Midnight Oil, finally performed their farewell concert outdoors at ANU. They leave behind an amazing musical legacy.

On Sunday, it was o to Floriade after dark to experience the fabulous atmosphere and attractions at a sold-out NightFest. Perfect!

Sprinkled amongst that, my son visited from Brisbane, I caught up with a friend, and our family celebrated a newly minted teenager’s birthday.

On Monday, I rested. Take care,

on the cover

Hospital Foundation mascot, Hearty, cheers

the Foundation’s Chair, Deb Rolfe AM,

Canberra Health Services CEO, Dave Peffer, who will both abseil down a multistorey hospital building on Can Give Day,

October, to raise funds for the Foundation.

Kerrie Brewer. See cover story,

Can Give Day, a time to thank our healthcare workers

It has been a tough few years for everyone – and nobody knows this more than those involved in our health services. The Canberra Hospital Foundation’s annual Can Give Day (CGD), which this year falls on Friday 21 October, offers the broader community an opportunity to give back to those who continue to do so much for us.

The Foundation invests all the funds raised into enhancing healthcare services in the ACT through upgrades and refurbishments, new equipment, and continuing research through grants. Their goal is to make health spaces less clinical, and to ensure patients and families accessing services are comfortable while receiving the highest quality care.

Since its inception in 2008, the Foundation has raised $18 million for health services in the ACT. So far, the funds have positively impacted the lives of many, including cancer patients who can now rest in sleep pods. The Foetal Medicine Unit has been brightened by artworks, which have been shown to reduce stress, distract from pain, and improve tolerance levels, while those suffering emotional distress at the Mental Health Ward have been provided a safe, secure space to access fresh air in their own courtyard.

Deb Rolfe AM, chair of the Foundation for the past 12 years, says the support shown by

the Canberra community has been remarkable. With their third CGD, they are hoping to reach a cumulative million dollars, having raised $620,000 in the previous two years.

“At some stage, most people in Canberra will use the health services, so we really want them to take ownership of their health services; to have fun [with Can Give Day], be invested in it, and enjoy themselves whilst raising money,” Mrs Rolfe says.

Businesses and organisations are encouraged to get involved with fundraising efforts ahead of the day by hosting activities or events. Plans for the day range from bedpan Olympics, BreastScreen Australia’s bra competition, and a MasterCook Challenge that sees four chefs battle it out in three cooking challenges. Radio presenter Cam Sullings will be on site broadcasting the action throughout the late morning and early afternoon.

This year’s event will also feature a street party on Hospital Road from 4pm to 7pm with food stalls, entertainment, and the chance to show our healthcare workers our support. Tickets are available for a small fee through the Foundation’s website.

The Big Wig Challenge will see Mrs Rolfe and other influential figures from the community don brightly coloured wigs, strap in and

abseil down Canberra’s Hospital’s colourful, multistorey Building 8. The experience puts our city’s ‘big wigs’ in the spotlight to demonstrate their support for Canberra’s health services; each has to reach a $10,000 goal before they can scale the building. Want to see your boss go off the roof? Limited spots are still available to those who reach the fundraising goal.

“None of us have abseiled before, it’s a bit nerve racking. It’s a challenge in itself but not as much of a challenge as the patients have who are coming to the hospital, using health services,” Mrs Rolfe says.

Another influential face set to abseil down Building 8 is Dave Peffer, CEO of Canberra Health Services. He feels more apprehensive about this year’s activities than last year’s, when people paid to throw wet sponges at him, many aimed at his face. At least then it was cold water on a chilly day, not one of his fears.

“I must admit, though, I am not looking forward to it; I am terrified of heights. But, it’s all for a bit of fun and we can have a bit of a laugh at it,” Mr Peffer says.

He knows the impact a laugh can have on those both accessing services and working in the health industry. While he has never before been involved in an industry where employees are so constantly dedicated to their job, he can see the toll the last few years has taken on people as he walks through the facilities. People are genuinely tired but still giving it 100 per cent; that’s why community backed events like CGD mean so much to them, he says.

“The fatigue that people are feeling means that wellbeing is a constant challenge for us. Whenever we get the opportunity to have a bit of a laugh, come together as a team, blow off a bit of steam, that actually means a lot.”

Every dollar donated to the event helps to make a difference in the lives of those receiving the health services provided by the hospital. Mr Peffer says the support towards the Foundation also helps to show healthcare workers how much the community supports them, something which can be forgotten in trying times.

“As a community we have asked so much of this group of people: they have been our protectors, they’ve cared for us when we are incredibly unwell, and they have also supported some families tragically to say goodbye throughout the pandemic.”

For every dollar donated to Can Give Day fundraising efforts, the Foundation’s generous Changemakers have promised to match it. For more information about Can Give Day, 21 October, visit canberrahospitalfoundation.org.au

This Can Give Day will see Canberra ‘big wigs’ – like Canberra Hospital Foundation (CHF) Chair Deb Rolfe AM (right), and Canberra Health Services CEO Dave Peffer – abseil down a multistorey building at Canberra Hospital on Friday 21 October, cheered on by CHF mascot, Hearty. Photo: Kerrie Brewer.

ACT home buyers finally have power in their corner

The property market never seemed to be a fair game, when sellers have sales agents representing them and doing all the talking, while buyers – particularly first home buyers – have ... who exactly?

Who is representing the young families or individuals searching for their first home, bidding for them at daunting auctions, scoping out the suburbs while they are working nine-to-five, fielding calls from strangers met at open houses?

It turns out Sydney has had the answer for over four years – and now Canberra.

Where property sellers have sales agents, Canberra buyers now have Brady Marcs. Director & Buyers Advisor, Brady Yoshia, her Associate Buyers Advisor, Alicia Buck, and Canberra Buyers Advisor, George Popadalis, have expanded Brady Marcs Buyers Advisory to the ACT.

Canberrans now have power in their corner when buying a home, whether they are a firsttime buyer, upsizing, downsizing, or building a property portfolio.

What is a buyers agent or buyers advisor?

“A buyers agent is a trusted partner who works with you throughout the whole purchasing

process,” explains Brady. “From figuring out what it is you have in mind, right up until settlement of your property.

“We source, locate, and negotiate properties on behalf of our clients, negotiate for properties that they identified themselves, bid for them at auctions, and, when they decide it’s time to move on and sell their property, we provide vendor advocacy.”

“Especially for first home buyers, at the beginning they simply don’t know what they don’t know,” adds Alicia. “They’re forced to fumble their way through the process. That’s quite unfair because sellers always have someone representing them.”

for anything – but you shouldn’t have to settle for a property because you’re exhausted.

“When you’re not looking at a property through eagle eyes and find yourself thinking ‘I can live with this’, you’re at an emotional disadvantage,” says Brady.

“Whereas, if you have a buyers advisor on your side, you have an expert looking at the property from a completely di erent perspective, focused on making sure that,

Buyer fatigue is a very expensive mistake.

firstly, the property fits your brief, and secondly, it’s futureproof.”

Is your dream home future-proof?

“Buyers can go through that process for weeks and months on end,” says Brady. “Unfortunately, they’ll miss out on multiple opportunities and still be exhausted by the end of it.

“Buyer fatigue is a very expensive mistake.”

“Quite often, they will end up wanting to settle

“Particularly if you have a young family, you will want to make sure that you can grow into the property,” says Brady.

“For most people, their family home is the biggest investment that they will make in life, and making a financial mistake can be huge,” adds Alicia.

“A common misconception about our field is that buyers agents are only on American TV, and

Director & Buyers Advisor, Brady Yoshia (centre), her Associate Buyers Advisor, Alicia Buck (right), and Canberra Buyers Advisor, George Popadalis, have expanded Brady Marcs Buyers Advisory to the ACT.

dollar property. It’s really not the case.

“First home buyers tend to be even more focused on avoiding those mistakes and would benefit from using a buyers agent more than someone who is experienced in buying multiple properties,” says Brady.

“Future-proofing your property also means understanding what is happening in the area. As buyers advisors, we always check pending development applications (DAs) early on.

“What could happen if you don’t check pending DAs is that all-too-familiar fear coming true, of buying a property, then a massive apartment block is built right next door, blocking your view, your natural light, and potentially and leading to a lack of privacy,” says Brady.

“Which also a ects resell value down the track,” says Alicia.

Buyers agents versus real estate agents

The di erence to note between a buyers agent and a real estate agent (also known as a selling agent) is simple: one is trying to get the best deal for you, while the other is trying to get the best deal for the seller.

“The selling agent is working for the vendor, so their job is to get the highest possible price for their client,” says Alicia.

“Our job as buyers agents is also much more holistic. We help clients put together a brief based on their lifestyle, then we negotiate for them, and connect them with the right

professionals, such as a mortgage broker or solicitor if they’re in need of one.”

“Quite often a client will come to us with a specific image in mind, but the reality of what they are looking for is di erent to what they think they want,” Brady adds.

“We start there, with that brief, and then we begin presenting them properties, including some in other areas that we feel might suit their needs better.

“Nine times out of ten, they are completely, pleasantly surprised that what we have presented is actually the right fit, better than what they had imagined.”

7 reasons to work with a Buyers Agent

1. Access to all the properties available, especially properties that are o -market or pre-market.

2. A dedicated property professional on your side to make sure that you don’t make a bad buying decision.

3. Stronger negotiating power and confidence that you will not overpay.

4. Avoiding the stress and discomfort of bidding at auction, clients can just stay on the phone as your agent bids on your behalf.

5. A valuable resource for people who are time poor. Brady Marcs can arrange bespoke appointments for clients to view properties at a time that suits you.

6. A discreet buying option for people who want privacy. Clients can register Brady Marcs’

details at open homes, rather than handing out their personal contact information.

7. Removes geographical challenges and provides local knowledge and expertise.

Brady Marcs is equipped for mobility, able to meet at client homes, places of work, or your local co ee shop. It’s all about what works best for you.

Brady Marcs’ local representative, George Popadalis, notes that with the amount of comeand-go that occurs within the Capital’s public servant population, a buyers agent could be the ultimate tool in any Canberran’s arsenal.

“The home you’re looking for may seem totally elusive in Canberra’s market. You could be spending all day, every day refreshing the sites and waiting for the right home to come up, only for someone else to have already known about it beforehand through an o -market opportunity and snatched it up.

“A professional whose full-time job it is to find those opportunities, and who gets invited to pre-market opportunities, can be extraordinarily helpful,” George says.

“We are there to help every buyer,” Brady says. “Whether it’s a small budget, or a multimillion dollar budget, no job is too big or too small.”

To find out how Brady Marcs Buyers Advisory can assist you, call the Canberra o ce on 1800 28 77 77

Brady Yoshia and George Popadalis of Brady Marcs Buyers Advisory. Now there’s a better way to buy a home in Canberra.

Ukraine – Australia can still do more

A blockbuster charity event will be held at the Hyatt in February 2023 to mark the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The event is organised by Father Michael Solomko, a local Ukrainian church leader, and an ACT and Easts Rugby and ACT Cricket legend, Gordon Scott. Scotty organised a highly successful bushfire appeal at the same venue after the 2003 bushfires. Watch this space for further details.

This brings me to what Australia is doing to help Ukraine. I went to the Ukrainian demonstration last Saturday outside the Russian embassy, and heard some stirring words from the speakers. However, talking to some of the activists later, I was disappointed to hear that after an initial flurry of help when Peter Dutton was defence minister, things have slowed down under the new minister, Richard Marles. We have committed to supply 60 Bushmaster armoured personnel carriers. These have proved to be a brilliant success so far for the Ukrainian army, but only 40

have been delivered to date. As we have eight C-17 strategic transport planes which can comfortably carry three Bushmasters on each trip to Poland for delivery to Ukraine, there is no excuse for tardiness.

Australia has 1,052 Bushmasters; we could easily give Ukraine 200 to 300, and make another 300 new ones in Victoria. We are also yet to supply Ukraine with the 155mm ammunition for their guns we promised, and there is no reason why we can’t also send them a few of our 155mm howitzers. We also can send some 7.62- and 5.56-mm small arms ammunition. All of this is made in Australia, and it gives us a chance to boost our defence manufacturing by replacing what we give to Ukraine, plus some.

