CityNews 210708

JON STANHOPE / ‘WALKING WITH WOMEN’ IS A PATH LEADING NOWHERE JULY 8, 2021

Well written, well read

Patronising NCA couldn’t care less about locals

PAUL COSTIGAN

Zed’s poll makes us look second-class

MICHAEL MOORE The club of carpenters builds on its future

NICHOLE OVERALL

Crazy maybe, but there’s only one ‘Catch’

NICK OVERALL

CAPTAIN

JACK

COMES MARCHING IN

St Kilda co-captain JACK STEELE on footy and early kicks in Canberra Looking for a great venue to host a wedding, birthday, christening or any special occasion?

Book the Canberra Club and save!!!

Contact our functions / events team today on 6162 0503 | 51 Blackall Street, Braddon www.canberraclub.com.au

L FICE L D A , OF EDS N I F ME NE HO GE R U RA YO STO &

EX-GOVERNMENT

FURNITURE Sit & Stand Desks

COME IN & EXPLORE OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE! BULK DISCOUNTS APPLY

6 Yallourn St, Fyshwick

• CHAIRS • WORKSTATIONS • STAND-UP DESKS • TABLES • SHELVING • FILING CABINETS • BOOKCASES • LOUNGES • MAP CABINETS

6280 6490

ASK US ABOUT OUR DELIVERY OPTIONS!

NEW STOCK ARRIVING WEEKLY

exgovfurniture.com

NEWS / anorexia of the overweight

Fat, sad, lonely... and anorexia is killing her health Hear the word “anorexia” and most think bone-thin women, scarily skinny models with emaciated frames. But an overlooked group of people are also struggling with anorexia; those who are overweight. BELINDA STRAHORN reports...

JANE Sullivan had it all together in school; a straight-A student with a love for the outdoors and reading books.

But underneath it all she struggled with a “torturous” negative body image.

“Dad would call me horrible things like fat and piggy,” said Jane, who now lives in Canberra, but grew up in Ballarat.

“I was a sensitive nine-year-old and that really affected me.”

The 25-year-old human resources worker describes the eating disorder that plagued over a decade of her life as a “sad” and “lonely” time.

“I felt so horrible about myself, I believed that I was ugly and that I didn’t deserve to be happy,” Jane said.

Having always had a larger body, Jane began to restrict the amount of food she ate, from an early age.

“I started refusing meals… I just didn’t eat,” she said.

By the time she started high school Jane developed what’s now known as atypical anorexia, a condition where she met all of the criteria for anorexia nervosa, except for being underweight.

“In the technical definition of anorexia you have to be below a certain body mass index (BMI), I’m not below

INDEX

that threshold, I’m quite a bit above, that’s called atypical anorexia.

“I call myself a fat person because that’s an accurate description of what I am.”

Leaving home to study communications at university in Melbourne, Jane’s restrictive eating got worse.

Each day was met with non-negotiable “punishing” exercise and meal avoidance.

“I would work out how much I needed to exercise that day based on how bad I’d been with food,” Jane said.

“It’s not a logical condition so the punishments I would give myself were super extreme. I would feel ashamed with myself and things would spiral downwards.”

What those on the outside couldn’t see was that Jane was in the grips of a serious eating disorder wreaking havoc with her mental health and putting her life at risk.

“My hair fell out, I was sick all the time, wounds wouldn’t heal, it made my depression worse... being hungry for years at a time was not good for me.”

Beyond the physical risks, the eating disorder was affecting all aspects of her life — relationships with

Since 1993: Volume 27, Number 27

Arts & Entertainment 19-21 Canberra Matters 8 Cinema & Streaming 20 Crossword 22 Dining 21 Garden 23 Horoscopes 22 Letters 12 News 3-12 Politics 9, 10 Seven Days 4 Cover: St Kilda co-captain Jack Steele. Story Page 6.

Well written, well read

Ph 02 6189 0777 Fax 02 6189 0778 9b/189 Flemington Rd, Mitchell 2911

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, 9b/189 Flemington Road, Mitchell.

WHEEL REPAIRS & ALIGNMENT

P/L

CANBERRA’S LOCAL WHEEL STRAIGHTENING SERVICE

Jane Sullivan, aged 9, around the time her eating disorder developed.

Jane Sullivan… “The punishments I would give myself were super extreme.”

friends, study and social outings.

But Jane said the most torturous part was the incessant internal monologue telling her she wasn’t good enough.

“I felt like I deserved to be unhappy and that I was doing the right thing by becoming a thin person,” Jane said.

“It was a terribly isolating time because I stopped being able to connect with people. Other girls were having boy dramas and I was having this internal battle about how I looked.”

According to the Butterfly Foundation, a charity for Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, one million Australians

live with an eating disorder at any given time.

The foundation’s Danni Rowlands, who’s suffered from atypical anorexia herself, said people with atypical anorexia don’t have to be dangerously underweight to have life-threatening symptoms.

“If you were to do a Google search on anorexia you would get a stereotypical image of what that looks like,” Danni said.

“The work we do at Butterfly is educating people that eating disorders can affect any gender, in all body shapes and sizes. It doesn’t just affect adolescent girls, and it can be very

Managing Director: James Anderson, 0404 077605, james@citynews.com.au Director: Kate Meikle, kate@citynews.com.au Senior advertising account executives: David Cusack, 0435 380656 Tracey Avery, 0477 939999 Advertising account executives: Damien Klemke, 0439 139001 Tim Spare, 0423 381691 Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au Digital news editor: Danielle Nohra, danielle@citynews.com.au Journalists: Andrew Mathieson, andrew@citynews.com.au Nick Overall, nick@citynews.com.au Belinda Strahorn, belinda@citynews.com.au; Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au Arts editor: Helen Musa, helen@citynews.com.au Production manager: Janet Ewen Graphic Designer: Douglas Lima Proof reader: Glenda Anderson

WE’RE HIRING

life threatening.

“The sad reality is that the majority of people will struggle with an eating disorder their whole life because perhaps they don’t look like they have one.

“Sometimes people who live in a larger body or an average size are the ones that might not engage in treatment because they might feel they aren’t worthy of treatment or a health professional might not consider that that person has an eating disorder.”

Thankfully for Jane, a conversation with her doctor who picked up on the symptoms would help set her on the path to recovery.

Moving back home to live with her mum, Jane’s treatment involved working with her GP, a dietitian and psychologists.

But it hasn’t been easy.

“Recovery saved my life but I’m still making up for over a decade of malnutrition,” Jane said.

“I have to inject vitamins into my blood and I have to make an active choice every day to look after myself; but I’m happy. I’m engaged, we own an apartment and I have a job.”

For other people who are experiencing similar challenges, Jane says no one should define their worth by their looks or other people’s opinions of their appearance.

“Even if I’m really hideous, even if I’m a bridge troll, I don’t deserve the suffering, no one does.”

Have you considered a pre-arranged funeral?

Take the burden off your loved ones and pre-arrange your funeral.

Pay today’s prices for the funeral you want, with a personalised payment plan.

With 30 years experience, we are here for you every step of the way.

Rallimax is looking fo an enthusistic person to become an Automotive Wheel Alignment & Suspension Engineer.

In-house training provided Must be keen to learn TAFE training available for the right person

For more information, or to apply, call Bruce Telephone 6280 5967 rallimaxsport.com.au

(02) 6253 3655 williamcolefunerals.com.au | 60 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen, ACT 2617 CityNews July 8-14, 2021 3

SEVEN DAYS

Shame: woman a day stripped naked by guards FROM October 1 until April 30 officers at the Alexander Maconochie Centre thought it was okay to strip-search a woman prisoner, on average, every day.

That’s 208 times over seven months they saw the need to forcibly take the clothes and the dignity from these women.

What a stain on human rights in the ACT and, surely, it’s the last straw in resisting a thorough, independent review of this cesspit prison.

What politician could possibly defend the oppressive strip-searching of these women, 58 per cent of whom were Aboriginal (total prison population 44 per cent)?

And what was found? Three searches (1.5 per cent) revealed drugs, meaning 98.5 per cent (205 women) of women who were forcibly strip-searched had no contraband contained within them.

How do we know this? The Melbournebased Human Rights Legal Centre mounted a Freedom of Information request.

In March, Prisons Minister Mick Gentleman told “CityNews” that “strip-searches are conducted in limited circumstances in ACT correctional centres to ensure detainees are safe and are not a threat to themselves or others”. The minister clearly doesn’t know what’s going on, either.

Following the release of the strip-search information, a shocked and angry Julie Tongs, the CEO of the Winnunga Nim-

4 CityNews July 8-14, 2021

mityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, said her worst fears about the culture and management of the AMC have been confirmed.

She said that under the Corrections Management Act 2007, the director-general of corrections is required to maintain a register explaining the reason for each strip-search carried out in the prison.

Despite this, 49 of the strip searches carried out during the six-month period appear to have been conducted without a reason.

In relation to the remainder the stated reasons for stripping the women bare were: • On 38 occasions it was because they were to be transported to the ACT courts to attend a hearing.

• On 57 occasions it was because they had been returned to the AMC after attending a hearing at the ACT courts.

• In the remaining 49 cases the strip search was forced on the women at the time they were admitted to the prison.

Tongs said she personally found it impossible to believe the strip-search regime at the AMC has not had a deeply negative and dehumanising effect on the women concerned and not just on their dignity, self-esteem and sense of self-worth, but also their mental and physical health.

She said the fact the data reveals the stark over-representation of Aboriginal women among those being strip-searched confirms her long-held concern about the existence of systemic and institutionalised racism in the ACT justice system, including in ACT Corrections.

What does that mean? “CityNews” planning columnist Paul Costigan will know. “No-one knows what that means,” he unhelpfully told me. “It’s never been openly discussed.

“It could be like Northbourne Avenue where they made 800 metres each side of the light rail up for rezoning and high-rise development to help pay for the rail.”

Inner South Canberra Community Council chair Marea Fatseas reckons much the same, but that the shaded area looks way bigger than the 2018 Planning Strategy.

She also pointed out another worry, a light grey dashed line representing “Urban Intensification Areas”, whatever they are, around most of Griffith, Narrabundah, Kingston and parts of Barton and Forest.

Anyone who can work it out is welcome to comment to yoursayconversations.act. gov.au/ by 5pm on Sunday, July 18.

HERE’S a map that should send shudders down the spines of many inner-south residents. Forwarded by a local snout who reckons it looks like half of Yarralumla and Deakin is to be rezoned as part of the stage 2b light rail development, as well as large chunks of Barton, Griffith, Narrabundah, Kingston and Forrest.

So why the fear? The “Inner South District Consolidated Policy Plan’’ map was produced by the ACT government as part of

a series of territory-wide, district planning, community workshops.

It has a wide, blue-shaded area, reminiscent of an anatomy chart of a flaccid penis, either side of Adelaide Avenue from the Parliamentary Triangle to the Woden terminus. And it is labelled the “Light Rail Investigation Area”.

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

in.motion orthopaedics

advertising feature

‘Surgical outcomes can be optimised with allied-health involvement and exercise programs.’

Collaborative care optimises patient outcomes OPTIMISING outcomes for patients has always been the focus for orthopaedic surgeon Dr Damian Smith.

“I wanted to look at managing patients surgically and, when appropriate, nonsurgically with a view to expanding that vision into surgical rehabilitation,” says Dr Smith, whose orthopaedic practice, in.motion, is based in Belconnen and Woden.

“That evolved into bringing on board a physiotherapist.”

Dr Smith, who grew up in Canberra, is a highly trained orthopaedic surgeon with a medical degree from the University of Sydney.

After residency he embarked on the orthopaedic surgical program before returning to Canberra in 2008 as a consultant surgeon.

“Canberra is a fantastic place to live and a great place to raise a family,” he says.

Dr Smith, who specialises in lower-limb surgery with interests in hip and knee replacement surgery, sports injury and knee reconstruction, says it’s important to keep up with the latest developments in his area of speciality.

One of the most recent developments

in orthopaedics has been the uptake of robotic-assisted, joint-replacement surgery.

Dr Smith says he was instrumental in the introduction of this technology to the Canberra region in October, 2017.

Since that first robotic-assisted operation was performed, hundreds of successful joint replacements have used this technology and Canberra now has three orthopaedic robots.

“There is a lot of medical literature being published showing improvements in the precision and accuracy of joint replacement with robotics,” says Dr Smith.

“Growing up, I was always active and sport was a big part of my childhood,” says Dr Smith, who was an AIS athlete as a teenager.

