CityNews 211104

WHEN IT COMES TO DEBT… NO ONE BEATS THE ACT JON STANHOPE and KAHLID AHMED put the Barr government’s profligacy into perspective NOVEMBER 4, 2021

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INNERS

Who benefits from the Trojan Tram going south?

PAUL COSTIGAN

KEEPING UP THE ACT Meet the Minister for Highway Robbery

Kim’s for Canberra

… but will Canberra be for Kim, asks BELINDA STRAHORN

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NEWS / eating disorders

Battling dad shines a light on a ‘broken system’

By Belinda

STRAHORN A CANBERRA dad who’s watched his daughter battle with anorexia nervosa, is renewing calls for improved services for eating disorders in the ACT. David Quilty, 58, says Canberra is in desperate need of an acute in-patient facility for adults suffering with an eating disorder.

With no specialist in-patient services for people living with eating disorders in the ACT, and community-based eating disorder services “overstretched”, Mr Quilty says many families have “no choice” but to travel interstate for help.

“There are no specialist adult public or private eating disorder beds in Canberra and general medical and mental health wards lack the skills or resources needed,” says Mr Quilty.

“The community-based Eating Disorders Program is overstretched and it’s near impossible to see a psychiatrist in Canberra.

“Many have no choice but to take their loved ones to Sydney for treatment, an option made harder by covid, or they struggle on with little support.

INDEX

“A light needs to be shone on a broken system that is causing such pain and anguish for Canberra families.”

Mr Quilty, who acts as the ACTbased director of the support group Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA), says his calls for an acute in-patient facility are motivated by his desire to ensure that other young people – like his daughter – don’t needlessly suffer because services are not as available for young adults.

“If you are under age you can get help through the children’s and adolescent ward at the Canberra Hospital, but if you are an adult in Canberra aged 18 or older there are no beds that specialise in eating disorders in the public or the private system,” Mr Quilty says.

“At the moment if you are an adult with an eating disorder you might end up in hospital and be treated for the mental or physical results of the eating disorder, but there’s little or no treatment of the actual disorder, so you just go around in circles.

“There needs to be a dedicated specialised eating disorder in-patient facility within a hospital with specialised dietitians, psychologists and psychiatrists, to make sure that people who need acute care can get it.”

A $2.2 million ACT governmentfunded clinical hub for eating disorders is due to be in operation next financial year.

David Quilty… “Lockdown and restrictions have made it especially hard for people to get the treatment they need. It’s not good.”

There are also plans for a $13.5 million residential eating disorder centre, promised in 2019, with funds available this financial year.

The ACT government has been tasked with finding a location in Canberra for the residential service and designing a model of care, but it’s yet to be established.

“It hasn’t been built yet,” Mr Quilty says.

“Whilst a facility like this will be good for people who are stable and

need some support, the facility is not for people with an eating disorder that need acute care.

“And the other issue is how do you ever get to the residential facility if you can’t get the right support in an acute setting.”

According to the eating disorder charity Butterfly Foundation, around a million people are currently affected by eating disorders.

Data from the National Mental Health Commission shows a 25 to

50 per cent surge in the number of people being treated for eating disorders across the country, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Eating disorders are challenging and deadly,” says Mr Quilty.

“Lockdown and restrictions have made it especially hard for people to get the treatment they need. It’s not good.”

Mr Quilty says caring for a loved one with an eating disorder can be a difficult and often lonely journey.

“My daughter, who is a young adult, is still very sick, and has struggled for many years,” Mr Quilty says.

“For someone who has an eating disorder it basically takes over and rules their life and it can have a terrible impact on the sufferer’s family.

“My wife had a very good job and she had to give it up for four years.”

But organisations such as EDFA – a group set up by parents who have cared for young people with an eating disorder – are there to help, Mr Quilty says.

“When EDFA was set up there wasn’t a lot of help out there for parents and carers,” he says.

“What EDFA does is support the families by providing a range of peer support, education, mentoring, information and resources on how as a family you can support your loved one.

“We give a voice to families and carers.”

Since 1993: Volume 27, Number 44

Arts & Entertainment 35-37 Canberra Matters 10 Crossword 39 Dining 37 Garden 38 Horoscopes 39 Letters 11 News 3-15 Politics 9, 14 Seven Days 6 Streaming 37

Cover: Senate aspirant Kim Rubenstein. Photo: Holly Treadaway. Story Page 8.

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.

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SEVEN DAYS

How ‘narco tourism’ looks from a little ivory tower A DULL week, where the highlight was an overdue haircut, was suddenly electrified

by Australia’s most senior police officer coming out swinging at the proposal to remove criminal penalties in the ACT for possession of small amounts of seriously illicit drugs.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw told a hearing of a Senate legal and constitutional affairs committee that the liberalising of drug laws in Canberra could lead to “narco-tourism”.

To some progressives around this town “narco-tourism” might sound like one of our nation-leading initiatives, but not to top plod.

He spared the subtlety, saying: “It’s going to mean that organised crime will want to target this community in particular, because they can move their product quite easily.

“It just makes it more difficult for us to combat the rise of cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin use, and they’re not recreational drugs.”

Which doubtless made unhappy reading for Labor MLA Michael Pettersson, who is cosily shepherding a private member’s Bill that, while keeping the personal use of heroin, ice and methamphetamines as criminal, reduces the prospect of prison for anyone caught with two grams or less to a $100 fine.

The commissioner’s comment had former

Liberal MLA and minister Bill Stefaniak getting personal and pleading that the Assembly not effectively “decriminalise” these drugs.

“My son died because of the actions of a woman high on ice,” he said, referring to the death of Jozef Stefaniak, 24, killed when Angela Lea Smith, 34, rolled and crashed a car on Yarra Glen, Hughes, on January 2, 2018.

“This Bill, if passed in its current form, will only lead to more needless, innocent deaths.

“The commissioner is one of the most senior police officers in Australia. He knows what he is talking about. Police have to deal with this every day of the week. Assembly members in their little ivory towers do not.”

Which got ACT Liberal senator Zed Seselja out of his big one, warning that the prospect of softer laws in the ACT would make Canberra a “magnet” for drug gangs if the law was softer in the ACT than elsewhere.

“It’s obvious. The market response if the laws are softer here than in other places is that the bikie gangs will potentially grow,” he said.

It’s a solid point given we all know how bewilderingly soft the ACT government has been on bikie gangs.

So is the Assembly listening? The final form of Mr Pettersson’s proposals are awaiting the determination of an Assembly committee and are expected to come before the full Assembly by year’s end. Looks like the New Year fireworks will be back.

“CITYNEWS” readers met Garry Malhotra when he appeared on the cover on Octo-

provider AIM Health and Sciences – said it costs $5000 a day to run the service.

“We use about 200 kilograms of rice, 150 kilograms of pasta, 150 kilograms of chicken and 100 kilograms of vegetables a day,” he said.

“I’d like to continue this after the pandemic. We’d like to become a charity and offer meals on the weekends to the homeless or the needy from the training facility at Narrabundah.”

Garry’s efforts have inspired the 2CA breakfast team – Holmsey and Jen – to do a live broadcast from the kitchen Garry Malhotra on the October 7 front cover. on Friday, November 5, to encourage ber 7, “desperately” seeking donations of listeners and businesses to drop in food and money to meet a “huge” demand and drop off food. Garry says his kitchen for his covid food relief service. needs food rather than donations of cash.

The 33-year-old family man told reporter So they’re hosting a barbecue breakfast Belinda Strahorn that he’d used $60,000 (donated by The Butcher Shop and La of his own money since launching his meals Sable Patisserie) for listeners to pop past and hamper service “Gary Malhotra – Ken and grab a bite to eat on their way to work Behrens Helping Hands” at the start of in exchange for donations of pasta, rice, Canberra’s latest covid lockdown. vegetables and tinned tomatoes. It’s at Since August, Mr Malhotra, members of AIM Institute of Health and Sciences, 61 his extended family and about 10 volunteers Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah have cooked and delivered more than from 5.30am.

150,000 free meals from a commercial training kitchen in Narrabundah to those needing support during lockdown. But while lockdown’s gone, demand for his help hasn’t.

Mr Malhotra – who is the CEO of course

HERE’S something that made me SMH: “Millennials and Gen Z are continually evolving, implementing ways to shorten the words they use while texting or crafting their social media posts, which has led to text-message abbreviations and internet acronyms bombarding our chat rooms and social-media feeds.”

There followed a list of 100 most Googled text abbreviations in the world. “SMH” (shake my head) was top with 900,000 average monthly searches.

Because they were news to me, I tested them on a Millennial, who had a near perfect response. Beyond the head shakers, the next 10 are: LMAO (Laughing my a** off), TBH (to be honest); LOL (laughing out loud), HMU (hit me up), FOMO (fear of missing out); NGL (not gonna lie), DM (direct message); AFK (away from keyboard); BAE (before anyone else) and this doozy: GOAT (greatest of all time). CYA. Ian Meikle is the editor of “CityNews” and can be heard on the “CityNews Sunday Roast” news and interview program, 2CC, 9am-noon.

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COVER STORY / Kim Rubenstein

Kim’s for Canberra, but will Canberra be for Kim? Kim Rubenstein tells BELINDA STRAHORN that she’s passionate about indigenous recognition and wants to see the number of ACT senators enlarged from two to four. She plans to be one of them.

PROMINENT ACT constitutional law expert Prof Kim Rubenstein will be standing for the Senate at the forthcoming federal election, hoping to wrest one of the national capital’s two seats from the major parties who currently hold one each.

The University of Canberra professor and co-director of the gender equity initiative, the 50/50 by 2030 Foundation, is running as an independent Senate candidate for the ACT and wants to tap into community dissatisfaction with the major political parties.

“Covid has really emphasised the nature of our federal system; the closing of borders, the powers of government not only over our freedom of movement but also in terms of our economic well being,” Prof Rubenstein says.

“So I think people are more attuned to thinking through who is best to represent them.”

The aspiring senator has drawn inspiration from the successful campaigns waged by independent candidates – Warringah’s Zali Steggall and Indi’s Helen Haines at the 2019 federal election.

Should Prof Rubenstein succeed, she will become the ACT’s first independ-

ent candidate elected to the Senate.

“Ever since we have had senators in Canberra since 1975 we’ve always had a Labor and Liberal and some of those people have been decent human beings but they have all been confined by the party’s policies and decisions,” Prof Rubenstein says.

“In order to represent the people of the ACT those senators need to convince their party of the needs of Canberra.

“But as an Independent I don’t need to negotiate with a party. I will be able to go directly into parliament with the needs of Canberrans.”

The law professor and author has coined the campaign slogan “Kim Can Win” in her bid to take a seat from either former Labor chief minister Katy Gallagher or the Liberal minister Zed Seselja.

In order to run as a candidate above the line on the Senate ballot at the upcoming federal election, Prof Rubenstein had to register her own political party – Kim For Canberra – and with that required a certain number of members.

Legislation passed by the parliament recently lifted the membership

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Kim Rubenstein and partner Gary Sturgess with their children Eli and Cohava.

Photo: Holly Treadaway threshold for registering a federal political party from 500 to 1500.

“I got those 500 members in the first week, which was so affirming and within four weeks I got 1500 members, so that kind of community response speaks to the community’s interest of having an independent,” Prof Rubenstein says.

Respected in her field as a specialist in constitutional and citizenship matters and gender issues, Prof Rubenstein says politics was the next “logical step” for her, having worked in the public policy arena for 25 years.

“I think that my experience and involvement in public policy outside

ADVENTURELAND

of parliament means that I can bring a fresh and more facilitative approach ensuring that expert independent opinion is properly considered in the development of policy,” Prof Rubenstein says.

The Harvard and University of Melbourne graduate says she’s passionate about ensuring that the needs of Canberrans are reflected in the decisions made in the national parliament.

The 56-year-old is concentrating her campaign on the key platforms: making parliament work for people – not parties; bringing Australia into the 21st century; and standing up for Canberra.

“I feel strongly about territory

rights,” Prof Rubenstein says.

“Having had self-government for over 30 years, we are a mature democracy and we should resist any attempts to override ACT legislation.”

Prof Rubenstein is also passionate about indigenous recognition and wants to see the number of ACT senators enlarged from two to four.

“It’s a simple change to the Electoral Act and I think it would give Canberrans more voice to resist any attempts to override our legislation, and it would also provide for greater diversity of representation here in the ACT by having four senators,” Prof Rubenstein says.

A proud sixth-generation Australian, Prof Rubenstein descends from the Jewish convict Henry Cohen who arrived in Sydney in 1833.

The Melbourne-born and raised law academic moved to Canberra in 2006 to take up her position as professor at the Australian National University.

As the mother of two adult children, she feels it’s the right time in her life to make a tilt at federal politics.

“I was never attracted to politics when I had a growing family because I could see the sacrifice that would require, but I’m now in that privileged position where my kids are adults,” Prof Rubenstein says.

“I feel this is a real moment for our democracy in terms of having more independents in our parliament.”

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POLITICS / the Doctrine of Followship

We follow the leaders, who follow INTERESTING political insights from our neighbourly Ken Behrens are not uncommon.

Chatting over a glass of red about the bereft state of political leadership, came the “Doctrine of Followship”.

The reason for the failure of leadership in this country, the argument was put, is that our “so-called” leaders are really followers. Examples flooded from those, grateful for the end of lockdown, who were gathered around the table.

The most blatant current issue is how Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been dragged kicking and screaming to recognise that he really must do something about climate change.

The Conservatives in the UK, even before Prime Minister Boris Johnson, recognised the need to take serious action. The President of the US and Prince Charles had to cajole our Prime Minister into attending the COP26 Climate Change Meeting in Glasgow.