In Canberra, our local Ukrainian community is very keen to raise money to send camp stretchers (cost $52 each) to Ukraine. Winter is coming, and these lightweight stretchers mean that Ukrainian troops and bombed-out civilians won’t have to sleep in water or snow. If

“Dad isn’t ready for aged care”

people want to help with these, please contact Father Michael at the Ukrainian church, McKay Gardens, Turner, direct. Ukraine is fighting for our freedom as well, and needs all the help it can get from fellow democracies.

Finally, it is good to see many Russians voting with their feet and trying to get out of Putin‘s Russia. Opposition seems to be growing, and Putin is getting desperate. The West must continue to stand up to his bluster. I think the US has suggested he tone it down, and warned him it will be tit for tat if he is serious about using any nukes. Russian dictators since Comrade Lenin have been very sensible when they know the other side is not bluffing, and tend to back off. Lenin said in 1918: “Push out a bayonet – if it strikes fat, push on – if it strikes steel, pull back for another day.” Russian leaders may be ruthless, but they are not totally stupid.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Canberra Weekly.

Then we found The Grange Deakin Serviced Apartments. After a little encouragement Dad moved in and within days couldn’t stop thanking me.

Dad has his own apartment, he’s surrounded by company and regular social activities. The household chores are no longer a burden, the apartment is cleaned and the linen changed weekly. Plus the pressure of the building maintenance is gone. Dad’s now out doing things he loves again.

I know Dad gets breakfast delivered in the morning and two home cooked meals. For added peace of mind there is someone there 24 hours a day in case of an emergency. The Grange isn’t aged care but I know when the time comes, I can organise external community home care support to help Dad stay independent longer.

Now when we talk it’s without the worry and nagging. Dad couldn’t be happier .

Dad was lonely in the house by himself. He was still independent but needed a little domestic help.

Stroll around St John’s

Firstly, congratulations to the editor, Julie Samaras, for an enjoyable and always interesting weekly Canberra magazine.

I refer your readers to the article by Neil Bowman – ‘What I found on a stroll around St John’s’ (CW, 29 September 2022, p6); in particular, the grave of an ANZAC buried in the graveyard – Ernest Murray. I could not resist in doing extra research about his wartime service in the Australian Army 1914–1918.

Sadly, there is some missing detail on his tombstone that I consider a grave injustice to his bravery in that war.

Ernest was born around 1881 in Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW.

Aged 33, he enlisted in the Australian Army on 27 August 1914 and allocated Engineer Corps (151 SPR E. MURRAY - 1 FD COY ENGRS).

On 3 March 1915, he sailed from Australia as part the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF). According to his military record, he was possibly in the first landing of some 3,000 men on Gallipoli, 25 April 1915.

In 1916-17, then serving in France, he was promoted to LCPL, CPL, then Temp SGT in ANZAC

Light Railway and later 14 FD COY ENGRS.

Here is some pertinent information missing on his tombstone:

On 9 March 1917, he was special Mentioned In Despatches (MID) for bravery.

On 18 December 1917, he was awarded a Military Medal (MM) for bravery in the field.

On 23 February 1918, he was awarded a Bar to his Military Medal for bravery in the field.

Therefore, his tombstone should have read: No151 Ernest Murray, MM and Bar (MID).

In 1918, SGT Ernest Murray was wounded in action, Gas (severe) and sent to England for convalescence.

Before the end of war on 11 November 1918, he returned to Australia on 21 July 1918 and discharged from the Australian Army 19 April 1919.

To acknowledge his ‘missing’ Post Nominals, one could hope a side plaque could be added to his tombstone.

Many thanks for Neil Bowman for enlightening the readers of Canberra Weekly.

Yours in soldiering on. - R. E. Smith, OAM, JP, Canberra

Want to share your opinion?

Email news@canberraweekly.com.au with ‘To the editor’ in the subject field; include your full name, phone number, street address (NFP) and suburb. Keep letters to 250 words maximum. Note, letters may be shortened if space restrictions dictate.

NEWS

Police catch 100 bad drivers

ACT Policing detected more than 100 drivers committing offences on the ACT’s roads during the fourday double demerit point period in effect for the long weekend, 30 September to 3 October.

Police issued 85 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) and another 32 drivers received cautions.

Almost half of the TINs (41) were issued for speeding offences, including one for speeding by more than 45km/h, and another two for exceeding the speed limit by between 30 and 45km/h.

Among the other offences detected were 15 drivers in unregistered vehicles and four unlicensed drivers.

Bluetooth sniffers to ease light rail construction traffic ACTSES ‘expecting the worst’ this storm season

In a $1.1 million traffic surveillance investment, the ACT Government is adding 40 new Bluetooth sniffers to track Canberra traffic during the construction of Light Rail Stage 2.

Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel, announced new measures designed to mitigate disruptions that will be caused by the construction of Stage 2, starting with the closure of several carparks across the CBD. He said the traffic disruption in and around the city centre is expected to last for “some years”.

Mr Steel said these measures will be used during the raising of London Circuit and additional infrastructure projects including the strengthening of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.

Currently, CCTV technology and the Bluetooth sniffers monitor morning road congestion but additional

technology funded by the ACT Government will provide active traffic surveillance throughout the entire day.

Bluetooth sniffers pick up on motorists’ MAC (Media Access Control) address to track their movements and travel time to help Roads ACT locate the most congestion and efficiently redirect people away from those areas.

Mr Steel insists the ACT Government does not collect any more data than is required, it is deidentified and encrypted, and deleted as soon as travel time details are received.

Around 600 carparks around the city were closed on 29 September, but Mr Steel said there are still around 14,000 carparks available, so city goers will need to readjust their commuting habits or look at alternatives, like public transport.

The beginning of October brings the official launch of the 202223 ACT storm season, and the ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES) is warning Canberrans to be prepared for potentially wet and wild weather ahead.

ACTSES is asking Canberrans to be prepared during this flood and storm season because although they don’t know what the weather is going to bring, ACTSES Chief Officer Anthony Draheim is “expecting the worst”.

Mr Draheim said the third consecutive La Niña event has made it feel like the storm season has been never-ending for the past couple of years. For Canberrans, this means we will continue to see above average rainfall.

“We have already seen over the last two years that the soils are saturated, the dams are full, and the waterways are high and above average,” he said.

“What we’ll see now in our third year of consistent rain above average, is that it only takes a little bit of water, a little bit of rain, for the extent to actually be worse than it has been in the past.”

Mr Draheim said the focus this season is “be ready, be emergency ready” by preparing houses, preparing families, downloading a survival plan, cleaning gutters and roofs, fixing any roof damage before the storm weather period hits – and do not walk, play, or drive through any floodwaters. Visit esa.act.gov.au for more information.

Portraits reflect on who we are

How well do you know who you are, and is who you think you are, the way other people see you? In an opportunity to gain some understanding of how Australians have been seen throughout history, the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) has opened the doors to its newest exhibition.

Who Are You: Australian Portraiture features 130 works, combining collections from both the NPG and the National Gallery of Victoria, and is on display until 29 January 2023. Attendees are encouraged to reflect on the title question as they walk through the five distinct sections of Australian portraits on show.

Images on display speak to the connection between people and place, highlighting the relationship between artists, their subjects, and the environment. Next, attendees witness the evolution of portraiture from paintings to highquality photographs. Ideas of community, what it means to be included, and how it feels to be isolated are explored. Then we move on to deep concepts that capture the intimate workings of

the minds of the artists and sitters. Finally, we explore our leaders and icons, and the narrative we have constructed for them.

Telling our story both as individuals and as a collective using photography and portraiture enables viewers to connect with the works easily without much explanation. Co-curator Joanna Gilmour of the NPG believes, arguably, that portraiture is a more accessible genre as it is all about people and what it means to be human.

“We’re hard-wired to connect with and be curious about other people, and portraits seem to tap into this in each of us. They enable us to connect with other lives, no matter how remote or distant, temporally, socially, or geographically those lives might be from our own,” Gilmour says.

Travel through different countries and time periods and you will see how art and portraiture differ; what is beautiful somewhere may be overlooked somewhere else. Gilmour says Australian portraiture is unique in the way it encompasses identities and experiences that are

as diverse and multifaceted as the country itself. We are home to one of the world’s oldest living cultures and are continuously taking in people from cultures across the globe while sharing a sense of belonging.

“The exhibition shows that Australian artists have always found ways of telling diverse and powerful stories by reinventing and reconfiguring the languages and codes of a genre that is often thought to be staid and traditional,” Gilmour says.

Discover who we are at the National Portrait Gallery until 29 January; portrait.gov.au - Jessica Cordwell

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Co-curators Joanna Gilmour and Beckett Rozentals at Who Are You: Australian Portraiture at the National Portrait Gallery.

FIND YOUR FAVOURITE

SOUTH

Out of the box: ACT Scale

Modellers’ Society turns 50

The precise stroke of a brush, a careful placement of a decal, and checking a photo to ensure the model matches the real thing; the ACT Scale Modellers’ Society (ACTSMS) members are painstakingly dedicated to their craft. This year, they are celebrating 50 years since the society’s first meeting.

The group started on a cold August night back in 1972. Around 15 scale model enthusiasts decided to meet in a loungeroom rather than the usual spot, a local hobby shop, to discuss the idea of turning their weekly meetings into a formal club. From there, the group blossomed; in 1978 they were inaugurated and began charging dues. Now, the society is the largest of its kind in Australia with around 140 paying members.

One of its founders, Peter Mahoney, was 25 when the society formed and has been involved ever since. Peter fell in love with aircraft when he was around five years old and saw the RAAF flying overheard surveying the Northern Rivers of NSW after a flooding event in 1952. His mother bought him his first kit the same year to keep him occupied.

“It was an old Airfix kit, very basic. I painted it with ordinary household paint I found underneath the house,” Peter says.

Mike Nelms has been a member since 1979 when he was 14 years old. He was gifted his

first kit by his father six years before, recalling it was a bomber named Liberator – and he was instantly hooked.

“I am just fascinated by the intricacies of it and how everything worked. I started off being more interested in the technology side of things,” Mike says.

Both men discovered their love for aircraft at a young age, however it took them in different directions in life. Peter joined the Air Force and went on to have a long a career in Foreign Affairs and Trade, while Mike worked as an aviation writer, historian, and museum curator.

Through it all were the models, except for Peter’s stint in the Air Force when he was too busy to find time to build. Before joining the RAAF, Peter had built 15 models, but says his collecting has gone “ballistic” since leaving. He has made 500 kits, with many hanging from his ceiling and walls, and has hired storage for the nearly 3,000 that are still waiting to be assembled. Even though he knows there is no way he will complete them all, he can’t help but buy more.

“I just got one from the Ukraine, it’s big. That will be one that gets built, I’ve got nowhere else to put it,” Peter says.

At last count, Mike had 250 waiting to be built but a couple of new kits arrive each

month. He has managed to combine his passion and his work; after spending 22 as an aviation curator at the Australian War Memorial, Mike moved on to Narromine Aviation Museum.

“A lot of the models I make are for that museum; if we don’t have a full-size example of an aircraft that is important, I will make a model of it,” Mike says.

Both men work in the 1:72 scale, which means the model is 72 times smaller than the aircraft or object being replicated. Scales vary between models and people select the one they prefer to work with. Mike says the smallest he has worked with is 1:350.

Peter solely makes military aircraft while Mike will occasionally make a model of something different, such as ships, rockets, and even a replica of his own bicycle. The society welcomes scale replicas of all kinds. Some people focus on cars, ships, interstellar craft, or Gundam (Japanese robots like those in Transformers) which has grown quite popular, however, model tanks and aircraft dominate.

On rare occasions, a member will make an entire model from scratch by assembling raw materials and cut out all parts themselves.

“It would be really satisfying to build something from scratch but there is no need now because almost everything is available as a kit,” Mike says.

“If it’s in plastic, I am happy,” Peter smiles.