“Sport and movement are important to me and, I guess, that influenced my drive to go into the field of orthopaedic surgery.

“Being able to replace a worn-out arthritic hip or knee joint or reconstruct an injured knee that allows my patients to regain their mobility and independence or get back on the sporting field is extremely rewarding.

“I have always been of the belief that surgical outcomes and treatment plans can be optimised with allied-health involvement and exercise programs.”

This was the driving philosophy when

Dr Damian Smith and in.motion team members, from left, Maree Bryant, physiotherapist Kristen Steele and Ursula Slane McCann.

Dr Smith opened in.motion orthopaedics in 2019, at Francis Chambers in Woden. His practice has expanded to the north side of Canberra with rooms at Cameron Avenue, Belconnen.

Physiotherapist Kristen Steele joined the team in October and Dr Smith says the practice model has been successful

because he and Ms Steele share the same vision for their patients.

“Having in.motion physiotherapy means that for those patients that do not already have a physiotherapist, we can offer that service in-house,” he says.

If surgery is required, Dr Smith and Ms Steele work together to develop a pre and

A PASSION FOR ACHIEVING LIFE CHANGING RESULTS

post-surgery treatment plan.

Before completing a Masters of Physiotherapy degree in 2016, Ms Steele’s background was in personal training and exercise physiology.

She says in.motion physiotherapy is experienced in treating a wide range of ailments from arthritis to sports injuries, neck and back pain.

Injury prevention is also important and in.motion offers physio-led Pilates classes, aquatic physiotherapy and group strengthening classes.

“The benefits of physiotherapy and exercise in the treatment of, say, arthritis are well established,” she says.

“Programs such as the ‘Good Living with Arthritis – Denmark’ (GLAD) have potentially made a meaningful difference in the quality of life of patients with arthritis.”

Ms Steele has just completed her GLAD qualifications and is currently studying nutrition. in.motion orthopaedics, Francis Chambers, suite 4, level 2, 40-42 Corinna Street, Phillip (call 6221 9321), and 40 Cameron Avenue, ground floor, Belconnen (call 6190 1040); co-located with I-Med Radiology. Email admin@inmotionortho.com.au or visit inmotionortho.com.au

Orthopaedics and Physiotherapy services

Our integrated approach is designed to optimise your long-term mobility outcomes.

Dr Damian Smith’s services:

Physiotherapist Kristen Steele’s services:

Hip Replacement

Sports Injury Rehabilitation

Knee Replacement Knee Arthroscopy ACL Reconstruction Robotic Surgery

Clinical Pilates Aquatic Physiotherapy Group Exercise Classes

For specialist orthopaedic care, with integrated physiotherapy call 6221 9321 Woden | 6190 1040 Belconnen | email admin@inmotionortho.com.au Francis Chambers, Suite 4, Level 2/40-42 Corinna Street, Woden Ground Floor, 40 Cameron Avenue, Belconnen (co-located with I-Med Radiology) CityNews July 8-14, 2021 5

COVER STORY / Canberra’s AFL captain

Belco to St Kilda, captain Jack comes marching in

By Andrew

MATHIESON THE first time Jack Steele crossed paths with Jarryn Geary, it swiftly raised the eyebrows on St Kilda wise heads.

Geary still talks up that favourite anecdote where a so-called cocky upstart, full of flowing long hair prised under a thin headband, not only upstaged but embarrassed the veteran of the AFL club, who debuted back in 2008 and two years later was an emergency for the drawn grand final and its replay.

The small, yet grizzly defender recalls clenching a fist for an obligatory spoil of a marking contest in the 2015 encounter with Steele at the GWS Giants.

Thinking he got a good slice of the ball, Geary was stunned to second look the very green Canberran float across the pack and hold a clean mark.

That one act quickly earned his current cocaptain a first ounce of respect.

“It means quite a lot,” Steele, 25, reflects on the clash. “I do remember it because it was my third game, but my first-ever win.

“I remember marking it in front of goals and kicking the goal. At the time, I knew it was him I took it from, too.

“But I never thought, at that time, I’d be playing for the Saints and he would sort of be my captain, now co-captain.

“It’s quite amazing how it’s all turned out.”

Geary’s esteem for Steele only grew further

St Kilda co-captain Jack Steele… “Dad will always tell you that he wanted to play it himself, so he made sure I got the best chance to play the game.” in 2017 after St Kilda acquired the onballer’s services.

Amid an AFL captains’ gathering, Giants leader Callan Ward told his Saints adversary that losing Steele after 17 games would hurt the Sydney club.

The club inner sanctum would hear all about it.

“For him to say that just means quite a lot to

me because I respected him the moment I walked in the doors of the club,” Steele says.

Household names such as Scully, Shaw, Davis and also Ward were in his way, let alone a young Coniglio, a Greene, a Shiel and a Kelly to earn a berth.

“They understood that I found a better opportunity somewhere else and took it. While they almost wanted me to stay, they were almost pushing me out the door, saying that you need to go,” Steele says.

The trade has produced the internal results among St Kilda best and fairest awards: third in 2018, third in 2019 and winner in 2020.

The equal third place in last year’s Brownlow Medal was enough for Steele to skipper the team in the absence of an injured Geary.

“I definitely feel like there is a lot more pressure on me now, but it’s really a good challenge and a good learning opportunity,” he says.

Steele could be excused for stretching tight muscles on the training track and wonder how he features so prominently in AFL heartland.

Jack’s dad, Stuart, was a bit of a bush rugby league hero.

After crashing through tackles and standing up to big hits, the gladiatorial sport was not worth the effort for his son.

“It wasn’t dad trying to protect me, just because I wasn’t big as a kid – I was pretty small,” Steele says.

“He just didn’t like the sport any more and thought it was pretty grubby.”

The Raiders and Brumbies fan to this day did try out league and union, but neither were the right fit for a 10-year-old switching codes.

Every visit since to an AFL Canberra oval,

CHRISTMAS is already here...

PO

Christmas Inspired Food Gourmet Treats

Handmade Christmas Gifts Santa Photos

Christmas Fashion Parade Kids Play Area Regional Wines 6 CityNews July 8-14, 2021

E N O

P T S

Caroloke Competition

9 1 R

E B M

E T P

E S O T D

on the contrary, usually included pointing to photos of a young James Hird inside Ainslie’s clubrooms or an engraving of Brett Allison’s name on a trophy at Belconnen.

The latter of the clubs had been where Stuart directed his boy from Nicholls to play and, in time, carve out an impressive teenage CV for recruiters.

“Dad will always tell you that he wanted to play it himself, so he made sure I got the best chance to play the game,” Steele says.

While Allison had a decorated 219-game career at North Melbourne, it’s another Belconnen recruit that made the best impression on Steele.

Jason Tutt battled his way to 26 appearances at the Western Bulldogs and another 14 at Carlton, but his last two seasons wearing the navy blue had coincided with Steele’s GWS start that ignited the rookie’s confidence.

“Although he didn’t have an unbelievable career and I don’t know exactly how many games he ended up playing, he showed me it was possible,” Steele says.

Steele was often forced to drop-punt a Sherrin back and forth to himself.

Only classmate Logan Austin would call out for a pass.

The Burgmann Anglican School pair were drafted to different AFL clubs, but somehow for three seasons would end up teammates at Moorabbin.

“Not everyone played AFL (at school),” Steele says.

“The school I went to there was three blokes that sort of played Aussie Rules. In a way it was almost a good thing that I could play footy on the weekend, then come back and not really have to care.”

Queanbeyan Show Grounds Sunday 11 July 10am - 3pm

Register here for Caroloke...

COVID-19 Vaccinations and Testing for Winnunga Clients

WINNUNGA NIMMITYJAH ABORIGINAL HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Winnunga Nimmityjah AHCS is an Aboriginal community controlled primary health care service operated by the Aboriginal community of the ACT. In Wiradjuri language, Winnunga Nimmityjah means Strong Health.

The service logo is the Corroboree Frog which is significant to Aboriginal people in the ACT. Our aim is to provide a culturally safe, holistic health care service for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of the ACT and surrounding regions. The holistic health care provided by Winnunga AHCS includes not only medical care, but a range of programs to promote good health and healthy lifestyles.

Our services include: • GP and Nursing • Midwifery • Immunisations • Health Checks • Men’s & Women’s Health • Hearing Health

• Dental • Physiotherapy • Podiatry • Dietician (Nutrition) • Counselling • Diabetes Clinic

• Quit Smoking Services / No More Boondah • Needle Syringe Program • Mental Health Support • Healthy Weight Program • Healthy Cooking Group

• Mums and Bubs Group / Child Health • Optometry Service • Psychology and Psychiatrist • Community Events • Groups

ALL OUR SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE • WE MAY BE ABLE TO ASSIST WITH TRANSPORT Winnunga AHCS is a national leader in accreditation, was one of the first Aboriginal community controlled health services to achieve dual accreditation under RACGP and QIC standards. Winnunga AHCS has been at the forefront of setting a national agenda for quality improvement in Aboriginal community controlled health and continues to advocate locally and nationally for best practice standards in operational and governance areas of Aboriginal health services.

CLINIC hours | MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9am-5pm

Ph: 6284 6222 | 63 Boolimba Cres, Narrabundah www.winnunga.org.au

CANBERRA MATTERS

Patronising NCA couldn’t care less about locals I BEGIN this opinion piece about the National Capital Authority (NCA) by going back about 20 years to comments made during a parliamentary committee looking at the NCA. To paraphrase: The NCA needs to adopt a clearer and more consistent approach to community consultation, largely in response to a recent controversy, but also with regard to works that may be seen to have an impact on heritage values.

The NCA tends to adopt a reactive rather than proactive approach in relation to heritage planning decisions.

The Parliamentary Committee finds that it now has to be more sceptical when examining proposals from the NCA. The Authority appears to consider that simply informing stakeholders of its proposal, rather than actively engaging in a two-way process, is sufficient consultation.

To state the obvious – nothing has changed.

For example, take the manner in which the NCA “consulted” on the War Memorial expansion. It asked for feedback and received 601 submissions. Did that make a difference?

Nope.

This is how the NCA operates and there are no signs that it has any problems with this patronising and insulting approach to residents.

Then there was West Basin and the

Any piece on the NCA has to include mention of its latest exercise in stupidity.

That would be the proposal to have seaplanes use Lake Burley Griffin. need for the City Renewal Authority to build a folly – a hard-edge walkway and archi-park along the foreshore.

The forlorn expectation was that the NCA would be a responsible steward and recognise the values of the foreshore’s original design, its importance as a green space, the necessity to care for the trees and the lakeside biodiversity and the list goes on. Nope. It did a land swap deal with Andrew Barr and now we watch as the lake is filled in to allow more of the former foreshore to be sold for suburban tower development.

All that the consultations achieved was more work for those who participated in the faux consultations and were insulted as their voices of opposition were sidelined and misrepresented.

And then there is the other half of the latest Andrew Barr land swap deal. The North Curtin horse paddocks were gifted to the NCA. Another revenue loss to the ACT taxpayers. The reason for the gift

The Australian War Memorial… 601 submissions on the expansion. Did that make a difference? Nope.

Photo: Paul Costigan being the urgent need for land for embassies. When will they be required?

Sometime in the future.

Other options would not have delivered the lake foreshore for development. No prior consultations necessary. But true to form, the NCA then consulted with the deal done.

They really do specialise in being condescending!

And any piece on the NCA has to include mention of its latest exercise in stupidity. That would be the proposal to have seaplanes use Lake Burley Griffin. “CityNews” reported on June 3 the reactions of the Yacht Club. Think about it. Yachts and other activities meandering all over the wa-

ters and the NCA calmly states that it’ll only take minutes to get everyone out of the way for planes to land.

And why are we even considering this with the airport just a few kilometres away? Why is the NCA considering adding noise and daily disruption to this key peaceful and beautiful asset of the national capital?

Heritage? Not considered. Should we now expect to hear from the NCA how this will fit in with the Griffins’ plan for Canberra and how having the

nuisance of seaplanes landing will add to active travel and make a useful link to the tram.

When silly proposals are put to a planning body, there should be a process of showing the proponents the door and then for everyone to be allowed to fall about laughing. Or has the NCA become so detached from reality that it is no longer an agency to be taken seriously.

In the lead up to the next federal elections, the future functions and priorities of the NCA should be a question put to all candidates running for the ACT seats. Until then, all contact with the NCA should be avoided as it is now a serious danger to the health and well-being of sensible and caring residents.

