CityNews 211223

DECEMBER 23, 2021

Be nice, be kind; convincing people is tricky

ANTONIO DI DIO Thunder hits home at the Manuka wicket

SIMON ANDERSON

KEEPING UP THE ACT

Is this yet another nation-leading idea from the ACT government?

Relax

• SWITCH OFF • SLEEP • REJUVENATE

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REST IS BEST / switching off

It’s okay to do things just because you enjoy them

By Belinda

STRAHORN FIRST it was bushfires, then it was coronavirus – the events of the last few years have left Canberrans with a heightened state of anxiety, a Canberra psychologist says.

Dr Antonio Di Dio.

“We have been through bushfires and covid, and so we have had a long period with a sense of threat,” says Jason McCrae, a clinical psychologist of 15 years.

“We have all been anxious, and our anxiety systems have been activated for a long period of time.”

Feelings of worry can be expected during stressful events, but ongoing crises have made switching off significantly hard, says McCrae.

“We had smoke literally hovering over us, then the daily covid case numbers, new exposure sites, the new variant... all these things activated our anxieties and have made rest a lot more difficult,” McCrae says.

“When we live in a constant state of threat, our body does not rest properly.”

Mr McCrae believes the holiday season is an opportunity to switch off.

Getting proper rest is important, he says, but covid has changed the way

we relax and unwind in our homes.

“Covid meant that so much converged on the home – working, schooling, quarantining at home, and the long period of lockdown – so one difficult aspect was that our normal place of rest changed and has been impacted by this period,” says McCrae.

The former Lifeline counsellor says now is the right time to consider taking a break from the family home.

“Getting away, even for a day trip, is really valuable,” says McCrae.

It is also a good time to reconnect with some of the activities that were absent during lockdown, he says.

“During the pandemic the things we enjoyed were so much harder to do. We couldn’t go to a cafe and sports were shut down, so during this time of rest it’s important to reconnect with the things that you love to do,” McCrae says.

“And it’s okay to do things just be-

INDEX

Jason McCrae.

cause you enjoy them.”

For many of us, the holiday months are a chance to indulge in quality sleep. With many of us short of shuteye in our normal routines, the end of the year may be a time to pay homage to sleep’s restorative powers.

According to Canberra GP Dr Antonio Di Dio rest is “vital” to maintaining good health. He points out that sleep deprivation can jeopardise our health and wellbeing.

“If you have three to four days with

no sleep you’ll start to do and say some crazy things,” Dr Di Dio says.

“Some people who are really efficient and have achieved some great things in their life have usually figured out how to efficiently rest their brain and body on a regular basis.”

In an age where technology is constantly with us, Dr Di Dio says it’s important to set some boundaries around screen time.

“When some people go to bed, they check their socials with the inten-

tion of being on their phone for a few minutes and they end up scrolling for hours,” Dr Di Dio says.

“Sometimes screens are super healthy ways to connect with the world, but sometimes – particularly for teenagers – they steal your rest time.”

During the holidays, Dr Di Dio – also a past president of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) ACT – recommends not allowing family time to be eroded by mobile phones and tablets.

“If you are going to be with your loved ones during the holidays, then be with them and don’t be checking your phone or emails,” Dr Di Dio says.

“If you can genuinely get away from your work then take advantage of that because even the youngest of children can tell when you are not really there.”

The GP of 27 years says the holidays are also a good time to revisit the work-life balance.

“Balance is important and you have to figure out if the things you are doing are essential or not,” Dr Di Dio says.

“If you are constantly tired and frustrated then there is a good chance that you might be long-term deprived of rest.

“Looking at the way you live your life, shouldn’t be intimidating or scary, it should be a wonderful and exciting thing to do in this holiday period.”

Since 1993: Volume 27, Number: 51

Arts & Entertainment 21-23 Best of dining 22 Canberra Matters 10 Garden 20 Keeping up the ACT 11 Letters 12 News 3-14 Sport 13 Streaming 23 We wish our readers a very Happy New Year and hope everyone gets a restful break over coming weeks.

Well written, well read

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

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REST IS BEST / sleeping

Dead simple – if you don’t snooze, you lose

By Nick

OVERALL IN December 1963, high school student Randy Gardner went 11 days and 25 minutes without sleeping.

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The 17-year-old enlisted two friends to help keep him awake for 264 hours in a project he thought was a surefire way to win first place at the San Diego science fair.

On day one he reported he was feeling focused and ready for the challenge, by day four he was hallucinating that he was a football player twice his actual size.

Over the course of the experiment, Gardner lost his ability to identify objects by touch, had trouble forming short-term memories and struggled to repeat basic tongue twisters.

By the final day, when asked to subtract seven repeatedly, starting with 100, he stopped at 65. When asked why he stopped, Gardner said he forgot what he was doing.

While he and his friends indeed took out that first prize at the science fair and became media sensations, years later Gardner reported suffering from intense insomnia.

His experiment represents one of the most vivid examples of the importance

Randy Gardner (middle)... in 1963 he went 11 days without sleep. of rest, and is the reason the Guinness World Records stopped publishing the record for most consecutive days awake.

“Sleep has shown to have positive effects on our cognition, memory, mental functioning and so much more,” says Prof Shanthakumar Rajaratnam, chair of the Sleep Health Foundation.

“When we sleep our brain is processing the events of the day, eliminating toxins in our brains and it plays a critical role in our ability to learn new things.

“We simply can’t live well without it.”

All of this begs the question, what actually is sleep?

While research about the importance of sleep has only grown over the decades, according to the Sleep Health Foundation, scientists still don’t quite understand why this mysterious, yet crucial function is so badly needed.

Prof Rajaratnam says that while sleep is generally believed to be a

dormant activity, there’s actually a lot more happening in the brain than we think.

“For a long time it was believed sleep is a process in which the brain’s activity decreases, but there is now very clear research that many processes actually become more active during sleep,” he says.

“Some parts of the brain use more oxygen and glucose while asleep than when awake.”

Studies have shown that while asleep the body restores cells, releases proteins and hormones and restores energy levels.

In some good news for Canberrans, the capital may actually be the best place in the world for getting some shut-eye.

A report from Lenstore this year found that in categories such as temperature, light pollution, noise, air quality and more, Canberra had the

TOGETHER WE HAVE DONE SO MUCH

4 CityNews December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

Sleep Health Foundation chair, Prof Shanthakumar Rajaratnam. best conditions for quality rest.

Second on the list was Vienna in Austria, whereas the worst city in the world for sleep was Washington DC, which has more people searching for “sleeping pills” online than any other city in the world.

“It might surprise you to know that your brain has a kind of clock in it,” says Prof Rajaratnam.

