CityNews 210218

PAUL COSTIGAN: WODEN TAKES THE BRUNT OF DEVELOPER-LED PLANNING FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Well written, well read

Wet-lettuce Budget brings weird times

MICHAEL MOORE No surprises as Packer loses grip on Crown

ROBERT MACKLIN

Seven sevens are forty nine, seven eights are…

CLIVE WILLIAMS

RUNNING

HOT…

A broken ankle isn’t stopping new minister TARA CHEYNE from getting on the front foot with some big issues

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NEWS / drugs, damage and graffiti

Turner’s 10-year ‘derelict nightmare’ drags on

By Nick

OVERALL “A DERELICT nightmare” is how business operators describe an abandoned building in Turner that’s fallen victim to graffiti, litter and vandalism.

The building, once a Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) centre, has been unoccupied for nearly 15 years, and despite the ACT government’s efforts to clean up the area, nearby business owners say much more needs to be done.

“For more than 10 years now we’ve had to put up with littering, drug use, damage and graffiti all right outside our business,” says Kim Hanna, principal of Houston & Hanna Accountants.

“We’ve called the police on multiple occasions because of how bad it’s been.”

Kim also serves as the president of the body corporate for the building that his and other concerned businesses operate in, and has sent multiple letters to the government calling for action.

“There’ve been homeless people in and around the building for years who need proper housing. We continue to see no change,” says Kim. It was a violent storm in 2006 that rendered the building unusable, after damage caused the roof to collapse.

INDEX

Psychologist Carmel O’Sullivan’s office overlooks the PCYC building… “The [painted] face staring into our office has caused major complications for us.”

Before then it was occupied by PCYC, a local charity that supports disadvantaged young people at risk of committing crime in Canberra.

Following the storm it was forced to relocate to Wanniassa.

Last year, a joint project between the PCYC and Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) saw the commissioning of a street-art initiative, where local graffiti artists painted the building.

It was hoped that the artwork would deter some of the illegal graffiti among other concerning behaviour that was occurring.

However, Kim and the other busi-

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ness operators say they continue to be affected.

“We’ve had to go as far as locking our downstairs office bathrooms because we constantly find syringes,” says Carmel O’Sullivan, a clinical psychologist whose business looks out upon the abandoned building.

“It’s dangerous for those passing by.

Something more has to be done.”

There have been talks from the PCYC about repurposing the building, but CEO Cheryl O’Donnell says the process has been difficult.

“We are working with consultants and trying to secure funding to help us refurbish, and the process has been

Managing Director: James Anderson, 0404 077605, james@citynews.com.au Director: Kate Meikle, kate@citynews.com.au Senior advertising account executives: David Cusack, 0435 380656 Tracey Avery, 0477 939999 Advertising account executives: Damien Klemke, 0439 139001 Karen Davis, 0427 410442 Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au Digital news editor: Danielle Nohra, danielle@citynews.com.au Journalists: Andrew Mathieson, andrew@citynews.com.au Nick Overall, nick@citynews.com.au Belinda Strahorn, belinda@citynews.com.au; Nathan Schmidt, nathan@citynews.com.au Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au Arts editor: Helen Musa, helen@citynews.com.au Production manager: Janet Ewen Proof reader: Glenda Anderson

Working with you for the best result Speak to Ken Hubert Family Law and Mediation

Accountant Kim Hanna outside the derelict PCYC building…

“For more than 10 years now we’ve had to put up with littering, drug use, damage and graffiti.” Photos: Nick Overall slowed down and made hard due to covid,” she says.

“We don’t like that the building isn’t being used for more, we have plans for it that will benefit the whole community we hope will soon get off the ground.”

“In the interim, we have had so many people give us wonderful compliments about the street-art project that was done last year, and it’s reduced illegal graffiti that has in the past been all over the building.”

However, Carmel O’Sullivan is frustrated that her and other business owners received no consultation before the initiative’s undertaking.

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One of the works depicts a character from “The Simpsons” staring directly into her business, which she says has caused issues for her day-to-day operations.

“I understand the artwork has some great benefit to some, but the large, staring face has caused disruptions to the point I have to keep my blinds constantly closed,” says Carmel.

“Being in psychology, we are often dealing with distressed and disturbed people. The concerning activity going on next door and the face staring into our office has caused major complications for us.”

In a statement to “CityNews”, a spokesperson from TCCS said the “temporary” art work on the building has received lots of “support” from the community.

“This art piece at the PCYC has been receiving positive attention from the public as well as artists and the community have also been very supportive.”

When asked whether the government would step in with any further development or funding for the site, the spokesperson said the building was privately owned by the PCYC and, as such, it’s a matter for them to decide its future.

In the meantime, businesses continue to cry out for better use of the site.

“It’s such a waste, it could be used for so much more,” says Kim.

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SEVEN DAYS

There’s the good bad news and bad bad news THE good bad news from the ACT’s covid-delayed Budget that finally saw the light of day this past week is that the forecast deficit for this financial year (ending June 30) is tipped to be $603 million.

That’s about $306 million lower than the August estimate, but with this government that depends.

The bad bad news, and this paper’s columnists have warned and warned about this pre-covid, is that our profligate progressives have clocked up $4.7 billion in cumulative debt, which will balloon to an eye-watering $7.7 billion in 2023-24.

To spin the latest numbers, it looks like Treasurer Andrew Barr has pushed forward the best-case scenario because the slimmed deficit gambles on a successful vaccine rollout, no largescale outbreaks and a progressive reopening of international borders.

So it was Spin Central when the

of Kew, Victoria: “I heard on ABC Radio your story of finding, then restoring, the grave of Walter Burley Griffin in Lucknow. As an ordinary citizen, I wanted to sincerely thank you for taking such interest in such a famous architect who did so much for Australia.

“I felt quite emotional that you were the first ACT politician or, for that matter, official to undertake such a task. Perhaps it takes the objectivity and far sightedness of an immigrant to see clearly what we in Australia are too foolish, or parochial to consider.”

Chief Minister presented this largely academic exercise in budgeting given it’s only going to be four months until the next one.

There were few shocks because most everything has been announced and actioned, ie freezing rates (sorta kinda), parking costs, fines and rego).

And Labor took the delayed Budget to begin pressing October’s election promises of $300 million, probably borrowed, for climate-change initiatives, including interest-free loans for domestic solar or

batteries (is that right: they borrow money at a cost and loan it to us for none?).

Self-interest is rewarded by the, ahem, thoroughly appropriate $8.2 million earmarked for vaccines this financial year, rising to $10.8 million during 2021-22.

COLD consolation came recently to former Labor MLA Deepak-Raj Gupta, who lost his seat in the October ACT election.

Readers may recall that the former member for Yerrabi tracked down Walter Burley Griffin’s 1937 grave in a derelict cemetery in Lucknow, India, and took it upon himself to have it cleaned up.

Last month, citizen Gupta got this note out of the blue from Cameron Algie AM,

THIS item came with a note from one of my snouts sardonically titled “How to make money in hospitality!” It concerns a hitherto successful Italian restaurant in Braddon that appears to be taking itself far too seriously.

Under its front-door “trading hours” signage is an appended note that says: “Italian Brothers maintains no fixed opening hours, we are open six days a week and closed Sunday – God’s day.

“Like our forefathers in the homeland, Italians are flexible and relaxed peoples, as such rigid opening hours are not in our nature.” Like to see what the Australian Workers Union makes of those rosters.

ARTS editor Helen Musa reported recently on the 30th anniversary show of the Warehouse Circus called “Interrobang”, which was characterised as a summation of the company’s skills over the years.

Wondering what an interrobang was, I discovered it’s an unconventional punctuation mark conceived by retired New York ad man Martin K. Speckter in 1962.

It consists of an exclamation point and a question mark superimposed on top of one another. It’s meant to signify a sentence that is a question as well as an exclamation, the typographical equivalent of a grimace or a shrug of the shoulders. For example, the interrobang would An interrobang. be used in an expression such as: ‘’You call that a hat?’’

It looks like this – (often represented by ?!, !?, ?!? or !?!).

FELLOW columnist Marty Smith, who writes for my journalistic alma mater, “The Advertiser” in Adelaide, sent me this joyous correction from “The Canberra Times” of February 3, 1988: “FOR some considerable time ‘The Canberra Times’ has been publishing wrong tide times for Narooma. The error has been in arithmetical calculation in this office of the difference between tide times between Fort Denison, as published in standard tide tables, and times at Narooma. The error, the source of which is lost in antiquity, was discovered last week when the editor, relying on the ‘Canberra Times’ figures, was swept out to sea. But he managed to return to shore – and ordered this correction.”

Ian Meikle is the “CityNews” editor and can be heard weekly on 2CC’s “CityNews Sunday Roast” news program, 9am to noon.

Community Art and Photographic Competitions Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT invites you to participate in our Art and Photographic Competitions.

Judges will be looking for a photograph or a piece of artwork that captures a moment or tells a story about an older person’s life or older people’s lives.

We welcome entries that embrace a little fun, humour or show a dimension or aspect of the separation that some seniors have felt during the COVID pandemic.

All photographs and artworks must be submitted by Friday, 16 April 2021.

To read the full Terms and Conditions and categories, to enter or for more information visit the COTA ACT website cotaact.org.au or phone 6282 3777.

4 CityNews February 18-24, 2021

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LETTERS / footpaths, falls and failures

BRIEFLY

Concrete is cheap… healthcare is not

Aged-care centres lift visitor limits

IAN Meikle’s recent column, “Little arrows pave way for footpath frustration” (“Seven Days”, CN February 4) had me nodding in agreement.

COVID-19 restrictions on visitors to agedcare facilities have been scrapped allowing residents more than two concurrent visitors. The easing of restrictions will also extend to visits from services such as welfare or wellbeing visits by religious services, hairdressers and musicians, says ACT chief health officer Dr Kerryn Coleman.

As a ratepayer I am happy to see my bins emptied on a weekly basis, for fresh water to come out of the taps and enjoy an occasional trip to the arboretum – but in the 16 years that I have lived in North Canberra the abysmal condition of the suburban footpaths never ceases to amaze me.

The first job of government is to protect its people – so how many Canberra residents end up in hospital or medical centres each year after tripping over on our Third World-quality footpaths?

Concrete is cheap – healthcare is not.

Greg Swinden, via email

18 months to fix pavement ON February 27, 2019, I was walking along Bunda Street near Gus’ Cafe when I tripped on a piece of steel projecting from the footpath.

As I fell face-first on to the pavement, I consciously kept my body straight to even the impact. Still, there was a fair amount of blood and a shoulder injury that the radiologist tells

the sports oval is new, the slightly dusty path on the other side of the road is the pre-existing path.

There was a similar make-work project near the Griffith shops. Meanwhile, one hell of a lot of little white arrows that could have been fixed in Red Hill remain a hazard to the walking community.

Greg Taylor, Red Hill

Cracked slabs, few repairs

What a waste, says letter writer Greg Taylor... the nice new concrete path that replaced the “rarely used, perfectly okay path” alongside the Canberra Grammar school. me is permanent.

An unknown, strong man lifted me back to my feet and two young ladies from Gus’ place patched me up. Thanks folks.

Despite lodging an urgent request to have the pavement repaired, it took about 18 months.

I used to work on city maintenance in the 1960s when it was done by the Department of Works and am sure we did a better job.

Gordon Worrall, Torrens

New path replaces okay path In “Seven Days” (CN February 4) columnist Ian Meikle reports that the ACT government’s Age Friendly Suburbs Program budget for repairing the constantly deteriorating state of pathways, at least in South Canberra, runs out of funding this year.

What a pity, then, that so much was wasted before Christmas in the two-week-long project to duplicate the rarely used, perfectly okay path alongside the Canberra Grammar school.

As pictured, the nice white concrete alongside

THE column “Little arrows pave way for footpath frustration” by Ian Meikle (“Seven Days”, CN February 4), laments the lack of real action by the ACT government on Canberra’s increasingly dilapidated concrete footpaths.

Mr Meikle notes that before the October ACT election there was “a flurry of bright, new, white arrows”, after which he counted 255 sections of footpath marked for repair in one kilometre of a suburban street. He also notes that the only subsequent repairs were to “seriously decrepit slabs”.

In the footpaths of my Deakin street there are numerous cracked slabs, but hardly any evidence of recent repairs to be seen.

Most of the cracks with a vertical displacement have simply been ground down to minimise the trip hazard and the likelihood of Mr Barr’s government being held responsible for injuries to the elderly people who use the footpaths for access to the shops and the bus stops in my street.

Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

Talking chocolate THE ladies of the Gungahlin Day View Club will be treated to a talk about making chocolates at their next lunch meeting at the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, Nicholls, from noon on Wednesday, February 24.

The cost is $35 and guests and visitors are welcome. RSVP to 0458 012402 before 9pm, Sunday, February 21.

Plant sale THE Canberra Geranium and Fuchsia Society’s “Great Plant Sale” will be held at St James Uniting Church Hall, 21 Gillies Street, Curtin, 1pm-4pm, Saturday, March 6. BYO bags.

Free health course THE Health Care Consumers’ Association is running a free, two-day, consumerparticipation course to train people to navigate the ACT health system and how to use its services. It will be held at HCCA, 100 Maitland Street, Hackett and runs 10am3pm, Tuesday, February 23 and Tuesday, March 2. Registrations to 6230 7800.

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6 CityNews February 18-24, 2021

CANBERRA MATTERS

Woden takes brunt of developer-led planning IT has been about 18 months since I wrote a full piece about the Woden Town Centre and the ever-increasing planning issues that plague residents.

Still no-one in this government is listening or delivering on what some went to the 2020 elections promising – “Building a Better Normal”. Maybe the ACT Greens’ version of the better normal was always a degraded standard of living for Woden residents while being an even-better normal for developers.

With 24 apartment towers and about 10,000 residents due to appear in the Woden Town Centre, this government has not prepared the area for this new high-rise suburb.

There is so much that has been neglected. The Woden community is very clear about what should happen and the government remains very clear that it does not want to hear about such logical and sensible issues.

The message is clear that the government has better things to be getting on with!

