13 October 2022

From the editor

10 October was World Mental Health Day. Despite Mondays being one of my busier days at work, making time to attend Lifeline Canberra’s morning tea to mark the day turned out to be very beneficial for my mental health and lifelong learning.

As well as their small team of devoted employees, Lifeline Canberra has several hundred highly trained volunteers who are there to listen when someone who’s struggling calls Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis support line. These “angels” o er a highly professional clinical service enrobed in empathy – and never judge what constitutes a crisis in someone’s life. While some callers may be feeling suicidal, others just need someone to listen to them, to reassure them they’re not alone. Listening is a vital, yet often underrated, skill.

Lifeline angles spoke of the need to do something every day to nurture one’s own mental health – from sleep hygiene, to being in nature, meditating, or walking the dog. What will you do to care for yourself today?

Reasons to be grateful this past week include Lifeline Canberra’s amazing team, a full-on night of theatre at Cruel Intentions The ‘90s Musical at Canberra Theatre, Everyman Theatre’s truly remarkable production of Beautiful Thing at ACT Hub, Dramatic Production’s joyful performance of School of Rock The Musical at Gungahlin, serendipitously bumping into friends, weekend sunshine, therapeutic weeding sessions, and irises in bloom. Take care,

Regulars

on the cover

and Ben Lang with their children Chelsea, Declan, and Emmy (front), and dog Lucy, are grateful for the support provided by Ronald McDonald House Canberra while Emmy remained in the NICU at Canberra’s Centenary Hospital for Women and Children back in 2014. The House celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Alex Nisiriou @ Jared Vethaak Photography.

cover story, page 4.

Ronald McDonald House Canberra turns 10

A decade of providing a home away from home for over 3,600 families

Sunday 16 October 2022 marks 10 years since the opening of Ronald McDonald House Canberra, supporting seriously ill children and premature infants and their families. The House has been providing a home away from home for over 3,600 families with children in hospital in the last 10 years – including Emmy’s mum, Annette.

Emmy’s 11-week premature birth in October 2014 meant that she had to be in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) under observation 360km away from home for over three months.

“Emmy was immediately helicoptered after birth from Griffith, NSW, to Canberra’s Centenary Hospital for Women and Children. I was not allowed on the helicopter and had to make the 4.5-hour trip by car with my husband Ben. We had no idea where we’d stay when we got there and were overwhelmed by what lay ahead of us,” recalls Annette.

“I was very upset about leaving my two children at home and Ben had to return to work. When I was told I could stay at Ronald McDonald House Canberra, and that I could bring my family with me to visit or even stay, it was such a relief.

“The House became a safe haven during those three months. I could visit Emmy in the middle of the night if I wanted to and not worry because I was just on another floor,” says Annette.

While Ben had family support back home, Annette found comfort in the people at the House during that time. She developed friendships with other families in the House that, although were going through their own difficulties, would keep a lookout for her wellbeing as she would for them.

“Emmy had very serious complications and for weeks it felt like we were constantly getting bad news. I was emotionally exhausted and missing my other two children. Having the comfort of other families and volunteers around me was immeasurable during this time. I don’t know how I would have coped otherwise,” confesses Annette.

Eventually, the family decided that Emmy’s thenthree-year-old brother Declan would stay at the House with Annette to relieve her emotional stress.

“Ben would not have been able to visit as often as he did, and I would not have been able to see my other two kids as often as I did if it were not for RMHC. And Declan being able to stay with me was amazing,” says Annette.

A night ingrained in her memory is when she had to rush to Emmy in the middle of the night, leaving a sleeping Declan behind.

“The NICU called me and told me that Emmy was unsettled and was out of milk and I needed to bring some to her. I was distraught but then a volunteer promised me he would sit in the hallway

Mum, Annette, snuggles a tiny baby Emmy, who was born 11 weeks premature in October 2014. Emmy will soon celebrate her eighth birthday.

outside my door so that if Declan woke, he would hear him and bring him to me.”

“When I came back, this wonderful volunteer was exactly where he said he’d be – sitting in the hallway outside of my door reading a book, Declan was still sound asleep in his little bed. This memory will stay with me forever,” explains Annette.

Today, Emmy is seven years old, loves playing with their dog Lucy, and enjoys spending time with friends. Annette remarks she would love to take Emmy back to the House some day to show her where her journey began.

“We still think about the House and the wonderful friendships we made. Even the kids hear us talk so much about the place and encourage friends and family to support the charity.

“At a time when you’re completely swallowed up in the wellness of your child, just having people take care of some of the basic things can go a long way.

“To the community who support this charity with donations or volunteering, please don’t ever think your efforts go unnoticed. RMHC was not just a roof over our heads, it was an emotional support system, it was the feeling of being home when we weren’t able to be at home.

“It was a huge part of our lives back then and will always be cemented in our hearts and minds,” says Annette.

As Ronald McDonald House Canberra celebrates its 10th birthday, a family currently in the House is completing close to a year-long stay since their child was born almost 10 months ago with a critical abdominal defect requiring ongoing treatment.

The Lang family’s story is a reminder that whether it’s three nights, three months or 300 days, the charity makes a difference by giving children in hospital the best gift of all – their families.

Now living in Brisbane, the Lang family – parents Annette and Ben with their children Chelsea, Declan and Emmy (front) – are forever grateful for the support and accommodation provided by Ronald McDonald House Canberra over several months while Emmy remained under observation in the NICU at Canberra’s Centenary Hospital for Women and Children. At the time, October 2014, the family were living in Griffith, NSW, 360km north-west of Canberra. Photo: Alex Nisiriou @ Jared Vethaak Photography.

Restoring trust in

The Robodebt debacle had a devastating impact across Australia. Over 400,000 people had unlawful debts raised against them by the previous government, marking a shameful chapter in the management of our social security system and a massive failure of public administration.

My electorate of Bean was no exception, with the scheme creating catastrophic stress and anxiety for many of my constituents. In one instance, a 28-year-old constituent with an intellectual disability was being chased for a debt all the way back to 2015 without any prior notice or review of her earnings by Centrelink. Our most vulnerable – often those most ill equipped to properly understand or challenge the basis of such debts – were targeted.

The previous government persistently denied the scheme was illegal or that it was doing harm, dismissing concerns as a ‘roboscare’. After months of victims of Robodebt being dragged through further stress, anxiety and hardship, the scheme was found to be illegal and the government finally agreed to zero the debts.

After a class action by the representative

public institutions

applicants, the Commonwealth agreed to a settlement costing $112 million, a huge waste of public money for something that should never have happened. Thankfully, most debts raised using averaged income information have already been refunded and anyone who made repayments of debt raised using Australian Tax Office (ATO) averaging of income under the program between 2015 and 2019 is eligible for a refund.

We need to ensure such a debacle never happens again and understand how ministers and senior public servants overlooked something so significant as the unreliable income averaging based on ATO data. Additionally, why there was a failure to acknowledge the mounting evidence of serious problems following its implementation.

Beyond the harm that Robodebt has caused to so many vulnerable Australians, we also need to consider its impact on democratic governance, government integrity, and broader trust in our public institutions. Robodebt demonstrated a total disregard for citizens where they felt disempowered and under attack. If we do not restore public trust in our institutions, we risk

losing people’s cooperation with the public system. Our social contract is compromised and undermined.

Alarming statistics have already been revealed by Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Analysing perceptions of public sector corruption, Australia has plummeted since 2012 from 11th to 18th out of 180 countries. Furthermore, a Vote Compass survey found that 85 per cent of Australians believe corruption is a problem in this country.

As promised prior to the election, the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme was established by the Albanese Government and proceedings have now commenced. The Commission’s focus will be on decisions made by those in positions of seniority and, as requested, federal departments and other relevant agencies will provide information. Anyone with relevant information will also be able to engage in the process.

Like many Australians, I look forward to the final report to be delivered by April 2023. It’s critical that we restore integrity and confidence in our system.

SCHUBERT PHIL

Winning battles for everyday people

Eighteen years ago, director at Blumers Personal Injury Lawyers, Phil Schubert, was the bright-eyed, bushytailed student president at University of New England, the usual suspect behind social justice campaigns on campus.

Rallying for others has always been his bread and butter.

“As is the traditional narrative, I came to Canberra to become a public servant and change the world,” he smiles.

“In 2008, I knew I wanted to move into work as a solicitor. I was looking for jobs when a friend recommended Blumers.

“I thought I would only be here for a couple of months, but it just clicked – a totally natural fit,” he says.

“I love that I can help people experiencing the worst moments of their lives and get insight into who they are.”

the world a better place for them.

“There’s a big di erence between nothing and something,” Phil says. “When our clients have nothing, we get them back to that something that can make all the di erence.”

Contrary to popular belief, for the majority of Phil’s clients throughout his career in Personal Injury law, it’s their first time at the rodeo.

“They’ve never been so injured before that they needed to make a claim, never had to deal with the experts at insurance companies.

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget when dealing with real people in distressing situations that they are extremely vulnerable. Phil always made me feel that I mattered. Mine was a very long and tiring journey with a great outcome. I have no hesitation recommending Blumers to anyone.

- Bettina, August 19, 2020

“They’re in a vulnerable position, and at risk of not getting a proper deal – that’s where we come in.

“I always say that you get to be a translator in this line of work, translating what occurred to the judge, then translating back the legal mumbo jumbo to the client so they can stay in the loop.”

cases to and over the line.

While Phil laughs that he has never counted his total number of settled cases, he notes that to ensure they settle before going to court, as most do, you have to build a particularly strong case.

On top of attention to detail and expert discretion, Blumers excels in this corner by funding all investigation expenses.

“A doctor’s report can cost a few thousand dollars that an everyday person just doesn’t have sitting around, especially if you’re just out of work and paying medical treatment expenses.

“We decided long ago that if we could cover those costs, the cases would go much more quickly and smoothly for our clients. Plus, it’s our skin in the game, so you know we’re in your corner.”

For a lawyer who will get your Personal Injury case over the line, find Phil Schubert at Blumers Lawyers, Level 12, 15 London Circuit, Canberra City.

Over a decade later, Phil remains focused on winning battles for everyday people, helping his clients get back on their feet so they can move on with their lives.

“For me it’s about supporting the mums and dads who are stuck in some bad luck, making

In 2016, Mark and Noor [Blumer] invited Amy Burr and Phil to join their partnership team, becoming the four main pillars of the firm.

“It was a big step, and I never looked back,” Phil says.