“The most important external signal for the biological clock is light.

When the eye senses light, it sends signals to the suprachiasmatic nucleus [which] resets the clock every day.

“Our body does this to make sure rhythms don’t drift out of line with

the environment.”

Prof Rajaratnam explains this biological system has evolved over millions of years and as a result relies heavily on consistency.

“Try to go to bed at around the same time every evening and get up at around the same time every morning,” he says.

“Improved sleep will not happen as soon as changes are made, but if good sleep habits are maintained, sleep will certainly get better. Find what time works for you and stick with it.”

Potentially interfering with this consistency is napping, something that Australians are doing more than ever before according to new research from ResMed. Its study found almost half the nation is taking a siesta once a week, having increased as a result of working from home due to covid lockdowns.

Is napping good for us though?

While Prof Rajaratnam says sometimes a nap is necessary, it shouldn’t ever replace a good night’s sleep.

“We often feel most sleepy in the early afternoon, around 2pm-3pm. Being able to sleep during a nap may be easier at this time of day than trying to nap at another time,” he says.

Over the holidays, the Sleep Health Foundation says it’s important to remember getting a good sleep is just as important as a good diet and regular exercise. Happy hay hitting.

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REST IS BEST / rejuvenation

Why it’s important to get a good rest and a break

By Lily

PASS “GET rid of any distractions and let people know that you’re not working and you’re not available,” is clinical psychologist Dr Vivienne Lewis’ advice for the holiday season.

She says in the lead up to Christmas and the summer holidays, there is often an increase in people experiencing stress and feeling overwhelmed. She says while this is normal, there are a range of strategies to use to help someone make the most of their downtime.

Dr Lewis works as an assistant professor at the University of Canberra and has spent nearly 21 years in the industry.

“I try to help people find a balance and realise it’s their holiday time, just as much as it is other people’s,” she says.

The best first step is getting as many tasks done as possible before finishing up for the year and entering the holiday season, “so it’s all out of the way and you’re not left thinking about the work you left behind”.

Dr Lewis says it’s important to then treat yourself to something that will help you wind down and make the

Psychologist Dr Vivienne Lewis…

“Having that relaxation of your body and your mind helps rejuvenate you.” mental switch from work mode to rest mode.

“Try and do something relaxing at the very start of the holiday, do something that eases you into the break and into the feeling of being on a break as soon as you can.”

She says setting up an automatic out-of-office email will instantly let coworkers know you won’t be responding, and turning off notifications and shutting down the computer will help remove any temptation.

“If your brain is still really ticking over and there’s a lot to worry about for work, keep a notebook close by and

jot some things down, and then put it to the side as best you can,” she says.

There are physical and mental benefits that you’ll notice if you make the most of your time off, says Dr Lewis.

“Having that relaxation of your body and your mind helps rejuvenate you, it increases your mood, helps you feel more lively and it reduces anxiety and stress.”

She says people need to give themselves permission to have a break, rest, and relax, in order for them to

return to work refreshed in the New Year.

“Switch off from everything, including social media,” she says.

Checking work emails, making yourself available or logging on while on holiday makes a continuous cycle of stress, and keeping yourself “in the loop” for work activity doesn’t allow you to make the most of your time off.

“If you don’t take the break, you’ll start the New Year just as exhausted as you are now because you can’t relax

if you’re waiting for phone calls and emails,” she says.

But what if there’s an emergency?

Well…

“Let people know you’re having a mobile-free day or week, so if people need to contact you there’s a landline or there’s somebody else they can contact.”

She says there’s always a way of contacting someone if it’s absolutely necessary. However, if it requires more steps than simply calling a mobile number, co-workers will often reconsider whether it’s actually an emergency.

“The good thing about the holidays is that most people are on holidays, so there’s no point writing emails or doing work because no one is going to be there anyway,” Dr Lewis says.

She often tells people to avoid being the person who is always available, “if people know you’re checking emails and taking calls, they will contact you.” Becoming uncontactable, or not responding to emails, text messages or phone calls that aren’t urgent, means co-workers won’t continue to try and make contact, and you won’t have to waste time or stress on unimportant tasks.

“This year has been difficult for everyone, and I think it’s really important to get a good rest and a good break and be present with your family and friends.”

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NEWS / ACT Wildlife

Volunteers brace to offer holiday wildlife help

By Lily

PASS “WHAT we want for the holidays is no more animals to come into care, please,” is Lindy Butcher’s wish as president of ACT Wildlife.

“We would love it if no animals got hit by cars and no animals got taken by dogs and cats.”

ACT Wildlife’s 120 volunteers will be staffing the wildlife hotline and providing support during the holiday period. Lindy says this includes transport to and from vets, rescuing animals, collecting food and moving animals between carers.

“We have probably 1500 animals in care over the year, and I think there’s maybe 200 in care right now across Canberra,” she says.

In 2013, Marg Peachey, who is now vice president, saw the need for a wildlife group that would care for injured, sick and orphaned native animals within the ACT. It became a registered charity and an application to the ACT government for a Licence to Take (from the wild) was approved.

The government will allocate more than $100,000 a year for the next four years to the charity, which will be

ACT Wildlife president Lindy Butcher, right, with her mother Marion Townsend… “We would expect with people going travelling over [the holidays] we’ll see more animals hit by cars.” spent on habitat equipment for carers, a new headquarters and, ideally, its own dedicated wildlife vet.

ACT Wildlife sells calendars and hosts barbecues to help raise money and accepts donations through its website.

Of the 120 volunteers, 70 are active carers of possums, wombats, flying foxes, lizards, turtles, wallabies, echidnas, frogs and birds.

“We would expect with people going travelling over [the holidays] we’ll see more animals hit by cars. People’s pets running out will take an animal

ILLUSTRATI NG GEORGE FRENCH ANGAS

8 CityNews December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

IN

Merindah the injured wombat… “She’s just made this remarkable recovery and she’s turned into a really lovely, sweet-natured little girl,” says Lindy.

Photos: Lily Pass

or frighten it, and people might find injured animals if they’re out and about doing family things over the holidays.”

Lindy says before calling about an animal, look on the ACT Wildlife website for hints.

She says members of the public need to pick up as much of the load as they possibly can.

“If there’s a lizard or echidna in your backyard then keep the dogs and cats inside and let it pass through.

“The animals are likely on their way back to their nest, burrow or

THE

AUSTRALIA

&

young and if you move them yourself, they might lose their way.”

Lindy says her mother, Marion Townsend, is a wildlife carer herself and that’s where Lindy got her passion from.

They grew up in the NT in an indigenous community and followed a traditional lifestyle.