Woden Town Centre is the main shop-

With 24 apartment towers and about 10,000 residents due to appear in the Woden Town Centre, this government has not prepared the area for this new high-rise suburb. ping/commercial centre not just for the greater Woden area but also for nearby Weston and Molonglo.

This centre draws in people from many areas. Logically, given all the worthy policy documents being produced, there would now be facilities for arts activities, for sports (instead of always having to travel elsewhere), community facilities and generous parklands and open spaces.

This centre will be a mass of towers, so it would have been normal planning to allow for such facilities given that residents will need to take time out from their above-ground abodes.

Thanks to the accumulative lack of care and efforts over a decade or more by the planning directorate and politicians including Andrew Barr (Chief Minister and Planning Minister before that), Rachel Stephen-Smith, Mick Gentleman (the one rarely seen) and local members such as Chris Steel, most of the expected (old normal) facilities do not exist in the

Woden Centre.

There are no plans to rectify the situation. There is the occasional talk or “Have Your Say” (and we will ignore you) sessions, more consultations, the pretend master plan. But so far almost nothing has happened With all these community assets not being provided for, why does the government not make this clear to buyers about the standard of amenities. Surely this is a case of “buyer beware”!

Late last year the insults to the residents reached a new low. Better Normal anyone? A tower that has been on hold for almost a decade was suddenly approved. This 24-storey edifice will be plonked on the north west side of the key public space – being the Woden Town Square. This tower will cast a long shadow. So much for taking a break and sitting in the open space to enjoy some sun during lunch time.

Add to this lack of facilities, there are the very “interesting” parking and traffic issues. Under dubious rules put in place by the ACT’s laissez-faire Planning Directorate,

Woden Town Square can attract a crowd… stand by for the long shadows.

Photo: Fiona Carrick each tower development is judged in isolation to its surroundings.

The directorate refuses to recognise and consider the combined effect of having increased traffic from the surrounding towers – 24 by the time development is done. It is a mess now – and the future will be a traffic nightmare.

The Woden Valley Community Council has well-researched documentation that describes Woden Town Centre as the middle of a doughnut.

It has pretty illustrations that identify an ever-increasing number of facilities all around the city, with a majority on the northside where the more cosy politicians hang out.

Meanwhile, in the middle is Woden – being a vacant space when it comes to facilities. To be factual, there are

a few – but given the present and expected populations – the number is miniscule.

It is about having a comprehensive plan for the extended precinct that includes the shopping centre, the nearby commercial precincts, plus the hospital campus and makes provisions for social lives of Woden Town Centre residents and the feeder suburbs throughout Woden, Weston and Molonglo – and more.

Surely that is not too much to ask for as the basis for “Building A Better Normal”?

Paul Costigan is an independent commentator and consultant on the visual arts, photography, urban design, environmental issues and everyday matters.

CityNews February 18-24, 2021 7

NEWS

POLITICS

Wet-lettuce Budget brings weird times From left, Brian Calder, Kent Brown and Peter Dalton with their classic MGs. Photo: Malcolm Robertson

The MG car club takes a shine to green machines

By Nick

OVERALL IN the aftermath of the smoke that last year blanketed Canberra and the freak hail storm that damaged nearly 45,000 vehicles, dedicated member of Canberra MG Car Club Malcolm Robertson had come to a hard realisation.

“Our favourite hobby, driving MGs, unfortunately contributes to Australia’s overall emissions,” he said.

“It’s time we did something about it.”

In what he believes will be the first for a motoring club in Australia, Malcolm has instigated a new program that will aim to offset the MG club’s carbon emissions.

He still remembers the moment he fell in love with the iconic British sports cars.

“I was a young boy stuck in the back seat of a Vanguard station wagon deep in Sydney traffic,” he said.

“Nose pressed up to the window, I see pull up beside me

Malcolm Robertson… “If we want to keep enjoying these vehicles we love so much it’s time we did something about their carbon load.” the most beautiful car I’d ever looked at, and I noticed it had a little badge that read ‘MG’.”

“I found out it was a TF 1500, and by the late ‘60s I had bought myself one second hand as a graduate.”

Ever since, Malcolm’s passion for the cars has only grown. In 1975 he found the Canberra MG Club, first started in the late ‘60s, was next to non-existent.

“There were a few MG drivers around Canberra but none were attending meetings.

Myself and a few others took charge and tried to grow the club as best we could,” he said.

It worked. Today it boasts around 250 members, and Malcolm now races the cars as part of his passionate hobby.

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But with the ever developing news about climate change and the last devastating Australian summer, he started thinking about the impact he and the club were having.

“Over a year our club cars will contribute several tonnes of CO2 to the Australian total,” said Malcolm.

“If we want to keep enjoying these vehicles we love so much, especially in the future, it’s time we did something about their carbon load.”

Now they’ve done the maths calculating their emissions, and are partnering with reforestation organisations to plant enough trees each year that will offset the CO2 the club produces.

They’re also adding a voluntary additional cost to the membership fee to help with the planting process.

Malcolm advocated the initiative with the help of club vice-president Kent Brown and treasurer Brian Calder, who also recognised the importance of being proactive in their carbon footprint.

They’re also looking at new ways to use technology in a carbon-conscious way, assessing the possibility of renewable liquid fuels to further help reduce their footprint.

“One day when our grandchildren ask what we did during the climate emergency, we hope we can hold our heads high and include the MG Car Club’s Climate Policy on the list,” said Malcolm.

TRADITIONAL political wisdom would have the first Budget after an election as the time for stridency; a chance to make big cuts or to announce a new tax.

The further away from an election, the better. Not the wet-lettuce 2020-21 ACT Budget.

It’s Budget time, but it’s weird times.

Postponed from before the election, this is a Clayton’s first Budget. Instead of four Budgets, the Barr Government has five. This might help explain why it seems others have suggested “it is so boring”.

Finding little of substance within the Budget, Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee used the opportunity to slam Labor’s 20-year record.

She identified “broken promises”, “declining services” and “more of the same”. Although modifying her approach later, she commenced her budget-in-reply speech in full election mode.

Her assertions that the Budget “embeds 20 years of under-resourcing the health system”, that it embeds the years of neglect of our tired and hazardous school infrastructure” and that it “embeds the same old thinking from this government of charging Canberrans more and delivering less” carries some weight.

However, to add confusion, the Budget is much more a left-over pre-election Budget than a new start.

Gone is the ultra-conservatism of the Canberra Liberals as Ms Lee stepped right into Labor’s political territory.

“The Canberra of today is a city which sees a real risk of becoming a two-tiered society with some of our most vulnerable being left behind and forgotten. And it is clear from the Treasurer’s Budget this week that there is no appetite, no leadership and no vision from this government to do anything about it”.

Her focus was those who are most in need. “Levels of poverty, homelessness and the working poor have skyrocketed. After 20 years in office, obviously your approach is not working. Let us deal with this once and for all. Let us deal with this together”.

And then the offer of an olive branch, “let’s make the Poverty Taskforce a tri-partisan reality”.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr’s initial focus was on unemployment, infrastructure funding, tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and setting a goal of reducing net emissions by 100 per cent.

“Taking the next steps,” he told the Legislative Assembly, “after meeting the 2020 renewable energy goals. The next steps include supporting home solar power and $20 million per year over the next five years for Canberra’s ‘big battery’.”

There are flashes of a renewed government attempting to move forward. The big winner in the capital works program is Transport Services which swallows 36 per cent of the Budget with an allocation of $931 million. Education takes 16 per cent and $410 million. Health has just 5 per cent ($141 million) while Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development has just 1 per cent ($29 million).

The Chief Minister has predicted that the

Elizabeth Lee… “Let’s make the Poverty Taskforce a tri-partisan reality.”

Photo: Holly Treadaway ACT fiscal position is set to improve by $500 million over the next few years after a $300 million improvement in this financial year alone. Good news. But what about rates? No relief here. Rates will continue to grow by 3.75 per cent each year over the next five years.

The COVID-19 context of this election was identified by both the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

From Andrew Barr’s perspective: “The COVID-19 pandemic has posed the greatest economic and health challenge to the ACT since self-government.

“Within weeks of the start of the pandemic in Australia, over 10,000 jobs were lost in the ACT. The impact of this crisis has not been evenly distributed, with the effects being felt more intensely across hospitality, tourism, and higher education.”

From Elizabeth Lee’s perspective: “The pandemic has shown the power of working together and I acknowledge the Chief Minister’s willingness to work with the Canberra Liberals, and with the federal Liberal government in the best interests of Canberrans”.

This acknowledgement was followed by a plea to the Chief Minister to “continue to work with us in the same vein to protect the lives and livelihoods of all Canberrans”.

What are the chances that the current Assembly will actually deliver less partisanship and focus on benefiting the community? Weird times!

Gone is the ultra-conservatism of the Canberra Liberals as Elizabeth Lee stepped right into Labor’s political territory.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health. He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.

NEWS

Hope springs eternal with park refurbishment

By Nick

OVERALL HOPE Marland is one of Queanbeyan’s most iconic figures, serving as a councillor for 30 years and for upwards of 50 volunteering her time with local charities.

She died in 2014 at age 91 and with the Hope Marland Park, in Queanbeyan West, being recently refurbished, daughter Jillian Thomas was keen to share some of her mother’s story.

“She never stopped,” said Jill.

“There was always something she was doing, a project or charity

Ken and Hope Marland.

or job, some way she could help out.”

Jill, now in her seventies, said she almost couldn’t believe how much Queanbeyan had developed since the family arrived in 1962, when Hope and husband Ken started an accountancy business in the centre of town.

Jill, 13 at the time, said that it didn’t take long before Hope was looking for ways she could serve the community.

“When we first moved here it was only a little country town, most of the roads were dirt. I think mum immediately saw the potential of what she might be able to do for the place,” said Jill.

Barely two years later, Hope had won a spot on the council, making her the second female alderman in the city’s history. She would also serve briefly as deputy mayor during her time.

All the while, she was teaching herself accountancy to help ensure the success of the family business.

“She read book after book after book,” said Jill.

“She’d come home from a council meeting or a fundraiser or whatever it might have been that day and she’d start studying.”

Hope was an advocate for women, a role model who broke

the stereotypes of her time.

In 1984 she was elected the first female president of the NSW Local Government Association.

“I was always told she was two generations ahead of her time,” said Jill.

“She was a wonderful mother.

She cared about us a lot, perhaps a little too overprotective at times.”

Jill also highlighted the contributions of her father, Ken. “Mum wouldn’t have got to do half of what she did without dad.

He was the quiet achiever. While mum was out doing all sorts of things for the community, dad would be at home looking after us, allowing that to happen,” said Jill.

One of Hope’s most dedicated passions was the Queanbeyan Building Society, an organisation dedicated to finding homes for disadvantaged and low-income families, Jill said.

She would go on to manage the Karabar Housing Co-operative, a similar organisation that she led for many years.

The co-operative was still running and Hope’s picture hangs proudly in the head office.

She was also deeply passionate about Legacy Australia, the Queanbeyan Children’s Special Needs Association, the YMCA,

Rotary, Scouts, the Queanbeyan Hospital Auxiliary and the Business and Professional Women’s Club to name a few.

Her list of honours was as impressive as her contributions to her community, said Jill.

She was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) on Australia Day, 1988 and met the Queen when she was awarded the Order of the British Empire. She was also one of the few individuals to have a place on the Crawford Street honour walk of fame.

“She was still working the night before she died,” said Jill.

“She lived for others.”

Now, three generations of Hope’s family continue to live in Queanbeyan, with her family tree extending to seven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

For the whole family, the park’s refurbishment couldn’t be more special.

Originally named in Hope’s honour in 1996, a year after her retirement from the council, 2020 saw it upgraded with new and safer play equipment.

“It’s a park that my children and their children have gone to for years since,” said Jill.

“A lot of them have grown up now, as they do, but it’s special to have those memories.”

Three generations… from left, Hope’s daughter Jill Thomas, granddaughter Melanie Howard and great grandson Hunter.

Photos: Jillian Thomas

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KJB LAW ‘All three of these lawyers reflect [our] ethos. Expertise is important but you can’t teach inherent attitude towards people.’

Growing firm welcomes three new lawyers WITH a focus on consistent and sustained growth, KJB Law has appointed three new commercial lawyers to its team: Firmin Kwong, Ivan Golem and Susu Huang.

shrinking, so we moved to identify another senior commercial lawyer to join the team, and employed Firmin Kwong to fulfil that role.”

In addition, Jo says the firm’s residential conveyancing area has experienced consistent growth over the last eight months, so they also appointed lawyer KJB Law principal and solicitor Jo Susu Huang.

Twible says she and the two other “We’re a firm that cares for its staff principals of the firm, Des Moore and An- and its clients, and we wanted to ensure drew Freer, identified a need for a junior we were able to continue to provide lawyer to help with commercial leasing high service levels to our clients without work, as well as having an additional overworking our staff,” Jo says. person on the team who could assist “As a general law firm, we bring to clients with retirement village entry, our commercial clients more than just another of the firm’s growth areas. knowledge of commercial law.

Ivan Golem was appointed to this role.

“This means that when a client comes “We then had the senior lawyer in our in with a commercial law matter that commercial team advise that he and his might touch on other areas of law, or family had decided to move north for a where decisions regarding the commersea change,” Jo says. cial matter might impact, for example, “Our practice was growing, not their estate planning, we can also work through those matters with them.”

When KJB Law looks to hire staff, Jo says one of the key factors they consider is to select people whose approach to clients and the law fit with the firm’s ethos of genuine care for clients and each other.

“We felt that all three of these lawyers reflect that ethos,” she says.

“Expertise is important (particularly for our senior lawyers) but while it’s always possible to develop someone’s expertise further, you can’t teach inherent attitude towards people.”

KJB Law principal Jo Twible.

KJB Law, 10 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6281 0999, email kjblaw@kjblaw.com.au or visit kjblaw.com.au

KJB Law welcomes three new solicitors… Susu Huang, left, Ivan Golem and Firmin Kwong. “We’re a firm that cares for its staff and its clients, and we wanted to ensure we were able to continue to provide high service levels to our clients without overworking our staff,” says Jo Twible.

