23 January 2025

YOUR SOUTH JERRABOMBERRA UPDATE

PEMBERTON RISE

Our NEW release blocks are designed for grand living. You will enjoy sweeping vistas of Tralee’s landscape and the Brindabella Ranges.

COMMUNITY CENTRE

Our Community Centre will be a hub for social interaction and local community activities, and is set to open in Q 1 of 2025.

DOG PARK

Australia’s most exciting Dog Park of over 2 hectares in size, including Community Gardens and Orchard is cheduled for completion in Q 1 of 2025.

TOWN PARK

The Town Park is set for completion in Q1 of 2025 and will provide a vibrant space and enjoyment for residents of all ages and abilities.

Secure your spot at South Jerra

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The next Lifeline Canberra Bookfair is on at EPIC from 7-9 February. Photo by Jordan Mirchevski. See cover story, page 10.

Trump Mark II shows potential and Happy Australia Day

By the time you read this, Donald Trump Mark II will be in the White House. Whilst I am normally an adherent of Murphy’s Law (if something can go wrong, it will), for some reason, I feel a quiet confidence that this time Trump will be a generally good thing for the world.

He calls a spade a shovel, but I am wary of some of the things he has been spouting.

I don’t agree with some of his

border policies and the expulsion of all illegal immigrants. Many of them, especially Latinos, are very capable people, and many longer-term Latino residents of the US voted for him as they are hardworking, familyoriented, conservative Catholics.

The Donald needs to be a bit more selective here and avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Unlike the UK, where recent figures showed that only 16% of the latest 2 million immigrants are employed (that’s the problem with an overly generous social welfare system—a lot of unskilled people move to the UK to take advantage of its welfare programs), figures show that most illegal immigrants in the US actually find jobs and do the work many US citizens prefer not to do.

Another thing Trump can and should do quickly is to ‘drill, baby,

drill’ and restore the US’s energy security. He also needs to use his authority to reverse the rise of woke culture and identity politics that have spread throughout the US and the West in general.

Not to mention the use of pronouns, which is rampant even in Australia. Have a look at any o cial letter you get from the ACT Government to see what I mean.

Internationally, we have also seen such obscenities as the horrendous rapes of poor white underage girls in the UK by gangs of mainly Pakistani men in over 50 British cities since 1997 where the local police were too scared to do their sworn duty for fear of being called racists.

Trump is a breath of fresh air in terms of the necessary corrections we need to see to reverse the excesses of the culture wars Go for

it Donald! Change in the US will lead to change overseas.

On that note, I will conclude by wishing you all a happy Australia Day, which, according to the latest figures, 69% of Australians support keeping on 26 January each year. Whilst there is a logical argument for moving it to 1 January (as the Commonwealth of Australia was established on that day), the idea of changing Australia Day simply because a group of inner-city woke elitists label it as ‘Invasion Day’ seems to be losing traction. The reason is clear—most average, everyday Australians (including many Indigenous Australians) are tired of virtue signalling. They just want the governments of this country—local, state/territory, and federal—to focus on getting the basics right and doing their jobs properly.

The Batmobile and hot laps: Put your hands up for a local charity auction

Million Dollar Race Day, the John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Race Day on 9 March.

Put your hands up for a chance to take the front seat of a 1989 Batmobile replica, with a Bathurst 1000 winner or local rally car champion, all while supporting a local charity that helps Canberrans in need.

Four exciting prizes are up for grabs in a charity auction at the Canberra Festival of Speed on 25 January, with the funds going to Hands Across Canberra.

The community foundation raises money for Canberra’s most vulnerable people, invests the money to make it grow and gives it back to the community in grants.

Prizes include a Batmobile circuit experience, a front seat ride with Canberra’s own rally car champion Harry Bates, and a hot lap driving experience with Bathurst 1000 champ John Bowe. These experiences will run during the event.

Also on offer is six members passes to Canberra’s

Hands Across Canberra chief executive officer Genevieve Jacobs said the auction items were special because they were amazing reallife experiences.

“You just don’t get the chance to see how a legendary race or rally car driver works - you get to talk to them behind the wheel,” Ms Jacobs said.

“And who has set foot into a batmobile? You get to be Canberra’s Batman and Robin.

“You can do that in Canberra and helping the community is an added bonus.”

She said the Bates family were a local rally racing dynasty.

“We love that Harry is being so generous with his home community too.”

Bowe is an ambassador for the car festival.

Ms Jacobs said that while there was no specific fundraising goal, she encouraged people to give generously.

“The money from this will help fund the annual grants program we do,” Ms Jacobs said.

“We do a collaboration with The Snow Foundation, John James Foundation, and Aspen Medical Foundation.

“Together we give away more than $1.5m in grants each year.

“It’s about building a culture in Canberra of giving where you live.”

Ms Jacobs said times were tough in Canberra.

“This is a very expensive city to live in, Hands Across Canberra and others are giving money to local causes,” she said.

“It’s all money that will help your neighbours, friends and locals who are having a tough time.

“That’s why we’re asking people to put their hands up in the auction for Canberra.”

Bids for the auction items can be placed at allbids.com.au/t/canberra-festival-of-speed with all auctions closing at 7pm on 25 January.

LILLIAN ALTMAN

Bid in the charity auction to take a ride with rally car champion Harry Bates. Photo supplied

An exhibition supported by Australian Geographic and Dr Stuart Miller AM. Rainforest dragon (detail). Photographer: Stanley and Kaisa Breeden

ACT says no to petrol cars but yes to Summernats

The ACT has been told on numerous occasions that over the next few years petrol cars will no longer be sold, with a push towards EVs only and the phasing out of petrol vehicles. The light rail was foisted on us, even though most of the ACT does not want it, because it was supposedly a greener alternative, and it is going to bankrupt the ACT. Yet every year the ACT permits the running of the Summernats at Exhibition Park, complete with racing, burnouts, mower races and cruising around the city, this also includes over 2,000 cars coming into Canberra. So, the ACT residents have to suffer being pushed into EVs but bring on Summernats!

- Vi Evans, MacGregor

Fitness for all ages

Bill Stefaniak (CW 9 Jan) rightly praises the PE teachers, the P&C, and the Red Hill Primary School

community for their efforts in ensuring students participate in regular exercise sessions, amounting to at least 2.5 hours a week. Their initiative has been rewarded with improved concentration in the classroom and, no doubt, better performance in exams.

Mr Stefaniak also mentions adults playing sports on the school grounds outside school hours and on weekends. I suggest that all adults, regardless of age or physical capabilities, would benefit from regular sessions—perhaps up to 3 hours—of carefully supervised exercise, if deemed necessary.

- Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

Transparency for speech costs

Apparently, Mr Dutton, or a senior LNP member, has suggested that before every Welcome to Country ceremony, Indigenous Australians need to announce the funding details and cost of their speech.

I think this is such an amazing idea from the right side of politics and that they themselves should lead by example by publicly announcing the funding they receive, who pays these costs and how much every speaking engagement they attend costs, publicly and before they speak. That’s an LNP Idea I can support!

- Doug Steley

Speed vans should show the limit Why did speed vans in the ACT stop displaying the speed limit for the street they’re monitoring? I know it was already too late by the time you passed them, but it was always comforting to know you were within the limit. Now, I find myself questioning whether I even know the speed limit, especially in areas I don’t frequent often. I’m not sure the reasoning behind removing the speed signs, but please bring them back ACT Policing.

- S. Morgan,

Woden

“Dad isn’t ready for aged care”

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

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.

How to a secondstorey extensionplan

If your growing family needs more space but you’re not ready to leave the home you love, a second-storey extension could be the perfect solution. Not only does it allow you to retain the memories and comfort of your current home, but it also adds significant value and functionality to your property. In Canberra, undertaking this type of project requires expert knowledge of local regulations, structural considerations, and design principles to ensure a smooth and successful build. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning your second-storey extension.

1. Assess your home’s structural suitability

The first step is to determine whether your home can support a second storey. This involves assessing the foundations and framework. Acrow’s experienced team will manage this process for you, providing detailed evaluations and expert advice to lay the groundwork for a successful extension.

2. Navigate Canberra’s planning regulations

Large extensions require adherence to specific planning regulations and submission of documents for approvals. The Acrow team specialises in Canberra projects, leveraging

advanced tools to assess zoning requirements, overlays, heritage considerations, and other site-specific constraints. Their expertise ensures a streamlined process, helping clients navigate complex regulations and achieve compliant, high-quality results.