ACTSMS meets once a month in a conference room at the Hellenic Club in Woden. Workshops walk members through different kits, tables are set up for people to show what members have been working on, and competitions are held. Members are invited to vote for their favourite piece being worked on with the winner receiving a prize. Between meets, they can keep up with each other’s progress on the society’s Facebook page.

Read an extended version at canberraweekly.com.au Find out more at actsms.asn.au

Mike Nelmes (left) and Peter Mahoney from the ACT Scale Modellers’ Society with aircraft models.

Mike Nelms has been creating models since he was eight years old.

Photo Kerrie Brewer

Ricky Stuart cycling to raise awareness of autism

Ricky Stuart, head coach of the Canberra Raiders, will ride across Canberra this weekend to raise awareness and support for autistic people and their families – like his own daughter, Emma.

The Ricky Stuart Foundation, together with Rapha Australia and Autism Awareness Australia, will bring their global autism awareness event, ride2raise, to Australia’s shores for the first time.

ride2raise is inspired by the UK’s Ambitious 220 ride, which was established by Rapha founder, Simon Mottram, who has an autistic son.

Fifty riders will cycle 220km from Sydney to Canberra in one day for the cause. The riders will be supported by Rapha Australia and BMW Canberra.

The ride will conclude at Capital Brewing Co. for the finish line party, a free family event.

“As part of this ride, I encourage Canberrans to get out on their bikes on Saturday 8 October, and join me as I ride from Lake Burley Griffin to Capital Brewing Co.,” Mr Stuart said.

“Like Simon Mottram, the founder and former chief of Rapha, we both have children with autism. We understand the

importance of raising awareness and acceptance for autism. We’re both lucky enough to have public platforms which allow us to build community awareness and fundraise for better support, education, and inclusion.”

One in 70 Australians have autism. But, although the condition is widespread, there’s an absence of quality, credible, and independent information.

The Ricky Stuart Foundation and Autism Awareness Australia firmly believe that the right information changes lives. ride2raise will raise muchneeded funds to provide families with quality, free resources when they need them most.

The ride has attracted some of cycling’s biggest names, including former world tour rider Mitchell Docker, elite Aussie cyclist Dan Bonello, and Sydney Swans legend Ryan O’Keefe.

Miranda Garnett, CEO of the Ricky Stuart Foundation, is the only woman riding the route.

“The ride provides the opportunity to not only challenge myself, but to uphold the commitment we make to families to advocate for better,” she said. Find out more about the event and sign up at

Canberra Raiders head coach, Ricky Stuart, with his daughter, Emma, who lives with autism.

The week of 17-23 October will see Australians looking upwards for a good cause – BirdLife Australia’s annual Aussie Bird Count.

By participating in this year’s Count, Aussies can help BirdLife Australia uncover new information about native parrots, with existing data flagging concerns for our muchloved, bright-coloured birds.

The Aussie Bird Count is the nation’s largest conservation event and encourages people of all ages to spend just 20 minutes in their favourite outdoor space, counting birds sighted in that period.

It can be done from anywhere – a suburban backyard, a local park, a patch of forest, down by the beach, or the main street of town.

Yearly data collected since the onset of the Count in 2014 has given BirdLife Australia solid insight into how Australian parrots are faring.

However, existing data poses questions about the future of vibrant native parrots,

parrots

including the Eastern Rosella and the Australian Ringneck.

BirdLife Australia’s national public affairs manager, Sean Dooley, says there is an urgent need for new bird data due to inconsistent trends across the nation, particularly amongst parrots.

“In Greater Sydney, the reporting rates of the Eastern Rosella have seen a sharp decline. There are also concerns about the Australian Ringneck showing a steep decline across Greater Perth,” he says.

“However, we’ve seen an increase in numbers of the Red-rumped parrot in the ACT, and the Australian King parrot across Melbourne.

“Participation in this year’s Count will enable bird experts to understand more about state-based trends, identify if these trends are continuing for declining species, and help us determine the reasons for the declines,” Mr Dooley says.

BirdLife Australia data poses questions about the future of vibrant native parrots, including the Eastern Rosella.

Taking count at the same time each year provides BirdLife Australia a snapshot of how Aussie birds are faring, which in turn helps gauge the overall health of the environment –think of birds as a barometer of nature.

“We’d love to see Aussies of all ages from each and every state and territory get involved,” Mr Dooley says.

“The more people we have counting across the week, the more data we have so we can learn more about how parrots are faring, and to help protect them for future generations.” Over $10,000 worth of prizes are being given away as part of this year’s count. For more information on the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, visit aussiebirdcount.org.au

Damien Bezzina

GIVIT donation of the week: snowboarding gear

GIVIT is assisting a not-for-profit organisation in the ACT that offers family support services to vulnerable children, young people and their families. They are requesting the donation of a snowboard and some snowboarding gear for a nine-year-old boy in foster care so that he can actively participate in a sports program, develop social skills and engage with the community. This organisation can collect donated items within 50km of Narrabundah in Canberra. Alternatively, generous Canberrans can fund this request, with 100% of money received by GIVIT used to purchase snowboarding gear. To donate to or fund this request please visit www.givit.org.au/whats-needed, search Keyword: “snowboarding gear”; Location: ‘ACT’.

ACT Masters Athletics

Anyone aged 30 and above can enjoy runs, throws, walks and jumps in a friendly and welcoming environment. Women and men of any level of ability or fitness are catered for, consistent with our motto of Fitness Through Fellowship. Upcoming events are: our weekly Thursday night track and field at Woden Park commencing on 13 October 6pm, throws at Turner fields on 29 October 1pm, and the Run Walk Handicap at the Ainslie Woodlands trails on 30 October 9am. More info: visit actmastersathletics.org.au, email actmastersathletics@ gmail.com or call Jayne on 0412 262 257.

Share your community event. Email news@canberraweekly.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject field. Deadline is 10 days prior to Thursday edition date.

Walk to Fight Parkinson’s

Canberrans are invited to Walk to Fight Parkinson’s on Sunday 23 October to rally and raise money for people living with Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders. The event is being organised by newly merged organisation The Hospital Research Foundation Group – Parkinson’s ACT (THRFG-PACT), formerly Parkinson’s ACT. All proceeds will go towards vital support services and research for people living with Parkinson’s and their families in the Canberra region. The event village at Rond Terrace, Lake Burley Griffin, will open from 8am, before official proceedings start at 9am and the first run/walk at 9.30am. Options include a 5km bridge-to-bridge fun run and walk, a timed Nordic Walk race, or a 1.5km walk, roll or stroll in Commonwealth Park. For more information and to register, visit parkinsonsact.org.au/event/walk-to-fight-parkinsons

HAVE YOU HEARD?

what's on  must do  must see

Red Dove preloved clothing

Red Dove preloved clothing at Tuggeranong Uniting Church, Comrie St, Wanniassa, Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 October 9am-1pm, easy parking. Spacious auditorium with spring and winter clothing for women, men and kids, books, linen and bric-a-brac. Great coffee and cake for morning tea.

Country Women’s Association

Queanbeyan Evening Branch: The next meeting and AGM is on Tuesday 11 October 6.30pm in the Women’s Bowling Club, corner of Campbell Street and Farrer Place, Queanbeyan. Dinner prior to the meeting will be from 6pm in our meeting room at the Women’s Bowling Club. The CWA aims to improve conditions for country women and children. We reach that aim in various ways including lobbying for change, helping the local community, creating a network of support and meeting together. New members are always very welcome. More info: email Nicole via cwaqebsecretary@gmail.com

Ice Dragons Come & Try Day

Ever wanted to try dragon boating but didn’t know how? Join the Ice Dragons Beginner Come and Try Clinic on Saturday 8 October 10am-12pm at Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. The Ice Dragons’ free one-month trial covers training and equipment. Register now at icedragons.com.au or simply turn up on the day.

Book sale @ St Ninian’s

Second-hand books for all occasions. Fiction and non-fiction, cookery, gardening, manuals, children, magazines and much more on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 October 9am-1pm at St Ninian’s Uniting Church hall, Lyneham. Cash sales only. Fresh scones baked on the premises.

VIEW Club

Tuggeranong Day: Invites members and guests to celebrate their 29th birthday on Tuesday 18 October 11am-2pm at Town Centre Vikings Club, Greenway. Cost: $36 for a two-course lunch. Entertainer: Matt Vrins. Trading table, raffle and lucky door prizes. Come dressed in the style of your favourite decade, 1920s to 2022. RSVP: By Friday 7 October to Jan on 6193 5398 or maleyjan@yahoo.com.

Free workshop on car maintenance

Funded by an ACT government grant, Alo Enlightened Women invites women to a free workshop on car maintenance to ensure you feel empowered when it comes to understanding your vehicle. A professional car mechanic will provide information and demonstrate how to take care of cars, including identifying what is under the bonnet. AFP officers will also talk about road safety. This workshop is free; however seats are limited. Two sessions available: 15 October and 5 November from 9.30am. Please register only if you can attend; register via Eventbrite.

HerHealth online 2022

Raising multicultural women’s health literacy for improved wellbeing, Alo Enlightened Women, in partnership with Women’s Health Matters, and funded by the ACT Government, presents the popular free HerHealth podcast series for 2022 on topics of concern. You can join live on Alo’s Facebook or YouTube channel. Episodes include: 19 October 7.30pm –Everything you need to know about your weight, diet and fitness; 26 October 7.30pm – Can counselling help us (part 2 adolescent mental health and wellbeing); 16 November 7.30pm – Get to know your sexual and reproductive health; 22 November 7.30pm – Can counselling help us (part 3 relationships and marriage). Recordings will also be available at www.alowomen.org.au/health-literacy

feature

Celebrating leading women in business,

business and team in

massive value to women in

Women in Business

a special

to inspire

COTA ACT Silver is Gold Veterans and Seniors Expo, EPIC. Photos: Kerrie Brewer.

Estate. Photos:

Srimoyo

TASTE

Garden party

entertainment

Looking for glorious garden party ideas now that the weather is warming? Why not try these show-stopping seasonal recipes.

WITH TASTE EDITOR, ANJA DE ROZARIO

babaghanoush

Serves 4-6 as a dippy starter, or as part of a main meal

1 1/4 cups (250g) dried chickpeas, soaked overnight

2 strips dried kombu (optional)

2–3 medium-large eggplants

1 massive handful of parsley, roughly chopped

1 massive handful of coriander, roughly chopped

4 garlic cloves, peeled

Juice of 2 lemons

3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve

2 Tbsp tahini

1 Tbsp salt flakes

1 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp sweet smoked paprika, plus extra to serve

For the pickled pink cauli

1 cauliflower, washed, dried, and cut into florets

1 medium beetroot, peeled and roughly chopped

1/2 Tbsp caraway seeds (optional)

2 bay leaves

1 cup (250ml) white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar

4–5 garlic cloves, peeled and bruised

3 Tbsp salt flakes

1 tsp caster sugar

To serve

Parsley, roughly chopped

Coriander, roughly chopped

Pomegranate seeds

Falafels

Soft pitta breads

Drain the soaked chickpeas and place in a large saucepan with 12 cups (3 litres) cold water and the kombu, if using — but no salt! Bring to the boil, then

Image and text from The Joy of Better Cooking by Alice Zaslavsky, photography by Ben Dearnley. Murdoch Books RRP $49.99. Learn more at thejoyofbettercooking.com

simmer for about 1 1/2 hours. Once the chickpeas are soft enough to squash between your fingers, drain and allow to cool slightly, removing the kombu.

While the chickpeas are simmering, pop the eggplants on a rack over a baking tray and roast in a 200°C oven for an hour or so, until the skin has charred, and when poked seems more balloon than eggplant. Leave until cool enough to handle, draped over a clean sink to leak out a whole lot of schmutz that will otherwise make your baba way too watery.

For the pickled cauli, bring a large-ish saucepan of well-salted (preferably filtered) water to the boil. Add the cauliflower florets and beetroot and bubble away for 3 minutes to soften slightly. Drain, reserving 3 cups (750ml) of the now magenta-coloured water. Divide the veg among two sterilised containers, each about 300ml in capacity. Sprinkle the caraway seeds evenly on top, finishing with a bay leaf.