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

STAGE 4 NOW ON SALE Final 13 homes to be completed mid 2022 8 CityNews July 8-14, 2021

POLITICS / drug reform

With Zed’s poll, Canberrans look second-class ZED Seselja is a senator for the ACT. His prime role should be to look after the people of the ACT who elected him.

His predecessor, Gary Humphries, was the only Liberal Party parliamentarian during the Howard government to cross the floor to vote against his own party. He did so to ensure the people of the ACT retained the same rights as people living in the Australian states.

Senator Seselja’s latest effort is a very thinly veiled attempt to use a “survey” with a simple goal in mind.

He is seeking to get community support to have federal legislation once again override ACT legislation. In doing so, he is pre-empting the outcome of an ACT Assembly’s inquiry into MLA Michael Pettersson’s Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Bill 2021.

There is a precedent. The federal parliament has previously run roughshod over the right of the people of the ACT to make their own decisions.

In the mid-1990s their action removed the power of the ACT Assembly to legislate on the right of individuals to choose to die with dignity.

The very same parliament that had forced self-government on to the ACT then removed powers based on their

There are any number of examples on the internet of how to ask unbiased questions. Clearly, this was never the intention of Senator Seselja. own moral righteousness.

Twenty years ago the ACT and the NT were at the forefront of voluntary active euthanasia legislation when the federal parliament voted to change the Self-Government Acts to limit their powers on such matters.

Now Australian states are catching up with the territories. At the start of July, WA became yet another state to commence its Voluntary Assisted Dying Act (2019). The federal parliament has no power to override the states in such matters. By doing so to the ACT and NT in the past, it has made territory people second-class citizens.

The use of leading questions and a leading introduction are the hallmarks of the online “survey” presented by Zed Seselja. It illustrates the difference between himself and his predecessor, who prioritised the people of the ACT and was academically sound in his approach.

Humphries recognised his prime responsibility was to ensure that

Zed Seselja… The use of leading questions and a leading introduction are the hallmarks of his online “survey”. the people of the ACT, through their legislature, should be responsible for their own decisions. What a contrast with Seselja, who is seeking support to override the same rights of the people of the ACT. This “survey” is introduced with: “Keep the ACT Drug-Free. Illicit drugs like ice will be decriminalised under a plan being considered by Labor and the Greens. Please complete this short, four-question survey now to have your say”…. “They want you to think they are being ‘progressive’, but their plan is actually incredibly dangerous for Canberra families”.

There are any number of examples on the internet of how to ask unbiased

BRIEFLY

Rory has a mantra just for you...

Check in or face a big fine IT is now mandatory for Canberrans to use the CBR Check In app everywhere, says ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith.

It is compulsory for Canberrans going into any retail store, supermarket or when using public transport for any amount of time. Previously, the advice was to check in when visiting a business for more than 15 minutes. However, the minister says the new health direction takes into account the highly transmissible strains of COVID-19, which can be transmitted in less than 15 minutes. People who don’t check in to the app could face an on-the-spot fine of $1000, or up to $8000 if the case is taken to court. Businesses could face higher fines.

Amnesty for unregistered guns PEOPLE with unregistered guns or firearm-related items will be able to anonymously surrender them to police stations across Australia without being penalised. The Australian government has partnered with Crime Stoppers to launch a permanent national firearms amnesty

allowing anyone in Australia to hand in unregistered or unwanted firearms that could otherwise fall into the wrong hands.

A view of single-use plastic HELEN Oakey, executive director of the Conservation Council ACT Region, will talk about single-use plastic at the next meeting of the new Yerrabi VIEW Club, at the Eastlake Gungahlin Club, from 11.30am, Thursday, July 15. Interested ladies are welcome to attend and join members for lunch. RSVP june3@iinet.net.au by July 11.

Help for struggling venues ON-licence venues in the ACT will be allowed to sell takeaway alcohol until July 31 in an ACT government bid to help struggling businesses. This initiative was used in 2020 when more than 200 venues were given permits. The announcement comes after businesses across the ACT have been hit by a “wave of cancellations” since areas of Sydney went into lockdown last week.

Hospital cake stall and more A BAKE for Babies cake stall will be held in the main foyer of Calvary Public Hospital, Bruce, 9am-3pm, Thursday, July 22. Run by Calvary Hospital Auxiliary, organisers will have a large variety of baked goods, aprons, tea towels and jewellery for sale. Funds raised will be used for the Newborn Intensive Care Foundation to provide vital equipment for the Special Care Nursery at Calvary Hospital.

FAST NEWS FREE

FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST… FAST NEWS FIRST…

Canberra Made, PLANT -BASED, 100% Compostable packaging

SYDNEY-based Vedic meditation teacher Rory Kinsella, pictured, will host a course designed for people who work full time and have busy social schedules to learn how to meditate over four 90-minute sessions, July 17-20 in Braddon. More at rorykinsellameditation.com/courses/canberra

questions. Clearly, this was never the intention of Senator Seselja. If it was not for the introduction, his first question may have been considered less biased: “Do you think federal laws should be used to stop decriminalisation of ice and other hard drugs?”

The next three questions are blatantly biased: Do you believe the push from the left to decriminalise ice and other hard drugs is bad for families and public health outcomes?

Do you believe the push from the left to decriminalise ice and other hard drugs will lead to more violence in our community?

Do you believe it’s a bad idea, with all that we need to focus on postCOVID-19, to decriminalise hard drugs?

The conservatives in the ACT have been long opposed to drug-law reform.

The liberals in the ACT Liberal Party have had to take a back seat since the time of Kate Carnell and Gary Humphries. This move by Senator Seselja undermines the Canberra Liberals in the ACT Assembly at a time they are just starting to look less conservative.

The very first sentence of the Seselja survey tells part of the story.

“Keep the ACT Drug-Free”. In what possible sense is the ACT drug free?

Prohibition of drugs has created so many more problems than the drugs themselves. Senator Seselja wishes to use this “survey” to support an argument for more prohibition and to make territorians second-class citizens again.

The best way to defeat this sort of biased and unconscionable approach is to respond to his survey and to answer “no”, “no”, “no” and “no”. The survey is at: https://us3.list-manage.com/survey?u =d4a76a889d2ea81ae519cef95&id=0a88 453f1b&attribution=false Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health. He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.

Food for dogs, + not dog food

@ rascals-treats

RASCALSTREATS.com.au CityNews July 8-14, 2021 9

POLITICS

‘Walking with Women’ is a path leading nowhere THE Justice and Community Safety Directorate has released a paper titled: ”Walking with Women on the Pathway to Change”. It’s sub-titled: “Working together to reduce reoffending and meet the needs of women.

A framework for ACT Corrective Services”.

The release of the paper was seemingly timed to coincide with the decision to relocate women detained in the AMC from the utterly unacceptable accommodation they have been forced to endure for the last five years, in the midst of male prisoners, to the cottages that were designed specifically for women when the AMC was built.

The women were forced, five years ago, to vacate the cottages to make way for men convicted of pedophilia or other sex crimes.

Anyone interested in the management of the AMC would be aware of the recommendations made by the inspector of corrections, Mr Neil McAllister, four years ago about the unsuitability of the accommodation women were being forced to endure.

The inspector’s scarifying criticism included the following observations: “The 2017 decision to move the female detainees from the women’s community centre to a high-security, male accommodation block was at odds with the design philosophy of the AMC and recognised best practice in the care and management of women in detention.”

That respective Ministers for Corrections, Aboriginal Affairs, Women and Human Rights have benignly ignored for four years a raft of recommendations made by the inspector of corrections illustrates the low priority accorded to the needs and rehabilitation of detainees, including women, in the AMC. He also advised that the accommodation in which they were forced to reside: “Exposes women with histories of domestic and family violence or sexual assault to the possibility of re-traumatisation due either to the location, or the necessity to walk past male accommodation areas when accessing the clinic, education or visits.”

That respective Ministers for Corrections, Aboriginal Affairs, Women and Human Rights have benignly ignored for four years these and a raft of other recommendations made by the inspector illustrates the low priority accorded to the needs and rehabilitation of detainees, including women, in the AMC. The “Pathway to Change Report” is well researched, if somewhat turgid. There are, to be fair, a number of thought-provoking assertions contained in the paper. It is claimed, for example, in defence of the nonavailability of an unspecified range of specialist services in the ACT that it is due to it being “a small jurisdiction

both in land mass and population”.

It would be interesting to know which “specialist services” relevant to the management of corrective services are not available because of the claimed limited “land mass” of the territory.

I was also taken by the confident assertion of the report’s authors that: “The ACT “Building Communities not Prisons” initiative brings together a range of strength-based supports and inclusive pathways that lead to better life outcomes for people cycling in and out of custody. These include evidencebased programs focused on addressing the root causes of offending, improving sentence management, and increasing capacity for more targeted and individual service responses.”

Really? My difficulty with this raft of claims is that they are not supported in the report, as far as I can see, by a single example, statement of fact or pertinent data.

In fact, the data tells a very different story. For example the ACT is, despite the much vaunted “Building

Open every day during school holidays from 10am to 4pm – Cafe open from 10am to 3pm

257 Bannaby Road Taralga NSW 90 minutes from the heart of Canberra

Trip Advisor rating Facebook rating

0419 014 540 10 CityNews July 8-14, 2021

Communities not Prisons” initiative, experiencing the highest increase in Aboriginal incarceration in Australia; has the highest rate ratio of indigenous incarceration in Australia and Aboriginal peoples imprisoned in the ACT have the highest rate of recidivism in Australia.

How can this be? The answer is almost certainly because the ACT government has simply not done the sorts of things which this report highlights as of central importance in the rehabilitation of prisoners.

I will point to two of the most obvious examples, both of which are identified in the “Pathway” report. Firstly, the need to deal with drug and alcohol addiction, which afflicts a majority of detainees, and to ensure that detainees exiting prison have access to secure and appropriate housing.

In relation to drug rehabilitation services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples the ACT government identified this as a priority in 2007/08 and provided funding for the construction and operation of an Aboriginal-specific drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation facility.

Fourteen years on and the service still does not exist.

On the indigenous housing front, Ms Julie Tongs, CEO of Winnunga Nimmityjah, has over six years advocated strongly and repeatedly for the development of an Aboriginal-specific housing strategy and an Aboriginal community-controlled housing service.

It is notable that in June, 2017, a paper released by the government under the authority of the Minister for Housing, Ms Yvette Berry, contained the following commitment: “The government is very aware of the desire within the community to establish a local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Housing Organisation.

“The ACT government is committed to working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body and the wider community to identify opportunities to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Housing Organisation.”

It is now four years since that commitment was made and I’m not aware it has progressed in any meaningful way.

YESTERDAYS / Harmonie German Club’s 60th anniversary

The club of carpenters keeps building on its future THE towering slab of pockmarked, graffitied concrete is illuminated against its darkened backdrop by a single spotlight.

The letters “FATRE” and perhaps the numbers “5” and “7”, a cross in between, feature on one side: that which once looked west. The blemishfree other faced Soviet-occupied East Berlin – for this is a partition from that infamous “96-mile” wall that, from 1961 until 1989, surrounded and separated West Berlin.

Five years after US President Ronald Reagan encouraged his Russian counterpart Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall” in 1987, the Cold War remnant came to stand proudly in the Narrabundah car park of the Harmonie German Club, which has just celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Three years after the wall’s official demise, the segment was unveiled on October 3, German Reunification Day. Grainy newspaper photos show it adorned with considerably more graffiti.

Almost as much as the barrier itself, this was the manifestation of a city – and country – carved up among Allies and ideologies after war: an “Iron Curtain” signalling Western freedom to express, communicate, live, versus the dictatorial dystopia of Communism.

According to Harmonie Club

The Harmonie German Club’s slice of the Berlin Wall.

Photo: Nichole Overall manager Paul Berger, he’s unaware of modifications to the markings.

“I understand it to be the original graffiti and while I hadn’t seen that photo, it might simply be a reflection of how long it’s withstood the elements.”

In situ close to three decades, earlier media reports claimed uncertainty as to how this tangible fragment of time wound up in the capital.

Paul believes details may have been confused with a concurrent mystery.

The Canberra portion of what the GDR termed the “Antifascist Protection Rampart” was secured by long-serving

Do YOU have QUESTIONS about PROPERTY MANAGEMENT? We are here to make owning a rental property easy, and can save you a lot of time, stress and money!

• • • • • •

Boutique Independent Agency Experienced Personal Service (Since 2001) No Hidden Charges (One flat-rate) No lock-in contracts Private Secure Portal to log in 24/7 from anywhere A synergy of Personal Service and Innovative Technology

club president Guenther Koerner.