3. Create a tailored design

A second storey o ers the opportunity to completely transform your home’s functionality and aesthetics, creating a space that caters to both practicality and style. Acrow works closely with you to design a layout that not only maximises space but also seamlessly integrates with your existing structure. Whether it’s adding extra bedrooms, a private retreat, or a versatile living area, your design will be tailored to reflect your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

4. Plan for living arrangements during construction

Adding a second storey can be disruptive, especially if you’re living on-site during construction. Acrow’s team carefully plans the construction process to minimise disruptions to your daily life, ensuring that work is carried out e ciently and with consideration for your comfort. From scheduling noisy tasks during convenient hours to maintaining clean and safe living conditions, Acrow’s approach is designed to keep your project as stress-free as possible.

5. Trust Acrow to handle the details

From the initial consultation to the final handover, Acrow takes care of every detail of your second-storey extension, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. This includes working closely with structural engineers to ensure safety and compliance, obtaining all necessary approvals from local authorities, coordinating tradespeople to keep the project moving smoothly, and maintaining a strict schedule to deliver on time. With Acrow, you can trust that every aspect of your extension is professionally managed, allowing you to focus on enjoying the exciting transformation of your home.

6. Move into your transformed home

Once construction is complete, you’ll have a stunning second storey that not only adds value to your home but also enhances your quality of life. Acrow ensures every detail is finished to the highest standard, so you can enjoy your new space from day one.

Ready to start?

Planning a second-storey extension in Canberra doesn’t have to be daunting. With Acrow, you’ll have expert guidance every step of the way. Call us on (02) 6188 8500 or visit our website to arrange a free consultation.

lifel e

Provide a for people in need by buying books

LILLIAN ALTMAN

The first chapter of the very popular Lifeline Canberra Bookfair for 2025 will be held in February with the hopes of launching a new mascot.

The Bookfair will run at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) from 7-9 February, where Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson said the charity organisation will be launching their new Dare to Care Bear mascot.

“We launched him in a soft toy form late last year and we are having the mascot version made up,” Ms Leeson said.

concern us as adults also a ect children.”

Ms Leeson said one of those issues was bullying.

“We want to encourage children to show kindness and care. And using the word ‘dare’ brings an edginess to being a caring person - one conversation they will dare to have.”

We want to encourage children to show kindness and care. And using the word ‘dare’ brings an edginess to being a caring person...

“Hopefully he’ll be ready to meet and greet anyone that attends the Bookfair in February.”

Ms Leeson said the introduction of a mascot is part of the charity’s community engagement to encourage children to be caring.

“We’re noticing more, and the stats show, youth have hit barriers for care – that could have been the COVID-19 pandemic, which happened at an important time in their life, as well as (the lack of) access to youth services.”

“We’re finding the issues that

She said another purpose is to spark conversations between children and their parents around mental health.

“Some parents find it tough to have conversations with their children,” Ms Leeson said.

“Children find it hard to identify and have a conversation around how they’re feeling, how to identify how they’re feeling and communicate how they’re feeling with adults, carers or health professionals - to be able to get the help they need.”

Dare is expected to remain a mainstay for all of Lifeline Canberra’s community events.

Ms Leeson said the mascot will eventually be accompanied by a book, with the release of a new edition each year that focuses on a topic specific to what impacts children in Canberra at the time.

Ms Leeson said the money raised through the Bookfairs goes towards the 13 11 14 telephone support line, training and personal development of the volunteers, and new initiatives.

She said 900 volunteers work tirelessly all year round to support the community, as well as put the Bookfairs together.

“On the (Lifeline Canberra) phones or in the warehouse, pouring a lot of love and care to

those donations,” she said.

A wide range of fiction and non-fiction books, including rare books and collectables, children’s books, textbooks and foreign language books will be on sale.

Other items on sale include magazines and pamphlets, sheet music, comics, maps, atlases, talking books, records, CDs, DVDs, games and jigsaws.

Ms Leeson said the Bookfairs held throughout the year are only

Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson says the Bookfairs are possible because of the generous donations from the community.

possible because of the generous donations from community members.

“When it comes time to clearing things out, they think of Lifeline and what those donations can achieve for us,” she said.

Donations are accepted at the Book Lovers Lane store at Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets 9am-4pm Thursday to Sunday, and at the Lifeline Canberra warehouse

at 40 He ernan Street in Mitchell, from 10am–2pm, Monday to Saturday. Larger donations and pick-ups can also be organised by calling the Lifeline Canberra o ce on 02 6171 6300.

When asked if there were any changes over the years with the introduction of eBook readers, Ms Leeson said there were more books published now than there were decades ago.

“So, we never have a shortage of donations or individuals wanting to buy books at a reasonable price,” she said.

Two more Bookfairs will be held this year, one at Greenway in June and another at EPIC in September.

“We receive an incredible number of first editions which is extremely exciting - first edition Superman comics, first edition Harry Potter books, and thousands of

years old medical journals – some of them are still in good nick,” Ms Leeson said.

“We once received a diary from a war veteran, and it was someone who had received a bravery medal, so we passed that book onto the Australian War Memorial and it’s on display there.

“We never know what we’re going to receive.”

The Lifeline Canberra Bookfair will run at EPIC on Friday 7 February 9am-6pm, Saturday 8 February 9am-5pm and Sunday 9 February 9am-4pm.

Entry to the Bookfair is via gold coin donation.

Dare to Care Bear is LifelineCanberra’s new mascot. Photos: Jordan Mirchevski.

Health issues no barrier for ParaMatilda kicking goals

special, but it is hard to put the whole experience into words,” she said.

Having a stroke, encephalitis, a stress fracture, and concussions over the past few years - and learning to walk again - didn’t stop Canberrabased soccer player Rebecca Jones from representing her country.

Rebecca is originally from Sydney but is based in Canberra most of the year while studying.

Free entertainment and activities for kids all day, every day.

Rides and Showbags to keep the big kids smiling and thrilled.

Farmyard animals to cuddle all day including puppies, chicks and ducks.

Sheep shearing, cow milking, pig racing, arts, crafts and even hobby horse races.

Woodchop, Sheep, Horse, Cats, Guinea Pigs, Cattle, Dogs, Flyball, Alpaca & Produce.

Science extravaganza, Showjumping, Motorcross stunts, Fireworks nale... ...and more.

Rebecca represented Australia at the 2024 IFCPF (International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football) Women’s World Cup, scoring three goals in her international debut. The team went on to win the tournament.

She is part of the ParaMatildas, which formed in 2022, as Australia’s first national team for women and girls with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury and symptoms of stroke.

“Getting into the team was one of my biggest achievements,” Rebecca told CW.

“The last four years have not been the easiest for me. I’ve been in hospital with encephalitis, had a stroke, learnt to walk again, had stress fractures, and a couple of concussions.

“It’s not been easy, but soccer is a good distraction.

“Having the goal of going to the World Cup helped with the challenging days. Stepping onto the field with my Australian teammates was pretty incredible.”

Rebecca said if you told her in hospital four years ago she would represent Australia, she would not have believed you.

“Scoring three goals was very

She just completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences at the Australian National University and is now undertaking an honours degree.

Rebecca was born able-bodied but a stroke several years ago left her living with a disability.

While she has no competitions coming up, the ParaMatilda continues to train on her own to keep her fitness up.

“At the moment, I’m working on plans that will come up later in the year,” Rebecca said.

“There’s nothing locked in at the moment, so it’s just waiting to see how the year progresses but hopefully there will be some later in the year.”

She has previously played for Canberra United Academy.

Rebecca currently trains once a week with a local all-abilities, all-ages team.

The ParaMatilda has played soccer since she was four. She said the thing she enjoyed the most was being part of a team.

“Because within the team you need cohesion and a level of trust between the players, so you have to get to know the other players,” Rebecca said.

“It’s pretty special when you get to play in a team environment while pushing yourself.”

LILLIAN ALTMAN

Canberra-based ParaMatilda Rebecca Jones practising her soccer skills. Photo: Allianz Australia

Raiders optimistic, raring to go for 2025 season

everything they do for us,” Stuart said.

Expectations are high for the Canberra Raiders as they head into the 2025 NRL season, says head coach Ricky Stuart.

The Raiders held an open training session at their Braddon headquarters on Friday 17 January, where between 300 to 400 fans gathered.

“We always set high expectations; we work hard and set high standards with our football, and nothing’s changed this year,” Stuart told CW.

The Raiders will open the 2025 season with a clash against the New Zealand Warriors at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on 2 March.

“We’re training really hard and they’re getting into the back end of the pre-season. They’re getting excited about the trials and playing,” Stuart said.

He said it was a pleasure to have the fans mingle with the players at the open training session.

“It’s a big part of our culture here to be humble around our fans and appreciate and respect

“The way the players treat our supporters makes you proud.”

Stuart said people who lived in Canberra and the surrounding regions were passionate and loyal supporters.

“They know Matty Nicholson, and they know all our new players and that’s what I love about the people who loyally support the club,” he said.

Kiwis star, and now club captain, Joseph Tapine, said he was excited for the Vegas opener and the season ahead.