There is a reason that the hashtag #Scottyfrommarketing has become so popular.

The Prime Minister has used all his marketing skills to smooth the way for him to travel internationally to attend the COP26.

Actually, on the two days before, he is attending the G20 meeting in Rome. Most developed economies in the world understand the importance of protecting our planet and have worked to persuade our Prime Minister to follow their lead.

So why have the Liberals and the Nationals been so reluctant to show genuine leadership in an area that has overwhelming support from so many Australians?

Under the “Doctrine of Followship” it is not just “leaders”

dose of dorin as “followers”, there is also the money trail to follow. How much has been donated to political parties by the fossil-fuel industry?

Why do the Nationals so slavishly follow the demands of the mining sector, even when it flies in the face of agricultural issues?

The Farmers’ Federation makes no bones about the devastating impact of climate change on soils, crops and livestock.

And yet the “followship” of the Nationals remains reluctant to represent these views and take climate issues seriously. How many droughts, floods and fires are needed to persuade them?

Following the money is one thing. “Followship” also applies to the influencers. Influencing political action is a carrot-andstick tool used by organisations such as the mining industry.

Donations are a great support for political parties. But woe betide

Followship’ also applies to the influencers.

Influencing political action is a carrotand-stick tool used by organisations such as the mining industry.

the “follower” who does not do the bidding of the mining industry. In 2010 mining industry representative, Mitch Hooke, orchestrated a campaign that defeated the proposed resources super profits tax and toppled Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister.

The message has been clear, when it comes to the mining industry, even Liberal Prime Ministers need to follow the lead of the mining industry.

On another issue. Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the famous statement that COVID-19 vaccination “is not a race”. How much of our time in lockdown across half of Australia has been based on the early reluctance of Australians to be vaccinated?

Instead of showing leadership in encouraging the uptake of AstraZeneca, his government followed the media encouraging Australians to wait until the Pfizer vaccine was available.

The government simply followed the media exacerbating concerns about a tiny percentage of adverse incidents.

Where was the leadership extolling the sensible reports and

assessments by the government’s own Therapeutic Goods Administration?

The weekly COVID-19 safety report for the first week of June, for example, indicated the likely number of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) cases in Australia associated with AstraZeneca minimal.

There were just 2.6 cases per 100,000 vaccines in people under 50 years and 1.6 per cent per 100,000 for those who are 50 or over – a tiny percentage compared to the danger of the disease.

Speculating on genuine leadership from the Prime Minister on vaccination, what would have been the impact regarding sickness and death, the months of lockdown and the effect on businesses and the economy.

What was really apparent, observing the national cabinet, was that leadership was coming from the states and territories while the Prime Minister was practising the “Doctrine of Followship”.

These are just two examples of the Ken Behrens’ concept of this “Doctrine of Followship”.

There are many others.

However, a key question was raised over the glass of red. How much is it our own fault in that we vote for “followers” rather than “leaders”?

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

NEWS Footy club first to deliver global youth program TUGGERANONG Valley Australian Football Club is the first sporting club in the ACT to be approved to deliver the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Program to young adults between 14 and 24 years of age.

The award is a global, youth-development program, empowering young Australians to explore their full potential regardless of their location or circumstance.

Curtis Hibberson, the award’s operations officer in the ACT, says: “By partnering with TVAFC we are increasing Club president Leo access to the award, ensuring Lahey... “TVAFC is all young people in the ACT more than just a club.” can explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion and place in the world, regardless of their location or circumstance.

“Furthermore, the delivery of the award through a local sporting club such as TVAFC creates a great link between the physical recreation section of the award, the voluntary service (volunteering) section and sporting activities already undertaken by the award participants belonging to the club’’.

He says that through the award young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-work, communication and drive, enhancing CVs for university and job applications Inaugural member and club president Leo Lahey says: “TVAFC is more than just a club, but a place where our players and their families can come together. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a huge step forward to embedding ourselves as a part of this amazing community.

“The award will allow the valley youth to be a part of a community-focused football club whose values are aligned with that of the award.”

The club was founded as Eastlake/Woden Football Club in 1968, ostensibly by employees of the then Department of Supply, which had been moved to Canberra from Melbourne in the late ‘60s.

Because the vast majority of these people had no family in Canberra, a group of the men decided to play Australian Rules Football as a means of staying together and building friendships for their wives and families.

More at dukeofed.com.au or email dukeofed@tuggeranongfc.com.au

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CANBERRA MATTERS

Who benefits from the Trojan Tram going south?

HERE’S some news the ACT Labor/ Greens coalition government may not appreciate.

The model they use to enable for development and for getting the tram done, builds on the way trains and trams were introduced in and around Sydney in the late 19th century.

There’s a book, published in 2017, titled “Shady Acres – Politicians, Developers and Sydney’s Public Transport Scandals 1872-1895” by Leslie Muir. Reading this book will reinforce your view on how things have not changed in NSW. One revelation is how Sir Henry Parkes operated both as an entrepreneur and as a politician. Often failing in both but always managing to connive his back into being elected and into another financial project that most likely failed. Many politicians were involved with the development of the rail and tram networks and many of them either profited themselves (being both politicians and developers) and/or made sure that their developer friends benefitted from where the rail and tram lines were routed.

Some of the routes were designed purely to ensure that they ran by a politician’s or a friendly developer’s land.

In some cases, lines were not delivered (eastern suburbs) because it did not suit developers and some stations were sited purely to increase the profits of the proposed development nearby.

tower developments are usually not mentioned in the mindless spin by the Labor and Greens politicians about wonders of the West Basin developments.

The bus system serving Woden to Civic has been successful. One day it could be upgraded to electric buses using the same road infrastructure.

The far more expensive option of the tram going south is probably going to happen as it is an ideological, not-negotiable matter of faith within the closed shop of the current government.

Any chance of changing this Nobody would have argued would require the elder Andrew against the introduction of Barr to overrule the naive decithese important transport sions of his younger self when links, but how they were these things were made Labor/ delivered was very convenient Greens policy. Can anyone see for the politicians involved. that happening any time soon?

ACT government’s blue-shaded illustration of the planned Very shady, indeed!

Development along the corurban intensification along the tram going south.

Then there’s Canberra and ridor will be inevitable. What to Woden. The ACT auditor-general how the ACT Labor/Greens style that development takes is recently reported dubious benefits government has been making the matter that residents need to be to the public and the problematic development and transport decisions. concentrating on. The land near the linking of the need for the tram and There is no evidence nor suggestion North Curtin land swap will be first. the developments along West Basin. that ACT politicians are using their Expect more of what you see along What the report did not say was position to bring about profits for the tram in Gungahlin or towers as that the beneficiaries after all this themselves or their own companies. plonked endlessly along Northbourne. expenditure of public monies will be But just how much do development the developers who get their hands decisions seem to favour developers on the land to the right leading to over responsibilities to residents is Commonwealth Bridge plus others my question. along West Basin. These inevitable For instance, the tram going south

The bus service to Woden has been successful and could be upgraded to electric buses. The far more expensive option is probably going to happen as it’s a matter of faith within the closed shop of the government.

Something to note – according to the government’s intensification diagram, the Prime Minister will be asked to move out to make way for apartments.

Tram or not, the corridor could be developed sensibly and with some innovative and aesthetically pleasing architecture with homes for the later 21st century (think climate). Sadly, there is almost nothing in the DNA of this government that will deliver such new residential developments and suburban infill redevelopments.

The tram will be the Trojan Horse for developers to run amok with the laissez-faire planning system allowing any rubbish to be approved. All this will happen, unless the residents get organised now and take on the local politicians with some independent thinking candidates for the 2024 ACT elections.

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

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LETTERS

Make Canberra the good, old bush capital again AH! Make Canberra the Bush Capital Again: the good, old Bush Capital! Will we see its like again – courtesy of the likes of Greg Cornwell, Paul Costigan and so many other contributors to the “Tram and Town Planning” debate?

Will we ever again experience the delights of gravel roads with NCDC-planned potholes?

The hitching rails where now the car park reigns? The horse-drawn trams, prohibition, the Limestone Plains alive with merinos and the ghosts of the original owners of the land?

Time to invoke Patterson’s Curse on the ANU. Time to smell the kerosene hurricane lamps, the dunny-carts and the wood-fired stoves.

Time to send the dung beetle back to where it came from and free the bush flies forever.

Time to salute the Union Jack and raise our loyal voices to “God Save Whoever”; to send Our Boys off to fight Her wars; for MPs to go rabbiting again on Red Hill; for ladies to bring a plate to the monthly square dances or the Friday-night flicks in the Albert Hall.

Time now to tear down the Black Mountain Tower; demolish anything with “national” in its name; to drain the lake and go yabbying again – just like we did last century; to wake to church bells across the Molonglo on Sunday mornings.

Time for the kindly bobbies and posties to again pedal their bikes and blow their whistles while dodging free-rein bitzers on unmade footpaths.

Time to get back to the wattle-and-daub that made this country great.

Time to begin the last Great March together, backwards to the last true Canberra Day celebration – at zero hour, 2050.

Phillip Mackenzie, Queanbeyan

Give Lonsdale Street a go I MISSED David Jones’ now-infamous article (“The stubborn generation that won’t let go of the car”, CN October 7), but was convinced by your correspondents’ responses: even as a recent immigrant from Melbourne, electric buses do seem a more sensible option for Canberra than light rail.

With that said, it would be nice if Canberrans would at least “think” about “getting rid of the car” in some situations.

The recent public consultation on the future of Lonsdale Street, Braddon, has raised the ire of many who are outraged at the thought of not being able to park on Lonsdale Street and of not being able to drive down its short, few-hundred metres.

Woe betide those who might walk a block from a car park! Pity the poor businesses who are surely doomed if their customers can’t park directly out the front! The street isn’t even a thoroughfare, given that it ends at the north end at Haig Park.

Rather, wouldn’t it be nice if there was one street in Braddon that the pedestrians owned? One street full of tables, people sitting enjoying a meal? Think of the reasons we travel to other cities. The great streets are often it.

Hardware Lane, Degraves Street: no cars. Cafes on the street. They seem to do okay. They’re featured in airline magazines with photos of beautiful people having a good time.

Good luck taking such a photo on Lonsdale Street, even after its upcoming refurb.

John Noble, Braddon

serious injury on the roads.

The Minister appears to be mixing up his ideas.

If committing to Vision Zero by 2050 is reducing pollution then that part would be a good thing, but I doubt it is causing thousands of deaths in Australia.

If he is suggesting it would stop injury and death, that does not make sense.

Having poor-quality cars being checked for pollution would help towards Vision Zero 2050, but it would not reduce the injuries and death tolls from accidents.

I believe it was the Labor government that closed all the vehicle-checking stations in the ACT that would have removed old unroadworthy polluting cars from the road.

Even if all cars in Australia were electric, this is not going to stop all the deaths or injuries. People will not change their driving habits just because the car is electric. Most accidents are caused by speed, carelessness, lack of ability, drugs and/or alcohol, or sometimes the weather. This is not going to change having electric cars.

dose of dorin

Vi Evans, MacGregor

Create bus corridors not tramlines AS a bus commuter for over 20 years, I welcome the thoughtful discussion (Letters, CN October 21) on the many problems with the Stage 2 Light Rail proposal.

It is misguided to have gone down the light rail path at such expense when we already have a bus fleet, whose quality, comfort, timing and carrying capacity have dramatically improved in recent years.

The government’s current investment in electric buses (purchasing 90 zero-emissions buses) is a sensible and cost-effective step rather than the expensive light rail, which is already being superseded technologically.

Creating bus corridors to maximise travel speeds would be a better investment. A Gungahlin-Civic bus corridor would have been a much less expensive option with more frequent services.

I share the doubts that an expensive, inflexible and slower light rail will in any way outdo the current fast bus services from Woden to Civic.

A bus system is unlikely to replace cars in Canberra, but it can go a long way to offer a service that seriously encourages people to let go of the car.

Richard Wade, via email

What’s to become of petrol cars?

HAVING read a number of articles recently encouraging people to consider purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) as part of the renewable energy program, I have not read anywhere in these articles or other sources what the plan is for the disposal of the petrol-driven vehicles. Obviously you will not be able to trade them in as you do at the moment. Do any of your readers have the answer to what will become a big problem with this push for more people to purchase an EV .

Kevin Coughlan, Chisholm

Time to call for a robotaxi THE several responses to the article “The stubborn generation that won’t let go of the car” (CN October 7) failed to mention the

likelihood that the car could play a dominant role in public transport in cities such as Canberra in the near future.

Robotaxi is the keyword to use in a Google search to see that big car companies such as Hyundai and General Motors, as well as Waymo, the car technology affiliate of Google, are seriously committed to revolutionising road travel with self-driving cars.

If the avoidance of the AstraZeneca vaccination is any indication, the car companies still have a big job ahead to convince people to take their hands off the steering wheel for good.

Also, most people would consider that a 2021 model robot would have a problem with the unpredictability and rule-breaking behaviour of many Canberra drivers.

However, a hybrid approach is an immediate way forward.

Obviously robotaxis can be developed to accommodate either a person or a robot driver. Then, the hirer drives the robotaxi for the trip, the robot drives the vehicle from the hirer set down to pick up the next hirer.

In 2015, Canberra information technology and software modelling expert Kent Fitch published the results of research that showed a fleet of 23,000 robotaxis could service 750,000 daily trips in Canberra at a cost of $3.80 (2015 values) for each average 13km peak-hour journey.

This type of public transport means that car travel would place much less demand on road system infrastructure than it does today and deliver better safety and environmental performance.