When searching for new partners in their family firm, Mark and Noor kept an eye out for the “finishers,” the solicitors known for getting

Level 12, 15 London Circuit Canberra City ACT 2601

Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm blumers.com.au blumers@blumers.com.au (02) 6208 2600

EVs, solar panels, wind turbines and ethics

A study from the University of Texas has shown that it takes 12 tonnes of carbon emissions to build an electric vehicle (EV), as opposed to six tonnes to build a petrol-driven vehicle. It also showed that hybrid cars were even less toxic to build and are the most efficient. It concluded that a driver would have to go 100,000 kilometres at least before the net emission savings benefits of EVs above petrol cars kicked in.

Hybrids use a smaller battery that constantly charges whenever the petrol part kicks it. That’s good news for hybrids, but not so good news for the ACT government, which is going hell for leather into EVs, and only wants EVs sold in the ACT after 2030.

Countries such as Australia, the UK, and those of Western Europe and North America need a reality check.

Firstly, it is by no means certain we will have baseload electricity to power all these EVs by 2030.

Secondly, it seems there is little benefit

to reducing emissions unless we use hybrid vehicles.

Thirdly, and speaking of emissions generally, 47 per cent of all emissions in the world are from countries that have refused to commit to zero emissions by 2050 – namely China (30 per cent of all emissions and rising); India (7 per cent, and which needs to bring 300 million citizens out of poverty); and Russia (6 per cent, and which is enjoying punishing Western Europe for their lunacy of going headlong into renewables with disastrous results in blackouts and huge cost rises as a result of very little electricity being produced in 2021/22 due to a lack of wind and sun). Other smaller countries make up the remaining 4 per cent. It is probably too late to stop humaninduced climate change unless the world’s population shrinks from eight billion to five billion in the next five or so years, which obviously won’t happen. We need to adjust.

Fourthly, solar panels have a 20-year life span, are quite large, and end up in landfill.

“Dad isn’t ready for aged care”

They contain toxins that will contaminate the soil as do the various components of wind turbines. Where on earth do we safely put all these used solar panels?

As well, there is a developing ethical dimension to all this. China supplies 80 per cent of Australia’s solar panels and most of our wind turbines. But it is becoming apparent that China extracts materials from mines in the Congo where child slave labour is used. The solar panels and many wind turbine components are made by Muslim Uyghur slaves in the ‘re-education camps’. What do Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Teals, the Federal and ACT Greens, and ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr intend to do about it?

We need to look at other more effective and ethical ways of getting to 43 per cent by 2030.

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.

Canberra’s new breed of Buyers Agents

Hi Canberra.

We’re your dedicated Buyers Agent team changing the way you buy homes for the better.

Genuine, experienced and passionate about property. Our vision is to help you make well-informed decisions, purchase the right property, pay the right price and enjoy the home you deserve.

what a rst

job at Macca’s can lead to

“It started o as a way to enter the workforce and ended up being my gateway into Canberra,” says 27-year-old restaurant manager of McDonald’s Dickson, Kailee Murdoch.

decided to apply to work with her mates at the Wodonga Macca’s® on the Victorian side of the border with NSW.

for Animal Crossing and Pokémon,” she smiles.

the local Macca’s, the restaurant in the neighbouring town o ered her a job on the service crew.

started on fries at the Albury restaurant.

“Back then, I didn’t talk at all, to the point where I was too scared to ask my manager if I could go get more fries from the freezer.

customers, my team, and my crew. It built up my people skills.”

attend university, Macca’s became a means of landing on her feet.

“I needed to start working straight

away to pay rent here, so I spoke to my restaurant manager at Albury, and he said just go for it, do an interview at one of the Canberra stores.

“They told me that the second I

moved into my residence in Canberra, I could start working at the Braddon McDonald’s,” Kailee says.

There she befriended her

co-worker (and future wife) Claire, bonding over their shared experiences

bonding over their shared experiences on the job.

“I never actually finished my degree and ended up following the McDonald’s pathway instead.

“The first year that I lived in Canberra, I was working full-time and

and ended up following the studying full-time.

“Even though I liked what I was learning, I wasn’t enjoying the study as

Kailee started putting more hours and more e ort into her career at Macca’s and began learning the

“Even though I liked what I was much. Macca’s and began learning the systems.

“Then I was being sent on a course in the Sydney head o ce – and I loved what I was doing.

“In 2018, when I was given the

“In 2018, when I was given the opportunity to run a restaurant, I absolutely said yes.”

The first restaurant Kailee would manage was at the Westfield Belconnen food court.

The first restaurant Kailee would Belconnen food court.

“During lockdown, the owner of McDonald’s Dickson called saying he wanted me to come and reopen a fully renovated restaurant with a new big playground to give back to the Dickson community.

“He thought I was the right person because I was excited about the position, I cared, and I wanted to be

wanted me to come and reopen a fully playground to give back to the because I was excited about the here.

Macca’s the people and the food.”

“All you need to work at Macca’s is a good attitude and that care factor for the people and the food.”

Every day at Maccas is di erent; every day you learn, grow and teach.

every day you learn, grow and teach.

Kailee was 15 years old when she

“At 15, it was just a way to save up

While there was no availability at

“I said ‘yes’, and in April 2011, I

“Now I’m constantly talking – with

When Kailee moved to Canberra to means of landing on her feet.

Managing a team and seeing them succeed is a special life for a Macca’s Restaurant manager.

“Right now, I have nine retail trainees, four of them are getting signed o in November on their Certificate III. And they get that from working with us, they don’t have to pay for any of that.

“The people aspect is definitely the best part of my job,” Kailee says.

“One of my managers, I hired her at Belconnen food court when she was 14. I’ve been able to see her thrive, go through the Cert program, and use those points to finish Year 12 early.

“It’s a great entry point into the workforce,” she says.

“Kids at 14, 15, 16, they don’t know what they want to do yet. Either we can give them the skills while they’re at school so that when they finish school, they can finish up here too and start their careers.

“Or, if they’ve completed school

and still don’t know what they want to do at 17, they can stay here for a bit longer; start learning management pathways, which, whether they stay or go, is a win-win.”

She explains how McDonald’s is also a means of employment for international students who “while it’s not their first time working, it might be the first time working in Australia”.

“A lot of the time, the reason they come to us is because it’s familiar to them. They come here and McDonald’s will be one of the first places that they know, so they apply.”

Kailee, who became a restaurant manager at 21, says that her situation isn’t uncommon as Macca’s workers often start in their early teens and can become managers in their early 20s by following the pipeline.

“By that time, they already have a really solid understanding of how the business works and can step into these roles.”

As full-time restaurant managers, both she and wife Claire have been able to save up for a house, purchased in 2019, and fund Claire’s new photography business.

“Though she still does some shifts for us when it gets busy,” Kailee smiles.

Kailee, on the other hand, isn’t sure yet which door in the Macca’s pipeline

Now McDonaldsHiring!

she will choose next, whether it be management, training, or moving straight into the head o ce.

“I haven’t decided, but I’m sure it will be another call that I say ‘yes’ to,” she smiles.

To find out about career opportunities at McDonald’s, visit careers. mcdonalds.com.au

Day Crew

Hours Between 5:00am - 4:00pm

Night Crew

Hours Between 4:00pm - 11:00pm

Late Night Crew

Hours Between 11:00pm - 5:00am and Cleaning

Kailee says working at Macca’s has improved her people skills and management expertise.

Kailee was invited to manage McDonald’s Dickson after the restaurant’s recent renovation.

Light rail – London Circuit construction work begins

Work has begun on the ACT Government’s project to raise London Circuit and connect it to Commonwealth Avenue – “one of the most significant changes to the road network in central Canberra since the 1960s,” Transport Minister Chris Steel said.

Government ministers said the road works would connect the CBD to Lake Burley Griffin, but warned Canberrans to rethink how and when they travelled to Civic over the next couple of years.

The construction work is part of the government’s controversial light rail stage 2 to Woden. The government states that light rail, the next stage of Canberra’s integrated public transport network, will give the public more transport options, reduce traffic congestion, and transition the city to zero emissions.

New traffic lights and a new bus lane are being installed at the northern side of Vernon Circle, enabling safer bus movements into the CBD interchange, Mr Steel said. The turning lane will be closed for 12 months, so drivers will need to find alternative ways to move through the CBD

using London Circuit.

At the same time, a new footpath and pedestrian signals are being constructed on City Hill between Constitution and Edinburgh Avenues. The government says this will better connect the eastern and western parts of the CBD, so people can move through the city more easily.

Work crews will then build up the road on London Circuit between Constitution and Edinburgh Avenues to create a new intersection level with Commonwealth Avenue.

“Connecting London Circuit to Commonwealth Avenue is a precursor to a number of very significant city-shaping projects,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

Through the City Renewal Authority, the ACT Government is working at Acton Waterfront and on the blocks that will be created by connecting London Circuit to Commonwealth Avenue – these will connect the city to Lake Burley Griffin.

“In many regards, this takes the city forward, but back to an era when it was a little more walkable than it currently is,” Mr Barr said.

Raising London Circuit is expected to take two years, before stage 2A of light rail (City to Commonwealth Park) is constructed.

The ACT Government has asked the community to rethink their travel behaviour, and to consider when and how they travel into the CBD.

The government expects most of the disruption to occur at peak times, particularly in the morning. At the moment, the disruption will be limited to the north end of Vernon Circle, while four carparks will become site compounds, losing some of their parking spaces.

A significant amount of congestion will begin at the end of the year when the first overpass on Commonwealth Avenue over London Circuit is demolished.

Details on upcoming traffic and parking changes can be found at BuiltforCBR.act.gov.au/ travel-impacts.

- Nick Fuller

Read an extended version online at canberraweekly.com.au

Woden turns 60, but has it been left behind?

This year marks 60 years since the National Capital Development Commission defined the boundaries on suburbs and released housing contracts in the Woden region. To celebrate the milestone, the Woden Valley Community Council is hosting a community focused fun day at Eddison Park on Sunday 16 October from 1pm.

The birthday will be celebrated with free activities the whole family can enjoy. Kids can take part in various activities like hoop shooting, teens are encouraged to enter the skate competition, while yoga and other workshops will be offered throughout the afternoon. There will be live music, dance performances, and local makers offering their wares at the art markets. Attendees will be able to learn more about the region from local groups like Landcare and Friends of Mawson Pond.

But for Woden Valley Community Council president, Fiona Carrick, the birthday is not all fun and games; it’s also a time to reflect on how the region has changed over the past 60 years.

Ms Carrick says Woden once had a thriving recreational precinct which has been torn down

or moved; now all they have is more high-rise apartment buildings.

“All our social side of stuff is diminishing while we are having residential towers and the government will say more residential towers means more people, brings more activity. Okay, maybe, but there is already 100,000 people living around here. If this is not a nice place, people won’t come here. The people in the towers will get in their cars and go elsewhere,” she says.