“I’m just excited with the young fellas and some of the new players we’ve brought in,” he told CW

He said the players to look out for this year were Xavier Savage and Ethan Sanders.

Sanders told CW he has enjoyed his time with the Raiders so far.

He joined Canberra from Parramatta at the end of last year, having made his NRL debut for the Eels in round 8 of the 2024 season.

“It’s a good bunch of lads and everyone’s working hard,” Sanders said.

“It’s a really good environment to just slot into, work hard, and try to fight for a position.”

He said seeing so many fans at the open training session was motivating.

Another newbie to the club is Matty Nicholson, who moved to Canberra just two months ago from the United Kingdom.

“It’s pretty surreal,” he told CW.

He joined the Raiders from the Warrington Wolves in the Super League on a three-year deal.

Nicholson made his international debut for England in 2023, scoring a try in his second appearance against France.

The second-rower said he grew up watching NRL games on television.

Nicholson said playing rugby league in Australia had always been in the back of his mind.

He said he was optimistic about the season ahead.

“I’m really looking forward to it. Last year was disappointing but hopefully we can improve on that and make the top eight and hopefully make the finals,” Nicholson said.

After the Vegas trip, the Raiders’ first home game of the season will be against the Bris-bane Broncos on Saturday 15 March at GIO Stadium.

LILLIAN ALTMAN

Trump pledges to save America from ‘decline’

DAVID MORGAN, AAP

An emboldened Donald Trump has declared that “America’s decline is over” as he reclaimed the US presidency, promising a crackdown on illegal immigration and portraying himself as a savior chosen by God to rescue a faltering nation.

“From this moment on, America’s decline is over,” Trump, 78, said inside the Rotunda of the US Capitol on Monday.

The inauguration completes a triumphant return for a political disruptor who was twice impeached, survived two assassination attempts, was convicted in a criminal trial and faced charges for attempting to overturn his 2020 election loss.

He is the first president in more than a century to win a second term after losing the White House and the first felon to occupy the White House.

“I was saved by God to make America great again,” Trump said, referring to a gunman’s bullet that grazed his ear in July.

Trump outlined a series of sweeping executive orders, the first steps in enacting a far-reaching agenda to expand America’s territory, curb immigration, boost fossil fuel production and roll back environmental regulations.

He faces an arduous task delivering on his stated promise of a “Golden Age of America” in the face of a closely split Congress, inevitable lawsuits and recalcitrant world leaders.

He did not take immediate action on the economy or inflation, two issues that helped him win re-election.

He said he would declare a national emergency at the southern border with Mexico, dispatch troops there and resume a policy forcing asylum-seeking migrants to wait in Mexico for their US court hearings - all a prelude to what he described as an unprecedented operation to deport millions of immigrants. Republican colleagues applauded and Democrats sat stone-faced.

Numerous tech executives who have sought to curry favour with the incoming administrationincluding the three richest men in the world, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberghad prominent seats on stage, next to cabinet nominees and members of Trump’s family.

Trump said he would send astronauts to Mars, prompting Musk - who has long talked about colonising the planet - to raise his fists.

Trump vowed to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and repeated his intention to take back control of the Panama Canal, one of several foreign policy pronouncements that have caused consternation among US allies.

Donald Trump says he was saved by God to make America great again. Photo: Matt Rourke/ AP Photo

Backstage whispers at Canberra Theatre

Centre for 43 years (he began casual work there as a 19-year-old).

The curtain at the Canberra Theatre Centre has gone down on many stars over the years but once, the curtain accidentally went up and seeing as it’s their 60th anniversary, CW is sharing some backstage yarns.

It was the final curtain call for The Australian Opera in the early days, when the principal dancers were about to pop their heads through the curtain to take a bow. The stage manager had his hand through a loop in the curtain to let them through but someone mistakenly pressed the button to raise the curtain, hoisting the stage manager in the air with feet dangling for all to see.

This is a true story, as told by head electrician Alex Scibberas, who worked at the Canberra Theatre

Another yarn from the ‘90s stems from a performance by the Australian Ballet, when a local star ballet pupil, who had missed out on tickets, was snuck in by a lighting technician to watch the show from the lighting booth, up in the rafters.

She and her friend were leaning over a table to watch the show when they accidentally turned off the power for the headsets for the entire stage crew.

Everything went quiet. Some lighting cues were missed and a panicked phone call from the stage manager soon rectified the near disaster. The lighting technician didn’t lose his job because he’s now the Canberra Theatre Centre’s director, Alex Budd.

“We were very lucky there weren’t

any major cues,” Alex said. “Very quickly, everything was saved but that dancer who I snuck in went on to be a principal in the Australian Ballet.”

Drama doesn’t only take place on the stage and the Canberra Theatre Centre has also experienced mishaps with the audience.

night (the Australian Ballet Company couldn’t rehearse properly until the day before).

and curtains went mostly unnoticed by patrons because alcohol was on sale in the foyer.

aesthetics, the Canberra Theatre Centre still beat everyone else to the post, becoming Australia’s first performing arts centre in 1965. We beat the Sydney Opera House by eight years – and for the bargain price of £200,000 (about $6.6m in today’s money).

New Year, new smile

“There was this famous Iron Maiden concert where people actually got so into the performance, they were pulling seats out and throwing it around,” Alex Budd said. “In the ‘60s and ‘70s, the number of people that came through the door here in comparison to the population was just through the roof. When it opened in 1965, I think Canberra had 80,000 people and not long after that, more than 200,000 tickets a year were being sold.”

Anarchy has also played out at the Canberra Theatre with a concert by British punk band The Stranglers in 1979. Twenty-eight seats were slashed with razors, pulled from the floor and beer cans and spirit bottles left strewn all over the theatre. Despite the damage, the theatre director at the time said that theatre management would not put a complete ban on punk groups.

Probably one of the most memorable events (or not as the case may be) is that the Canberra Theatre Centre had the ACT’s first liquor license.

It’s lucky that alcohol was on tap because the grand opening of the theatre in 1965 almost didn’t happen smoothly because the building wasn’t finished on opening

sought advice from Jorn Utzon (designer of the Sydney Opera House), the design brief for the Canberra Theatre was “substantially reduced” because officials stated, “nothing so elaborate [as the staging arrangements at the Opera House] would be needed in Canberra”.

Try telling that to movie star Marlena Deitrich, prima ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn, soprano Dame Joan Sutherland and global megastars The Seekers – all of whom have graced Canberra Theatre’s stage.

As part of the Canberra Theatre Centre’s 60th anniversary, a memory capture project is underway to collect stories, photos, videos and memories of time spent at the theatre.

Visit the online portal to submit your memories.

The Canberra Theatre Centre is calling on the public to share stories, photos, videos and memories of time spent at the theatre.

GEORGIA CURRY

KIDS BEACH

The Los Angeles Fires: Climate change or mismanagement?

Since the cataclysm in Los Angeles started on 7 January, every political body in the world responsible for fire-prone areas will have summoned reports from their specialist wildfire units.

The ACT would be among them, with several o cials from the Parks and Conservation Service, as well as the Commonwealth’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, likely called

back into the o ce during the first few days of January.

Fires come and go, and serious ones invariably bring inquiries in their wake. In Australia, the outcomes of these normally chastise the authorities for having too few cool burns to prevent the build-up of flammable material that can so easily fuel the deadly deflagrations we saw consuming Hollywood.

But people in modern society are less fully persuaded about the merits of forest thinning in reducing fire risk and intensity than people were a century or so ago.

Burn-o s are unpopular because of their smell and appearance. Some regard them as an unwanted, unnatural human intervention. Among those, some consider such interventions

as being harmful because they address the symptoms rather than what they see as the true causes of fire activity: increased levels of human-induced induced CO2 emissions and associated increases in global warming. For those of this view, nothing short of stopping the use of coal and oil is acceptable.

Thus, for activist author Joe Romm,

“the catastrophe of the Los Angeles fires, fueled in part by climate change, would be one of many climate “Pearl Harbors” that might help wake up the public to the urgent need for climate action”.

The climate alarmist Commonwealth Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister, comes close to echoing such views when she says these types of fires will, “arise more frequently and we are going to confront fire seasons that in some instances will be unprecedented”.

That approach would enjoy considerable support – indeed is fostered by – those with commercial interests in wind and solar energy supplies displacing coal and gas. As a result of subsidies, wind and solar now provides 30 per cent of electricity – up from zero 20 years ago. The ACT claims to be 100 per cent renewable but that is simply ideological breast-beating since the ACT is a part of the NSW system and has an identical share of wind/solar.

Commercial and ideological proponent of wind and solar would be dismayed by the inau-guration of President Donald Trump on 20 January, as it brings into o ce a pre-eminent world leader who wants no windfarms built during his presidency, “they litter our country, nobody wants them, and they are very expensive”.