Over 40 years of professional service and excellence The KJB Law team has built a reputation in Canberra for sound legal advice, simplifying the complexity of the law by explaining it to you in plain English, and then working towards the best possible solution.

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Family Law Business and Corporate Law Estate Planning – Wills and Powers of Attorney Commercial & Residential Conveyancing Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Business Succession Planning General Litigation, Police Matters and Court

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advertising feature IVAN GOLEM

FIRMIN KWONG

Solicitor, commercial law, leasing, retirement village advice and conveyancing COMING from a strong commercial background, Ivan Golem’s interest in the law was piqued as a child when he’d help his father with his property development business.

“I’ve been helping him with the admin side of things since I was 10 years old, as I was the only one who could read fluently in English,” he says.

“I remember being at the solicitor’s office and reading the contract to dad, and thinking how complicated legal documents were.

“I developed an interest in all things commercial, and in particular, commercial law.”

Ivan has completed his bachelor of laws at UC and his graduate diploma of legal practice, and was recently admitted as a solicitor in the ACT Supreme Court.

Born and bred in Canberra, Ivan, 24, works in a versatile role under the commercial umbrella at KJB Law, with a focus on leasing, retirement village advice and general conveyancing.

“I enjoy the resolution and realising that although it’s just paper documents and hassle to some people, these contracts are actually so important for the foundation of business,” he says.

Ivan Golem… “I like seeing my clients happy with the result.”

“People want to do things properly, particularly with seeing how turbulent life can be since covid. I like seeing my clients happy with the result.”

Having started at KJB Law in November, he says he’s been warmly welcomed by the knowledgeable team.

“This is the role I see as the start to my career. This is the field I want to be in and the direction I want to go,” he says.

“I really enjoy the vast array of experience I’m getting and I look forward to taking the opportunities available to me.”

Ivan also enjoys eating, drinking and travelling, and says he looks forward to doing much more of that once covid is over.

Email ivan@kjblaw.com.au

SUSU HUANG

Associate and solicitor, commercial and property law, and estate planning

Solicitor, conveyancing, small business transactions, leasing, planning and commercial law

FIRMIN Kwong initially studied commerce but found the compulsory law element of the course far more interesting, transferred to a combined degree and eventually graduated in law in 2012, holding a bachelor of laws from UC and a graduate diploma of legal practice from ANU. “Things fell into place and I developed my skills in property and commercial law,” he says.

An experienced property lawyer, Firmin’s career started in 2013 and he’s previously worked as a solicitor at Chamberlains Law Firm and Lexmerca Lawyers.

His areas of expertise include residential conveyancing, multiunit developments, commercial and retail leasing, sale and purchase of small businesses, commercial conveyancing and estate planning.

“I enjoy helping clients, having an end goal and making sure that we get to that end goal in the most practical, efficient way possible,” he says.

“I’m very detail-focused, though I try not to bog down the client with the finer details – unless they specifically want to fully understand the process. “I like to get that balance right, working out what the client needs and wants.”

With clients ranging from first-home buyers and property

A PASSION for helping clients with complex and sophisticated legal processes is the driving force for solicitor Susu Huang, whose areas of expertise include conveyancing, small business transactions, leasing, planning and commercial law.

“I recognise how important these processes are to my clients, so I love to help them by providing sound legal advice, to guide them through the fairly complicated legal process. I try to make it as easy as possible for them,” says Susu.

Susu obtained her bachelor of arts in law from the University of Central Lancashire in the UK, as well as her masters of law in international business law.

Her postgraduate diploma in legal practice was gained at the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice, and her graduate diploma of legal practice at the College of Law in Sydney. Susu was admitted as a lawyer in the ACT in 2018.

She says she loved studying in the UK and felt fortunate to have secured a legal position in Canberra at Snedden Hall and Gallop in 2006. She has also worked at Nelson and Hill Lawyers.

Her focus is on developing a strong relationship with her valued clients.

“I think it’s really important

Firmin Kwong… “I enjoy helping clients, having an end goal and making sure that we get to [it] in the most practical, efficient way possible.” developers to shopping centre landlords, Firmin believes it’s vital to provide commercial and practical advice to clients.

“I want my clients to feel comfortable in going ahead with their purchase, sale of a commercial property or a commercial lease,” he says.

“I don’t want them to feel confused about anything when they proceed – I know it’s likely to be their biggest purchase.”

Firmin, 34, says he appreciates the supportive directors, colleagues and strong client base at KJB Law. He enjoys spending time with his young family, and travelling, when possible.

Email firmin@kjblaw.com.au

Susu Huang… “I love to help [clients] by providing sound legal advice to guide them through the fairly complicated legal process.” to keep them informed of where we’re up to,” says Susu.

“Particularly for first-home buyers. I understand how frustrating the process can be – it’s the biggest investment in their lives and they might need someone to hold their hand through it all.

“And that’s what I can do!

I value the relationships and trust that we develop and I will continue doing the same.”

Outside of work, Susu loves catching up with family and friends. She grew up in China and speaks fluent Mandarin, and wants to use that skill to be able to help Chinese-speaking clients with their legal matters.

Email susu@kjblaw.com.au

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PROFILE / Tara Cheyne MLA

Tara takes (almost everything) in her stride

By Belinda

STRAHORN AS the ACT emerges from a covid-induced economic coma, newly appointed ACT Minister for Business Tara Cheyne faces a tough assignment.

It’s an enormous task leading the Barr government’s efforts to get businesses back on their feet but one Cheyne, 34, says she “won’t shy away from”.

But for the moment, this firsttime Minister is focused on getting back on her own feet, after breaking her ankle.

“I slipped in some water, it’s as simple as that, my ankle went both ways and I heard it crack,” says Cheyne, speaking with “CityNews” from her home.

Through a series of extraordinary events – bushfire smoke, hail and a global health calamity – Canberra businesses were buffeted by the rough waves served up by 2020.

The ACT government hoped Canberrans might cash in big on its $500,000 discount voucher scheme, designed to support

pandemic-affected businesses and inject millions into the local economy.

Some 300 businesses participated in the ChooseCBR trial with $310,000 of discounts redeemed.

But in a disappointing sign, $190,000 worth of discounts remain unused.

And while the scheme copped criticism from businesses for being too complicated, Cheyne says she’s happy with the results.

“For every dollar of government money redeemed through the discounts, there was an additional $6.20 funnelled back into the economy, so for a firsttime scheme, I’m happy with it.”

Cheyne, an MBA graduate, says a similar $2 million program will be rolled out this year, coupled with a renewed effort to open up the eligibility criteria for more business owners and customers to come on board.

The Cairns-born MLA is no stranger herself to the challenges facing small-business owners.

An only child, she learnt the value of hard work from her dad, a taxi driver and successful Mexican restaurateur, and her mother who climbed the corpo-

Minister Tara Cheyne… “It’s becoming so untenable that we are treated as second-class citizens in our own country.”

Photo: Holly Treadaway rate ladder.

But it was the family’s move to the town of Moura, in eastern Queensland, shortly after a mining accident that killed 11 people, that helped shape her values and future direction.

“That time made a big impression on me,” Cheyne says.

“I was eight years old when we moved there, there were peo-

ple in my class whose fathers had died the year before.

“The mine had closed down and so mum took up a ninemonth contract helping miners find new jobs.

“The community was hurting in the aftermath of the mining accidents and so it really drove home to me how important community and taking care of each other was.”

Elected to the ACT Assembly in 2016, the former business studies and journalism graduate struggles to pinpoint the exact moment when politics first appealed to her, but counts her time in Moura as a significant turning point in her life.

In 2008, Cheyne moved to Canberra to work in the Attorney-General’s Department, where she held a leading role in the Defence Abuse Response Taskforce, assisting complainants who had suffered abuse in defence.

Having established Belconnen as her home, Cheyne set about involving herself in the community and shortly became chair of the Belconnen Community Council.

“Moving around a lot when I was young, I never really felt like I had a hometown, but when I moved to Canberra and went to Belconnen, I finally felt like this is where I wanted to be... this was home,” she says.

Despite embarking on a career in the public service, she soon found herself warming to the idea of running for public office.

“I thought I was destined to work behind the scenes but seeing the tangible impact I was making in people’s lives through the work of the taskforce, I decided to throw my hat in the ring and was elected as an MLA for Ginninderra in 2016.”

At October’s ACT election Cheyne was comfortably returned and was promoted by Chief Minister Andrew Barr to serve in his cabinet.

In a wide-ranging portfolio, she’s been given responsibility for business, better regulation, arts, multicultural affairs and assistant minister for economic development.

She’s also responsible for the new human-rights portfo-

lio, an area which holds deeply personal connections.

“Dad died five-and-a-halfyears ago from pancreatic cancer, it was 11 weeks from diagnosis to death,” Cheyne recalls, choking up.

“He was this incredibly strong man and we were incredibly close, losing him was devastating for me. Had voluntary assisted dying been available, I don’t know if he’d have gone for it, but regardless I think it should be an option for people.”

A fierce advocate for voluntary euthanasia, Cheyne is preparing to move a motion when the Assembly returns, seeking to reignite the territory’s bid to legalise assisted dying in the ACT. “It’s becoming so untenable that we are treated as secondclass citizens in our own country,” she says.

“Eighty per cent of the community support voluntary assisted dying and the Canberra community deserves to know where their parliamentarians stand on this issue. We have a new ACT Opposition leader and new Canberra Liberals.

What I hope is that we are a united assembly on restoring territory rights and taking this fight to the commonwealth.”

In the meantime, the forced lay off gives Cheyne the time to learn more about her portfolios, spending time reading in the company of her canine companion “Bailey”.

“She’s such a great dog, she’s an Italian greyhound and has been through an entire parliamentary term and an election campaign with me,” Cheyne says.

For now, Cheyne is itching to get back on her feet ready to tackle the challenges of 2021, whatever they might be.

“There’s a lot of genuinely good work to get on with in the Assembly, it’s an exciting time, I can’t wait to get stuck back into it.”

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THE GADFLY

No surprises as Packer loses his grip on Crown TO anyone close to the Packer dynasty, the Crown casino misbehaviour (to put it mildly) exposed by Judge Patricia Bergin comes as no surprise.

The Packer modus operandi was always bereft of the better angels in humanity’s moral lexicon. The three generations who led the dynasty had one guiding star, the acquisition of material wealth; and their favoured weapon for its attainment was the pounding fist of the bully.

I was privileged with a front-row seat to its dealings last year when I accepted an invitation to write the biography of an old friend, Trevor Kennedy, who also has a weekender at Tuross Head across the water from mine. Though I must admit that Trevor and Christina’s place is somewhat more extensive than ours.

They inhabit the entirety of Horse Island, a beautifully constructed family compound within a glorious native

The element of the story I found most troubling was the moral vacuum that was the hallmark of the Packer organisation under James’ father Kerry. His wealth, it seemed, entitled him to ignore all the constraints of civilised behaviour. garden, the product of Christina’s hard work and exquisite taste over almost three decades.

The biography, “Casting His Net” is now complete. It was a genuine pleasure to research and write, tempered only by the ravages that his association with Packer Inc had wrought on Trevor’s health and vigour. There’s no doubt there were occasions when he has looked back on the experience with some deep regrets. But at the time the barefoot kid from Albany at the arse end of WA who had turned a cadetship on the local rag into the editorship of “The Bulletin”, editor-in-chief of “The Women’s Weekly” and all the other mags had made managing director of the entire Packer shebang.

However, by then he was desperate to leave and take a long, hot shower; and seek the leadership of a very

different organisation, the venerable John Fairfax & Co. And having followed the story at his Tuross and Sydney digs I can well understand why. For while he began his own climb to riches at Packer’s Consolidated Press the real money came later when he joined with the inventor of the pioneering internet company Ozemail, Sean Howard (and persuaded a young Malcolm Turnbull to take a share).

But it was the company he kept in the Packer days – notably the ratbag share trader Rene Rivkin – who would bring him to his knees in a fight with the ATO and ASIC that was only resolved years later with the payment of a very large dollop of his savings into the government’s coffers.

Those lost years provided him with an extraordinary opportunity to feed a family passion for collecting Australiana, everything from Governor Macquarie’s dinner service to rare miniature portraits of early colonial figures

Kerry Packer.

James Packer.

to every kind of parliamentary memorabilia imaginable.

And last year he donated and sold some $15 million worth of it to the National Museum of Australia…with more still to go in private sale.

But the element of the story I found most troubling was the moral vacuum that was the hallmark of the Packer organisation under James’ father Kerry.

His wealth, it seemed, entitled him to ignore all the constraints of civilised behaviour – to insult, to lie, to gratify every appetite whatever the cost to others, then to splurge it all in a dice for disaster at some exotic casino table.

James learned at his father’s feet.

Trevor Kennedy.

And the Crown saga is redolent with familial irony for he knew from experience that the “house” always wins, so he bought the casinos. But then he fell for the three-card trick of unrestrained immorality: one day your sins will find you out.

The final irony is surely the most painful, for it was his father’s own creation, the money machine called the Nine Network – and its finest flower, the “60 Minutes” program – that broke the story of shocking malfeasance finally confirmed in Judge Bergin’s findings. As the biog’s author I have to say: “You really couldn’t make that up.” robert@robertmacklin.com

Coffee Catch-Ups Come and have a coffee with your representative in the Federal Parliament.

Kaleen Coffee Catch-Up U&Co, Gwydr Square 10:00 AM, Monday 22 February

Downer Coffee Catch-Up Gang Gang Cafe, Frencham Place 9:30 AM, Wednesday 3 March

Hughes Coffee Catch-Up Home Ground Cafe, 18 Hughes Place 10:00 AM, Tuesday 9 March I want to hear about issues that are important to you and your community. Look forward to seeing you there! @AliciaPayneforCanberra

Feel free to contact me anytime

alicia.payne.mp@aph.gov.au 6247 8475 @aliciapayne_cbr

@AliciaPayneMP

Authorised by Alicia Payne MP, Member for Canberra, 221 London Circuit, Canberra ACT

CityNews February 18-24, 2021 13

OPINION / landlords and tenants

Greens’ plans threaten Canberra’s rental stock THE ACT Residential Tenancy Act is the most tenant-friendly legislation in Australia and, if the Greens have their way in the new Assembly, landlords will face even further impediments, which will probably lead to reduced investment rental properties.

