CityNews 220203

TWO NEW VIRULENT STRAINS ARE ABOUT TO HIT CANBERRA… KEEPING UP THE ACT

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IMPROVEMENTS

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McInerney takes the knocks – and the cap

SIMON ANDERSON

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NEWS

Well written, well read

Cover photo: Holly Treadaway. Since 1993: Volume 28, Number 5. Phone: 6189 0777

Leader Penny brings out Menslink’s female side

By Belinda

STRAHORN MENSLINK’S single biggest demand for assistance comes from single mothers seeking help for their sons.

It’s perhaps a happy coincidence then that the organisation’s newly appointed general manager Penny Burns is a single mother of teenage boys.

“I don’t have the lived experience that the guys in our counselling, mentoring and education teams have, but being a mum of two teenage boys means I can relate to the mothers of the young guys that we are looking after,” Ms Burns said.

Ms Burns, 48, joined Menslink in September upon returning to Australia after 15 years living and working in Papua New Guinea.

As general manager, Ms Burns will oversee the running of the not-forprofit organisation.

“I’m not here to fix anything because what Menslink does works, it’s a fantastic organisation,” Ms Burns said.

“I’ll be looking at what we are delivering and bringing fresh eyes to those processes. To land a role like this one is a huge privilege.”

For almost two decades, Menslink

Menslink’s Penny Burns… “We don’t want young guys slipping through the cracks, we have to make sure they have people to reach out to.”

Photo: Holly Treadaway has offered support for young Canberra men through volunteer counselling, school and workplace programs, and mentoring services in which an older man listens to and helps support a younger one.

“We want to help as many young guys as we can and support them through their challenges because the rates of suicide in adolescent and adult men is quite high,” said Ms Burns.

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“We don’t want young guys slipping through the cracks, we have to make sure they have people to reach out to.”

With experience working in both the public and private sector, Ms Burns is well prepared for the role.

“I’ve come from a roll-your-sleevesup kind of background,” Ms Burns said.

“I have a hands-on management style and I’ve learnt a lot about the

value of the phrase ‘it takes a village to raise a child’.”

Growing up in Melbourne, Ms Burns was exposed to a strong work ethic through her family’s newsagency business, before carving out a career in the corporate sector, which included stints working for Exxon, Sara Lee and Johnson and Johnson.

But it was her time working in Papua New Guinea, in various jobs, that gave her a different perspective about nurturing and preparing young men for adult life.

“If you look at indigenous cultures, the tradition has been that young men are embraced by older men, they often have their own initiation ceremonies and activities that the older and younger men do,” Ms Burns said.

“In Papua New Guinea there’s men’s houses where men sleep separately from the women, so historically these societies have looked after their men and supported them in their challenges.”

Although having only recently settled into the role, Ms Burns has already learned of the many success stories Menslink programs enjoy.

“In the mentoring program, I’ve seen young mentees who are nervous and anxious at the start and when they get matched with a mentor that’s a really good fit they bounce out of their sessions,” she said.

“As a mother of young boys, seeing

those kids connecting and chatting with their mentor is just beautiful. For me life is about people and connections and that’s what Menlink is all about.”

Menslink CEO Martin Fisk said Ms Burns is a welcome addition to the organisation.

“The most typical request for help we have is single mothers reaching out saying they need help for their son,” Mr Fisk said.

“So, we help the son but in doing so we are helping the whole family and Penny gets that.”

Ms Burns’ arrival at Menslink coincides with a spike in demand for services following the easing of covid restrictions, Mr Fisk said.

“What we noticed last year and certainly this year was coming out of lockdown was when the young men and their families needed us the most,” said Mr Fisk.

“In November this year we had a record in the number of help requests, which beat our record in August last year coming out of lockdown.”

Mr Fisk said funding security remains one of the greatest challenges facing Menslink’s capacity to meet demand for its services.

“Funding can be volatile, and there are uncertain times ahead,” Mr Fisk said.

“But the work we do and the need for the work we do is not uncertain at all.”

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NEWS

Stroke battler Elaine shares the road to recovery

By Belinda

STRAHORN A QUEANBEYAN woman whose life was turned upside down after a series of strokes wants to help others on their road to recovery.

Elaine Coffey, 80, said she suffered a stroke in 2018 but didn’t realise she was having one.