The “go anywhere, anytime” service is another reason that Canberra need not be tied to outdated and expensive light rail and its particular “city shaping” effects.

John L Smith, Farrer

Minister’s mixing up his ideas IN Michael Moore’s column “Steel seeks a better deal for cars” (CN October 21) Transport Minister Chris Steel is reported to have pointed out there were thousands of deaths caused by transport pollution every year in Australia that aren’t counted in the national road toll.

He also suggested that commitment to “Vision Zero by 2050” would stop deaths or

No magic bullet for covid DR Paul Kauffman’s highly unrealistic assertion that the ACT could be covid free with one stroke of the Chief Minister’s pen suggests he is not a medical doctor (Letters, CN October 28).

The currently approved COVID-19 inoculations in Australia prevent neither viral infection nor transmission to others.

In fact, the ACT’s chief health officer Dr Kerryn Coleman recently stated that “while the risk is lower, it is important everyone remembers that even if fully vaccinated, you can still contract COVID-19 and pass it on to others, especially to those who are unvaccinated.”

Over-reliance on vaccines is being played out currently in the UK where cases are again going through the roof, with more than 50,000 infections recorded in a single day. Medical experts are again calling for behavioural and other measures such as mask wearing, social distancing, ventilation etcetera to help stem this expanding infection load. Vaccines alone without these other measures is far too narrow an approach.

The ACT’s Human Rights commissioner Dr Helen Watchirs has also raised the risks of discrimination against the unvaccinated, for example in terms of accessing everyday goods and services.

Paul Kauffmann’s calls are typical of a faulty, popular assumption about vaccines as a magic bullet solution for covid, whereas many measures are required together.

Murray May, Cook

Be nice to butterflies I LOOK forward to all your articles each week and very rarely disagree, though I could not let this one pass.

I was disappointed to read in Jackie Warburton’s gardening column (CN October 21) a paragraph referring to black butterflies on citrus trees. Jackie suggests squashing the caterpillars. I suggest that citrus growers “forfeit” the one branch as without the caterpillars we would not have butterflies. All life starts small and we are losing too much life in the lower ecosystem.

Barb Baker, via email

These caterpillars do little harm GARDENING columnist Jackie Warburton (CN October 21) ought to be advising your readers that the orchard swallowtail or large citrus butterfly is an Australian native (Papilio aegeus) whose curious caterpillars will do little harm to citrus (or to mock orange, for that matter).

There’s enough killing of Australian wildlife still happening in our unique continent without columnists encouraging more of it.

Ann Smith, Curtin

We have to play our part IN her article “A small step for everyone else is big leap for the Nationals” (citynews. com.au, October 19) columnist Michelle Grattan analyses the issue of rising emissions and their effect on Earth’s climate.

This has been the subject of innumerable discussions, especially in the lead up to Glasgow.

At the core of the debate is the necessity of keeping the increase in average global temperature to less than 1.5C or, at most, 2C above pre-industrial levels – if we wish to keep Earth a reasonably comfortable place to live. During all the talking, the plus-1.5 degrees limit has been passed, leaving plus-2 degrees as the “best worst” option.

Two degrees may seem trivial. However, the written record and proxy measurements from tree rings, ice cores and isotopes going back almost 900,000,000 years show average global temperatures oscillating between minus-8 and plus-2 degrees from the long-term mean on a 10,000 to 100,000-years time scale.

The low points represent glacial maxima (ice ages) and the high points glacial minima (warm periods).

Earth was in a cooling phase, on track to another ice age, until about 330 years ago, when modern humans began burning fossil fuels and emitting large volumes of carbon dioxide (CO2 – a powerful global-heating gas) into the atmosphere.

This CO2 abruptly reversed the cooling trend and began a global heating trend that has continued to steepen, and is now shattering northern hemisphere weather records.

As the leader of the world’s third-largest per-capita emitter of CO2 (after the US and Saudi Arabia), Prime Minister Morrison must commit Australia to playing its part in global emissions reduction when he faces the Glasgow Climate Change Conference.

That is the only way to avoid Australia’s being labelled an international climatechange pariah.

Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

Best wishes for Nichole WE readers wish Nichole Overall well in her next phase of life, the gruelling and cruelling role of a parliamentarian.

We know she has the Monaro electorate’s best interests at heart.

Christopher Ryan, via email

Write to us Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au CityNews November 4-10, 2021 11

THE GADFLY / ‘Squid Games’

How about execrable, vile, putrid and racist?

SO, it’s come to this: a big slice of First World humanity is so tickled by the prospect of watching hundreds of desperate Koreans being shot to death that the screening of it is valued at more than a billion dollars.

And we call it “entertainment”.

Yes, I know the victims don’t really die. They are actors in “Squid Game” and when the director calls, “Cut!” they get up from the sand and head for the showers. But we don’t see that on the TV screen.

On the contrary, we’re treated to gouts of very real-looking blood as the bullets strike and, in the aftermath, the masked killers prowl the arena finishing off the merely wounded with handguns. In close-up.

Next episode the survivors return to compete in a new game with another slaughter.

Volunteering for such a terrible ordeal, you might think they would have to be motivated by some great cause – the saving of humanity, world peace, maybe even defeating the Morrison government at the next election.

But no, it’s just personal venality.

Each contestant is in debt, but the prize on offer is vastly more than they owe, singly or in sum. It’s just greed gone mad.

Video is a Netflix competitor!

Wow. Inspiring. Others – your columnist among them – might have a different take on it. How about execrable? How about vile and demeaning?

How about putrid and racist?

For example, just imagine if the victims shot to death were not Asians but white Australians or New Zealanders. The phone calls of protest would melt the copper wires of the Abbott/Turnbull NBN. Or what if they were Jews? Well, that doesn’t bear thinking about. But because they’re Koreans does that really make it “inspiring”?

Or “entertainment”?

Maybe it’s the inevitable extension of the trend that began with the murder mysteries of Agatha Christie/Sherlock Holmes; or the police procedurals of “Midsomer Murders”/”Silent Witness”. Transferred to an American producer/distributor such as Netflix, the blood and gore just keeps on mounting until it

gushes like Stanley Kubrick’s scarlet waterfall in “The Shining”.

And we call it “entertainment”.

The result is a kind of scouring of the psyche that rips away the compassion and empathy learned at our mother’s knee; and adds to that the hard-won knowledge that death is forever, not some crossing to another plane of existence so beloved of religionists and Army chaplains.

Rather, it deserves the kind of respect that our Aboriginal compatriots accorded it – a grieving process and a complex ritual that took months to fulfil.

Maybe they knew a thing or two about human values that’s been lost in transmission – like the difference between death and entertainment.

Just imagine if the victims shot to death were not Asians but white Australians. The phone calls of protest would melt the copper wires of the NBN.

“Squid Games”... Each contestant is in debt, but the prize on offer is vastly more than they owe. It’s just greed gone mad.

We call it “entertainment”.

The “games” are all drawn from the Korean children’s playground and most seem to have their counterparts in other countries. Perhaps that’s part of the reason it’s spread so quickly around the First World.

But there must be more than that to explain why the show, which cost only $20 million to produce, has gathered up to 150 million viewers, topped the ratings in the US and increased

the share value of the giant Netflix investor and distributor by a full seven per cent.

In Australia, it’s No. 1 among Netflix viewers and its iconic images have found their way into newspaper cartoons and comedians’ throwaway lines.

It’s such a financial bonanza that even the richest man in the world, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos calls it “impressive and inspiring”; and his Prime

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Inner South Canberra Community Council Welcome to our Inner South Canberra Community Council column.

The ISCCC AGM will be held online on 9 November – see details here: www.isccc.org.au Thanks for your feedback on our draft Inner South District Strategy. You will find the latest version on our website and we look forward to further comments.

The ACT Government has just announced long-awaited draft changes to planning rules to implement the Living Infrastructure Plan targets for permeable surfaces and tree canopy cover across Canberra by 2045.

We will now work through the detail and provide a submission to the forthcoming Assembly Committee inquiry.

Best wishes,

Gary Kent Chair

Old Narrabundah Community Council The Old Narrabundah Community gardens in Kootara Crescent, next to the Tennis Courts, are having a spring planting and trimming. A group of volunteers met recently to clear and prepare planting areas.

Are you interested in hiring a plot in the garden? Or joining in some of the community garden activities? Contact info@narrabundah.org.au to find out more.

The ONCC GM will be held online on 8 November – details here: www.narrabundah.org.au

Deakin Residents Association Local residents have been enjoying more than 4,000 Floriade tulips planted by the DRA at Deakin shops.

DRA recently hosted an online briefing on Light Rail Stage 2, to better inform citizens on the costs, benefits, environmental and heritage issues involved in this project, as well as the redesign of the Woden bus interchange.

This can be viewed at www.deakinresidents.asn.au

Yarralumla Residents Association YRA held its AGM on 26 October. See membership of our new Committee here: www.yarralumlaresidents.org.au Volunteers planted some 1,600 tulip bulbs and annuals at Yarralumla shops and pocket park on the corner of Novar and Hooker streets, producing a spectacular display (see photo).

If you would like to help contact info@yarralumlaresidents.org.au

Kingston Barton Residents Group A Development Application for the Geocon redevelopment proposal at 84/86 Giles Street Kingston has now been submitted – a 4-storey commercial building in an area where the building height rule is 2-storeys.

We will be objecting to the DA, as no doubt will a number of local residents.

We are disappointed that most of the comments made in the pre-DA consultation have not been taken up.

Our AGM will be held online on Thursday 4 November. Our guest speaker will be Tim Hollo, Greens candidate for the federal seat of Canberra, who asked to address our group.

Details here: www.facebook.com/ kingstonandbartonresidents We will also discuss Light Rail Stage 2, interest in which seems to be increasing following the release of the AuditorGeneral’s report critical of the Stage 2A Business Case. We are concerned that the community is not being properly informed about this very expensive project.

Griffith Narrabundah Community Association Many Inner South homeowners had a nasty surprise in this year’s rates notice.

Some unit owners reported a year on year increase of 24-26%. And this year’s budget papers are showing another increase in rate revenue of an average 8.4% next year.

Approval has been sought from the National Capital Authority for an aged care facility near the Yarralumla Woolshed. YRA has provided comments to the NCA on the height, bulk and scale of the development and its impact on current vistas.

On 14 November, YRA will be helping to clean up the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore around Weston Park.

By the way, the promised decline in revenue from stamp duty has not materialised. Covid spending reductions are only part of the story. Whatever your view of prestige projects such as Light Rail and the West Basin redevelopment, the Government is clearly living beyond its means.

Congratulations to the Manuka traders, especially Manny Notaras, for suggesting to the ACT Government post Covid activation task force the new ‘pop up’ outside dining area in Franklin Street. This will be in place by end November and we hope will lead to a more permanent arrangement.

Red Hill Residents Group Red Hill is looking beautiful at this time of year, and it is great to have the freedom to enjoy long walks around our beautiful suburb.

Our AGM will be held on 11 November.

This will feature updates on the major current developments in Red Hill from a residents’ perspective, including Yarra Rossa (Morling Lodge) and The Parks (the Red Hill Flats redevelopment).

To become a member of the RHRG and/ or to receive a link to the AGM, contact redhillresidentsgroup@gmail.com

Forrest Residents Group The FRG is currently focused on developer intentions for the old Italo Club site – Block 9 Section 19 Forrest. Previously a 7-storey hotel was approved for the site (zoned CZ6 leisure and accommodation), and several residents appealed unsuccessfully to ACAT, citing the significant negative impact on a predominantly single-level residential suburb.

Now, the developer seeks a zoning change to allow two 7-storey residential apartment towers, (rezoned to CZ5 mixed-use). This would also impact the suburb significantly and set a precedent for other non-main streets.

We will consider seeking a different zoning change, restricting the height and limiting use to residential.

The Inner South Canberra Community Council receives support and funding from the ACT Government Inner South Canberra Community Council (ABN 49 382 179 224) Authorised by Gary Kent, Public Officer, PO Box 3310, Manuka ACT 2603

www.isccc.org.au

ACT BUDGET / under the microscope

When it comes to debt, no one beats the ACT In the second of a two-part critical analysis of the October 6 ACT Budget, JON STANHOPE and Dr KHALID AHMED discover that beyond the unsustainability of the growth in the ACT’s debt, there are serious intergenerational equity considerations in play.

CHART 1

IN an article last week

in which we reviewed the ACT 2021-22 Budget, we pointed out that the forecast deficit was 15 per cent of the operating budget, the highest in Australia.

We concluded, based on our analysis of the Budget position, operating deficit and debt that the territory’s Budget does not have the capacity to invest, or spend, towards recovery.

We believe this is reflected in the Budget allocations. Rather than “turbo-charging” the economy in the next three quarters or the next year through infrastructure investment, the current Budget allocations reveal, in fact, a reduction in the cash (capital) commitments compared to the previous Budget.

On the recurrent side, while the Budget returns some of the previously withheld growth funding to health, to prepare the system to respond to the likely increase in covid-induced pressures, there are no other notable increases in expenditure.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted state and territory budgets to varying degrees. Such impacts have been revenue-side decreases and expenditure-side increases relative to

CHART 2

Revenue’s up, but so’s the deficit

IT is difficult to attribute the ACT’s relatively deeper deficit (in fact, the largest in Australia) to a relatively greater revenue impact from COVID-19.

In fact, as CHART 2 illustrates, the ACT’s revenue increase of 18 per cent from 2018-19 to the 2021-22 Budget is second only to WA (20 per cent) and would be the envy of all other Treasurers, notably those of SA, Queensland

CHART 3

to strong surplus.