Ms Carrick has lived in Woden since 1968, occasionally moving suburbs but always staying in the area. When she was a child, she recalls there was nothing further south and her family used to make day trips to picnic at Pine Island. As development continued, Woden became the central hub of the south, once bursting with nightlife at clubs and pubs.

Ms Carrick believes the focus shifted to the city, which is understandable as that’s where tourists go, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of the local town centres.

“We could have had better planning for social

Woden Valley Community Council president, Fiona Carrick, wants more recreational infrastructure to reinvigorate the region. Photo: Kerrie Brewer.

infrastructure and for public spaces. We got some new coloured street furniture, but it takes more than coloured street furniture to attract people here,” she says.

Celebrate Woden at Eddison Park this Sunday 16 October 1-4pm, weather permitting; tuggeranongarts.com

Read an extended version of this story at canberraweekly.com.au

- Jessica Cordwell

Christian

Those who practise Christian Science do their best to live the bold, generous, and compassionate love that Christ Jesus laid out in his Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7). This is at the heart of our Christianity. We would love to welcome you to any of our services. Children and young adults from babies to 19 are welcome in our Sunday School and creche.

Save the date: Free public talk on Christian Science by international speaker Alexandre Fischer – Saturday 26th November 3.00 pm.

Our church is at the corner of Macquarie and Bligh Streets in Barton.

Sunday Service: 10.00 am

Sunday School: 10.00 am Wednesday Testimony Meeting: 6.15 pm

Bookshop and Reading Room: 11.00-2.00 Mon-Fri (at this address)

JONATHAN BIGGINS MANDY BISHOP DREW FORSYTHE PHILLIP SCOTT

Canberra Theatre Centre and Soft Tread Enterprise present

Discover our regional good works

Did you know? Our network of members, volunteers and shops continue to provide good works across the region.

Proceeds from our shops help people needing our assistance, providing practical support such as food, clothing, and financial support.

Want to volunteer?

Find out more here or visit your local Vinnies shop!

Birth Centre delivers 10,000 babies in 30 years

On Thursday 10 November, any and all Canberrans whose lives have been touched by the much-loved Canberra Hospital Birth Centre are invited to a gala dinner celebrating its 30th year.

Since opening in 1992, the Birth Centre has welcomed approximately 10,000 babies, and its midwives have supported well over 20,000 families.

“Everyone is welcome!” says Christine Fowler, midwife of over 35 years.

Turning back the hands of time to Tuesday 13 February 1990, another welcome was printed in the local newspaper, inviting one and all to join the ‘Pram Parade’ outside the Legislative Assembly rallying for the establishment of an ACT Birth Centre: “BYO prams and children.”

The peaceful, women-led rallies were part of a strong consumer push in the 1980s that was felt across the country for a less medicalised, physiological labour and birth. Women wished to birth in a homelike environment, rather than in a busy hospital labour ward.

“Research shows that the birthing space does matter,” says Chris. “Women need to feel safe and

supported for their hormones to work as they should during labour and birth.”

Birth centres had already been established in Sydney and Melbourne, leading a passionate group of women’s health care clinicians, academics and consumers, with midwives among them, to form the ‘ACT for Birth’ working party.

“With strong and persistent lobbying of the ACT government, including several rallies, this group and its supporters were successful,” says Chris.

Even with funding won from the Federal Budget for ‘alternative birthing services’ to build a centre, there was opposition from parties who didn’t agree such a facility was necessary, echoes of which can still be heard today.

Despite this, in April 1992, the Canberra Birth Centre was born –an entirely new concept in birthing for local mothers at the time.

The initial Birth Centre was situated on the ground floor of the Maternity Unit of the then Woden Valley Hospital.

“It had three birthing rooms, two with baths, with a home-like design,” says Chris.

Chloe Norton, Judy Williams, and Bernadette Miller are midwives at the Canberra Hospital Birth Centre, which has seen over 150 midwives care for women and families over the past three decades. Photos: Kerrie Brewer.

Goulburn Region Far South Coast Region

Tuggeranong & Monaro Region

Western Region

“In 2012, the new Birth Centre opened on level three of the new Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, now with five rooms – all with purpose-designed baths to support water birth.”

Bernadette Miller, who will also celebrate her 10-year anniversary as a midwife this year, notes that water births are by far the most popular birth with the heat and buoyancy of the bath easing labour pains.

Over the decades, the centre has become home to the highly in-demand Canberra Midwifery Program, as well as two assessment rooms, a large education space, a kitchenette, and lounge area. With homelike interiors, medical equipment stored out of sight, and midwives walking around in plain clothes, it’s a warm and tranquil space promoting the “normality” of birth.

“Promoting wellness and normality is hugely important,” says Bernadette. “Emphasising that

women are made to do it, they’re able to do it, and they can do it, helps them to do it.

“As midwives we hold that space for normal birth for women.”

Over the decades, more than 150 midwives have cared for women and families in the Birth Centre.

“In the early years, pregnancy and birth care was supported by several local GP obstetricians, which stopped with changes in maternity care services and the development of the continuity of midwifery care programs,” says Chris.

The continuity program also provides care for up to 30 per cent of women birthing at Centenary Hospital, and now includes a homebirth service.

Since the early days, the Birth Centre has been supported by ‘Friends of the Birth Centre’, which raises funds through their annual picnic, taking place on 3 December this year, and the Birth Centre calendar – featuring names of all

the babies born there during the previous 12 months.

The program and its midwives are also supported by the many midwifery, medical and other staff working at Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, many of whom have welcomed their own babies in the Birth Centre.

Bernadette says her favourite part of “the most amazing job in the world” is “just seeing that little family

come together”.

“At the end, when you’ve been with a woman for her whole pregnancy and you’re sitting there in those final couple of visits, seeing her at home breastfeeding her baby … That is the best feeling in the world.”

Tickets to the 30th anniversary gala dinner are available via Eventbrite; sales end at midnight on 26 October.

- Anja de Rozario

With the Home Energy Support Rebate

HOUSEHOLD Eligibility

Offering a relaxed, homelike environment at the hospital, Canberra’s Birth Centre has delivered around 10,000 babies since it began in 1992.

Anti-Poverty Week Art Competition

ACT Anti-Poverty Week (APW) 2022 is being held 16-22 October. The APW Art Competition is a youth art competition open to all ACT Youth 18 years and under. Entries are open until Sunday 16 October and the theme of the APW Art Competition is ‘Including Everyone’. Winners will be announced on Friday 21 October. Visit antipovertyart.com for details, and find out more about APW at antipovertyweek.org.au

GIVIT Donation of the Week: Seedlings

GIVIT is assisting a hospital-based mental health service provider in the ACT caring for individuals experiencing a mental illness. As part of their recovery program, they are reinvigorating garden spaces so that patients can have a relaxing and enjoyable space away from the clinical hospital environment. They are requesting donations of seedlings or seeds for gardening activities for their adult patients to help with mental wellbeing and recovery. They are also accepting Bunnings vouchers to purchase these items. Generous Canberrans can fund this request, and 100% of money received by GIVIT is used to purchase seedlings or a Bunnings voucher. To donate to or fund this request, please visit www.givit.org.au/whats-needed, search Keyword: seedlings; Location: ACT. GIVIT supports more than 400 charities and community groups across the Capital Region by matching your item or generosity with people who need it most.

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

VIEW Club

Canberra REP Retro Sale

The Canberra Repertory Society’s wardrobe storage is bursting at the seams, so we are having a three-day sale of costumes, clothing, tailcoats, dinner jackets, jewellery, suitcases and more from Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 October 11am-3pm. Check out all the goodies and find some hidden treasures at Rep Theatre, 3 Repertory Lane (off Ellery Crescent), Acton. Entry via Stage Door, facing Repertory Lane.

Trivia night

The 4 Curves gyms of Canberra in conjunction with the Bold Bandannas Relay for Life Team are holding a Trivia NIght on Saturday 15 October 6.30pm at Deakin Sports Club, 2 Grose Street, Deakin. Tickets $30 per person. All money raised goes to the Cancer Council ACT. Tables of 8. For further information or to book a table, phone Rosemary on 6288 7752.

HAVE YOU HEARD?

Recovering from breast cancer?

Woden: The next meeting is on Tuesday 25 October 11.30am at Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden. Cost: $32 for a two-course meal. Guest speaker: C. Moore from the Health Care Consumers’ Association speaking about Advanced Care Plans. RSVP to Maureen by 19 October on 0427 383 343.

Queanbeyan Evening: The next meeting is on Wednesday 19 October 6 for 6.30pm at Vanilla Pod Café, Riverside Plaza, Queanbeyan. Cost: $35 for a two-course meal.

Guest speaker: Jenni Cole from Tarago Area Women’s Shed. RSVP to Sue on 0448 427 237 or nasforbes@bigpond.com by Sunday 16 October.

Yerrabi: The next meeting is on 20 October 11.30am at Eastlake Gungahlin. Guest speaker: an AFP representative will talk about home and cyber safety. For more information or if you would like to attend and then join us for lunch at the Bistro afterwards, please contact Dorothy on 0419 698 091 or dotric65@gmail.com by 16 October.

Probus Club

Queanbeyan: Formed in 1989, our combined men’s and women’s club meets on the third Monday of each month 10am-12pm. The next meeting is on 17 October at Queanbeyan Ladies Bowling Club, Campbell St. More info: Dawn on 0419 114 832.

Another Chance op shop

Another Chance op shop at Scullin shops, Ross Smith Crescent, is having 50% off the entire store from Friday 14 to Saturday 22 October. Open weekdays 10am4.30pm and Saturday 10am-1pm. The shop is a project of Mosaic Baptist church.

Kippax Marketplace and Family Fun Festival

Join us for our monthly Marketplace at Kippax Uniting Church. Our focus this month, 15 October 8am-12pm, is all things garden – plants, pots, tools, small garden furniture and features. Cash and card accepted. This event will be combined with a free family fun festival, with lots of fun activities and a barbecue.

Come and try dragon boating with Dragons Abreast Canberra for fitness, fun and camaraderie on Saturday 12 November 9-11am at Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton. Free trial paddles for one month. Enquiries and RSVP: email comeandtrydac@gmail.com or call Megan 0414 508 250.

Charity Stall

Relay for Life Team, the Bold Bandannas, will hold a stall at the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets on Saturday 22 October 8am-5pm to raise funds for the Cancer Council ACT. There will be homemade preserves, pickles, chutney, lemon butter, and sugar reduced preserves; a range of hand-sewn items, including children’s dress-ups, hand knitted doll’s clothes and covered coathangers; crocheted hand towels; and worm juice for your plants. Also selling many philatelic items. We are the sole seller of a children’s book called Who Took the Egg?. More info: call Jan on 6231 0761.