Over three-and-a-half metres tall, two metres wide and heavier than three tonnes, it came from near Berlin’s primary entry point, the Brandenburg Gate.

This was one of three sections to reach Australia. A Sydney residence housed one; another disappeared until 2019 when it was found tucked away in a Blacktown warehouse, significance unrecognised. It was rescued and installed at Woollahra.

The third headed down the Hume Highway for the nation’s First City to become its final place of refuge.

The story of the Harmonie Club and the refuge it provided a community far from what they knew, is similarly compelling.

Seventy years ago 150 German carpenters set down their traditional Tyrolean hats to make Canberra home. Not only for themselves – brought out by building company AV Jennings to construct 1800 or so houses in the Australian capital.

The hand-picked men were needed in the absence of enough resident qualified tradesmen.

The guns of World War II barely silenced, simmering hostility was easily stirred. A “Canberra Times” report stated: “Former Nazis were being brought into Australia as migrants.”

This “anti-German” sentiment was

raised in Parliament by Les Haylen, Labor Member for Parkes, celebrated writer, “committed socialist” – and once a Gundaroo dweller.

Dealing with such resistance plus language and cultural barriers, the strong work ethic and “outstanding technical skills and education” of the new recruits cemented their place.

The Jennings Germans, as they’d come to be known, completed their contract in two years.

They’d be joined by many from around the globe who’d contribute to one of the “civil engineering wonders of the modern world”: the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme.

And the Jennings Germans recognised the need for a little piece of their former home in the guise of a community club.

Kicked off in 1961, in an uncanny coincidence, the opening was October 3, 1964 – 26 years before that day became a German holiday symbolising unity.

“I can’t say why that particular date was selected, and I’d never made the connection, but it is remarkable given its later significance,” agrees Paul.

The club boasted a popular band and successful choir, quickly becoming the leader in Canberra’s

proliferating migrant clubs.

There’s still those who recall grooving on the auditorium’s parquetry floor to Australian music royalty, Johnny Farnham, Air Supply and AC/DC among them.

There’s another mystery as well, one he’s keen to have public help with.

A 1977 Jennings Germans reunion, attended by their boss Sir Albert V Jennings, featured a painting by Max Beer of Hughes depicting early-1950s Canberra.

“We don’t know what happened to that painting or where it went,” admits Paul.

“I was tasked with trying to track it down and I’ve searched for it extensively only to, so far, come up empty-handed. At this point, its whereabouts are unexplained.”

“If anyone has any idea, we’d really love to hear from them as it’s an important piece.”

More of Nichole’s work at anoverallview.wixsite. com/blog

A BETTER service in property management FIRST TWO MONTHS FEE-FREE (Conditions apply New clients only)

If you have questions regarding your rental home or investment property or are considering a change in service Call 02 62874577 or email info@realestateAustralia.com.au We look forward to hearing from you.

Real Estate Australia .com.au | W: realestateAustralia.com.au | E: info@realestateAustralia.com.au | P: (02) 6287 4577 | A: 39 Brierly Street, Weston, ACT 2611 CityNews July 8-14, 2021 11

LETTERS

Welcome to vegan leather, vinyl and ‘pleather’ LET me start by saying “CityNews” is great reading most of the time. So I was surprised to see Helen Musa use the absurd term “vegan leather” in her article “Car model inspires Lilli’s out-ofthe-box ideas” (CN June 24).

There is leather and there is vinyl or plastic or some other petrochemical derivative that looks like leather.

This notion of non-animal leather is preposterous; it is natural or it is a man-made chemical compound. Doesn’t sound so nice to say “chemical compound”, not “green” and fluffy, but it is accurate, non-misleading and simple, unlike the “left-leaning” vague new titles being used nowadays. People need the truth in advertising, not some wordsmiths playing with ideas to confuse people.

I went to buy a leather lounge only to find, after I paid for it, that half of it was “pleather”! What is pleather? Turned out it was vinyl sides and back and I was charged a hefty premium to upgrade to a 100 per cent leather lounge.

The use of these terms emulates the outcomes in the book “1984”, where the language was dumbed down so the Proles did not have to think and I believe the practice should be banned, particularly in a news article.

David Jones, Duffy

A moratorium could precipitate a more captivating Civic to Capital Hill route.

Briefly, it could involve the existing treelined northern road reserve of Edinburgh Avenue (serving New Acton, and the existing Parkes Way pedestrian bridge to Acton Foreshore, and Commonwealth Park); on to, say, McCoy Circuit and Liversidge Street in the ANU; along the southern shore of Acton Peninsula; across a new yacht-friendly, tram/pedestrian/bike bridge (reflecting Griffin’s missing third crossing there) to the narrowest part of Lennox Gardens; along Flynn Drive to State Circle; and on to Woden as currently planned.

Jack Kershaw, Kambah

Rates pay for the roads, too dose of dorin

Slow the tram plans across the lake THE NCA’s apparent rejection of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge for light rail stage 2 (Civic to Woden), and talk of an adjacent tram-only bridge, shows the need for a moratorium on the Civic to Capital Hill section.

An adjacent bridge would be out of character with all designs for the Central National Area, going right back to Griffin.

An in-situ replacement bridge would be

at odds with the recent Commonwealth decision to commit millions to renovate (but not for trams) the existing one – while rightly retaining its iconic bifurcated form, matching its Kings Avenue counterpart.

The current Civic to Capital Hill section has other problems, including its “stultifying orthodoxy”, the costly rearrangement of City Hill south, the destruction of the cultural landscape of Commonwealth Avenue, the imposition of property development along it, and expensive in-ground electricity.

I APPRECIATE Colin Lyons (Letters, CN June 24) went to a great deal of trouble comparing rates in Canberra and Brisbane.

However, his comparison has one very significant flaw.

In the ACT, all our major roads are paid for through our rates. In Brisbane roads (and even bridges) have tolls. It is not uncommon for Brisbane families to pay $50 or $100 a week in tolls. Of course rates in Canberra need to be a little higher as we get far more.

Canberra may not be a demi-paradise, but it is a far cheaper place to live than any other capital city in Australia.

SOME worry the government is not doing enough to reduce carbon emissions, but I’m in the other camp; I wish the government would do absolutely nothing because we would all be better off.

While Australia hobbles itself with expensive renewables to solve a miniscule emissions footprint, the world is moving to coal for reliable and cheap energy.

Literally hundreds of coal-fired power stations are being built worldwide, and in the last decade, global coal use has increased dramatically and remains the source of 40 per cent of electricity production.

If the government must do something, perhaps it could focus on the only real alternative to coal for cheap and reliable electricity generation. Nuclear.

Peter Mitchell, Tuggeranong

Sharing the land-sale disappointment I SHARE the disappointment of columnist Paul Costigan (CN June 17) over the ACT Greens’ back down over ACT Labor’s land sales.

Perhaps it is another example of their “new normal” and we should get used to it?

Noel Baxendell, Macgregor

Greg Cornwell, Yarralumla

Supply charges are ‘highway robbery’

usic, M e r o M un...

More F

IT seems to be a trend in the ACT. The rich get richer and, regardless of what government is in power, not one of them listens to what the people want.

The old saying “I’m okay, Jack; bugger you” seems to be relevant when it comes to the cost of living eg rates, electricity, gas and water.

Every utility cost seems to increase yearly, but never any improvement to warrant the increase.

Here are ours: electricity, a quarterly supply charge ($88.86); gas, quarterly supply charge ($77.93); water, quarterly supply charge ($36.53) and sewerage, quarterly supply charge ($130.26).

All of the above are every quarter on top of all usage costs. This is highway robbery!

People on really high wages can manage these costs but those on the basic wage must be finding it difficult.

We are in our eighties and on an aged pension, and we do get discounts on our usages but NOT on supply fees and not on water costs. We have to ask for such discounts and review our contract every 12 months.

Those that are unable to email or go online in these matters are stumped.

Les and Claire Eames, Higgins

THE CLASSIC BREAKFAST with Holmsey & Jen

5.30AM TO 9AM WEEKDAYS How to listen: 1053 AM DAB Radio • www.2ca.com.au Smart speakers (just say “Play 2CA”) 12 CityNews July 8-14, 2021

Leave carbon emissions alone

Considering the age of reason I HOPE that the consideration to be given to raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years gives due weight and importance to the fact that almost universally it is held that around the age of seven, give or take a year, children enter a developmental phase known as the age of reason.

“The age of reason refers to the developmental cognitive, emotional, and moral stage in which children become more capable of rational thought, have internalised a conscience, and have better capacity to control impulses (than in previous stages),” explains Dana Dorfman, PhD, psychotherapist and co-host of a US media program.

Most paediatricians agree that it is the time of life

when one begins to be able to distinguish right from wrong, and in one program segment she supports this general paediatric view, which also holds that it is the age when children begin to realise that other people have their own feelings that might not match his or hers. None of this is new – as the first known use of the term “age of reason” was in 1650AD. Colliss Parrett, Barton

Flying success of ‘green hydrogen’ IN CN June 17, I wrote about the future of electric vehicles. The latest trend in the aviation industry is aircraft with gas-turbine engines using “green hydrogen” (hydrogen produced by electrolysis with renewable energy).

According to the International Energy Agency, passenger and freight aircraft with these engines were responsible for about 3.5 per cent global total CO2 emissions in “pre-Covid” 2019. This is a significant contribution to any effort to reduce CO2 emissions to net zero by 2035. Using hydrogen as an aircraft fuel produces (of course) no CO2, just H2O (water vapour).

Another benefit of using liquid hydrogen as an aircraft fuel is its weight. Jet turbine fuel (Avtur) is 775 to 841 grams per litre (g/L); liquid hydrogen, at 71 g/L, is less than a tenth of the lightest Avtur.

Therefore, hydrogen-powered aircraft can carry much more fuel, and have a much greater potential range, than traditional gas-turbine aircraft — all with zero pollution by global-warming gases.

Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

Write to us Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au

WINTER WARMERS

advertising feature

Ideas to keep warm through the coldest months CANBERRA is notorious for its chilly winters, but why does the capital get so cold?

Compared to most major population centres in Australia, Canberra is far from the ocean, being about 600m above sea level and about 150km inland.

Due to their increased heat capacity, large bodies of water like the ocean are much warmer than soil and in turn make nearby land much warmer.

In other words, Lake Burley Griffin isn’t quite big enough to give Canberrans weather like what’s found in Sydney or Melbourne.

But, living in one of the coldest cities in Australia means there’s plenty of businesses who know how to keep people warm, and this week “CityNews” speaks to a few of them.

Renovated showroom puts double glazing products on display

The team at Frawley’s Shoes, from left, Lisa Mudge, Gillian Rumball and Antoinette Nestler.

Lisa announces month-long shoe sale SHOES are being reduced in price for the whole of July, says Frawley’s Shoes store manager Lisa Mudge.

Excited to announce the sale, Lisa says: “Everything is between 10 and 50 per cent off.”

And for people looking to keep their feet warm for the rest of the winter, she says Frawley’s Shoes sells a diverse range of footwear such as boots, slippers and walkers.

“Just some of the brands on offer include Ziera, FRANKiE4, Rieker and Remonte and we also specialise in orthotics,” she says.

For those who need help finding shoes perfect for them, Lisa says the team at Frawley’s Shoes have plenty of industry experience to share.

One of Canberra’s longest family-operated businesses, Frawley’s Shoes started with brothers Thomas and Joseph Frawley who were selling shoes from a truck in 1927 when Canberra was building Parliament House (now Old Parliament House) before establishing a store in Garema Place in 1958.

Staying in the family, brothers John and Ted Frawley took over from their dad and uncle, and now Lisa, Ted’s daughter, is the third generation family member to run the store.

“Between the staff here we have over 150 years of combined experience selling shoes,” she says.

SOLACE Creations’ newly renovated showroom displays a huge range of double glazing products that can keep homes warm this winter, says owner Karen Porter.

“We are not just focused on double glazing and all the benefits it provides, we are also focused on how to make your home more beautiful,” she says.

“A lot of our clients report they’re saving about 60 per cent of their energy bill and they draw on our expertise to custom-design windows to look great with their home.”

The longest running uPVC double glazing company in the ACT, Solace Creations has been helping Canberrans keep their homes warm in the

winter and cool in the summer for more than 15 years, says Karen.

“Our dedicated in-house installation team manage the professional installation of the new windows that are all Australian made and meet Australian standards,” she says.

“We’ve got the full service. We visit homes, do a measure and quote, take the old windows out and put the new ones in.