“I was on-air presenting my community radio program on QBN FM 96.7 when a listener called in to ask if I was okay, apparently I was waffling on a bit,” Ms Coffey said.

“I felt alright, but I saw my doctor and after an MRI I was diagnosed with having a left-side cerebellar stroke – a bleed at the base of my brain.

“I had absolutely no idea that I had had a stroke, it was a terrible shock.”

The retired dress shop owner suffered a second stroke two years later, and said her balance and fine motor skills were severely affected.

“Yet again, I didn’t realise I was having a stroke, I thought I had just pinched a nerve in my back,” Ms Coffey said.

“But my left foot started to feel like it was a plank of lead, so I went to the

Monaro Stroke Support Group founder Elaine Coffey, right, with supporter Marjory Kobold… “This is the nation’s capital and we didn’t even have a stroke-support group, so that spurred me on to start my own,” says Elaine. doctor and after another MRI they told me I had had a right-side cerebellar stroke – so I have had strokes in both sides.”

According to the Stroke Foundation, a stroke happens when blood

cannot reach the brain because of a blocked or burst artery. More than 27,000 Australians experienced a stroke for the first time in 2020, which equates to one stroke every 19 minutes. According to the charity’s sta-

tistics, more than 445,000 Australians are living with the effects of stroke.

Life post-stroke has been difficult, Ms Coffey said.

“Everything suddenly changed.

The loss of independence and the isolation has been huge, and the depression has also been shocking. I think most stroke victims will relate to that,” she said.

Ms Coffey, a grandmother, said she is still working hard to rebuild her life.

“It has affected many areas of my life, like my balance and writing,” Ms Coffey said.

“I have memory glitches and incontinence and I’m tired. It’s never ending and rehabilitation and recovery is an ongoing thing.”

When recovering from her stroke, Ms Coffey found there was little literature for survivors and no local support group.

Determined to ensure other stroke survivors did not feel isolated or alone in their recovery and were able to navigate the health system effectively, she started the Monaro Stroke Support Group with the help of a friend Marjory Kobold.

“There was little help out there.

This is the nation’s capital and we didn’t even have a stroke-support group, so that spurred me on to start my own group in 2020,” Ms Coffey said.

“We started with two members and we are up to about 20 members now.”

The group was meeting monthly and hearing from a range of guest speakers including neurologists, physiotherapists and psychologists.

“Then covid struck and all that stopped,” Ms Coffey said.

But the group, which prides itself on giving support, information, and friendship to other stroke sufferers, will recommence its regular in-person meetings in February, Ms Coffey said.

“We are really excited to be meeting face-to-face again,” Ms Coffey said.

“The support group is invaluable.

We had one woman who had a massive stroke and was crippled down one side. She started coming to the meetings, but was shy and didn’t want to talk about what had happened to her.

“After a few meetings we got to know her, she started opening up, and slowly she became a different person. To see the change in this young woman was the greatest thing ever.

“If I can help just one person on their road to recovery it will make me very happy.”

The Monaro Stroke Support Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Queanbeyan Kangaroos Club. The next meeting is February 22 at 10.30am. Anyone is welcome to attend.

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NEWS / swimming teacher shortage

Swimming school hits a dry patch for instructors

By Belinda

STRAHORN A QUEANBEYAN swim school is calling on locals to take the plunge into a new career, amid a “worrying” swim-teacher shortage.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council aquatics program officer Bec Warner, 50, says the Queanbeyanbased swim school cannot find enough trained staff to meet demand for lessons.

“We’ve gone from pre-covid having 36 teachers to now having 18,” Ms Warner said.

“We used to have seven teachers available to teach Saturday morning lessons and we now have three.”

Ms Warner – also a swim teacher of nine years – says the popular swim school, which is run by council, has a waitlist of more than 100 children.

“We cannot accept any more on the waitlist, it’s just getting too big,” Ms Warner said.

“We’ve had to reduce and combine classes by 20 per cent just so that we can offer some sort of program.

“There’s nowhere near the amount of classes we had before.”

It’s an issue being felt nationwide.

Bec Warner... “We’ve gone from pre-covid having 36 teachers to now having 18.”

Swim Australia estimates there’s a shortage of about 2000 swimming instructors across the country, with the shortfall the worst in NSW and Victoria.

Swim Australia chief executive Brendon Ward said the problem is mainly due to the pandemic.