COGS Kambah Community Garden Open Day

The annual Kambah Community Garden Open Day and Seedling Sale is back on Saturday 5 November 10am-3pm. The garden is located at the corner of Springbett St and O’Halloran Cct, Kambah. Free entry and parking adjacent to the nearby Kambah Woolshed. The community garden celebrates 21 years this year. It is one of 12 operated across Canberra by the Canberra Organic Growers Society (COGS). Visitors will have a chance to inspect 36 individual plots, a common herb garden and an experimental garden. Other attractions will include a sausage sizzle, coffee van, gardening-related stalls, guest speakers and the LDK choir.

what's on  must do  must see

Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical opening night, Canberra Theatre. Photos: Ayu Srimoyo

ABOVE Lifeline Canberra World Mental Health Day morning tea, Margaret Whitlam Pavilion, National Arboretum Canberra. Photos: Kerrie Brewer BELOW Project Lighting’s 50th anniversary celebrations, The Marion, Regatta Point.

Stuffed Savoy Cabbage Recreate Monster Bar’s Plant’d menu

WITH TASTE EDITOR, ANJA DE ROZARIO

It’s Vegetarian Awareness Month, and Ovolo’s restaurants are celebrating with a scrumptious ‘Plant’d Pop Up Menu’. If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or purely interested in seeing just how delicious meat-free meals can be, stop in any night for the rest of October.

Or, if you’re a keen home chef, give their recipes a shot at home.

Herbivore Dumplings

Serves 5 (4 wontons per person)

For the yoghurt sauce

100g natural yoghurt

Pinch salt

Pinch nutmeg

Start this recipe the night before. Hang the yoghurt in a sieve over a bowl and place in the fridge overnight (this removes excess whey, creating Labneh).

Whisk together by hand and keep in a bottle.

For the wonton dumpling filling

Half onion, finely diced 500g plant-based mince 170g roasted pumpkin, diced 4g confit garlic

1g Kebsa spice 20mL vegetable stock reduction

Sauté onion and mince.

Add other ingredients and cook until fully combined and heated through.

Buerre Noisette sauce

100g pumpkin, diced 1 garlic clove, crushed Pinch Kebsa

Sprig of thyme

6g pine nuts

Lemon juice, to taste

Combine the diced pumpkin, crushed garlic, Kesba, and thyme in a roasting pan.

Roast on 200 o C until fully cooked.

Toast pine nuts in a pan over a low heat until golden in colour.

Produce a beurre noisette sauce with diced pumpkin mix and toasted pine nuts, add lemon juice to stop cooking process.

To assemble: Smear each plate with yoghurt sauce and top with wontons, pour over the buerre noisette and garnish with fried sage.

Serves 5 (2 parcels per person)

For stuffed cabbage parcels

150g Jasmine rice

500g plant-based mince 1.5 onions, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 50g butter

Thyme, few sprigs Sage, chopped 2 eggs

Savoy cabbage

Salt, to season 40g grated cheese

Cook rice according to packet instructions.

Add the butter to a saucepan, stir in the onion and garlic. Cook until soft but without colour.

Strip the thyme leaves from the branch, add to the pan then remove from the heat and transfer to a large bowl.

Finely chop the sage and add this to the cooked onion mixture. Add the minced “beef”, egg and cooked rice, season with a little salt. Mix everything together and set aside.

Boil a pot of water and blanch the cabbage leaves for 1 minute before cooling down in ice water. Once cooled completely, pat dry using kitchen towels.

Add the mince mixture to the blanched cabbage leaves and roll into tight cylinders.

Steam parcels for 10 minutes and then cool down immediately in ice water.

Add grated cheese on top of each parcel and grill for 10 minutes at 180 o C in oven.

For Sriracha butter emulsion

120g unsalted butter, chilled and diced 50g water

Sriracha, to taste

Dash sherry vinegar

Salt, to taste

Gently heat the water in a small pan, then gradually add the chilled, cubed butter, bit by bit, whisking to emulsify.

Once all the butter is fully melted and emulsified, blitz with a hand blender to fully incorporate.

Whisk through the sriracha one spoonful at a time, until it is a light orange colour, add the sherry vinegar and salt to taste. Keep warm and set aside.

For the apple compote

20g unsalted butter

400g red apples, peeled and core removed

10g lemon juice

50g caster sugar

Pinch of salt

Melt the butter in a wide frying pan, add the apples on top and pour over the lemon juice and sugar.

Place a piece of baking paper on top of the apples and cook over a gentle heat until the apples soften and start to fall apart, around 10-12 minutes. This recipe makes more compote than you will need. Keep some in the fridge to add to desserts or breakfast muesli!

To assemble: Start each plate with the Sriracha butter emulsion. Top with 2 cabbage parcels per plate. Garnish with apple compote, a fried sage leaf and grated Comte cheese.

Recipes courtesy of Monster Bar, images courtesy of Bloom Providore.

Food for thought

The latest in foodie news, events and products.

There’s a magically immersive cocktail making experience coming to City West. From 17 November to 18 December, the Wizard’s Den is being hosted by Zoo Bar on London Circuit. Tickets are now on sale at $45 each for the spellbinding pop-up bar experience that has sold out in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane,

Auckland, Denver, and Los Angeles. Canberrans can immerse themselves in 90 minutes filled with sorcery, spells, and delicious concoctions, bring their own robe and sip mead as they learn the ancient art of potion making from the shrewd potion master. Grab your bosom witches and

wizards and spend the evening perfecting your boozy bubbling cauldron (try adding a pinch of unicorn dust) whilst being thoroughly entertained.

The Wizard’s Den pop-up bar experience includes one welcome drink of mulled wine or IPA, and two bespoke magical potions. Book now via Eventbrite. This event is strictly 18+, but specific family-friendly sessions are available for underage wizards.

It’s mango season! For many Aussies, mangoes mean summer, the feeling of sunshine and the spray from the garden hose on your skin, kids laughing, the smell of barbecues, and long light evenings serenaded by birds and cicadas.

While the weather isn’t quite there yet, the season is o cially underway (starting from 29 September), and Aussies are predicted to indulge in close to 180 million mangoes over the coming months. Mangoes Australia advises that for the month of October, the sweet and tangy Kensington Pride

mango, and the juicy Calypso® mango, with its markedly small seed, will be the varieties up for grabs.

Australians purchased over 72 million mangoes in the 2021 season, up 4 per cent from the previous year. It’s no surprise that 87 per cent of Australian Mangoes are enjoyed on home soil.

With the weather still heating up, you might find that your mangoes are not quite ripe enough. Mangoes Australia’s top tip is to store the fruit at room temperature between 18°C and 22°C and out of the sun for a few days until the fruit ripens. You may find that storing them in a paper bag for a few days will also help them along. Never a plastic bag though! Mangoes “need air” to breathe and will otherwise spoil faster. When stored properly, a mango should have a shelf life of about a week, and while the fruit will not ripen in the refrigerator, it can be kept chilled there once ripe, or it can be frozen, dried, cooked in syrup or puréed.

For recipes to try and more tips, visit Mangoes Australia at mangoes.net.au

Zoo Bar will host the Wizard’s

‘Not now, not ever’: the story behind Julia Gillard’s iconic speech

“I will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man, I will not. And the Government will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. Not now, not ever.”

Ten years on from Julia Gillard’s passionate misogyny speech, the Canberra Theatre Centre (CTC) has announced its partnership with the Syndey Theatre Company (STC) to co-produce a play offering a new perspective of the famous speech.

Julia tells an imagining of the inner monologue of the then Prime Minister in the lead-up to the parliamentary sitting on 9 October 2012.

“If he [Abbott] wants to know what misogyny looks like in modern Australia, he doesn’t need a motion in the House of Representatives; he needs a mirror. That’s what he needs,” Gillard proclaimed.

The now iconic words were spoken by Gillard after accusations of sexism by Opposition Leader Tony Abbott; the hypocrisy was too much for her to let it slide this time. The normally stoic and collected leader seemed to have reached breaking point with the double standards in Australia’s political ecosystem and the aftermath was heard around the world.

When researching for a play on the former Prime Minister as commissioned by the STC, playwright Joanna Murray-Smith knew this was the moment she wanted to be her focal point.

“The speech was the natural attraction, it was the one moment in her administration that you saw the energy of her interior life explode into the public space,”

Murray-Smith says.

She remembers watching the speech and, as a playwright, was thrilled by the theatricality of it. The moment captured what seemed like Gillard no longer caring about the 24-hour media cycle, and in an age of constant self-preservation, she let loose.

“Such was her passion and such was her rage that it was sort of no holds barred and she went for broke. Seeing the reaction in the room and particularly on Tony Abbott’s face was just priceless,” the playwright says.

Julia isn’t a retelling of the facts that led up to the moment; Murray-Smith says there are enough of those available for those who want them. Her aim was to delve into the personal side of the story, asking who the woman behind the political front was, and what was she going through at the time.

“I didn’t want to write a political assessment or judgment on her leadership; I wanted to write something that was much more emotional and much more personal.”

This is the first time the playwright has written about someone who is still alive; Murray-Smith told STC that she would only move forward with the play if the former Prime Minister agreed. She met with Gillard for an interview and was surprised to be greeted with openness and generosity rather than the wariness she was expecting.

“It tells you something about her; she said she wouldn’t endorse the play but she wasn’t going to

stand in the way of me writing it. I think it shows someone who is very secure about themselves.”

It was imperative to Murray-Smith to tell the story in an authentic and fair way. She says the biggest challenge when writing the play was feeling as though she knew Gillard well enough to speculate as to who she really is. There is no way to guarantee that the Julia she has created in her story is the same as the former leader.

“Of course, I didn’t want an endorsement; this isn’t hero worship. It is about getting inside a human being; it is about seeing someone with shades of grey.”

However, Murray-Smith hopes she has done the character justice and her Julia is personable enough that it helps bring the audience a better understanding of the circumstances that led to the misogyny speech.

“It is an imagining into the psychology of the woman who had passed an enormous amount of

legislation and been a very effective prime minister. Inside the woman who had managed to run the country against this mountain of sabotaging vitriol, it’s an examination of who she is as a human being rather than a judgment over her administration.”

Taking on the play’s titular – and only – role is renowned Australian actress, Justine Clarke. MurraySmith says she can’t wait to see what Clarke and director Sarah Goodes decide to do with the pivotal speech, and whether they try to recreate it as it was said in parliament or choose to change its delivery.

Just a hop, skip and a jump from where it all took place on Capital Hill, the play will premiere at Canberra Theatre Centre in March next year. Murray- Smith says the venue is the perfect place for the world premiere.