“For those happy to go ahead it’s usually only 4-6 weeks before they’ve got a warm, cozy home.”

Solace Creations, 17 Townsville Street, Fyshwick. Call 6260 1621 or visit solacecreations.com.au

Frawley’s Shoes, 26 Garema Place, Civic.

Call 6247 9104 or visit frawleysshoes.com.au

WINTER SALE ON NOW 10-50% OFF ALL STOCK

Hurry in before July 31 & feel the comfort of quality footwear!

26 Garema Place, Civic | 02 6247 9104 | frawleysshoes.com.au CityNews July 8-14, 2021 13

WINTER WARMERS UNDER TILE HEATING For Tiles, Marble and Stone Keep your family warm without a high cost

papheatingsolutions.com.au PHONE:

02 6242 9310

30% OF WALL SPACE IS WINDOWS & DOORS – ARE THEY INSULATED?

Save hundreds of dollars on your energy bills with double glazed windows and doors. Your home will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer – allowing natural light and warmth.

Our windows and doors are made and tested in Australia.

Visit our showroom at: 17 Townsville Street, Fyshwick or phone 6260 1621

www.solacecreations.com.au

Floor heating for any surface SPECIALISING in floor heating products and services, P.A.P. Heating Solutions says it has the experience and expertise to provide the floor heating system for any application.

From commercial to domestic buildings, the company offers a full design, quotation and installation service for in-slab heating and under-tile heating.

“No other heating system provides the all-round benefits of floor heating,” says a P.A.P. Heating Solutions spokesman.

“It is efficient to install and run and is generally maintenance free as it doesn’t require cleaning or replacement of filters.

“Floor heating is absolutely silent and is also versatile, it can be incorporated into almost any building product.

“There are floor-heating systems perfect for carpeted, tiled and polished concrete floors and many timber floors.”

P.A.P. Heating Solutions is the Australian importer, distributor and designer for ELEKTRA Heating Cables.

P.A.P. Heating Solutions, 23 Winchcombe Court, Mitchell.

Call 6242 9310 or visit papheatingsolutions.com.au

FRESH AIR AND A WARM HOME G U I L T

F R E E

Warms in winter Cools in summer Reduce energy costs Sustainable and environmentally friendly Fresh air ventilation

Learn more at

www.ecoheat.com.au 14 CityNews July 8-14, 2021

Affordable alternatives to sustainable home heating ECOHEAT’S Australian-made solar heaters are perfect for keeping the home warm in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way, says director Monica Knight.

“Canberra winters have freezing cold days, but there’s also blue skies with sunshine. Ecoheat can harness that sunshine and bring it into your house,” says Monica.

“The sun beats down on the Ecoheat panels, they amplify that heat and the system pushes that warm air into the home at a volume of 240 cubic meters an hour, which is about the volume of a three car garage.”

As Ecoheat doesn’t heavily rely on electricity or gas like other traditional heating sources, Monica says leaving it on is the equivalent to leaving a single light on.

“You can have that lovely, warm, fresh air pumping into the house all day long whether you’re home or not,” she says.

And, the team at Ecoheat makes the installation process easy from start to finish, says Monica.

“Customers can touch base with us via the website. We’ll do a suitability assessment, which takes 10 minutes over the phone, and from there our tech team will visit the house and go through all the details,” she says.

Ecoheat. Email info@ecoheataustralia.com.au or visit ecoheat.com.au

advertising feature Fire balls offer a safe alternative, says Cheryl

Podiatrist offers footwear made for comfort and style A PODIATRIST for more than 30 years, Dr Mark Clayton of NAOT of Canberra says he has the biggest range of NAOT shoes in the capital.

Mark’s been providing NAOT shoes to Canberrans for about 25 years and believes the shoes, which are ethically crafted by hand using sustainable methods and materials, are of “exceptional” quality.

A NAOT spokesperson says: “[By using] fine Italian leathers and its signature insoles, combined with advanced designs, [it] makes for an unparalleled combination of quality, fashion and comfort.

“They create a flexible and shock absorbing base that is designed to replicate the shape of someone’s foot, much like a footprint left in the sand.”

Mark says they come in many styles and colours, such as slim sizes and wide sizes, to suit the individual. “[They are] quality shoes and people who wear them keep coming back,” he says.

NAOT of Canberra, 1/151 Cowper Street, Dickson, and 1/37 Heard Street, Mawson. Call 6262 8383 or visit naotofcanberra.com.au

FOR those looking to make a statement in their outdoor entertainment area this winter, Innovative Metalworx’s custom made fire balls, a safer alternative to a fire pit, can do just that, says owner Cheryl Moulden.

Available in three different sizes, Cheryl says the fire balls are hand drawn and hand crafted.

“No two fire balls are the same, people can tell their own story on the sphere that lights up and warms an outdoor area,” she says.

“We made one for a diplomat returning to France who wanted the bush capital on it, so we included Parliament House, Telstra Tower and kangaroos.

“Another had a semi-trailer truck, dirtbikes and mountains on it for a 21st birthday present, once it’s yours you fill them up with wood and let them blaze.”

And while Innovative Metalworx sells already designed fire balls, Cheryl says they don’t charge any extra for custom designs.

She says they can also do custommade fire pits and wood holders where customers can bring their own ideas into reality.

Innovative Metalworx, unit 1, 43 Aurora Avenue, Queanbeyan. Call 6232 9207, email sales@innovativemetalworx.com.au or visit innovativemetalworx.com.au

GET A CUSTOM MADE FIREBALL! Call or email us today with your ideas

02 6232 9207 | 0428 381 932

Unit 1/43, Aurora Ave, Queanbeyan

NEW WINTER STYLES & COLOURS IN STORE NOW

of Canberra

at The Healthy Foot with Canberra’s largest range Phone: 6262

8383

naotofcanberra.com.au TWO LOCATIONS 1/151 Cowper St, DICKSON

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-12:30pm

1/37 Heard St, MAWSON

Please call to check our opening hours CityNews July 8-14, 2021 15

ALL ABOUT WODEN VALLEY

advertising feature

Thriving valley’s home to a range of services AMONG the multiple satellite cities that orbit the heart of Canberra, Woden Valley was one of the first.

The development of the district began in 1962, a year before its first residents arrived in 1963, and was planned as a series of 10 suburbs.

Hughes, Curtin, Chifley and Lyons were some of the first built.

Nearly six decades later, the thriving valley’s become home to a range of diverse businesses, a major shopping centre, and employment opportunities that serve its now 12 surrounding suburbs.

A holistic approach to treating pain

Christina’s salon has everyone leaving happy

THE team at Arthritis ACT, a nonprofit organisation that helps Canberrans with chronic pain, are proud to offer their diverse range of services from Woden, says CEO Rebecca Davey.

Taking a holistic approach to treating pain, Rebecca says their programs help people live better with chronic conditions, offering services such as hydrotherapy, tai chi, yoga, strength and balance classes, and art therapy.

“We focus on the whole Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey. person in order to get vital outcomes,” she says. impact physical pain and through “There’s physiotherapy, exercise services such as art therapy, it can physiology, disability support, meal help to start their recovery,” she says. planning and we have a nurse at our “Our fully trained therapists help Woden centre who is in a couple of individuals find and understand their days a week. triggers, so that they can be targeted “People can feel free to make an with practical treatments. appointment or drop in and see her “There is no pain that is too little or when they like.” too big for us to help you with.”

Arthritis ACT also puts an important focus on the psychoArthritis ACT, building 1, Colette Place, logical components to pain, too, says Pearce, and building 18, 170 Haydon Rebecca.

Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041, email “Sufferers don’t always understand info@arthritisact.org.au or visit the underlying trauma that can arthritisact.org.au

LOCATED in the heart of Phillip, Delta Christina has worked in both Europe and Beauty Salon strives to make people Australia and now, after opening Delta of all genders feel comfortable and Beauty Salon last year, she’s excited to bring confident in their own skin, says owner that experience into her own business.

Christina Diamanti.

“Beauty has been a passion of mine “We provide facials, advanced since I was a little girl,” says Christina. facial treatments, peels, lash and “I was born to do this job, I can’t imagine brow services, waxing, massages and doing anything else and that fire brings us body treatments, spray tans, nails and to today where I finally made my dream make-up,” she says. come true and started my own salon.

Delta Beauty Salon “We make sure every service is “Our goal is to make you feel like the owner Christina executed professionally, with up-toqueens and kings that you are.” date knowledge and we promise that Diamanti. no one leaves the salon unhappy.”

Delta Beauty Salon, 4/36-38 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call A beauty therapist for more than seven years, 0451 010587 or email beautysalondelta@gmail.com

Focused training helps prevent injury WITH physiotherapy services available centrally in Woden’s town centre, Manuka Woden Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Clinic provides Canberrans with high-quality care in a convenient location, says principal Greg Nash.

Having been a physiotherapist for nearly four decades, Greg has treated injuries across the athletic spectrum, working with social players all the way up to Olympic competitors.

“We’re right in the thick of the winter sports season, with things like football, netball and basketball going on so people should be aware of injuries,” he says.

“Part of our treatment is giving rehabilitation exercises if players are injured and recovering, but if they’re looking for some exercises to stay fit and prevent injury that’s also right up our alley.”

Greg says one of the most important factors for preventing injury is to warm up.

“You’ve got to get fit, but it has to be sport specific fitness, so you want to be doing activities as close to the sport as possible,” he says.

Manuka Woden Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Clinic, 3/48 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6281 1382 or visit manukawodenphysio.com.au

NAILS WAXING MAKEUP SPRAY TAN LASH & BROW SERVICES FACIALS & PEELS ADVANCED FACIAL TREATMENTS MASSAGES & BODY TREATMENTS FACIALS & ADVANCED SKIN TREATMENTS GIFT VOUCHERS

PHONE: 0451 010 587 BEAUTYSALONDELTA@GMAIL.COM @DELTABEAUTYSALON CORINNA CHAMBERS, 4/36-38 CORINNA ST., PHILLIP, ACT 16 CityNews July 8-14, 2021

DO YOU HAVE PAIN OR A DISABLING CONDITION? THEN IT IS TIME TO MEET OUR EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY TEAM

Gwen Estigoy

Sophie Bullock

Blake Dean

Gwen Estigoy has a passion for working for people from diverse backgrounds.

Sophie Bullock has post graduate qualifications in hydrotherapy, making her unique in Canberra.

Blake Dean is a walking encyclopaedia of exercise, with a passion for helping clients improve their mobility and decrease their pain through appropriate exercise intervention.

Gwen instructs Tai Chi for our Falls Prevention program as well as regularly supporting people to meet their exercise goals in our hydrotherapy program and within our own gyms.

Gwen works with individuals, groups, and also leads our LGBTI program.

As with all our Exercise Physiologists Gwen has a four-year university degree as well as extensive industry experience working with people with chronic pain conditions.

Full of enthusaism, Sophie is a non-sports centred Exercise Physiologist, meaning she does not have an intensive sports background herself, so she understands those who struggle with engaging in exercise due to a lack of participation in organised sport.

Sophie works with anyone needing to improve their health, whether one on one or in group exercise.

Sophie works with clients in our popular hydrotherapy program, in our gyms and through home visits, and has a passion for working with children.

Blake has been instrumental in delivering our ‘My Exercise’ program, which targets the relief of lower back pain, sciatic pain, shoulder and upper body concerns as well as leg, hip and and ankle interventions – for those who do not qualify for physiotherapy-led GLAD programs.

Blake provides individual and group exercise, including for teens and young adults with disability.

Blake can deliver programs in the clinic or through our hydrotherapy program as well as attending your gym with you.

CALL FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT – 1800 011 041 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

The treatment you want when you need it Guaranteed Continuity of Treatment with Principal

MANUKA CLINIC REOPENING SOON

Professional treatment for:• Back & Neck pain • Knee pain • Shoulder pain • Foot/Ankle pain • Conditions associated with all dance genres

WODEN – Phone: 6281 1382 MANUKA – Phone: 6295 6896 24 / 7 Service • All hours appointments available • Gregory Nash (Principal)

QUALITY CARE Our practice consists of a dedicated team of neurologists, pain specialist, allied health, neurophysiology technicians and administrative staff focused to provide a centre of excellence in outpatient neurological and chronic pain care.

- Neurology & pain consultation - Nerve conduction test - Botox - Infusions & procedures for pain

Dr Yash Gawarikar P 02 6253 0066 F 02 8330 6344 E reception@crneurologyandpain.com.au

Dr Roopa Gawarikar

WODEN VALLEY Ken Hubert and Ashilpa Khanna of Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators.

advertising feature New clinic provides comprehensive care

CANBERRA Region Neurology and Pain Centre has opened a new Woden clinic, determined to provide the best comprehensive care to Canberrans in covid times.

