CityNews 210520

MICHAEL MOORE / MORRISON TOYS WITH AN EARLY ELECTION MAY 20, 2021

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Community rails at losing park to housing

PAGES

Celebrating Seniors

PAUL COSTIGAN

Kids in court: leave the law alone

BILL STEFANIAK

I wondered, lonely as a (stratocumulus) cloud

CLIVE WILLIAMS

ODDOUT MAN

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NEWS / the 2021 census

Census numbers the nation needs to count on Reporter NICK OVERALL previews August’s national census and why it’s important WHERE the first census quizzed Australians on the number of horned cattle they owned, 2021’s will ask whether the gender they identify with matches their biological sex.

That first census in 1828 reflected an Australia that was but a fledgling colony of convicts whose population, as measured by the survey, stood at 36,598.

That’s less than the number of staff who will help conduct 2021’s census: 38,000, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ national spokesperson Andrew Henderson.

The last census was in 2016, measuring the population at 23,401,892 and was more interested in whether or not Australians had access to a little thing called the internet.

Canberrans were revealed to be more young, single and rich than the rest of Australia. The ACT’s median age is 35 compared to 38 nationally, 37 per cent of people are unmarried vs the country’s 35 per cent, and a median weekly income is $998 against the national average of $662.

It did also show that Canberrans pay some of the highest housing rates in the country, a figure that will likely have only gone up more in the results of the next census in August.

INDEX

The largest and most significant gathering of statistics in the county, it will want to know about rents, mortgages, incomes, religion and languages, to name a few.

“The census is used to inform important decisions about transport, schools, health care, infrastructure and business. It also helps plan local services for individuals, families and communities,” says Andrew.

What do people think about it?

Well, considering failure to comply can result in a $200 fine for every day it’s still not completed, it’s not like there’s a lot of choice.

The last census saw a 95 per cent response rate, but it seemed Australians had become a little more distrustful of the security of their data than before.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported more respondents answered with a fake name than usual, and fewer people agreed to have their data kept by the national archives.

That could come from the survey’s rapid shift to a “digital first” format.

In 2016, we saw for the first time a majority of participants (64 per cent) respond to the survey online.

With the ABS expecting the number of online respondents to go up this year, Andrew says they’re prioritising

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Australian Bureau of Statistics’ national spokesperson Andrew Henderson… “The census is used to inform important decisions about transport, schools, health care, infrastructure and business.” Right: Home of the national census, ABS House in Belconnen. the safety of people’s data.

“ABS research indicates that the majority of Australians would prefer to complete the census online rather than by paper,” he says.

“We expect around 75 per cent of forms will be completed online and we’re working with the Australian government to do everything possible to deliver a safe and secure online Census in 2021.”

With this push for more people to complete the census online, households this year will be receiving instructions in the mail on how to complete it, and as soon as they have their instructions they’re good to go.

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“For the first time in its history, there will be a window of time to complete the census rather than a single night,” says Andrew.

“We hope this makes it easier for people to complete their census at a time that suits them.”

For other countries it seems covid is taking priority, with Scotland postponing its census and strong calls for England and Wales to do the same.

In Australia, the 2016 census was the first time respondents could mark their sex as “other”, rather than male or female. However they were only able to do this via request of a separate form, as the ABS was still not sure how

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the general population would react to “other” as an option.

So, with the census costing more than $500,000, does it pay off?

The research indicates about $3 billion is pumped back into the economy every five years, thanks to the survey.

Essentially, for every one dollar spent on the census, six is made back.

“The Census is important because it provides a picture of the economic, social and cultural make-up of Australia,” says Andrew.

In other words, Australians won’t have to worry too much about tallying up how many horned cattle there are in the backyard this year.

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SEVEN DAYS

Mad as hell, residents are not going to take it…

CAN 500, mad-as-hell people taking to quills to oppose a development in Griffith be mightier than the planning bureaucracy?

Last month in “CityNews” (“Directorate sees no conflict in housing approval”, April 8), reporter Belinda Strahorn, told the story of the owners of a family home in Blaxland Street seeking to have it rezoned for medium-density units.

Cindy Cantamessa and her husband Kevin Earle are the proponents of the “Manor House”, one of six projects across Canberra adopted by the government in May, 2019, as part of its Demonstration Housing Project, an initiative designed to help urban renewal.

The project would involve bulldozing the home for a two-storey, four-unit “Manor House”. To do this, it requires a variation to the RZ1 criteria to allow for medium-density units on a residential block.

However, the Griffith Narrabundah Community Association (GNCA), is opposed to any change to the planning regulations for RZ1.

In fact, the little people are speaking out: more than 500 submissions have opposed the rezoning in writing. In writing!

Written comments about the draft variation were invited until April 26 and of the 526 comments, only five supported the government’s proposal.

GNCA president David Denham says this response highlights a local community that’s

Perfect posts... of differing heights. angry. “It is fed-up [with] poor planning outcomes that are degrading the desired characteristics of our city and of a government that does not comply with its own planning rules,” he grumbled.

“The Manor House would be just another example of a poor planning outcome.

“If four-unit apartments can be built on this RZ1 site, they can be built anywhere in the suburbs. Residents do not want Manor Houses built next door in an RZ1 zone.

“The largest investment for most families is the purchase of a home. “They do not want the surprise of a four-unit, two-storey, apartment-style dwelling with nine car parks built next door and impacting on their privacy and amenity.

“It is abundantly clear why the Manor House proposal has been rejected by the local community and the government should take note and not pursue this project any further.”

The pen mightier than the bureaucratic will? We’ll see.

IN the dinosaur days of newspaper production I was a callow young sub-editor in the features department of the Adelaide “Advertiser”. Newspaper pages in those days were put together in “hot metal” by tradespeople called compositors. I had to be (very) nice to compositors because they were the difference between my catching the hour-apart bus home when putting the finishing touches to pages at day’s end.

The apprentice compositors doing this work were chip-on-the-shoulder kids with a soul-sagging indifference for not going out of their way to do the job well. One of them used to use a phrase and it’s stuck with me for decades: “rough enough’s good enough”.

These characters went down the drainpipe of newspaper history because, when it comes to technology, rough enough was never good enough.

Which gets me to the rough-enoughgood-enough example for all to see (and drive into) on Novar Street in Yarralumla.

Some sort of large, metal manhole plate was replaced near the roadside and, to keep cars from parking on it, two pine logs were vertically installed.

But when the lads jumped in the truck, looked in the rear-vision mirror and drove off, did they wonder if rough enough was really acceptable? The posts are faultlessly in the perpendicular, of uniform circumference, but they’re secured at irritatingly different heights and neither has any reflector or warning strip to alert anyone creeping on to the street lawn to park in the dark.

As one who wanders streets (sadly, counting broken footpaths), this two-pole solution is not a municipal innovation I am familiar with. It’s certainly rough enough, but far from good enough.

MEDICAL gadfly Bob Collins sent a sensible suggestion to ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith on May 6.

In noting the government was keen to phase out single-use plastics and his wife having recently been in hospital, he couldn’t help but notice that bedside medication was still dispensed in small plastic medicine “cups”. “If only one pill is to be given to a patient, it still comes in a plastic medicine cup, which is then thrown away – usually in the bins that go to landfill, as I have not noticed any recycling bins in the wards,” he said.

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“Thousands of these cups must go to landfill every day and if you consider the total use in all hospitals in the ACT, the total numbers would be mind boggling.

“However, I have noticed in some hospitals that pills are dispensed in similarly sized paper cups.

“Obviously, liquid medicines still need to be dispensed in these plastic cups, but it would be a simple change for ACT Health to immediately phase out the plastic cups by using them only for liquid medicines and establishing a contract with a supplier of paper cups.”

And the minister’s view? Bob’s patiently waiting to hear.

AND this fabulous howler from an SBS News weekend update: “A ‘sigh of relief’ for travellers on India repatriation flight as those left behind try to stay positive.”

Ian Meikle is the editor of “CityNews” and can be heard on the “CityNews Sunday Roast” news and interview program, 2CC, 9am-noon.

CityNews May 20-26, 2021 7

CANBERRA MATTERS

Community rails at losing park space to housing WHEN the ACT government announced it had approved the development application by the YWCA to build social housing on the corner of Bill Pye Park in Ainslie, there was a collective sigh of frustration from residents.

This was exacerbated by the inevitable media statements that quickly appeared using the predicable worthy words to justify this decision.

Yet again the government has made a political decision that is about the cheapest options (use community land/ parklands) despite the consequences.

In principle, residents agree that such social housing is a priority – just not on this community site. And what about the views of those affected, the nearby residents? Ignored and misrepresented.

This Ainslie decision is a repeat of the political decision to build social housing on section 72, Dickson, despite the evidence about why that was so wrong. What would the local community know?

The placing of social housing on community designated land and parklands has become the norm for this Labor/Greens government. Once community land meant it was for wider community use. This government has ruled that housing is community use.

They neither understand community needs nor value parklands.

This patronising approach involves

Once community land meant it was for wider community use. This government has ruled that housing is community use.

They neither understand community needs or value parklands. a lack of respect for residents and a diminishing of their role in the shaping of their neighbourhoods. Someone else knows better!

Inner-north residents agree with the urgency for massive increases in the provision of good-quality social housing throughout the suburbs.

Many of these same residents have advocated for this government to address the undersupply of social housing given how this has not been adequately addressed by several ACT Labor/Greens coalition governments.

These same residents would like to be rejoicing about more well-designed social housing being provided in their precinct. They are not.

Those uttering the worthy words have blinkers on when it comes to equity and respect. They have cherry picked the values they address.This is not new in the history of advocacy for social change.

The YWCA’s building on the corner of Bill Pye Park in Ainslie… residents want community facilities to stay with the community – to be accessed by all.

Photo: Paul Costigan The beginning of the 20th century saw artists and others at the forefront of questioning social structures and government actions. Being socially aware at that time did not mean paying much attention to equity for women and people of non-European cultures.

A quick search of web pages for the YWCA reveals a fantastic commitment to addressing issues for women – those matters that our governments should be dealing with more seriously.

The YWCA is doing a great job on these complicated issues. But, as with many before them, they cannot see that they have blinkers on and that they are achieving the goals at the cost of equally important equity issues.

They are not alone in this. Many organisations close to this govern-

ment have compromised on basic principles in order to achieve their own organisational aims and, likewise, assist the government to improve its profile – and get elected.

For those pushing for social housing on Bill Pye Park, the equity and social issues of getting housing for women should not be achieved at the cost of the respect for and the equity issues of those who live nearby.

There are alternative ways that this housing could be achieved within Ainslie and such achievements would be embraced by locals.

Alternative placements of housing provision may not deliver a program for the YWCA but could still deliver the much-needed social housing in Ainslie for women.

The sticking point being that residents want community facilities on Bill Pye Park to stay with the community – to be accessed by all – including those in social housing.

There are many social-housing residents in this precinct.

Residents’ aspirations are no longer seen as relevant by this government and those agencies who benefit from linked funded government initiatives.

A basic principle of organisations working in social arenas should be – Do No Harm.

The people involved in this development decision need to take a long hard look at themselves and question their own blinkered and biased view of the world that underpins and influences otherwise worthy actions. When community and social organisations become developers, bad things happen.

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COVER STORY / Johnathan Davis

Davis delights at being Assembly’s odd man out

By Belinda

STRAHORN JOHNATHAN Davis’ path to politics may not normally lend itself to life in public office and yet, as he describes it: “That’s a good thing”.

The former real-estate agent sings country music, does stand-up comedy, and was once a karaoke host.

“I’m exactly the kind of person that shouldn’t be in parliament, I’m under 30, I’m not tertiary educated, I’m not just gay, I’m shamelessly queer and I grew up with very little, all the things that mean you shouldn’t be here,” Mr Davis said.

Davis – who won his seat by just 82 votes – was one of eight new MLAs elected to the ACT Legislative Assembly at October’s election.

At 29, the Green’s Brindabella MLA is the youngest Assembly member and strongly believes that someone with his lived experience can bring a different perspective to the chamber.

“We have to make an effort as a community to start considering our political leaders as individuals because there’s an intersectionality to all of our lived experiences that makes us all awesomely and interestingly complicated,” Mr Davis said.

Born and raised in Canberra, Mr Davis’ early life threw up plenty of challenges.

He was just 14 when the breakdown of his parents’ marriage and struggle to reveal his homosexuality to his family prompted him to move out of home. He got by couch surfing and working two jobs, all while attending school at Kambah High.