“The men would go hunting and they would often bring back a wallaby, and it would have a baby joey with it. My mum would get the joey and we would raise it and put it back

A NTI P ODES NEW ZEALAND 1844–1845

in the bush again.”

Lindy moved to Canberra 25 years ago, and has worked with ACT Wildlife and its previous iterations since then, and eight years ago her mum moved in.

“Mum can’t do the little fiddly stuff anymore, but she’s good for keeping the animals warm and supervising.”

Together they’ve cared for a range of animals, including birds, wallabies, possums, and wombats which are Lindy’s favourite, “I just love them”.

Currently, Lindy is caring for a 14-month-old wombat named Merindah, which is a Gadigal word meaning beautiful, and a baby crimson rosella named Heckle.

Merindah came into her care three months ago as an orphan with mange.

It had been attacked by bigger wombats because it was vulnerable and had “horrendous, infected” wounds from the front of its nose to the end of its rump.

“She’s just made this remarkable recovery and she’s turned into a really lovely, sweet-natured little girl,” says Lindy.

She says the volunteers work really hard to support each other to ensure people do get breaks, because it’s not like other forms of volunteering.

“It’s not like you go, you do your shift and then you come home. This is 24 hours around the clock for as long as the animal needs you.” actwildlife.net

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CANBERRA MATTERS

Sad Manuka shows pop-ups in search of design THE south side of Franklin Street, Manuka, was shut off during November for several clusters of seats and tables on fake grass. It was apparently another of this government’s pop-up experiments.

Taking over the parking spaces and part of urban streets is an idea that has been around for several decades.

The successful version kicked off in San Francisco in 2005 and has since spread across the world.

PARK(ing) Day occurs in midSeptember with design studios and other collectives having fun. Spaces are claimed, sometimes as long as the meter is fed.

It can involve design innovations and wonderful crazy ideas. Other groups use secondhand household furniture as well as some things especially constructed on site. The events work when people are attracted to sit around and enjoy themselves or even sit quietly and enjoy the novelty of the space.

What happened in Manuka was a bit sad. Someone obviously had heard about the idea of taking back part of the street for people to enjoy. But they missed the point. There was nothing fun about the scattered placement of the standard ACT government pop-up seats, tables and obligatory planters.

This experiment failed because it did not involve design or the expertise of creating aesthetically attractive urban spaces for people.

The ACT government used to be reasonably good at using designers. Not anymore. The results today are usually very amateurish and quickly removed.

To hammer home how badly this was done, the street was surrounded with large orange construction barriers.

It was an ugly look. It looked as if the street had been closed for construction.

These dominant barriers ensured any patrons would feel enclosed as if they were in danger from evil things beyond those orange walls.

The ACT government is not doing well when it comes to design of our public spaces. The Tuggeranong revamp along Anketell Street is exactly what Liberal MLA Mark Parton said it was. It was the largest speed bump in the world with a few bits of street furniture and underwhelming decorations. It is an expensive and boring addition to Tuggeranong.

Meanwhile, over in Weston the locals had campaigned for an upgrade of the small park on Brierly Street and Trenerry Square. The community council gathered the ideas and submitted them to the ACT government.

What appeared in March, 2018, was nothing like what had been requested.

Franklin Street, Manuka… It was an ugly look. It looked as if the street had been closed for construction. The dominant barriers ensured any patrons would feel enclosed.

Photo: Paul Costigan Lots of hard surfaces and very little shade as requested. This expensive and unpopular design work is about to be undone with new consultations underway to identify what the locals want.

Maybe someone in government should re-read the first submissions from the community council and design according to that very clear brief.

The inner north has been littered with the City Renewal Authority’s expensive pop-up activities. After millions of dollars, not much has survived. Some faded paint here and there, some twisted version of a park outside the swimming pool and a scattering of chairs and potted plants throughout the shopping centre.

There will be no design awards handed out for this useless clutter.

And to return to the concepts behind claiming back the streets. Good design can deliver, and has delivered, some fabulous new spaces. The investment in having experienced and talented designers influence the outcomes is definitely worth it.

The ACT government used to be reasonably good at using designers. Not anymore. The results today are usually very amateurish and quickly removed.

The closure and re-use of streets is to be encouraged. Such initiatives will have a divided response – that’s guaranteed. Some want more. Others will oppose it as it disadvantages the car driver. To make such stuff happen requires an experienced design leader. This is something this government lacks and it shows in what is being thrown up around the city.

What happened at Manuka was a missed opportunity. A new concept should be explored with experienced landscape architects and professional placemakers. If the government planners could do their job and get onside with the Liangis development and get that building done, something very good could come of a revamp of Franklin Street. And maybe a few other streets around the city.

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

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CityNews December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022 11

LETTERS

Write to us: editor@citynews.com.au

Insurance issues if cops don’t bother to turn up WHAT on earth is this Greens-led government doing to our police force, in no longer attending burglaries for lack of manpower and more important duties?

More important duties are like manning radar speed traps to catch all those model citizens who happen to wander over the speed limit.

But, of course, that is very important revenue for an out-of-control Rattenbury/ Barr government that needs every dollar to pay for the black hole that is light rail.

More importantly though, I would be very interested in what the insurance industry has to say about all this.

I was burgled some six years ago. The police finally showed up, had a look but refused to let me have a copy of their report, presuming there was one. But I needed to advise my insurance company that the police had attended.

I also wonder what legal advice the government had before taking this decision?

Max Flint, coordinator, Smart Canberra Transport

Viae malae sunt HAVING driven around this morning shopping, I am inclined to agree with a Roman Centurion from Vindolanda who wrote to a friend “viae malae sunt” [the roads are bad].

Charles Hirst, Latham

dose of dorin

It would be helpful if the planning, sustainability and housing ministers could trawl through the documentation themselves and advise the public how this example of intended renewal in Dickson proves that this government is acting both in the spirit of the upcoming planning review reforms, and as a credible role model for others to follow.

Far more sustainable and climateconscious living options should be the norm for all development across new suburban and renewal locations.

Sue Dyer, Downer

Christmas ‘tree’ shock

Developer, do better WHAT a shocker! (“A world-class heat island in the making!”, citynews.com.au, December 10). Columnist Paul Costigan exposes another unbelievable suburban renewal plot by the ACT planning and housing bureaucracies to slap down built forms with little attention to their surrounds and impacts, not just in relation to the new residents but also those whose physical and visual amenity will also be compromised long term by the harsh and unbalanced aspects of this residential project in Dickson.

The future occupants of the two dwellings deserve far better solutions and comfortable

living options, particularly outside the four walls provided.

The ACT government should be leading by example on its own housing blocks, including in responding to the clear objectives and actions set out in its myriad of plans and strategies aimed at cooling and treeing this city.