This is just as well, since there is no evidence of climate change

creating more extreme events, greater dryness, stronger winds and other adverse e ects.

Rainfall levels in California, as in Australia, are highly variable year-byyear but show no trend.

And the strong winter northern winds (the Santa Anna) that propelled the fires have been recorded since 1871, and on over two dozen occasions over the past 150 years, have brought serious fires.

One area of reality is the insurance payouts due to natural disasters.

Munich Re,’s annual tabulation of world-wide catastrophe losses related to weather events for 2024 comes to $298 billion dollars. Munich Re attributes the losses to climate change, saying, “climate change is showing its claws”. The Munich Re.’s view contrasts with those of Swiss Re., “Economic development continues to be the main driver of the rise in insured losses resulting from floods, but also other perils.”

Roger Pielke constructs the graph below which clearly shows there is no increase in insur-ance payouts adjusted for the value of assets. If anything, the average annual payout from climate events has tended to decline.

There are other matters that have been said to have contributed to the LA disaster. Among these is a sub-optimal priority on clearing forest fuel. Also mentioned is a short-age for firefighting due to no new dams having been built and the dismantling of some existing dams, one of which was to assist the conservation of a little-known fish. Other alleged contributory factors were the appointment of unqualified “diversity hires” - the most senior Fire Department o cials were Kristina Crowley, first LGBTQ Fire Chief; Kristina Kepner, first lesbian Assistant Chief; and Kristine Larson, first black lesbian Equity Bureau Chief.

The merits of these and other considerations will doubtless be given considerable scrutiny in the months to come both in LA itself and around the world.

CO N T R IBU ALAN MORAN

have you heard?

GIVIT donation of the week: Coloured markers

GIVIT is requesting the donation of coloured markers to be included in back-to-school packs for primary and high school children. They are being assisted by an organisation in the ACT that provides support programs for disadvantaged children and their families who are struggling with health and wellbeing issues. The organisation is putting together back-to-school packs and is seeking essential school supplies such as books, bags, stationery and writing supplies. GIVIT is requesting the donation of coloured markers as art supplies before school starts. Your donation will mean a lot to these young students and help them feel excited to go back to school. Generous Canberrans can donate coloured markers or fund the purchase of coloured marker packs. 100% of your financial donation will be used to purchase these items. To help please visit: GIVIT.org.au/what’s-needed, search; Location State: ‘ACT’, Keywords: ‘coloured markers’ and Suburb: ‘Downer ACT 2602’.

Country Music Association of Canberra Inc.

Willie Nelson once famously said “Great songs stand out wherever they’re from...” and so do great people! Do you have a passion for country music, would you like to meet local like-minded country music fans, and would you like to try your hand at spruiking your musical talent? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then CMAC is for you. For over 50 years CMAC has been promoting the country music genre in the Canberra region by providing a fun, encouraging and supportive group for singers and musicians. Come along to one of CMAC’s monthly open mic walkups, meet our members, and let your talent shine. All talent levels are warmly welcomed. CMAC open mic walk-ups occur on the first Sunday of each month at the Canberra Irish Club, 6 Parkinson Street, Weston from 1 to 4:30pm. Members free, visitors $5. For further information email secretary2020@countrymusiccanberra.org.au

Dancing in the Park

Join us from Monday 27 January at 6:30pm for an evening of free dancing on Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park, suitable for anyone from age 10 and up. Further evenings every Monday to the end of February. Learn Australian Bush dances and related styles with our expert teachers in a family-friendly, fun and relaxed setting. Or just listen to the traditional music from our live band. Presented by the Monaro Folk Society, full details can be found at monarofolk.org.au

Discover the Joy of Scottish Country Dancing

Join the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Canberra for a beginner class starting Wednesday 5 February at 6:15pm at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Forrest. Your first class is free! Scottish Country Dancing is a fun, social, and inclusive way to get moving—no experience or partner required. Just bring comfortable clothes and flat, soft-soled shoes. For more details, visit rscds-canberra.org or email secretaryrscdscanberra@gmail.com. Don’t miss this chance to experience the joy of Scottish Country Dancing!

Hawker Coffee/Op Shop

Join us for our first Coffee/Op Shop of the year on Saturday 1 February, from 9am to 12 noon at Christ Church, Hawker (corner of Beetaloo Street and Belconnen Way). Discover a treasure trove of goodies, including trash and treasure, books, pre-loved clothes (some brand new), craft items, jewellery, games, puzzles, DVDs, and a well-stocked cake stall. Enjoy free tea, coffee, and COVID-safe biscuits while you browse. Don’t miss this fun community event! For enquiries, call 0428 266 658.

community noticeboard

email news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject field

Discover Your Voice

Join the Canberra Men’s Choir for an Open Night on Monday 3 February at the Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah, from 7:30 to 9:15pm. This non-audition choir welcomes men of all abilities and musical backgrounds to experience the joy of singing in harmony. Led by Musical Director Leanne McKean, the choir performs a range of genres, from jazz to popular music, and is an active part of Canberra’s community events. For more details, visit canberramenschoir.net, email canberramenschoir@gmail.com, or call Peter Fyfe at 0414 543 443.

Sahaja Yoga Meditation

Free yoga classes at the Erindale Neighbourhood Centre, Corner, Sternberg Cres & Comrie St, Wanniassa. On every Wednesday from 6 to 7pm. Running from February to the end of November. For more info, contact 6257 2057.

HYH submissions

Submissions to our free Have You Heard community noticeboard are reserved for charity, not-for-profit and community organisations. Deadline for submissions is 10 days prior to the Thursday edition date. Email your submission with essential details – who, what, where, when, cost, contact details – to news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject heading. Flyers and attachments not accepted. Due to space restrictions, please keep it brief. Please note: publication in print is not guaranteed.

Suited for persons who are retired or semi-retired looking for additional income. Applicants need a driver’s licence and one tonne ute, van or equivalent.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

You’ll be building something you hope will be beautiful and accepting all the challenges that go along with such an elusive quest. And it’s not whether you made it pleasing or perfect but whether it does the job of beauty, which is to attract. This week you see proof that you’ve hit the mark.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)

Because you’re often hanging out on the edge of your comfort zone, it’s more important than ever to have an excellent home base with all that makes such a place a wonderful sanctuary for stability, rest and recovery. The aesthetics and functionality of home are tied to your health and well-being.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)

BRAIN BUSTERS

1 What is the second planet from the Sun in our Solar System?

2 Australian sportsperson Phoebe Litchfield is best known for her involvement in which sport?

3 Mercedes-Benz AG is headquartered in which country?

4 The Speech to the Troops at Tilbury was delivered in 1588 by which monarch?

5 Baklava is a dessert made of pastry filled with chopped what?

You’ve got a lot of heart and intention, and sometimes that’s all you can share. What happens after that is up to fate and the spirit of education. Be kind to yourself as you learn. You’re doing your best, even when it doesn’t go as planned. No matter what, the memory will count for a lot.

CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)

You try and offer encouragement to everyone, but there are some whose creative drive and ability inspire you to take it further. You are impressed by those who express an artistic sensibility and seem to have a deeper knowing of emotional nuances. This week shows meaningful collaboration.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)

You’re carrying and processing a lot this week, seeking out the gifts in each situation. Your attitude is a wonder and inspiration to your family and friends. By trying to make things work despite the dynamics at play, you’ll learn and create more than many people ever manage to.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)

A true friend doesn’t just share time, experiences and insights. They spark curiosity in the soul, point to our need of another point of view leaving us with questions that linger. The best connections are built on the thrilling discomfort of wandering into the unknown together.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)

When you’re playful or informative, you’re not doing it to draw attention to yourself. Your ego doesn’t need it. But you’re intent on a higher purpose to lighten the atmosphere. This week you’ll deliver novelty and delight to others. As a side effect, you’ll create meaningful moments.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)

To prioritize yourself and your work, you need to believe in your own worth and potential. You still wrestle with the belief that you’re “worth it,” but you could also just drop the struggle and decide you have unique perspectives, gifts and contributions to make, and it’s your duty to make use of them.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)

Your interactions of all kinds will involve a sheen of sophistication that attracts others who know or want to know the nuances of your preferences. Efficiency and functionality matter to you as much as elegance does. Arguably, the ease of function is the very essence of excellent design.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)

Your self-identity has been intertwined with service to others, so it’s sometimes hard to turn the focus onto yourself without questioning if it’s justified. Can you just pretend like it is? What would you do if you believed you deserved to do absolutely whatever you wanted?

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)

Your presence has a lasting impact. Your small acts of empathy shape the foundation of a relationship, a community and, in some ways, the world at large. What starts as a subtle gesture grows into something meaningful and profound, touching more lives than you realize.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)

It’s not fun to feel heart-invested in a relationship that the other person seems to approach as transactional. Even transactional relationships hold value. Duty and necessity still have intrinsic meaning. You can build real things from them, even if different to your original expectation.