However, the ACT stands out as persistently in deficit, at an average of 5.5 per cent per annum.

During this period, while the ACT government has repeatedly forecast a return to a balanced or surplus Budget, it has never done so.

CHART 1

Source: Audited Financial Statements, 2018-19 and 2019-20; and 2021-22 Budget Papers; Respective Jurisdictions.

CHART 2

Source: 2021-22 Budget Papers; Respective Jurisdiction.

CHART 3

increase by 7.9 per cent in 2021-22 and at a compounding average of 6.9 per cent per annum over the forward estimates period.

Conveyance duty – a tax that is allegedly being abolished and replaced by general rates – will increase by a staggering 42.6 per cent in 2021-22, providing an additional $105 million.

Notably, by the end of the current forward estimates period, the ACT government will have produced 13 uninterrupted deficits.

Source: Audited Financial Statements; Respective Years and Respective Jurisdiction.

CHART 4

Debt will fall on the kids to come

THE inadequacy of the government’s response to the economic consequences of covid and its precarious financial position over the forward estimates is a direct consequence of the structural deficit that persisted for around seven years before the pandemic.

This is a period during which, as regularly attested to by the government, the ACT economy

CHART 5

and Victoria.

Total revenue is estimated to increase, in the ACT, by 12.5 per cent in 2020-21, and a further 4.6 per cent in 2021-22. Taxation revenue is forecast to increase by 8.5 per cent in the Budget year and at a compounding average of 5.4 per cent per annum over the forward estimates period.

Revenue from general rates is forecast to

While others grow, 13 deficits in a row

IT is interesting to compare the Budget trends and positions of States and Territories in the years leading up to the pandemic.

The comparison presented in CHART 3 reveals that since 2013-14 the states and territories collectively have remained in modest

CHART 4

the extent of lockdowns. Consequently, all jurisdictions (except WA) have forecast deficits for 2021-22, and a return to a balanced or surplus budget position in two to three years.

Notably, the ACT stands out from the rest of Australia on two counts: (a) the extent of its deficit, and (b) the persistence of its deficit across the forward estimates and almost certainly well beyond that.

As illustrated in CHART 1, in the base year 2018-19, before the pandemic, the ACT had a deficit of 5.3 per cent of its spending budget, whereas the weighted average for all states and territories was a surplus of 1.6 per cent.

In the following year, 2019-20, the pandemic’s part-year effect (from March 2020 to June 2020) is reflected in a weighted average deficit of 7 per cent while the ACT’s deficit, as reported in its audited financial statements, grew to 14 per cent, which is double the national average. For 2021-22 (the current Budget year), the ACT’s forecast deficit is 15 per cent, which is, once again, more than double the national average of 7.3 per cent.

Over the forward estimates period to 202425, the states and territories as a whole return

to close to a balanced position (weighted average deficit of 0.2 per cent), with a number of jurisdictions even returning to a surplus position, for example, NSW (0.5 per cent), Queensland (0.2 per cent), and of the smaller jurisdictions, Tasmania (1.6 per cent), and SA (2.1 per cent a year earlier in 2023-24).

However, the ACT government has forecast ongoing deficits beyond the Budget averaging more than 10 per cent. Even on its preferred and less rigorous headline measure, across the forward estimates, the ACT government will be in deficits averaging 7 per cent of the Budget.

In addition to the unsustainability of the growth in the ACT’s debt, there are serious intergenerational equity considerations in play.

Significantly, the Financial Management Act requires the government to have regard to the principles of responsible fiscal management and intergenerational equity in preparing its annual Budget.

While the Act allows for a proposed Budget to depart from the principle of responsible fiscal management, the departure must be temporary, and the Treasurer must present to the Legislative Assembly a statement setting out a return path to the principles of responsible fiscal management.

An airy promise to one day return to a balanced budget won’t meet that requirement.

was performing well.

Not surprisingly, the ACT’s net debt has also increased significantly over this period (CHART 4). An appropriate comparator of state/territory government indebtedness is their net debt-torevenue ratio.

For the ACT, the net debt-to-revenue ratio increased from a negative position of -11 per cent in 2012 (which means that its cash holdings

in that year exceeded its debt) to 69 per cent in 2021 and is forecast to increase to 138 per cent of its revenue in 2025.

The debt will, of course, ultimately need to be paid, and future revenues will need to increase significantly over and above the amount required to maintain services.

This burden will inevitably fall on future generations of Canberrans.

CHART 5

Limited capacity to sustain high debt

IT is true that all jurisdictions carry a level of debt, which will have increased due to the impacts of the pandemic.

It is useful, nevertheless, to compare the position and changes in all other states and territories’ debt before and after the pandemic (CHART 5).

In 2019, ie, before the pandemic, the weighted average of net-debt-to-revenue ratio across all jurisdictions was 16 per cent. NSW, Tasmania and Queensland were in a negative 14 CityNews November 4-10, 2021

net-debt position, while the ACT’s net-debt-torevenue ratio had increased to 40 per cent due to its persistent deficits in previous years.

Based on the Budget forecasts of all jurisdictions, the average net-debt ratio will increase to 112 per cent of revenue by the end of the current forward estimates. The ACT’s net debt is forecast to increase to 138 per cent of revenue, well above the national average.

Notably, the ACT’s net debt has increased despite the strong revenue growth, as

discussed, and the lack of any significant increase in infrastructure investment in this Budget.

A limited capacity to sustain high debt levels further distinguishes the ACT from other jurisdictions. Victoria and the NT, which have forecast higher net debt than the ACT, have some surety in substantial manufacturing and mining bases respectively and, as such, are in a better position to sustain such high levels of debt.

Source: Audited Financial Statements, 2018-19, and 2021-22 Budget Papers; Respective Jurisdiction.

BRIEFLY Throsby school gets a name THE ACT’s newest public school at Throsby is to be called… Throsby School. The community has chosen the name, logo and uniform – a eucalyptus leaf design – for the school, set to open its doors for preschool to year 6 students at the start of 2022.

The school – like the suburb – is named after Charles Throsby, a surgeon and explorer, who followed the Molonglo and Queanbeyan Rivers, starting from Lake George, to arrive in the present-day ACT in 1821.

British car display THE 46th annual Terribly British vehicle display day on December 5 will feature the Jaguar E-type, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, plus some of the Canberra region’s best British motor vehicles and motorbikes including Austin, Morris, Triumph, Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Morgan, Bentley and more. The display will be open 10am-2pm in Queanbeyan Park, Lowe and Campbell streets, Queanbeyan. The day is organised by the Triumph Car Club ACT.

Mindfulness seminar THE Health Care Consumers’ Association Inc is running a free, online meditation and mindfulness health seminar, which will discuss what mindfulness is, how it affects the brain, body, stress and mental health, and ways of practicing mindfulness and meditation. Via Zoom, 6pm-7.30pm, Wednesday, November 17, book via eventbrite.com.au or call 6230 7800.

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CANBERRA REOPENS

Hooray! We’re open and waiting to see you IT’S been a tough few months for Canberra businesses trying to navigate the woes of lockdown, but from this week many will be getting their doors back open to service the community with fully stocked shelves and welcoming faces.

To celebrate, “CityNews” spoke with a variety of businesses who are excited to re-open to the ACT region.

Comfortable and stylish vegan shoes

The one-stop electric scooter shop

A PODIATRIST of 30 years, Dr Mark Clayton, from NAOT of Canberra, says he has a new range of comfortable and stylish vegan shoes available for purchase.

“Vegan shoes can be hard to find, but the shoes we have in store now are not made from any animal products and come in all different styles, sizes and colours,” he says.

They’re just the start of Dr Clayton’s extensive range of NAOT footwear, a brand he says is ethically crafted and of “exceptional” quality.

“They call them shoes of peace, with each pair a product of collaboration,” says a NAOT spokesperson.

“Crafted by hand, through the combined efforts of people from different cultures and backgrounds, NAOT shoes are ethically made using sustainable methods with materials of the highest quality.“Fine Italian leathers and its signature insoles, combined with advanced designs, make for an unparalleled combination of quality, fashion and comfort.”

For those wanting to browse Canberra’s biggest range of NAOT shoes,

NATIONAL retail operations manager of Scooter Hut Daniel Abbott says that electric scooters are getting more attention than ever, and it’s not just among scooter enthusiasts.

He explains that people who have never thought about riding an electric scooter for commute purposes before are showing a lot of interest in the range.

“We choose only to stock the best, most recognisable and quality brands in the market,” says Daniel.

“When talking about electric scooters, we should definitely name one of the best electric scooters in the market: InMotion ‘Lemotion’ S1.”

“The innovative features, speed, range and competitive price has positioned it within the space of only a few months as the world’s number one electric scooter.”

That’s only the start of the range at Scooter Hut, says Daniel, with the store offering freestyle, pro and electric scooters, as well as protective gear, spare parts, apparel and accessories.

And, having started in 2008, Scooter Hut now has 11 retail stores with fully equipped service centres across Australia.

“Our experienced customer service team can assist all our customers in any part of their journey,” says Daniel.

Dr Clayton recommends calling ahead to book an appointment.

NAOT of Canberra, 1/151 Cowper Street, Dickson, and 1/37 Heard Street, Mawson.

Call 6262 8383 or visit naotofcanberra.com.au

Dr Mark Clayton.

E-scootering... “We choose only to stock the best, most recognisable and quality brands in the market,” says Daniel Abbott.

Scooter Hut, Shop 2/31 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen. Call 6176 0565, email info@ scooterhut.com.au, visit scooterhut.com.au or search ScooterHut on Instagram and Facebook.

OUT OF LOCKDOWN SALE 1ST TO THE 30TH OF NOVEMBER 2021 25% OFF ALL SHOES IN STOCK

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Please call to check our opening hours 16 CityNews November 4-10, 2021

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BELCONNEN SCOOTER HUT STORE NOW OPEN

Sandy Borgo of Charlie and Chums.

Sandy’s got toys to keep pets out of mischief SANDY Borgo at Charlie and Chums knows all too well the mischief that pets cause when left alone and unsupervised.

“Either you go away or you start working more and you notice [them getting naughty],” she says.

“One of our dogs used to dig holes in the backyard, so I would hide treats in a Kong toy,” she says.

In stock at Charlie and Chums, Sandy says customers will find Kong brand squeaky balls, signature balls, balls with an extreme bounce, as well as treat toys like Lock It and Wobblers that are “fun for the animals, and they’re easy to bash around.”

Sandy believes that people like Kong because it’s a

SHOP 2 31-35 NETTLEFOLD STREET BELCONNEN ACT 2617

known brand, it’s stronger than others and owners are comfortable leaving their pets with it because of its good quality.

As Canberrans return to work, Sandy couldn’t recommend occupying their pets still at home with distractions highly enough.

“If you put something there, it keeps the pet interested rather than getting into naughtiness,” she says.

Charlie and Chums, Shop 1, 103 South Point, Tuggeranong. Call 0402 097580, email charlienandchums@ bigpond.com or visit charlieandchums.com.au

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Find us at South Point, near Big W Phone Sandy on 0402 097 580 CityNews November 4-10, 2021 17

CANBERRA REOPENS Delivering quality windows, fast

Furniture store opens at a new location TONY Purdy, owner of Timberland furniture, says he still has the same stock of bedroom settings, dining room suites, TV units, lounge room settings, coffee tables and lounges, but at a new location, 100 Barrier Street, Fyshwick.

“We can customise furniture,” says Tony, “our furniture represents value for money, we’re not the most expensive in town, but we’re not the cheapest, either, because we mainly concentrate on Australian hardwoods, but our prices are competitive.”

Tony is keen to reopen and see people face-to-face again, but it will also be good for business.

“People won’t buy our furniture online, you have to see it and touch it to judge whether or not it’s good value,” says Tony.

“If we’ve got a powerpoint that’s working, a desk to put our eftpos terminal on and one piece of furniture in the shop, I’m open. I’m not waiting for it to be fully fitted and beautifully exhibited, we’re opening as soon as we put furniture on the floor,” he says.

MORE than 15 years ago, in a small factory, with a staff of five, Skyview Windows was created with the vision to supply quality products in the shortest possible lead times, says managing director Neil Thompson.

“The company mantra from day one was ‘Quality Windows, Fast’,” says Neil.

Since then, Skyview has grown and about 12 years ago expanded to a 2500sqm factory in High Street, Queanbeyan.

Neil says part of Skyview’s success is being able to work closely with customers and suppliers to ensure consistency in quality and supply is maintained.

Using dedicated, local people, Neil says all windows and doors are manufactured to Australian standards.

“All windows and doors are manufactured from a mixture of local and imported raw materials to ensure cost competitiveness and, unlike the major window companies, all the profits stay right here,” he says.

“Skyview is the only window company able to supply any powdercoat colour with no cost premium involved.

“This allows our customers to mix and match colour schemes for their houses without having to stick to the six standard colours our competitors offer.”

Earlier this year Skyview launched the “Texturer” colour range.

Starting with “black” and “monument”, the Texturer colour range significantly reduces marks and blemishes on the powder coat finish.

Skyview Windows, 77 High Street. Call 6232 9977.

Timberland Furniture, 100 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 7411, email timberlandfyshwick@gmail.com or visit timberlandfurniture.com

COME & VIEW OUR NEW SHOWROOM 100 BARRIER STREET FYSHWICK

Nursery reopens with 900 species of plants OWNER of Cool Country Natives Karen Brien says she is grateful for the support of her customers during lockdown and is excited to be back open.

“We’re flat out with the gates open which is lovely, and while we have a lot of people coming through, we’re still adhering to covid restrictions,” she says.