Instead, like others, it hopes to get away with poor, minimalist design and landscaping, leaving it up to already world-weary community volunteers to find the time to wade through the DA documentation, and to formally justify why basic remedial action across the whole block would be in the immediate and broader public interest.

Comprehensive, expert advice in your time of need

I THOUGHT it prudent to alert readers to prepare for disappointment should they be considering a visit to Civic to see the ACT government Christmas tree.

I recently was in Civic with a friend who told me the tree was not the usual one in Civic Square, standing tall and festive, adorned with lights and a Christmas star.

Apparently the Barr government had not provided this usual festive feature but instead had installed an alternative somewhere in Civic. I stumbled across it near the “Canberra Times” fountain and what a disappointment it is.

A green, metallic-like structure, not unlike a dalek, extends upwards from a scaffold type base. Instead of the usual Christmas images the “tree” is covered with pictures of birds and other non-Christmas images.

The crowning glory of this monstrosity

is not a Christmas star or an angel but a COVID-19 virus particle complete with spiky protein tentacles.

I realise that Andrew Barr and his government probably have no interest in Christmas, however many Canberra families, children and people appreciate and value the symbols, history and meaning of Christmas, including the Christmas tree.

After another year of doom and gloom, was it too much to expect the Barr government to provide a little Christmas cheer with our usual splendid tree and decorations? As I was contemplating this question a passing bird made its opinion of the new tree clear by making his own, somewhat messy, contribution to its decorations.

Anthony Noakes, Florey

Missing my ‘CityNews’ I HAVE just come home from doing my shopping at Woolworths in Charnwood. I am 83 and use a walker.

This morning I found out that Woolworths will no longer have “CityNews” and the other free magazines available for their customers.

So much for service!

I have only lived in Canberra for six years, as my son lives here and I moved from Sydney to be with him and his wife, and I look forward to being informed by your publication.

I am sorry to vent this all on you, but I happen to like reading “CityNews” each week and look forward to getting it.

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SPORT / Big Bash League

Thunder hits home at the Manuka Oval wicket MANUKA Oval may have missed out on getting the fifth Ashes Test, but that doesn’t mean Canberrans are missing out on top-flight cricket this summer.

The Sydney Thunder have again brought matches to their adopted home ground at Manuka Oval.

In early December the Thunder kicked off their Big Bash League (BBL) campaign with a comfortable win over the Brisbane Heat.

The ACT has been an annual stop on the Thunder’s schedule since they first played here in 2018. The club has played 14 matches at the venue since.

The success of the matches was part of Cricket Australia’s decision to pick Canberra as one of its BBL “hubs” as state travel restrictions forced the competition into covid bubbles last season.

It meant locals were treated to a dozen matches featuring some of the country’s best players throughout December and January – and for the Thunder, Canberra became a home away from home.

“The one good thing about the bubble last year during the Big Bash was being able to stay in one place, and that one place happened to be Canberra,” Sydney Thunder interim captain Chris Green told “CityNews” after his club’s win over the Heat.

Thunder captain Chris Green.

“It was nice to cement that home base. We felt like we had a lot of home support, we certainly feel very welcome here.”

Green feels the club is also developing a home-ground advantage, which was evident earlier this month, and last December when the Thunder won four straight games at the venue.

“We have got a really good read on the wicket, which we can use to our advantage as we did earlier this month and last season,” said Green.

“I think we have assessed it particularly well in the past, and worked out how to play our best brand of cricket on a great cricket wicket.”

Before bringing games to Canberra,

the Thunder was heavily involved in cricket in the ACT and surrounding regions.

The club previously ran an ACT Rookie program that saw young players from Canberra and southern NSW invited to trial for a chance to spend time with the Thunder squad during the Big Bash season.

Former Weston Creek player Mac Wright was the club’s inaugural ACT Rookie, and went on to sign a professional contract with Tasmania before playing in the Big Bash for the Hobart Hurricanes.

The Thunder’s first female ACT Rookie, Rachel Trenaman, also went on to earn a Women’s Big

Bash League contract with the club.

Some members of the current team have long connections to the Canberra region, playing cricket in more humble local settings than the Big Bash fixtures broadcast to millions around the world.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Matt Gilkes grew up on the south coast and Canberra was the best option for him to take his cricket to the next level once it was evident his skills went beyond his local league.

“I went over to Canberra when I was about 16 and started playing Grade cricket with Western Districts University of Canberra and played about three seasons there,” said Gilkes.

“I also did all of my training with the ACT Comets.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in Canberra. It holds a special place in my heart and I absolutely love getting back there and playing cricket.”

Paceman Nathan McAndrew is another member of the Thunder who’s played a lot of cricket in the capital, and appreciates the atmosphere compared to the ACT/NSW Country Second XI games he’s played here previously.

“It is what makes the tournament so special. The fans really get around

it and I’ve been fortunate to play in front of some big crowds and full houses,” said McAndrew.

“It is a really special feeling that you don’t get in some other formats of the game.”

Chris Green believes the quality of players coming through the ACT and southern NSW has been beneficial for the Thunder.

“ACT/NSW Country is part of that pathway for the Thunder, and it is always great to have those ACT guys in and around our training when we play in Canberra,” said Green.

“A few of the bowlers have joined us this year in the nets, which is great for them and us.

“I know for Gilkesy and Macca, being south coast boys, it feels close and their family comes down to watch.

“So there are plenty of strong links there from a cricketing sense and it adds to that growing partnership that we have down here in the region.”

The Thunder returns to Manuka Oval on December 28 to face the Perth Scorchers.

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OPINION / A History of Kindness. Part 837.

Convincing people is tricky – be nice, be kind HUMANITY sits on a funny old precipice sometimes. It’s whenever the kind and the good deal with their leaders rationally and reasonably, and the other party isn’t quite into those tactics.

The League of Nations brokers a deal or two with people laughing at them, Nifty Chamberlain returns with a paperhanger’s promise of “Peace in Our Time”, or Bill Clinton and Maddie Albright get cast-iron commitments from Yasser Arafat and think they’ve won something.

I’ve negotiated with Federal and State health ministers and bureaucrats an awful lot in recent years and learned a great deal, some of it painful, all of it hard work. Sometimes you behave honourably and so do they. Sometimes they try to but can’t – and you must try again.

I started out years ago feeling frustrated and annoyed at the people on my own side who were rude and hostile to leaders we sought to influence on behalf of people.

Aside from my phobia of rudeness in general, it seemed

From left, Pope Pius, who had gay marriage down as a “really bad idea”; UK prime minister Neville Chamberlain and his paperhanger’s promise and Hillary Clinton upsetting the deplorables. that hostility, verbal or written, was a sure way to get absolutely nothing done, as it instantly failed to convince anyone of the merit of your point of view.