Dr Yash Gawarikar and Dr Roopa Gawarikar, who provide consults at two centres – one in Bruce and their new one in Woden – say their multidisciplinary centre in Woden is one of its FROM humble& beginnings as a suburban two-man practice, - neurology pain consultation kind in the ACT and NSW. Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators has grown over “The comprehensive centre [in Woden] is - nerve conduction its 32 years, but continuestest to provide a friendly service, says to serve patients by providing holistic care Ken Hubert, who started the practice with the now retired - botox from diagnosis, investigations, treatment and Geoff Capon. rehabilitation in this one centre for all neurologi- infusions & asprocedures pain in all Best-known a family lawyer, for but experienced cal and pain conditions,” they say. areas of law, Ken says the practice is now very much a team.

Dr Yash, a neurologist, and Dr Roopa, a pain “We have specialist lawyers in commercial, property and specialist, lead a dedicated team of professionals estate02 law6253 and by working Phone 0066 as a team, it allows us to offer so such as a psychologist, physiotherapist, neuromore than I could have by myself,” says Ken. physiology technician and administrative staff.

Faxmuch 02 8330 6344 “We’re friendly, approachable and, as a team, we each “We pride ourselves on our comprehensive workreception@crneurologyandpain.com.au in areas that complement each other.”

Email approach to patient care and management, There’s not much that Ken hasn’t seen or experienced, utilising evidence-based and clinical knowledge practising primarily in family law, civil law and criminal law. to deliver the best care,” they say.

He served on the professional standards committee of “All clinical and administrative staff ensure that the ACT Law Society for many years as well as the ACT Law patients are treated with respect and compassion.

Council’s Access to Justice Committee.

“Our aim is to provide individualised manageOver the years, Ken has also dedicated a lot of time to ment for each patient to optimise their condition legal aid work in Canberra’s children’s and family court. and improve their quality of life.”

As an accredited family dispute resolution provider and For new patients, Dr Yash and Dr Roopa say mediator, Ken says his approach is to find what is important they’ll need to send a GP referral to the clinic via to each party and work out a mix that deals with that. email or fax (02) 8330 6344.

“You can argue about your rights and entitlements, but at the end of the day, what’s most important to each party?”

Canberra Region Neurology and Pain Centre, units he says.

2-4, 36-38 Corinna Street, Phillip, and Mary Potter Circuit, Bruce. Call 6253 0066, email reception@ Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, first floor, 32-38 crneurologyandpain.com.au or visit Townshend Street, Phillip. Email enquiries@chsol.com.au, call crneurologyandpain.com.au 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

Practice grows into an experienced team

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

Ashilpa Khanna Wills and Estate Planning Lawyer

Daryn Griffiths Property and Commercial Solicitor

Experienced in all areas of Family Law, including adoptions. Ken is an accredited business and family mediator.

YES WE ARE OPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS For all client meetings COVID-19 adherence applies

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

Let us help to navigate the complexity of conveyancing laws in the ACT & NSW including stamp duty, identity verification, and tenancy laws.

For the best outcome when it matters how it’s done call Capon & Hubert on 6152 9203 Over

30 years

serving Canberra 18 CityNews July 8-14, 2021

First Floor, 32-38, Townshend Street, Phillip ACT

chsol.com.au | enquiries@chsol.com.au

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE

There’s only one catch

NICK OVERALL

Dancing the stories of the Great Sandy Desert

By Helen Musa

WHEN Rika Hamaguchi was a schoolgirl in Broome, she never dreamt that one day she’d be dancing and travelling the world with Bangarra Dance Theatre.

She’ll be here soon with “SandSong: Stories from the Great Sandy Desert”, Bangarra’s newest piece and its first original creation since 2018, since in 2019 they celebrated their 30th year by bringing back old works.

“SandSong”, according to co-choreographers Stephen Page and Frances Rings, was created in consultation with Wangkajunga/ Walmajarri elders from the Kimberley and Great Sandy Desert regions, and is “a glimpse into the world of the Walmajarri and Wangkajunga people from the Great Sandy Desert, who survived incredible disadvantage to keep strong a lasting cultural bedrock for future generations”.

It’s something that hasn’t been touched on yet, and for Hamaguchi, this new exploration absolutely hits the spot in terms of location – she’s from Broome.

Uniquely in the company, Hamaguchi’s ancestry is partly Japanese and she tells me, “the pearling industry is why I have such a mixed heritage, Asian-indigenous-European, with my indigenous ancestry through the Kimberley as well as around Broome and

Rika Hamaguchi and dancers, “SandSong”, Sydney Opera House. Photo: Daniel Boud inland east.”

She’s only been to Japan once, with Bangarra when they toured there, but she says it’s on the top of her list as soon as travel is possible again, because she’s “heard a lot of similarities between indigenous and traditional Japanese people in terms of culture”.

“I’m not one of those dancers who started when I was three,” she says.

“I started in high school, when there was a dance elective in the curriculum, nothing serious… but my dance teacher told me

about NAISDA [National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association] Dance College on the Central Coast of NSW and said, ‘you might as well audition’.”

It didn’t mean much to her at the time, but to her surprise she got a place, went on to do a four-year diploma course and graduated in 2014, receiving a placement into Bangarra the following year.

Hamaguchi’s first show with the company in 2015 was the double bill, “Lore”, and she’s been with them ever since.

“I’m very grateful, I can work and see the world,” she says, describing her “amazing journey”.

Since she joined, she’s been on overseas trips every year up to 2019, to Canada, Germany, Denmark, Japan, India, the US and Paris.

An avid speaker, she outlines the grand visions we’ll witness in “SandSong”, which she says is “bold and epic visually… every element, the set by Jacob Nash, the costumes by Jennifer Irwin, the lighting by Nick Schlieper, the music

by Steve Francis – all the different elements come together. It’s very big and very sensory”.

This is the first time they’ve done a work about the Kimberley.

“I feel like the way we work, there is a Bangarra vocabulary,” she says, but you can sense the difference in “SandSong”. It’s about a completely different part of Australia, which is refreshing.

“Best of all, it comes from my home place,” she says.

It is, notably, also the home place of the late Ningali Josie Lawford-Wolf, whose legacy “SandSong” honours.

One of the greatest luminaries of Aboriginal theatre, whose early role in “Ningali” was seen at Canberra’s National Festival of Australian Theatre in the 1990s, she went on to star in “Bran Nue Dae” and “The Secret River”. She died unexpectedly of asthma in 2019, during a tour to Edinburgh.

“We are pretty much paying homage

to everything Ningali’s done in her life, all the challenges she faced, especially as an indigenous person in mainstream society, everything she stood for, her morals and her beliefs,” Hamaguchi says.

She stresses that it’s not a descriptive, literal work and doesn’t follow Ningali’s life specifically, “but it’s about where she’s from… it’s the right time”.

Ningali came from the Great Sandy Desert, where between the 1920s and 1960s, Aboriginal people were removed off country and forced into hard labour on cattle stations.

Her people were removed to Fitzroy Crossing, where she grew up, but she had a lot to do with Broome too, Hamaguchi says.

“Ningali and my mum were the same age and knew each other at school,” she says. “‘SandSong’ gives an opportunity to bring in the question of country, sacred places and also the displacement when you’re off-country and how that affects people, particularly the situation of elders taken away 40 years ago who still know the details of the place they’ve come from.”

It’s by no means a narrative, and while Hamaguchi plays a person linking each section, she emphasises that this is an ensemble work and not about her.

Bangarra Dance Theatre, “SandSong: Stories from the Great Sandy Desert”, Canberra Theatre, July 15-17, book at canberratheatrecentre.com.au or call 6275 2700.

ARTS IN THE CITY

Potter in 70 silly minutes “POTTED Potter” condenses all seven “Harry Potter” books and a real-life game of Quidditch into 70 silly minutes. There’ll be favourite characters, a fire-breathing dragon, endless costumes, songs, props and magic, performed by New Zealand actors Adam Brown and Tama Jarman. Canberra Playhouse, July 13-18, social distancing and mask rules will apply. Book at canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

MORE than 35 artists have been announced for the National Gallery of Australia’s fourth First Nations art triennial, “Ceremony”, to open on November 6. Hetti Perkins, the NGA’s senior curator-at-large says, “Ceremonies are perceived as traditional and historical, yet, in fact, the ceremonial act… is an important part of everyday life”. Both Matilda House and Paul House are included as Ngambri-Ngunnawal artists.

MUSIC for Canberra has secured $15,000 in funding from EventsACT for “Music on the Move”, simultaneous concerts across multiple locations which will bring music into residential facilities of the vulnerable in Canberra, scheduled as a mid-afternoon activity on Sunday, August 29.

New Zealand actors Adam Brown and Tama Jarman in “Potted Potter”… Canberra Playhouse, July 13-18. outgoing director, Alan Cumming, whose recent festival featured more than 180 artists performing over 12 days and nights with 44 sold out performances. Arena’s appointment bears similarities to that of Kate Ceberano, who directed the event for three years.

the Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah, from 7.30pm to 9pm on Monday, July 12. No audition is required.

Inquiries to canberramenschoir@ gmail.com

CANBERRA Men’s Choir is inviting men to come along and experience the singing, the camaraderie and the jokes in an open rehearsal at

ADELAIDE Festival Centre has announced pop diva Tina Arena as artistic director for the 2022 Adelaide Cabaret Festival, succeeding CityNews July 8-14, 2021 19

CINEMA / reviews

Weird plant movie throws back to the Triffids “Little Joe” (M) THE literary influences driving writer (in collaboration with Geraldine Bajard) and director Jessica Hausner to create this sci-fi fantasy movie might possibly go back as far as HG Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” (1897) and later John Wyndham’s “The Day of the Triffids” (1951).

The plot unfolds in a British plantbreeding establishment where single mother Alice (Emily Beecham, who won Best Actress at Cannes for the role) has a reputation for scientific rigour. A new breed of plant is claiming much of her attention – single stem, no leaves, bright red flower with feathery petals. Her adolescent son Joe (Kit Connor) likes it. So she calls it “Little Joe”.

Little Joe has unusual characteristics. It may (not yet proven) respond to human voices. As its bud (one only per plant) gets ready to burst into full bloom, it exhales a powdery cloud of something affecting the behaviour of humans who breathe it in.

While Bella (Kerry Fox) is failing at creating a hardy plant capable of surviving weeks of undernourishment and neglect, Alice and her team have successfully created a flower that requires more care than an ordinary plant, but which makes their owners happy.

As the hook from which the movie’s plot hangs, a plant with these capabilities may be botanically questionable. Its people are credible. Alice and Joe deal with family issues and workplace conflicts. Bella suicides. Chris (Ben Whishaw) tells Alice that

do and the skills they need to have.

Anne isn’t beautiful and her behaviour is often peremptory, intolerant, demanding, useful traits for a character in a difficult profession. Devos delivers them with a subtle skill that makes the relationship with Favre difficult yet optimistic. Another reason is the credibility with which the script delivers them. Those are the fundamental reasons for rating “Perfumes” as a four stars film. If you read “CityNews” film reviews regularly, you may have noticed the emphasis I put on credibility. I make no apology for that.

At Dendy and Palace Electric

“Herself” (MA)

Emily Beecham and Ben Whishaw in “Little Joe”. he thinks he loves her. Sounds to me like a poor prospect for a relationship.

But by and large, people and plants together deliver sci-fi fantasy that works rather more convincingly than any ugly, vicious extra-terrestrial impossibility created on a computer.

At Dendy

“Perfumes” (M) PERFUMERS, referred to as “noses” in the smelling business, have natural aptitude for scent, formalised by training that can take seven years or more to complete.

For his second feature film, French writer/director Grégory Magne has

Internal and external painting services for residential and commercial properties.

Free quotes and seniors discount available.

created a character whose career as a nose has reduced her to working with smelly industries to improve their public image.

Today, Anne Walberg (Emmanuelle Devos) needs a chauffeur to drive her to a factory. And chauffeur Guillaume Favre (Gregory Montel) is desperate to get work for his diesel Mercedes limousine so that he can convince the court to give him reasonable access to his 10-year-old daughter Léa (Zélie Rixhon).

You might be forgiven for assuming that “Perfumes” is going to be a romantic potboiler.

That would be half correct. There’s been no time for romance in Anne’s life. Favre has other priorities.