Cool Country Natives carries about 900 different species and has starter plants in tiny square pots (tube stock) that Karen says you won’t find at other nurseries.

“It’s grevillea season, they’re flowering, westringias are flowering, all the daisies are flowering, phebalium, prostanthera and eremophila, they’re all flowering and it’s not too late for planting,” she says.

While Cool Country Natives have been incredibly busy, Karen says she’s pleased to be open again and that her staff have been “fabulous” during this time.

“Everybody’s [getting plants] because they missed out on 10 weeks of being able to come in, they’re just catching up,” she says.

Cool Country Natives, 5A Beltana Road, Pialligo.

Call 6257 6666, email retail@coolcountrynatives.com.au or visit coolcountrynatives.com.au

A HOT SUMMER IS COMING Better invest in DOUBLE GLAZING from SKYVIEW

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100 BARRIER STREET, FYSHWICK | OPEN 7 DAYS E: timberlandfyshwick@gmail.com | www.canberracustomfurniture.com 18 CityNews November 4-10, 2021

The only window company that offers every powdercoat colour at a standard price!

77 High St, Queanbeyan • Ph: 02 6232 9977

advertising feature Leading in emergency response training

Get close to friendly, free-flying birds

AS the industry leader for emergency response training, Ferst Training Solutions has a focus on safety throughout the whole year, says director Gary Cheeseman.

“Our training gives people the skills to not only keep themselves safe but anyone who Managing director visits their workplace or Gary Cheeseman. facility,” he says.

“Ferst in… Safely out!”, is the catchphrase that drives the team behind Ferst Training Solutions, which offers specialised emergency response training to workplaces in the ACT and NSW. Since 2007, the family-run business has offered a range of courses to workplaces including: training of emergency response teams; emergency response chief wardens and wardens; general staff training; fire extinguisher use training and building evacuation training.

“We endeavour to give people the skills so when something does go wrong, they have the tools to get out of that situation safely,” he says.

All trainers have been in operational positions, in fields including the military, fire services or emergency services, meaning they have real-life experience in dealing with many situations, Gary says.

“Our training is practical and procedural,” he says.

THE birds are back and ready to interact at the Canberra Walk-in Aviary, says owner and manager Mick Logan.

Although they’ll be operating under some covid restrictions, Mick says Canberrans are now able to get up close and personal with more than 500 native and exotic birds representing more than 60 different species.

“Regents, princess parrots, superb parrots, cockatiels, lorikeets, doves, quails, even silkie bantams are just some of the species people can get close to,” says Mick.

“In the wild there are some birds like king parrots and crimson rosellas, which can be quite tame and interactive, but the closest you could get is a couple of metres,” he says.

“Here though, the birds will land on you and take food right from your hand!”

Mick says that upon entry every visitor gets a small plate of food to take in with them to feed the birds.

The aviary also provides heaps of photo opportunities, with visitors always snapping great pictures with the brightly coloured locals, he says.

“It’s great fun for all ages,” says Mick.

“We’ve had newborns visit the aviary all the way up to a 101 year-old.

“Some people like to visit for about 30 minutes, others sit for hours enjoying the atmosphere.”

And for those making a trip from a while away, he says the surrounding Gold Creek Village has plenty of other attractions to enjoy including cafes and gift shops.

“Come to the aviary and make a day of it in Gold Creek Village,” he says.

“It’s a great experience and a great atmosphere.”

Ferst Training Solutions. Visit ferst.com.au or call 1300 333778.

Canberra Walk-in Aviary, Unit 13, Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls. Call 6230 2044 or visit canberrawalkinaviary.com.au

COME OUT TO THE CANBERRA WALK-IN AVIARY See the friendly free-flying birds that can be photographed and fed. Walk amongst over 500 birds from 60 species from Australia and around the world!

Open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm with the last admission 4.30pm

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5A Beltana Road, Pialligo, ACT 02 6257 6666 • www.coolcountrynatives.com.au CityNews November 4-10, 2021 19

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS

advertising feature

‘In my time at Master Builders ACT, I can honestly say I have never seen a room like the Lego Room in this home.’

‘Monumental’ effort brings home house of the year The 2021 Master Builders and Asset Construction Hire House of the Year is a property in Forrest delivered by Manteena Residential, Architects Ring & Associates and The Dept. of Design.

The layout pays homage to aeronautical engineering with the home separated into four wings: the living zone, the office, the double-height entry and the sleeping zone.

It also includes an expansive “Lego Room”, a carefully planned space that required lighting and display cabinetry.

The Master Builders AssociaMaster Builders ACT CEO tion describes the home as “the Michael Hopkins. perfect hub of relaxation, studious endeavours, entertainment and creative pursuits”.

“It was a monumental undertaking, and it really is a credit to their level of professionalism that they were able to execute this cohesive design and build,” said Master Builders ACT CEO Michael Hopkins.

“In my time at Master Builders ACT, I can honestly say I have never seen a room like the Lego Room in this home.

“It’s a testament to our members that they work with their clients so well, that they can deliver these unique elements in a creative and functional way.”

More at mba.org.au/publications/awards-magazines

Airport-inspired home takes off RESIDENTIAL operations manager of Manteena Danny Agnello says he and the team are “honoured and proud” to have won House of the Year at the 2021 Master Builders Awards.

“It was a massive effort from everyone involved, all the designers, tradies, contractors.

It’s great to be recognised for all that hard work,” says Danny.

“There was just so much time and energy poured into every detail, we really tried to push the envelope on what you can do in a home.”

Spanning more than 2000sqm on a 4900sqm heritage block in the heart of Forrest, Danny says the home’s intricate design philosophy allowed the design team to take full advantage of the site.

“The idea of the wings similar to an airport allowed the creation of zones within the house,” he says.

“The living zone, the office, the double-height entry, the sleeping zone; these wings allowed for solar penetration, cross-flow ventilation, light and views for all rooms.”

According to Danny, all spaces of the house were designed to incorporate garden views that were placed between the wings.

He also believes Manteena’s dedicated efforts to make the house as sustainable as possible is

The 2021 House of the Year by Manteena. what helped them secure the win.

“Sustainability is a big part in building and the more sustainable we can make things the better it is for everyone,” he says.

“The house’s 66 kilowatts of solar on the roof and 90,000 litre underground rainwater tank

helped achieve this result and we’re in talks with the owners on how we can make it even more sustainable.”

Manteena, 84 Barrier Street, Fyshwick.

Call 6280 7033 or visit manteena.com.au

KITCHENS AND RESIDENTIAL JOINERY COMMERCIAL JOINERY CUSTOM MADE FURNITURE CAPITALVENEERING.COM.AU Ph. 02 6299 1557 info@capitalveneering.com.au

Photos: ‘Forrest House’ | Builder: Manteena Residential | Photographer: H Creations Adam McGrath Architect: Architects Ring & Associates | Interior Design: Dept of Design

20 CityNews November 4-10, 2021

Innovation in joinery.

photos: Hcreations Photography

HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2 0 2 1

“It was an amazing opportunity and challenge to work on such a complex house and on such a large scale. I can certainly call it a career highlight.

These opportunities rarely come along and it’s even rarer that such a wide range of building professionals are assembled on the one project. Thank you to the MBA and the team, Scott, Danny & Louise”.

“This project was a wonderful opportunity to showcase some complex design solutions from our team, with the meticulous execution by the Manteena team—we are delighted with the outcome”.

Louise Kichenside, Dept. of Design

Terry Ring, Architect Ring & Associates

P 6239 7177 | W araa.com.au

P 6176 0330 | W deptofdesign.com.au

P 6280 7033 | W manteena.com.au

“We are extremely honoured and proud to have delivered this amazing high-quality home. A huge thanks to all our trades, suppliers and subcontractors who worked tirelessly with us to achieve this remarkable award winning home”.

Danny Agnello, Manteena Residential

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS

advertising feature

‘The Veuve’ wins display home prize

Capital Vaneering, best Bathroom Project more than $30,000.

Photo: Adam McGrath

High quality meets high expectations TONY Storey, residential project manager at Capital Veneering, says they are proud to have won two Master Builders awards: Bathroom Project more than $30,000 and Kitchen Project more than $100,000 that were both a part of the 2021 House of the Year.

“This was a result of a joint submission involving Manteena Residential, Architects Ring & Associates and The Dept. of Design,” he says.

Capital Veneering has been around for nearly 22 years, but it has “several hundred years of combined knowledge in highly skilled administrators, detailers, project managers, cabinet makers and joiners,” says Tony.

“The kitchen cabinetry was polyurethane painted with a splash of Tasmanian Blackwood timber and [made] extensive use of caesarstone

benchtops and splashbacks.

“The bathroom has walnut Eveneer cabinetry, Caesarstone benchtop, halo light mirror and extensive wall and island cladding in Maximum porcelain.”

Tony says it’s Capital Veneering’s ability to interpret the designer’s intent and produce a high-quality product that meets with builders, designers and the owner’s high expectations that makes them stand out against competitors.

“Capital Veneering prides itself on producing high-end, top-quality residential fit-outs and is also a major player in commercial projects,” says Tony.

Capital Veneering, Unit 3-4, 67-71 Bayldon Road, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 1557, email info@capitalveneering.com.au or visit capitalveneering.com.au

MCDONALD Jones Homes’ “The Veuve”, at Googong, has been recognised as the best Display Home in the $500,000 or less category at the ACT’s Master Builders Awards.

The four-bedroom, single-storey home also proved popular with the public, being recognised as a finalist in the people’s choice award.

McDonald Jones Homes ACT regional manager Jason Bisa said the Veuve’s fabulous living space and connectivity for family interaction is a winning combination.

“The Veuve’s functional layout provides fabulous common and private spaces giving everybody in the family a place to relax,” said Mr Bisa.

“The large alfresco area is also a major attraction to customers.

“The house with a round hole in the wall, as it’s affectionately known, is impressive but not expensive and I think that’s what ticks all the boxes for a growing family and why it was a people’s choice finalist.”

The McDonald Jones Homes’ team are already gearing up for next year’s awards with two new display homes under construction in Whitlam; a classic single-level design with the popular Hamptons’ style and a modern design, perfect for multi-generational living.

McDonald Jones Homes, AXS Business Centre, Level 1, Building 2, cnr Gladstone and Tennant streets, Fyshwick. Call 1300 555382 or visit mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au

“The Veuve” – winner of Best Display Home less than $500,000.

A collaboration of interior design excellence with experienced master craftsmanship resulting in an award winning apartment design!

Team work makes the dream work!

Archertec Interiors | p: 6239 7177 | w: archertecinteriors.com.au T.OK Carpentry and Partitioning | p: 6299 3860 | facebook.com/TOK-Carpentry-Partitioning

22 CityNews November 4-10, 2021

WINNER

Master Builders Excellence Awards Display Home of the Year.

UNDER $45 0,000 - VEU VE EXECU T I V E, GOOGON G

Building award-winning architectural designs in the Canberra Region.

We invite you to discover extraordinary at one of our display homes today.

Googong | Ginniderry | Denman Prospect

mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au | 1300 555 382 Image is for illustrative purposes only and may contain optional upgrades and variations not included in our standard specification or supplied by McDonald Jones Homes. For detailed information on home pricing, visit our website or talk to one of our consultants. NSW: Newcastle Quality Constructions Pty Ltd ABN 82 003 687 232, ACT BLN: 20121296, T/A McDonald Jones Homes.

Visit the Display Home of the Year

We make sustainable living easy.

Come and see why we are MBA’s 2021 Display Home of the Year. Our custom designed sustainable display home shows how clever use of materials and design can increase your comfort and lower your power bills.

Contact us Phone: 02 6239 2360 Email: contact@regalhomes.com.au Web: regalhomes.com.au Display Address: 23 Edwin Hicks Way, Coombs Check our website for opening times.

Building in the country?

Speak with the experts

We make country living easy.

Why are we the country experts?

Regal Homes has been building in the country for decades and can help you account for everything you need to make your country dream a reality.

Whether you just need the basics or require a full off-grid system, we can help you with everything you need.

Visit us in Bungendore this weekend. Check our website for opening times.

Display Address: 28 Hopkins St, Bungendore Check our website for opening times.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS

advertising feature

Regal Homes’ award winning display home in Coombs.

Display winner’s ‘innovative and unique’ design REGAL Homes has won the Master Builders award for Best Display Home more than $500,000 with an “innovative and unique” property in Coombs.

“Rather than just putting the house on the block, we really designed it to try to take advantage of the surrounding scenery,” says Regal Homes’ managing director Natasha Stoka.

“We designed the home specifically for the block it was on so that it could capture the views of the Molonglo Valley, Telstra Tower and the Arboretum.”

Natasha says that with so many people working from home in recent times, the team were inspired to give the project a “resort styled” atmosphere.

“It’s a new style for Canberra. We tried to be a bit inventive with our vision in giving people the feel of a resort right at home,” she says.

Natasha believes the house’s innovative use of materials helped it secure the win, especially given that it was designed to reflect a low-cost energy environment.

“I’m really proud of our entire team. This is a result of 18 months of hard work,” she says.

“I want to thank all the amazing people that contributed.”

While excited about the win, Natasha says Regal Homes is already on to some of its next big projects, with country display homes being worked on in Bungendore and Murrumbatemen.

Regal Homes, Unit 9, 41-45 Tennant Street, Fyshwick.

Call 6239 2360 or 0448 801766, visit regalhomes.com.au or search Regal Homes on Facebook or Instagram.

WINNER - WH&S COMMERCIAL PROJECT Rork Projects is an Indigenous Construction Company that has grown from a family business founded in Canberra, to an award-winning national company that has been named Employer of Choice for the last three years.