Julia will premiere at Canberra Theatre Centre, 18-25 March 2023; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Jessica

Starring Justine Clarke in the titular role, Julia, the story behind Julia Gillard’s misogyny speech, will hit the stage at Canberra Theatre in March next year. Image supplied.

Tempo Theatre sails the Nile on a murderous adventure

Mystery in style – Tempo Theatre returns to Agatha Christie for the first time in three years, with Murder on the Nile.

In the sultry stillness of the Egyptian night, aboard the Nile paddle boat Lotus, a shot rings out – a scream pierces the air – and a young woman is found dead in her cabin – murdered

Who killed glamorous Kay Mostyn (Jacqueline Forrester)? She was the girl who had everything: wealth, beauty, and her best friend’s fiancé, Simon (Mark Ritchie).

Poor jilted Jackie (Kim Wilson) stalked the couple on their honeymoon, threatening to put her dear

“All these people arrive on the boat: half of them have a connection to Kay Mostyn, and half of them have a grudge against her,” director Jon Elphick says. “Murder and mystery ensue.”

And the killer is ready to strike again…

Murder on the Nile, opening at Belconnen Theatre this month, is Elphick’s eleventh Agatha Christie for Tempo Theatre.

“There’s a mystery to solve, there’s a puzzle to solve – and it’s just good fun, really,” Elphick says. “It’s not serious, it’s not dangerous; it’s just good entertainment. … People like to solve mysteries and puzzles. It’s part of everyone’s DNA.”

while its combination of romance, travel, and murder has been irresistible to filmmakers; Peter Ustinov and most recently Kenneth Branagh played Poirot on the big screen. But Christie removed Poirot from the stage play altogether. Otherwise, Elphick says, the basic story is the same.

Nile is almost a drawing-room (or steamer saloon) drama with detection.

“We’ve got a great cast,” Elphick says. “Half the cast are experienced Tempo people, and half the cast are people who haven’t done that many shows. It’s a good mix.”

Tempo’s Agatha Christie plays, he says, have

Take 5 with Riley Catherall

Raised in Yass Valley before moving to Melbourne, Riley Catherall returns to the capital with his East Coast tour which stops at The Front, Lynehamm, on Friday 14 October.

CW ’s Jessica Cordwell chatted to Riley as he drove to chat labels, music, and his dog, Mia.

1You’ve released a new single Bark at the Moon. How did it come about?

It’s the first song I have written in quite a while. The debut record was released around this time last year. I feel as an independent musician you have to put on different hats; it’s not just about songwriting, it’s about selfpromotion, which I despise.

I wasn’t doing a lot of songwriting, then one afternoon I wrote it in around an hour and demoed it in an hour. The rough demo I made in my home studio ended up being the radioready version. I hadn’t written in a while; it felt like the right thing to do.

2You’re listed as an Americana artist. What does that mean and who are you inspired by?

The Americana thing is funny; it’s a label that people put on those that are not quite country, not quite folk.

I am influenced by Neil Young, James Taylor, that sort of era of ‘70s story songs. Even the Eagles and Carole King kind of stuff with an alt country twist. It’s a weird label to have as a musician in Australia.

3 Do you have a favourite song to perform?

I wrote a song called The Ferryman. I feel as though I spent three months touring overseas this year and it didn’t matter how long the set was, that was the one I always chose. It allowed me to play all my cards in one song.

4

What’s next for you?

I am moving house in two weeks.

Between my tour and touring overseas, I haven’t been at home much. I am looking forward to sitting down and setting up a creative space so I can start working towards putting a new album together.

5

Anything on the to do list while you’re here in Canberra?

I feel like every time I’m in Canberra, it is always just the six or 12 hours that I am passing through.

I will get there and hang out with Mum and Dad, take my dog for a walk. It’s nice, almost like a coming home scenario, even if it is just a little while.

Hear Riley Catherall perform at The Front, Friday 14 October 6pm; events.humanitix.com

Some of Riley’s answers have been condensed for publication.

Riley Catherall brings his East Coast tour to The Front, Lyneham, on Friday 14 October. Image supplied.

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: Disability shining in the arts scene.

What would life be without pain?

Mixed ability theatre company Rebus Theatre presents their new at Belconnen

With space travel, philosophical questions and a good laugh, this new play offers something for every theatregoer.

leave earth on a mission to find a new planet free from pain and suffering.

They meet aliens from such a place and are taken to their home. But is a pain-free life all it promises to be? Without pain and suffering, can we appreciate all the good things life offers?

Rebus Theatre continues to challenge preconceived ideas of what people living with a disability can achieve in the performing arts and their new production is no exception. Developed by the cast in an exploration of Eckhart Tolle’s description of the pain body as the human instinct to try and escape, audiences are invited to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by the cast.

Explore the new world in Utopiate at Belconnen Arts Centre, 4, 5 and 12 November; belcoarts.com.au

Communities in clay

Eight Canberra region based clayworkers show off their latest pieces in a new exhibition at Canberra Potters Gallery. Not the only Clay in the Village is on display until 6 November.

Each of the artists is a member of the LBGTQIA+ community, and with these works they set out to explore what it is to be a member of a community. Both together and alone the works delve into the aspects of what is like to be grouped together based on overlapping identifiers, such as sexuality, while also touching on what it is to remain an individual.

The pandemic has had an impact on individuals and broader communities, with many questioning who we are without active community involvement. As clayworkers, the artists often practise alone, and understand the importance of being active in communities to overcome isolation and marginalisation. Explore the community at Canberra Potters until 6 November; canberrapotters.com.au

Women with disability front and centre

Applications are now open for women living with a disability to undergo professional development training with Accessible Arts.

Front and Centre was created to rectify the lack of representation of women with disability or who are d/Deaf working in the arts, creative and cultural sectors. A maximum of 12 applicants will be selected to undergo the 10-month program, where they will receive career coaching and development and

James Collier’s teaset features in Not the Only Clay in the Village at Canberra Potters Gallery until 6 November. Image supplied.

Rebus Theatre challenges perceptions of disability-led theatre in Utopiate at Belconnen Arts Centre, 4, 5 and 12 November. Image supplied.

networking opportunities.

which touch down in Canberra on Friday 27 January.

For the first time since its debut in 2019, they will welcome international artists to their setlist. Ben Harper travels from America to co-headline with beloved homegrown brother and sister duo Angus and Julia Stone. Canada’s

acclaim with his photograph

Backbone being included in the top 50 photographs in the Epson International Pano Awards.

The awards are the largest competition dedicated to the art of panoramic photography. Leggo, a Canberra-based landscape photographer, was one of the few

by Scott Leggo has been included in the top 50 photographs in the Epson International Pano Awards. Image supplied.

Your local, independent bookshop in Kingston

Book talk

This week, Jeff Popple reviews three new crime thrillers. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

A Heart Full of Headstones by Ian Rankin Orion, $32.99

A new Rebus novel by Ian Rankin is always a delight, and his latest once again demonstrates why he is one of the best crime novelists around. The book opens with the former Edinburgh police detective about to face trial for an unspecified crime. Has John Rebus’ history of “bending rules and crossing lines” to achieve justice finally caught up with him, or is he the scapegoat for the actions of others? This well-crafted mystery contains the usual Rankin trademarks of clever plotting, sharp social commentary, gritty characters, and a wry sense of humour. Quality crime fiction that grips to the end.

The Tilt by Chris Hammer Allen & Unwin, $32.99

Canberra author Chis Hammer drew world-wide acclaim for his debut novel Scrublands, and he has consolidated his standing with a good trio of follow-up books. In The Tilt, jaded homicide detective Ivan Lucic, and his newly promoted colleague, Nell Buchanan, head to a small town on the New South Wales and Victorian border to investigate the discovery of an old corpse in a recently drained reservoir. Nell comes from the region, and she soon finds herself caught up in old crimes, family secrets and modern-day terrorist threats. This richly described novel once more highlights Hammer’s strong storytelling ability. Highly recommended.

The Invisible by Peter Papathanasiou MacLehose Press, $32.99

Another Canberra author making a name for himself in the international crime fiction scene is Peter Papathanasiou. His first book, The Stoning, was very well received and his latest, The Invisible, is just as good. Burnt out from policework and unnecessary deaths, Australian detective George Manolis heads to Greece for a holiday and to visit the remote northern area where his father came from. Once there, he becomes caught up in the search for a local man without any official identity, who has disappeared in suspicious circumstances. An intriguing and tense thriller with a strong sense of place and well-drawn characters.

Canberra Weekly competition winners

The winners in Canberra Weekly

Hab Shifa: F Rayns, Yarralumla.

Cointreau X Angel Aromatics: M Hill, Watson; H Mitchell, Lyons.

Murder on the Nile tickets: C Fulton, Latham; O Vaughan, Belconnen; J Ollenbach, Macgregor.

are:

British Film Festival passes: L Bermingham, Richardson; E O’Connor, Campbell; V Clare, Yarralumla; F Hiotakis, Lyneham; S Watt, Macgregor.

Weddings of Canberra unveils what’s hot with 2022 brides and grooms

The wedding industry, or any other industry for that matter, could not have predicted the ways celebrations would change over the past couple of years.

From real elopements to being stricter than ever when capping the guest list, the global climate has had an unmistakable e ect on even the most intimate of ceremonies.

The one-stop-shop for wedding vendors in Canberra, Weddings of Canberra, shared their insights on what has 2022 brides and grooms twitterpated.

1. Micro-weddings and elopements: “We know that during lockdown, weddings were limited to five attendees: the celebrant, the couple, and two witnesses. What’s interesting is that even after restrictions lifted, we are seeing many couples choosing to keep it at that size or opt for smaller weddings,” says Weddings of Canberra.

“The best advice for any couple, though, is to have the wedding that you want. Don’t feel pressured to adjust your guest list, whether it’s five people or 500. Sit down with your partner beforehand and have a clear conversation. If you land an agreement from the get-go, it’s a lot easier

to keep pesky meddlers at arm’s length.”

2. Doing it for the gram: “Social media is now a very popular planning aspect. If it’s important to you, don’t rely on your guests to be a photographer. Just because everyone has a camera in their pocket, doesn’t mean you should cancel the professional who can capture those beautiful, candid moments.

“I always recommend hiring a photographer and videographer if possible. Most videographers will give you all the footage they get, along with a polished video of the highlights – something to sit down and watch again for years to come.”

3. Bohemian bouquets: “Dried flowers, native flowers, and even weeds, this trend is mostly about sustainability and reusability. Dried flowers last longer than anything else, and natives last longer than your traditional roses or lilies. If taken care of, a bouquet like that will last forever as a memento. There are still many couples opting for the traditional bouquets but those who don’t want flowers at all get creative, for example, a paper bouquet made from recycled books for a pair of bookworms in love.”