“I wouldn’t call it a troubled childhood, but I came from a lower socio-economic, workingclass, public-school educated, pay cheque-to-pay cheque family, of which there is plenty in Canberra,” Mr Davis said.

His first experience with politics was at school when he campaigned against Labor’s 2006 decision to shut 39 schools including Kambah High.

“I credited that school environment and the people in it with my identity and the self exploration I did during those formative years, so to have it

Johnathan Davis… “I’m exactly the kind of person that shouldn’t be in parliament, I’m under 30, I’m not tertiary educated, I’m not just gay, I’m shamelessly queer and I grew up with very little.”

Photo: Holly Treadaway taken away felt egregious, it felt like a deeply personal attack,” said Mr Davis.

He left school at the start of year 12, shortly after joining

election

ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

2021

An election will be conducted to elect 7 members of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body.

Nominating as a candidate for the Elected Body

Key 2021 election dates: Election start date (Candidate nominations open)

Monday 17 May

Nominations close

Tuesday 1 June (12 noon)

Candidates announced

Wednesday 2 June (12 noon)

Order of ballot paper determined

Wednesday 2 June (after nominations declared)

Electoral roll closes

Monday 21 June

Polling start day

Saturday 3 July

Polling close day

Saturday 10 July

Scrutiny starts

Not before Wednesday 21 July

Election result declared

As soon as practicable after the scrutiny is completed

To be eligible to be nominated as a candidate for the election you must be an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander, at least 18 years old, and on, or entitled to be on, the ACT electoral roll. Candidates cannot be under sentence of imprisonment for 1 year or longer for an indictable offence.

Nominations open on Monday 17 May 2021. Nominations must be given to the ACT Electoral Commissioner by the close of nominations at 12 noon on Tuesday 1 June 2021. Forms can be scanned and emailed to elections@act.gov.au or hand delivered to the office of the Commissioner.

The form required to nominate as a candidate is available from the office of the ACT Electoral Commissioner or from the Elections ACT website www.elections.act.gov.au.

the office of Liberal MLAs Brendan Smyth and Steve Pratt, throwing his lot in with the conservative side of politics for a while.

But after a time he felt he “didn’t fit in” and moved on to a career in real estate.

During his time away from politics Mr Davis carved out a political ideal and set of beliefs of his own, which led him to the Greens.

“I struggled to find anything in the Greens’ manifesto that challenged me, so I thought I best go along to a meeting.

They were all terribly nice people, it felt like a homecoming and the natural place to be for someone who sees the world as I see it,” Mr Davis said.

“What’s ironic is growing up in a working-class suburban home meant we were raised to hate no one more than the Greens, which I’m always struck by because I would now

argue that with a fully formed political ideology, it is the Greens Party policy that best supports and rises up those with the least.”

Already more than six months into his term in the ACT Assembly, Mr Davis – the Greens’ health and education spokesperson – has wasted no time championing causes he’s passionate about, including drug reform and public education.

“What I’m really confounded by is the amount of parents who feel forced to send their kids to private schools and suffer the economic burden of school fees,” Mr Davis said.

“Parents want what’s best for their kids, so why isn’t what’s best for their kids a public school education… I don’t want any kids getting off the school bus wearing a polo shirt thinking they are less than kids who get off the bus

wearing a blazer.”

In terms of the ACT government’s plan to decriminalise illicit drugs, Mr Davis, who sits on the select committee looking into the Bill and has cared for a family member with a drug addiction, is inspired

by Portugal’s 2001 decision to decriminalise the possession of drugs for personal use.

“Not only has the sky not fallen in on Portugal, but they have a huge bank of evidence for us to look at. They have been able to treat more people quicker and, most importantly, get to the root cause of blackmarket drug manufacturing and distribution, which is really powerful,” Mr Davis said.

Mr Davis first ran for the Greens when he was 20, in the 2012 ACT election. He ran again in 2016 and in 2019 as the party’s federal candidate for Bean.

One of Mr Davis’ strengths has been his perseverance in overcoming people’s stereotypical reactions to his differences.

He has consistently worked at winning people over, gaining their trust and acceptance, skills that will stand him in good stead in politics.

“I can still remember the start of my career as karaoke host at the Canberra Irish Club and people complained that they got this really queer, really camp gay boy to host their karaoke night,” Mr Davis said.

“But over time there was this transformation in people and they got to know me not as the gay guy but as Jono and they went from we don’t quite like you, to at the end of my tenure, we don’t want anyone here but you.

“That’s one of things I try to bring to my work, being able to genuinely empathise with and try to understand people who see the world differently to me, because I ask them to do that for me.”

Late or incomplete nominations will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Voting for the Elected Body To be eligible to vote you must be an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander, at least 18 years old and on, or eligible to be on, the ACT electoral roll.

Voting for the Elected Body is from Saturday 3 July 2021 until Saturday 10 July 2021 at various locations across ACT. Locations and times will be available from elections@act.gov.au closer to polling start day.

If you are not able to vote in person, you can apply for a postal vote. You can apply for a postal vote on-line at the Elections ACT website, over the phone by calling Elections ACT on 6205 0033 or by email to elections@act.gov.au. You cannot vote on-line, over the phone or by email.

How to vote for your preferred candidates Ballot papers for the election will show the names of all candidates in a single column.

To make your vote in the election, you need to number 7 boxes from 1 to 7 in the order of your choice.

You may then show as many further preferences as you wish by writing numbers from 8 onwards in the other boxes.

Voting in this election is not compulsory.

The election will be conducted by Elections ACT in accordance with the requirements of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Act 2008.

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NEWS

The roaring success of the long-serving Lions

By Belinda

STRAHORN WHILE it’s hard to imagine anyone dedicating a lifetime to the one charity or club, three Queanbeyan Lions Club members have notched up more than 130 years of charitable service between them.

For Peter Stapleton, Elaine Perrin and Gordon Walsh it’s their way of giving back to the community they love.

“It’s been marvellous,” said Perrin.

“The club is our life.”

Together they have been involved in hundreds of fundraising efforts for all sorts of worthy causes.

Queanbeyan Lions Club president Max Carrick said the club is “incredibly proud” to have such long-serving members.

“The volunteers do an amazing job,” Carrick said.

“There is so much history amongst our members, we are a happy bunch, and we get a lot done.”

At 91, Stapleton, an OAM recipient, is the club’s longest living Queanbeyan Lion.

A former store assistant for the original JB Young’s department store

Peter Stapleton, Elaine Perrin, Gordon Walsh… Queanbeyan Lions with 130 years of service between them. Photo: Belinda Strahorn in Queanbeyan and a well-known local window dresser, Stapleton joined the branch in 1958 and is still committed to fundraising for the club.

“I just sponsored two students from Karabar High School to take part in an outdoor education program called Outward Bound,” Stapleton said.

“That project has always given me the most satisfaction and so I’ll do whatever it takes to keep sponsoring students to take part in it.”

Chartered in 1957, the Queanbeyan Lions Club was the first Lions club established south of Sydney.

Although Lions has long been associated with programs for preventing

and curing vision impairment, it’s raised money for many other causes over the years.

“One year we purchased an iron lung – a machine used to treat polio – for the Queanbeyan Hospital. We also bought an ambulance, and filtration equipment for the pool,” Walsh said.

More recently, the club has partnered with cerebral palsy associations providing funding for Hart Walkers and other mobility devices that allow children to stand and walk.

“We heard about a little boy who always wanted to water the pot plants with his mum, but he couldn’t get off his back, so we donated a Hart Walker

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to him,” said Perrin.

“To see the little boy being able to help his mum in the garden, with the help of the walker, was incredibly heartwarming.”

In Lions, 100 per cent of the money raised from the public goes to support community projects.

The club’s bookshop on Monaro Street has raised $90,000 for local projects since opening in 2018.

“We are also heavily involved in the Lions hearing-dog program, which houses hearing dogs with hearing impaired members of the Queanbeyan community,” said Carrick.

Next year, the Queanbeyan Lions

Club celebrates 65-years of service to the community. The year also marks 75-years of Lions in Australia.

Originally an all-male membership, Lions began admitting women as members in 1987.

For Elaine Perrin, 85, the Lions club has been like a family.

“I joined the club in 1991 after the death of my husband,” Perrin said.

“They are a marvellous bunch of people and they really helped me out when things were tough.”

Retired building inspector, Gordon Walsh, 84, said a love of helping others inspired him to join the club 42-yearsago.

“My fondest memory is the year we invited people to lay out a kilometre of dollar coins. It stretched from the old post office, which was near the police station, right up to the hospital and we raised $65,000 for medical equipment for the Queanbeyan hospital,” Walsh said.

One challenge facing the Lions is recruiting younger volunteers, Carrick said.

Yet surprisingly the 34-member club welcomed 10 new members in 2020.

“People just want to help out,” Carrick said.

“The numbers might go up and down, but we will never die out as an organisation because we get much pleasure out of what we do for our community.”

POLITICS

Morrison toys with temptation of an early poll

By Michael

returned a strong result for the incumbents. The premiers had taken hard decisions and, Labor or Liberal, were comfortably returned to government. However, as THERE are a series of selfdemonstrated in Tasmania, the serving indicators that Prime further away from hard decisions Minister Scott Morrison will on the pandemic, the more difficult it would prove to rely on this factor go to an early election. They as a guarantee of re-election. all serve as a reminder of the With Australians feeling more need for fixed-term elections comfortable about the control for the federal government. of COVID-19, the likely positive The middle ground is where electoral impact was fading. Morelections are won and lost. Over the rison saw two other opportunities. last few decades the Liberal Party The first was to demonstrate that has been deserting this ground he could be a strong leader by in favour of a more and more restricting entry for anyone entering conservative approach to politics.

Australia from covid-ravaged India.

During that time the conservative The criticism, the case in the Federal elements of the party pejoratively la- Court and the media focus that belled the liberal elements as “wets”. followed, played into the hands of These “wets” included former NSW a prime minister who has again and Senator Peter Baume and, in the again demonstrated his marketing ACT, former chief ministers Kate prowess.

Carnell and Gary Humphries.

The second was the Budget, There are staunch supporters which provided an opportunity to of both major parties. These are claim the middle ground and leave people who will not change their Labor flailing. The leaks were so vote. In the vast extensive that majority of cases, were hardly With Labor on there to win an election any surprises on the back foot, the Budget night and requires winning over the swinging community generally it was already voters. Throughbeing labelled by onside over the out Australia it has commentators as become harder a “Labor Budget”. government’s and harder for the The carefully handling of the conservatives to orchestrated leaks achieve this. pandemic, there is a highlighted a Treasurer that very real temptation government Josh Frydenberg was becoming demonstrated his socially progresto go to an early middle-ground sive in such areas election. credentials as women, aged through the Budget. He discarded care and childcare. such conservative mantras of “living Even before Budget night, it was within our means”, “the horror of clear that there would be a very large national debt” and “the dangerous deficit. But a trillion dollars? Business levels of deficit” and borrowed to would not miss out with plenty of the extent not seen since the Labor sweeteners in the forms of tax cuts Whitlam government of the 1970s. and subsidies. The conservative Was Frydenberg’s change of heart mantra of downsizing the public serlike Saul’s conversion on the road to vice at every Budget was discarded.

Damascus? Perhaps he was already Instead, as Finance Minister Simon leaning to the political centre and Birmingham explained on behalf of saw the pandemic as an opportunity. the government, there would be a Most likely, the response to the need for a stronger, bigger federal pandemic with the big spending on public service in order to “effectively programs such as JobKeeper were resource its policies”. simply pragmatic. He was aware Early responses to the Budget of the success of Kevin Rudd’s in the media and at question time spending spree during the Global illustrated a struggling Labor Financial Crisis and followed suit.

Party. There was some ground in Morrison may have conservative arguing not enough money in one Christian values. However, through area or another. However, the only the action taken by Treasurer issue really left to criticise was the Frydenberg on the pandemic he saw trillion-dollar deficit. Was this a opportunities to grab the middle Liberal change of heart? Was there ground. The pandemic had the really a significant shift to the left?

Labor Party on the back foot with Or is it just plain hypocrisy?

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese With Labor on the back foot, the having no choice other than support community generally onside over the government in the time of crisis. the government’s handling of the The Prime Minister was aware pandemic, there is a very real temptathat each of the state elections tion to go to an early election.