DIFFICULTY RATING

Beer Battered Barramundi & Chips

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly delicious, this Beer Battered Barramundi & Chips recipe is a perfect way to enjoy seafood at home.

Prep time 15 mins | Cook time 20 mins Serves 2-3

INGREDIENTS

1kg starchy potato (like Sebago)

Tassal Fresh Barramundi from Cone Bay 260g (two portions)

Sea salt

Cracked pepper

Lemon Tartare sauce

Beer batter:

120g self-raising flour, plus more for dusting

1 tsp baking powder

1 medium egg white

Thyme leaves

Lemon rind

160ml (1/2 cup or just under half a bottle) light beer or lager

METHOD

Chop the potato into squares, then slice into tall, skinny fries (the skinnier the fry, the quicker they will cook).

Rinse under water, then roll in a paper towel to dry any excess moisture.

Fill a large pan or deep-fat fryer three-quarters full with oil and heat to 190°C (or until a piece of bread browns in 20 seconds).

For the beer batter, whisk together flour, baking powder, thyme, lemon rind, and beer in a bowl until smooth and combined. Whisk the egg white until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the batter. If the batter is too thick, add some water or more beer.

Prepare the barramundi by slicing each fillet in half lengthways and drying thoroughly with a paper towel. Season the fish with salt, then coat with extra flour. Shake off any excess flour and dip into the batter mixture. Ensure fish is fully coated, then carefully place it into the hot oil. As the barramundi cooks it will float. Allow the first side to cook until golden brown, then flip it over to cook both sides evenly. Cook for a total of 3 to 3.5 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the barramundi to a plate lined with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

While the fish rests, add the potato to the fryer. After 2 to 3 minutes, or once

Fresh Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This light and zesty salad perfectly balances the rich flavours of the fish and chips.

Prep time: 10 mins | Serves: 2-3

INGREDIENTS

4 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, rocket, or lettuce)

1 cucumber, thinly sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp honey

Salt and cracked pepper to taste

METHOD

In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pep-per until emulsified.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Serve alongside your Beer Battered Barramundi & Chips for a refreshing contrast.

and images courtesy of

the fries are browned, remove them from the oil onto a paper towel and season with salt.

Serve the barramundi with the chips, fresh lemon, and tartare sauce.

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and flavour at Patissez. From our signature Freakshakes to savory tacos and delightful French toasts, there’s something for everyone.

Visit us for a cozy meal or follow @patissez on Instagram for updates.

Recipe

Tassal.

time out

Take 8 with comedian Jack Whitehall (and his parents)

LILLIAN ALTMAN

If you enjoyed the Netflix series Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father, which took the father and son duo around the world, you’ll enjoy their live show when it rolls into Canberra.

Michael and comedian/actor Jackalongside Jack’s mother/Michael’s wife, Hilary as referee - will grace the Royal Theatre stage at the National Convention Centre Canberra on 29 and 30 January. Tickets for Jack and Michael Whitehall Live can be purchased at nccc.com.au

1How’s everyone feeling? Are you jetlagged?

Jack: We’re over the jetlag. We had our first show in Wollongong last night (15 January).

We’re raring to get to Canberra to perform at the Royal Theatre. I’ve never been to Canberra before. On the last tour, we played quite a few cities but not in Canberra, so I’m very excited.

Hilary: There’s been a strange occurrence; our neighbour from London is in Canberra visiting her parents so she will give us a tour.

Jack: I have a friend, Sally Phillips, who is filming a show in Canberra ( Austin).

Michael: I don’t have any friends in Canberra, and not many here in London either.

2Can we get a sneak peek of some of the stories you will share on stage?

Jack: For anyone who is a fan of the (Netflix) show it’s the same dynamic. It’s a cross between The Crown and The Jerry Springer Show ; we’re airing out the family secrets, but we’ve also got a few surprises. It’s also an allsinging and all-dancing a air. The great thing about it is I never know what stories are going

to come out on the night because Michael is a loose cannon.

Michael: If it was scripted, I wouldn’t remember any of it so it’s best not to have a script and think as we go along. You could come to all our shows, and they would all be di erent.

Hilary: A lot of anecdotes of Michael grappling with life, and Jack finding it very funny.

Michael: Not just grappling with life, but other things.

Celebrating Lunar New Year Of The Snake - 2025 新年大吉

Tuesday 28 Jan 2025 at 6pm – 1am

6:30 - 7:30 pm courtesy vegetarian beef noodles as communal dinner offered to all. Gourmet vegetarian food stalls open and annual dinner, cultural music and performances including lion dance, prayers for ancestors, parents, and families, gifts and giveaways,

Wednesday, 29 January –

Saturday, 1 February 2025 6:00AM-8pm

Monastery open for visitors and prayers, New Year sermon and service, and lunch

Sunday, 2 February 2025 6:00 AM–8:00 PM

Monastery open for visitors and prayers, memorial services for Most Ven. Thich Giac Tanh and Most Ven. Thich Thien Hoa and communal luncheon for all attendees.

Sakyamuni Buddhist Centre 32 Archibald St, Lyneham ACT 2602 | 0412 224 553 thichquangba@gmail.com

Jack Whitehall (centre) with his parents Michael and Hilary.

3

Will Winston make an appearance on stage?

Hilary: It depends on whether he behaves or not as he can be quite naughty. If he’s naughty when he’s in Canberra, he might not make an appearance.

Jack: Miraculously, he made it past the stringent security check; he was searched by the (Australian) customs officers.

Michael: Someone kept shaking Winston because maybe they thought there were drugs on him.

Jack: I put all of mine on Michael, so they didn’t find them.

4

Where is your favourite place to travel and why?

Jack: Michael likes the emu farm in Ipswich and the beach in the Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise), Michael likes that one too. Hilary: We love Byron Bay, it’s amazing. We did get to go to Uluru, which is fantastic.

5

What are the best and worst things about travelling and working together around the world?

Hilary: My worst thing about travelling with Michael Whitehall is that he always has five options of a hardback book which is very heavy. He doesn’t do Kindle.

Jack: His bowels are also ticking time bombs. Michael: I’m going somewhere in a minute… I’m thinking positive thoughts at the moment.

6

Will Travels with my Father return? If so, where would you like to go next?

Jack: Maybe, let’s just see if we can get through this tour without falling out. If we can make it through this, we might work together but it’s early days. It’s like Oasis; it’s good if you have tickets to the early performances, but if you have tickets towards the end of the tour it’s a bit touch and go as to whether we make it there. Perth, have a backup.

7

What’s next for everyone? When will The Wittering Whitehalls return?

Jack: I’m hosting The BRIT Awards in the UK in February, and then after that, I’m in the US for the first half of the year. Then I have a show coming out on Amazon Prime probably towards the end of the year, Malice, a British

psychological thriller, with David Duchovny. Michael: The Wittering Whitehalls has gone viral in the UK. It is also apparently big in Australia – most of the calls that come from overseas are from Australia. We’re planning to do a live tour of it in the UK, take it on the road and take questions from a live audience. It would be quite challenging because we don’t know what’s going to hit us.

Michael: We’re very thrilled our podcast has done so well because the Whitehall family has had one or two hiccups in the podcast world. Including Jack’s attempt at a podcast, so we saw an open door to get into it.

Hilary: The nepo parents leapt at an opportunity.

Jack: Please don’t plug the podcast in this interview.

Hilary: Ignore that last statement, the podcast is available.

8

Michael, Hilary, have you become more popular than Jack?

Michael: It was inevitable.

Jack: The egos are out of control. They’ve used me and ditched.

Start the (panda) party with this successful Canberra game

LILLIAN ALTMAN

Since setting up a Kickstarter to create their own card game, a Canberra couple has sold out the first run - and welcomed a baby into the world.

In 2022, CW reported that Ana Andreska and Darko Andreski set up a Kickstarter to get their game idea, Panda Party, off the ground.

Now, the couple has sold out the first run, which means there are 1000 households worldwide that have Panda Party in their hot little hands.

“1000 sales might not seem like a lot but when I did the stacking of the next 1500, I was thinking for every one of these games there’s a household that has it on their shelf and takes it out at Christmas to have some fun,” Ana said.

“An idea a few years ago has turned it into something real.”

Panda Party is described as “a pick-up-and-play card game in an alternate reality where adorable

pandas eat pizza and party hard”.

Players compete to be the first to collect five pandas at their party, inviting special guests and pooping on other players’ parties.

Ana said they had about six months from December 2022 to pull everything together, from scraps of paper and handwritten cards to production. The cards were completed by June 2023.

She said they had backers from around the world, with one of the options for those who donated money to have themselves ‘pandafied’.

“I entered the people into the pandaverse and into the imaginary,” Ana said.

“We gave the game with their personalised card they could play with.”