Ask Hillary Clinton how many hearts and minds she changed when referring to a group of people with deplorable views as, er… “deplorable”. Not a

one, but she did ensure that all of them would never vote for her till The Trump corporation sponsors National Humility Day. As Arthur Fonzarelli might have said: “Nice try, Mrs C”.

Perhaps the gay marriage plebiscite might have involved a better debate if that debate had been loving and respectful.

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And a debate. All I remember at the time were groups of people denigrating each other and the country feeling bombarded by angry people on TV. The exact opposite happened to me years ago. My mum and dad, the loveliest of people, were set against gay marriage because beautiful Pope Pius (1876-1958) had told them in about 1939 that the concept was on the Vatican whiteboard under “really bad idea”.

I explained to them, slowly and over days, about people they knew and loved well who were gay, and deserved to be happy, and they were unsurprisingly fine with it.

“What about Papa Pio?”, I asked. “Well he was a lovely man”, they said, “but maybe a bit naïve” (Naïve! This from my papa, who did not believe that women could actually be gay till I took him to Camperdown Park at the end of my street one Sunday morning, whereupon he stood stunned before all the couples and said: “It’s so nice they all found somebody. If God won’t bless them, I will.” If you ever wonder where divinity lurks it’s not in the sky, but in the song of a kookaburra or the dreams of our fathers).

You change the world one heart at a time. I rarely trust a person shouting into a microphone at a big rally – they’re sometimes just selling you their own career. And they sure haven’t changed anybody’s mind – preaching to their choir is no different to what Pope Pius used to do, only not in Latin.

So then I began years of talking with collaboration and gentleness and as a representative of the Good Guys, which I

hope I am, with our leaders.

Very hit and miss, it must be said. The wins are rewarding, the losses fester, because a little part of you says: “If these guys have been in power for nine and 21 years respectively, is it now time for a more hostile approach? Has diplomacy failed? Do we need Churchill to replace Chamberlain? Am I Chamberlain? Ouch!”

Well, here’s the thing: you can’t have a uniform approach.

Readers of “CityNews” know that a variety of approaches are needed to successfully present a position. Some use precise and exhaustive data to throw bombs, others the single-person single-issue to illustrate a wider context.

Some cajole, others berate.

Much as I hate the bolshie/ angry approach to addressing politicians, it’s effective if a small percentage of people use it in concert with others using more gentle strategies. And everyone is unified.

The whole thing gets harder when governments get more arrogant, distant, and feel “born to rule” like a German George on a London throne or a green Green in Civic Square.

They get contemptuous. But it’s hard to hate them.

For me, it’s been extra difficult because our last four ACT Health Ministers have all been lovely people, and every last ACT Health bureaucrat I’ve met has been, too. Decent, quality people.

Yet I get so frustrated about the very poor outcomes in so many parts of our health system. Is it possible that they use charm? That they are victims of the system they created?

What has any of this got to do with kindness? And negotiat-

ing with the government?

Everything. That mighty poet of lerve, Richard Lovelace (1618-1658, not making this up) once wrote that he had to leave his dear love and the “nunnerie of her breast” for the honours of war and battle.

He concluded that: Yet this inconstancy is such That you too shall adore I could not love thee dear so much As I love honour more.

He demonstrated here, in excruciating couplets, that if you are going to battle for better streets or lighting or public spaces or live music or art or health or education or a million issues in your community you must believe in it yourself. And you must do it for others. Let not your loved ones suffer in missing you.

Thank your opponents graciously. And remember that if you win a battle on behalf of a group of people, especially if it is with the government, thank them. Be kind.

Our local government has been around longer than 92.4 per cent (yeah, made that one up) of last night’s Moosehead patrons. It needs to refresh and perform and be held accountable and I hope it, and the Opposition, both perform well.

We must show them all their broken promises and failures, as their duty to their people is part of a vital social contract. But we can do it with decency, and as one human to another. The viciousness directed at the Feds from Rudd and Gillard to Morrison today contributes nothing to debate and improving our world, and indeed serves simply to harden people against each other.

In the case of some of our professional activists, that seems to be exactly their goal. Their jobs disappear if problems ever get solved. be good to your opponents.

Even if you lose, you’re still in the debate. And of course, Be good to each other at this special time. It’s a time of love independent of creed. My best wishes to you all.

Antonio Di Dio is a busy GP in Canberra, serves on the AMA board and council, and is a perpetual advocate who longs to live three doors down from Kogarah Oval, specifically 1956-66 inclusive, although turning up to the Raiders every year has its moments.

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OPEN FOR HOLIDAYS

Doors are open for lots of local holiday shopping AT this time of year there are plenty of locals getting some R&R here at home.

And for those who are, there are lots of local businesses open and welcoming customers throughout the holiday break.

“CityNews” speaks to a few this week.

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Holiday deals at the bottle shop PAUL Cains, owner of Prohibition Bottle Shop Kingston and Curtin has opened his Curtin store just in time for the holidays.

“We have a huge Canberra offering of wines and local spirits, as well as a huge supply of Japanese and Tasmanian whiskeys,” he says.

There’s plenty of holiday deals on, too, with Paul saying he’s got member offers on local wines, the electric pink vodka cruiser is exclusive to his company and he carries all the local beers.

He says there’s an equal and extensive range of options available at both of the independently owned stores.

Opening hours change over the holiday period.

The Kingston store will open December 24, 11am-9pm.

December 25, 26, 28, and January 1 it’s open 10am-6pm.

December 27 and January 3 will be open 11am-6pm.

The Curtin store will be closed on Christmas Day. On December 24 and 31 it opens 9am-9pm.

December 26, 27 and January 1 and 3 opening hours are 10am-6pm.

“Customers can always feel free to have a chat with our team of great staff, who do a wonderful job,” says Paul.

Prohibition Bottle Shop, 39 Eastlake Parade, Kingston and Shop 1, 44 Curtin Place, Curtin. Call 6295 0864 or email prohibitionbottleshop@gmail.com

KIRKWOOD Body and Bath makes handmade, luxury body and bath products and soy candles at a sensible price, says owner Cecile Whatman.

“Our products are made as purely as possible and are completely free of any harsh chemicals.”

Cecile says they avoid palm oil, don’t test on animals and have products for hair, feet and everything in between.

“Creating new products is a creative outlet,” she says, “we have doughnut and cupcake bath bombs that Doughnut and cupcake bath bombs from Kirkwood look good enough to eat.”

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She has been making soap and creams for her encouraged to order there. The storefront family for more than 25 years, but moved will be open with extended trading hours into commercial production five years ago. until December 28.