MOORE

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CityNews May 20-26, 2021 13

OPINION / the age of criminal responsibility

BRIEFLY

Kids in court: leave the law alone

An invitation to the chef’s table

I WAS delighted to see my former Assembly colleague Michael Moore devote a recent column to discussing the age of criminal responsibility (“Ten is too young to be sending kids to detention”, CN April 1).

WHILE Canberra-based international chef Jiju Rajappen waits to head to Vietnam for the opening of the Westin Resort and Spa Cam Ranh, delayed since December because of covid, he will host an exclusive, fine-dining, chef’s-table, degustation dinner on May 28.

In recent years, Chef Rajappen has worked for Hyatt in Canberra and Mexico and most recently for Sheraton in Samoa. There will be eight courses based on his roundthe-world culinary experiences, all showcasing local fresh produce. His chef’s table experience is limited to 12 people and will be held at Italian Community Festival Inc, 18 Carinya Street, Queanbeyan, from 6.30pm. Book at chefonthemove.simpletix.com

I was pleased to see he had some good schemes and ideas on how to rehabilitate and help troubled young people.

However, I strongly disagree with his view that the age of criminal responsibility should be raised to 14 (from 10).

A court has to be satisfied that any child before it charged with an offence who is aged between 10 and 14 must know what they have allegedly done is wrong (criminal intent). If they don’t, they cannot be convicted.

Very few young people aged 10, 11 and 12 actually get charged. If they do, very few go to a juvenile justice institution. I challenge the minister to publish the figures for 2015-2020 inclusive as to how many 10 to 13-year-olds have served time in Bimberi after being convicted for substantive offences. The minister can also

What kind of a message are we sending to 12 and 13-year-olds if they know they can do anything and get away with it because they can’t be charged? list the figures for the same years for the number of young people in that age group who may have been locked up while on remand.

The Children’s Court has a rule that incarceration in Bimberi is an absolute last resort and the courts will bust a gut to do all they can to impose non-custodial sentences. Sadly, some young people are actually better off in custody because they are in a safer environment than they would be in their “home “.

The age of criminal responsibility used to be 8 to 14. Raising it to 10 was reasonable as I don’t recall any 8 and 9-year-olds coming before the courts when I was a prosecutor and defence solicitor (1976 to 1989 and 1993 to 1995). I do recall prosecuting a few 10 and 11-year-olds who clearly knew what they were doing.

I certainly knew of a number of 12 and 13-year-olds who committed some very serious crimes fully aware that what they were doing was wrong.

If a juvenile is in Bimberi they can be assisted by training programs. I made sure when I was minister responsible for Quamby (1995-1998) that there was a school there up to year 10 and trade courses available as well. Some young people left with year 10 certificates and credits towards their apprenticeships that were started in custody.

I don’t know what the figures are like now but in the late 1990s our figures showed that most graduates of Quamby actually did not go on to an adult jail.

If the law is changed a 13-yearold cannot be prosecuted for murder or armed robbery. That is just plain stupid.

Young people aged 10 to 13 are much more likely to be deterred from committing offences if they know they can be charged and appear before a court. What kind

of a message are we sending to 12 and 13-year-olds if they know they can do anything and get away with it because they can’t be charged?

This proposal is a distraction, beloved of trendy lefties, but is not a problem in reality. Indeed, it only becomes a problem if the Assembly passes such a law.

My advice is to leave the law as it is and concentrate on good rehabilitation programs in Bimberi and schemes such as Michael Moore suggests.

Bill Stefaniak is the convenor of the Belco Party, and a former Liberal opposition leader, attorney-general, police minister and minister for children, youth and family services.

Lecture on India’s great epic ANU associate professor McComas Taylor will speak on India’s great, national epic, the Mahabharata, at a free public lecture hosted by the Friends of the ANU Classics Museum, 6.30pm, Thursday, May 27 at the Social Sciences Research Building Theatre, Ellery Crescent, ANU.

Birthday lunch for club The Weston Creek VIEW Club is celebrating its 49th birthday over lunch at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, from 11.30am on June 1. The cost is $35 and visitors and interested ladies are welcome. RSVP to 6286 4626 by 5pm, May 27.

New book club for seniors THERE’S a new book club looking for members at the Canberra Seniors Centre, 10 Watson Street, Turner. It meets 1pm-3pm, on the first and third Thursdays of each month and is open to anyone over 50. The cost is $7, including afternoon tea. More from 0432 692853.

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4/23 Essington Street, Mitchell 14 CityNews May 20-26, 2021

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LETTERS

OPINION

Keep organics out of waste streams The beckoning THE article by Danielle Nohra (“Taking a stand on the fears of toxic-waste fires”, CN May 6) and her interview with historian Prof Beatrice Bodart-Bailey, highlights a wellbased fear of toxic fires at waste facilities.

It is worth noting that while some fires are chemically based, or caused by lightning strikes, the great majority of fires at “waste” facilities are caused by the spontaneous combustion of organic materials.

The simple way to avoid this is to keep organic material out of waste streams.

In the ACT, there is an increased interest in generating jobs, wealth and benefit from recovered materials and a simple way to expand this is to use existing organicwaste processors, coupled with a ban on organics to landfill, to manufacture a high-quality compost product to apply to ACT public or forestry land.

Currently, the physical burial cost of disposal of waste to landfill, including the replacement cost of landfill, is well over $100 a tonne.

If organic waste was diverted to the current commercial compost operators in the ACT, a quality product could be manufactured for less than the actual landfill cost.

If this material was composted with the biosolids from Lower Molonglo sewage works, it would make a highvalue, humus-laden product that in turn could be used to raise the soil carbon levels in the ACT’s agriculturally degraded soils.

The increase in soil-carbon levels could be sold to generate government revenue for the benefit of the ACT community. Any loss in landfill revenue to ACT Treasury would be more than offset by the reduced emissions generated by increased soil quality and the increased carbon sales in the world carbon market.

Gerry Gillespie, Zero Waste International Trust, Queanbeyan

Navigating Namatjira Hurdles IS there no end to this ACT Labor/Greens coalition’s determination to turn Canberra into a nanny state?

Now we’ve got a whole series of concrete humps along the length of Namatjira Drive. The placement of some defies logic.

Namatjira Drive is no longer a “Drive”. Its name will need to be changed. I suggest Namatjira Hurdles.

Clinton White, via email

How to fix the prison problems A SIMPLE suggestion for the “Prison Crisis” is for people to behave themselves.

Phillip Frankcombe, O’Connor

Safety should come first In 2015, the Environment and Planning Directorate engaged Calibre Consulting to complete a flood study of the playing fields to the east of Kippax Fair.

This study indicated that the area did not have sufficient capacity to fully convey even a one-in-five-year event flow and recommended a number of mitigation works to prevent flooding. Even though property and lives of the surrounding residents were at risk the Barr government did nothing.

In July, 2020, Calibre provided an updated flood study for the government. It assumed global temperatures would only rise 1.4 degrees Celsius (rather than 1.5 to 2 degrees) and a critical storm duration for the study area of 25 minutes rather than 24 hours as was the case in the last major flooding event in 2018.

Calibre again recommended flood-mitigation works and commented: “Further development of the Kippax Group may exacerbate these existing flooding issues and

introduce people closer to the flooding risks if the recommended mitigation measures are not undertaken”.

In September, 2020, the government rezoned the Kippax playing fields “core commercial” for the building of shops and town houses on the floodplain.

It has proposed that a new road and pedestrian walkway be constructed at 90 degrees to the flow of floodwaters. Calibre’s updated flood study did not take this proposed infrastructure into account.

What will it take for the Barr government to prioritise residents’ safety over unwise developments?

Glenys and Phil Byrne, Florey

Pain of no public toilets THE photo of the impressive interior features of the ACT Planning Directorate’s new abode in Dickson (“How the planning directorate is failing Canberra”, CN May 5) suggests that every floor would also contain state-of-the-art toilets for staff. Lucky them.

This new building complex opens directly on to an unappealing (and meanly landscaped) concrete wasteland that is the three-year-old Dickson Interchange, a piece of major innernorth public servicing infrastructure that still fails to offer public toilet facilities.

The nearest ones remain more than 500 metres away, with restricted opening hours.

Nor do the City Renewal Authority’s plans for its $3 million upgrade of nearby Woolley Street include any public toilet facilities.

Local Kurrajong MLA and key promoter of the ACT Government Wellbeing Index, Chief Minister Andrew Barr, wants this whole area to be much more publicly accessible and vibrant, day and night. Yet his planning, health and city services directorates and their many consultants continue to display an unco-ordinated and uncaring approach to meeting basic public health, hygiene and social inclusion needs in this part of the large Dickson Group Centre.

Sue Dyer, Downer

‘White elephant’ prison JOHN Hargreaves, a former Labor MLA, says he is proud to have been part of building the Alexander Maconochie Centre, a very ineffective and expensive white elephant of a prison.

Incarcerating people on remand or sentenced, of different genders and religions, and of indigenous people all in the one facility without problems is difficult, but achievable. This begs the question, why was there no apparent attempt made during the early design stages to address this issue?

Mario Stivala, Belconnen

Apologies to ABP...

And where along the Gungahlin Line, the reed beds sweep and sway, To the breezes, and the rolling stock beside, The tram from Molonglo River wends its urbanbushland way, While sinking-in’s the message of the ride.

Jack Kershaw, Kambah

Write to us Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au 16 CityNews May 20-26, 2021

temptation of aisle 2

Aisle 2 carries the innocuous signage of ‘Confectionery’, ‘Crisps’ and ‘Soft Drinks’ but should be labelled, ‘High Cholesterol’, ‘Morbid Obesity’ and ‘Heart Attack’, says SARA MILNE BEFORE reaching the shores of this lucky country, we were issued with dire warnings; beware of deadly redback spiders crawling under your pillows, of snakes building nests in your shoes and always check for cockroaches in the toaster.

But there is a particular area in the quiet suburb of Manuka, measuring three metres by 15 metres that has proved to be more deadly than all of the above combined. Throw in COVID-19, TB, Spanish Flu and you begin to get the picture.

It is aisle 2 in Coles’ supermarket. It carries the innocuous signage of “Confectionery”, “Crisps” and “Soft Drinks” but should be labelled, “High Cholesterol”, “Morbid Obesity” and “Heart Attack”.

My husband discovered aisle 2 very early on in our move to Manuka and spent many a happy hour perusing its shelves. His obliging offers to fetch butter, eggs or milk enabled him to take the scenic route, via aisle 2, and if certain crackly packages were to fall into his trolley, well, what’s a body to do?

Something had to be done. We tried simple aversion therapy. No, not a cruel cattle prod but a gentle, persistent pinch to the forearm on first sight of those neon crisp packets. It failed to do the trick.

Only an outright ban on entering the premises would suffice. Alas, following several contraventions of that ban I had to introduce the bracelet system, a device usually enjoyed by offenders on day release. It worked very well for a while.

An alarm would sound on my phone to alert me that he had entered the forbidden zone and a SWAT team would descend and drag him kicking and screaming out of Coles.

But something wasn’t right. Like all recidivists there were clues right under my nose that I failed to recognise. A general air of contentment accompanied by several unexplained trips to the boot of the car, the sound of soft plastic being ruffled, bulges under the couch cushions and a faint fragrance of Cadbury’s Fruit and Nut chocolate wafting through the air.

I was suspicious but I could not find a flaw in my system. He convinced me that the cause of his contentment was solely his newly purchased chickpea salad and cottage cheese terrine. I ran several tests.

He had found a way of circumventing the alarm system by introducing malicious spyware.

And then. The final catch out. When he thought I would be away for the day, I came home to find, what I can only describe as two bags of pure diabetes, on the kitchen table. Crisps, biscuits, chocolate, cake, you name it, it was there. Remember Augustus Gloop?

I channelled my inner Willy Wonka and told him that if he did not remove these bags from my line of vision I would force feed him the stuff and make pâté de foie gras out of his sorry liver.

He laughed and seductively waved a packet of Doritos in my face. My Achilles heel. I ADORE DORITOS! I MUST HAVE DORITOS! I WILL KILL FOR A PACKET OF DORITOS! Now I skulk around aisle 2, looking for those yellow crinkly packets… just one packet… just one, that’s all. I can stop whenever I want to…

Sara Milne has come to Canberra from overseas with her husband and daughter. She has lived here for the past three years.

THE GADFLY

Tall tales behind Trevor’s terrific collection of art

By Robert

MACKLIN

Clouds over Canberra.