The other half is an informed, complex but easily-assimilable, explanation of what noses

DOMESTIC violence. Nasty behaviour. How about making a movie about it? Not so brutal as to be sickening. Not even as a polemic.

But gutsy enough to be worthwhile for the audience.

Who’s to make it? How about Phyllida Lloyd to direct? Why not? Okay. Who to write it? Clare Dunne might have a go, with Malcolm Campbell to help. Okay. And Clare’s an actress. She could play domestic violence victim Sandra.

Where will we set it? Why not Dublin? Yep. Lots of talented Irish performers to cast in it.

What about good bits? Let’s give Sandra

ABN: 39617453237

sundayROAST Talking to the names making news.

Join the ‘CityNews’ editor and 2CC personalities Sundays, 9am-noon.

IAN

MEIKLE 20 CityNews July 8-14, 2021

At Dendy and Palace Electric

WATCH IT! / streaming and stuff

Crazy maybe, but there’s only one ‘Catch’ JOSEPH Heller’s 1961 anti-war novel “Catch-22” is where the term for a paradoxical situation without solution first appeared, and with a modern adaptation streaming on Stan, it once again proves itself as a story for our times.

Phone 0451 031 550 info@taqwapainting.com.au

two small daughters. She can brief the elder about what to do if Sandra’s husband Gary (Ian Lloyd Anderson) gives her a beating. The younger can watch the beating from hiding.

Both those kids need to be credible actors.

Does Gary have a reason for beating Sandra? No. He just does it then makes up a reason if anybody asks.

Who will help Sandra when the beating’s over? Harriet Walter would be good as Dr Peggy who employed Sandra’s late mother as a cleaner. Dr Peggy has a block of land where Sandra could build herself a little house when Sandra decides that sleeping rough has to stop. There’s this actor Conleth Hill, never been in a movie before, who could play the civil engineer who’ll guide Sandra when she decides that she’s going to build it herself.

Any really nasty bits to give the movie some bite? You bet there is. Let’s throw a spanner in the works when the team is partying in Peggy’s house to celebrate finishing Sandra’s house. What’s the worst thing that can happen to a new timber building?

Righto, we’ve worked out what the movie’s going to be about and how to make it happen. Let’s get on with making it.

The plot explores the ever contradictory nature of life through the eyes of Yossarian, a US bombardier desperate to escape the madness of World War II. The original “catch-22” situation comes from Yossarian’s attempt to plead insanity so that he can escape his horrific flying missions. But, if someone wishes to escape the insanity of war, they must in fact be sane in the first place and therefore cannot plead insanity.

Tad maddening just trying to get one’s head around it.

The novel took its ‘60s audience by storm and is often referred to as one of the greatest books of all time.

For a modern audience, Stan has a six-part mini series that includes talent such as George Clooney, Hugh Laurie and Kyle Chandler in some of the show’s authoritative roles, and up-andcoming Christopher Abbott as Yossarian.

Equally impressive is the production. With some big-budget, modern effects it’s able to capture the atmosphere of the novel in a realistic and confronting way.

Many may be more familiar with the film version of “Catch-22” from 1970, one I unfortunately couldn’t track down as part of any streaming platform subscription.

But Heller’s novel was always low-hanging

“Catch-22”... from left, Yossarian (Christopher Abbott), Clevinger (Pico Alexander) and Scheisskopf (George Clooney). fruit for a television adaptation.

The book is an absurd string of stories and characters. One chapter is a breakdown of how a soldier could feasibly be named “Major Major Major Major”, another has Yossarian frazzled as to why millions of people who don’t know him wish to kill him.

That quirky, almost anthological structure lends itself to a television format of storytelling near perfectly.

With six episodes in hand, it offers a chance to explore the vision of the novel in new detail, and while the show might not live up to the cleverness of its source material, it certainly goes a long way.

Heller wrote the book following his own service as a bombardier in World War II, an experience described as leaving him a “tortured,

funny, deeply peculiar human being.”

Indeed, the story flicks between the horrific and the hilarious so rapidly that it can be exasperating.

Amongst these horrors of war the characters remark on the irony and senselessness of it all, but embedded in these jokes is a layer of existentialism, a questioning of the absurd nature of the world that puts them in these absurd situations.

It is a hilarious, often ridiculous plot, but through laughter it’s able to paint a more vivid picture of this fractured world they inhabit.

It’s an astute example of the utility of humour in hard times, and one we can think about in our covid era as well.

Whether it be a video of a zoom call gone horribly wrong, reflection on the toilet-paper stampedes, or one of the many cartoons published day in, day out, there’s a fascination with the funny side of our strange situation.

That’s not to call the pandemic a laughing matter or detract from the seriousness of the situation or even to equate it to the extremities of World War II. Rather, “Catch-22” highlights that our sense of humour is often part of what helps us push through to the other side of a hard situation.

Heller’s satire not only helped him better rationalise the horrors of war, it was able to help a generation better rationalise them, too, and leave them better off for it.

I think it’s something for us to think about in the “Catch-22” of covid we find ourselves in.

DINING / ILY, NewActon

Food that truly makes the heart go pitter patter

By Wendy

JOHNSON “I LOVE YOU”. That’s what ILY stands for and the food truly makes your heart go pitter patter.

In NewActon, ILY has created a look that’s cool, contemporary, light and bright. Even the staff uniforms feature a soft pink.

We rocked up for lunch and while the menu is compact (six dishes), it’s intriguing, with the food focused squarely on simplicity and the wine list carefully chosen. The menu is designed around sharing, if that’s your preference.

Kent Nhan (co-founder and manager of both ILY and XO in Narrabundah) was on deck on our visit and more than happy to chat about food and wine. Award-winning former Biota Dining (Bowral) chef Tim West heads the team in the kitchen. Kind of says a lot about the quality of food…

We shared the special soup of the day ($15),

Pumpkin soup… slightly spicy, comforting, thick and a Crumbed whiting… a winner of a dish, served with a classic pumpkin flavour bomb.

Photos: Wendy Johnson French gribiche sauce that had kick. pumpkin made with coconut and puffed rice.

The slightly spicy soup was comforting, thick and a pumpkin flavour bomb. The rice added both a visual and textural element.

The second dish we shared – because we were so curious more than starving – was the coronation chickpea, a mega mound of

chickpeas on rye with mixed leaves and addictive kettle crisps ($20). This open-style sandwich was also a powerhouse of flavours and left just a slight aftertaste on the palette, which was pleasing indeed.

My eye caught mention of “miso mushroom gravy” with the steak frites ($28). It was

a stunner with the miso making its presence known but not overpowering the steak. The rump cap was cooked to perfection and the thin fries were piping hot and seasoned “just so”. At first we thought the gravy looked a bit gluggy but it was velvety, smooth and the right consistency. We want the recipe!

My friend was attracted to the crumbed whiting ($15), another winner of a dish, served with a classic French gribiche sauce that had kick and inspired us to experiment making it at home. The crumb wasn’t heavy and the salad simple yet delicious. The whiting was sweet and delicate.

The wine list is carefully curated and ILY offers five whites and five reds by the glass.

We accepted the recommendation to try the Clonakilla Viognier (2020) and worshipped every sip ($70 bottle). ILY has loads of love for Australian wines, including a 2015 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz from good old Barossa Valley, which sells for $300 a bottle.

The drink menu also features mocktails, cocktails, whiskeys, brandy, sticky and port.

A super range of teas are available and ILY takes its coffee seriously.

ILY is the former Morning Glory. Same creative smarts behind the operations… simply new surprises.

Breakfast is weekdays 7am-11.30am and all day on weekends. Lunch, 11.45am-2pm.

Dinner, Thursday to Sunday, 6pm-10pm.

MUSIC

Newell’s back on the road with the Tenors CANBERRA singer Jared Newell is in the middle of a mammoth 22-city tour with The Ten Tenors, including at the Canberra Theatre later in July, when I catch up with him by phone to Brisbane.

He’s been with the group for 10 years, spending eight to nine months of every year on the road, touring more than 20 countries and performing more than 1,000 shows.

The son-in-law of legendary Canberra ballet teacher Lisa Clark, if Newell’s not travelling, he’s running his own thriving vocal teaching business out of her Hume studios.

He met his wife in Melbourne when they were singing together, but says the move to Canberra in 2019, in light of his travelling commission commitments, “just made sense… I love it, it’s been an interesting move for me”.

Although normally he doesn’t have much time to work on local shows, covid stepped in when the tenors said “adios” to each other in Brazil on March 17 last year, meaning he was grounded for a time. He was cast in Canberra Philharmonic Society’s production of “Jersey Boys”, where he played the Four Seasons’ lead singer, Frankie Valli.

It was only the accident of covid, he says, that allowed him to play the role of Valli, as normally it would have been too much of a commitment, but it proved an irresistible opportunity.

“I thought to myself, ‘I’ll take the side benefits, though they had to bend the rules to let me play Frankie Valli, because I’m 6ft tall [Valli was 5ft 7in]”.

But now that touring around the country has freed up – for most destinations – he’s on the road again.

It’s the group’s 25th anniversary tour, with a hugely successful formula of a mixture of opera, light popular music, show tunes, Neapolitan folk music, the Beatles and a touch of Broadway.

The song list will feature all the favourites, including “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Hallelujah”, the “Pearl Fishers” duet, “Funiculì, Funiculà”, “Nessun Dorma” and, a highlight to Newell,

“Bring Him Home” from “Les Miserables”.

Although he’s now a successful singing teacher, Newell enjoyed limited voice training when he was young in Perth and often wishes he’d had more of it.

“I was in church choirs and musicals like ‘Oliver’, ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘Guys and Dolls’, ‘Sweet Charity’ and ‘Les Miserables’… I did get some classical training as a teacher and I was always surrounded by mentors giving me informal training,” he says.

“But it wasn’t until I was 20 that I thought, ‘this is my path’, and I didn’t really start singing properly until the age of 27.”

It saddens him to think of young people turning 18 and starting to destroy their voices and says, “I was lucky, singing came to me at the right time”.

In 2008, a year after getting into professional productions of “Hair” and “Rent” in Perth, he moved to the University of Ballarat to study music theatre then on graduating in 2010, he was cast in the Australasian Premiere of “It’s Only Life”, before joining the Ten Tenors in 2011.

Running a singing school within a dance school is an eye-opener to him, because ballet and modern dance make very different demands than those for a singer and often performers these days need to do both, and maybe even act too.

“Ballet dancers may be looking after other parts of their bodies but a singing teacher tells you, ‘look after your voice’, he says.

He believes it’s possible to combine a professional life with teaching, and says that if students have competitions coming up, he’ll use FaceTime or other technologies to run their warm-ups and do breathing exercises with them – “I want to be there for them”.

“Every student I take on, I’ll let them know that as well as being a singing teacher I’m a performer,” Newell says.

“I see it as a benefit, I don’t mislead people… Every single one is happy and most are coming to see the show.”

The Ten Tenors, Canberra Theatre, 2pm and 7pm, Canberra singer Jared Newell… “Every student I take on, I’ll let them know that as well as being Sunday, July 18, bookings at canberratheatrea singing teacher I’m a performer.” centre.com.au or 6275 2700.

Annual exhibition of AIM - Art in Miniature, Canberra 7 July to 15 August 2021

Mon to Friday 9am to 5pm Sat and Sunday 10am to 4pm The Link Ginninderry 1 McClymont Way Strathnairn ACT Phone: 1800 316 900 www.artinminiature.worpress.com

CONVERSION SERVICE Would you like to watch those old family videos once again, or listen to your favourite SLIDES TO records on CD? D NOW DV

We can take your AVAILABLE PRICE ON vinyl records or APPLICATION cassette tapes and put them onto CD and we transfer VHS tapes onto DVD.

OPEN 7 DAYS Cooleman Court, Weston Creek | 6293 4677 | songland.com.au CityNews July 8-14, 2021 21

ROOF MAINTENANCE

PUZZLES PAGE

FREE PUZZLES EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au

Your week in the stars

General knowledge crossword No. 789

By Joanne Madeline Moore

• OLD TO NEW GUTTER & FASCIA REPLACEMENT • LEAK & ROOF REPAIRS • SKYLIGHTS • VERANDAS & PATIO ROOFS • GUTTER GUARD

ISL

HOME MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS PTY LTD

CALL RORY ON 0431 556 307

OR EMAIL RORYMARTENS13@GMAIL.COM

July 12-18, 2021

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

With the Sun and Pluto at odds, your bossy side is likely to take over (especially at home or work). If you sweat the small stuff, then you’ll end up feeling tired and emotional by the end of the week. Perhaps it’s time to de-stress, as you sample a session of meditation or a spot of yoga? You might just enjoy it! Plus pay close attention to the messages in your nightly dreams. Are they trying to tell you something? Thursday is fabulous for love and lashings of romance.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

The intensity levels ratchet up this week, as Pluto opposes the Sun. Issues involving relatives, neighbours, travel, education, religion or social media could be particularly fraught. Jealous thoughts and possessive behaviour are also a danger.