Pour the reserved poaching water back into the pan. Add the vinegar, garlic, salt, and sugar and bring to the boil. Pour this mixture over the veg to cover and seal. If there isn’t enough liquid, boil a little more vinegar and pour over the top. The cauli and beet will get even better after a day of hanging out in the pickling liquid and will last comfortably for up to a month in the fridge.

Scoop the eggplant flesh into a food processor. Toss in the chickpeas and remaining ingredients (plus 1-2 ice cubes to make the hummus extra fluffy) and blitz until smooth and velvety, adding more olive oil if you want it even creamier. Taste for seasoning.

Serve warm or cold, topped with the pickles, extra herbs, and pomegranate seeds, with falafels and soft pitta breads to round it all out.

Images and text from Bake

My Day by Katherine Sabbath, photography by Jeremy Simons. Murdoch Books RRP $45.

Passionfruit delights

Makes 30

2 tsp vanilla bean paste

250g unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/3 cup (75g) caster sugar

Pinch sea salt

2 1/4 cups (335g) plain flour, sifted

1/4 cup (40g) rice flour, sifted

For the icing

50g unsalted butter, softened and cut into cubes

1 cup (125g) icing sugar, sifted

1 Tbsp passionfruit pulp (with or without seeds, depending on preference)

Preheat the oven to 150°C fan-forced, and line two baking trays with baking paper.

Using a hand-held mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the vanilla, butter, sugar, and salt on medium speed for 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Stir in the flours and press together to form a firm dough. Knead gently on a floured surface until smooth.

Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a log 5cm wide. Slice each log into pieces 1cm thick and place onto the baking trays. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the biscuits are a pale straw colour. Transfer to a baking rack to cool before icing.

Combine the icing ingredients in a clean, dry, heatproof bowl over a saucepan of just-simmering water (the water should not touch the base of the bowl). Gently stir with a silicone spatula for 2 minutes, or until the icing is really shiny.

Dip each biscuit into the icing or drizzle it over the biscuits. Leave to set before serving.

Food for thought

The latest in foodie news, events and products.

The Canberra International Riesling Challenge (CIRC) will return next week following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The Challenge will be held from 10 to 16 October at the Albert Hall, Yarralumla, and will showcase Riesling wine styles from around the globe.

Since its debut in 2000, the Canberra International Riesling Challenge is the largest single varietal wine show in the Southern Hemisphere. Now in its 22nd year, it has attracted more than 400 entries from six countries and will offer a diverse range of Rieslings.

Founder of the Challenge, Ken Helm AM said it is extremely pleasing to be able to bring the event back after the cancellations and gratifying to see the ongoing support of winemakers.

Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the competing countries will attend various functions during the week, including a tour of the judging.

ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, will try his hand at judging as a Guest Judge on the first day. In addition to the launch and the judging, other public events will also return including the Riedel Riesling Master Class, the Realm Riesling Dinner, and the Riesling Consumer Tasting on Saturday 15 October.

Details are available on the CIRC website: rieslingchallenge.com

Australia’s first online baking marketplace, bakesale, launched on Saturday 1 October in Canberra, bringing the nation’s best home baking talent together in one place. bakesale founder, award-winning baker and qualified Country Women’s Association judge, Andrea Butler, says this new unique platform is the sweet spot between bakers and buyers.

“With the launch of bakesale, you will be able to get your hands on baked creations for any occasion and budget,” Andrea says. “It’s an exciting new alternative to mass-baked goods that supports our local bakers, provides more unique options, and ultimately tastes better.

“Whether it’s a set of scones for afternoon tea, or a towering cake to celebrate a special birthday, there is a baker on bakesale for you.

“The best is that it can all be done from your phone, you can have baked perfection ordered in minutes.”

The website was designed to enable home bakers in making their sweet business dreams a reality, with bakers signed up in all regions across the ACT and surrounds and interstate.

“So many people found a passion for baking during lockdown or are looking to turn their culinary skills into some extra dough,” Andrea says. “Setting up a free account will get you access to marketing strategies, a user-friendly platform and streamlined functionality to attract a huge range of potential buyers who otherwise may

not come across your business.”

She adds that by jumping on bakesale, customers are supporting local businesses and doing good by the planet by reducing mass-produced goods, unnecessary packaging, and carbon miles.

To buy or share home baked goodies, visit bakesale.com.au

90 years more, Canberra REP celebrates milestone

Who would have thought an argument over the cost of garters would see the birth of the capital’s oldest theatre company? The Canberra Repertory Theatre (REP) has played an important role in the history of the local arts scene, and this year celebrates 90 years of continuous performances.

Since its inception in 1932, the company has kept the region entertained with its community-driven productions. The not-for-profit organisation stages six productions each year with an ensemble of volunteer professional and amateur cast and behind-the-scenes crew.

“An institution like REP getting old is not an accident. If you live to be old it’s lucky, but an institution needs people to want to keep it alive and that’s what REP has got,” says past president Russell Brown.

The company’s longest-serving member who is still actively participating in shows, Brown joined REP in 1969, and has spent the past 53 years involved in over 200 productions as a set designer, builder, onstage personality, and more.

One of his fondest memories is the Old Time Music Hall, where he wore a variety of hats including emcee. Entertaining audiences for over 30 years, the high-energy show generated around $2 million for the company; Brown believes without these funds the company wouldn’t be what it is today.

“Over 34 years, not quite half my life. We had the greatest time. I’ve had a lovely time in the theatre, wouldn’t change anything,” he smiles.

He hopes the company will be able to continue for another 90 years but isn’t sure if theatre will even be around then with changing technology providing more entertainment options. He says their main challenge today is finding volunteers who can help with the behind-the-scenes tasks.

“I think that’s the hardest thing, the younger people coming along haven’t developed any of those handyman skills. Young men don’t need to build furniture; some of them need someone to come and put Ikea furniture together,” Brown says.

Someone else who understands the struggle of finding volunteers is current club president, Antonia Kitzel. She and her husband joined REP in 2015 after moving to Canberra. Kitzel has played parts both on stage and behind the scenes, and says it is becoming increasingly di cult to get people on board.

“All our shows are run with volunteers, that certainly was a bit easier before Covid. We are always on the lookout for new helping hands and enthusiastic people,” she says.

It’s not just global crises that are keeping people away. When the theatre began, there were fewer options for entertainment; today we’re flooded with choices of how to spend our spare time, if we get any.

“There was no internet then, REP was one of the few things there was. People are busier, everyone is working around the clock. It is getting harder and harder to find time to do things you would for passion or love.”

However, that doesn’t deter the company from wanting to provide high-quality theatre for Canberra. Kitzel says they will continue to o er seasons that provide a laugh when it is needed and content that provides food for thought.

“Hopefully, there is at least another 90 years in store for us. It depends on what happens in Canberra; we have a solid base to get people involved which is certainly something we are not looking to change.”

Director, actor and teacher, Karen Vickery says she found her tribe at REP. Like Brown and Kitzel, she moved to Canberra for work, then after settling into her new position, wanted to reconnect with theatre.

“So many people move to Canberra for work and whilst your work relationships are great, it’s not the kind of variety you are used to. It provided me with likeminded people with diverse backgrounds,” Vickery says.

She joined REP around nine years ago and says part of its continuing success has been its ability to adapt to the changing theatre landscape in Canberra, which it has become more adventurous over time and accepting of interconnectedness with other companies.

“I think for a very long it was the only place but that is not true anymore so those relationships with other groups are really important,” Vickery says.

The passionate group of people involved in Canberra REP work hard to ensure they create a warm and celebratory environment, one that keeps people wanting to come back, she says.

“They talk about an ecosystem of theatre in every town or city and REP is really at the heart of it in Canberra.”

Find out more about Canberra Repertory Theatre at canberrarep.org.au

Canberra Repertory Theatre members celebrate the company’s 90th anniversary. Photo: Karina Hudson.

Members of Canberra Repertory Theatre perform Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Image supplied.

Now showing

Smile (MA15+)

In a psychiatric ward in New Jersey, the overworked and overtired Dr Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) tries to help her new hysterical patient, Laura Weaver (Caitlin Stasey) who recently witnessed her professor take his own life. Soon, Laura displays an unnerving smile as she clutches a piece of broken glass.

The month of October is now traditionally packed with creepy features in the lead-up to Halloween. This entry, from a first-time feature director, is based on their award-winning short which encapsulates the set-up; a nasty demon feeds on people’s trauma, leapfrogging victim-to-victim like a virus. Comparisons to the excellent Ringu/The Ring series, The Grudge, and the more contemporary It Follows are warranted, as to also Truth or Dare which incorporated the unnerving smile of the would-be antagonist/ victims.

Like an A24 thriller, the movie incorporates a synth score, harkening back to the glory days of VHS video nasties, tapping into the subconscious zeitgeist of the glory days of disturbing horror that was only available on intimate and below-board viewings rather than the wholesome blockbuster cinema experience. Like the movies that inspired it, a sense of dread and menace hangs throughout, with the efforts of our protagonist to break the curse appearing inconsequential.

The ambitious climax which showcases Rose’s early childhood trauma may make or break the movie for some, with events not cleanly aligning with the universe’s rules that were methodically set up beforehand.

Verdict: A solid Halloween thriller, which is ultimately too derivative of its fantastic influences. 2.5 stars. - Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net

Movie viewed at Dendy cinemas.

The Velveteen Rabbit: ‘sweet and poignant’

The Velveteen Rabbit, Child Players ACT’s new play, opening this week, is the original Toy Story, artistic director BJ Anyos explains: a magical but poignant story about the love between a boy and his stuffed animal.

The play is Ms Anyos’s own adaptation of Margery Williams’s 1922 children’s classic, a favourite childhood book for many.

One Christmas, a boy is given a velveteen rabbit that soon becomes his favourite toy. The boy’s love makes the rabbit “real”; like Calvin and Hobbes, what seems an inanimate stuffed toy to others is the boy’s closest companion, able to move and talk. When the boy gets scarlet fever, the rabbit, who loves him dearly, stays with him the whole time. But when the boy recovers, the rabbit must be thrown out. Fortunately, the Toy Fairy comes to the rescue …

“It’s a very sweet and moving story,” Ms Anyos says. “There are some beautiful themes in the story about love … and love making us feel real.”

One of her favourite lines is when another toy explains to the rabbit, who is new and naïve,

what love is. “It’s hugs and kisses, but it’s also flying, it’s falling, it’s buttons off.” “Will it hurt?” the rabbit asks, worriedly. “Oh, a little bit.”

“And then the rabbit actually feels love, what it is to be loved and to love.”

The play is Child Players’ first production with teenagers since before the pandemic. Ms Anyos had always wanted to adapt The Velveteen Rabbit, but the last two years have made it timely.

The parallels between scarlet fever in the book and COVID today, and the precautions and restrictions taken, spoke to her.

“A lot of the children in the audience will understand those things where they may not have in the past.”

Child Players ACT, a family-run children’s amateur theatre group, was established in 2005.

“Our aim is to give children a love of theatre, let them experience all aspects of theatre, not only on stage, but also on backstage,” Ms Anyos said. “We have young people acting; we also have young people directing, and young people doing tech. A holistic approach to theatre is our motto.”

The lead roles, the Velveteen Rabbit and the Toy Fairy, are played by Asha Ellis and Lily Welling, both long-term members of the company.

“It’s a show with a lot of heart, and we’re all working very hard on it,” Asha said.

Asha Ellis (Velveteen Rabbit) and Lily Welling (the Toy Fairy). Photo: Kerrie Brewer

“It’s a lovely show, with such a beautiful message … and it’s great for all ages to come and watch,” Lily agreed.

Asha, 14, joined Child Players when she was nine, and has acted in eight shows with them.

“I grew up here in the theatre, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” she said.

Asha’s mother was an actress, and put her children into shows from an early age.

“I remember seeing my older sisters doing Child Players because they were old enough; I looked up to them, and wanted to do that,” Asha said.