Five days after Rork Projects started its Westpac project, COVID-19 was declared a worldwide pandemic.

As the industry was navigating new territory, Rork Projects had to develop and implement its own robust management and response plan to deal with the risk of an outbreak.

Through their COVID-19 Management Plan they effectively anticipated government requirements, to establish an industry-leading management plan.

The Westpac and St. George Bank corporate office in Canberra is an attractive, functional and environmentally responsible office space that integrates unique natural environmental and Indigenous design significance to the local area.

P: 02 6282 9144 W: rorkprojects.com.au 26 CityNews November 4-10, 2021

Winner of Kitchen Project more than $100,000 by Manteena.

Double win for bathroom and kitchen NOT only did Manteena’s home in Forrest win House of the Year at the 2021 Master Builders Awards, but the property also took out the prizes for a Kitchen Project more than $100,000 and a Bathroom Project more than $30,000.

“The kitchen is the heart of the home and this one has everything you could ask for,” says Manteena residential operations manager Danny Agnello.

“There are dual cooking areas, multiple dishwashers, entertaining spaces, double-stacked island benches, plenty of fridge space and a whole butler’s pantry as well.

A joint submission involving Manteena Residential, Architects Ring & Associates, The Dept. of Design and Capital Veneering, Danny says it was “amazing” to have

won awards for the kitchen and bathroom.

“The bathroom’s design brief was to make it feel like a five-star hotel and a key part of the project was to create an immersive shower experience,” says Danny.

“There was a lot of time that went into every element, even selecting the shower heads included months of research.

“There was just so much dedication poured into every detail and I think that’s what makes a difference at the end of the day.”

Manteena, 84 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Call 0423 608793 or 6280 7033 or visit manteena.com.au

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS

advertising feature

Archetec Interiors’ award winning apartment.

Teamwork wins best unit renovation/fit-out award THIS year’s Master Builders award for Best Interior Renovation/Fit-out of an Apartment, Unit or Townhouse was shared between Archertec Interiors and T.O.K. Carpentry and Partitioning.

“We both entered as equal, joint entrants so we won together as a team,” says Sonja McAuliffe, director of Archertec Interiors.

“Most of the fit-out work was interior based and joinery so I spoke to T.O.K., who are very good joiners but because they also do carpentry and miscellaneous services they were perfect for the project.”

Sonja says the client was travelling frequently

between Sydney and Canberra and decided to buy an apartment to use for accommodation and as a combined office.

“When I first designed it, I took on a bit more of a commercial approach, treating it like an office fit-out but then I worked out that it still had to be like a home, comfortable at the end of the day to be able to retire and unwind,” says Sonja.

Archertec Interiors, 2/59 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston.

Call 6239 7177 or 0416 172431, or visit archertecinteriors.com.au

Constructors relish the rewards for hard work HUON is an industry-leading civil engineering construction business in the region and has been operating for more than 17 years, says chief estimator Bojan Knezevic.

Bojan says that winning three Master Builders Awards was a special moment for the team and reflects on their hard work in delivering unique, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.

Huon’s work on the construction of Strathnairn Stage 2A was awarded the winner of the Civil Subdivision category. The Edinburgh Avenue Extension project, involving the extension of Edinburgh Avenue from London Circuit to Vernon Circle, won the Civil Urban Renewal award.

Canberra Airport’s Taxiway Bravo Northern Extension (TBNE) project won the Civil Other category. Bojan

says that this project provides more efficient and safer aircraft movements in the form of a Code E-compliant 1.3-kilometre taxiway suitable for wide-body aircraft such as Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s.

“TBNE decreases the taxiway travel time, while its new state-of-the-art LED aircraft ground-lighting system replaces the outdated halogen lights. Both features improve efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint for airport operations,” says Bojan.

“It was a challenging project, built at the height of covid, but was completed ahead of time.”

Huon, 11 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick.

Visit huon.net.au or call 6162 1400.

LOOKING FOR A SUSTAINABLE KITCHEN? Are you interested in using plywood, recycled timber and other sustainable materials? We’ll work with you to design a kitchen that’s innovative, unique, sustainable and durable.

Kitchens, internal joinery & furniture.

Select Custom Joinery’s award winning kitchen.

Photo: Jennifer Nagy

Prizes for a curved, sustainable kitchen

02 6230 9414 www.selectcustomjoinery.com.au

28 CityNews November 4-10, 2021

ROBYN and Gino Monteleone, partners at Select Custom Joinery, made a plywood and recycled timber curved kitchen that was recognised at the Master Builders Awards as the winner for Best Use of Material in a Residential Project.

Their efforts also saw the project take out the 2021 Judges Commendation.

“We built a different kind of kitchen made out of durable materials and the advantage of that is that they’re sustainable,” says Robyn.

The Housing Industry Association does a report every year that reveals the average kitchen gets turned over every 11 to 18 years because of poor quality, she says.

In comparison, she expects Select Custom Joinery’s award-winning kitchen to last between 50 and 100 years.

“We specialise in offering a different product to people who are looking for something more natural, more sustainable, something that has a bit of soul to it,” she says.

“Something that really feels like home.”

Select Custom Joinery, 1182 Wallaroo Road, Hall. Call 6230 9414, visit selectcustomjoinery.com.au, email mail@ selectcustomjoinery.com.au, or search Select Custom Joinery on Instagram and Facebook.

Civil engineering construction specialising in road, bridge and subdivision works in the ACT and NSW. Huon has been successfully delivering civil construction projects for over 17 years. Our collaborative team approach is embedded throughout our company. We strive to keep the highest professional standards whilst delivering win-win results for our clients through sound engineering practices.

CIVIL OTHER WINNER

CIVIL URBAN RENEWAL WINNER

w: huon.net.au ph: 02 6162 1400 e: info@huon.net.au

CIVIL SUBDIVISION WINNER

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS

advertising feature

Simpel, award for WH&S targeted risk management system.

Aerial view of Tirriwirri school, landscape design and construction commercial award for excellence.

Making winning an award look, well, Simpel

Accessible school landscape wins excellence award

AUSTRALIAN construction software company, Simpel, in conjunction with Construction Control, has won the Master Builders award for its Work Health and Safety targeted risk-management system.

CEO Kurt Robinson, says “Simpel provides the digital foundations to prioritise safety and increase productivity for our clients and sub-contractors and our innovative approach sets a new benchmark for how the industry will build in the future.”

Simpel was recognised for its excellence of implementation with Canberra contractor Construction Control.

Kurt says: “The team at Construction Control adopted Simpel’s software, which delivered extensive operational

The Master Builders Association landscape design and construction commercial award for excellence went to Able Landscaping, for their work on the Tirriwirri school project.

Project manager, Kiri Bell, says the school was designed for a large range of accessibility requirements, including a sports field, car park, asphalt playing courts, an accessible playground and lunch areas and an accessible and fully enclosed agricultural garden.

“We think this project was awarded due to it’s high standard of work across such a diverse scope. This project had many layers of standards to follow and challenges to overcome, yet the Tirriwirri school was

benefits to Construction Control’s safety team allowing them to reallocate over 1000 hours of labour to more productive activities.”

Simpel’s software has been developed to be used on any device and easily accessible by all workers, on and offsite.

“Over 80 per cent of all tradespeople in the Canberra region are active in Simpel’s system, creating the foundations for a highly compliant and safe ecosystem,” says Kurt.

Simpel Group, 3/02 33 Allara Street, Canberra.

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Landscape Design and Construction commercial award for excellence.

Able Landscaping is a multi-disciplinary construction company specialising in commercial landscaping, civil and irrigation works throughout the ACT and surrounding regions since 1971.

30 CityNews November 4-10, 2021

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delivered on time and in budget,” says Kiri Originally founded in 1971 by Peter Morrison and Robert Campbell, Kiri says Able Landscaping has grown to become one of Canberra’s largest commercial landscapers.

“Receiving this award, on our 50th anniversary year, gives us such pride knowing that we have carried this prominent business forward with such a high standard of work, with an outstanding team of people,” says Kiri.

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MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS

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Master Builders Association House of the Year 2021

Civil engineers build prizes and plaudits FOUNDED in 1958, Woden Contractors is one of the oldest, privately-owned civil construction companies in Australia.

Managing Director Ben Helmers says he’s immensely proud of his team picking up three Master Builders awards and a couple of judges’ commendations.

Acknowledged for its sustainable practices and excellence in producing quality roads and bridges, Ben says Woden Contractors’ work on Northbourne Avenue in partnership with TCCS was awarded the sustainability civil award for the use of alternative pavement construction.

New to the ACT, Ben says that this methodology involves using the materials “in-situ” and blending it

with foamed bitumen to create a sustainable pavement product.

“Our work on Gundaroo Drive stage two was also awarded for our bridge work and construction of an arched underpass,” says Ben. Ben says that the company’s commitment to quality, safety and sustainability was recognised through these awards.

“Our team is always trying to think of new ways to improve methodologies and come up with sustainable options and improve safety outcomes,” he says.

Woden Civil Engineering Contractors, 59 Hincksman Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6297 7077 or visit.wodens.com.au

Our work focuses on the importance in the relationship between materials, the built form and our environment. We believe sustainability can come from providing buildings of exceptional quality, with both design and the execution being equally balanced.

MegaFlora best renovation extension up to $450,000.

Boutique business wins big prize

mail@megaflora.com.au 0418 327 427 megaflora_grp 32 CityNews November 4-10, 2021

THE best renovation/extension up to $450,000 went to MegaFlora at the Master Builders Awards for its modern extension to a heritage house.

Daniel Fitzpatrick, director of MegaFlora, says the juxtaposition worked in their favour, “the extension renovation is very modern versus the old heritage house, which is all masonry and quite traditional in style.”

He explains that “it’s quite important on a heritage job to make sure that you meet the heritage guidelines, that’s always front of mind. We knew that and it wasn’t ever an issue.”

Daniel claims that because of the bespoke work they

do, they often do a lot of different things themselves.

“Sometimes it’s too intricate and too detailed for a lot of tradies to be interested in. They want to do the easier stuff that’s more straightforward.”

With only four full-time staff, including Daniel, he says MegaFlora stands out because “we’re quite small so things are quite highly crafted. We pay high attention to detail and our company always takes quite a unique approach.”

MegaFlora, 4/86 Hoskins Street, Mitchell.

Call 0418 327427, email mail@megaflora.com.au or visit megaflora.com.au

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MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS

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Archetec Interiors’ award winning apartment.

Rork Projects won the excellence award for WH&S Commercial.

Works on century-old home take out renovation prize

Indigenous business is ‘honoured’ to win safety award

“INSPIRED” renovations that complemented a centuryold home in Griffith earned Natura Homes the prize for Renovation/Extension between $450,000 and $1 million at this year’s Master Builders Awards.

“Being only the third owner of this 100-year-old Canberra cottage home, the owner wished to maintain heritage period architecture, with new renovations to provide functionality and lifestyle living,” says Natura Homes manager Danny Caputo.

“The design involved a new addition consisting of a new kitchen with attic above to utilise new 35-degree roof pitch space.

“This area required an outdoor, covered deck area,

JOHN Paul Janke, co-owner of Rork Projects, says they are honoured to be the only indigenous business to win a Master Builders award this year.

The construction company won the excellence award for Work Health and Safety Commercial.

“This award recognised our first-class safety and systems practices, but also our collaborative and accountable team approach to safety,” says John.

The award was given to Rork Projects for its covid management plan and response for the Westpac corporate office fitout, Civic Quarter.

“We couldn’t afford to wait. Through our COVID-19 management plan we effectively anticipated govern-

with an outdoor kitchen, providing seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas.”

To execute the client’s vision, Danny says exterior materials of the project were sourced to match and complement the existing home.

“This included reclaimed terracotta tiles with moss and Canberra red brick with mortar and joints to match the 100-year-old property,” he says.

“The connection of bricks from existing to new, in particular, the gable ends were finished to match and replicate existing front gables.”

Natura Homes, call 6110 2001 or visit naturahomes.com.au

ment requirements to establish an industry-leading management plan,” says John.

As an indigenous business, John says Rork Projects are dedicated to supporting the continued growth of the indigenous business sector, wherever possible.

“On this project, we engaged other indigenous businesses,” he says.

“All glass partitioning incorporated indigenous artwork by local Ngunnawal artist Lynnice Church.”

Rork Projects, Unit 13, 3-5 Phipps Close, Deakin.

Call 6282 9144, visit rorkprojects.com.au or search Rork Projects on Facebook and Instagram.

Feel the Natura Difference

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34 CityNews November 4-10, 2021

02 6110 2001 info@naturahomes.com.au www.naturehomes.com.au

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A dive into the deep and meaningful

INSIDE

NICK OVERALL

Wharfies eager to open satirical ‘Can of Worms’

By Helen

MUSA THE photo says it loud and clear – the “Wharfies” are back in business and on their own terms, as the latest Wharf Revue is steering a clear course towards the Canberra Theatre.

There, actor-writer Drew Forsythe tells me by phone from rehearsal in Sydney, the maritime imagery ends, for apart from the title, which they inherited from their long association with the Sydney Theatre Company, there is nothing in it to do with the sea and, by the way, that photo by Brett Boardman was taken on “any old wharf”, not necessarily one near the STC’s wharfside headquarters.

Nonetheless, you have to admire the copywriting skills of Forsythe and his partners in crime, Jonathan Biggins, Phil Scott and their “figurehead, Amanda Bishop’’ as they “bravely voyage to the bottom of the barrel”.