I say this as someone who has been both a tenant and a landlord, and as the former appeal president of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) where I heard and conferenced more than 1000 landlord and tenant disputes from 2009 to 2015.

I still appear for clients in residential tenancy matters at ACAT. As well as this, I was the ACT Housing Minister from 1995 until 1998.

Luckily, the majority of landlords and tenants are reasonable people who sort out any issues they might have in a mature way and don’t need to go to ACAT. However, in my experience those that go to a hearing involve tenants who were often not at all reasonable.

In a minority of cases, it was the landlord who was the problem.

In the ACT, tenants have many protections under the law. Even if they don’t pay their rent, it still takes time and effort to evict them.

If they are disruptive to their neighbours it can be especially hard to evict them.

Over the last 18 months I have given talks to many property managers and real estate agents and they dread going to ACAT as they feel that not only is the law against them but the tribunal tends to favour the tenant most of the time.

Whether that perception is correct or not, the ACT certainly has the most tenant-friendly laws in the country and tenants can get the services of a lawyer to represent them for nothing – from Canberra Community Law if they are in public, community housing or

supported accommodation, or from ACT Legal Aid if they are in the private market.

There is no free advice and/or representative legal service available for landlords and I see the Greens want to give even more resources to tenant services. It is not a level playing field and will only get worse if the Greens have their way.

Unlike other states and the NT, a landlord in the ACT can’t lease a property for 12 months and then have the lease terminated.

The lease automatically goes on to a month-to-month periodic tenancy and the only way a landlord can end the tenancy is if they or a close family member move into the property, if the property is to be sold, if substantial renovations must be undertaken or after six months has elapsed for no-cause terminations, which the Greens seem hell bent on getting rid of.

The period of notice for a no-cause termination in all other states is usually no more than two months except for

NSW (three months) and the ACT and Victoria (six months).

I have seen first hand a number of tenancies that just don’t work and while a tenant only has to give three weeks’ notice to end a periodic tenancy, a landlord has to give six months. It is not a level playing field.

Eighty per cent of ACT landlords are mum-and-dad investors with one property; they are tradies, nurses, police officers, teachers, small business owners trying to put something away for their retirement. They are not inner-city trendies living off the public purse with dual incomes of $200,000 plus each, or rich business people with multiple properties. If they have to put up with a dud tenant and can’t end the tenancy they stand to lose their property and in some cases even their family home, especially if the property is heavily mortgaged which is often the case.

If the Greens have their way, a landlord will never be able to end a tenancy provided the tenant pays the rent and the landlord does not wish

Many property managers and real estate agents dread going to ACAT as they feel that not only is the law against them but the tribunal tends to favour the tenant most of the time.

to sell or move back in themselves.

Rather than get rid of no-cause terminations, the ACT Assembly should decrease the time to three months to bring us in line with NSW. The Greens also want to make all rental properties energy friendly, but how are mum-and-dad landlords going to afford the $20,000 to make their 1970’s ex-govie energy efficient?

Might I suggest a scheme to overcome this; renovations could be paid from taxpayer funds and when the landlord sells the property, the amount the government has spent (plus any CPI increases that may be applicable) has to be paid back from the sale proceeds.

I sound an ominous warning to the Greens and Labor – most of the landlords I have represented over the last 18 months have seriously considered selling their investment property as they feel the law is all in the tenant’s favour.

If the Greens’ scheme goes ahead, why would anyone in their right mind invest in residential rental property in the ACT when interstate it is a much more level playing field for landlords and tenants – and the rates and charges are half that of the ACT. Bill Stefaniak is a former Liberal ACT Housing Minister and was the inaugural appeal president of ACAT.

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WHIMSY / mental arithmetic and grammar

Seven sevens are forty nine, seven eights are…

WE commonly hear that older people are numpties when it comes to IT issues and how grandparents rely on their grandchildren to sort out computer problems.

There’s no doubt that those brought up with computers – that is, those born after 1980 – are much more adept when it comes to IT matters. I was told recently that someone not brought up with computers cannot master (or mistress?) a modern fighter jet’s control and command systems. No doubt the same applies with other high-tech applications.

Our then-five-year-old son was introduced to computer gaming in 1990 via the Mario Games (which now dates him, too). Playing against him, I soon realised I didn’t have the physical and mental dexterity to be able to match him. Nor for that matter did I have the motivation to spend hours playing Mario to reach a higher level.

However, there are “oldfashioned” skill sets where baby boomers can beat the younger

I recently bought a set of lights that cost $340 and was offered a 10 per cent discount. The salesperson had to use a calculator to work that one out. generations hands-down – in the areas of mental arithmetic and grammatically-correct written expression (rather than communication per se that can now be achieved in many shorthand ways – such as SMSing and tweeting).

When I was at primary school, we had to learn our “times tables” up to 12 x 12, which means that my generation doesn’t need to think about multiplying any combination of numbers below 12 as we already know the answer. For example, we know that 8 x 11 or 11 x 8 is 88 without even having to think about it.

In primary school, we also had to do mental arithmetic involving subtraction, addition and division. As a result, we don’t need to puzzle about what 126 minus 33 might be. We can work it out quicker in our head than anyone using a calculator.

I continually hear anecdotes about the disconnect between older customers and younger salespeople. A

friend recently made a purchase costing, say, $12.40 and gave the salesperson $22.40 to get a $10 note back rather than lots of coins. He was told: “Our system doesn’t allow us to do that!”

Meanwhile, I recently bought a set of lights that cost $340 and was offered a 10 per cent discount. The salesperson had to use a calculator to work that one out.

In primary school, we also spent a lot of time reading and writing. Reading good books for work and leisure is a great way of improving one’s written expression. At various times, I have worked for some excellent wordsmiths who also helped me to improve my written work.

The meanings of words can now be confused as well, thanks to American cultural inroads.

For example, “momentarily” means “soon” in American English, but “for a short period of time” in Australian English. Young Americans and Australians usually ask for the “bathroom” when what they want is the toilet. I’m not sure why they avoid the “t” word when most modern bathrooms in America and Australia

At Manly Wharf, a welcoming: “Alcohol free 24/7” instead of “Alcohol-free 24/7”.

Photo: Clive Williams don’t have toilets!

I never cease to be surprised by the poor standard of written work of the under 40s, even at tertiary level.

Sometimes it’s such basic issues such as the correct use of apostrophes, like

“its” (possessive) and “it’s” (contraction of “it is”).

The correct use of apostrophes also seems lost on those signwriters who use them to accentuate plurals – as in “the customer’s are always right” when no apostrophe is needed.

Many students don’t understand apostrophes for singular or plural “possessive” use eg, the “customer’s lunch” (one customer) or the “customers’ lunch” (many customers). (I probably should not have used the word “customer” as these days we seem to have become “guests” who are served by “team members”, not staff!)

Sometimes official use of Australian English can have unintended implications.

At the entrance to the Sydney Lane Cove Tunnel, a sign advises: “No dangerous goods in tunnel” (a comforting thought!).

At Manly Wharf a welcoming: “Alcohol free 24/7” instead of “Alcohol-free 24/7”.

And on the Hume Highway in Victoria, there are fixed roadside signs saying: “Police enforce speeding”.

This means quite the opposite to what was intended – ie, it suggests that if you don’t speed, the police will book you. A possible defence if a speeding ticket was challenged in court?

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

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CityNews February 18-24, 2021 15

LETTERS

Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au

Symmetry must star in a new vision for City Hill THE City Renewal Authority is calling for development proposals for the open car park next to the courts, opposite the Melbourne Building, on the corner of London Circuit and the City Hill part of Northbourne Avenue.

A more enlightened course of action would be to include the corresponding land opposite the Sydney Building; plus the footprint of that section of Northbourne itself (now that Constitution and Edinburgh Avenues are connected to Vernon Circle, and able to handle local and through traffic), in order to realise a comprehensive, not traffic-divided, development for this very important part of the City Hill precinct, facing north towards the main entry to the city.

Symmetry comes to mind, given the matching colonnaded duchesses opposite.

However, we don’t know what’s in store for the land across London Circuit from the Sydney Building – maybe a new theatre (good).

An overdue fine new civic square, for all sorts of events, with eating places, fountains, artworks, gardens, etc, comes to mind, on the footprint of the City Hill part of Northbourne; with a bus station (like Brisbane’s very successful one), car parking (accessed from Vernon Circle and London Circuit), shops, and maybe a skylit ice-skating rink, all below.

The square would connect directly to the

assault, minor theft, mild discrimination, etcetera.

Human nature is naturally weak and a small percentage will commit incorrect acts unless there is law to forbid it and so protect the majority.

Paul O’Connor, Hawker

dose of dorin

‘Legalising’ drug abuse

currently largely inaccessible hilltop park.

Each side of the new square, we could see close-matching, landmark, multi-use buildings of the highest architectural and environmental-design order, with their owners contributing to the cost of the square etcetera, in recognition of beneficial mutual synergies.

Further enlightenment would see this whole process being the subject of a properly constituted design competition, and not, as it currently is, merely a call to developers – and we know where that can lead.

Jack Kershaw, Kambah

Thin end of the wedge THE suggestion by letter writer Marion McConnell (Letters, February 4) that if we followed Michael Pettersson’s Bill the drugabuse problem would lessen or go away. But it is really the thin edge of the wedge.

A law is there to prevent illegal activities and protect the community. How far can it be spread under the shield of: “Well, a little bit is okay if you get counselling”?

Ms McConnell should realise that by suggesting that just because current drug laws are barely holding the line, such philosophy could be spread to include all illegal acts – paedophelia, child pornography, spouse

I THOROUGHLY agree with Bill Stefaniak’s column “Going soft on drug possession won’t fix Canberra’s drug problem” (CN January 21).

The issue of decriminalising possession of small amounts of hard drugs has a lot more ramifications than people dying from taking the drugs. Drinking and driving is illegal with high penalties if caught. Yet if small amounts of drugs are made legal, would you still be able to charge the drug user if caught driving erratically or dangerously?

I do not relish the concept of driving on the road if drug abuse is made legal.

Vi Evans, via email

What’s the prison ‘why’?

I WRITE in response to Jon Stanhope’s column, “In a class of our own for locking up Aboriginals” (CN February 4).

We lock up Aboriginal youth 18 times more than non-indigenous; indigenous adults are locked up 19.4 times more than non-indigenous adults etcetera.

These are significant statistics that demand the question,”why”? I would have thought that people – indigenous and non indigenous – are locked up when they break the law, not because of the colour of their skin or ethnicity.

Time and again we are quoted these alarming statistics, but the question “why” is never answered.

Should indigenous people be exempt from obeying our laws? That would certainly have an effect on the statistics quoted. Is the adage ”do the crime, do the time” being applied to indigenous offenders?

It’s about time we had a bit more info about “why” this situation exists rather than lamentations about what the status quo is.

John Quinn, Spence

Calling all MLAs, hello?

NOW all our MLAs are comfortable in the saddle and the new ones have made their maiden speeches, it’s time you all stepped out into the media spotlight and openly discussed the ACT’s known and projected budget deficit, unless of course you think it’s like shooting yourself in the foot, or cutting your throat.

Letters of explanation would be welcomed at our local confessional (aka “CityNews”) by our wonderful parish priest Ian Meikle for relaying to battered ratepayers. Currently you seem to be silent as an Egyptian tomb.

John Lawrence, via email

What a load of rubbish, Mr Barr! former ALP chief minister, Jon Stanhope) and trying to tie the opposition into supporting the stunt by co-signing a letter was definitely the politics of the “old normal”. This sort of deflection always looks tacky.

The third team in the sandpit (the Greens) helpfully claimed it was well-informed on this issue.

Perhaps rather than grandstanding, they might have just pointed out exactly what they are doing. It would be refreshing and possibly something worth taking note of, and be a new normal in practice, rather than just words.

Martin Gordon, Dunlop

Jon Stanhope, via citynews.com.au

MANY people will be looking forward to reading the submissions provided by the City Renewal Authority, the ACT Planning Directorate and the ACT Heritage Council on the important opportunity that could ensure Lake Burley Griffin’s inclusion on the Commonwealth Heritage List (“Consultation crunch for lake heritage listing”, citynews.com.au, February 5).

Thank you, “Canberra Matters” columnist Paul Costigan for helping to alert the broader public to this public consultation process, its February 26 deadline and how it has been “promoted” so underwhelmingly and sneakily by the federal government.

FOR me, as former president and sole member of the (now sadly defunct) Canberra Pedants’ Society, it is reassuring to know that there are people in our community who keep an eagle pedant’s eye on our usage of Australian English.

But pedantry is an area in which the adage “people who live in glass houses…” becomes highly relevant.

For example, in a recent letter (CN, January 28) the writer asserts that lead is to be preferred to helmed.

It can be assumed the writer meant led, the past tense of the verb to lead (lead, pronounced led, is a mineral, not a part of a verb). I understand that this has since been remedied by the writer.

However, this is a common solecism and, inevitably, it will be absorbed into “accepted” Australian English, as has happened in the past.

Like many others, the writer maintains a list of pet hates – mainly what he apparently perceives as breaches of proper grammatical English. Such a notion is linguistically inappropriate – there is no such thing as “proper English”.

However, as this is an area in which people have strongly held and sometimes unshakably fixed views, I would recommend (that!) before going public again, he check (s) that very list and excise any other inadvertent solecisms.

For example, the basis for his concerns about the “conjunction” that is misconceived (it is not a conjunction).

Sue Dyer, Downer

Fergus Thomson, Weetangera

Old normal, not new JAW-dropping hypocrisy would best describe the Greens-ALP response to poverty questions (“ACT government rejects calls for poverty taskforce”, citynews.com. au, February 11).