“As soon as I got into theatre, I loved it. I couldn’t get enough. I just love all the little moments you can create and show the audience – I love making people laugh and cry, if that’s what they want to do.”

Lily, 18, has been with Child Players since 2015, and appeared in 11 productions.

“It’s been a very long, very good journey… I say it’s my second family, my theatre family, because I’ve been here since I was 10.”

Lily began theatre when she was five years old.

“I’ve always loved to perform. I started doing

calisthenics when I was three – but let’s just say, I have two left feet! So dancing was not for me.”

Lily will make her feature film début in The Blacksmith, a horror film from Walk World Productions, which will première at Dendy in November. The cast – which also includes two of her siblings – has filmed every weekend for a year; filming wrapped in late September.

Both Asha and Lily want to pursue their passion for acting as professionals when they are older.

“I want to do a career of something that I love – and I love theatre and acting so dearly,” Asha said.

“My love has just grown and grown – and now I want to do it as a career,” Lily said. “There are so many benefits that come from theatre, in terms of confidence, and being able to make those personal connections and friendships.”

Both leads are also regional finalists in the World Monologue Games, a global acting competition with entrants from 19 countries. Entrants from 19 countries record themselves performing, and submit the videos.

Asha chose a monologue, “Blank”, about someone suffering chronic fatigue, and realising

how dissociated from the world they are.

“Growing up with a disability, I just related to watching everything go by, not actually being in it. It was nice to have that cathartic sense of releasing that, and showing that to Canberra.”

Lily wrote her own monologue, “Hiraeth”, which she intended to make into a short film. “It’s about a father / daughter relationship that’s gone a bit south… It came from a very personal place.”

Both will compete in the ACT and NSW round on 28 October.

The Velveteen Rabbit runs from 5 to 8 October at 11am and 2pm, Belconnen Theatre.

- Nick Fuller

The cast of The Velveteen Rabbit. Photo: Kerrie Brewer

That’s art and entertainment

CW Time Out editor Jessica Cordwell brings you the latest in arts and entertainment news from around the Canberra region. Highlights this week: Winners of the People’s Choice Awards for portrait prizes are announced, and a documentary offers an intimate insight into the aftermath of China’s one-child policy.

People’s portrait winners announced

The National Portrait Gallery has announced the winners of the 2022 People’s Choice Awards for this year’s prize season.

Taking home $10,000 in cash and the title of 2022 People’s Choice Award for the 2022 Darling Portrait Prize is Tony Sowersby with his portrait Sabine Desrondaux, Woman of Letters 2021. The colourful image captures Desrondaux at work on her postie bike; she was one of the few people the artist interacted with throughout the pandemic lockdowns. Sowersby says the work is a tribute to the courage and determination of all those who kept society going.

Luther Cora took out the People’s Choice Award for the 2022 National Photographic Portrait Prize with his portrait Flora and Fauna, Giara: White Cockatoo. The striking photo is of the artist’s daughter, Giara, in a makeshift studio in their Gold Coast home, also captured during a lockdown. Cora, a Yugambeh/ Bundalung man, says the image reflects his own thoughts

Flora and Fauna, Giara: White Cockatoo, 2021 by Luther Cora.

Sabine Desrondaux, Woman of Letters, 2021 by Tony Sowersby.

about First Nation People, and if they are ‘still classed as flora and fauna’. Cora’s win also sees him awarded $5,000 in cash. Find the portraits at the National Portrait Gallery until 9 October; portrait.gov.au

Love docks at The Q Community theatre group Queanbeyan Players bring their third production for the year to life at The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre on 14-23 October.

Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore or The Lass that Loved a Sailor, is a comedic opera that tells a tale of love on board a ship. The captain’s

levels of experience on board while delivering outstanding musical productions.

Jump on board HMS Pinafore at The Q, Queanbeyan, 14-23 October; theq.net.au

screen the documentary on 16 and 21 October.

All About My Sisters dives into the psychological damage that comes with the choices made when restrictions on the number of children a family can have are in place, especially when one gender is seen as more desirable.

Director Wang Qiong’s parents were desperate for a boy; when they found out they were expecting another daughter, they made decisions that continue to haunt the family. Filmed over the course of seven years, the documentary shows the fractured family with unwavering honesty and raw emotional detail.

Colour and light on show at Glassworks

Canberra Glassworks showcases two exhibitions from 5 October: Consuelo Cavaniglia, and Hannah Gason’s Arranging Light.

Consuelo Cavaniglia’s eponymous exhibition has been developed through a residency held at the Glassworks throughout 2022. Exploring handmade glass for the first time, the artist has created the showcase in response to the facility’s Smokestack gallery. Sheets of coloured glass float in the space to challenge our understanding of space and sight through an immersive experience.

Hannah Gason has been supported by artsACT in her newest exhibition that continues her series of works that explore the use of light, colour, and pattern. The Canberra-based artist has created various wall and floor works, using many small flat tiles. Through thoughtful arrangement, each unique piece has been arranged to create a sense of depth on a surface that appears to be continuously in motion. Immerse yourself in the exhibitions at Canberra Glassworks until 27 November; canberraglassworks.com

Bell Shakespeare unveils 2023 Season

2023 marks 400 years since Shakespeare’s First Folio. To celebrate the milestone, the Bell Shakespeare theatre company will hit the stage with a contemporary retelling of two plays from the folio.

One of Shakespeare’s most beloved works, Macbeth opens the season in Sydney from 1 March. Logie Award winner Hazem Shammas stars as Macbeth in the production, taking the audience back to the 1920s, post-WWI. The story follows a journey of moral collapse in a bleak time, as we uncover the darker side of humanity. The season hits the capital on 15-21 April at Canberra Theatre Centre.

The second work to be reimagined from the folio is a lighter one. The Twelfth Night is a romantic comedy telling a story of unrequited loves, hidden identities, and shows us how to find the light in dark times. Featuring music from ARIA award-winning recording artist Sarah Blasko, the show hits the stage at Canberra Theatre in mid-October next year. To find out more about the company or upcoming productions, vist bellshakespeare.com.au

Who owns your story?

ACT Hub and Chaika Theatre Company present Donald Margulies’ Collected Stories at ACT Hub, Kingston, 27 October-12 November.

Margulies wrote Collected Stories after hearing about a real-life case of plagiarism that a prominent poet took out against a novelist. He came up with the idea to examine the life of a professional writer and what happens when one writer shares their story with another. Is the story then only that of the first writer, or does it now belong to both?

The two female characters develop a strong bond as one mentors the other, with problems arising from shifting acclaim and professional status. Played by mother and daughter duo Karen and Natasha Vickery in this production, the play explores a struggle between two women who love each other.

See the events unfold in Collected Stories at ACT Hub, Kingston, 27 October-12 November; acthub.com.au

Bell Shakespeare brings Macbeth to Canberra Theatre, 15-21 April 2023. Image supplied.

Take 5 with Adam Harvey

Australian country music legend Adam Harvey and long-time tour partner Beccy Cole are celebrating the release of their duet album Great Country Songbook Volume 3 with a national tour. They perform at the Street Theatre on Friday 14 October. CW ’s Jessica Cordwell caught up with Adam for a chat while he was walking his dog, Dolly Parton.

1You and Beccy have been touring together for 20 years. How did you meet?

This is our thirteenth tour around Australia together. Over 20 years ago with Gina Jeffreys, we were the support act for her, and we just hit it off. We have been like brother and sister ever since.

2 How do you keep a friendship going for so long?

You spend plenty of time apart. Beccy says we have to stay friends because we know too much about each other.

3What can fans expect to see different this tour?

We have a new album, and new duets to play together. Beccy had a really bad time, a dark period in her life with a lot of mental illness, she was suicidal, and had to go to a facility. She talks openly about this. I was ringing her every day.

I reckon she is better than ever; she’s got her spark back. I think these are the best shows we have ever done.

4

You are also working on a book, how is it going?

I thought writing songs was difficult, but it is nothing compared to writing a book. It’s called Tales From The Road; it’s a collection of stories about some of the crazy and funny things that have happened to us while we are out on tour. Nothing nasty or mean; Beccy would make sure we would never find my body again

5

Do you have a favourite song to perform?

We do a song called I, I wasn’t sure about recording it at first. Anyone

Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole will celebrate their new duet album Great Country Songbook Volume 3 at The Street Theatre, 14 October.

who knows us knows that is never possible. I think that is part of what has made this last so long, there has never been anything like that going on. But, Beccy said let’s record it, it really sums up how I feel about you, you’re like a brother to me.

Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole perform at The Street Theatre, 14 October 8pm; thestreet.org.au Some of Adam Harvey’s answers have been condensed for publication.

Book talk

Jeff Popple reviews three fascinating books about birds and nature. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

Why Do Birds Do That? by Dr Grainne Cleary Allen & Unwin, $32.99

Birds are a vital part of our environment and have long fascinated humans. We are attracted to their colours, songs, and behaviours, yet most of us have little understanding as to why they do what they do. In Why Do Birds Do That? Melbourne-based ecologist Grainne Cleary sets out to answer our questions about birds. From why birds sing in the morning to why they attack their own reflections to how they can balance on power lines without getting electrocuted, Grainne answers over 50 questions in clear interesting prose. A must for anyone interested in birds and our environment.

Curlews on Vulture Street by Darryl Jones Newsouth, $32.99

The increasing spread of towns and cities means that the green space that our wildlife used to live in is being shrunk every day. To survive, many birds have learnt to live alongside humans in the concrete jungles we call home. In Curlews on Vulture Street, acclaimed Brisbane urban ecologist Darryl Jones explores the secret lives of the birds that live amongst us. In a chatty, lucid style similar to Gerald Durrell, Jones takes the reader on a fascinating journey through his own experiences as a bird watcher and provides insights into the city birds that many of us take for granted. Highly recommended.

Sweet in Tooth and Claw by Kristin Ohlson Scribe, $32.99

In her fascinating book, Sweet in Tooth and Claw, American Kristin Ohlson argues that our slavish devotion to Darwin’s principle of the ‘survival of the fittest’, has blinded us to the cooperation that exists in nature. In an articulate manner, she examines the ways in which nature is in constant collaboration to the betterment of all species – from how the discarding of salmon leftovers on the forest floor by bears adds vital nitrogen to the surrounding trees to the important role played by bees. She also discusses how new cooperative approaches are aiding regeneration projects and improving the environment. Insightful and interesting.

Canberra Weekly competition winners

WHAT’S ON

MANNING CLARK HOUSE: Features three artists as part of Canberra’s Biennial Contour 556: Brett Tone, Abdul Ahdullah, and Rosalind Lemoh, until 29 October; manningclark.org.au

GLASSWORKS: Hosts two installations: Hannah Gason’s Arranging Light, and Consuelo Cavaniglia’s self-titled exhibition, Canberra Glassworks, Kingston, until 27 November; canberraglassworks.com

CRUEL INTENTIONS: The ‘90s Musical at Canberra Theatre, until 8 October; cruelintentions.com.au

WAREHOUSE CIRCUS: A show full of acrobatic feats, juggling wizardry and more in Elemental, The Street, City West, 5-8 October; thestreet.org

RHYTHM & FLOW: Free songwriting in Hip Hop workshop with Serbian-Australian rapper Kirklandd, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 5 October 10am, registration required; tuggeranongarts.com

MT AINSLIE MUSIC CLUB: The community musical ensemble meets for improvisation every first Thursday of the month 8-10pm, Ainslie Art Centre; ainslieandgorman.com.au

ROALD DAHL AND THE IMAGINATION SEEKERS: The acclaimed tour from the UK comes to Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 6-8 October; trybooking.com

LIVING WITH THE DEAD: Professor John Turnbull presents his research on First Nation-Settler relations, National Library of Australia, 6 October 12.30pm; nla.gov.au

ZONTA’S ART SHOW: The Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast hosts a showcase of local artists’ works, Old Barn, Pialligo, 7-9 and 15-16 October.