Enough. The show is actually called “The Wharf Revue: Can of Worms”, a fitting description of the past year in Australian politics, Forsythe says and it’s playing from November 8 in the Canberra Theatre, a move up in capacity from The Playhouse and one

Wharf Revue crew… from left, Phil Scott, Drew Forsythe, Jonathan Biggins and Amanda Bishop.

Photo: Brett Boardman way of contending with possible covidrelated restrictions on numbers.

Best of all for Canberra, which has long been the spiritual home of the satirical revue, it’s the first airing for their independent company, set up in association with Jo Dyer, of Soft Tread Enterprises.

“It’s all going smoothly,” Forsythe says cautiously.

“But it’ll be put to the test when we arrive in Canberra, see the set for the first time and

do the preview – it’s all been a bit of a rush because of the pandemic.”

They’re not afraid of the big theatre, they’ve seen plenty of them, notably the huge Civic Theatre in Newcastle, where it seemed to go down well.

It’s been a big year for satirists, he thinks and the National Party is well ahead of the pack in providing satirical fodder, but there’s a mixed batch of politicians and the people they normally touch upon, with an

The CSO is assisted by the Commonwealth Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body

occasional look into the past – John Howard gets to open up the Howard Springs Motel in the NT, for instance.

Forsythe gets some plum parts, especially his favourite, Rupert Murdoch, whom he once depicted as King Lear. This time he’s relaxing at home in London when Mephistopheles turns up for a chat. He supposes this might be what you would call the “serious” part of the revue, but he also gets to play Joe Biden, Pauline Hanson and the Queen.

“With her platinum jubilee coming up, she makes a speech about how the last couple of years have been a little bit up-and-down,” he says, “She’s been in hospital but she bounced out and she’s going to Glasgow… I hope she lasts the distance.”

On a different tack is his parody “Kubla Khan” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, performed by Forsythe as Bob Carr who uses it to give us an insight into the power of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who “A mighty dynasty decreed,” as the new version goes.

Of course, he isn’t alone in having wonderful parts.

Bishop can’t play Pauline Hanson because Forsythe is playing her, so she plays James Ashby, as well as in a scene where Pauline, Mark Latham and Ashby are in a meeting putting up all the things they’re against.

Her big number is a mournful piece sung

by Gladys and her Armenian band but she also gets to play Jacinda Ardern, Michaelia

Cash and Jacqui Lambie, back from an anger management course after an issue in the Qantas Lounge but “f…ing dealing with it well.”

And what about that person in America?

“No, he’s not going away,” Forsythe notes, reminding me that Donald Trump has been rallying in Iowa and if he doesn’t stand in 24 it’ll be either Donald Jr or Ivanka. That’s Biggins’ prize part, of course.

Musical maestro Phillip Scott is having a lot of fun with Scomo songs, Harry Belafonte style and, as his favourite character, Kevin Rudd, who has come out of hiding with a message about the Murdoch Royal Commission.

Uncannily, just before we speak, Forsythe has received a message from the real Rudd on the very same subject.

They’ll do a piece about refugees, their version of a song from the Canadian musical soon coming to the Canberra Theatre, “Come From Away,” but in their case titled “Go Far Away”.

In the grand finale, Biggins plays “Grand Designs” presenter Kevin McCloud covering the housing crisis through the metaphor of “The Wizard of Oz” where Dorothy is leaving Dubbo (or wherever they are playing – Queanbeyan, perhaps) for the Emerald City to try and buy a home. She gives up.

“The Wharf Revue: Can of Worms”, Canberra Theatre, November 8-20. Book at 6275 2700.

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE CSO.ORG.AU CityNews November 4-10, 2021 35

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IT’S full steam ahead at the National Folk Festival offices in Mitchell when we catch up with managing director, Lynne O’Brien, to find out how they’re faring.

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Actually, it’s the first morning that staff have been able to gather live since the lockdown.

Though beset by covid, which forced the cancellation of both the 2020 and 2021 events, a $900,000 boost from the federal government’s “Rise” funding is undoubtedly helping them get back on deck and ready for the Folk Festival to go ahead at Exhibition Park over Easter next year. Gathering at the office – a miracle in itself as O’Brien explains – are production manager Rebekka Ambroz, administration and stalls manager Lara Wood and administration and volunteers’ manager Sharmini Caldwell.

Missing, but only physically, is fireball artistic director Katie Noonan, cut off by covid since late July, but in touch daily – “The email traffic between us has been just phenomenal,” O’Brien says.

A former board member of the Folk Fest role with a long history of arts management experience including having worked with Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and now flanked by Noonan and Ambroz, O’Brien forms a triumvirate of what she calls “outspoken women.”

She prefers to cast a veil over some events of the last couple of years, which have seen a changeover of management and direction, along with the cancellations.

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Festival folk… from left, Lynne O’Brien, managing director; Rebekka Ambroz, production manager; Lara Wood, administration and stalls, and Sharmini Caldwell, administration and volunteers.

Michael Leunig as the 2022 poster image, quickly dropped when some festival constituents pointed to the cartoonist’s track record of perceived misogynistic and anti-vaccination rhetoric.

“That was a board decision. We could not be bogged down by politics. We’ve moved on,” O’Brien says.

As they move on, they’re looking at a huge volunteer contingent, as the plan is to have 200 to 300 separate stalls.

“Volunteering is an enormous part of the folk festival,” she says.

“After working from home since lockdown, we also have to welcome on board new team members… other businesses have the same issues. It’s never easy putting together such a large event.”

To bring it off, they’ve been consulting with what they call “the NFF brains trust,” involving older folkies such as Warren Fahey and Rob Willis, performers Chloe and Jason Roweth and former festival director Pam Merrigan, and also a newer generation represented by artists such as folk-tragic Zev Aviv

and spoken-word expert Jacqui Malins.

The festival won’t be exactly the same, but the public can be reassured that it will still be recognisable, “only there’ll be fewer and somewhat larger venues with physical distancing, more seating and more shade,” O’Brien says, including a 5000-capacity, big top pitched out on the racecourse or “arena”. In the remaining smaller venues, capacity will be regulated.

Last Easter in Queanbeyan, the “Good Folk” mini festival saw a sessions bar in a tent at the Campbell and George bowling club, showing the potential for more of the same, so there’ll be two well-spaced participatory bars where anyone can come to sing, dance and play.

With an all-female team at the top, it’s not surprising to learn that Noonan has been working with veteran folkies Dale Dengate and Kerith Power to launch the digital “First Australian Women’s Song Book” at the National.

It features songs by songwriters such as Joy McKean, Robyn Archer, Judy Small, Jeannie Lewis, Fay

White, Sue Edmonds and Jan Cornall. Some of them – certainly Judy Small – have agreed to perform their own songs at the launch.

“We’ve gone back to our grassroots, connecting with as many as we can, but looking at the new environment and moving ahead,” O’Brien says.

“Katie [Noonan] is very strong on the participatory elements and we are hoping to have a massed choir in Canberra where anyone who wants to be involved can go to the website and join up.”

Mum’s the word right now about the full program as contracts are still being finalised, but our crystal ball reveals that Noonan successfully applied for support from the Australia Council to run two large scale events to open and close the festival.

The first will be an Easter Thursday concert led by Archie Roach, his last performance on Ngunnawal Country before his retirement, to be focused on his song “Let Love Rule”, performed with a chamber string orchestra made up of ANU students, mentors from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, folk fiddlers and a choir to be conducted by Canberra composer Stephen Leek, better known for his classical work.

The second big gig, closing the festival on Easter Monday night, will focus on two folk songs, “Blackfella Whitefella” by the Warumpi Band and “Treaty” by Yothu Yindi, again supported by a massed community choir and a band of rockers/contemporary students from the ANU overseen by Will Kepa, young musos of Canberra and older folkies. Six weeks of weekly Saturday rehearsals at ANU begin in March.

Registrations for the Folk Family Choir to folkfestival.org.au/festivalinfo/choir; follow the festival at folkfestival.org.au

ARTS IN THE CITY

Boyd craves some sounds from home

By Helen Musa CANBERRA born and trained classical guitarist Rupert Boyd has been in touch from New York, where, exactly 10 years ago, he gave his Carnegie Hall debut. He’s just performed in the New York Festival of Song concert and in his own series, “GatherNYC” at the Museum of Arts and Design, where he and violinist Qianqian Li took on a musical trip “10,000 miles to Australia”, playing works by Australian composers Phillip Houghton and Elena Kats-Chernin. “Feeling a level of homesickness and nostalgia, I purposely programmed a number of Australian works to bring a little bit of Australia to a concert hall in New York,” Boyd says.

ALEXA Malizon, a recent ANU School of Art and Design graduate and Emerging Artist Support Scheme awardee, uses humour and the social media video post as visual devices to survey nuances in identity related to her experiences of living between Australian and Filipino cultures. In the Foyer Gallery, Tuggeranong Arts Centre until December 1.

mezzo-soprano Jacqui Dark will perform “The Juliet Letters”, a song cycle written by Elvis Costello and the Brodsky Quartet. Wesley Music Centre, 6pm and 7.30pm, November 26. Book for both at phoenixcollective.com.au/2021 CANBERRA Theatre is bringing in “The War On 2021”, featuring satirical performers Charles Firth, Mark Humphries, Jenna Owen, Victoria Zerbst and James Schloeffel. Canberra Theatre, 7.30pm, Tuesday, November 30. Book at canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Classical guitarist Rupert Boyd… bringing a little bit of Australia to a concert hall in New York.

Photo: Matthew Fried

THE Australian Chamber Orchestra has announced its 2022 season will include mainstage Llewellyn Hall recitals in February, April, May, June, August and November. Season bookings at aco.com.au

VIOLINIST Dan Russell and his Phoenix Collective are back on stage, with a Canberraonly performance of “The Priest, the Intellect, the Eccentric & the Pirate’’ at Wesley Church, 6pm and 7.30pm on November 12. Then Russell, Pip Thompson, Ella Brinch, Andrew Wilson and

PIANIST Mark Jurkiewicz will be back for the Lunchtime Concert series, performing Franz Schubert’s Four Impromptus, D.935 (Op 142) at Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 12.40pm-1.20pm, Wednesday, November 10. Book via trybooking. com/BUYPH

WE UPHOLSTER COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL FURNITURE

Snapper’s red cod and chips… the batter on the fish wasn’t heavy or gluggy.

Crumbed Dory… just the right texture.

Photos: Wendy Johnson

DINING / Snapper on the Lake, Yarralumla

Going bonkers for fish ‘n’ chips

By Wendy

JOHNSON THE lines were huge, the massive lawn area packed and there was a real buzz at the Canberra Southern Cross Club’s Yarralumla location on a sunny Sunday after lockdown restrictions eased.

Snapper on the Lake was the spot and it seemed Canberrans had gone bonkers for fish ‘n’ chips.

One thing is for sure… as customers, we’re going to have to be a bit patient as the already stressed hospitality industry realigns itself to being open.

We waited more than 20 minutes to place our order for fish ‘n’ chips and just as long to order

wine (only one bartender was working).

We were silly not to have investigated a bit more because contactless ordering is available at Snapper on the Lake, so we could have avoided waiting in line altogether.

Having said that, it was a glorious day, good to be outside and the food surprised us by being dished up in 10 minutes or so after we placed our order (a buzzer system is used).

We began with some gorgeous calamari, which was super tender (five pieces for $12).

While the food wasn’t piping hot, the fish was great on all counts. The batter on the red cod wasn’t heavy or gluggy, the crumb on the Dory was just the right texture and the grilled barramundi was perfect. It was great to indulge in chips, which we tended not to order during lockdown because they don’t travel so well. All fish ‘n’ chip orders are $17.

Aside from fish ‘n’ chips, Snapper offers chicken schnitzel, chips and salad ($22), a beef

burger ($19), a Caesar salad ($14), smoked chicken and avo salad ($14) and more. Kids’ meals are $12.

The club is to be applauded for handling covid requirements with precision. A staff member was at the front of the ordering area, ensuring no more than four customers were inside at a time, either ordering or picking up.

White wines are $36 a bottle except for the Mt Majura Pinot Gris ($42). Beers, including several Capital Brewing options, range from $7 to $9.

Remember that spontaneity isn’t exactly the name of the game as yet with dining out. Best to plan well ahead and book. More and more eateries aren’t putting their phone number on their websites so be prepared to book online, with some systems much easier to use than others.

Snapper is cashless and tables weren’t in use on our visit, perhaps because of staff shortages.

It’s open seven days and sitting on a picnic blanket or picnic chairs right on the water is a real treat.

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WATCH IT! / streaming and stuff Detective dives into the deep and meaningful

By Nick

series the director won’t be slowing down on the scares anytime soon.

But, while demons stalking a small town may be creepy, it’s got nothing on the terror to be found in “Chernobyl”, a five-part mini series on MURDER mysteries are often Binge telling the true story of a nuclear reactor explosion that devastated Ukraine in 1986. pretty good at instilling feelings So abstractly frightening were the events of of claustrophobia, but the new “Chernobyl” that they feel like something from BBC series “Vigil”, set inside the another world.

The explosion, estimated to have the force confines of a submarine kilometres Suranne Jones as detective Amy Silva in “Vigil”. of around 300 tonnes of TNT, caused pieces of under the ocean, takes things to Netflix that made chess cool again thanks to Anya graphite to be ejected from the reactor core and some Agatha Christie levels of Taylor-Joy playing a young prodigy set on becom- land on the roof of the plant, meaning thousands ing the world’s greatest player, all set amongst a of liquidators were ordered to clear the deadly genius in tension building. tense Cold War backdrop to top it off. shards by hand.