Ana said that when the game was first released, it was stocked in two stores in Canberra. That number has now increased to 13 across Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne.

She said the Canberra community has supported

the game well. The couple even had someone ask them to autograph their pack!

Ana is an analytics consultant by day and illustrator by night, and Darko is a graphic designer. Throw in the card game and looking after a baby, it makes for a very packed schedule.

The couple has expanded the game with two boosters – Halloween, and beach party. They have also released t-shirts and a mug.

Darko said in the future they would continue to create booster packs and hoped to also release expansion packs.

“In terms of Panda Party and our growth this year, it’s about teaming up with a distributor so we can get a larger reach throughout Australia,” he said

You can check out the card game and the pandaverse at pandaparty.com.au

A portion of each pack sold goes to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

BEGINNER WORLD DANCE CLASSES

Dancing to wonderful music from countries around the world!

Travel the world of exotic music and dance. Suitable for all ages, and all levels of dance experience, Beginner classes offer a wonderful pathway into dance cultures across the globe. We are a unique and welcoming community providing physical and social well-being through world dance. No partner necessary.

Folk Dance Canberra Hall

Evening and day classes starting from 5 February 2025:

Wednesday Evenings 7.30–9pm Ph. 6286 6401 (Lesley)

Thursday Mornings 10.30am–12noon Ph. 0420 524 412 (Rebecca)

Cost: $15 per class (first class free)

An image showcasing what some of the Panda Party cards look like. Picture supplied

‘You can do what you want’: Canberra teen beauty queen

LILLIAN ALTMAN

A Canberra teenager is hoping to take the beauty world by storm in her first pageant.

Saima Premanand Maller, a 14-year-old year 10 student at Amaroo School, is a finalist in the teen section of the Australia Galaxy Pageants.

She will compete in the national finals in Sydney in May.

Saima said it felt surreal when she received the call late last year that she’d made it to the finals.

“I really didn’t think that it was going to happen, but it did,” she told CW.

Saima is in preparation mode for the big day, meeting with a pageant coach once a month to guide her through the competition elements.

“Right now, I’m mainly focusing on all the media and community experiences,” Saima said.

During the finals, which run across several days, the entrants will compete in fashion-wear and evening gown, interview and photogenic categories.

There are additional categories participants can take part in to score bonus points: charity, eco fashion and appearances.

Saima’s community work includes helping at the Umbagong District parkrun in Latham.

She had also planned to spend a month in India during the school holidays, where she would make appearances and undertake charity work. However, the trip was delayed due to her father recently suffering, and now recovering, from a heart attack. Saima will undertake appearances in Australia.

She is also advocating for mental health, equal rights, and empowering young women to embrace their uniqueness and feel confident in who

they are.

While this is her first pageant, Saima said she had been a model and actress since she was eight.

“I joined because there had been a time in my life where I didn’t think I would be able to do something like this,” she said.

“I want to make sure other girls in my position (know that) as long as you have a good heart – and a good support network - and hold on, you can do what you want.”

Saima said putting the pieces for the pageant together was one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.

She said she was driven by her love of the Canberra community and passion for creating positive change.

Saima hopes to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, as a model or actor.

“I just love making people laugh, I love talking to people, I have been making home videos since I was about four or five and done media at school for the past three years,” she said.

“(I also did) work experience at the Academy of Interactive Entertainment – I did a full weeks’ course there and made movies, it was amazing.”

The circus: a great option to get kids m g!

Circus is a collection of fun activities that engage physical movement for all interests. It is inclusive, diverse, non-competitive, and artistically creative. It is a perfect activity to learn movement skills, from foundational to advanced, in a supportive team environment with creative outcomes.

Australian children need support in fundamental movement skills. A rise in sedentary behaviour, screen time, and overwork have caused a decline in the physical abilities of Australians.

As a result, many Australian

children now struggle to perform skills like jumping, skipping, throwing and catching - skills underpinning everyday activities. This can lead to feelings of inability to participate in active, healthy lifestyles.

Warehouse Circus runs classes for all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities or body di erences.

4/70 Maclaurin Cres, Chifley

T: 6260 3626

E: programs@warehousecircus.org.au

W: warehousecircus.org.au

Saima Premanand Maller wearing her finalist sash and tiara. Picture supplied

time out

Booktalk

This week, Jeff Popple reviews three interesting and thoughtful books for Australia Day. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

Remember When by Bob Byrne Newsouth, $39.99

Remember Dennis Lillee charging down to bowl a bouncer? Or the regular Sunday roast? Or “shaggin’ wagons” and protest marches? If you do, you will greatly enjoy Bob Byrne’s nostalgic trip through the second half of the twentieth century. Packed with over 180 photographs, Remember When is a sugar hit of Australian nostalgia that brings back lots of memories, both good and bad. From sporting moments to disasters to simpler school days and great achievements, such as the appointment of Neville Bonner as the first elected Indigenous Member of Parliament, it is a glorious reminder of how things were. A fun read for Australia Day.

Panic by Catherine Jinks Text, $34.99

Catherine Jinks’ novels are noted for their exploration of pressing social issues while engaging the reader in an interesting story. In Panic, Catherine tackles the rise of the sovereign citizen movement in Australia. After a drunken rant that went horrifically viral, Bronte is forced to lie low. She heads bush and agrees to look after a dementia sufferer on an isolated homestead. The manager of the property, Veda, rejects the state’s authority over her and has gathered around her a small, devoted collection of followers who think the same. Bronte thinks that they are harmless, but she might be wrong. A tense, slow-burn thriller.

Enchantment by Birds by Russell McGregor

Scribe,

$39.99

Australia is gifted with a marvellous array of birdlife that enchants both casual observers and dedicated birdwatchers. In Enchantment by Birds, Russell McGregor explores the world of birdwatching and the primal desire to connect with nature. Framed around stories about 22 Australian birds, Russell takes the reader on an entertaining and informative journey into the past and present worlds of bird watching. From the early pioneers to the evolution of citizen science and the growth of birding tourism, this is a fascinating and lovingly produced book with terrific illustrations and lively prose. A must-read for anyone interested in Australian wildlife and its watchers.

in Canberra Weekly’s latest round of competition

The winners

draws are: We live in Time: G. Walsh, Kaleen; M. Mychailuk, Queanbeyan; A. Pralow, Turner; L. Wynd, Jerrabomberra; M. Colbert, Coombs Pilot Pens: L. Robinson, Kaleen; S. Mostyn, Calwell; K. Browning, Kaleen

wing

Sing Sing (MA15+)

At Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York, a group of inmates participate in theatre games as part of a Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. Talented writer and actor John “Divine G” Whitfield (Colman Domingo), takes part in recruiting new members including the adversarial Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin (playing himself) who goes against Divine G’s suggestion of his own dramatic work as the basis for their next production, arguing for a comedy instead.

Based on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing, the movie also stars many real-life former alumni. It is a di cult task for any actor to play themselves in a production, so the authenticity

they bring to their on-screen personas is an achievement and an absolute highlight of the movie.

While he served as a very unlikable antagonist in The Color Purple (2023), Colman Domingo is equally believable here as a Renaissance man throwing his whole self at the program as a writer and soulful actor. Becoming a natural leader of the group in the pursuit of his art, Divine G uses the group to care for his mental health and constructively process his emotions while fighting for his early release. Divine Eye is his foil. Understandably wary of authority and constructs, Divine Eye is a diamond in the rough the program, and its participants, are best placed to polish. Verdict: An immersive and visceral experience that showcases the restorative and redemptive power of art in even the most challenging environments.

- Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.

WIN! Bird double passes

12-year-old Bailey lives with her single dad Bug and brother Hunter in a squat in North Kent. Bug doesn’t have much time for his kids and Bailey, who is approaching puberty, seeks attention and adventure elsewhere.

BIRD stars BAFTA-winner and Academy Award nominee Barry Keoghan and Franz Rogowski alongside newcomers Nykiya Adams and Jason Buda and is directed by Andrea Arnold.

CW has five double passes to see Bird, in cinemas 20 February.

Enter to win!

To enter, scan the QR code or visit canberradaily.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 31 January 2025 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person per giveaway. Entrants must be aged 18+.

COMMUNITY DAY 2025

Headlined by Jem Cassar-Daley

What's on!

COMMUNITY

FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Markets

24-26 JAN

The FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Markets returns to the National Capital on the Australia Day weekend for a series of shows to reflect, respect and celebrate the ever-evolving story of our nation.

Commonwealth Place and Regatta Point, 24-26 January; nca.gov.au/events/flight-droneskyshow-night-markets-2025

Find more listings at canberradaily.com.au

HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP?

Contact Anand on 0432 887 457 or anand@newstimemedia.com.au

MUSIC

Numeralla Folk Festival

24-26 JAN

A free three-day folk festival with concerts, poetry, a Saturday night bush dance, music workshops, a blackboard concert and open mic, Sunday morning markets, an annual raffle and free camping by the river.