Photo: Clive Williams

WHIMSY / clouds

I wondered, lonely as a (stratocumulus) cloud

By Clive

WILLIAMS CANBERRA is blessed with amazing clouds and sunsets but few of those hurrying Brack-like* to and from work seem to appreciate their transient beauty.

I worked for a few years in deserts where clouds were nowhere to be seen and I missed them sorely – along with rain.

However, in 2018 I was fortunate to be in the Sahara in Morocco with the Tuareg people when storm clouds broke bringing flooding rains. Many of their sub-teen children had never seen rain.

I had earlier naively asked why Tuareg wore dark clothing given that it absorbed the sun’s heat – the simple reason is they don’t have enough water for washing clothes and dark colours don’t show the dirt!

Anyway, back to Canberra clouds. We all know that clouds are visible masses of minute liquid droplets, frozen crystals or other particles suspended in the atmosphere. The main cloud types are stratus, cirrus, stratocumulus, cumulus, and cumulonimbus.

Stratus clouds are the low-level clouds characterised by horizontal layering.

Cirrus clouds are high-level clouds characterised by thin, wispy strands, taking their name from the Latin word cirrus, meaning a ringlet or curling lock of hair. Stratocumulus clouds are in layers characterised by large, rounded cloud masses. Cumulus white clouds are “puffy”, “cotton-like” or “fluffy” in appearance. Cumulonimbus clouds are dense, towering dark rain clouds (from Latin nimbus meaning “rainy cloud”) formed by powerful upward air currents.

One of the most damaging and costly products of cumulonimbus clouds can be hailstones. The ones that damaged cars in the inner south in January, 2020 – and wrote off our Subaru and skylight – were often golfball size. The damage bill from that one storm system alone – which

went through regional Victoria, and then on to the ACT and parts of Sydney – has been estimated at more than $1.65 billion.

Other cloud-related damage can be caused by lightning. There are three main types of lightning: inside a single thundercloud; between two different clouds, and; between a cloud and the ground. There are five to 10 deaths from lightning strikes in Australia each year and more than 100 injuries.

To make cloud matters more complicated we now store data in the cloud (I understand that Moses was the first person in history to download data from the cloud to a tablet).

As you might expect, I have many cloud-related anecdotes, but I only have space here for two: An Irishman is struggling to find a parking space. “Lord”, he prays, “open a parking space for me and I swear I’ll give up the drink and go to mass every Sunday.” The clouds part and the sun shines on an empty space in the car park. Without hesitation, Paddy says, “Never mind, Lord, I’ve managed to find one.”

A Soviet couple were walking down the street when they saw an ominous dark cumulonimbus cloud.

The husband says: “I think it’s going to rain.”

The wife says “No, I think it’s going to snow.”

To resolve the matter, the husband asks the local commissar who just happens to be passing.

“Comrade Rudolf, will it rain or snow?”

The commissar replies: “It will definitely rain.”

When the husband tells the wife, she asks wonderingly: “How can he be so sure?”

The husband explains: “Rudolf the red knows rain, dear.”

Boom, boom.

THE huge Trevor Kennedy collection showing at the National Museum has the capacity to transform our appreciation of the road we have travelled these last 200 years.

It’s a little like the SBS television series “Australia in Colour” but so vast that it will take many journeys to the NMA to fully understand – and even to relive – the experience of our becoming Australians today.

It doesn’t attempt to engage with the Aboriginal world. For that, Kennedy – often with his wife Christina – has invested very substantially in Australian films such as the highly praised “High Country” or “Goldstone”, which screened recently on ABC television.

But it’s the story behind the Australiana collection that I found most interesting, since by chance I have spent the last 18 months researching and writing Trevor Kennedy’s biography.

It was a commissioned work, but undertaken only after a pledge from the subject that he would answer all my questions truthfully. And though his 79-year-old memory is “patchy” – by the end of the process I was very happy to put my name to it.

The result is the remarkable story of a West Australian born

Kennedy’s is the remarkable story of a West Australian born into relatively humble circumstances in the remote fishing and farming town of Albany rising to the pinnacle where his prime minister offered, then urged him to accept, the role of ambassador to the US. into relatively humble circumstances in the remote fishing and farming town of Albany rising to the pinnacle where his prime minister offered, then urged him to accept, the role of ambassador to the US. And along the way he acquired a fortune that made the world his oyster. Indeed, he even developed his own oyster farm beside his and Christina’s beautifully appointed Horse Island in Lake Tuross.

We had known each other since the late 1960s when we were both journalists in the Old Parliament House press gallery – he for the “Financial Review”, myself in the Melbourne “Age” bureau. Indeed, we both applied for the same job – that of press secretary to the then Deputy Prime Minister, John “Black Jack” McEwen.

As it happened, I got the job, Trevor went off to the UK for Fairfax; made his mark there and was rewarded with the editorship of the “National Times”.

But it was his next appointment – as editor of “The Bulletin”, owned by the Packer family – that really laid the foundation for his rise to the stratosphere of journalism and business. First with Sir Frank then with Kerry Packer, he turned it into easily the best read and most

*Artist John Brack’s 1955 painting “Collins St., 5pm”.

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

Trevor Kennedy amid his collection showing at the National Museum.

influential newsmagazine in the country.

After 15 years he was managing director of the entire Consolidated Press business empire. But when he and Kerry were joined in an attempted takeover of the wounded Fairfax conglomerate they had a dramatic falling out – detailed for the first time in the book – and Kennedy was cast adrift.

Undeterred, he set about making his own fortune and with Malcolm Turnbull – whom he’d hired to work on “The Bulletin” – and the IT genius Sean Howard, he made a fortune from Ozemail.

Subsequently, he turned Oil Search into the biggest company in PNG. He cast a wide net of friends and acquaintances with a directness of manner and a keen sense of humour.

However, his association with the eccentric share trader Rene Rivkin triggered a financial crisis involving Swiss banks, ASIC and the ATO that left him emotionally devastated.

That was when he turned to the hobby that had engaged him from his earliest days in London with Saturday mornings spent among the “collectible” stalls of Portobello Road.

Indeed, it became a lifeline as the internet brought him access to auctions of Australiana around the world including artworks, furniture, jewellery, pokerwork and ceramics, of which more than $8 million worth were eventually purchased by the National Museum. As well, Kennedy donated thousands of items valued at some $7 million.

His was an era shared by an Australian generation – born in World War II, raised in the carefree ‘50s, liberated in the ‘60s, enriched in the dizzying decades that followed until the spendthrift excesses finally caught up in the first two decades of the 21st century. But no one experienced its highs and lows more powerfully and more intimately that Trevor John Kennedy himself.

His passion for collecting was rivalled only by his love of fishing so his story fits easily into the book’s title “Casting His Net”. It’s my fond hope that I have caught the essence of the man and the era. Publication is currently under negotiation and will be out later this year. robert@robertmacklin.com CityNews May 20-26, 2021 17

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CUSTOMERS who make a purchase in store until June 24 at Hydraulink Canberra will have a chance to win monthly prizes, including a brand new 2021 Toyota Hilux, says owner Jason Gavin.

Operating in Fyshwick for more than 20 years, Jason says Hydraulink Canberra provides hydraulics products and services to the region, from mobile hose fabrication and installation to rams, pumps, and a range of hydraulic components, as well as machinery inspections.

“Hydraulics by definition is a very powerful force, so it’s vital that hydraulic machinery is checked up on to ensure safety and effectiveness,” he says.

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“We aim to be ready and on site within 60 minutes of receiving a call asking for assistance.”

Offering the ‘biggest’ winter workwear range SEEARS Workwear has recently extended its floor space to cater for their largest range of winter workwear stock ever – the biggest in the region, says owner Pat Seears.

With more than 30 years of providing quality work clothes to the Canberra region and a team that’s backed with more than 90 years’ combined industry experience, Seears Workwear knows what working people are after, says Pat. Stocking work apparel such as high-vis workwear, jackets, jeans, shoes and hats, he says: “Everything is the best quality from the best manufacturers”.

Located on Barrier Street, he says their stock includes safety work boots, leather shoes and steel-toed canvas shoes, from brands including Puma, Rockport and Dunlop.

It also has workwear for chefs, paramedics and firefighters, says Pat, who runs the business with his son Shane, and says they know the needs of local businesses and supply many Fyshwick businesses with their work uniforms.

They can also assist companies through their corporate uniform services, which provides customised embroidery services for promotional clothing and business uniforms.

Seears Workwear also has stores in NSW and Queensland, and Pat says they deliver all over the country.

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She works alongside Tess, another senior stylist with 14 years’ experience and Elmira, who is passionately pursuing an apprenticeship.

Naz says the team believe no two heads are the same.

“Everyone is different and I’m really big on trying to create a personal customer service experience for every person,” she says.

“I believe it’s so important to offer that personal touch.”

Naz opened her salon in Fyshwick last April and says she’s quickly gained a group of regulars and new customers that the team strive to go above and beyond for.

“We do hair for events like weddings where we go off-site to make it easier for clients,” says Naz. “For one regular, we recently went to Wollongong for her wedding.

“We really love what we do, to us it doesn’t feel like work.”

Meshki Hair, unit 2, 52-56 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 4096 or visit facebook.com/meshkihair

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Leading the way in sustainable transport ION Dna is Australia’s first dedicated all electric-vehicle showroom, with the largest range of electric scooters in Canberra, says owner Rob Ogilvie.

Rob, a national race and rally driver, says he started Ion Dna in 2018 with an ethos of wanting to provide environmentally sustainable transport.

“We’re really on the precipice of this technology.

Over the next two years we’re going to see a massive change in the vehicle fleet in Australia,” says Rob. “That’s because [e-vehicles have] a whole range of benefits. E-vehicles are an alternative to public transport, people can park out of town and ride in, not have to pay for parking, there’s less cost, and there’s the environmental component.”

Ion Dna also has electric cars in stock and electric boards soon to arrive.

“People can come in and test drive the technology and tangibly get a feel for it and what they personally need,” he says.

“Some people want a light scooter, some people want a longer battery range for long commutes, others want commuting with weekend fun, and then there are others who just want it fast.

“We have a skill set that allows us to identify what people want and need and we can find a fit for them.”

Ion Dna, unit 1/67, Gladstone Street, Fyshwick.

Call 6185 7111 or visit iondna.com.au

Window tinting for the car and home TINT a Car has a range of tinting products and services that cut down on heat and glare, and help protect the home as well as the car, says office manager Kathy Lysle.

Located on Kembla Street, Tint a Car is the only outlet of the nationwide franchise in the ACT and specialises in tinting all types of vehicles and buildings with a wide range of films, says Kathy.

One of the films on offer, their intelligent Spectre ceramic film, is long-lasting, won’t interfere with technology and has superior infrared rejection that surpasses other films, she says.

“That’s the new and better option people are going for and has a 99 per cent UV rejection rating,” says Kathy.

Tint a Car, which tints window panels in homes,

businesses and schools, has tinted window panels in many schools and childcare centres in Canberra, she says.

As well as windows, Tint a Car also offers paint and body protection, such as “EliteX”, a hydrophobic surface protection that’s extremely durable, which helps save cars from damage caused by dust, bugs, tree sap and bird excrement, says Kathy.

It will also retain the car’s gloss finish, where other coatings dull the sheen and produce a matte-style look, she says.

Tint a Car, 5/1 Kembla Street, Fyshwick.

Call 138 468, email canberra@tintacar.com.au or visit tintacar.com.au

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CELEBRATING SENIORS

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Services that empower seniors in their later lives OSCAR Wilde once famously said: “With age comes wisdom.”

If the poet’s words are anything to go by, Canberra must be a wise city with the last census showing that residents over the age of 55 make up about a quarter of the territory’s total population.

It’s therefore fitting that there are a variety of services and businesses across the ACT that specialise in and are passionate about empowering Canberrans during their later lives.

Hearing help that ‘changes lives’

Independent living with a view LOCATED in a desired suburb only 9km from the CBD, The Aerie at Narrabundah offers people aged over 55 independent living options with great views, says Lendlease sales manager Rob Rowe.

“The location offers great views of the Kowen ranges and a golf course and is close to Manuka Village and the Red Hill shops,” he says.

“Once completed in mid-2022 it will contain 92 independent two bedroom to three bedroom living units with a range of floor plans to suit a variety of lifestyles, needs and budgets.

“The architecturally designed homes

feature open-plan layouts with quality finishes including Miele appliances and stone benchtops.