The Greens campaigned on the politics of a “new normal”, presumably implying a new way of doing things, possibly even caring and sharing, thoughtful etcetera.

But the refrain of blaming the federal government (of a different political complexion) for pronouncedly ACT exacerbated poverty problems (amply exposed by a 16 CityNews February 18-24, 2021

In glass houses…

SO let’s get this straight.

The fact that we have the highest rents, escalating levels of homelessness, a shortage of up to 3000 units of social housing and a reduction in the actual number of units of public housing over the last decade (despite an increase of over 60,000 in our population, leading to a wait time of up to four years for public housing) is, according to the Chief Minister, all the fault of Gladys and the NSW government and now Ms Davidson and the Greens advise that the fact that tens of thousands of Canberrans, including over 30 per cent of all Aboriginal children, are living in poverty is ScoMo’s fault and nothing to do with the policies and priorities of the ACT government.

What a load of rubbish!

Thanks, Paul

EXPERTS OF CANBERRA

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Spoilt for choice when it comes to businesses CANBERRA has been crowned the most liveable city in Australia multiple times.

And at the heart of it, making the ACT even more appealing, is the diverse and bustling range of businesses that give residents a range of lifestyle choices.

Whether it’s experts in health, home, furniture or mechanics, “CityNews” speaks to Canberra businesses that make life in the capital all the more liveable.

Co-directors of Your Property Profits Kim Persson, left, and Sophie McLean.

‘A’-team gets the most out of renovations YOUR Property Profits, a home renovation company focused on getting the best sale results, has an “A”-team that ensures clients get the most out of their property, say codirectors Kim Persson and Sophie McLean.

Kim and Sophie are confident that in the hands of their expert tradespeople, including stylists, real estate experts and photographers, the job is going to get done and get done properly.

“Often we try to renovate in the shortest time frame possible,” says Kim. “So having that team that knows the way you work and the pressures required to get that house done as quickly as possible is key.

It all just flows as it should.”

Kim and Sophie handle clients with many different needs, from single parents looking to downsize to people moving interstate, Kim says.

She says some renovations are worth about $300,000, others are less, some properties need a fresh, modern remodel, others an extension, and some may not need anything at all.

No matter what it is, Kim says they have the expertise to enhance the property in the right way, to get the most value for the client.

“We research the market and see what’s best and what really works with the owner and their timeframe,” she says.

And, clients don’t need to worry about any up-front cost, as the renovating duo front the cost of clients who pay after the property has sold.

Your Property Profits. Call 1800 225597, email hello@yourpropertyprofits.com.au or visit yourpropertyprofits.com.au

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Art therapy supports people in pain ARTHRITIS ACT’s team of expert allied health professionals are now offering art therapy to support people with a disability or people who live with chronic pain, says CEO Rebecca Davey.

“This therapy is a form of counselling that greatly benefits those with disability, chronic pain or other debilitating physical and mental health problems through the medium of art,” says Rebecca. “[Throughout the therapy] our fully trained therapists help individuals find and understand their triggers, so that they can be targeted with practical treatments.”

It’s just one of many services the team offers when it comes to managing chronic pain, illnesses and disabilities, according to Rebbeca, who says Arthritis ACT focuses on the whole person – mind and body – in order to get vital outcomes.

“We offer physiotherapy, exercise physiology, disability support, meal planning and more,” she says.

“There is no pain that is too little or too big for us to help you with, no matter your age or condition.”

They also have specially designed exercise programs to cater to each individual personally, including the “My Exercise Program”, which Rebecca says focuses on the individual’s needs.

Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey.

“We recognise that exercise isn’t one-sizefits-all, and that people all have different requirements,” she says.

Rebecca also says Arthritis ACT now has a University of Canberra counsellor on the team offering free services to help patients work through issues and plan treatments.

Arthritis ACT, Building 18, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041, email info@arthritisact. org.au or visit arthritisact.org.au

AFTER >> BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY!

1800 CALLYPP (1800 225597) www.yourpropertyprofits.com.au

CityNews February 18-24, 2021 17

EXPERTS OF CANBERRA

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Quality and reliable electrical services FOR more than three years, Clark Electrical and Air Conditioning has been providing the Canberra region with quality and reliable electrical services, says owner Aaron Clark.

Aaron, who has been an electrician for about 30 years, and his team of nine experienced tradespeople, service the whole Canberra region, helping with problems such as phone and power points, ceiling fans, LED lighting, or switchboard upgrades.

“Our air conditioning department can meet all your heating and cooling needs, especially if you are looking to upgrade your gas system to electric,

which is cheaper to run and can incorporate with solar,” says Aaron.

He says the showroom in Mitchell is open for people to visit and see products on display such as wifi air conditioning systems, which allow users to operate them remotely.

“It’s a great feature for people wanting to turn on their air conditioning before they get home, or switch it off if they forget to,” says Aaron.

Clark Electrical and Air Conditioning, 5/12 Sandford Street, Mitchell.

Call 1300 230462 or email aaronclarkelectrical@gmail.com

Ex-Government Furniture co-owners James Fullerton, left, and Taylor Radnell.

Furniture store with hard-to-come-by bargains EX-GOVERNMENT Furniture has a “real bargain” at the moment, with a number of quality, solid timber boardroom tables in stock, says owner James Fullerton.

“These days solid timber is pretty hard to come by,” he says.

But Ex-Government Furniture, a leading dealer in surplus office furniture, has plenty of other bargains in store, too, with James saying: “We offer a wide range of quality and designer second-hand products, meaning

Clark Electrical and Air Conditioning owner Aaron Clark.

.. .

G WE VI N MO E R A

that customers get the top Australian and global brands without breaking the bank.”

With new stock arriving every week, James says there’s always new items coming through the door such as chairs, tables, bookcases and desks.

And, to help businesses from sending surplus office supplies to the tip, James and the team take on any furniture from offices that are upgrading, downsizing or moving.

“If you’ve got office stuff that needs to go,

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The service helps businesses recycle unwanted furniture but also allows customers to come in and buy affordable second-hand or repurposed items, he says.

“It goes hand-in-hand. You help the environment and you save cash,” he says.

Ex-Government Furniture, 6 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture. com or facebook.com/exgovfurniture

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Dr Policinski heads to the coast for consults

Michael specialises in keeping IT safe

DR Igor Policinski, who specialises in microsurgery (hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder) at Orthopaedics ACT has started consulting on a four-weekly basis from Vincentia Bay Medical in Jervis Bay. Dr Policinski specialises in upper limb conditions, from the fingertips to the shoulder. He has completed fellowships in both the USA and France, and Dr Igor Policinski. has privileges in both private and public hospitals throughout Canberra, treating conditions such as tumours, arthritis, nerve injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, sports injuries and trauma.

Covering all areas of orthopaedics, from the tip of the toes to the top of the spine, Orthopaedics ACT is the largest single orthopaedic practice in the ACT, says practice manager Deborah Henry.

“The sub-specialty trained doctors offer non-surgical and surgical treatment for all aspects of musculoskeletal injury and disease, and work with both public and private patients,” she says.

“Our visiting paediatric orthopaedic surgeons allow local patients to have their consultations and reviews done locally, rather than travelling interstate.”

Having a range of experts means that Orthopaedics ACT can provide prompt treatment, as well as local follow-up after surgery, as part of treatment and care for the local community, she says.

To help with urgent trauma, the doctors also have sevenday access to Orthopaedics ACT’s Fast Track Trauma Hotline to manage trauma injuries that don’t require a visit to the emergency department.

OMNIIT, a leading provider of professional IT support and managed IT services, prides itself on offering a personalised service to customers, says owner Michael Warnock.

Whether it’s cyber security, cloud storage, or day-to-day issues, Michael says he and his team make it easy for businesses to upgrade their IT environment.

“One of our specialisations is cyber security, especially targeting hacking, malware, data theft, and other threats,” says Michael.

“Businesses are safe in our hands. We work with you to develop and strengthen your IT environment, providing additional security layers and controls to ensure that you have the highest level of security that you need.”

OmniIT also promises fixed prices and works with a budget that suits the client, Michael says.

“In doing so it allows us to take a proactive approach to our business,” he says “We monitor the client’s IT environment 24/7 looking for issues and fix them before they go wrong.

“It’s about making the most of the client’s IT environment, helping the staff be more productive and ultimately making the business more profitable.”

With about 23 years’ experience in the business, Michael says he and his team continue to hone their skills and specialisations as the industry evolves.

Orthopaedics ACT, Woden Specialist Medical Centre, level 2, 90 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6221 9320 or visit orthoact.com.au

OmniIT, unit 8, 12 Sandford Street, Mitchell.

Call 6230 3839, email support@omniit.com.au or visit omniIT.com.au

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WEDDINGS AND CELEBRATIONS

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Ideas to make any special event unforgettable WHETHER it’s saying “I do”, celebrating a birthday, or any other special moment in life, there are many things that go into making an event a memorable one for years to come.

From learning some dancing to “wow” a crowd, to finding the perfect venue for the ceremony, or the reception, “CityNews” speaks with experts who are passionate about making any occasion an unforgettable one.

Club venues aim for perfection OPERATING across two clubs in Canberra, the Ainslie Group has function spaces that offer a special wedding experience that will be personalised for each couple, says marketing manager Matteo Belladonna.

Located in Ainslie and Gungahlin, the Gungahlin Lakes Club has several segregated function spaces, all with a variety of options to tailor to different tastes and budgets, says Matteo.

“Whether it’s the extensive catering options, use of a dancefloor, audio and visual equipment or anything else, the club will make sure you have the perfect wedding,” he says.

Matteo says their Gungahlin club also features a new and upgraded private beer garden and courtyard, to

make the day even more special.

As for the Ainslie Football Club, he says it offers elegant facilities for weddings of up to 500 people.

“We know every function is unique,” says Matteo.

“All dietary needs and budget requirements can be tailored to with our award-winning catering team that has a wide variety of packages.”

And, with free parking on site, he says both clubs are the ultimate function venues.

Gungahlin Lakes Club, 110 Gundaroo Drive, Nicholls, call 6242 6283. Ainslie Football Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie, call 6248 8422 or visit ainsliegroup.com.au

Hotel wins award for its boutique space A UNIQUE blend of contemporary architecture mixed with the Royal Hotel Queanbeyan’s original historic feel makes its upper house space the region’s best-kept secret for weddings, says co-owner Sandy McDonald.

She says the space, which recently took the top prize for boutique weddings in the “Brides Choice Awards”, is characterised by a beautiful atrium bar and outdoor rooftop terrace overflowing into an open courtyard. When it comes to weddings, Sandy says the Royal Hotel Queanbeyan offers a wide array of options to ensure the occasion is one to remember for years to come.

“We have an extensive range of affordable menu packages, or we can work with you to tailor a menu that reflects your personal taste and style,” she says.

“Our executive chef can also cater to dietary requirements such as people who are gluten free,

diabetic, have allergies, or for religious and lifestyle choices.

“We also have a beautiful dressing space for the bridal party, so that they can comfortably get ready for the special day.”

The upper house space, however, is not just for weddings, and Sandy says it is a comfortable space for any type of event.

“The upper house offers a variety of rooms that we can make suited to your private function,” she says. “[No matter what the event is] our professional team is dedicated to delivering an amazing experience.”

Royal Hotel Queanbeyan, 85 Monaro Street, Queanebyan. Call 6297 1444, email functions@ royalhotelqbn.com.au or visit royalhotelqbn.com.au

Your Wedding AT G U N G A H L I N L A K E S & AINSLIE FOOTBALL CLUB

The Gungahlin Lakes Club includes several segregated function spaces – including private outdoor areas such as the Entice courtyard and our recently updated beer garden – to offer a unique & personalised experience. With extensive catering options to suit any taste and budget, audio & visual equipment, and an optional dance wedding completely tailored for you.

The Ainslie Football Club offers a multitude of function rooms to cater for weddings of up to 500 people. Our award-winning chefs have created an affordable range of packages that can be catered towards all dietary needs and customisable to suit any budget.

Our state-of-the-art AV system and our expert functions team will ensure your event is a memorable one. With plenty of free parking on site, the Ainslie Football Club is the ultimate function venue.

22 CityNews February 18-24, 2021

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Winner of the Best Boutique Hotel Wedding Venue in the Brides Choice Awards 2020.

Steeped in history, RHQ’s Upper House rooftop venue boasts a collaboration of contemporary comforts and original architecture. All event spaces are complemented by the atrium, outdoor rooftop terrace, with Japanese maple trees and an abundance of natural light.

If you’d like to know more, please contact our events team for information.

functions@royalhotelqbn.com.au | 02 6297 1444

ROYALHOTELOBN.COM.AU

WEDDINGS AND CELEBRATIONS Historic church has a lot to love

Celebrate your marriage at

All Saints’ Anglican Church, Ainslie Marriages at All Saints are celebrated in the breath-taking beauty of one of Canberra’s most prestigious and historic churches. You and your family and friends will be surrounded by a sense of beauty, awe, tradition, and history, as you exchange your vows.

The Rector of All Saints, the Revd Lynda McMinn will be happy to talk through the ceremony with you.

For more information contact the church at: Phone: 02 6248 7420 Email: admin@allsaintsainslie.org.au

Live streaming of the service available FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST…FAST NEWS FIRST…

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COUPLES looking to commemorate their special day in a beautiful and traditional building will love the All Saints’ Anglican Church in Ainslie, says parish council member Betsy Dixon.

Hosting Anglican services, the church features an organ and incredible acoustics, wonderful photo vantage points and is backdropped by a beautiful stained glass window from Sheffield in England, she says.

“The heritage-listed building has a fascinating history, first being built as a railway station for the Rookwood Cemetery and then being converted to a church in 1954,” says Betsy.

“People who want to celebrate their day in a historically significant setting will find it the perfect place.”

Betsy also says that the church is delighted to help plan and organise the big day.

“Whether its music and prayer choices, flowers, or decoration of the church itself, we are happy to help make the day as memorable as can be,” she says.

“People can feel free to get in touch about how they would like their service to be held, and we can work with them to make that happen.

“It’s a special place for a special day.”