Numeralla Diggers Memorial Hall, 24-26 January; facebook. com/NumerallaFolkFestival

SPORT

Festival of Speed

25-26 JAN

More than 200 of the world’s most exotic road and race cars will take part in the “ultimate garden party”. Cars will blast past the spectators around the purpose-built exhibition circuit. There will also be interactive trade stalls and a European food village.

EPIC, 25-26 January, 2-8.30pm Saturday and 9-4pm Sunday; canberrafestivalofspeed.com

SPORT

ACT Open and Under 20 Athletics Championships

25-27 JAN

Canberra is set to host more than 600 track and field athletes from Australia, the US, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Canada. One of the featured athletes is dual gold medallist at the Paris Paralympics, James Turner.

Australian Institute of Sport, 2527 January; capitalathletics.au/ events/264312

CULTURAL

Australia Day Afro-Aboriginal Cultural Dance Fusion

26 JAN

An African and Aboriginal cultural showcase. Experience the fusion of cultures to celebrate Australia Day, with free food and drinks included.

Yerrabi Pond District Park, Gungahlin, January 26, 1-5pm; eventbrite. com.au/o/celebration-of-africanaustralians-act-inc-8572581937

MUSIC

Australia Day Concert

26 JAN

The aim of the event is to reflect on our journey as Australian citizens, respect Australian First Nations people, and all Australian contributions, multiculturalism, cultural diversity and social harmony, and celebrate our common values and our bright future.

Beijing Garden, Nara Peace Park, Yarralumla, 26 January, 10am-2pm

COMMUNITY

Family fun day

26 JAN

Get ready for an afternoon of excitement at the Canberra Olympic Pool's family fun day! There will be inflatables, barbecue, outdoor and kid’s pool fun.

Canberra Olympic Pool, 11am3pm, 26 January; facebook.com/ events/998579732319443

WIN! General Knowledge Quiz

Think you’re a general knowledge whiz? Test your skills with our 10-question quiz for a chance to win $100! Answer all the questions below and submit your responses to news@newstimemedia.com.au with ’23 January Quiz’ in the subject field. Entries close 9am Friday 31 January 2025 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+. Good luck!

1. Name one of the years the Canberra Raiders won the premiership.

2. Who painted the Mona Lisa?

3. What is the largest planet in our solar system?

4. Which mountain is home to the iconic Telstra Tower?

5. What is the main ingredient in guacamole?

6. Name five Canberra suburbs that begin with the letter ‘C’.

7. What is the chemical symbol for gold?

8. Which fictional city is the home of Batman?

9. What is the term for a word or phrase that reads the same backward as forward?

10. How many continents are there on Earth?

BACK TO SCHOOL- IT’S TIME FOR DENTAL CHECK

Special Offer to our CDBS client from My Dentist Canberra

New eligible patients for Child Dental Benefit Scheme (CDBS) will also receive a Dental Care Kit worth $50 for ABSOLUTELY FREE.

Your child could be eligible for dental benefits up to $1,132

Your child could be eligible for the CDBS if they are:

• Under 18 years of age

• Eligible for Medicare, and

• Getting a government support payment at least once a year, or have a parent, carer or guardian who is getting a government support payment.

Not Eligible for CDBS? – Don’t worry!

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is part of Medicare. It covers part or all the cost of basic dental services for children who are eligible.

Check if your child is eligible at servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule Or just ring us on 02 6225 2855 and our friendly reception staff can check this for you.

For new clients, we are currently running a promotion. For 13 y/o and younger, we are charging $220 and for 14 y/o and older, we are charging $290 (you can use your health fund and pay less).

This promotion includes a check-up, clean, 2 x-rays and fluoride treatment.

36/21 Thynne St, Bruce, Canberra | 02 6225 2855 reception@mydentistcanberra.com.au

| www.mydentistcanberra.au

The Raiders celebrating one of their premierships. Photo: Getty Images

Being yourself and making friends: A guide for adolescents health & wellbeing

CO N T R IBU

VIVIENNE LEWIS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA

Adolescence can be a confusing time, especially when you’re trying to figure out who you are and how to connect with others. As a clinical psychologist, I’ve seen many young people face these challenges, so here’s a simple guide to help you be yourself and make lasting friendships. First, it’s important to understand who you are. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, and you might not have everything figured out just

yet—and that’s completely normal. Take the time to explore what excites you, whether it’s music, art, or sports. It’s okay to change and grow as you discover more about yourself.

Building confidence and self-esteem is essential for making friends. When you feel good about who you are, it’s easier to connect with others. You might experience moments of self-doubt, but try focusing on what makes you unique. Celebrate your strengths, whether it’s being a good listener or having a talent for solving problems. Acknowledge these qualities and be kind to yourself, especially when things don’t go perfectly.

Making friends involves communication, so it’s important to practice talking to others. Start with small conversations that feel comfortable, and with time, it will get

easier. Ask about people’s hobbies, interests, or favourite activities. These simple conversations often lead to deeper connections. You don’t need to say anything perfect; just be yourself and let the conversation flow naturally.

Building strong friendships takes time and trust, so take it slowly. Share personal things gradually and let connections grow naturally. If a friend is upset or struggling, empathise with them by saying things like, “I’m sorry you’re struggling” or “I’m here if you need me”. This helps create deeper bonds without rushing things.

Setting healthy boundaries is also important. Knowing when to say “no” and protecting your time and energy helps ensure your relationships remain balanced. If you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed, it’s okay to turn down plans. Putting yourself first when needed keeps friendships healthy and respectful.

Body image is another important part of adolescence. Many young people struggle with how they look, but it’s important to remember that your worth is not determined by your appearance. Confidence comes from within. Focus on what makes you feel strong, healthy, and happy, and avoid comparing yourself to others. Self-love is essential for building meaningful, supportive friendships.

Becoming yourself and making friends takes time, patience, and practice. Understand who you are, focus on building confidence, and create healthy relationships. And remember, asking for help along the way is okay. With time and self-compassion, you’ll form the connections you deserve.

How to balance new trends and timeless design

MARIA CERNE, INTERIOR DESIGNER AT STUDIO BLACK INTERIORS, STUDIOBLACK.COM.AU

They say nothing stands the test of time, but as a designer, one of the hallmarks of great design is its ability to outlast popular trends and ever-changing design styles.

Changing what is in your home takes a considerable investment of time and money.

Choose trends that resonate with you and integrate them into your

existing style. Here are my strategies for balancing trends with a sense of timelessness.

Start with a low-commitment update

If you’re drawn to a particular trend, start small. Accessories let you experiment without significant risk.

Starting small allows you to test how a trend works in your home. Items like throw cushions, rugs, and artwork, are a ordable ways to explore a new look without overhauling your entire space.

Choose classic shapes

Timeless design often incorporates classic shapes and patterns that have endured for generations. Think herringbone, stripes, or checkerboard—these patterns, updated with modern colours or materials, strike a perfect balance

QUALITY AUSTRALIAN HEMP PRODUCTS

between trendy and classic. I love how classic patterns give rhythm and can be used in a range of ways— on floor and wall tiles, wall paint, fabric, stone and even art.

Stone all the way

Natural stone, from marble to quartzite to travertine, has been a popular choice in contemporary homes for its tactile beauty. While powerful veining is the current trend, natural stone is timeless and brings richness and warmth to any project.

Invest in quality pieces

High-quality materials and craftsmanship never go out of style. Investing in durable, well-made pieces means they can be reupholstered or refinished over time, keeping your space fresh while maintaining a timeless foundation.

Mix old and new

Vintage items bring character and a sense of history to a space, o ering quality and craftsmanship that’s often hard to find today. Pairing vintage

pieces with contemporary pieces creates a layered, sophisticated look. The magic of brass

Whether you have a contemporary aesthetic or you’re a fan of vintage, brass is a design trend that will stand the test of time for its ability to last generations. Over time, it develops a natural patina, the ageing process giving brass a sense of history and character that’s hard to beat.

When it comes to balancing trends and timeless design, less is often more. By thoughtfully blending trends with enduring design principles, you can create a space that feels current, and fresh but with timeless touch.

Interior Design: Studio Black Interiors. Photo: Adam McGrath. Build: Papas Projects

Step into history with this beautifully restored 1920s worker’s cottage, where the ethos of custodianship is truly celebrated. This exceptional property o ers a perfect blend of classic charm and modern luxury. With renovations spanning from 2016 to 2024, every detail of this home reflects years of dedication and commitment to preserving its rich heritage.

23 Furneaux Street is more than just a home;

it’s a piece of history awaiting your stewardship. We invite discerning buyers to embrace the era, the history, and the meticulously executed renovations that define this stunning residence. Spacious, whisper-quiet, private, and beautifully presented, this property perfectly combines heritage and contemporary living in a highly sought-after location.