When an officer aboard ballistic missile The mini series format has also become prime Each person could take no longer than 90 submarine HMS Vigil is mysteriously found dead, real estate for the adaptation of popular crime seconds to remove their piece, for exposure to a Scottish and stoic detective named Amy Silva is novels. the radiation for any longer could cause death. sent beneath the waves to investigate.

Take “The Undoing”, where Nicole Kidman and It’s just one of the events of the disaster that But the stakes here are much higher than the Hugh Grant play a couple cast into the spotlight the “Chernobyl” mini-series recreates in hauntstandard whodunit affair. of a chilling mystery, or the Amy Adams-led ingly realistic detail.

With fingers hovering above the launch button “Sharp Objects”, about a reporter who unlocks a Black rain fell from the sky. Animals had to be for weapons of mass destruction, the truth Pandora’s Box of psychological demons when she culled out of fears of spreading radiation they behind the murder aboard holds all the more returns to her hometown to cover a murder, both had been imbued with. Helicopters dropped intriguing implications and charges the already of which can be found on Binge. more than 5000 tonnes of sand, lead and clay on thin air with an added layer of political tension.

These are just two examples of how minithe plant to put out fires still burning days after “Vigil” can be streamed on Binge and is packed series now have the budget, the stars and the the explosion. into six episodes that make great use of the promotional power to be “cinematic” events in It truly is an example of truth being stranger, limited-series format – meaning the entire story and of themselves. and scarier, than fiction and the five episodes from beginning to end is contained to one season.

Netflix has another one just released called give enough time to deeply explore the events Limited series, also often touted as “mini “Midnight Mass”, the story of a small, rural town that a two or three hour run-time of a standseries” or “event series”, aren’t quite as coveted that begins to experience strange and supernatu- alone movie just couldn’t achieve. as their lengthy television cousins whose stories ral events after the arrival of a charismatic priest.

“Chernobyl” may be the best use of the limited are spread out over multiple seasons, but the It’s another horror hit from the mind of Mike series format to date and with the battle for format has certainly taken on its own pop culture Flanagan, who gave Netflix subscribers 2018’s talent between streaming platforms continuing gravitas in the last decade. hugely popular “The Haunting of Hill House”. It to heat up, one can only hope for more quality of Take “The Queen’s Gambit”, a smash-hit for would seem that with the success of this new this calibre to come.

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GARDENING

ONE of my favourite natives is the waratah. There are five species of waratah which are endemic to south-eastern Australia and it is the state emblem for NSW. They grow best with drainage to prevent fungal root rot and have a lignotuber, meaning they can survive bushfires. Waratahs can also be grown successfully in pots with native potting mix and placed in a sheltered spot in the garden. A real show stopper when in flower.

Syringa vulgaris “Sensation”... Lilacs like an alkaline soil and would benefit from some dolomite lime twice a year, now and in autumn.

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A Canberra folklore amongst gardeners is that we get our first frost in Canberra around Anzac Day and our last around Melbourne Cup Day. Now is the race to get home produce on the Christmas table.

I have been trialling diatomaceous earth in my vegetable garden with great success in reducing slaters, earwigs and other nocturnal insects eating my seedlings, but not snails.

Diatomaceous earth is effective against any insect that has an exoskeleton and crawls across the powder. It is an amazing product and there is a lot of information on the internet about its uses and properties. Sprinkle around the base of seedlings and small plants.

Be careful not to get any on flowers as it is important to keep diatomaceous earth away from bees.

MOST fruit trees have finished flowering by now and, hopefully, the bees have done their job and pollinated the flowers. Now’s the time to cover trees or use codlingmoth traps that can be hung in the tree to lure moths and trap them.

Codling moths are tiny and have three generations per season, which means their numbers can build up very quickly. They are a moth and attracted to night lights, so keeping the tree away from spotlights can help reduce the population of moths.

A homemade moth-bait trap is to hang a plastic milk container in the tree with holes in the side. Fill the bottom with molasses and cover with vegetable oil. The oil stops the moths from escaping the trap.

Monitor the trap every few days and clean and replace when required.

APPLE trees will benefit from an application of boron, especially through flower formation and fruit

set stage. It is an essential element for production and growth and if a tree is lacking in boron it will show in small twiggy growth and bud drop. Sprinkle a little around the base of the tree around the drip line and water well.

THERE is fragrance in the garden air from lilacs. Even the smallest flowering branch can fill an indoor room with a sweet and delicious smell. They are an attractive, deciduous shrub and a tough, old-fashioned plant. They grow 2-4 metres tall and can be trimmed to shape if required after flowering.

Lilacs like an alkaline soil and would benefit from some dolomite lime twice a year, now and in autumn. My lilac, Syringa vulgaris “Sensation”, is grafted so it does not sucker, but the rootstock is a privet and I am always making sure the rootstock shoots are removed.

MULCHING the garden is important for holding moisture and minimising the fluctuation of soil temperature.

There are many commercial products that can be bought from landscape supply companies in Canberra and the organic Forest Litter mulch is the best for most gardens as it breaks down and adds organic matter to the soil. It increases the microbes in the soil and helps the development of healthy soils.

Mulch should be placed around the plants, but not too close to the stem, and should be about 100 millimetres thick. Water the garden before and after mulching to lock in the moisture and keep the plant roots cool. jackwar@ home. netspeed. com.au

WICKING SOLUTIONS FOR ANY SPACE GARDENS COURTYARDS BALCONIES Visit us at 4/23 Essington St, Mitchell ACT 2911 02 6179 3977 admin@aquafloirrigation.com.au | aquafloirrigation.com.au

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Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

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General knowledge crossword No. 806

November 8-14, 2021 ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

This week stress levels will be high and energy low, as motivation dips and frustration soars. Taskmaster Saturn squares your ruler Mars, which will certainly test your limited patience but – with focus and determination – you’ll navigate your way around any temporary roadblocks. Things improve from Friday onwards.

Hopefully you’ll learn some valuable lessons – like slowing down, keeping things in perspective, and calming yourself within.

DIRECTORS HAVE TO APPLY FOR ID NUMBER

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Stubborn, slow-moving Bulls prefer things to proceed smoothly, with no sudden surprises along the way. However, with Uranus still transiting through your sign, life continues to be a series of ups and downs. Singer-songwriter-musician Neil Young (who was born on November 12, 1945) observes: “As you go through life, you’ve got to see the valleys as well as the peaks.” This week the focus is on relationships, conversation and co-operation. Feel the love, Taurus!

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Your ruler Mercury hooks up with Mars on Wednesday, which gives you the motivation to put ideas into practice. And it can also signal a fresh start involving health, work habits or pets. Some vigorous physical exercise will certainly help you bounce through the week with extra Gemini gusto and enthusiasm. But if you don’t communicate clearly, then misunderstandings are likely (especially on the weekend). So think things through before you speak.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

The planets shine a bright spotlight on partnerships of the romantic, platonic, business and family variety. You are entering a period of nurturing old relationships and establishing new ones. So it’s a wonderful time to focus on friendships, shared hobbies, joint ventures and having fun. As Scorpio birthday great Robert Louis Stevenson observed: “A friend is a gift you give yourself.” But tread carefully when it comes to financial matters.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Many lively Lions are in for a magical week, as the Sun (your power planet) forms a fabulous flowing aspect with Neptune. So it’s time to be the flamboyant and creative person you were born to be. That doesn’t mean there won’t be problems, challenges or frustrations along the way. But it does mean that your positive attitude and natural enthusiasm will bolster your spirits and enhance the lives of those around you. Prepare to sparkle and shine!

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

This week there’s a magical connection between the Sun and Neptune, so there is much satisfaction to be gained through contributing your considerable talents to a worthy cause within your neighbourhood community. You really can make a difference if you think global and act local! But relations with a family member or work colleague could be challenging (especially mid-week). So make sure you pick your battles carefully and choose your words wisely.

Down

3 Which Greek philosopher was known as “the Cynic”? (8) 7 To mend something, is to do what to it? (6) 8 Name another term for a lift. (8) 9 When one puts pen to paper, one does what?

(6) 10 Name an arachnid with a venomous sting. (8) 11 Which person is employed to tend a furnace?

(6) 14 Name those attendants who escort people to their seats in theatres. (6) 17 What do we call extra hours worked? (8) 18 What is an alternative name for a boarder? (6) 19 To be sluggish or indolent, is to be what? (8) 20 What is an extended instrumental composition, usually in several movements? (6) 21 What are acquired male offspring known as? (8)

1 Which delightful little African carnivore is related to the mongoose? (7) 2 Which garden tool is used for loosening the soil by digging? (7) 3 What is a kitchen sideboard? (7) 4 When one rules by right of authority, one does what?

(7) 5 What is the salt of nitrous acid? (7) 6 Which women’s garments consist of material knotted around the waist? (7) 11 What are narratives or tales? (7) 12 To perform surgery, is to do what? (7) 13 What are pieces of landed property? (7) 14 To be of no practical good, is to be what? (7) 15 Name a renowned magician and escape artist, Harry ... (7) 16 Which mammals include mice, beavers, etc? (7)

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LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

The flowing Sun-Neptune trine is terrific for flights of imagination, ambitious dreams, creative projects and all forms of self-expression (especially art, music and fashion). However – with Mars, Saturn and Uranus disrupting your money zone – don’t blow the budget by indulging in an impulsive and extravagant spending spree! This week you are faced with a stark choice, Libra… find clever ways to boost cash flow or learn to live within your means.

Solution next edition

Across

Sudoku hard No. 303

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Have you been procrastinating about an important issue? Or have you lacked the self-belief to push a project forward? It’s time to be bold, brave and proactive, as the terrific trio of the Sun, Mercury and mighty Mars march through your sign (which only happens every two years). So make the most of this awesome opportunity, Scorpio! Confidence is in and complacency is out, as you go after what you want with plenty of passion, purpose and pizazz.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

If you stir up grievances with an old adversary this week, then you could find you’ve bitten off more than you can comfortably chew! The Sun trines Neptune (on Friday and Saturday) which favours balancing material and spiritual needs. Plus, when it comes to a frustrating problem, avoid quick fixes. You’ll find a satisfactory solution if you act on your hunches, do all the research that’s required, and look for the facts that are hidden beneath the surface.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Aim to be more proactive, especially when it comes to networking with friends and colleagues. And don’t let annoying disruptions get you down. No-one wants to be around a grumpy Goat! Instead of brooding when other people don’t understand what you want, tell them exactly what you need. And learn to delegate, de-stress and de-compress. Take some time off so you can enjoy doing the things you love. No-one (not even a capable Capricorn) is indispensable.

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

Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2021

Solutions – October 28 edition Sudoku medium No. 303

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

This week the Sun-Neptune trine inspires you to contemplate and create your future. Whether you want to travel, build a home, expand your family or change jobs, begin with a dream and then work hard to make it a robust reality. Dreams are wasted if you don’t turn them into productive projects! But a relationship could experience problems as the Saturn squares boost impatience and heighten sensitivities. A healthy dose of Piscean diplomacy will get you through.

Solution next edition

Crossword No. 805

Disruptive Uranus suggests a house move, home renovation, family fiasco, uninvited guests dropping in, a professional problem or a work-place drama.

Whatever happens, strive to get the balance right between your public life and your private responsibilities. Just remember, when it comes to relationships, you’re not suited to ‘normal’ partnerships (whether of the romantic, platonic or business variety). For quirky Aquarians, ‘weird’ can be wonderful.

Amelia, a new client, organised a Zoom meeting with me. I asked her to provide her driver’s licence before the appointment.

“Why do I have to do that?" she asked. "No accountant has asked me for a driver’s licence before.”

I told her we had requested ID from clients for many years.

However, the Tax Practitioners’ Board had recently put out a draft practice note that stated all new clients should produce photo ID before their appointment. In addition, they should provide a secondary form of ID such as a notice from the ATO or Centrelink or a Medicare card.

While this was still in draft form, I thought it prudent that we complied with this. Not only that, but if we don’t, we could be acting outside the Tax Practitioner’s Code of Ethics.

Beyond that, I alerted Amelia to the new regime of Directors Identification Number (DIN), which came into existence on November 1. "As I understand it, you have a company and I will explain the process to you so that you have the necessary DIN,” I said.

“Every company director will have to have a DIN. If you were appointed a director before October 31, 2021, you must apply for your DIN before November 30, 2022.

"If you are appointed between November 1, 2021, and April 4, 2022, you must apply for your DIN within 28 days of your appointment and from April 5, 2022, you will need your DIN before you can be appointed as a director. Your DIN will stay with you forever and is used for all your companies.

"To apply for a DIN you will need to have a MyGovID account.

This is not the same as MyGov. To get a MyGovID account you will need any two of a driver’s licence, passport, birth certificate or Medicare card.

"After you have obtained your online MyGovID account you will need other documents to actually apply for the DIN. These include your tax file number, your residential address, which must be the one held by the ATO, and two other forms of ID such as a tax notice of assessment, super account details, bank account details, a dividend statement, a Centrelink payment summary or a PAYG payment summary.

“The next step is to go to the ABRS website (abrs.gov.au) and follow the directions. The DIN should only take about five minutes and it is one of the applications that only you can make. Your accountant or lawyer cannot do it on your behalf.

If you do need help, we can certainly assist you with your application.”

Amelia said that was a lot to take in, "but I think I will take you up on your offer to assist me as I often have trouble with this sort of thing.”

I replied: “Happy to help you Amelia as I am sure we'll be helping quite a few other clients in the next couple of months.”

If you need help with applying for either MyGovID or your DIN contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 6295 2844.

02 6295 2844 Unit 9, 71 Leichhardt Street, Kingston ABN 57 008 653 683

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

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

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@gailfreemanandco

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