If you’re not careful, then you could find yourself embroiled in a fiery argument or a frustrating power struggle. Smart Bulls will step back, calm down and gain some much-needed perspective. On Thursday, make a wish and follow your dreams.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

KNOW SOMEONE LOOKING FOR WORK? We are hiring Insulation Installers

Jupiter and Neptune broaden workplace options. And your ambitious aspirations have a very good chance of manifesting, but you must be proactive and selective.

So your motto for the moment is from birthday great, actor Harrison Ford: “To me, success is choice and opportunity.” But you could become unsettled about a situation involving money matters or trust issues. So avoid making long-term decisions until you can view the situation from a more objective perspective.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

With the Sun and Mercury in your sign you’ve got energy to burn, so make sure you channel it into productive and worthwhile pursuits. Mental activities and communication are favoured on Monday and Tuesday, when you’ll pick up information with lightning speed. But don’t allow a loved one to manipulate you on the weekend, when they try to persuade you to do something against your better judgement.

Have the emotional strength (and common sense) to stand your ground and say no.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

If you know a friendly, hard working individual who loves being part of an awesome team and isn't afraid to get their hands dirty, we have a job for them.

alexanderwatson.com.au/jobs Ph: 6181 2750

With Venus and Mars both visiting your sign, you’re in the mood to mix and mingle; text and tweet; socialise and circulate. But will other people be happy to hear what you’ve got to say? Saturday and Sunday’s tempestuous stars highlight your inclination to jealous, possessive or overbearing behaviour. So do your best to loosen your intense grip on a loved one Leo, otherwise you’ll just drive them away with your dramatic pronouncements and demanding diva-like antics.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Relations with a child, teenager or friend will be strained and the more you try to organise them, the worse things will be. So avoid getting drawn into pointless power-plays. The best way you can help loved ones is to support them in practical ways, as they pursue their ambitions and follow their dreams. Criticism is out, and encouragement is in! With Venus and Mars visiting your spiritual and solitude zone, it’s time to de-stress as you meditate, contemplate and recalibrate.

Down

1 Name a renowned film actor, Mia ... (6) 8 Which military unit of ground forces is commanded by a lieutenant colonel? (8) 9 Who sailed solo around the world in 1987-88, Kay ...? (6) 10 What is an eager desire for distinction, fame, etc?

(8) 11 What is a baby swan called? (6) 12 What was the former name of the Murray River? (4) 13 How many athletic contests comprise a heptathlon? (5) 16 Name particular trigonometric functions. (5) 19 What is impetuous ardour known as? (4) 21 What is an edible marine bivalve mollusc? (6) 22 To be sharper at one end, is to be what? (8) 23 Cricket bats are traditionally made from which wood? (6) 24 What is morbid self-conceit? (8) 25 Which term implies being more distant, or farther?

(6)

2 Which term describes an altar attendant of minor rank? (7) 3 What is a body of retainers in attendance upon an important personage? (7) 4 Name a circular band of flowers left at a grave, etc. (6) 5 Which figures of speech directly express resemblances of some things to other things? (7) 6 What is an alternative name for a dictionary? (7) 7 What are groups of lines of verse, commonly four or more in number? (7) 13 Which term designates the ship’s captain? (7) 14 What is the flesh of a deer? (7) 15 To refrain from taking part in a war, is to remain what? (7) 17 Which protein hormone maintains the balance of glucose metabolism? (7) 18 What is something unpleasant to look at? (7) 20 Which European kingdom is bordered by Sweden, Finland and Russia? (6)

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Venus (your patron planet) and Mars are both visiting your hopes-and-wishes zone.

So you’re keen to recharge your run-down batteries, make plans for the present and ponder your future. But avoid overcrowding your busy schedule, overcommitting your time and making promises you can’t keep. And don’t worry about making mistakes. As birthday great Arianna Huffington observes: “The things that go wrong are often the very things that lead to other things going right.”

Solution next edition

Across

FREE SUDOKU EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au

Sudoku medium No. 295

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

This week’s stars boost your personal magnetism – and your manipulative side.

Pluto gives you an energy surge that increases your desire to be in charge. But, if you want to avoid unnecessary power struggles and unpleasant dramas, then stop trying to control others. You can be powerful and passionate – or compulsive and controlling. If you’re a smart Scorpio, then you’ll choose the path of least resistance as you channel your energy in positive and proactive ways.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Restless Sagittarius – ‘Keep moving forward and don’t look back’ is your current motto. You’re keen to call the shots this week, but bossy behaviour will only lead to dramas and confrontation. So slip on your humility hat instead. Attached Archers – listen (carefully) to what your partner is saying. Jumping to conclusions is definitely not recommended. Sick and tired of being single? You could be bitten by the love bug while studying or travelling. What a way to go!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

A Family Business: 55 years experience

Southlands Shopping Centre – Mawson (about 50 metres South of the Post Office) 0408 310 063 Your Precious ‘Old’ Jewellery - well it used to be... now maybe... It’s just old - and a bit worn out, or costs too much to fix... probably never be worn again...

You keep the memories - perhaps, we could buy the goods?

22 CityNews July 8-14, 2021

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

This week you’ll be given the chance to heal an old emotional wound or patch up a relationship problem. Don’t let false Piscean pride stop you from taking a leap forward when it comes to love and forgiveness. Accept the opportunity gratefully, with outstretched hands and an open heart. Personal projects and close friendships are particularly favoured on Thursday, when the Sun and Neptune encourage you to be friendly and free-spirited; creative and kind.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2021

Solution next edition

Solutions – July 1 edition Sudoku hard No. 294

Advance Jewellers

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Bohemian Aquarians are free spirits and you could go missing in action this week, as the planetary patterns boost your tendency to detach or run away from difficult situations. Heading for the hills or escaping into a private fantasy land seems appealing but the current problems will still be waiting for you when you return.

So you need to get the balance right between dealing with daily challenges when they occur, and retreating into your own wild and wacky inner world.

Crossword No. 788

Restorations - Repairs - Remakes - Re-Setting Ring Re-sizing - 48hr Service Custom Design - for something Special Pearl and Bead Re-Threading and Knotting

This week (courtesy of potent Pluto) an obstacle could be placed in your path or you could be drawn into a power struggle with someone. Which may lead to a perceived problem or failure. That’s okay Capricorn! Sometimes hurdles help us slow down and see the path ahead more clearly, and then we can tweak our plans. So your motto is from birthday great, writer and businesswoman Arianna Huffington: “Failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.”

GARDENING

It’s the first winter for our new baby, C.Coum.

A great ground cover, but Viola labradorica can be a bit too vigorous at times.

Flowers galore thanks to the rain IT’S hard to ignore all the rain we’ve received in the past few weeks – fair to say it’s going to be a terrific spring.

The rain soaks deep into the soil for the most benefit, especially for trees and shrubs. This also helps the flowering winter perennials, so let’s have a look at some of these. It’s surprising how many plants flower in winter.

I simply adore the cyclamen family. Most will be familiar with the deep pink C. Persicum that’s flooding every garden centre and florist shop, and which makes an ideal hanging basket plant.

I love C. Coum, in flower at present, which is perfect as a small ground cover for its marbled leaves and tiny, pale-pink flowers. It will easily spread to 30-40cm. Mine was kindly given to me by a friend, Greg, a plant collector supremo, and this is its first winter. Another variety for ground cover is the ivy-leaved C. Hederifolium, again for its marbled ivy leaves (Hedera is the botanical name for ivy). These are native from Turkey to Lebanon and Syria.

There are numerous other perennials with marble leaves, such as Pulmonaria “Electric Blue”.

It flowers from late winter through to late spring with its stunning blue flowers. This is ideal for shady areas and I have planted a group of five that truly look perfect. It is low-growing, just 30cm high with a spread of 50cm.

Another great ground cover, although at times can be a bit too vigorous, is Viola labradorica, just one of a family of more than 95 violas. Common names include American dog violet or Alpine vio-

let. It may surprise readers to find out it’s a native of Greenland. In geological terms, the country being all ice and snow is a relatively recent occurrence. For thousands of years, Greenland was occupied by the Vikings, living and grazing their cattle with a wide range of plants.

This viola is covered with tiny mauve and violet flowers in spring, with attractive purple bordering on black leaves. It can be a little bit too vigorous and self-seeds readily. I planted it near a border alongside a path edged with mondo grass. Once it gets into this, it’s almost impossible to separate the two of them. Maybe you can learn from my mistake, but it certainly is an excellent ground cover of 5-10cm high with a spread of 15-20cm. When in flower, it’s a most attractive plant and perfect for pots.

SOMETIMES one gets into a habit and visits only one nursery, which is a mistake. I have a collection of nearly 20 varieties of daphne plants, and get quite excited when I find another to add to my collection. My favourite nursery for daphne is Mount Wilson in the Blue Mountains, which has unfortunately closed. However I found another variety to add to my collection almost right at my back door, in Greengold at Federation Square.

Daphne “Scent of Summer”, a tantalising name, an evergreen variety growing to about 1.2 metres high and with a 1.5 metre spread. Here is an idea that I have never seen put into practice – has

any reader used daphne plants as a hedge? Can you imagine the magnificent fragrance of such a hedge leading up to the front door? Believe it or not, there are in excess of 200 varieties of daphne. Obviously, I have a long way to go.

WITH the present weather conditions, it is still a good time to plant deciduous plants; many are budding up ready for a super spring floral festival. Whilst they won’t be in flower now, at least one can look at the labels. Don’t miss this opportunity.

I AM a regular reader of the weekly UK-based “Country Life” magazine, and get a copy from our excellent libraries. There are heaps of great garden articles but I must just mention one. With all the problems of covid and venues not having an audience, the Liceu Opera House in Barcelona, Spain, in June 2020 hosted a full house with a difference. Folk could watch online, but the UceLi Quartet performed Puccini before an audience of 2,292 pot plants in the auditorium! Google it to see the amazing picture.

Chris’ Trees • Tree pruning • Tree removal • Tree maintenance • Tree lowering • Hedge lowering • Gutters

$200

minimum charge*

‘‘Lights on, drive safe’’ MAXIMUM IMPACT!

Text or call 0468 695 561 Email cgsact@gmail.com Find me on gumtree.com.au

Insured – AAMI Business Insurance

*Competitive quotes

Aged Composted Horse Manure • Pick up by the bag $7 each • Pick up by the trailer load $40 per trailer • We deliver truck loads

7 BELTANA ROAD, PIALLIGO Any queries phone Ivan 0413 949 900

Foodcube Wicking Garden Beds In Stock Now! Shop Aquaflo 02 6179 3977 admin@aquafloirrigation.com.au www.aquafloirrigation.com.au

4/23 Essington Street, Mitchell

PUMPS – TANKS – IRRIGATION – FILTRATION SERVICE - INSTALLATION - REPAIRS - SUPPLIES - PUMPS/BORE PUMPS - TANKS AUTOMATED SYSTEMS - TRENCHING, STOCK THROUGHS AND MUCH MORE!

Even the magpies think it’s real…

Synthetic grass stays green all year round Australian made for Australian climate standards Family owned business - 15 years experience Easy low maintenance & water free Up to 15 years warranty from manufacture & 8 years commercial use We do Landscaping and paving too!

For a FREE measure & quote

call David 0410 682 457 or Nancy 0410 081 771

Keeping it green.com.au The synthetic grass solution

CityNews July 8-14, 2021 23

One person’s loss is another’s gain!

Jamala Wildlife Lodge was virtually fully booked from September last year until September this year! The recent outbreak in Sydney has resulted in a number of short-term booking deferrals, freeing up some rooms. This is an ideal opportunity for residents of Canberra and surrounds to get a quick booking and to give you a further incentive, for the next week we will apply the following to any rooms booked in the 7-day period from the booking date:

20% discount!!

Check availability on our website shown below, but you need to ring Jamala on 62878444 to get the discount!

Jungle Bungalow

@jamalalodge @jamalawildlifelodge

Jamala Dining

02 6287 8444 | www.jamala.com.au info@jamalawildlifelodge.com.au Canberra, AUSTRALIA