Whether your dream wedding is five people or 500, you can find the vendors you need while supporting the local wedding industry at weddingsofcanberra.com.au

@weddingsofcbr @WeddingsOfCanberra

Now showing

The Night of the 12th (PG)

WIN! Decision to Leave film passes

A man falls from a mountain peak to his death. A suspect who is hiding her true feelings. A detective who suspects and desires his suspect. Decision to Leave (M), the latest masterpiece from Oldboy filmmaker Park Chan-wook, who took away the best director award at Cannes Film Festival, is in cinemas 20 October.

CW has 10 x Decision to Leave (M) 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 Thursday 20 October 2022 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person per giveaway. Entrants must be aged 18+.

After onscreen text explains that the story is one of 160 unsolved murder investigations that take place every year in France, a Grenoble Criminal Squad celebrates their outgoing Captain and welcomes incoming Captain Yohan Vivès (Bastien Bouillon). Soon, the young, beautiful, and popular Clara (Lula Cotton-Frapier) is seemingly senselessly murdered, and the new Captain is on the case with his all-male squad. While the movie is frustratingly less of a whodunnit and more of a procedural, Captain Vivès leads his team forward in the methodical and meticulous steps required for a solid murder investigation. Struggling to understand the motive of the would-be killer, the team is hampered by their limited perspectives, concentrating on the many varied relationships that Clara held that may have sparked a

vengeful male to murder.

Like Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series, the movie explores the latent misogyny in contemporary society, with cues from the past; Clara’s murder resembles how women accused of witchcraft were once dealt with. It is posited that Clara’s murder could be any male that knew of her, and the police struggle with the deficits of their own characters that are brought to light in response. While Captain Vivès literally races his bicycle in circles on a velodrome track, haunted by the unsolved murder, hope is introduced by way of a female judge who champions the case, and that of a female investigator new to the squad. Verdict: An authentic and subtle procedural drama that makes a grim but important commentary on the relationship between men and women and how to go forward. 3 stars.

- Luke McWilliams

WHAT’S ON

SCHOOL OF ROCK THE MUSICAL: Dramatic Productions presents the ACT’s first local production of this much-loved musical, Gungahlin College Theatre, until 22 October; stagecenta.com

PINK RIBBON HIGH TEA: Delicious snacks paired with pink Moscato with ticket proceeds donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Westfield Woden, 13 October 2.30pm; westfield.com.au

NOT THE ONLY CLAY IN THE VILLAGE: Showcasing the work of eight artists from the LGBTQIA+ community living in our region, Canberra Potters, 13 October-6 November; canberrapotters.com.au

MICHAEL TAYLOR: New works by the abstract expressionist artist and contemporary painter, Nancy Sever Gallery, until 30 October; nancysevergallery.com.au

CAMELIA SMITH: Exhibition of miniature watercolours at Wren’s Nest Studio Gallery of Miniature Art, Fyshwick, until 13 November; cameliasstudio.com

CONCEPT TO PUBLICATION: Photobooks made in the 11-month PhotoAccess workshop are on display at Huw Davies Gallery, Manuka, 13-22 October; photoaccess.org.au

ALL THE EARTH’S A STAGE: Lightbulb Improv partners with Geoscience Australia, Smith’s Alternative, 13 October 7pm; smithsalternative.com

CZECH AND SLOVAK FILM FESTIVAL: Presenting new, cult and restored films from the countries, Arc Cinema, NSFA 14 and 16 October; casffa.com.au

H.M.S PINAFORE: Queanbeyan Players bring Gilbert & Sullivan’s classic tale to life at The Q, Queanbeyan, 14-23 October; theq.net.au

BIG LITTLE THINGS: An exploration of how the little things can have a big impact on our lives, presented by QL2, Canberra College, 14-15 October; events.humanitix.com

RILEY CATHERALL: Brings his Bark At The Moon single launch to the Front Gallery and Café, Lyneham, 14 October 7pm; tickets.oztix.com.au

RSPCA DRAG BINGO: A night full of glitz, glamour and bingo with proceeds going to help animals in need, 14 October 7pm; rspca-act.org.au

CHAIKA: The ARIA nominated ensemble stop in at Smith’s Alternative, 14 October 7pm; smithsalternative.com

BECCY COLE & ADAM HARVEY: The duo brings their Great Country Songbook Vol.3 Tour to The Street Theatre, City West, 14 October 8pm; thestreet.org.au

BONDI CIGARS: The Blues and Roots act put on a show presented by the Canberra Blues Society, Harmonie German Club, 14 October 8pm; canberrabluessociety.com.au

THE ARTS TRAIL: Returns to celebrate local artists and makers from Queanbeyan, Bungendore, and Braidwood, 15-16 October; visitqueanbeyanpalerang.com.au

MURRUMBATEMAN FIELD DAYS: Whip cracking, barrel racing, tractor pulls, and a weekend of rural family fun, 15-16 October, tickets online only; mfdays.com

20/20/20 VISION: Michael Pugh showcases his photographic interpretations of landscapes at Cuppacumbalong Homestead, Tharwa, 15 October-6 November; cuppacumbalong.com.au

OPEN GARDENS CANBERRA: Gini’s Garden will open to the public for two days, Red Hill, 15-16 October; opengardenscanberra.org.au

KALA ELI MANGALLYA: The Sri Lankan Bhagya School of Dance performs the traditional dance ceremony at The Sri Lankan High Commission, 15 October 11.30am-1.30pm.

MUSIC OF THE NIGHT: A celebration of the musical of the great Andrew Lloyd Webber, The Q, Queanbeyan, 15 October 2pm; theq.net.au

TOMMY LITTLE: Brings his Pretty Fly For a D*ckhead show to Canberra Theatre, 15 October 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

WODEN’S 60TH BIRTHDAY: Live music, art markets, stalls, community activities, and more at the suburbs birthday party, Eddison Park, Sunday 16 October 1-4pm.

ALL ABOUT MY SISTERS: This month’s screening of Stronger Than Fiction features a personal account of China’s one-child policy, Dendy Cinema, 16 and 21 October; strongerdocs.com

RESCUE RUN: Walk, roll, or run 56km to help RSPCA protect animals from cruelty, 18-31 October; rspcarescuerun.org.au

LITTLE WOMEN: Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel performed by the ANU Musical Theatre Collective, Kambri Theatre, ANU, 19-22 October; musicaltheatreco.anu.edu.au

CANDLELIGHT CONCERT: Experience the magic of live multi-sensory musical experience under the gentle glow of candlelight, National Gallery of Australia, 19 October 6.30 and 8.30pm; feverup.com

MEET THE AUTHOR: Marion Halligan AM comes to the National Library of Australia to discuss her latest book, Words for Lucy, a story of love, loss and a celebration of life, 20 October 6pm; nla.gov.au

MURDER ON THE NILE: Tempo Theatre presents the Agatha Christie classic at Belconnen Community Theatre, 21-29 October; tempotheatre.org.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.

School of Rock the Musical at Gungahlin College Theatre, until 22 October.

Pastel

Green and gold: No longer just for the World Cup, it has been spotted at Australian Fashion Week, too. When trying out this combo, avoid cosplaying corn by opting for pastels and a streetwear-inspired silhouette.

What we’re talking about

All the latest in fashion, health and beauty.

According to the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST), menopause costs women more than $17 billion per year in lost earnings and superannuation.

Janet Michelmore AO, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, says the statistics do not surprise her.

“We know that in Australia 80 per cent of women experience menopausal symptoms that can range from mild to extremely severe. Many women have had to resign, reduce their hours, or go parttime because these symptoms can last up to 10 years,” says Ms Michelmore. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a not-for-profit organisation that has led in the field of menopause and women’s health for three decades. Women struggling with managing menopause can access current

and expert-reviewed information, podcasts, and videos via their website. However, Ms Michelmore notes, those accessing these resources should not be limited to women. “We need to encourage their partners and families, and workplaces to acknowledge this life stage and talk more openly about it.”

Visit jeanhailes.org.au for more information.

This October, Polished Man encourages everyone to paint one nail blue to spark important conversations and raise awareness to end violence against women and children. By signing up as an individual or rallying friends to sign up as a team, “polished legends” can begin fundraising to support the one in three women who have

experienced violence in their lifetime. Funds raised go towards trauma prevention and recovery programs in Australia and around the world that aim to stop violence before it can occur, as well as helping survivors on their road to recovery.

This year, 2022 Polished Man local ambassador, Thea, and her furry friend Tuppence will both have their nails painted for the cause. Thea is a proud autistic survivor and Tuppence is her certified assistance animal. Thea adopted Tuppence at 15 years old, to accompany her throughout a sexual abuse court case. According to a 2012 study, children with disabilities are nearly four times more likely to experience violence than their non-disabled peers. The defendant took the matter to court to try and prevent Tuppence from being allowed in the room, arguing that Thea might come across “more vulnerable, more fragile, more

disabled” than if she wasn’t accompanied by the dog. Sadly, Thea’s case isn’t isolated, as women and children with a disability also face a greater barrier to justice.

To show where they stand, participants are encouraged to paint one of their nails and “give violence the finger” this October. To learn more, visit polishedman.com

Polished Man encourages everyone to paint one fingernail blue during October to raise awareness of violence against women and children.

From pigeons to candy bowls to McDonald’s shakes, would you attempt to style any of these celeb-endorsed novelty bags?

Is this the least functional bag on the list? Maybe a tied with Carrie Bradshaw’s pigeon. The glass iteration of the Coperni Mini Swipe Bag is handblown from a single piece of glass and snipped with scissors to create a storage hole. However, as proven by Doja Cat at the 64th Grammys, this $4,362 wearable candy dish will not hold your wallet or phone – functionality is a technicality.

This Milan Fashion Week guest’s slot machine shoulder bag lends itself to practicality in shape, but I am even more curious to know whether it actually works.

During the 2010s fashion, a novelty bag was just one of many eccentric accessories to quirk up a look. This novelty bag craze, however, ties into another trend: everyday cosplay. Like SJP’s pigeon bag being part of a stylised New York janitor, Filipina socialite Heart Evangelista’s fork purse is one part of reimagining something as mundane as cutlery as runway-worthy fashion.

Getty

Of course, Carrie Bradshaw has the cult kooky bag. Sarah Jessica Parker was seen carrying the viral J.W Anderson pigeon clutch, which was 3D printed to be more weird than whimsical. Sold for a cool $890, the wings are side doors to its hollow centre, allowing some level of usability. The bag is, by the way, currently sold out, attributing to the popularity of this bizarre trend.