All Saints’ Anglican Church, 9-15 Cowper Street, Ainslie. Call 6248 7420, email admin@allsaintsainslie.org.au or visit allsaintsainslie.org.au

Scenic centres that are great for weddings QUEANBEYAN-Palerang Regional Council’s scenicallylocated community venues are perfect for weddings or any other special occasions, says the council’s community facilities team leader Mandy Tomlinson.

The council has venues for hire such as the Googong Community Centre, Letchworth Community Centre, in Queanbeyan west, as well as the Jerrabomberra Community Centre, which each hold a maximum capacity of 100 people.

The Jerrabomberra Community Centre, which overlooks a pond, adjacent to the roundabout at the entry to the suburb, has five multipurpose rooms, says Mandy.

There’s even a playground which is great for kids, she says.

At the Googong centre, Mandy says event holders can take advantage of a terraced facility with a large, dividable room, as well as an upstairs, outdoor area

overlooking the Tinderrys which is great for cocktail receptions.

All facilities are equipped with heating and cooling, a cleaning room with basic cleaning facilities, televisions, and tables and chairs.

There’s an online tour for people to look at each facility, or Mandy says they can pick up a key from her office and go have a look.

The facilities often host significant birthdays, children’s parties and engagement parties, including first birthdays and any party too big for the backyard.

“They’re open facilities so people can make what they want of them,” she says.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council’s community facilities. Call 6285 6583, visit qprc.nsw.gov.au or email qprc.communityfacilities@qprc.nsw.gov.au

Rural charm in the heart of Canberra KAMBERRA Function Centre blends its unique ambiance with rural charm to make for a one-of-a-kind wedding destination, says events manager Madison Jenkins.

Situated on the site of the old Kamberra Winery, Madison says the centre is conveniently located 10 minutes from Civic with nearby access to the light rail.

“It’s a private feel within the heart of Canberra,” says Madison, who adds there are different settings on site for the wedding reception and ceremony.

There’s even a reflection pond amid the “rustic but elegant” features, she says.

Onsite “premier” catering is provided by Swirl Catering which provide canape-style or seated-style dining, including a sit-down service or a “feasting”, share style service, says Madison.

The rooms can host between 40 and 330 people and include the spacious Kamberra Room, which opens out onto a covered veranda, the Meeting Place, with a view of the reflection pond and Thoroughbred Park, or Barrel Room, which is located in the original barrel storage area from when the site was a vineyard, she says.

Guests can also take advantage of more than 300 free, onsite parking spaces.

As well as weddings, the centre also hosts a number of private events such as milestone birthdays, wakes and conferences.

“It’s a unique space you can make into any type of event,” says Madison.

Kamberra Function Centre, 595 Northbourne Avenue, Lyneham. Call 0458 425015, email events@ kamberrafunctioncentre.com.au or visit canberrafunctioncentre.com.au

Dance routines that will make a statement DALE’S Ballroom Dancing offers classes to help couples and bridal parties impress the audience on the big day, says owner Dale Harris.

“I have a private suite for teaching all types of dancing that people want to learn for the occasion,” says Dale.

“Students can pick the music and style and I’ll work with them from there.”

Dale says it’s a fun way to get fit and socialise in a friendly environment.

“Social dance lessons are also back on the second Thursday of every month, where absolutely anyone can come have a go regardless of experience,” she says.

“You don’t realise how much exercise you’re doing, you’re constantly on the move.”

She loves seeing her students having fun and improving in her classes, teaches styles such as the

10 traditional ballroom dances: waltz, tango, foxtrot, quickstep, Viennese waltz, cha cha, samba, jive, rumba and paso doble.

Backed by more than 20 years’ experience teaching dance, Dale started dancing at the age of six, when she developed an interest in ballroom dancing.

She’s since received many qualifications in ballroom dancing and is also a championship adjudicator who travels interstate to judge ballroom competitions.

Now that school’s back, Dale says junior classes have also started back up again so everyone can get involved.

Dale’s Ballroom Dancing, 245 Cowlishaw Street, Tuggeranong. Call 6296 4009, email dale_harris@bigpond. com or visit dalesballroomdancing.com.au

Professional, fun tuition in Ballroom Dancing • Private Dancing Lessons Known for its unique ambience and rural charm, Kamberra will provide a scenic setting for special occasions. Situated on the original grounds of the Kamberra Winery, Kamberra offers many locations around the private property to create the perfect space for reception and ceremony .

Please contact events@kamberrafunctioncentre.com.au or 0458 425 015 to get in touch with our Events Manager.

24 CityNews February 18-24, 2021

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES

Making the bride’s dream dress a reality

COMMUNITY FACILITIES SEEKS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING A DIVERSE RANGE OF VENUES AND SERVICES

LA Belle Bridal Boutique makes wedding dresses special and unique to every bride, says owner Ashleigh Switalksi.

“We pride ourselves on focusing on the individual’s ideas,” she says.

“Brides can come to us with what they want and our expert team can offer suggestions and feedback to ensure we design and make the perfect dress for your special day.”

Ashleigh says that with more than 35 years’ of industry experience, brides-to-be can trust that La Belle Bridal Boutique will help make the big day unforgettable.

“We are also dedicated to staying to your budget,” she says.

“Give us a figure, and we will give you the best dress for your price.”

La Belle Bridal Boutique also offers alterations and improvements to dresses that customers might currently already have, she says.

“Even if you think the dress you imagine is too unique to be possible, or you’ve been turned away by other designers, give us a call, we love a challenge,” she says.

“Our vision is to make the bride’s dream wedding a reality.”

La Belle Bridal Boutique, 103 Anthony Rolfe Avenue, Gungahlin. Call 6255 4055 or visit labellebridal.com.au

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CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS La Belle Bridal Boutique owner Ashleigh Switalski, left, fitting a client’s dress.

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labellebridal.com.au CityNews February 18-24, 2021 25

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Cyclamen are flowering early this year.

Cyclamen or a fairy ready to fly?

THERE’S no need to grow big, blousy blooms such as rhododendrons to experience the beauty of flowers.

Some of the tiniest plants have the most exquisite flowers. The wonderful cyclamen family, from Greece, Turkey or Spain, depending on the variety, are ideal for growing in containers. When growing on a balcony, place the plants on a stand to fully appreciate their delicate beauty.

According to the horticultural book “Plant Names Simplified – Their Pronunciation, Derivation and Meaning”, cyclamen is pronounced “sikla-men”, a contraction of the Greek kyklaminos, from kyklos, a circle, alluding to the coiled stem of the seed pod. Australia and America have a problem in pronunciation compared with the rest of the world.

Let the imagination run wild and the petals of the tiny, delicate pink or white flowers of cyclamen hederifolium can resemble fairies with their wings outstretched, ready to fly. The flowers usually appear from the bare earth unexpectedly in autumn, but with fluctuating weather conditions, they appeared in our garden in the second week of January. The seeds have been quietly multiplying since last autumn with the flowers appearing first, followed by the

leaves. When the flowers die down, the leaves will continue through winter. Another similar species, C. Coum, originating on the Greek island of Cos, has white flowers. The larger flowered C. Persicum from Persia (now Iran) makes an ideal hanging basket plant. If purchased as an indoor pot plant, simply plant in a shady spot in the garden when they have finished flowering.

SEDUM “Herbstfreude”, or “Autumn Joy”, is one of a large family of 400-500 species, although it’s one of the most popular. This autumn-flowering plant will die down for a rest in winter. Some rest!

The instant the old flower stalks are cut off, it immediately starts growing again; the tiny new shoots unaffected by cold or frosts. By spring, the new shoots will be about 10-15cm tall and the flower heads, resembling broccoli, continue to grow all summer. In autumn, the green bunches of flowers turn to pink or white, depending on the variety.

Tough-as-nails sedum survives in poor soils and drought with their water-storing leaves. They rapidly multiply during winter and spring, which is the perfect time to divide it. Plant individually, in groups of three to five, for all gardens, including formal planting as seen here at the Melbourne Exhibition Building gardens. It has twice been given the prestigious “Award of Garden Merit” by the Royal Horticultural Society (UK).

I USUALLY recommend cutting back the leaves

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26 CityNews February 18-24, 2021

of hellebores in autumn. This is to allow sunlight into the base of the plant to encourage more flowers in winter. This year, with changes in weather and increased rainfall, the snails and slugs are having a ball with hellebore leaves, so I suggest cutting all the leaves off the plant now. In our garden, I cut all the leaves off in mid-to-late January. I recommend doing the same with winter-flowering iris unguicularis and polyanthus. Snails love the leaves of the latter much more than hellebores. Polyanthus are an incredibly long-flowering perennial and once the leaves are cut off, new leaves will already be growing.

FINAL thought: although lockdowns are easing, they say that “a garden is a friend you can visit any time”.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE

‘Magical’ new array of flavours

WENDY JOHNSON

Effects of injustice linger for ‘powerless’ painter

By Helen

MUSA A PART of M16 Artspace in Griffith is about to be transformed in a way it’s never been before – into a prison cell.

The exhibition, “Framework of Injustice”, is by portrait painter Melissa Beowulf. It’s not portraiture this time, but rather an enclosed box in which she recreates the rooms at the Alexander Maconochie Centre, where she was incarcerated on remand for 14 months after she and two of her sons were accused of the alleged murder of her mother-in-law at their Red Hill home in 2015.

The three were granted parole in 2018, went to trial the following February and were acquitted in April 2019, but the effects linger on.

In recreating a three-dimensional space, Beowulf’s youthful interest in drama – she performed in “Hamlet” at Wesley College while studying English at Sydney University – has come to the fore and she’s been busy buying props, including a metal toilet.

Though best-known as a painter – her portraits of Nancy Wake and Donald Horne are held by the National Portrait Gallery – she sees herself as “more a sculptor”, so has

The Alexander Maconochie Centre.

Portrait artist Melissa Beowulf… “Until you’re in that position, you don’t know how incredibly powerless you are. I’d never even had a traffic infringement notice.” been particularly enjoying re-making the water-cooler she crafted while inside, out of old Styrofoam boxes joined with Canberra Milk sticky labels.

Being accused, arrested and locked up is the stuff of most middle-class Canberrans’ nightmares.

“Until you’re in that position, you don’t know how incredibly powerless you are. I’d never even had a traffic infringement notice,” she says.

But strangely, she wasn’t depressed in prison, instead trying to make use of whatever was available – the aforesaid

Bravo

18-27 FEBRUARY

Wolf Lullaby PRESENTED BY ECHO THEATRE. WRITTEN BY HILARY BELL.

BRINGING THE MAGIC

A small country town…

A horrible crime…

Styrofoam, the reverse side of flyers and some lined paper offered to her by a guard, while mastering the elaborate barter system called the “buy up”.

Beowulf, with her growing family and her late husband, Thor, whom she had met at Sydney Uni, had moved in the late 1980s to Canberra, where she worked as an administrator in both public and private entities, while co-directing an art and bonsai business with Thor.

Initiated into the local arts scene by painters Julie Ballis and Cynthia Watsford, she sold work at the old Bus Depot Markets, joined Leichhardt Street Studios before it became

M16 and found herself in demand for portrait commissions.

Among her earlier portraits in 1998 was one of NSW politician and former broadcaster Pru Goward, completed after a colour workshop with artist Romola Templeman.

Her portrait of painter Ken Done, a prickly subject at first but eventually accessible and wickedly entertaining, was shortlisted for the 2000 Archibald Prize.

She learnt while painting the former director of the National Gallery, Brian Kennedy, that “the eyes capture the person”, so

Continued on Page 28

QUEANBEYAN’S MUSIC BY THE RIVER SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY

FEATURING CANBERRA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Presented by Icon Water

And an unimaginable suspect…

This provocative thriller asks 'Is there intrinsic evil in the world?'

SEE IT LIVE. SEE IT NOW. BOOKINGS 02 6285 6290 THEQ.NET.AU

Bring your own food and drink or nibble on gourmet street from regional businesses and wines or bubbles from local suppliers. Gates open from 5pm.

Entertainment starts at 6pm with CSO playing from 7pm. FREE general admission. Make sure you register or purchase tickets at eventbrite.com.au There is something truly magical about live music by the water’s edge.

BOOKINGS & DETAILS EVENTBRITE.COM.AU QPRC.NSW.GOV.AU/CSO EVENTS@QPRC.NSW.GOV.AU CityNews February 18-24, 2021 27

ART

Extraordinary exhibition by true, local eccentric

By Helen Musa

TUGGERANONG Arts Centre has come up with a mighty exhibition of more than 70 paintings by one of the true eccentrics of our region – 91-year-old Jack Featherstone.

An extraordinary assemblage of works painted between 1958 and 2020, it’s been curated by the centre’s Karena Keys and covers everything from the evacuation at Gallipoli and the Battle of Stalingrad to bucolic scenes of life in the Bungendore and Braidwood area.

Included are paintings from Featherstone’s “David” series, painted during a research trip to NT and WA in 1958, when he travelled in an old VW as part of a dental research trip with his local tracker, David.

Everyone in Braidwood knows the town character who lives in the blue weatherboard house and who’s been variously called by his formal name, “John”, by the more commonplace “Jack” and by the nickname his three sons gave him – ”Kempsey” – because of his peripatetic lifestyle as a travelling dentist to far distant NSW country towns.

During a recent, packed-out launch at Tuggeranong Arts Centre, he was praised for imbuing his pictures of daily individual stories with “subtle otherworldliness”.

Indigenous art curator and academic, Brenda L Croft, who once lived in Braidwood, called him “a treasure and an amazing person in terms of his vision of the world”.

“Sydney Harbour Christmas Party” (1983) by Jack Featherstone.

Jack with video artist Anna Georgia… “To represent somebody else’s life and sensibility through the camera is a most delicate, Jack Featherstone’s 2019 painting “Maxfield Near absorbing and rewarding challenge.”

Photo: Martin Ollman Bungendore”.

Croft described the lively conversations she’d had with Jack over the years, particularly about his years working as a dentist at the Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern where, by coincidence, one of his colleagues was the young dental graduate Dr Chris Bourke, who later became arts minister of the ACT. Jack’s devotion to indigenous Australians

was evident in the heroic speech he spent months fine-tuning, where he quoted everybody from Mozart to Mussorgsky, outlining his philosophy of art and music.