“When a customer comes back to say It reopens January 2 and closes at 7pm they loved the product, or one of the on Fridays for the month. magnesium balms relieved something, that’s very rewarding. As a boutique Kirkwood Body and Bath, Belconnen Mall. business we get to know our customers. It is Call 0450 523362, email kirkwoodbodybath@ wonderful,” says Cecile. gmail.com or visit kirkwoodbodyandbath.

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16 CityNews December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

Prohibition Curtin 44 Curtin Place Curtin ACT 2605

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS 24th Dec 9am-9pm 28th Dec 9am-8pm 25th Dec CLOSED 31st Dec 9am-9pm 26th Dec 10am-6pm 1st Jan 10am-6pm 27th Dec 10am-6pm 3rd Jan 10am-6pm

advertising feature Pamper the ones you love these holidays QUINTESSENCE nail and beauty in Belconnen is offering gift vouchers, skin care kits, gift sets, makeup sets, handmade earrings and flower arrangements, candles, diffusers and more for the holiday season, says owner Alicia Fragopoulos.

“We are a one-stop beauty shop for all beauty needs.”

They provide waxing and tinting services, manicures and pedicures, massages, facials, tanning, laser hair removal, lash extensions, lash lifts, henna brows, brow lamination, teeth whitening and spa packages.

Alicia says she loves the feeling of being pampered and relaxed, and purchased the business in 2016 to provide the same kind of escape for others.

“Every day brings different treatments, clients and conversations. It’s very rewarding to see clients leaving happy, fresh and relaxed.”

“We are professional, caring and kind and enjoy making people look and feel good,” she says.

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WINNER 2021 Best Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Reserve Merriman Cabernet

Award-winning local wine HAVING just won best cabernet sauvignon at the NSW Wine Awards, Shaw Wines is excited to welcome people in for a taste, says business development manager Karen Shaw.

“Cabernet does particularly well at our vineyard so we’re very pleased to have won the trophy,” she says.

Having made reds and whites in the region’s largest vineyard for more than 20 years, Karen says Shaw Wines specialises in an “exquisite” range of classics such as riesling, shiraz, semillon and merlot.

“Our winemaking team has selectively picked the finest parcels of fruit direct from the estate vineyard to craft the limited production reserve range,” she says.

“Our estate label is our cellar door range, where we have won most of our critical acclaim.

“The whites are lightly pressed using free-run juice and the reds are oaked in predominantly French oak barrels for two years prior to bottling.”

Shaw Wines offers keen connoisseurs membership to a special wine club, too.

“Members of the club get discounts on all their wine and get special invitations to our wine dinners that we hold in our cellar,” she says.

“We’ll be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day but we’ll be open from 10am to 5pm every other day.”

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OPEN FOR HOLIDAYS Large range of native plants

Drop by some unique local markets the Neighbours Market to support local business, especially after the difficulties COVID-19 has brought.

“People have gone through a tough period of isolation, many have had their lives changed overnight and have had to find an alternative way to make money,” she says.

“What we’re trying to do is create community connections and work towards stimulating the economy in this space of Australia by driving small-business growth.”

in size from tubestock to 200mm, plus a growing range of advanced stock.

“Shoppers can find groundcovers, grasses, ferns, climbers and small-to-large shrubs and trees such as acacia, banksia, crowea, daisies, ferns and grevillea.”

Cool Country Natives also stocks and propagates a range of species local to the Canberra region.

“Our growth from humble beginnings has been steady and reliable and assures us of the popularity of native plants in our area,” says Karen “Ask us to try and source that hard to find plant.”

Cool Country Natives, 5A Beltana Road, Pialligo. Call 6257 6666, email retail@coolcountrynatives.com.au or visit coolcountrynatives.com.au

Neighbours Market. Belconnen Westfield opposite Dan Murphy’s and Aldi. Search Neighbours Market on instagram.

‘Connecting the community’ • Custom community gift hampers • Country to city handmade and produce • Local produce & distilleries (tastings available!)

• Handmade jewellery & candles • Vegan friendly produce Call Jessica Wattam 0456 650 818 Shop 225, Level 2 Westfield Belconnen 18 CityNews December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

Experience Albert’s dedicated, expert car-detailing services WHETHER enhancing car paint to showroom shine or getting a comprehensive detail to bring it back to condition, Enzo Auto Detailing owner Albert Tang says his dedicated team endeavours to meet all expectations.

“Our team are leading experts in auto detailing, ceramic-coating paint protection, window tinting and paint-protection films,” says Albert.

“We regard our reputation and our clients’ satisfaction as the priority. With passion and professionalism, our experienced team guarantees the best possible clean as well as durable protection your vehicle deserves.”

Albert says Enzo Auto Detailing

is an Opti-Coat Canberra certified installer, which by using cuttingedge technology can make a car look as amazing as it did the day it left the showroom.

He also says their window tinting provides “unbeatable” UV protection and heat resistance and their paint protection films (PPF) offer vehicles a tough defence against the harsh road.

“If you enjoy driving your car the way it was meant to be driven, PPF must be your superior choice,” says Albert.

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CANBERRA’S LARGEST RANGE OF NATIVE PLANTS

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“We’ve brought the local craft market, the produce market, the farming market and more all together into a shopping-centre space,” she says.

“People can find hand-made candles, soaps, ceramics, jams, teas, jewellery and so much more.

“One 22-year-old hand paints each individual earring she makes so each one is a little bit different.”

Annelie says it’s the mission of

COOL Country Natives stocks the largest range of native Australian plants in the ACT and surrounds, says owner Karen Brien.

From December 29-31 the business will be open from 10am to 2pm, before returning to regular hours on January 4, from 8.30am to 5pm on weekdays and 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekends.

With a dedicated team of knowledgeable staff, Karen says they’re happy to talk to customers and help them with any queries.

“Native plants are drought hardy and the choice is getting bigger every year with the increase of good wholesale growers,” she says.

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It features rides and attractions for people of all ages.

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The main attraction is a maze consisting of 2000 trees that have been planted to create a network of paths and hedges.

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Autumn can be a pleasant time to grow many herbs and vegetables as the sun is not so hot and the choice is endless.

Sow carrots as they are quick growing and can be on the table in as little as 4-5 weeks. Brassicas (the cabbage family) can look to be planted where the legume and nitrogen-fixing plants have been planted in the summer.

Cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli are good reliable winter crops to grow in Canberra and start from seed in punnets. Use a seed-raising mix with no fertiliser, the seed will have all it needs to germinate. All you need to do is water and provide temperature.

Fertiliser and nutrients are required to get the seedlings going once the second set of leaves are out. Thinning out seedlings is important for ventilation and the prevention of rot.

AS we are well into the fire season and following a few months of rain, good weed growth could spell disaster for bushfires again this summer.