HOPE: Artists from Sydney’s Australian Design Centre bring their work to Canberra in this exhibition at GOST, Watson, 7-23 October; galleryofsmallthings.com

CURSES TO NEWTON: Join bumbling scientific wannabe Brett Hoppenbrouwer as they stumble through Isaac Newton’s finds, Belconnen Arts Centre, 7 October 11am and 2pm; belcoarts.com.au

LITTLE DAY OUT: Music, performances, and food vendors at Gorman Arts Centre, Friday 7 October 1-4pm; events.humanitix.com

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS: Bell Shakespeare presents this production of swapped identities, misguided love and chaotic mishaps, Canberra Theatre, until 8 October; bellshakespeare.com.au

THE ARTS TRAIL: Returns to celebrate local artists and makers from Queanbeyan, Bungendore, and Braidwood, 8-9 October; visitqueanbeyanpalerang.com.au

CANBERRA BONSAI SOCIETY: Annual show features over 80 perfectly sculpted bonsai, Canberra High School, Macquarie, 8-9 October; cbs.org.au

CELEBRATE GUNGAHLIN FESTIVAL: Celebrate, participate, connect, and create with a host of events for the wider Gungahlin community, 8-22 October; belcoarts.com.au

FARM AND ART OPEN DAY: Learn about regenerative farming with a day out, start at Earth Canvas at the National Museum of Australia before heading to Millpost, 8 October; trybooking.com

OPEN DAY: Torrens Community Hall opens its doors with demonstrations and workshops for the whole community, 8 October 10am-3pm.

NAIDOC FAMILY DAY: Enjoy live entertainment, market stalls, food, coffee and activities at Boomanulla Oval, Narrabundah, 8 October from 11am; facebook.com/naidocACT

INSPIRED - GET PAINTING: With Crock’d Planters spend the afternoon painting to relax, Canberra Outlet, 8 October 11am and 1pm; eventbrite.com.au

URBAN GUERILLAS: Launch their Equation of Life EP, Smith’s Alternative, 8 October 3pm; smithsalternative.com

ROCKET MAN VS PIANO MAN: All the very best hits of Elton John and Billy Joel performed at Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, 8 October 8pm; goulburnpac.com.au

CONNECTION: An immersive journey through Indigenous culture at the National Museum of Australia, until 9 October; nma.gov.au

EARTH SCIENCE WEEK: Geoscience Australia host walks, talks, workshops, and more, 9-15 October; ga.gov.au

ROAD TO HEAVEN: ANU Chinese Classical Music Ensemble performs for one night only, ANU, Sunday 9 October 2pm; trybooking.com

FAIRYTALES ON ICE: Touring Australia directly from a sell-out tour of US, classic tales comes to life on the ice, Canberra Theatre, Sunday 9 October 4pm and 7.30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

BRIC-A-BRAC RUMMAGE: Hunt for second-hand treasure in front of South.Point, Tuggeranong, Sundays 9am-3pm.

BACKBONE: This circus show celebrates human interconnectedness while testing the limits of strength in all its forms, Canberra Theatre, 13-15 October; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

SHAUN MICALLEF: Discusses his memoir

Tripping Over Myself at Manning Clark Hall, ANU, 13 October 6pm; eventbrite.com.au

DEADLY DIALOGUES: Michael Torres and Tamati Smith share their journeys in the field of photography, National Library of Australia, 13 October 6pm; nla.gov.au

Send your free entertainment listings to: arts@canberraweekly.com.au with ‘what’s on’ in the subject field. Deadline is 10 days prior to Thursday edition date.

Sunkissed: Oranges and cream

though Elle Woods famously said that “Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed,” orange continues to be an unexpected It-Girl colour at fashion weeks around the world. If you’re seeking to experiment, consider pairing it with soft whites for a clean look with a bit of zest.

Hanan Ibrahim wearing Bougessa at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022. Getty.

Violet Grace Atkinson wearing AJE dress, Manning Cartell coat, Bally shoes, and Dior bag at Australian Fashion Week 2021. Getty.

Airport style takes off again

Dating back to the Golden Age of both Hollywood and air travel - when boarding a plane was the daytime equivalent of a red carpet for the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren - today’s airport style has touched down on a midpoint between “Stars: they’re just like us!” and “Imagine wearing $10,000 heels to the airport.” After a clear hiatus, celebs are back to selling us the idea of looking chic on a six-hour flight. Whose airport style would you steal?

WITH FASHION & BEAUTY EDITOR, ANJA DE ROZARIO

A jewel-tone shirt dress works on two levels: it will hide any stains from inflight meals and is crisp enough to take you from the airport to lunch. Andie MacDowell is slaying this look, with a sharp flat and oversized shades.

A pair of very wide, lightweight jeans can be a great alternative to sweats, and as demonstrated by Angelina Jolie, you can wear any pyjama top you like if you pack a chic, figure-cutting trench to throw on later.

Leaning more towards the “for show” side of airport style, Anne Hathaway’s androgenous oversized suit certainly lends the idea of comfort while nailing Parisian chic. Her sneakers do look comfy, though.

Pulling off her usual “Weird Girl” aesthetic with ease, Bella Hadid’s Jean Paul Gaultier ensemble is a spin on athleisure, worn with an adorable pair of Mary-Janes.

Former Victoria’s Secret Angel, Elsa Hosk looks unbelievably polished in a roomy cardigan and matching knit pant by layering a crisp white turtleneck underneath … and by being Elsa Hosk.

It’s hard to discuss airport style without acknowledging its popularity amongst K-pop idols. Seen as a more laid-back version of their stage personas, Jennie from Blackpink is seen here looking cute and comfortable in an oversized shirt dress and riding boots.

Model Soo Joo Park displays airport style for warmer weather when arriving in Nice, France for the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival last year.

Tips for dealing with varicose veins in the

Summer

There’s nothing like an Australian summer to get us visiting the beach, camping, or going out to enjoy the warm evening air.

But even though many of us enjoy soaking up the rays, swollen, veiny legs can often stand in the way. For those with the condition, here are some tips for dealing with varicose veins in the summer.

Why do varicose veins get worse in the summer?

“Warm weather warms your body. In response, your body tries to cool itself by dilating the vein walls,” says Dr Zil, director of The Vein Institute.

Dilation of varicose veins causes their already turbulent blood flow to become worse. This can worsen your varicose veins’ associated symptoms, like cramping and swelling.

How do you manage varicose veins in the heat?

“Keep cool, keep active, and stay summer safe,” says Dr Zil.

Staying cool

Minimising your veins’ dilation by taking a dip in the pool or swimming at the beach and sticking to air-conditioned spaces will help keep some of the symptoms at bay.

Staying active

Regular exercise, meanwhile, boosts circulation.

Dr Zil recommends:

1. Swimming (if outdoors, try to go before 11am or after 5pm)

2. Go on early morning and late afternoon walks

3. Wander around your local air-conditioned shopping centre

4. Do gentle exercises in an air-conditioned room or gym

5. Take an indoor yoga or Pilates class

Staying summer safe

Varicose veins are sensitive to UV rays. So, stick to the shade, slip on light, protective clothing, slop on a healthy coat of sunscreen, and slap on a hat. You should also drink plenty of water to thin your blood.

“Staying hydrated will make it easier for blood to travel around your body, reducing the stress on your veins”, says Dr Zil. “Not to mention, it will keep you from overheating.”

Dr Zil also recommends wearing compression stockings and appropriate shoes.

“Wearing compression stockings is one of the best ways to manage swollen legs and varicose veins, especially on hot days,” says Dr Zil.

“Footwear, meanwhile, has a distinct e ect on the circulation in your legs. And tight and tall shoes aren’t a good fit for the summer.”

According to Dr Zil, tight shoes make it harder for your blood to flow into and out of your feet, while high heels stop your calves from moving properly, thus making your veins work overtime. This strain, combined with the stress

of hot weather, can worsen your symptoms.

So, try to wear properly fitting shoes, and opt for a lower, thicker heel.

Seek treatment

“Of course, the only way to avoid dealing with varicose veins in the summer is to treat them in the winter or spring,” says Dr Zil.

Not only will treatment save varicose vein patients a lot of aches, but it will also give you summer-ready legs.

So, if you’re ready to take the next step, book an appointment at The Vein Institute’s Canberra clinic by calling 13 VEINS (13 83467).

The best way to avoid dealing with varicose veins this summer is to treat them now, before the hot weather arrives, says Dr Zil, director of The Vein Institute.

What’s up Doc? Healthcare workers take out hottest profession

How did a worldwide pandemic affect our perception of attractiveness as a society?

We know that online dating usage surged from late 2019 to 2022, as lockdowns and isolation took a global loneliness tax on almost everyone.

Meanwhile, our screens were flooded with healthcare workers bravely putting themselves on the frontlines while the vast majority of us cheered them on from the safety of our homes.

Ten years ago, a trophy supermodel or dashing firefighter may have been many Aussies’ best guess for the nation’s pick of hottest profession.

However, according to a recent

study by eHarmony, many toned abs have been traded in for a set of scrubs and a caring, can-do attitude.

Nurses were voted the number one most attractive profession according to Australian men, beating out models, flight attendants, teachers, and, interestingly, doctors at number five most attractive.

Meanwhile, Aussie women voted ‘doctor’ as the number one most attractive profession, followed by tradie, firefighter, engineer, and lawyer.

Has COVID-19 made us feverish for partners who can take care of us?

eHarmony psychologist Sharon Draper says, “We commonly associate traits with certain careers; nurses are caring, lawyers are

A recent survey found nurses were voted the number one most attractive profession according to Australian men, while ‘doctor’ topped the list for Aussie women.

strong-willed and so forth.

“We then use these traits to make judgements about a potential partner and our compatibility with them.”

According to the research, around four out of 10 Aussies (42 per cent) agree that someone’s job can influence their attractiveness.

It doesn’t stop there, however; over a quarter (27 per cent) of respondents admitted to considering whether a particular job might give their own perceived hotness a boost when applying for a new role.

“Not only does someone’s job tell you about their personality, but it also tells us about the compatibility of your lives together,” says Ms Draper.

“One aspect of a person’s life doesn’t define them but acts as a puzzle piece that may or may not fit our picture of our future lives.”

Perhaps that is why 59 per cent of Australians ask a first date what they do for a living, despite a third (34 per cent) saying they would not care what their potential partner earns.

At least one in 10 openly states that the lowest income that they would deem acceptable for a potential partner to make is over $110,000.

This is a significantly loftier standard than the national median personal income of just under

$42,000 according to the 2021 Census.

And, while it was toted that all frontline workers were celebrated during the height of the pandemic, even going as far as to memorialise them together on a $2 coin, some were more venerated than others, and the Aussie dating-scape proves it.

While doctors and nurses climbed to the top of our lists, the eHarmony study also questioned which professions Aussie men and women found least attractive – the results were revealing.

Cleaners and truck drivers were among the five least attractive professions, according to both Australian men and women, despite both professions being inordinately crucial to our society’s withstanding of the pandemic.

Sure, those brave hospital workers shown on the news (and Grey’s Anatomy) may have had some influence, but let’s not pretend it’s less admirable to keep the supply chains going when everyone else has been told to stay put, or to tackle head-on the contamination that put us all at risk.

Dear Aussies: Next time you’re swiping through the dating apps or asking that cutie what they do for a living, just remember: not all heroes wear scrubs.

Murkani launches new collection with celebrated Aboriginal artist, Daisy Hill

Australian fine jewellery label Murkani, has launched a capsule jewellery collection, Connected, featuring artworks created by Aboriginal artist, Daisy Hill.

The collection is available for purchase locally at Bijoux in Griffith.

Aboriginal artist and storyteller behind the designs, Daisy Hill, said she was thrilled for the opportunity to expand her artistic expression through a different creative medium and to help improve awareness of Aboriginal culture.

“Every design and the meaning behind it is unique and is a celebration of Aboriginal art and storytelling,” she says.

“This collection has been intentionally designed with symbols, meanings, and stories from my ancestors that help the wearer not only reflect on our connections but also draw strength from them.”

For every necklace sold from Connected, $5 will be donated to the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) to help increase the

number of scholarship opportunities at their Partner Schools.

AIEF defines success as First Nations students’ completion of Year 12 and a successful transition to further tertiary studies or employment.