Music’s major and minor keys, he said, exposed both the happy and the tormented soul, while “art changes as generations change”.

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Jack has been painting all his life and makes no bones about the fact that he was self-taught. Originally he used oils, but allergies have forced a change to acrylics.

He’s painted with brushes and nails. He has painted on canvas, bark, stone and old boots, and his sharp eye for the reality of landscape and the commonplace life in

Australia is evident in the finely-worked pictures on show, sometimes dubbed “naïve art”, sometimes “outsider art” and, by art critic Nigel Lendon, as “magic realist” art.

Quickly spotting the strong community appeal in the exhibition, the arts centre put it together as a complete project, accompanied by a video about Jack created by Anna Georgia and a prose reflection, “The Gift of a Father”, commissioned from his youngest son, respected Canberra-region novelist, Nigel Featherstone.

Nigel, quoting Irish writer Niall Williams, observes: “Your father is a mystery it takes your whole life to unravel”, as he attempts to understand Jack as the husband, father, dentist and lifelong painter who once wrote a poem about Cathy Freeman and who can, at the drop of a hat, still recite the whole of the Victorian poem “Abou Ben Adhem (May His Tribe Increase!)”

One thing stands out to Nigel: “Aboriginal medical service gave meaning to his life, as did music, to which he painted”.

Georgia spent the summer visiting Jack at his home, and says, “To represent somebody else’s life and sensibility through the camera is a most delicate, absorbing and rewarding challenge… Jack engages with other people selectively, preferring to spend most of his time ‘solo but not lonely’, reading books, listening to music, walking in nature and painting”.

“Jack, John and Kempsey”, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Greenway, until March 27. “The Gift of a Father” by Nigel Featherstone at thegiftofafather.com

Injustice lingers for painter Continued from Page 27 zoned in on his “Irish twinkle”. That won her a place in the Archibald Prize’s 2001 Salon des Refusés.

The Nancy Wake portrait came about after a conversation with her father and stepmother, who lived near the famous “White Mouse” in Port Macquarie. With help from the RSL, she got in touch and Wake invited her to stay in her third floor unit for a weekend.

“She was an incredible heroine, doing exciting things,” Beowulf says.

“She just got in and did it.”

The resulting portrait was a finalist in the 2002 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize and, on the recommendation of Portrait Gallery director, Andrew Sayers, who had been a judge, it was acquired by the NPG. Thor had died of pancreatic cancer in 2015, then later in the same year, she and her two older sons, Thorsten and Bjorn, were detained suddenly.

Beowulf has much to say about her time inside, with positive features including a short stay in a “cottage” section with access for fresh air, enjoyable “big day out” visits to the library and attendance at legal workshops with final-year ANU law students, later dropped for the women, at least.

Much older than most of them, she was very touched when her fellow inmates, many of them young indigenous women, gave her a 61st birthday party with streamers and whatever they could manage. In

Melissa Beowulf, “Cottage Room”, 2018. turn, Beowulf crocheted headbands and vanity bags for them.

The public perception that modern prisons are luxury accommodation, she says, is “complete garbage”, but she did eventually get access to a simple computer and restricted access to email, allowing her to research her case, but it was an uphill battle since most of her personal property had been confiscated.

One blessing was that her two older sons Thorsten and Bjorn were locked up together in Alexander Maconachie and she was able to see them on a regular basis.

Once bailed, she was accommodated by supportive friends, whose spare bedroom she turned into a

research office while she prepared their defence.

Acquittal wasn’t as joyous as you’d expect, with negative media coverage, she says, “I felt like a fish floundering on the beach with the seagulls circling”.

She has tried emulating the resilience of Lindy ChamberlainCreighton and now, as she reassembles her belongings, including a lot of dying bonsai plants and Wollemi pines, she has the consolation of her boys, a family retreat near Bermagui, a new rescue dog – and a new exhibition.

“Framework of Injustice”, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, February 25 to March 14.

CINEMA

ARTS IN THE CITY

Film ignores the human element ‘Disturbing’ play own choice without realising what it’s doing to their effectiveness.

Experiment failed.

By Dougal

MACDONALD

At Palace Electric and Dendy

“Escape from Extinction” (PG) HERE’S how Australian movie magazine “FilmInk” began its review of this documentary canvassing the effects of human behaviour on undomesticated living organisms: “The not-for-profit organisation American Humane’s documentary ‘Escape from Extinction’ promotes efforts from zoological organisations in saving endangered animal species.

“Narrated by Helen Mirren, it appears that the documentary’s chief objective is to advocate the work that these institutions do in protecting animal species and their habitats.

However, rather than showcase the intricate process required to care for endangered animals, the film skims over so many topics, it is difficult to keep track of what it really stands for.”

That quite closely describes my feelings as I left the cinema.

The film’s narration, written by Alex Blumberg and Peter Meadows, repeatedly reminds us that every living thing is somehow connected with every other living thing.

To do that, director Matthew Brady has assembled 90 minutes of assorted plant and animal footage showing how, among other things, zoos and other conservation scientists are working to save species under pressure from human exploitation that has brought their populations to the brink of extinction.

What the film doesn’t, to my mind, sufficiently do directly is tell humans of their role in supporting that work.

It’s not hard to be carried away by its indignation at the human activities

“Love, Weddings & Other Disasters” (M) THIS, in company with and perhaps under the tutelage of writer Eileen Conn, marks the debut of director (39 credits, mostly for TV) Dennis Dugan also as a film writer. Born in 1945 Dennis has 65 credits in TV series and feature movies in an acting career beginning in 1971.

“Escape from Extinction”... reminds us that every living thing is So he’s been in movies longer somehow connected with every other living thing. than most. And his eligibility to collect razzies (movie industry jargon that have made the work necessary. credibility’s reasonable limit. for the Golden Raspberry Awards Some of the historic footage, such as Four high-school teachers agree – presented to the year’s worst films) piles of bison skulls and brave hunters to conduct a secret scientific study is, well, big. showing off their kills of animals of the effects of alcohol on human His film is populated by that present no dangers to humans, ability to function effectively. It’s wellverges on disgusting. established that Scandinavian people non-entities in the la-la land of Hollywood. The people behind the I’d like to think that many folk will drink a lot of it. But so do folk of just camera have done their work efsee this film. Its US-centric emphasis about every race. So writer/director fectively enough. The people telling can be forgiven. Its curious failure to Thomas Vinterberg’s embedding of this collection of intertwining stories remind the world that Australia has his commendable reminder about an unenviable reputation for bringing alcohol’s effect of reducing the ability about the wedding industry in front wildlife species to the brink of extinc- of animals to function effectively, in a of the camera tried hard to make its tion (one quick shot of koalas is all we comedy rather than a dramatic story, collection of pratfalls work.

The only two of the cast of whom get) rather dismayed me. Offsetting has merit. you’ve ever heard are Jeremy Irons, those shortcomings is a multitude of So does his choice of actor Mads whose performance as a perfectionwildlife shots that are truly breathtak- Mikkelsen in the leading role, not ist wedding arranger reeks of ing, even if for questionable reasons. as the member of the group who comes up with the idea of drinking to “What am I doing in this collection of wreckage?”, and Diane Keaton, At Dendy and Palace Electric sharpen professional skill but as the one whose private life dominates the whose character is blind to make her pratfalls less stupid. narrative. The supporting cast is no “Another Round” (M) The common element in the less impressive.

IMDb’s collection of 15 viewer WHY only two stars for a Danish film But the screenplay requires them reviews of “Love, Weddings & Other that delivers a cautionary tale which to carry the joke much too far. High is worth heeding? school teachers are smart – or should Disasters” is their agreement about its good chances in any competition Well, because although it delivered be. These four embark on a voyage for a razzie. a valid polemic about the dangers of that’s going to lead one of them to alcoholic drinks, it sustained the joke suicide and the others to domestic At Palace Electric and Dendy embedded in its drama well beyond and professional disaster by their

first up for The Q

By Helen Musa

HILARY Bell’s disturbing play, “Wolf Lullaby” is the first local production for 2021 at The Q. Presented by Jordan Best’s company Echo Theatre, the play sees a two-year-old boy murdered and suspicion falling on nine-year-old Lizzie, creating a dilemma for her young mum, Angela. The title comes from an old Cherokee saying, “the battle is between two wolves inside us all”. Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, until February 27. Book at theq.net.au or call 6285 6290.

THE “SummerSalt” outdoor concert series comes to Canberra, with The Teskey Brothers, The Cat Empire, John Butler, Boy & Bear, Groote Eylandt singer-songwriter Emily Wurramara and Montaigne, who will represent Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam during May. Stage 88, Saturday, February 27, book at ticketmaster.com.au ART Song Canberra’s first concert in 2021 will be given by two ANU-trained musicians, soprano Jade McFaul and pianist Lucus Allerton, who will perform Australian art songs about the Australian landscape

by Margaret Sutherland, Peggy Glanville-Hicks, Alan Tregaskis, Calvin Bowman. “Kaleidoscope”, Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 3pm and 4.15pm, Sunday, February 21. Bookings at trybooking.com THE Enlighten Festival is back with five key events, “Lights! Canberra!

Action!” in the Senate Rose Gardens on March 5, the Canberra Balloon Spectacular from March 6 to 14, Symphony in the Park on March 7, Canberra’s 107th birthday on March 8 and large-scale projections on buildings in the parliamentary triangle, February 26 - March 8. Book at enlightencanberra.com.au THE Australian String Quartet has announced that in his 10th year as the quartet’s violist and 25th as a touring musician, Canberra-raised musician Stephen King will become director of engagement and learning for the company.

THE new Grainger Gallery is launching two solo exhibitions by two German artists, originally timed to coincide with the now-postponed Canberra Multicultural Festival as a cross cultural exchange between Australia and Germany. In “Songs of Earth” there’ll be abstracts by Stefan Heyer from Hamburg which have been partly inspired by pop culture, then in “Orange Wasn’t Invited To The Party”, Canberra resident Stefanie Schulte exhibits paintings which stack up layers of colour.

Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick, until February 28.

MARSDEN Arts Group has chosen the turquoise colour, “Pantone 311 C”, to represent the connection both between the artworks, and conversations between its very different artists, in its next group exhibition at M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, February 25 to March 14.

WATCH IT! / streaming and stuff

Lots more Disney, but it’s not for kids

By Nick

OVERALL DISNEY Plus is getting quite the makeover at the end of February, with hundreds of new films and TV shows under the title of “Star”.

So where are they all coming from?

Since 2019, Disney has had the rights to stacks of shows and movies under the 20th Century Fox brand, having bought the behemoth company for a small sum of $US70 billion. Until now, the content hasn’t been made available for watching.

The mouse had instead locked the rights away so that other streaming services can’t grab ‘em and pull viewers away from Disney.

However, now they’re emerging from the corporate vault and streamable on Disney Plus by the time the month is out.

A lot of this content isn’t exactly

“family friendly”. Take the drama found in the highly popular “Sons of Anarchy”, which follows the trials of a motorcycle gang, or the terror on display in the iconic “Alien” franchise as two examples of the kind of stuff soon to hit the platform.

For that reason one could see why the apparent wholesome family fun zone Disney likes to tout itself as would not run such content in its catalogue.

The solution? Adding a new, separate “folder” on the Disney Plus homepage that, when clicked, gives access to the new content.

This new folder will launch under the title “Star”. Other notable productions that will please many a streamer include “Lost”, “Die Hard”, “24”, “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Family Guy”.

It can, and I suspect for many families most likely will, be locked with parental controls. Just in case mum or dad don’t want the kids stumbling across a bloodthirsty xenomorph with their Saturday

morning Froot Loops.

All this new content is set to hit Australia on February 23, but it comes with an added price tag.

Disney Plus will hike up the monthly subscription fee from $8.99 to $11.99, which is likely to be frustrating for many families who use Disney Plus solely for kids’ entertainment. The price jump isn’t optional, either. All users will have to pay for the extra content, even if they don’t watch it.

However, users subscribed before February 23 will get a six-month grace period, with the price not jumping until August.

Disney Plus isn’t the only platform getting a facelift. Stan (owned by the Nine Network) is also picking up new content as it tries to cling to its place in the heated competition.

In a new $100 million, three-year deal, the platform will stream everything Super Rugby.

The Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup, Shute Shield and just about

every other match falling under the union code will be on the platform, including a collection of historical matches for rugby aficionados.

It’s also got some plans for tennis fans, with Wimbledon and the French Open lined up to be streamable, too.

It’s called “Stan Sport”, and it’s priced at $10 a month. That’s on top of the initial $10, base Stan subscription costs, which users will need to access Stan Sport.

Funny way of saying “$20 a month” to me.

It’s clearly an attempt to compete with Kayo, which for $25 a month allows users to stream a sweeping range of sport.

It’s the pressure of hot competition that’s making services evolve as rapidly as they possibly can. In fact, Disney Plus’ new announcement has been dubbed by many as the “Netflix killer”.

All a bit amusingly ironic, given the one-stop, family fun shop that the “Netflix killer” markets itself as.

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CityNews February 18-24, 2021 29

MUSIC

Dad’s musical mash shapes Kofi’s call to hip-hop

By Nathan

SCHMIDT WHEN Kofi Owusu-Ansah’s father first shared his eclectic taste in music, little did he know he’d be introducing his son to sounds that would shape his life and career.

Kofi’s father would rummage through bargain bins for CDs. “Anything with an interesting cover,” would be bundled up and taken home, to where Kofi was exposed to everything from Ray Charles and Bob Marley to Public Enemy and Missy Elliott.

For her part, Kofi’s mother also contributed to his musical upbringing. A leader in her local church choir, Kofi says she would play gospel music around the house.

The couple never let go of their Ghanaian heritage either, playing famous Ghanaian artists such as HighLife, says Kofi who sometimes adorns his live shows with traditional dress.