Something about the Moschino Biker Bag reminds me of doll clothing – although my dolls’ jackets certainly were never sold for $2,916 a pop. This Milan Fashion Week guest also committed to the tchotchke* vibe, wearing shorts from the Moschino Spring 2022 collection that was heavily inspired by childhood nostalgia.

Snaps to this Milan Fashion Week guest who presumably did not want to spend thousands on a Moschino novelty purse to attend the show but committed to staying on theme by using an antique teapot as a handbag.

No small amount of irony can be found in designer novelty bags, costing hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, taking the shape of items associated with … not much money at all – from this fashion week guest’s Macca’s shake purse, to SJP’s ‘rat of the sky’. How long must we wait until an Australian designer comes out with a bin chicken clutch?

Non-Invasive

Safety

Amazing Results

Treatment Areas

Dual Results

Childhood

Who said when you become an adult, you have to farewell fun and colour? Channel your inner child and fill your life with everything you adore – and if that means all your favourite childhood items or things you wished you could have had, then so be it! Staying true to yourself as you age is important … so make sure everything in your home sparks joy.

The DIY spool table with Zoe Gilpin

Give your living room a coastal makeover with this easy and a ordable DIY hack from interior decorator Zoe Gilpin, aka The DIY Decorator. The unique and eye-catching side table may be made with only a few simple items, but it doesn’t lack style.

WITH HOME EDITOR, ABBEY HALTER

What you’ll need:

• Gorilla Epoxy

• Gorilla fabric glue

• Large PVC pipe

• 2 x round boards (chopping boards work well)

• White chunky rope

• Wadding

1 2 3 4

Instructions:

1 To create the base, cut the PVC pipe to the required height of your table. Using Gorilla Epoxy, attach one of the round boards to each end. Allow to dry for 24 hours. Top tip: place a heavy object on the top board to help hold everything together.

2 To use less rope but still create that full centre look, wrap and glue a few layers of wadding to the pipe using Gorilla Fabric Glue.

The DIY Decorator Zoe Gilpin has created an easy DIY project to spruce up your living room. Photos supplied.

3 Once dry, start winding the rope around the centre, securing it in place with more Fabric Glue. Ensure you are gluing the rope both to the middle section (wadding) and to the surrounding layers of rope so that there’s no movement. Cover the entire centre until your pipe/wadding is completely covered in rope.

4 Allow to dry for 24 hours and you’re done!

Inside & out

The latest in news, trends and happenings for the home, with CW Home editor, Abbey Halter.

Meyer’s midnight series

The new cookware collection at Meyer Labs combines a modern, moody style with durable, long-lasting quality. Made with a superhard material called black alumite, the cookware is twice as hard as stainless steel, bonded with ultra-ceramic reinforced nonstick, and is reported to last 19 times longer than regular nonstick pans. With a matte black look, the midnight series is induction friendly and dishwasher safe. Available at Big W.

Dreamy summer outdoor sets

Australian designer interior brand Brosa has launched its biggest outdoor collection yet – and it feels just like summer in Greece. The collection is inspired by holiday destinations around the globe, aiming to recreate the same feeling in your own garden. As we head into the warmer months in Canberra, it’s almost time for backyard barbecues, and this designer collection is a great way to transform your space so you can

embrace the sunshine in style.

Available at brosa.com.au

Create your grounding ritual

You might have morning and bedtime routines, but what about a grounding and mindfulness routine? An everyday grounding ritual can help you anchor yourself and calm your mind, and one item that can assist in your routine is a candle or incense stick. This Is Incense has released the first item in its ritual series, hoping to capture the essence of a daily grounding ritual. The scent features 11 essential oils with deep base notes

of Australian sandalwood and ylang-ylang blended with heart notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove.

Available at thisisincese.com.au

WIN! VTech Let’s Go, My Friend Pup toys

Every VTech toy is designed to engage and encourage children to explore as they play.

can access

your ideas,

ticket

holistic

With a detachable leash and puppy care accessories, Let’s Go, My Friend Pup comes with exactly what your little one needs to care for their new pet. Your little pet-owner-in-training can walk, feed, give water to, and play with their new doggy friend. Two play modes enhance puppy playtime by introducing colours and numbers in Learning mode. Experience the joys of pet ownership without the mess, vet bills or bad-weather walks! Accessories store in the hip pouch for easy storage.

For more information, visit www.vtech.com.au

CW has 4 x VTech Let’s Go, My Friend Pup toys 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 21 October 2022 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person per giveaway. Entrants must be aged 18+.

Can’t seem to pull your decorating together?

Bright, beautiful, and featuring an impeccable architectural design, 71 Burn Street in Downer offers a truly fantastic opportunity to own a unique, sustainable, and character-filled property.

Agent Nic Salter-Harding describes the home as a fusion between a classic Canberran ex-government style and a modern European aesthetic.

“For me, my favourite part of the home is the front extension with the lounge room overlooked by the loft. This is such a great place to bring people together around the fireplace and has exceptional natural light throughout as well. It’s also very much a three-dimensional space, with astonishingly high raked ceilings and that loft-style home office or fourth bedroom,” says Mr Salter-Harding.

“The fact is it has been transformed with long-term living in mind. The owners hadn’t intended on selling when they did the work here, and the fact that this was all done for them shows in the quality and attention to detail. It’s not your typical cookie-cutter modernisation of a house.

“You can see the original footprint of the house and where it has subsequently grown, and everything old and new seems to fit right in here. The design is heavily Scandinavian inspired, with its solar passivity, high raked ceilings, double glazed tilt and turn windows. This has also contributed to the house having an impressive 5.5-star energy rating.”

The superbly located suburb of Downer takes advantage of the Inner North lifestyle and is just a stone’s throw from the revived Downer Village and

rapidly growing Dickson precinct. Parks and playgrounds are only a short stroll away, along with quality schools, unique cafés, and an abundance of green spaces.

33 MacGillivray Street, Yarralumla $2,800,000 Maria Selleck

2 Lindsay Pryor Street, Wright $1,600,000 Michael Potter

9 Furphy Place, Garran $1,500,000 Luton

97 Drooka Crescent, Crace $1,500,000 MARQ

66 Temperley Street, Nicholls $1,485,000 Luton

8 Knitlock Street, Taylor $1,275,000 New Door

9 Evella Court, Amaroo $1,255,000 Upside

5 Piper Street, Ainslie $1,240,000 LJ Hooker

4 Maranunga Crescent, Crace $1,210,000 MARQ

8 MacGregor Street, Deakin $1,200,000 Cream Residential

7 Junee Street, Crace $1,185,000 Stone

40 Langmead Street, Taylor $1,150,000 New Door

22 Echidna Street, Throsby $1,140,000 Canberry

49 Kelleway Avenue, Nicholls $1,120,000 New Door

3 Augustus Close, Palmerston $1,105,000 Town Residential

44 Osprey Street, Harrison $1,104,000 MARQ

38 Bandjalong Crescent, Aranda $1,060,000 LJ Hooker

15 Buckingham Street, Amaroo $1,020,000 Confidence

55 Pademelon Street, Throsby $1,010,000 Confidence

90 Cultivation Street, Harrison $1,005,000 Confidence

37 Bettie McNee Street, Watson $1,000,000 Independent

36 Leita Court, Ngunnawal $980,000 Blackshaw

62 Bieundurry Street, Bonner $960,000 Property Collective

1 Broadby Close, Spence $950,000 Agent Team

805/55 Dooring Street, Dickson $935,000 Whitcombe

26/23 Temperley Street, Nicholls $915,000 MARQ

20 Stutchbury Street, Page $910,000 Edge

5 Bale Place, Richardson $900,000 Sadil Quinlan

155 Sculthorpe Avenue, Whitlam $850,000 Confidence

67 Kosciuszko Avenue, Palmerston $820,000 LJ Hooker

9 Stump Jump Crescent, Dunlop $810,000 Ray White

4 Graves Place, Kambah $775,000 Luton

6 Fawsitt Place, Florey $765,000 Blackshaw

103B Carlile Street, Evatt $750,000 Property Collective

78 Hollows Circuit, MacGregor $745,000 LJ Hooker

60/219A Northbourne Avenue, Turner $716,000 Blewitt

45 Carmody Street, Casey $710,000 Independent

2/16 Armfield Place, Chisholm $650,000 LJ Hooker

107/19 State Circle, Forrest $650,000 Canberry

65 Ern Florence Crescent, Theodore $649,000 Luton

7 Kaga Place, Ngunnawal

$645,000 Confidence

2 Saywell Place, Charnwood $636,000 Luton

28/138 Flemington Road, Harrison $624,000 Bastion

1/71 Lawrenson Circuit, Jacka $620,000 LJ Hooker

11/5 Tristania Street, Rivett $617,000 Belle 816/15 Bowes Street, Phillip $600,000 New Door

13/71 Morrison Street, Kambah $595,000 LJ Hooker

1/132 Thynne Street, Bruce $575,000 LJ Hooker

28/23 Aspinall Street, Watson $570,000 Capital Residential 107/35 Oakden Street, Greenway $565,000 Property Collective 21/311 Flemington Road, Franklin $547,000 Independent 146/77 Northbourne Avenue, Turner $540,000 Independent

91/2 Peter Cullen Way, Wright $530,000 Independent 118/20 Federal Highway, Watson $520,000 Independent 86/2 Edinburgh Avenue, City $510,000 Property Collective 99/1 Surprize Place, Phillip $505,000 Independent 2/13 Burra Place, Braddon $500,000 LJ Hooker 12/51 Hampton Circuit, Yarralumla $496,000 Upside 22/21 Battye Street, Bruce $460,000 Stone 207/38 Gozzard Street, Gungahlin $450,000 Independent 301/16 Moore Street, City $450,000 Independent 149/116 Easty Street, Phillip $430,000 Independent 16/62 Max Jacobs Avenue, Wright $425,000 Independent

21/4 Thadoona Street, Crace $416,000 Independent 21/3A Stornaway Road, Queanbeyan $410,000 LJ Hooker 73/8 Baudinette Circuit, Bruce $405,000 Independent 4/2 Buik Place, Belconnen $396,000 Independent 45/289 Flemington Road, Franklin $391,000 Independent 232/325 Anketell Street, Greenway $375,000 Property Collective 28/86 Derrima Road, Queanbeyan $340,000 RE/MAX Data is provided by agents. Source: Realestate.com.au

Tuggeranong Homeworld sells for

price growth

Tuggeranong Homeworld at Greenway has been sold for $46 million, an almost 50 per cent increase on its purchase price eight years ago.

Sentinel Property Group bought Tuggeranong Homeworld in July 2014 for $31 million and it has now been sold to a private investor with a yield of 7.55 per cent.