If you live in a fire-prone area, then plant choices are important. Plants that have low sap or resin are useful. So, too, choosing plants that retain moisture, such as succulents and exotic shrubs, planted close to the house.

Make sure tree branches aren’t overhanging the house and bulk dry litter is removed from the garden. When designing a garden in a fire-prone area, try to incorporate gravel paths and stone walls that also can act as a functional firebreak if needed.

GARDENS survive the summer heat better with long soakings, twice a week, to get moisture to the soil profile where the roots of the plants grow.

Bursts of water to the topsoil a few times a week with a hose is not a good, long-term solution to watering efficiently. Planting weatherappropriate plants in the garden helps reduce water consumption as well.

FOR a bit of indoor colour, a vase of flowers can be easily put together with a few different flower colours and foliage from the garden.

Simple rules to help design a

lovely display are: Balance, Scale, Texture. I am hooked on my “Friday Flowers” at the moment and have two cupboards full of vases, but still can’t find the one I want to use.

There is a lot of talent in flower arranging and it is a true art. There are local horticultural shows that have wonderful examples of floral displays and are worth looking at to learn more.

I’M reading and enjoying a couple of great books at the “The Well Gardened “Dry Gardening Australia”... an moment.

Mind”. oldie but a goodie.

In “The Well Gardened Author Jonathan Garner writes about the soils Mind”, author Sue Stuartand getting that right and this sings my tune: “If Smith delicately explains how working with you have good soils, you have good plants”. nature can radically transform our health, This book’s an oldie but a goodie, and the wellbeing and confidence. author has just won the Golden Wattle Award This is perfect for anyone who has suffered a from the Australian Institute of Horticulture this disruptive year in their lives and explains how year. This is a big deal. His books and blogs are gardening is good for the soul. well worth a read.

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PUMPS - TANKS - IRRIGATION - FILTRATION 20 CityNews December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Luminescence Chamber Singers. Photo: Peter Hislop

Christopher Samuel Carroll.

The cast of “Fangirls”.

ED IS N

Getting back to The Beatles

NICK OVERALL

Stephen Harrison’s “You Want It Darker”.

“The Point”.

Photo: Andrew Sikorski

Arts editor’s top picks for gusto in a difficult year ARTS editor HELEN MUSA writes: This past year in the arts was partly a rerun of 2020, with events announced with gusto, postponed or cancelled with regret, then offered later with relief rather than enthusiasm. But our artists, who thrive on adversity, still came up with some beauties.

• • • • •

MUSIC

THEATRE

MUSICAL THEATRE

VISUAL ART

DANCE

Luminescence Chamber Singers, ANU Drill Hall Gallery, March.

“The Stranger”, Ralph Wilson Theatre, December.

“Fangirls”, The Playhouse, March.

“The Point”, Belconnen Arts Centre Theatre, April.

DIRECTED by AJ America with advice from Roland Peelman, this small ensemble of singers shone brightly as they offered delicate pearls of music to prove the primacy of the human voice as a musical instrument.

Exquisitely refined and perfectly human, this concert ranged over an original song commissioned for a wedding anniversary, through a work by Australian composer Alice Chance, an Icelandic hymn and Gershwin’s “Summertime.”

CHRISTOPHER Samuel Carroll’s delayed one-man stage adaptation of Albert Camus’ disquieting novella “The Stranger” (The Outsider) was simplicity itself. A concentrated engagement between the audience and a formidable actor under a stage recreation of the Algerian sun, this was pure theatre, simple yet controlled.

YOU didn’t have to be 14 to enjoy this new musical by Sydney’s Yve Blake, which brought joy and frivolity to Canberra theatregoers after a long drought. The wacky multimedia production, staged with all the razzle-dazzle of showbiz and a lot of silliness, had a Canberra judge blushing at the law-defying ending. A look at teen culture in the age of the mobile phone, this production had the audience on fire.

“You Want It Darker”, Belconnen Arts Centre, February.

Ready Made Frames Mirrors Prints Limited Editions Original Artwork

ARTIST Stephen Harrison conjured up evocative and lonely scenes of dreamscapes, a vanishing thylacine, decaying plane wrecks and ancient lighthouses to match the covid mood perfectly. His exhibition of sculptures and drawings, one of them 17 metres long, crafted images to provoke dark and disturbing dreams while also creating beauty.

CHOREOGRAPHER Liz Lea used her recent discovery that Marion and Walter Burley Griffin spent their last years in India to create an intersection of light and architecture with the human body in a multilayered work, “The Point”. Five contemporary dancers blench seamlessly with Indian classical dance artists to create a perfect cultural interface. This was wordless, abstract and breathtaking.

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CityNews December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022 21

THE BEST OF 2021 / dining

Corella’s prawn roll.

ILY’s Coronation chickpea.

INKA’s tuna ceviche.

Lamshed’s chargrilled zucchini.

Miss Van’s Vietnamese curry cauliflower.

Top eateries in a challenging year for hospitality Drum roll... Here is food critic WENDY JOHNSON’S top five dining picks for 2021 (diplomatically arranged in alphabetical order). With lockdowns and takeaways, it’s been another challenging year for hospitality.

“Hats off to those who persevered through all the pandemic pain,” says Wendy.

Here’s her best-of:

CORELLA CORELLA, in Braddon, quickly made its way into the “Good Food Guide”, and for good reason. It’s edgy, but not pretentious. It dares to be different, but in a considered way. If it’s still on the menu, do not go past the prawn roll, scrumptious prawn packed into a soft milk bun and dressed in punchy homemade chilli.

We adored the plum-cured kingfish, pretty on the plate with pops of pink and perked up with blood lime, chilli, and chives.

The wine list is amazing.

ILY ILY, in New Acton, stands for “I love you” and the food does make your heart pitter patter.

The menu is intriguing, the food focused on

simplicity and comfort (with plenty of room for surprises) and the wine list carefully curated. Don’t confuse “simplicity” with basic.

ILY’s menu is designed around quality local produce and execution. The dishes look as wonderful as they taste. My fave was the “Coronation chickpea”, a mega mound of chickpeas on rye with mixed leaves and addictive kettle crisps.

INKA INKA celebrates the Japan and Peru relations. The fitout explodes with colour and the food explodes with flavour. The tuna ceviche was exceptional with its Peruvian influence.

Another spectacular dish was the charcoal grilled Yuzu Prawns and the brussels

sprouts, which even those with an aversion to this veggie should try. It’s no surprise that Civic-based Inka’s reputation quickly spread far and wide.

LAMSHED’S/CORK AND GLASS LAMSHED’S and neighbouring Cork and Glass in Yarralumla work in harmony.