The collection’s four distinct pendant designs include: Rainbow Spirit, described by Daisy as “reminding us that no matter where our journey may take us, the people we love are never far away. Her bright arches provide us a pathway that connects us to the spirit world”; Nurturer, “a U shape to represent two people, interconnected by a bond that can never be broken”; Kindred, “A symbol of harmony that gives us a sense of belonging”; and Sun Spirit, “She reminds us the future is bright and each day represents the chance to start anew.” Note: The symbols and meanings shared are unique to Daisy Hill and do not represent all First Nations people. All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural groups have different

Connected pieces are available for order, priced from $169 to $199.

perspectives, interpretations and understandings of the stories and knowledge.

The healing power of herbal teas

Infusing herbs in hot water extracts not only delicious aromas but also a great deal of the healing properties of the plant used. It’s likely you have some herbal teas in your cupboard at work or home. So, let’s explore some of the benefits of the herbs that make up the more popular teas.

Peppermint

A popular tea for its delicious taste and refreshing aroma, peppermint also has some serious benefits, especially for the digestion. Studies have shown peppermint can relax spasms in the intestines, oesophagus, and colon, so it’s a good one to try if you experience indigestion, nausea, or cramping, especially after a rich meal.

Lemongrass and Ginger

One of my personal favourites, it combines two delicious herbs. Ginger is another herb which supports digestion, in particular; many studies have shown it can help with motion sickness and nausea in pregnancy. Ginger is high in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation.

Lemongrass also has anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties and has shown promise as a herb to inhibit cancer cell growth.

Rosehip and Hibiscus

A colourful and delicious immune boosting and adrenal soothing combination. Rosehips are the fruit of the rose plant and have very high vitamin C levels and other anti-inflammatory compounds that can ease inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Hibiscus has anti-viral properties and has been shown to reduce high blood pressure.

Chamomile

The ultimate soothing herb that is good for digestion or ‘the Mother of the gut’, according to renowned Australian herbalist, Dorothy Hall. Chamomile is also well known as a tea to help with insomnia, however, like most herbal remedies, it’s important to match the right herb to the person as what works for one doesn’t work for all. So, if chamomile doesn’t help you unwind and sleep, there’s another herb out there that will.

Lemon Balm

Another delicious gem from the mint family, lemon balm has wonderful calming and tension relieving properties. It’s often used to reduce anxiety and promote better sleep as well as to ease pain and discomfort from indigestion.

Time to put the kettle on!

Editor’s note: This wellbeing column provides information that is general in nature. Please always refer to your preferred health professional for advice suited to your personal healthcare requirements.

From

From Positano to Florence, Naples to Rome, Italy is globally renowned for its impeccable style and elegance entwined with historic and regional influences. Sunny, southern waterfront villas radiate colours of blue, yellow and terracotta, embodying the relaxed lifestyle, traditional northern houses nestled in vineyards exude a rustic, cobblestone ambience, while apartments in cities like Milan are chic and contemporary, fit for the most stylish people in the world.

Inside & out

The latest

with

Home editor, Abbey Halter.

New releases at Scott Leggo Canberran photographer Scott Leggo has released his winter wall art collection that beautifully captures the snow gums in harsh, relentless snow and ice, the peaceful Thredbo River, the Australian Alps viewed from a helicopter, and the striking Canola fields in the Riverina region. Available at scottleggo.com or at Scott Leggo Gallery in Kingston.

Open Gardens Canberra welcomes visitors

purchase a $10 ticket via Eventbrite.

For more information, visit opengardenscanberra.org.au

It’s pebble season!

Resilience, Kosciuszko National Park NSW, by Scott Leggo.

Gini’s Garden, Casey Garden, Cook’s Garden, and Tigminou have bloomed and are ready to welcome Canberrans to take a walk through their magnificent range of flora in their magical gardens. Gini’s Garden will be the first to open to the public, from Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 October 10am-4pm at 4 Tamar Street, Red Hill. Free entry is provided to members; non-members can

Australian DIY gardening and horticultural specialist, Jack, have declared it’s the season of the pebble – and we’re here for it! As decorative as it is an excellent solution to reduce soil evaporation and erosion, and protect the roots of plants, pebbles are an easy, versatile way to spruce up your garden. Available at Bunnings.

Add a pop of blueberry pottery

Villeroy & Boch’s latest dreamy shade of blue dining collection is a fresh and modern addition to a contemporary kitchen. Focusing on round shapes, the collection includes a coffee cup and mug, saucer, dinner plate, breakfast plate, deep plate, and bowl. Available at David Jones in the Canberra Centre.

ticket

With statement stained-glass windows greeting you at the entryway, stylish terracotta tile construction, and a courtyard transporting you straight into a Positano villa, 11A Elder Street, Braddon is a cottage haven you don’t want to miss out on.

Built in 1924, this property has been tastefully renovated to feature a waterfall edge stone bench top in the kitchen, contemporary, stylish bathrooms, and a built-in barbecue making entertaining a breeze. While this charming home has all the luxuries of modern living, the captivating grandeur of its 1920s hallmarks remains purposefully intact.

Agent Stephen Bunday says the townhouse has been beautifully renovated while still retaining its ‘Melbourne Federation’ style, character, and charm.

“The home is full of 1920s allure from the facade right through the house, which is evident in the rare for Canberra 10ft-ceilings, timber windows, and

Federation

original fireplace,” Mr Bunday says.

“It’s a short walk to the delights of Lonsdale Street in Braddon, and not much further to everything the city centre has to offer. It’s uncommon in Canberra to find a property that offers space, while still being so close to the hustle and bustle of the city.

“It’s a unique offering and was actually one of the first privately built homes in Canberra. It’s a private oasis which offers peace and tranquillity right at the city fringe. There’s nothing more to do but move right in!”

Featuring evaporative cooling and ducted gas heating, an enclosed carport with an automatic door and additional storage, and a prime location nestled next to the Braddon Tennis Club and across from the Ainslie Art Centre, this enchanting and simply delightful home is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Canberra’s history.

$60M expansion, 19 new retailers for Marketplace Gungahlin

Marketplace Gungahlin is about to ‘level up’ with a $60 million expansion, including an overhead bridge and new level built above Kmart and Woolworths.

Set to bring a total of 19 new retailers to the shopping precinct, Marketplace will soon be home to the largest format Chemist Warehouse in Canberra, Aldi, a 1000sqm Asian supermarket, and 16 specialty retailers.

Marketplace development manager, Phillip Knackstedt says: “We’re so thrilled to be enriching Marketplace’s offering with a new retail mix that responds to the significant growth in the region and brings more convenience and an elevated shopping experience to Gungahlin.

“We don’t just want to exceed community needs and expectations, we also want to give reasons for people outside of Gungahlin to visit the region and drive further economic growth here too.”

The pedestrian Skywalk Bridge over Hibberson

Street will connect the new Level 1 addition above Kmart with the South Mall (where Big W is currently located), while the inclusion of an indoor children’s playground continues “the theme of connectivity”.

“In 2017, we tackled the underground connection of the two malls when we opened the underground carpark. Now, as we level up, we’re offering even more connectivity and convenience via an overhead bridge,” Mr Knackstedt says.

“This play space will be a fantastic meeting point for family and friends where they can enjoy some time together or simply have some respite after a busy day of shopping.”

Monday 10 October will mark the first key milestone of the development as the Skywalk Bridge is set to be delivered, and Hibberson Street will be temporarily closed during its construction. While the street will be closed to vehicles, it will remain open for pedestrians.

“Construction of the bridge is monumental – it’s

enormous with a floor area of approximately 130 square metres and a height of approximately 4.5 metres, and requires a police escort to get to its location. It’s going to be quite the experience and a game changer for the Town Centre,” Mr Knackstedt says.

“The bridge link will provide undercover and air-conditioned access across Hibberson Street which the community has been requesting for some time.”

Construction is set to be completed in July 2023.

ACT annual dwelling starts expected to slump to 5,000

The construction of new residential dwelling starts in the ACT is predicted to fall from 5,810 in 2022 to 5,000 in 2024, as shown in Master Builders Australia’s (MBA) most recent forecasts.

Numbers are expected to recover to 6,000 in 2026 but MBA ACT CEO Michael Hopkins says the predicted level of residential construction is not sufficient for Canberra’s forecast population growth.

The report forecasts the total construction activity in the ACT will average $3.8 billion each year until 2026 with a sustained local workforce of at least 20,000 workers.

The greatest contraction this year will be experienced within commercial construction and is

expected to recover each year.

Significant infrastructure projects, including Light Rail Stage 2, will see civil and engineering construction activity fare the best, growing to $972.7 million in 2024.

Mr Hopkins says the speculated drop in dwelling starts reflects widespread and ongoing inflationary pressures and labour shortages.

“Local residential construction is being constrained by the ACT’s tight land market, slow land release policies, and bottlenecks in the planning approval process,” he says.

“With the Territory already facing chronic housing shortages, the construction industry will be looking to the release of the draft Territory Plan later this year for

planning reforms which remove the approval barriers that exist for [the] construction of new housing, especially in established suburbs.”

He says reforms across many other parts of the country that encourage a range of housing types located close to services and infrastructure in established suburbs are commonplace yet building dual occupancies on RZ1 blocks in the ACT remains contentious.

“If the ACT is unable to tackle housing reform with urgency, we will not only fail to house our future population but make it harder for businesses to attract skilled workers, which will ultimately impact the ACT’s economy,” Mr Hopkins says.

Canberrans spark charge for energy efficient housing

Canberrans are among Australia’s greenest residents, with the ACT scoring top spot in almost every category in the latest PropTrack Energy Efficient Housing Report that explores energy efficient homes across the nation.

The survey reveals almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of Canberrans view the energy efficiency of a home as ‘extremely important’, beating out all other states and territories.

The ACT also topped the country by having the highest rating of energy efficient new housing stock at 6.9 stars.

Only the ACT reported having a significant proportion (22 per cent) of properties able to meet the economically optimal rating of 7.5 stars or above.

The top two reasons ACT property seekers searched for energy efficient homes are to reduce

their energy bills (74 per cent) and to contribute to helping the environment (57 per cent). The most searched energy efficient feature by Canberrans is solar power (66 per cent).

According to PropTrack senior analyst Karen Dellow, “as new housing stock is built, the national and state level energy efficiency scores are increasing. Currently, the national rating is 6.2 while the ACT has the highest rating at 6.9.”

Marketplace in Gungahlin will get a $60 million expansion with a total of 19 new retailers. Photo supplied.

6 Waygoose Street, Kingston $2,500,000 Belle

21 Froggatt Street, Turner $2,175,000 Home by Holly

117 Tillyard Drive, Charnwood $1,800,000 Distinct

7 Dakin Place, Hackett $1,650,000 Home by Holly

1 Janga Place, Aranda $1,550,000 Belle

4 Barclay Place, Nicholls $1,475,000 Luton

13 Lindwall Place, Nicholls $1,425,000 Town Residential

23/58 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston $1,260,000 Maloneys

12 Pooley Street, Forde $1,240,000 MARQ

39 Kallara Close, Duffy $1,190,000 Edge

5 Numiari Street, Bonner $1,150,000 Luton

9 Howmans Street, Harrison $1,105,000 Luton

108 Weatherstone Circuit, Googong $1,060,000 Upside

64 Jensen Street, Hughes $1,050,000 Carter + Co

44 Pennefather Street, Higgins $1,000,000 Stone

67 Solomon Crescent, Latham $1,000,000 Belle

3/59 Mcwhae Circuit, Wanniassa $990,000 Hive

4/79 Torrens Street, Braddon $960,000 Hive

305/155 Northbourne Avenue, Turner $950,000 LJ Hooker

9 Mckenzie Street, Kambah $930,000 Confidence

13 Arthur Street, Queanbeyan $925,000 Belle

5/12 Bullala Court, Ngunnawal $725,000 Luton

39/18 Cornelius Street, Coombs $720,000 Purnell

19B Abrahams Crescent, Conder $690,000 Luton

1/38 Kenyon Circuit, Monash $685,000 Solely

22/45 Blackall Street, Barton $638,000 Carter + Co

3 Nangi Place, Ngunnawal $630,000 Trusted Realtors

52/115 Canberra Avenue, Griffith $630,000 Belle

25 Wyselaskie Circuit, Kambah $620,000 Hayman Partners

16/39 Benjamin Way, Belconnen $610,000 One Agency

71 Chirnside Circuit, Kambah $600,000 Bertram Ellis

705/6 Gribble Street, Gungahlin $580,000 LJ Hooker

213/100 Swain Street, Gungahlin $506,000 LJ Hooker

Luxurious

Located in the heart of the sought-after suburb of O’Connor, this north-facing property is an entertainer’s dream, offering tranquil living and a hint of Tuscan charm. Nestled in a quiet, tree-lined street abounding with birdlife, 36 Moorhouse Street is a perfect forever home.