Auction 8 February 2025

View Saturday 25 January 1:15-2pm

Agent Andrew Chamberlain Mob 0412 411 422

Agent Christine Bassingthwaighte Mob 0428 139 969

Blackshaw Manuka 02 6295 2433

Forrest 23 Furneaux Street

Available soon, this modern light 2-bedroom home includes:

• Generous open plan living space opening onto balcony

• Modern kitchen with granite benchtops, user friendly appliances and dishwasher

• Large master bedroom with plenty of built-in storage

• Large accessible bathroom, a powder room and internal laundry

• Reverse cycle air-conditioning and heating for year-round comfort

• Internal access to garage

• Smart metering and community solar power to reduce your energy footprint, and cost of living

• Emergency buttons connected to on site staff 24 hours a day

Our residents love calling Bellerive Village home – and you will too.

Our relaxed, contemporary retirement village makes it easy for you to make the most of every day. Ditch the mower and enjoy the social community, neighbours you know, and your own home without the time-consuming maintenance. We’ll even change the lightbulbs.

For your day-to-day needs, Bellerive’s conveniently located close to the Canberra Hospital and the heart of Woden, home to Westfield, the bus interchange and many of Canberra’s premier clubs.

Choose experience

The LJ Hooker Canberra network combines over 250 years of expertise with multi-award-winning teams celebrated locally, nationally, and internationally. Backed by industry veterans and top-performing specialists, as you can see, we are proven performers in property management.

Allow us to show you how easy change can be and step into 2025 with confidence.

‘Ray White_Know How’ for all your coastal property needs.

Prime Development Site DA approved for

This prime parcel of land is now available, complete with approved plans for 8 residential units. The DA has ‘Physical commencement’ from Eurobodalla Shire Council, ensuring it won’t expire. Cleared and zoned R3 (maximum height 11.5m).

Comprising of:

- 2 x 1 bed and study

- 4 x 2 bed

- 1 x 4

50 Burton Street, Bombala

The majestic grandeur and classic opulence of Stradone can’t help but turn heads

• 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms (1 upstairs, 1.5 downstairs)

• Large open kitchen and dining room, sunken living with slow combustion heating

• Modern conservatory with French doors and reverse cycle air conditioning

• Rumpus room with private patio

• Beautiful pressed metal ceilings

• Sweeping verandah around two sides

• Established trees and gardens

• Paved driveway around to single carport

• Short stroll to the main shopping centre/centre of town

Once in a lifetime properties of this stature come on the market, now is the time to make Stradone yours.

Auction

18/02/2025

11am at Bombala Golf Club Inspections By appointment

Christine McIntosh M 0427 584 004

Christine.mcintosh@nh.com.au

Nutrien Harcourts Bombala

‘Dunes’ Awe inspiring Beachfront Acres

Rare and awe-inspiring coastal haven perched on 12 acres of absolute beachfront land at one of the most coveted addresses along the NSW South Coast. A haven of privacy, this sprawling coastal property offers a lifestyle few will ever know, and even fewer will experience. With its uninterrupted views stretching the sands of Racecourse Beach to Brush Island and beyond, Dunes is an extraordinary canvas of natural beauty, where sweeping dunes, a wild arc of coastline, and endless ocean vistas provide a timeless backdrop for seaside living.

Every corner of this magnificent 6-bedroom residence has been designed with generosity of space and a deep connection to its environment. Whether you seek a multi-generational family retreat, an entertainer’s dream, or an ultimate holiday sanctuary, Dunes offers the versatility to meet your every need.

Inside, high-raked, white-washed ceilings soar, while walls of glass seamlessly merge the indoors with the ocean views beyond. The home’s flowing design is anchored by an expansive open plan living area, inviting the light and sea breezes to flood every room. The lush garden atrium, a central feature, brings nature indoors, infusing the home with warmth and vitality.

Dunes is a rare treasure on the NSW South Coast, a place where luxury, nature, and lifestyle blend in perfect harmony. Embrace the chance to own a piece of beachfront paradise, your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits.

Expressions of Interest

Agent Ben Pryde 0410 324 209 I bpryde@mollymook.rh.com.au I rh.com.au/ulladulla

For Sale - $899,000

35/70 Little River Road, Braidwood

THE HOME:

• Stunning vaulted ceiling in living area

• Double tandem garage with back roller door

• Soft-close kitchen cabinetry with stone benches

• 6.6kW solar system

• 5000 litre rainwater tank

• 187m2 in area

• All fully disabled compliant

• Ducted & zone air-conditioning

Jane Mackenzie-Ross 0400 472 577

janemross@atrealty.com.au

Private Inspection by Appointment

For Sale - $925,000

34/70 Little River Road, Braidwood

THE HOME:

• Located in Summerfield Over 55s estate

• Brand new beautifully crafted home

• Passive solar build with north facing sunroom

• 6.6kW solar system * 5000 litre rainwater tank

• 185m2 in area

• All fully disabled compliant

• Ducted and zoned air-conditioning

• Heated indoor pool * gym * clubhouse

Jane Mackenzie-Ross 0400 472 577

janemross@atrealty.com.au

Private Inspection by Appointment

Trades & Services Guide

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U P H O LST E RY ALPHA ROOFING CANBERRA

& Restorations

✓ Custom-Made Furniture

✓ Commercial Fit-Outs

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Barry Richards Ceramic Tiling

Bathroom Renovations, Leaking Showers

Small Jobs, For All Your Tiling Needs PROMPT RELIABLE SERVICE

P: 0435 015 647 E: barric666@aol.com www.barryrichardsceramictiling.com.au

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Brodie Antoniak

Owner and contractor ABN 14724243822

Reference available on request

✓ Bedheads and Wall Upholstery Call or email us today! 0422 073 665 / 6181 3511 toni@twinstitchupholstery.com.au

Canberra’s city centre to expand south after $66m sale

The ACT Government has sold a prominent site near City Hill to Capital Property Group for $66 million (ex GST) to make way for a new mixed-use development.

The project, located between City Hill and QT Hotel Canberra, is set to include residential and commercial spaces, a hotel, and a large public park.

Construction will deliver approximately 800 jobs over 5 years, and eventually house approximately 1,000 residents and 1,200 workers.

Two teens charged over Civic stabbing

Two teenage boys will face the ACT Children’s Court this morning after allegedly assaulting and stabbing a man in the city in the early hours of Sunday morning.

At about 2:55am on 19 January, four boys were stopped on the footpath at the intersection of Cooyong Street and Batman Street in Civic. The victim and his friend approached the intersection shortly after.

news briefs

Channel Ninepresenter apologises for Djokovic sledge

Tony Jones has issued a public apology to Novak Djokovic after the sports presenter’s mocking of the 10-time Australian Open champion left the Serbian superstar and his fans fuming.

Djokovic said he would refuse any interviews with the tournament’s host broadcaster Channel Nine until he received an apology.

Jones was doing a live broadcast from Melbourne Park when a large group of Djokovic fans holding Serbian flags began cheering in the background behind him.

Jones sledged the fans, singing to them: “Novak, he’s overrated … Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.”

Jones o ered his public apology after saying he was surprised the episode had reached such a point.

“The comments were made on the news on the Friday night, which I considered to be banter,” Jones said on the Today Show.

“Having said that, I was made aware on the Saturday morning from Tennis Australia via the Djokovic camp that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments.

“Now, as such, I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them. So this is 48 hours ago.

“For any disrespect that Novak felt that I’d caused, and as I stand here now, I stand by that apology to Novak if he felt any disrespect, which quite clearly he does.”

- AAP

Young man dies after motorcycle crash on NSW South Coast

Call Alex today 0475 000 528 localtilingact@hotmail.com

At this time, one of the boys is alleged to have ridden an E-scooter into the victim, before the group allegedly grabbed him and began punching him in the head.

As the victim attempted to defend himself, one of the boys is alleged to have stabbed the man in the leg, before the group took o on foot.

Police and emergency services arrived a short time later, and the man was transported to hospital with serious leg and facial injuries.

A 16-year-old boy, who was subject to bail conditions at the time of the incident, has been charged with joint commission recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm. A 15-year-old boy has also been charged.

A 21-year-old man has died after being airlifted to Canberra Hospital following a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Corunna on the NSW South Coast.

At approximately 4pm on Friday 17 January, emergency services responded to reports of a crash on Princes Highway, Corunna, located about 10 kilometers south of Narooma.

Authorities from the South Coast Police District were informed that a man had lost control of his motorcycle and was thrown from the vehicle.

The rider received treatment from NSW Ambulance paramedics and was airlifted to Canberra Hospital in a critical condition.

On Saturday 18 January 2025, police confirmed that the man had died from his injuries.