“The completed clubhouse offers a social hub for activities and there is an indoor heated pool, exercise room, lounge, hairdressing salon, library and more.”

Selling at prices from $720,000 to $1.19 million, more than half of the units have been sold or reserved, but The Aerie will release its final stage in mid-2021, Rob says.

For full terms and conditions on contract types or more information on The Aerie contact Rob on 0438 254043.

GETTING help with hearing loss is all about improving communication and gaining clarity, says Dr Vass Hearing Clinic principal Dr William Vass.

With many years of experience in the hearing industry, he says that while people think nothing of having an eye test or wearing glasses to correct their vision, the idea of having a hearing test and facing up to hearing issues is still not comfortably accepted.

“Hearing loss is identified as an elderly person’s issue and it is associated negatively with ageing,” Dr Vass says.

“That’s not necessarily true. Generally, people don’t want to admit they need hearing help.

“I say to patients: ‘I wear glasses to improve my eyesight, it doesn’t mean I am blind!’

“Wearing hearing aids doesn’t mean the person is deaf, it means you are seeking better clarity and improved communication.”

Dr Vass says patients have the certainty that they’ll be seeing him when they visit the clinic and that he will provide one-onone, tailored care and advice.

The best part of Dr Vass’ job is seeing how his patients’ lives can be turned around once they make the step to get their hearing tested.

Principal Dr William Vass.

“My patients can be depressed, isolated and angry. Hearing loss can result in communication breakdown and when they finally receive appropriate care, they are more outgoing and confident,” he says.

Dr Vass Hearing Clinic, suite 14, John James Medical Centre, 175 Strickland Crescent, Deakin. Visit drvasshearing.com.au or call 6282 2717.

Free second opinion on your hearing • Over 20 years of service to the Canberra region • His clinical experience and knowledge make him uniquely qualified to advise you regarding solutions to your hearing problem

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Dr William Vass Suite14, John James Medical Centre, 175 Strickland Crescent, Deakin Phone: 02 6282 2717 • Email: williamvass@bigpond.com • Website: drvasshearing.com.au 22 CityNews May 20-26, 2021

Ready to Move in Homes Now Selling Don’t miss out, selling fast!

Be part of this incredible over 55’s lifestyle and enjoy: • Brand new architecturally designed spacious 2 & 3 bedroom homes now selling from $720k* • A variety of floorplans to suit your individual needs • Single level access • Exclusive resident clubhouse with quality leisure and community facilities • A gated and secure village offering mountain and golf course views • Fixed Fees for Life • Located close to the heart of Canberra and minutes away from Manuka and Red Hill Shops For more information contact our Sales Manager Rob Rowe on 0438 254 043 or visit us Monday to Friday and by appointment on weekends.

Search www.liveattheaerie.com * Pricing and availability advertised are correct at the time of printing but are subject to change without notice. Information about the services and facilities provided in the village is correct at the time of printing but may change as the needs of residents change. Photographs are for illustrative purposes. Some images may depict items not provided by Lendlease within the units such as furniture and other decorative items. May 2021. Published by Lendlease RL Realty (NSW) Pty Ltd ABN 27 138 535 823.

CELEBRATING SENIORS

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The importance of an up-to-date will

Building confidence through exercise

CAPON and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators can help clients update their will as they get older to ensure their wishes are respected, says wills and estate planning lawyer Ashilpa Khanna.

Unfortunately, Ashilpa says some people don’t have a will, which means their possessions are instead distributed by the “rules of intestacy”.

“This distribution means that someone – your spouse or a family member – will have to apply to the court to be appointed administrator before they can handle your estate,” she says.

This can be costly and time-consuming, she says.

For seniors, even if they have a will, Ashilpa says it’s important to periodically review it, especially after significant events such as when children get married to their partners or the birth of a grandchild.

“At the forefront of people’s minds is making sure their financial and legal affairs are in order, so that in the event of a crisis, their loved ones are secure and can be provided for as intended,” she says.

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators has been helping people with their legal matters for more than 34 years and can also help seniors with a range of legal issues in areas such as family law, children’s matters, conveyancing, and power of attorney.

“We are focused on giving honest and expert advice at all times,” she says.

“Our staff are experienced in their fields and we take pride in knowing that they will always use common sense, respect, courtesy and good judgement when dealing with clients.”

EVEN as it becomes more difficult with age, Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey says it’s important to remain active and to condition muscles that protect against injury.

While the recommended 30 minutes of exercise each day is a good start, Rebecca says it’s also important to build strength in different areas of the body.

“The reason we want to do that is, as we get older, our balance tends to go if we haven’t remained very active,” she says.

“Even people who go for a walk every day, or say they are always doing different things, they’re not exercising all their body.”

As a result, Rebecca says Arthritis ACT offers a full range of exercise classes that are tailored to different age groups, such as Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey. hydrotherapy and tai chi.

“We have strength and balance who can help them get more fit is a huge barrier,” classes all over Canberra, which really look at she says. building up bone strength and making people “We work really hard to welcome people in more stable on their feet,” she says. and always look at the friendships that people “And we can also work with people to devise will make around our exercise classes to reduce an independent exercise plan.” that barrier and to entice them to come back.”

As people get older, they become less sure on their feet and can lack self-assuredness, Rebecca Arthritis ACT, building 1, Colette Place, Pearce, says. and building 18, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce.

“Having that confidence to get out again, to Call 1800 011041, email info@arthritisact.org.au come join a group or come and see someone or visit arthritisact.org.au

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Email enquiries@chsol. com.au, call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

Ashilpa Khanna of Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators.

Working with you for the best result YES WE ARE OPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS For all client meetings COVID-19 adherance applies

A valid and up-to-date Will can help reduce stress for your family and friends, limit administration costs, and lessen the possibility for dispute over your estate.

Ashilpa Khanna Wills and Estate Planning Lawyer

For the best outcome when it matters how it’s done call Capon & Hubert on 6152 9203 First Floor, 32-38, Townshend Street, Phillip ACT

chsol.com.au | enquiries@chsol.com.au 24 CityNews May 20-26, 2021

Over 30 years serving Canberra

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We are now undertaking Driver Assessments for older drivers and those who need an assessment to either gain or maintain their licence

CALL FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT FOR: Physiotherapy – including the GLAD program for knee and hip osteoarthritis, sports injury prevention and rehabilitation, and pain condition support.

Exercise Physiology – Individual exercise prescriptions, small group classes to increase strength and improve rehabilitation, strength and balance classes, hydrotherapy support.

Occupational Therapy – access reports for NDIS and Disability Support Pensions, home modifications, equipment prescriptions.

Dietetics – meal planning, weight management support, food intolerance support.

www.arthritisact.org.au | e: info@arthritisact.org.au

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

Supporting people to age in their home THE Salvation Army expanded its home care services to Canberra last year where, under Community Care ACT, it helps older people live independently in their own homes.

Offering a range of services such as domestic assistance, clinical care and social support, general manager Fiona Sanders says what she loves most about Community Care ACT is that they support people to age in a

familiar environment and feel like they’ve still got control over how they live their life.

“I think that’s the most important thing about us being able to deliver services to people in their homes,” she says.

“Keeping them at home and enabling them to make decisions about how they want to live their life, like making the call on when they want to shower or when they want to shop.”

Accessing home care funding can be a daunting process for most, which is why the team there also offers obligation free assistance in navigating through the aged care system, she says.

“We can try to help speed up the process by finding out what funding you’re eligible for and help you go through that process,” Fiona says.

“Basically, we’ll help you navigate through the fog and do everything we can so you can receive the services that you want at home.”

But Fiona recommends not leaving it too long to ask for help, saying it can take time to go through the process to be eligible for home support.

“It’s better to start the conversation early and go through the process, before the need arises,” she says.

Helping home sellers break records HELPING people – including seniors – with every aspect of property renovations, Your Property Profits takes on all the hard work, says co-owner Kim Persson.

“We can help seniors with all aspects of a renovation with our team of tradespeople, stylists, real estate experts, photographers and more,” she says.

“Clients can sit back while we focus on getting the best results possible for their property.”

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

“We work to budget and timeframe, whether it’s minor repairs or major renovations, all costs are pushed back to settlement,” says Kim. Some renovations they’ve completed 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, she says.

“No matter what it is, we have the expertise to enhance the property in the right way, to get the most value for the client,” she says.

And for anyone thinking of selling, she says now’s a great time.

“The current Canberra market is very advantageous for sellers and we are seeing suburb sales records broken,” she says.

“We have been privileged to have helped some of our customers break some of these suburb record sales, which is so exciting.”

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

>> BEFORE We sell your home at the HIGHEST PRICE, in the SHORTEST TIME and with the LEAST INCONVENIENCE with our proven self-funding system.

26 CityNews May 20-26, 2021

ASSISTING S CUSTOMER E V IE H C TO A D R O C E R BREAKING SALES

The Salvation Army, Community Care ACT. Call 1300 111227 or visit agedcare.salvos.org.au

Community Care ACT general manager Fiona Sanders.

AFTER >> BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY!

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

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Need Care at

Home?

Our experienced and compassionate caregivers offer: Renovating for better accessibility BORDEAUX Construction and Management is a “one-stop-shop”, guiding renovation projects through the design process to the end of its construction, says project manager Michael Milutinovic.

This makes the process easier for clients, including seniors, according to Michael, who says the family-run, Queanbeyan-based business can do it all when it comes to renovations, such as renovate the kitchen, adjoin a new master bedroom or ensuite, or even attach a sunroom.

“We’re not waiting on anyone and we can guide them through the finishes,” he says.

“We work with some interior designers to guide them through the colour and finishing selection, too.”

The business even has in-house joiners that can provide renovators with custom joinery solutions for their walk-in robes, ensuites and vanities, says Michael.

Often, Michael says clients like where they’re living

and they like their suburb but they want to improve their home. Meanwhile, some seniors might want to make adjustments to their house to make it more accessible.

“They don’t want to move but they want to maximise their quality of life at home as well as add a bit of value to their home while doing so,” says Michael who holds an unrestricted “A”-class builder’s licence in the ACT and is licensed in NSW. With more than 14 years’ experience in the construction industry in Canberra and Sydney, Michael says the business doesn’t shy away from complexity.

“We do everything from extensions, full home renovations and new builds,” he says.

“We can really look at any type of construction. We have experience across the board.”

Bordeaux Construction and Management, 8 Aurora Place, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 4642 or visit bordeauxbcm.com.au

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BordeauxBCM CityNews May 20-26, 2021 27

CELEBRATING SENIORS Supplies that make daily living easier

The many benefits of moving AN active lifestyle has many physical and mental benefits and is particularly important for seniors, according to Orthopaedics ACT’s orthopaedic surgeon Dr Nicholas Tsai, who specialises in the areas of spine, hip, knee and trauma.

“Activity promotes cardiovascular fitness and social interactions; it elevates the mood and also helps to prevent osteoporosis due to inactivity and lack of sun exposure,” he says.

“All joints benefit from moderate daily movements, whether the exercises are land-based or in water. Walking aids are also important for pain relief if you have arthritis in the lower limbs.”

Back pain is very common too, particularly as we grow older, Dr Tsai says.

“Most people require regular stretches and can take up tai chi, yoga or Pilates to strengthen the muscles,” he says.

Dr Tsai says the red flags for back pain, which may require a medical consultation, are numbness or tingling in the legs, sciatica (pain shooting down the legs), sudden onset of severe pain, which does not improve, associated with bowel or urinary changes, or any weakness in the legs.

Orthopaedics ACT strives to provide the best advice to all members of the senior community, says Dr Tsai.

“Patients will be assessed by experienced orthopaedic surgeons, and in most cases a conservative management plan will be provided,” he says.

“The goal is always to improve the condition and to return to an active

The Parkinson’s ACT singing group, the Bushlarks, perform at a recent event.

Finding support in groups and services lifestyle as soon as possible.”

Dr Tsai says patients with mild symptoms will be referred to a physiotherapist participating in the GLA:D exercise program, which helps people with hip and knee osteoarthritis manage their symptoms.

Orthopaedics ACT also offers joint replacement information sessions for those who have to undergo joint replacement surgery.

“Surgical intervention is offered as the last resort, usually after conservative management has not been successful or if the condition is deemed so severe that conservative treatment is unlikely to improve it,” he says.

FOR more than 35 years, Parkinson’s ACT has supported people with Parkinson’s disease but there are still many families and carers in need of help, says president John Sheldrick.

Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological disease that has no known cure, says John.

However, he says people with the disease can find support in the notfor-profit’s eight support groups as well as their educational services.

“Our support groups offer great fellowship and sharing as well as therapeutic support,” he says.

“They include singing, painting and dancing groups, as well as discussion groups.

“We especially support a very senior occupational therapist who has worked wonders for some of our people and who regularly conducts informative seminars on a wide range of subjects applicable to those with Parkinson’s and those associated with them.”

One of the discussion groups is also based in Bungendore, with assistance available to people who are dealing with the NDIS or are part of the My Aged Care program, says John.

“If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’, or are a carer, please consider becoming a member,” he says.

Orthopaedics ACT, Woden Specialist Medical Centre, level 2, 90 Corinna Street, Phillip.

Call 6221 9320 or visit orthoact.com.au

Parkinson’s ACT, Pearce Community Centre, 7 Collett Place, Pearce.

Call 1800 644189, visit parkinsonsact.org.au or email actparkinsons@gmail.com

Orthopaedics ACT’s orthopaedic surgeon Dr Nicholas Tsai.

CAPITAL Rehabilitation Supplies aims to provide comfortable living for seniors by providing them with the right equipment to make their day-to-day life easier, says manager and owner Tim Robinson.

Capital Rehabilitation Supplies, a family-owned business with more than 40 years’ experience in the industry, stocks electric lift chairs, height-adjustable chairs, pressure care cushions and mattresses, electric hospital beds and home care beds, mobility aids such as walkers, wheelchairs, rollators, crutches and walking sticks.

“We know that some of these issues are sensitive and can be uncomfortable to deal with, so we try to be as delicate and helpful as possible,” says Tim. “We pride ourselves on our patience and helpful attitude.

People can come discuss what they require with us and we can find what works for them.”

Tim says everyone has their own needs and that Capital Rehabilitation Supplies can help make day-to-day life easier by finding the right equipment to suit the individual.

“If we do not stock a certain item we will always do everything in our power to locate the product,” he says.

“We offer quality, caring advice that comes with a smile.”

Capital Rehabilitation Supplies, 3/66 Heffernan Street, Mitchell.

Call 6174 4813 or visit capitalrehabilitationsupplies.com.au

Does someone you know have Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s ACT can help Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological condition which affects movement and mood. It affects an estimated 1,500 people in the ACT and surrounds. More than that, it affects carers, families and friends.

Parkinson’s ACT is a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation providing information, support and education. Our purpose is to promote the well-being and interests of people living with Parkinson’s in the ACT and nearby region.

The support of people who share your experience is invaluable.

Parkinson's ACT can help.

www.parkinsonsact.org.au | actparkinsons@gmail.com

28 CityNews May 20-26, 2021

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LOVE THE LIFESTYLE

Spacious, designer villas are selling fast PERFECT for retirement, Summerfield’s final 13 spacious, designer villas in Braidwood are soon to be sold, says sales director Jane Mackenzie-Ross.

“Summerfield is a boutique, over 55s estate of only 56 homes,” she says.

“Forty-three of those are built and the final 13 are now on sale and planned to be completed by mid 2022.

“If anyone has been thinking of securing one, now is the time to move whilst there are still some available.”

Located an hour from Canberra, three from Sydney, and 45 minutes from the coast, Jane says Summerfield is in a fantastic location that’s perfect for people aged 55 and over.

“Summerfield offers luxury, yet affordable three bedroom, two bathroom, two car villas, with stunning views of the surrounding heritage-listed region,” she says.

“There are heaps of activities and facilities for residents to enjoy nearby, including a club house, heated pool, garden, arts and crafts, and of course the many restaurants and cafes throughout historic Braidwood – perfect for foodies.”

And, Jane says that anyone who buys one of the remaining 13 villas will receive a stunning addition to their purchase.

“For everyone who purchases a villa from now until June 30, we are helping them celebrate with a seven day holiday for two,” she says.

“This will be in Hervey Bay and includes a $1500 food and drinks voucher.”

Summerfield, 70 Little River Road, Braidwood. Visit summerfield.com.au or call Jane on 0400 472577.

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Jane: 0400 472 577

www.summerfield.com.au

E-Mail: capitalrehabilitationsupplies@gmail.com CityNews May 20-26, 2021 29

NEWS

Women build social-housing updates for women FORTY-ONE years ago, Molonglo Support Services started as a refuge for women and children escaping abuse.

Now, women will lead the way on building social housing upgrades to continue to support those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, poverty and discrimination.

A not-for-profit organisation based in Queanbeyan, the Molonglo Support Services run programs to help support those in the Queanbeyan-Palerang region who fall through the cracks, says executive officer Janette Dale.

A $200,000 boost from the NSW government will see upgrades to four social-housing properties that provide respite for those with nowhere else to turn, and it will be local women leading the way on their construction.

“Having a stimulus package from the government changes everything,” says Deb Strickland, business owner of Place Ace and building manager of the new upgrades.

“Not only are we a part of social housing construction, which is so beneficial for women in need, but women are building for other women.

The obvious flow-on effect is providing traineeships and apprenticeships.”

Deb says it was her mother and grandmother who inspired her to become a builder from a young age, and

that it’s a passion of hers to demystify the building process for women.

“As someone with a lifelong interest in building, I am conscious of the timeline of change. In the ‘80s you would be laughed off a building site,” she says.

“Teaching women to build in a safe environment, step out of their comfort zone, pick up a hammer and build something that is theirs gives women a sense of control and achievement in a world that they have not had access to before.”

Deb and her company will be building new kitchens and bathrooms for the properties, something she believes will go a long way in easing the burden on those in need of a safe home.

“I think when you look at how people live, it helps so much to love your home and really enjoy being in your surroundings,” she says.

“I beIieve it really helps people think bigger for themselves and to believe in their future. I imagine them coming home, feeling rested, nurturing themselves more and trusting that their futures look brighter.”

The program of works is set to roll out in June, and Janette, who’s been involved with the Molonglo Support Services for 15 years, says she’s excited to see the benefits they provide the community.

“These properties give options to people when they have none left,” says Janette.

Place Ace business owner Deb Strickland… “Women are building for other women.

The obvious flow-on effect is providing traineeships and apprenticeships.”

Photo: Maryanne Campbell “We’ve targeted some older properties that are getting out of date, especially the kitchens and bathrooms, to ensure people in need have safe and updated facilities to use.”

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Janette described how the properties are instrumental in supporting people through the “transition period” of their situation.

“Whether it’s a woman escaping do-

mestic abuse, someone escaping homelessness or whatever the situation may be, that transition time to turn their situation around is crucial,” she says.

“They often need quite intense support while looking for employment or a new permanent place to live. That’s what this housing is for, and the people who come through are always so thankful to have that time to get back on their feet.”

Molonglo Support Services has also been working with other good causes around the area in an effort to spread their influence as far as possible.

“Everybody knows there’s not enough money to address the huge need of homelessness across Australia,” says Janette.

“That’s why we’re always looking for innovative or different ways to do the best we can in helping people. Recently, we had the Queanbeyan sleep bus come through the area which is another great local initiative.”

According to Janette, the last five years have seen major progress for the services, and these upgrades will be instrumental in continuing that momentum.

“We’ve come a long way since the beginning of the services,” she says.

“Our main focus continues to be the person in need’s experience, what’s happening on the ground level, and to improve the lives of those looking for help.”

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE

Daring to be different

WENDY JOHNSON

Painter Mico’s thinking big, just one last time

By Helen

MUSA IN mid-March 2020, we reported that founding director of the National Multicultural Festival, Domenic Mico, was using his art to take a leap into space with an exhibition called “The Cosmos”, due to open in the large gallery of M16.

It was his second show, for after retiring from production, he had returned to his early passion for painting which had been kindled when, as a young man, he had trained at the old Canberra School of Art before turning to the performing and community arts in the early 1970s.

Mico has become a legend in his own lifetime for his transformation of Canberra into a celebratory city.

He’s been honoured for his life in art with an Order of Australia Medal and an Italian knighthood, and was in 2001 named as one of 75 people who had shaped the national capital.

He founded the Canberra Day celebrations, Blue Folk Community Arts Association at Strathnairn, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, TAU Community Theatre, the Backstage

Domenic Mico… “It’s almost like ‘Cosmos’ but more intimate and more colourful.”

Performing Arts Café and the National Multicultural Festival, all the while writing and staging plays, including a pirate play on Lake Burley Griffin.

But in 2020, half an hour after “CityNews” curator and arts writer, Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak, had put the finishing touches to hanging “The Cosmos” and even as the cork was popping on a bottle of Prosecco,

M16 decided to close because of covid.

One member of the Canberra Critics’ Circle scrambled to view the show of cosmic clouds, nebulae and constellations through the windows at M16, but defeated, he eventually gave up and viewed the show online. Others followed suit and against the odds, the exhibition was a sell-out.

Now, with a new suite of 12 oil paintings,

ARTS IN THE CITY

Decadent variety at Verity Attic

Photo: Helen Musa Mico is exhibiting a different kind of work under the title “In the Shadow of Light” at Bill Mason’s Kyeema Gallery in Hall.

“It’s almost like ‘The Cosmos’ but more intimate and more colourful. I’ve gone into playing with colour,” Mico tells me as he shows me around his studio in Bruce.

While most of the large paintings appear more joyous than those in “The Cosmos”,

there are connections and he quickly points to a work with a vortex in the middle – a clear reference back to his previous series.

“Also, the colours reflect on the solar system”, he explains, indicating one that “might be sunset on Venus”.

His abundant use of colours makes the paintings seem happier, but as an artist, he says, the challenges are just as great and the colours still have to be balanced.

Mico believes this group of paintings will be acceptable to a wide range of people – “I don’t think they’ll put anyone off”, he says.

“They’re just colour.”

Admirers of his art have long urged him to forsake his penchant for creating very large paintings (most are at least a metre wide) for something smaller, but as he says of the format, “that’s how my mind goes… and the size of the canvas dictates what the painting is going to be”.

But he’s decided it’s probably the last time he’ll do them so big, with a decision that he’ll return to paintings about half the size.

“The subject matter will flow from that, but I’ve got a feeling I might go back to ‘The Cosmos’ again,” he says.

“Or, I might do something completely different.”

Domenic Mico, “In the Shadow of Light”, Kyeema Gallery, at Capital Wines, Hall, May 27-June 28. Opening 5.30-6.30pm, Saturday, May 29, all welcome.

usic, M e r o M un...

More F

By Helen Musa RACHEL Reid’s Jazida Productions, winner of the Adelaide Fringe Festival award for Best Dance, is bringing the next instalment of the variety show, “Decadence and Debauchery” to the newly refurbished show space, Verity Attic, upstairs from Verity Lane Market, with a night of sideshow acts, comedy, drinks and the art of tease. Sydney Building, Civic, 8pm, Saturday, May 29. Book at eventbrite.com.au PATRICK Hamilton’s thriller, “Rope” is best-known for Alfred Hitchcock’s film version in 1948. In it, two flatmates murder their friend purely to see if they can get away with it.

First performed by Canberra REP in 1941 and again in 1960, it’s staged this time by director Ed Wightman, with a star cast. Canberra REP Theatre, Acton, May 20 (preview) to June 5, Wednesday to Saturday, 8pm. Book at canberrarep.org.au or 6257 1950.

MORE murder, with Jon Elphick’s production of “Hello... Is There Any Body There?” for Tempo Theatre. It’s a farce by Ian Hornby and a send-up of the murder genre, with “Miss Marbles” arriving to solve the crime.

Belconnen Community Theatre, May 28-June 5. Book at canberraticketing.com.au or 6275 2700.

GEOFF Grey’s Australian Wind Symphony is testing out its new home, Queanbeyan Bicentennial

“Decadence and Debauchery”… Verity Attic, Civic, May 29.

Hall, with a huge concert, beginning with Jack Stamp’s “Fanfare for a New Era” and concluding with the Australian premiere of Brian Balmages’ 2020 work, “Love and Light”. 7.30pm, Friday, May 28, book at theq.net.au or 6285 6290.

STAR baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes will join pianist and conductor Guy Noble to perform songs and classical arias, delivered with comedic flair. While his performances as Figaro from “The Barber of Seville” and the Count in “The Marriage of Figaro’’ are legendary, it is his “Some Enchanted Evening” that will have audiences

reaching for their tissues. The Playhouse, Saturday, May 29. Book at canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

THE German Film Festival is back at Palace Electric. Highlights are “Fabian: Going To The Dogs”, based on Erich Kästner’s novel set amidst the twilight hedonism of pre-Nazi Germany, and “The Audition”, a drama about a woman trapped in the pursuit of success. The GoetheInstitut is backing “Kino for Kids”, a program for children and teens.