Lamshed’s nailed its takeaway menu during lockdown, taking its packaging as seriously as its food, so dishes travelled well.

The ocean trout cudo was perfectly sliced and gorgeous with little cubes of bright beetroot, crispy apple and micro herbs.

The chicken tagine was magical and the chargrilled zucchini stunning.

We popped into Cork and Glass for wine, takeaway olives, and a selection of scrumptious cheeses.

MISS VAN’S Miss Van’s is a new Vietnamese eating house in Civic. Old ways meet new traditions at Miss Van’s and some dishes are inspired by owner Andrew Duong’s grandmother, including the to-die-for Vietnamese curry cauliflower, a hot bowl of comfort packed with flavour.

We couldn’t resist topping off our meal with “The Dessert”. The Vietnamese coffee and salted caramel ganache was decadent (but not overly sweet), the condensed milk ice cream “smooth as” and the wild rice a welcoming crunch.

And to top off the year, The Dock Dining Dome gets a special mention for the experience of dining in a large, clear plexiglass igloo overlooking the water at Kingston Foreshore.

ARTS IN THE CITY New Book Available Now A photographic field guide to the birds of Canberra and the High Country.

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Neil Hermes Canberra based ornithologist, columnist, expedition leader, science communicator, political advisor and author who has written about 20 books.

22 CityNews December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

neilhermes.com.au

‘Little Prince’ with French accent

By Helen Musa A PARISIAN stage production of “The Little Prince” is coming to Sydney’s newest entertainment venue, the Sydney Coliseum in Rooty Hill, before heading to the bright lights of Broadway. Based on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novella of the same name, it is a theatrical spectacular filled with dance, aerial acrobatics and video mapping technology.

At the Coliseum, 33 Railway Street, Rooty Hill, January 1-23. Book at sydneycoliseum.com.au AT last, there is an update from Canberra’s newest theatre awards, The Ovations, which have just held an AGM at which Michael Sparks was returned as president, along with the entire previous committee. Not much news yet as the project, set up after the previously announced closure of the CAT Awards, was badly affected by covid. Sparks said they hope to hear from companies with expressions of interest in being involved with The Ovations in 2022 and beyond. Call 0407 701011.

WELL-known opera singer Don Christopher, formerly known as Don Bemrose, has joined the artsACT team as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts Engagement officer. Between 2012 and 2017, he was a teacher and performer in the ACT, but is better

“The Little Prince” heads for Rooty Hill. known as a star with Deborah Cheetham’s company Short Black Opera and with Victorian Opera.

CANBERRA Screenwriter Lina Foti was named in the Best Children’s Television – Preschool Classification, at the Australian Writers’ Guild’s annual 54th annual Awgie Awards. A ColombianItalian-Australian citizen, Foti is executive producer/development

Photo: Prudence Upton

at Lion Forge Animation and has lived in Canberra since 2007. She says she wants her award to be an inspiration to people like her from the culturally and linguistically diverse community.

BUNGENDORE artist Kerry McInnis has made the final cut of 30 for the Doug Moran Portrait Prize 2021 with her portrait, “Listening to Us (Hugh Mackay AO)”.

Paul, Ringo, John and George… meticulously remastered, making music in “Get Back”.

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WATCH IT! / streaming and stuff

Getting back to The Beatles IN Peter Jackson’s monumental new Beatles documentary “Get Back” viewers aren’t given a narrated breakdown of the band’s creative process – they sit through it.

This whopping rock-doc on Disney+ clocks in at nearly eight hours of run time and is split over three episodes – not a great deal off the length of the director’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

It makes its viewers a fly on the wall, or perhaps more aptly a fly in the room, one buzzing round the cigarette-smoke filled studio as the most famous band of all time strains to pull together its final and most controversial album “Let It Be”.

Viewers have to know what they’re signing up for here.

There’s no explanatory narration, interviews with Beatles scholars or anything of standard documentary practice to be found. After a brief 10-minute history of the band, the audience is left to sit and soak in raw footage of John, Paul, George and Ringo writing and recording the album in what was a creatively gruelling process.

By then the Fab Four were on rocky ground.

The ‘60s had seen their sound shift into the psychedelic with records such as “Revolver” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”, then into folkish, postmodern territory with the “White Album”.

But by the end of the decade it had lost a firm creative direction.

Lennon’s solution? Back to basics – a return to simpler rock and roll configurations that even included tapping into some of their unused teenage material for potential.

The result? The band creatively headbutting out one of the most contentiously received

swan-songs of all time.

All the while, director Michael Lindsay-Hogg was there with a camera recording hundreds of hours of footage for his documentary of the album – a film many consider to have captured the early dynamics that would lead to the band’s break-up.

Indeed, by the time the doco hit theatres in 1970 the Beatles had already called it quits, dooming it to a dour legacy.

But all that footage has not gone to waste.

Peter Jackson and his team have sifted through more than 60 hours of video footage and more than 150 hours of audio recordings to tie together a beautifully remastered look and listen to the band’s final studio sessions.

Even with Jackson whittling over 200 hours of content down to eight, it still feels like he wanted more.

The product is an excruciatingly raw experience – a blow-by-blow look at four masters at work who were on the road to breaking apart.

For casual viewers this run-time will likely prove too much, for die-hard Beatles fans it’ll be a treat.

Where the story of the band has been as exhaustively explored as it has, this slow, meticulous approach gives those with Beatlemania new insight into their creative inner workings.

Viewers watch as iconic songs slowly take form – from the first glimmer of an idea through to the final products the world still taps its feet to today.

When the iconic choruses of songs such as “Let It Be” or “Get Back” first start to take shape through the seemingly disorganised humming

and strumming it’s a burst of dopamine.

And for those who hang on, Jackson doesn’t fail to deliver a climax that’s worthy of the wait.

The Beatles’ full 40-minute rooftop concert of the album at London’s Savile Row is all put to film in stunning new detail.

It’s a triumphant moment – one that caps off the story on an upbeat note in contrast to the more sour mythology that surrounds its production.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s no shying away from some of the band’s more heated moments and it would be a lie to say they don’t make for some of the most engaging parts.

Harrison quitting the band on the departing note of: “See you round the clubs” and a private conversation in the break room between McCartney and Lennon that was captured through a planted audio bug by Lindsay-Hogg are among the doco’s more interesting beats.

For newcomers wanting to get more in tune with the story of the band, “Get Back” is not it.

They’ll get much more mileage out of Ron Howard’s “Eight Days a Week” on Stan or “Imagine: John Lennon” on Amazon Prime Video.

But for tried and true Beatles fans, “Get Back” is an essential viewing experience and one with a pay-off that’s worth the long and winding road it puts them on to get there.

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