Featuring stunning slate flooring in the living areas, gorgeous plantation shutters and timber windows in the dining area, this stylish home also boasts a relaxing spa bath and an outdoor electric deck heater.

Agents Andrew Lonsdale and Bradley McDowell describe this property as an architectural redesign of an original monocrete home focused on garden outlooks and a low-maintenance lifestyle.

“This property feels like an inner-city Melbourne

north living

sanctuary with a landscaped courtyard entrance and extensive outdoor entertainment area at the rear,” they said.

“There are light-filled living areas inside the home with cedar windows to create indoor to outdoor entertainment spaces that flow together effortlessly.

“Located only a couple of hundred metres from the iconic O’Connor shops with convenient dining options and facilities – you can walk to everything you need!

“It’s an ideal property for someone to lock up and leave - plus a fabulous oversized double garage.”

With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, dual occupancy living and no body corporate, this luxury home is an inner north gem.

3

EER

Auction

15 Oct 1.30pm

View On request

Agent Andrew Lonsdale

0428 486 692

Agent Bradley McDowell

622 702

Taylor

Shugg Street

This contemporary three-bedroom townhouse has gorgeous high-end finishings throughout, providing you with luxury living and a free-flowing floor plan. Featuring a tri-level design with separate living areas, soaring 3.5m ceilings and multiple entertaining spaces, this immaculate home is a must to inspect.

The open-plan ground floor features a split-level layout providing you with stunning segregated living spaces. The welcoming entry opens into the sun-drenched lounge room that also opens into the low-maintenance and private courtyard which is perfect for entertaining.

The home then flows through to the open plan kitchen, living and dining space, where the well-appointed kitchen features stone benchtops, gas cooking, and a breakfast bar. Glass sliding doors open out onto the generous balcony from the modern living space that has beautiful 3.5m ceilings.

EER 6.0

Auction Sat 8 Oct 10am

Agent Troy Thompson Mob 0408 694 917

Agent Olivia Fairweather Mob 0478 653 447

LJ Hooker Gungahlin

3999

The Del-Rey site

is surrounded by

Creek

It is a boutique, low rise development beautifully designed by Judd Studio with an eye catching, Californian inspired facade.

its heart is a unique central atrium designed to create cross flow ventilation to most apartments.

Beautiful kitchens and stunning bathrooms featuring luxury upgraded inclusions as standard.

High level of security featuring video intercom, controlled lift access and CCTV throughout common areas.

For convenience 22 on-site visitor car parks & parcel lockers to keep your deliveries safe.

A huge rooftop alfresco entertaining area set amongst gardens with seating, cooking facilities, amenities, village green and magnificent water & mountain views.

A selection of parks and playgrounds close by, including the brand new Holdens Creek Pond Play Space and the $6 million world class Ridgeline Park and Playground.

Double glazing throughout and high energy efficient construction.

approved and construction is nearly finished. Developed, designed and built by an award winning team that has a strong track record of delivering iconic projects in the ACT.

Modern & Extravagant Home

Home with Serenity & Luxurious Lifestyle!

Home with Soul, Charm and Ambience in a Premium Red Hill Location

AUCTION

Manse’ of Yass

a hidden oasis

far removed from a busy world.

privacy

extensive gardens, right in the centre of town. You

experience this property to fully appreciate

sense of history, grandeur, and unparalleled splendour.

from Rossi Street with a long gravel driveway,

Manse

originally built in 1886 and has been

renovated and lovingly restored over time to what

now an historical masterpiece for modern living. Period

with original doors, latches, windows,

inside the gateway

Manse delivers. You could be anywhere, but you are only 500 metres from the

the cafe’s, eateries, and shopping.

Manse

space,

oorboards, towering ceilings with ornated cornices,

wide veranda’s

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WITh paTsY benneTT

www.patsybennett.com

for personal readings, contact p atsy through her website to make an appointment, or call 0448 808 333.

facebook: facebook.com/patsybennettpsychicastrology

Instagram: instagram.com/patsybennettastrology

celebrity birthday

Hug H Jackman 12 October 1968

Hugh Jackman’s screen charisma is supported by his ability to be focused, wellorganised and diligent, and the combination of these qualities will continue to bring inspiring projects in the film industry his way. currently, a change of focus that leans towards his love of the arts, music and creativity may make a marked influence on the projects he chooses moving forward, bringing more attention to his romantic, artistic qualities.

libra sepT 24 – oc T 23

You’ll enjoy a change of routine this week and the chance to balance work with your domestic and family life. Monday’s full moon is an opportunity to establish more harmony in your life, especially in your primary relationships and, if you were born mid- o ctober, at work.

s CO r P i O oc T 24 – nov 22

You’ll enjoy a trip or get-together this weekend, but as some aspects may be intense, be sure to pace yourself. Monday’s full moon suggests you may begin a fresh, more upbeat schedule that boosts your mood and that of others, so prepare to focus on ways to boost energy levels.

Ca P ri CO r N dec 22 – Jan 20

prepare for a new chapter in your home or family. This may be due to a change that is unavoidable and intense feelings could arise. a reunion could be ideal. Luckily, your activities could whisk you into many new ventures that you’ll enjoy, especially those that represent something new.

aquarius Jan 21 – feb 19

n egotiations, trips and agreements that take you into new territory will be exciting and could improve relationships too. s omeone may have news to share that requires a sensitive approach. If you get stuck on ideas, think laterally as you may discover a wonderful solution to an old problem.

aries M ar 21 – apr 20

This weekend, you’ll enjoy a change in your usual schedule. Monday’s a ries full moon signals a fresh chapter in a personal or work relationship, so be sure to be positive about making agreements and forging relationships you’re happy with, as developments may be unexpected.

Taurus a pr 21 – M aY 21

It’s all systems go, as you get the green light to progress with a venture that has been brewing for some time. You’ll receive news that enables you to move forward with more clarity. You’ll appreciate the chance to deepen some friendships – and to leave others you have outgrown.

Ca NC er J un 22 – J u L 22

Monday’s full moon will spotlight an activity that will broaden your horizons such as travel, a legal matter or study. embrace the new in exciting ways but be prepared to put health first. a friend or organisation may surprise you, and the best way forward will be to gather information.

leO J u L 23 – aug 23

This weekend you’ll enjoy a change of schedule. g et set to make new arrangements for a shared project or relationship, a financial or legal matter. n ew agreements you make will be binding or hard to get out of, so ensure that you’re happy with the terms if you’re making a commitment.

sagi TTarius nov 23 – dec 21

You’ll appreciate reconnecting with friends this weekend. You’ll be drawn to retail therapy but are prone to overspending. If you’re working, it’s likely to be a memorable weekend. Monday’s full moon will shine a light on family or a domestic matter. b e prepared to put someone else’s needs first.

P is C es feb 20 – M ar 20

a new chapter is about to begin. This may bring some of your vulnerabilities to the surface, or lead to unavoidable, tough decisions in your personal life or financially. This is an excellent weekend for meeting groups and friends, where you’ll derive great support and direction.

gemi N i M aY 22 – J un 21

Monday’s full moon will shine a light on your career or a change of status, and this may be a reflection of a domestic matter. It’s a good time to re-think how you see your career, especially if you work from home. If relationships are challenging, avoid conflict and focus on communication skills.

virg O aug 24 – sep T 23

a creative or family matter will merit care and attention this weekend. You’ll enjoy a get-together or good news. Monday’s full moon will shine a light on a relationship. If someone seems obstinate, avoid allowing this to distract you from your goals. If you need support, reach out: it’s available.

LOCAL

All suburbs

Alex today

Behind every door, a bigger surprise is in store with the Disney Doorables Series 7 mini collectible figures. These new a-Doorable collectible mini figures each stand approximately 3.8cm tall and feature signature Disney Doorables stylised detailing and sparkly glitter eyes.

There are 50 characters in Series 7 to collect with characters from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Frog, The Jungle Book, Frozen Summer, Disney-Pixar’s The Incredibles, and Inside Out

WIN! Disney Doorables collectibles WIN! Mia and Me: The Hero of Centopia film passes

Disney Doorables Series 7 mini collectible figures are available from Big W, Kmart, Coles, and Target for kids aged 5 and up.

For more info, visit justplayproducts.com/brands/disneydoorables and join the fun on Instagram: @disneydoorables.

CW has 3 x Disney Doorables prize packs to be won, valued at $69 each.

When Mia returns to her old family summer home for the first time since her parents’ death, she is suddenly taken back into the unicorn world of Centopia through the magical portal. There she meets Iko, an elf from Lotus Island, who desperately needs her help. Toxor, a monstrous, toad-like, vindictive villain, is taking over Lotus Island, transforming its fabulous citizens into an army of will-less henchmen with its dark magic. When faced with the biggest villain Centopia has ever known, Mia will learn what it really means to be a hero.

In cinemas 27 October 2022.

CW has 10 x Mia and Me: The Hero of Centopia (PG) in-season double passes to be won.

Enter to win

To enter, scan the QR code or visit canberraweekly.com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to ‘Competitions’, find the competition you wish to enter and follow the entry instructions. Entries close 9am Friday 14 October 2022 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person per giveaway. Entrants must be aged 18+.

WIN! Tom Bailey tickets

Tom Bailey, original member from the ‘80s hit pop group Thompson Twins, has announced

return to Australia and will be in Canberra on Wednesday 26 October at the Canberra Theatre. He will perform some of the great songs from the Thompson Twins, including all the tracks from their global hit album Into The Gap. Their fourth album included Doctor, Doctor, Hold Me Now, You Take Me Up and was one of the biggest album releases of the year and was Top 5 in Australia.

3 x double passes to Tom Bailey’s 26 October performance to be won.

favourite things

Jessika Spencer

First Nations weaver, photographer and activist Kamberri/ Narrungdera

Jessika is a Wiradjuri woman from the Sandhills of Narrandera/ Narrungdera, NSW. For over the past decade she has resided on beautiful Ngunnawal/ Ngambri country, where she currently creates her art. Her focus is land management, sustainability and cultural heritage. Being an Indigenous woman, culture and art go hand in hand – they are intertwined and an ongoing source of inspiration for her. Through her varied art forms, Jessika explores her cultural identity. She does this via photography, poetry, writing, activism and both contemporary and traditional weaving. Jessika was a finalist in the

DJIBINY

My beautiful little Galah! She came to me as a rescue, and I’m convinced we’ve known each other before. Trust me, you’ve never seen the amount of sass she has. “Djibiny” – Wiradjuri for “Bird” (pronounced “Ji-bin-ee”).

WEAVING

My biggest passion. The whole process is a labour of love: I collect the fibres from country, dry them, eco-dye them, soak them and then weave baskets, coolamons, wall hangings, dilly bags and jewellery with them.

FIRST NATIONS LITERATURE

My absolute favourite work to read. I have solid bookcases that are overflowing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander work. The work is always empowering, and so inspiring to read.

CRYSTALS

I have these absolutely everywhere! All over my apartment, in my car, my pockets, all of my handbags – I even sneak them into the baskets and bags I make for people.

NICHOLAS SPARKS

Biggest guilty pleasure. One of my earliest memories with my Mum was watching Message in a Bottle with her as a little one, and I’ve loved all of his work ever since.

Photo Kerrie Brewer