Palace Electric, NewActon, May 26-June 13, germanfilmfestival. com.au

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WATCH IT! / streaming and stuff

Fantasy, streaming’s gift that keeps on giving

By Nick

OVERALL WHEN television goliath “Game of Thrones” (on Binge) wrapped things up in 2019 it left a hole in the streaming market.

The dark fantasy show was filled to the brim with violence and sex, but at the same time made viewers feel clever about it all, with millions returning each week eager to learn more about its expansive fantasy world.

By no coincidence, another dark fantasy show produced by Netflix was hot on the heels of the ending of “Game of Thrones”.

That was “The Witcher”, based on a series of Polish fantasy books of the same name, and it became the third most in-demand show in the world with 76 million viewers in its first month of release.

“His Dark Materials”, “The Nevers”, “American Gods”, the list of fantasy series

“Shadow and Bone”... Netflix’s newest attempt at the next big fantasy hit. trying to be the next “big one” goes on.

Now Netflix has had another shot at it with “Shadow and Bone”, a show that’s pulling in huge numbers of viewers and sitting comfortably on top of this year’s

most-watched lists.

It, too, is scooped out of a series of fantasy books about an orphan who discovers she has magical powers that can save the world.

Orphan? Magic? Sounds familiar.

While the cash-in on the popularity of its forebears is easy to spot, “Shadow and Bone” does stand out with a backdrop inspired by the Tsarist Russian Empire, a setting that offers a boost of originality it’s desperately in need of.

Our hero here must use her powers to fight the “shadow fold”, a blanket of demonic darkness that has cut her kingdom in half.

It’s all very “Harry Potter” (Binge), which is all very “Lord of the Rings” (Netflix) and back and back until you hit Greek Mythology – which, in a way, you could call the Ancient Greeks’ version of “Game of Thrones”.

Maybe that’s a bit of a stretch, but it’s amusing to imagine Plato philosophising on whether he should use his silver coins to subscribe to Iliad Plus or Odyssey Binge.

At first glance it’d be easy to think shows with this many characters, and worlds this

dauntingly large could turn viewers off – but the ratings continue to prove otherwise.

Take a look over on Binge for example, and there’s “Fear The Walking Dead”, a series streaming its sixth season and quickly approaching its 100th episode.

“Fear The Walking Dead” is an origin story spin-off from the blockbuster show “The Walking Dead”, which in August will itself stream its 11th season. Characters from the former have been sneaking their way into the latter, allowing viewers to play a game of connect-the-dots between plot lines of this ever-expanding zombie apocalypse drama.

Add all this up and you get a combined total of more than 300 episodes in “The Walking Dead” universe and the show continues to bring back millions of viewers every week who still keenly follow the plot.

The power of brand recognition is truly out in force when it comes to a series like this. “Fear The Walking Dead” remains the highest watched first season of any television series in cable history.

These are productions of gargantuan

scale, but they need to be if they’re going to take on Disney Plus’ seemingly endless conveyor belt of superhero shows.

The platform’s just-finished season of “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” – yet another instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – reportedly saw Disney Plus break a record for its most viewed premiere episode.

As such, it’s no surprise the next TV show in the MCU, “Loki”, is already packaged up and ready to go. It’s dropping next month (June 11) and follows the mischief of the unwaveringly popular character played by Tom Hiddleston.

Of course Loki and his more widely recognised brother Thor are themselves based on Gods from Norse mythology.

It’s a spinout to think these characters are still reimagined today through a screen that streams from the internet, whereas hundreds of years ago they would have been read about by ancient Scandinavians via runic inscriptions.

Call that Norseflix?

CINEMA / reviews

The man, the hat and no plot

By Dougal

“Ema” (MA)

MACDONALD FEATURING THE

HOW do you kill a vampire? Any fool knows the answer to that question. You hammer a wooden stake through its heart. Easy peasy!

For this film, writer/director Emily Harris has adapted one of the early works of vampire fiction, Sheridan Le Fanu’s 1871/72 novella, antedating “Dracula” by 26 years.

The narrator is Lara (Hannah Rae), a young woman preyed upon by Carmilla, (an anagram of Mircalla, Countess Karnstein) a prototypical example of the lesbian vampire, expressing romantic desires toward the protagonist.

The novella notably never acknowledges homosexuality as an antagonistic trait, leaving it subtle and relatively unmentioned. The story has often been adapted in film and other media.

Carmilla (German/Turkish actress Devrim Lingnau, apparently building a career in spooky movies) is found injured when the carriage in which she was travelling has an accident. She is carried to a nearby country house where Miss Fontaine (Jessica Raine) is caring for Lara who is mourning the death of a childhood friend.

Lara and Carmilla become friends and potentially, by implication, lovers. But Carmilla is not what she seems.

The story builds and develops its tensions slowly until it has nowhere else to go but save Lara from exsanguination just in time while Carmilla lies dead on a hillside.

Movies of this kind have an audience. I was not unhappy to see the end of it. Which is not to deny that in its own way, it has subtle merit.

THIS movie blockbuster is different from what that description usually signifies.

Set in Valparaiso, Chile, its narrative follows a complicated domestic relationship between Ema (Mariana Di Girolamo) and Gaston (Gael Garcia Bernal). She is lead performer in a dance troupe; he, 12 years her senior, is infertile. They adopt a troubled young Colombian boy, Polo (Cristián Suárez) but give him away after he sets the family home (and Ema’s sister) on fire.

Ema takes refuge with her girlfriends in a street-dancing community formed around reggaeton – the sensual Puerto Rican style synonymous with dancehall, hip hop and the city’s working class, which Gastón despises as “hypnotic music that turns you into a fool”.

She takes to stalking around the city at night with a flamethrower, scorching the streets with napalm-powered blasts. She forms a secretive relationship with Raquel (Paola Giannini) and her firefighter husband Aníbal (Santiago Cabrera) and opens the older woman up to a spectrum of experience. With her boyish frame and androgynous crop Ema could be an emissary for a non-binary future, glam and otherworldly.

Jose Luís Vidal’s dance sequences use strong colours. Dancers of both sexes wear fleshings as they cavort and writhe around visually powerful streetscapes and sound stages, asking questions before eventually coming up with unexpected answers about the demands placed on women whom men still see only as mothers, wives and other sexual cadres.

After seeing writer/director Pablo Larrain’s film, I emerged into the real world wondering about the vocabulary. The subtitles may test filmgoers’ attitudes about that word which the editor would delete if I were to write it here; there’s scads of it sprinkled through the film without improving the narrative. I’m not bothered by it but I wonder how long it’s going to take filmmakers before realising that it’s merely a monosyllable that brings little illumination or improvement to the dialogue or special benefit or authenticity to the film.

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“The Man in the Hat” (PG) HERE’S a movie with great charm, a good supply of human observation, an unhurried observation of French countryside, a journey to wherever and nowhere and absolutely no plot.

Written and directed jointly by John-Paul Davidson and Stephen Warbeck, it stars venerable craggy-faced Irish-born actor Ciarán Hinds whom we see driving a tiny Fiat 500L car along narrow country roads, steep hillsides, across parts of France where movie-makers seldom venture and characters in major movies seldom live.

The Man has no name. He makes friends easily, sharing their meals, lodgings, and daily events. People help him when the Fiat encounters mechanical problems. He helps people in moments of need. He can speak. But he rarely does.

Early in the movie, he becomes distraught when his blue rag hat falls from a bridge. By the time he gets down to the edge of the stream, the Damp Man (Stephen Dillane) has recovered it. The Damp Man crops up in various places – waiting on tables in the café run by the Chef (Muna Otaru), at other places along the Man’s journey doing other things.

A pretty girl and a handsome young man hold a measuring tape across roads in the Man’s path, around the boles of big trees beside it.

A battered old Renault keeps following the Man. Fearing what its five occupants will do to him, he keeps fleeing them. What they are about is as close to mystery as anything in the film. Their intentions are benign.

“The Man in the Hat” may lack dramatic fabric but it delivers an ongoing charm even when the Man is having problems. It’s intelligent, zany cinema with no apparent purpose, until the end credits start rolling and you begin to realise that you’ve been enjoying it without realising why. I regard that as a bonus.

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Ciarán Hinds is “The Man in the Hat”.

“Carmilla (M)A

DINING / Corella Restaurant and Bar

Edgy and daring to be different

By Wendy

JOHNSON CORELLA Restaurant and Bar is a must-visit for those who love quality wines and innovative cuisine.

The newest kid on the block in Braddon, Corella is edgy but not pretentious. It dares to be different but in a considered way.

We began with one of the more popular dishes on the lunch menu, the prawn roll. It was a perfect package with the scrumptious prawn packed into a soft milk bun.

The homemade chilli sauce added punch ($14 each). It’s an exciting little number.

Burrata was our next shared choice but Corella had run out, so we chose the plum-cured kingfish ($19). The dish was pretty on the plate with pops of pink. Added ingredients are blood lime, chilli and chives chopped ‘just so’. It’s essential to combine all ingredients with each bite to get the full impact.

Another specialty is the spatchcock ($20), with golden skin.

The celeriac remoulade and the

Plum cured kingfish… pretty on the plate with pops of pink.

Photo: Wendy Johnson dollop of prunes and native desert lime were sensational. Some of the meat was a wee bit dry for our liking.

We hadn’t ordered shoestring fries to go with the spatchcock but kept watching them pass by so flagged our desperate need with staff who were happy to oblige.

They were hot and crispy and we

loved dipping them into the creamy house-made native thousand island sauce ($10).

Vegetarians and vegans are cared for at Corella, including with the Jerusalem artichoke spaghetti. It wasn’t the most exciting-looking dish ($28) and, for us, not the most exciting on taste either. The creativity in the

execution is there, and the bits of coral mushroom added welcoming texture. Seasoning was saltbush salt, although we felt there wasn’t quite enough.

Other mains include WA marron ($50), flank steak ($41) and native duck à l’orange with bunya nut purée, sunrise lime and jus gras ($44, another house specialty).

Corella’s wine and spirit menu is carefully curated and very impressive. Cocktails are a specialty ($20 and $22). White wines range from $15 to $28 a glass ($65 to $175 a bottle). Reds are $16 to $25 ($65 to $450 a bottle).

Staff happily gave us a little tasting of two whites and the winner was BK Wines Carte Blanche from South Australia ($15 glass/$75 bottle). It’s a fabulous blend of varietals.

We were too full for dessert but will return, perhaps for the burnt honey mousse or coconut panna cotta or cherry ripe (all $16).

We ended with a complimentary mini sweet – two crackles which looked happy and made us happy (especially when we discovered they feature native mint).

Corella’s service was excellent, staff super friendly and the dishes nicely paced.

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THEATRE

Darcy’s big break into ‘creative experience’

By Helen Musa

YEAR 12 student at Yass High School, Darcy O’Sullivan, has been busy helping wherever she can with any productions of musicals or performances in Yass, but this month she’s had her big break.

O’Sullivan, 17, is one of a cohort of 10 lucky senior school students accepted into Canberra Theatre Centre’s “creative experience” program.

It’s more structured than “work experience”, as director of the Canberra Theatre Centre, Alex Budd, explains. He offers the students a chance to spend a week learning, developing, observing and participating in the centre in various areas of operation.

Budd knows all about this. While still studying, he fronted up to the Canberra Theatre and announced, “I want you to give me a job”.

“They threw me down into the lighting area and got me to sort out all the colour gels for the lights, then perhaps admiring my tenacity, they gave me a job the next week,” he says.

O’Sullivan might well end up doing something just like that, since, with a broad range of subjects in Year 12, including biology and legal studies, she’s been keeping her options open – “just in case I change my mind”.

Still, after she finishes school, she’d like to do something to do with live performances – “I’m really passionate about that”, she says.

She’s been to Canberra Theatre to see shows many times and heard about the creative experience program through a friend. She was halfway to Canberra from Yass when she heard the theatre had shut down because of COVID-19 and the program was cancelled.

The highlight of the week, which ran from Monday to Friday in the first week of May,

Year 12 student at Yass High School, Darcy O’Sullivan… “It was very eye-opening.” was hearing people behind the scenes at the Canberra Theatre talking about what it’s like to work there and how they run their particular area.