The 22-year-old hip-hop star is better known nowadays by his stage name

Genesis Owusu and was only a stone’s throw from his family home when he sat down with “CityNews” in a Lanyon cafe, near his old high school.

It might seem like an odd place to find an artist making waves internationally, fresh off a string of Sydney shows with his debut album, “Smiling With No Teeth”, due out next month.

But, despite his success, Kofi still calls Canberra home and that’s something he doesn’t plan to change anytime soon. “[Canberra] is a blank canvas I can paint my own colour on at will,” he says.

“My whole expression as a person has always been to be as me as possible and earlier on – and to this day – that has meant shutting everything else out.

Canberra is the perfect place for that.”

Hip-hop has been a “pivotal culture” for Kofi.

“It’s really shaped me in a lot of ways,” he says.

But it was older brother Kojo, a hip-hop star in his own right performing under the name Citizen Kay, who first took to the genre.

Kojo hijacked the family study when Kofi was in high school, making it into a music studio.

Kofi, meanwhile, was slow to music. But

when Kojo invited him to perform a verse on a music beat he had made, he gave in.

That verse was turned into a song the brothers wrote together called “Ansah Brothers”.

It wasn’t long before things took off for Kojo and Kofi found himself at music gigs alongside his older brother and even started performing.

“My second-ever gig was Groovin’ the Moo with [Kojo],” he says.

But it was never his goal to pursue a “career” in music.

“For a long time music was just my main way of expressing myself,” he says.

Nonetheless, he started to gain attention for his work. Single tracks such as “Sideways” and “WUTD” drew attention from Triple J Unearthed and others in the industry.

In 2020 he received a profile from music magazine “NME” and was contacted by popular online music critic Anthony Fantano.

Despite the success, Kofi says he still felt constrained by single releases. He wanted to explore diverse sounds and new ways of telling stories.

Two themes he felt he now had the freedom to explore on the album, Kofi says, are depression and racism.

They intersect on the song called “The

Other Black Dog”.

The track tackles Kofi’s own battle with depression – the “black dog” being a common symbol for depression – but also his experience with racism.

“I created the ‘black dog’ talking about depression, but then I realised I’ve also been called a black dog in a racial connotation and that’s where the two things collided,” he says.

Themes of racial violence permeate much of modern hip-hop, but Kofi says there’s something to be said for “black art” that isn’t focused on trauma and that being a “multi-faceted black artist” isn’t celebrated enough.

“Especially in the [music] industry that’s still very white dominated; in the process of trying to be an ally, white industry people will elevate art about black trauma more than they will about black joy and humanity,” he says.

“It works against itself sometimes because these stories need to be told but they don’t need to be the only stories told. Stories of black humanity from all facets need to be explored and that’s what I try to do on the album.”

“Smiling With No Teeth” is released on March 5.

Hip-hop performer Genesis Owusu (aka Kofi OwusuAnsah)... “White industry people will elevate art about black trauma more than they will about black joy and humanity.”

Photo: Nathan Schmidt

DINING / Project Enoki, Civic

‘Magical’ new array of flavours

By Wendy

JOHNSON WHEN creative hospitality minds get motivated to do interesting projects, the result is often magic.

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30 CityNews February 18-24, 2021

Verity Lane Market in Civic is a unique concept and so much more than “just a food hall”, which is how I’ve heard it described. Verity Lane Market lives up to the description on its website, “gastronomic ground zero”.

The urban-meets-heritage fitout honours the history of the iconic Sydney Building. It’s elegant and spacious, but warm and inviting.

The new outdoor deck is a fabulous addition and the best-in-class long bar that forms a centrepiece inside is stunning.

Dining is casual, in that you order from food vendors – three on our visit, with Super Bao from Dickson to arrive soon. Don’t be fooled by the format. The food is chef driven and ramps things up several notches. You then meander over to the long, 20th-century inspired Verity Bar and order drinks.

Project Enoki was our choice for lunch, worshipping authentic Singaporean flavours. Chef Gerald Ong – previously Chairman and Yip – promises, and delivers, a new narrative of south-east Asian cuisine showcasing Australian ingredients.

Project Enoki currently plans to be at the markets until the end of February, so be quick.

We landed the day Project Enoki

Thunder Tea Rice… a hugely textural and exciting dish, with perfectly balanced flavours.

Photo: Wendy Johnson was road testing whether to branch out for lunch (they were already on deck at dinner time) so only one option was on the menu. The thunder tea rice is a hugely textural and exciting dish, with perfectly balanced flavours.

Burnt cabbage is combined with chunks of cauliflower and spinach on top of rice in a big bowl. Fried tofu is featured (the best ever) and loads of crunchy peanuts are sprinkled on top.

Accompanying the dish is a vibrant and gorgeous-looking wakame and green tea pesto.

Traditionally these ingredients are pounded to make the pesto (hence the use of “thunder” in the name).

We ordered extra and let it run deep through the rice. Pure celebration in a bowl.

We topped off by sharing

the creamy burnt basque goat’s cheesecake with gula melaka syrup (thick like golden syrup) which is out of this world, and we mean out of this world. No wonder so many south-east Asian desserts have this flavour profile.

The bar is gloriously stocked with a curated selection of spirits, exceptional wines and craft beer.

Makin’ and shakin’ cocktails is a specialty.

The Verity Lane Market’s music was cool and laid-back at lunch.

The outdoor deck gets sun and shade (under mature trees) or, if you prefer, you can eat indoors.

Other vendors on site during our visit were Ramen Daddy, with sensational snacks, ramen, bowls and desserts, and Pizza Artigiana, which makes pizzas with handcrafted artisan dough.

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Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

General knowledge crossword No. 769

February 22-28, 2021 ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

With Mercury moving forwards and the Full Moon lighting up your daily routine zone, it’s time to prioritise, organise and stabilise. And avoid being too blasé about a complicated issue (especially involving values, morals, possessions or finances).

If you have to make an important decision, then listen to the wisdom of your inner voice. Be inspired by innovator (and birthday great) Steve Jobs: “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”

TALIA TAKES HER FIRST BIG STEPS INTO BUSINESS

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Bulls can sometimes blunder around being (unintentionally) insensitive. But you’ll need to be extra responsive to the needs of children, teenagers or your peer group, otherwise Saturday’s Full Moon could trigger a misunderstanding or an emotional meltdown. This week professional relationships are set to improve, as Mercury moves forwards in your career zone. You’ll find the more flexible and understanding you are, the more quickly things will improve.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Mercury moves forwards and the Full Moon (in earthy Virgo) falls in your home zone, so get your house in order and tackle domestic chores with extra gusto. But, if you spread gossip or jump to hasty conclusions, then you’ll end up in hot water.

And avoid the temptation to take short cuts. A slap-dash attitude will only mean you have to do things twice. With a more methodical and practical approach, you can accomplish tasks and still have plenty of time to play.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

This week the Full Moon lights up your conversation zone and Mercury moves forwards in your intimacy zone. So communicating with other people will gradually improve, and a close partnership should prosper. The Sun/Uranus connection also brings good fortune in the form of a close friend, a wise mentor, an educational milestone or a travel opportunity. So crawl out of your Crab cave and get moving, mingling and mixing ASAP (in covid-appropriate ways).

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Lions love to live in the lap of luxury but avoid the temptation to blow the budget with some binge shopping. The Full Moon fires up your finance zones, and encourages your tendency to be hasty with cash and careless with credit. The Sun and Uranus also activate your extravagant streak, but big impulse buys now will just lead to major money headaches later on so shop prudently. Partnerships should improve, as Mercury moves forwards in your relationship zone.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Thank goodness Mercury is finally moving forwards. So all forms of communication should gradually improve as you verbalise your Virgo feelings in more direct and digestible ways. Saturday’s Full Moon also lights up your sign, so confidence and self-belief are the keys to success. Don’t let disruptions and minor matters rattle you! Be inspired by birthday great, Elizabeth Taylor “Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together.”

Down

1 What is a break, with a part missing? (6) 7 Name the late renowned US news commentator, Walter ... (8) 8 Which amphibious rodent is noted for its ingenuity in damming streams? (6) 9 What is sharpness or severity of temper? (8) 10 Name the beetle that was regarded as sacred by the ancient Egyptians. (6) 11 Which person plays a musical instrument of the guitar family? (8) 14 Who sell exorbitantly priced tickets at sold-out events? (8) 18 Name the extremely renowned US child film star of yesteryear, Shirley ... (6) 19 What is a strainer for draining off liquids, especially in cookery? (8) 21 Name an Australian pop entertainer, Frank ... (6) 22 Which term describes that which is determined by the stars? (8) 23 What, perhaps, could Judith Durham have been called? (6)

1 Name a shrub with broad, showy, short-lived flowers. (8) 2 What, in England, is a hotel, or inn? (6) 3 Name a board game in which players use counters marked with letters. (8) 4 How many digits does Mickey Mouse have on each hand (4) 5 To stand with hand on hip, and elbow bent outwards, is to stand how? (6) 6 What, informally, are confidence tricks? (6) 12 What are the external openings of the nose?

(8) 13 Which term describes a Spanish bullfighter?

(8) 15 Name one of Australia’s most prolific point-scoring Rugby League centres, Michael ... (6) 16 What are instruments for conveying property to others for rent? (6) 17 Name an alternative term for a referee. (6) 20 What is a squirrel’s nest called? (4)

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

The Full Moon illuminates your solitude/self-knowledge zone and Mercury moves forwards in your creativity zone. So spend some quality time on your own, where you can let your imagination percolate. Activities like reading, meditation and contemplation are favoured as you shine a spotlight on your inner world.

Inspiration for the week is from birthday great, actress Drew Barrymore: “In the end, some of your greatest pains become your greatest strengths.”

Solution next edition

Across

FREE SUDOKU EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au

Sudoku medium No. 285

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Mercury is now moving forwards, which will help a family matter or a domestic project that has been somewhat stalled. But you still need to plan carefully and be extra patient. Saturday night’s Full Moon (in practical Virgo) lights up your hopes and wishes zone. So it’s vital that you focus on turning your goals and dreams into something tangible. As birthday great Steve Jobs reminds us: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

The professional pressure is on, and family members will also demand plenty of your precious time. So how on earth will you keep all the plates spinning and get everything done? Clear communication is the key. If you can convince others (with your substantial Sagittarian charm!) to come on board and collaborate, then you’ll accomplish tasks in half the time. The mid-week Mars/Pluto link is wonderful for matters involving money, business, work, health and pets.

If you need help with your BAS or GST contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 02 6295 2844.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Money matters should start to improve, as Mercury picks up speed in your finance zone. The Sun and Uranus send a confidence boost your way (especially involving a romance, creative project or social media connection) and then the Full Moon activates your aspirations zone. So be on the look-out for a lucky opportunity when it appears. It’s time to turn an abstract dream into a rock-solid reality! If you hesitate or procrastinate then you’ll miss the boat.

Disclaimer This column contains general advice, please do not rely on it. If you require specific advice on this topic please contact Gail Freeman or your professional adviser.

02 6295 2844

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2021

Solutions – February 11 edition Sudoku hard No. 284

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

The Sun and Neptune are meandering through Pisces, which encourages intuitive insights, creativity and compassion… but also some confusion! This week Mercury is moving forwards and the Full Moon’s in earthy Virgo, which will help you be more grounded, disciplined and discriminating. If you spend too much time in fantasy land, then you’ll miss early warning signals about a relationship problem you need to address. So keep your wits about you.

Solution next edition

Crossword No. 768

Things should gradually improve, as Mercury moves forwards in your sign. But don’t get so side-tracked that you lose sight of where you are actually heading.

The earthy Virgo Full Moon encourages you to make plans and then put them into practice with discipline and dedication. Be inspired by fellow Aquarian, Oprah Winfrey: “Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work.” The Sun/ Uranus link is good for money, business and family matters.

Talia is a sole trader and came to see me about the first steps she needed to make in setting up her business.

"We need to start at the beginning, which is registering for an Australian Business Number (ABN)," I told her.

"When you register for your ABN you have to advise the amount of your expected sales. If you expect your sales to be less than $75,000 then you do not need to register.

"Also if you are not paying wages, which you don’t as a sole trader unless you employ staff, then you don’t need to register for PAYG with-holding tax at this time.

"You will not need to complete a Business Activity Statement (BAS) until your income exceeds $75,000 or you register for GST voluntarily.”

Talia said she had a contract awaiting her signature for $70,000 and expected to have more work.

"My advice would then be to register for GST now as you are so close to the threshold," I said.

"You are obliged to register once you know your turnover will exceed $75,000 and that would seem to be fairly clear. Once you have your ABN and are registered for GST you have an obligation to lodge a BAS. "The BAS is a form that you lodge with the Australian Taxation Office every quarter. You need to disclose your turnover, which is your sales plus a few other items if they are relevant. They include barter transactions, rent received, interest earned, membership fees, some government grants and proceeds from the sale of business assets including cars.

"The phrase used in the legislation is that you are making a ‘supply’. However, if you receive insurance proceeds, they are not included in the BAS. "You can choose whether you report your turnover including GST or excluding GST as you earn less than $10 million. The other important thing to note on the income side is that you have to choose whether you use cash or accrual accounting.

"In simple terms, this is a choice of using your receipts or your billings. Small businesses usually use cash because you do not have to remit GST to the ATO when you haven’t been paid.“ "In the case of expenses, you do not have to report these to the ATO. You just report the total input tax credits that you are entitled to claim.

"I know this sounds confusing but your accounting program will generally prepare the BAS for you and provided that the transactions have been entered correctly the BAS should be correct. We can help you set up your accounting program so that the GST is set up right.

"Even though this all sounds a bit scary most of the time it is quite easy to deal with once you have had a bit of help and are in the swing of it.”

Talia agreed that it did sound scary, but left my office saying she now felt much more confident.

Unit 9, 71 Leichhardt Street, Kingston ABN 57 008 653 683

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(Chartered accountant, SMSF specialist advisor and Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892)

info@gailfreeman.com.au | www.gailfreeman.com.au Follow us on Facebook @gailfreemanandco

Connect with me on Linkedin bit.ly/3bcXEZl CityNews February 18-24, 2021 31

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