With major tenants including Aldi, Dan Murphy’s, Petstock, Supercheap Auto, and the Federal Government, the retail centre had a

net distribution upon the sale of 11.25 per cent, said Sentinel CEO Warren Ebert.

“While Tuggeranong Homeworld has been an excellent asset and we have been able to add value to the centre such as an upgrade of the Aldi supermarket, we received a good offer for the property,” Mr Ebert said.

“The decision to sell is always based on Sentinel’s strategy of buying at an opportune time and then selling based on our view of the market.”

ACT rental market to ‘get worse before it gets better’

Renting in the ACT remains a daunting and difficult endeavour, with rents for both houses and units rising to new highs last quarter and Canberra remaining the most expensive capital city in the country.

Weekly rents for combined dwellings have risen 2.6 per cent over the June quarter to reach a median price of $600, according to the latest PropTrack Market Insight Report.

The weekly median rent for a house in the ACT has risen by 1.5 per cent to hit $690 over the quarter while nationally the capital city average rose 4.0 per cent to $520.

PropTrack director of economic research Cameron Kusher told Canberra Weekly amongst the significant costs there was a small silver lining for Canberra renters this quarter.

“The annual rate of changes actually slowed a little bit over the quarter, which is a little silver lining, only for houses though,” Mr Kusher said.

“For Canberra renters, unfortunately it looks like it will get worse before it gets better. My best advice is if you are in a property and your landlord is not increasing your rent too much, you’re better off staying where you are.”

Nestled on a manageable five-acre block with sweeping views over the spectacular Yass Valley, ‘Clonmel’ is a rare rural paradise – a quintessential modern country homestead where a lifetime of memories are just waiting to be made.

Set on top of a hill overlooking the Yass River, this magnificent property is just six minutes from Yass and 56 minutes to Canberra. Presenting a rare opportunity for you to call a rural family resort your home, this sensational property offers an abundance of features that everyone in the family will love.

Picture yourself relaxing in the impressive solar-heated in-ground pool taking in the breathtaking outlook or creating lasting memories

with your family on summer days, children will be ecstatic over the large playground, and there’s an additional granny flat easily transformed for guests or a perfect teenage hangout. Throughout winter, roast marshmallows under the moonlight around the backyard fire pit, invite friends and family for a barbecue anytime at the large outdoor entertaining area, and, for the avid gardener, there’s a vegetable garden awaiting your green thumb.

The extensive extra features of this home include a generous two-bay garage attached to the home and an additional five-bay shed, a 130,000-litre tank as well as access to town water, ducted reverse cycle air conditioning, two split systems, in-slab zoned heating, and a cosy fireplace.

AUCTION / HUGHES

49 KITCHENER STREET

4 2 1 0.5 EER

ELEVATED, FLEXIBLE LIVING IN THE CENTRAL AND DESIRABLE SUBURB OF HUGHES.

• Situated on the high side of the street, capturing views over Woden and out towards Mount Taylor, is this updated home.

• The main residence comprises of three bedrooms and a renovated bathroom while a separate self-contained studio provides unique flexibility.

• A separated lounge area fronts the home and is comforted by both a wall heater and split system air conditioning.

• The kitchen is sizeable and incorporates a meals area with no sense of being squeezed, while being equipped with a new dishwasher, gas cook top and ample storage.

AUCTION

SATURDAY 29 OCT 10:00AM ONSITE

AGENT

CHRIS WILSON M 0418 620 686

VIEW SATURDAY 15 OCT 9:30AM – 10:15AM

JACK WILSON M 0402 367 713

47 GROOM STREET

3 1 1 5.5 EER

TERRACE STYLE LIVING IN THE HEART OF HUGHES

• Conveniently positioned behind the privacy of a mature native garden is this immaculate 2 story, renovated terrace home.

• The lower level consists of a dining area, family room and a separate lounge room. The open plan kitchen contains a large island bench, and captures the northern light from the window overlooking the front private courtyard.

• The rear deck overlooks a well thought out garden that includes a small, grassed area, garden beds and neat plantings that are just starting to show their full colour as we head into spring.

AUCTION

SATURDAY 22 OCT 11:00AM ONSITE

AGENT

CHRIS WILSON M 0418 620 686

VIEW SATURDAY 15 OCT 10:30AM – 11:15AM

JACK WILSON M 0402 367 713

is Del-Rey a fantastic lifestyle &

choice?

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

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. Average EER 7.0

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.

an appealing three-bedroom

built in 1940

Boorowa township.

the edge

on 1800sqm,

home with old-world features

lost among the beautiful, well-established gardens and bird aviaries.

features include water tanks and a galley-style kitchen.

, l a r g e l o u n g e r o o m w i t h s p l i t s y s t e m a i r c o n d i t i o n i n g U n i t 2 : P o t e n t i a l r e n t a l r e t u r n $ 2 5 0 p / w T w o b e d r o o m s , o n e w i t h b u i l t i n r o b e s , o p e n p l a n k i t c h e n / l i v i n g / d i n i n g w i t h s p l i t s y s t e m a i r c o n d i t i o n i n g T h i s p r o p e r t y i s c o n v e n i e n t l y l o c a t e d P r o p e r t y i s c o n v e n i e n t l y l o c a t e d c l o s e t o s h o p s , s c h o o l s , p u b a n d c l u b s

“CHERRYFORD”

Arguably one of the finest lifestyle properties in the Crookwell district, situated on 50 acres boasting supreme privacy and glorious views is being offered for sale for only the third time since 1890.

The home itself offering a large Kitchen with a good sized island bench, formal living and dining rooms. 6 oversized bedrooms, one currently used as an office. 4 bathrooms plus additional toilet, main bedroom has large ensuite with sauna shower and a private balcony. 3 car garage with internal access and additional storage area.

The property contains; 40m x 80m horse arena, old stables, 3 paddocks with 2 dams and Troughs, equipped Bore, 3 bay machinery shed, ca le yards with crush and force pen, timber post and rail fencing. Other features include; Garden irrigation system 7 metre inground swimming pool, Green house, 8 raised veggie gardens with small orchard.

“Cherryford” is a stunning rural retreat in a fantastic location ready for you to call home.

Rare 89 acres -

Between Berry, the mountains, and the sea

Berry | 345 Agars Lane

This approx 89 acres (approx 19 acres are cleared/usable) prime vacant land is a rare find and has been in the Crawford family for 100years (current owner custodian since 1968). Enjoying a peaceful rural outlook with 170 degree views including billabongs, protected wetlands and Coolangatta Mountain. An approx 50x50m building envelope to build a dream home or alternatively agriculture and/or lifestyle property

on this fertile, productive land with 3 dams. Situated approx 5 kms/approx 6 minutes from the centre of Berry township-shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, school and railway service to central station Sydney and golf courses and approx 9.3kms/8 minutes drive to 7 Mile Beach. A prime position on a country lane between the mountains, the historic township of Berry and the Pacific Ocean.

brain busters

country was formerly known

Greek white (or

the light-sensitive tissue

lines the inner surface of

the name given to a young female cow before she has had her first

to the Gospel of

what city was home to Mary and

largest port city

which animated Disney

Atkinson

daughter of

Dutch artist

Earring?

broke the men’s

Jones

Girl

the

(6)

celebrity birthday

IAN THORPE

13 october – 19 october 2022

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

virgo aug 24 – sept 23

You could make great headway at work, as well as financially. However, you may be inclined to splurge so you must avoid overspending. the key to success now lies in good communication skills, especially in an area where a difficult or intense situation is brewing, such as domestically.

libra sep t 24 – oct 23 take the initiative and harness this week’s upbeat energy, as you may otherwise feel restless or even directionless. take inspiration from music, romance, dance and film. You could make progress with a personal project and will enjoy travel and favourite pastimes, so be proactive.

scorpio oct 24 – nov 22 a strong link with your past could create change at home. f or some, developments will be due to work; others will wish to boost energy levels. You’ll improve circumstances by focusing on good collaborative and relationship skills. avoid conflict and research financial and work options.

sagittarius nov 23 – dec 21

You’ll enjoy socialising, networking and being active in your community with groups and organisations. Romance could flourish, especially midweek, but you must avoid arguments as they could skyrocket. Be prepared to defuse conflict in connection with a group, friend or organisation.

capricorn dec 22 – jan 20

this is an excellent week to improve your status and profile, as your efforts will succeed. take the time to boost your appearance too. If a dispute arises, find ways to resolve it; it may be a case of swallowing your pride or agreeing to disagree. If a principle is at stake, you must choose carefully.

aquarius jan 21 – fe B 19

You’ll appreciate the opportunity to boost your projects. You could advance at work and may even obtain greater success in an area of interest. d irect your energy into your favourite pastimes and invest in relationships to gain a sense of fulfilment. channel frustrations into productive outlets.

Peace, balance and harmony in life are important factors for sporting legend Ian Thorpe, and currently he is set to achieve a sense of balance through conscious effort to do so. He will also be drawn to break into new territory work-wise and within his own personal development, and a breakthrough will come about through practical, measured steps that could ultimately present him in a new light.

pisces fe B 20 – ma R 20

this is an excellent week to improve relationships, especially domestically. You can also improve circumstances in your life that cause tension in areas that you must share, such as joint finances. f ollow through enquiries with a group or organisation and be sure to maintain a sense of self-worth.

aries ma R 21 – ap R 20 a collaboration or news from your past will be motivational, and this may revolve around work. e nsure you delegate chores if you’re super busy. You could achieve a great deal, but must avoid arguments. Romance midweek will thrive, so be sure to organise a treat for then.

taurus a p R 21 – maY 21 Work projects and personal ventures will proceed well so be sure to take the initiative. n ext tuesday and Wednesday are excellent days to talk, especially regarding long-term ventures. However, there may be an intense quality to communications beforehand, so be sure to be tactful.

gemini maY 22 – jun 21

You’ll enjoy being creative and outgoing and your favourite projects will flourish. You’ll appreciate gettogethers and romance could blossom too. take the initiative with family and, if domestic circumstances pose logistical issues, be sure to avoid impulsive decisions.

cancer jun 22 – jul 22

You’ll feel more upbeat about your closest relationships. a im to inject positive energy into your ventures, especially at home and with family. You’ll relish seeing progress with a creative or business incentive. avoid escalating tensions if some interactions are dramatic or intense.

le o jul 23 – aug 23

take positive steps with a business or personal partner, as you could open new doors and improve dynamics. d isagreements may arise from a difference in values so a measured approach to interactions midweek will be fruitful. You’ll feel inspired by a trip or a change of pace.

Do you need to relax?

The FLOWpresso® system is a breakthrough non-invasive natural therapy that delivers a 3-1 sensory treatment to support your body to rest, repair and rejuvenate as it supports stress, anxiety, sleep and muscle recovery.

to win