“Then we worked on a pitch, as if we were running our own show,” she says.

“It was very intense.”

After that, the whole group got to see Brisbane company shake & stir’s production of “Animal Farm”. She’d never studied the George Orwell novel at school and says she found it “quite shocking, but something I would definitely go to see again”.

Her favourite thing about the week was hearing professionals talk about directing and stage management.

“It was very eye-opening and they were people who told us how they got into it and what

it’s really like,” she says.

O’Sullivan hasn’t yet thought about auditioning for courses but once she’s got through year 12, she plans to get involved in shows and work her way up.

That’s exactly how Budd got started. An elite music student, his eyes were dazzled by the lighting box and he got into the industry by sheer chutzpah, starting out at the Canberra Theatre then graduating to the Sydney Dance Company and Opera Australia.

“The theatre is still an industry where people who show some determination and skills can break in,” he says.

“If you want to be an actor, of course it’s probably a good idea to get into a course, but… the important thing is to have a passion, the ability to make connections and ability to work hard.”

But craft-based creatives have a lot of doors open to them, he knows, as there are skills, like scenic painting and costume-making, that can only be handed down from generation to generation.

“Theatre is an unusual game, where there’s an enormous amount of backstage work before everything is pulled together on the opening night,” he says.

“It requires passion and energy.”

Budd went around the room among the students to ask what their interests were and found some wanted to work backstage, some in sound and others in lighting.

“It’s one of the best parts of my job, talking to young people about their interests in the arts industry,” he says.

“I told them, you have to be flexible.”

Canberra Theatre Centre’s second creative experience program will run from July 26-30, applications from Year 10-12 students to education.canberratheatrecentre.com.au/ industry/work-experience/

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GARDENING

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Even the magpies think it’s real…

However, I have a special affinity for blossom trees. In the early days of this city, there were many more blossom trees planted than today, especially in the older suburbs.

For example, look at Flinders Way, Griffith, compared with most of Belconnen, where eucalypts dominate the streetscapes.

However I cannot recall any serious groups of blossom trees in Commonwealth Park.

Surprisingly, given our highly competent parks and gardens personnel, the park was designed by an English woman, Dame Sylvia Crowe, who was brought out in 1964.

Dame Sylvia was well-known internationally for her landscape designs, featured in her book “Garden Design”. This is still a standard reference book for anyone studying landscape design, as I did many years ago. One of her classic

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quotes is “A garden can give two separate pleasures – the pleasure of the growing plant with its individual beauty, and the pleasure of the garden as a whole, as a world to live in and look at”.

However, I have a major problem with her design of Commonwealth Park, and I have a copy of her original plan. It would appear that Crowe did not like blossom trees. Admittedly, there is a line of Manchurian pears on the National Library side of the lake.

We’ve had all the pleasure of the massed flower displays of Floriade over 20-odd years, but no blossom trees in spring to compliment this show. Maybe it’s time the National Capital Authority addressed this issue.

Certainly, much of the park needs some serious revitalisation. This includes getting rid of environmental weeds and some serious tree pruning, from Kings Avenue to Commonwealth Avenue.

The range of suitable blossom trees is extensive; ornamental crabapples, plums, magnolias, even

Imagine groups of these in Commonwealth Park. smaller shrubs such as lilacs and crepe myrtles. Besides the floral effect, consider the fragrance of these trees. There used to be a couple of large groups of rhododendrons and azaleas in the park, which seem to have mysteriously disappeared.

PEAT moss causes serious problems, damaging fragile ecosystems, releasing stored carbons and contributing to climate change.

More than 30 years ago, when we owned a nursery in Yass, we used and recommended peat for acid-loving plants, much of it at that time imported from Russia. Peat is still used in some potting mixes. In its natural state, water in peat bogs keeps the carbon in, but on draining peat for excavation for horticultural purposes, it begins to oxidise and carbon is released. In the UK alone, peat is the largest storage of carbon, containing an estimated 3.2 billion tonnes – more than all the UK’s forests! Some of the largest peat bogs are in Ireland.

According to a report in the journal of the Royal Horticultural

Society, “The Garden”, the society stopped using peat in its four huge gardens some time ago. In England alone, existing peat bogs are highly degraded, emitting approximately 11 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents annually, significantly contributing to climate change. If that figure was multiplied across the globe where peat is still used, the final figure would be frightening.

What’s the alternative? I recommend rotted pine needles, similarly acid in nature, and perfect for all acid-loving plants. Rake back the loose pine needles on top and use the composted, rotted needles underneath. The bottom line is: when you buy a bag of potting mix, make sure it’s peat-free.

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Your week in the stars

General knowledge crossword No. 782

By Joanne Madeline Moore

May 24-30, 2021

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

This week’s stars are all about conversation, education and exciting plans, as Wednesday’s Lunar Eclipse motivates you to dream fabulous dreams for the future. But – in the current covid climate – ambitious aspirations can be delayed and frustrated. So take things slowly and keep your eyes on the long-term prize.

Be especially careful and patient on the weekend, when Mercury starts reversing through your communication and travel zone.

What is a Section 17?

You’ve found the home, the Auction is three weeks away and you’re working out your finances of what to bid on the day. A week later, the agent sends a text saying there are pre-Auction offers and the property may sell prior to Auction. You’re told you need to advise the best amount you’d offer plus confirmation you can provide a ‘Section 17’, and all this is needed by 4pm the same day.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Financial matters look confusing, as you underestimate a major expense or waste money on an inappropriate purchase. You could also doubt your ability to follow through with a project or promise. Learn to trust your talents and feel secure and strong within. If you really believe in yourself, then magical things will happen. Be inspired by birthday great Stevie Nicks: “My life is a testament to believing that if you want something, you can make it happen.”

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

The Sun, Mercury and Venus are all visiting your sign, which galvanises your very best Gemini traits (like curiosity, congeniality, adaptability and versatility). So make sure you tap into your unique talents. But Wednesday’s Lunar Eclipse lights up your partnership zone and Mercury (your patron planet) starts reversing through Gemini on the weekend. So a complicated close relationship needs to be reviewed, recalibrated, rebooted or completely reinvented.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Have you been burning the midnight oil and now you’re suffering from burnout?

Or have you been running around on autopilot, making careless mistakes? With the Sun, Mercury and Venus hibernating in your solitude zone, it’s the perfect week to go AWOL as you slip into hermit Crab mode, simplify your life, prune projects or organise a digital detox. Spending quality time on your own (for some overdue rest and rejuvenation) is absolutely essential at the moment.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

This week other people will continually flummox you with their confusing behaviour, so don’t lose sleep trying to work out where they are coming from. And avoid being a cynical Lion who sabotages relationships. Nurture and cherish your close connections. If you’re unhappily single, then keep pursuing your dream of finding your soul mate. Draw inspiration from birthday great, singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks: “I live in the realm of romantic possibility.”

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Wednesday’s Lunar Eclipse lights up your home zone so prepare for some domestic dramas and family stand-offs at 20 paces! Then on the weekend, Mercury (your power planet) starts reversing through your career zones (until June 22). So you can expect employment problems, pay delays, workplace worries or conflicts with colleagues. But don’t let current challenges deter you Virgo – Venus will help you thrive with plenty of patience and persistence!

Down

3 What do we call the letters of a language in their customary order? (8) 7 Name the silky envelope that is spun by the larvae of many insects. (6) 8 Which persons are authorised to act for others? (8) 9 Name a renowned Roman general. (6) 10 What is an approximate calculation of something?

(8) 11 What do we call the remains of anything broken down or destroyed? (6) 14 Which term means several, or sundry? (6) 17 To be commonly or generally known, is to be what? (8) 18 Name the thin one of an early pair of US comic film actors. (6) 19 What is another term for a catapult? (8) 20 Which alternative word describes an indigene? (6) 21 Name the day used by bookmakers to close accounts (8)

1 Which bitter alkaloid was formerly used as a local anaesthetic? (7) 2 Name a north coast NSW holiday resort associated with Tuncurry. (7) 3 Who played the part of Mary Poppins, etc, Julie ...?

(7) 4 Erich Weiss was a world-renowned illusionist, using which name? (7) 5 What is a unit consisting of several regiments, squadrons, etc? (7) 6 Name the important people in two-up games. (7) 11 When one calms a situation, one does what to it? (7) 12 What describes high-sounding and often insincere words? (7) 13 To be against the law, is to be what? (7) 14 Name one of Australia’s longest rivers. (7) 15 New Hebrides was the former name of which Pacific republic. (7) 16 What is another term for a national park? (7)

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Your kind and charitable nature is highlighted by the Lunar Eclipse. So it’s a good week to get involved in formal volunteer work (especially within your local community) or just lend a hand to a friend, family member or neighbour who’s in need.

However the Venus/Neptune square (on Thursday/Friday) increases your tendency to spend too much time in a fantasy world. So avoid making an important decision until you are seeing things in a more realistic light.

Solution next edition

Across

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Sudoku hard No. 291

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Neptune, the Lunar Eclipse and stationing Mercury are scrambling your financial antennae. So it’s not a good week to borrow funds, make investments, buy big-ticket items or lend money to others because you’re liable to make decisions based on fluctuating emotions and confusing information. If you can’t balance the numbers yourself, then employ an expert who can sort it out for you. For shrewd Scorpios, financial knowledge is power.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Don’t be too hard on yourself or let rattled nerves stop you from doing something you’ve always wanted to do. You’re feeling stressed but try not to sweat the small stuff. Careful preparation is the key. Attached Goats – be passionately proactive and set ambitious goals together. Singles – don’t just dip your toe into the dating pool. Research and planning are required, so that you give yourself the best possible chance of experiencing long-term success in love.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Solutions – May 13 edition Sudoku medium No. 291

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2021

Solution next edition

Crossword No. 781

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

With Neptune (your ruling planet) squaring Venus, have you got your head in the sand? If you avoid dealing with an important issue, then expect more problems.

It’s time to face the reality that a family matter has to be completely recalibrated or a major relationship needs to move in a positive new direction. In the words of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver (who was born on May 27, 1975): “People hate change, until the pain of not changing is worse than change itself.”

The Section 17 in ACT (and Section 66W in NSW) is a Certificate that can only be provided by your Solicitor. In effect, it waives the cooling off period so unconditional exchange can take place. It certifies that your solicitor has given you legal advice about the contract and explained the financial responsibility of entering into such a contract. It is exactly like Auction Conditions – unconditional – there is nothing “subject to ...” once a Section 17 exchange occurs.

It is not automatic that your Solicitor will sign a Section 17/Section 66W. Buyers need to be very sure they are able to get the funds to complete settlement. If a buyer hasn’t worked out their finances, or has a lapsed pre-approval, some Solicitors will not sign. I’ve heard that one Solicitor would not sign as a buyer was borrowing 95% and the Solicitor felt they needed the letter from the bank saying they had unconditional approval. That buyer could only proceed with the private treaty (for sale) process, not auction. Every Solicitor is different, so never presume.

The best scenario for all buyers is to speak with your Solicitor very early to see if they would sign this certificate for you.

The Lunar Eclipse is in your sign, which will give you a fiery energy boost. But Mercury is preparing to reverse through your love zone, so a relationship could feel stuck. Do your best to talk about problems with your partner and introduce some exciting new activities into the mix. If you’re single, you could revisit a rocky old romance (while wearing decidedly rose-coloured glasses). Just remember that memories are so seductive because they’re so selective!

Avoid taking your Aquarian health for granted. Be proactive about making positive lifestyle choices, and prioritise time for regular exercise and nutritious home-cooked meals. As writer (and birthday great) Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us: “The first wealth is health.” And is a platonic or romantic relationship going through a bumpy patch? Mercury, Venus and the Lunar Eclipse encourage you to work on keeping the lines of communication wide open.

In our current active market, this scenario could play out quite often. It isn’t just the finance you need to get pre-organised for an Auction. You need to have a chat with your Solicitor early in your search to see if they can sign a Section 17 on your behalf, if called upon with short notice.

For noting: Pre-Auction offers are usually timelimited to the day they’re lodged – that’s why you have to have all those discussions early. Some agents get back to everyone who has enquired, some to just those that have asked for a contract.

While onsite, if you’re interested in the property, tell the agent you want the contract and put them on notice you want to know about any pre-auction offers.

Phone 0405 135 009 cshaw@blackshaw.com.au #christineshawproperties CityNews May 20-26, 2021 35

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