“Our workforce traditionally targets university students or parttime casual employees, so when covid hit, casuals were not eligible for JobKeeper so they went and found jobs elsewhere and have not come back,” Mr Ward said.

Mr Ward, who has represented NZ in water polo, said the swimming-teacher shortage comes as drownings are up 20 per cent compared with last summer.

He argues that the nationwide

shortage of swimming instructors means many children are missing out on learning crucial water-safety skills.

“We have a cohort now that may never learn to swim and they may have missed out for the rest of their lives,” Mr Ward said.

“Additionally those who were in lessons may have lost the motivation to keep swimming or may have gone on to do other things instead, so they are finishing with a lower level of confidence or skill than they need.

“We also know that parents who have not learnt to swim are less likely to put their kids into swimming, so we are concerned on multiple fronts.”

The 53-year-old knows the importance of being taught to swim having narrowly escaped drowning when he

Swim Australia CEO Brendon Ward… many children are missing out on learning crucial water-safety skills. was two.

“My parents were at a party at the next-door neighbours’ and I found my way into the swimming pool,” Mr Ward said.

“Thankfully, the neighbours’ dog alerted the party goers that there was someone in the pool, they fished me out, I had my stomach pumped, and it was enough of a fright for my parents to say we need to do something about this.”

At Queanbeyan, priority is being given to beginner swim classes, Ms Warner said.

“We are mainly concentrating on the babies, beginners and level one and two classes because they are the most at risk of drowning because of

their age group,” said Ms Warner.

Ms Warner is calling on locals to consider a job as a swim teacher to help fill the industry-wide shortage.

“We really need instructors who are willing to teach most days,” Ms Warner said.

Jobs for casual swim instructors are available on weekdays and weekends at Queanbeyan, with the council willing to cover the cost of the AUSTSWIM teaching course for successful candidates.

“It’s around $400 to do the course alone and council is willing to pay for that for successful applicants on the proviso they will work for us and do two shifts a week,” Ms Warner said.

Ms Warner says it’s a good job – paying between $31 and $47 an hour – flexible, and very rewarding.

“I got into it when my last child was starting school and I was looking for a job that supplemented our income, because up until that point I was a stay-at-home mum,” Ms Warner said.

“It’s a great job because you can still be there for the kids’ school drop off and pick ups.

“Knowing that you are teaching a life-long skill to these kids is amazing, and you get paid for it.”

Anyone interested in a job as a swimming teacher should contact QPRC Aquatics on 6285 6346 or email qprc. aquatics@qprc.nsw.gov.au

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SPORT

McInerney takes the knocks… and the Test cap CONNAL McInerney is no stranger to a tough pre-season, sweating it out with his Brumbies teammates in a hot Canberra summer, preparing for a competition largely played during the colder months.

This year was different for the 26-year-old hooker. He missed a chunk of the early season fitness and skills drills after being selected to go on the Wallabies tour at the back end of 2021 before eventually making his debut in the team’s win over Japan in October.

Earning his Test cap was the next step in what has been a career full of ups and downs.

In the last year alone McInerney was in and out of the Brumbies squad after breaking his fibula, and suffering a head knock in training later in the season.

As he has done every time he has faced adversity in his career, he put in the work needed to get back to his best. This culminated in the Wallabies debut.

“It came as a surprise really,” said McInerney, who admitted at the time of his selection he was just happy to be on the tour, helping his teammates at training and getting the most out of the experience.

Brumbies hooker Connal McInerney… “I got the call up out of the blue and I was stoked they were able to throw me a bone.”

“I got the call on the last day of one of our pre-season blocks, when we were about to go on a break for a couple of weeks.

“Instead I got the call up out of the blue and I was stoked they were able to throw me a bone. It felt like a bonus after a tough year with one of the bigger injuries I have had.

“I was very grateful – that is one of the words that I used a lot when I was replying to messages from friends and family – grateful and fortunate to be given that opportunity.”

It was those family and friends around him that have provided support to McInerney during the tough times in his career, with his nan

even calling her local radio station in Canberra to let them know that her grandson would be making his Wallabies debut.

“It was good seeing how happy my mum was when I gave her a call from Japan to let her know the news,” said McInerney.

“My partner Ellie was probably more excited than I was, and my brother got pretty emotional after the game as well, knowing what a long journey it was.”

McInerney repaid the faith shown in him when he came on to the field to replace Brumbies teammate Folau Fainga’a, crossing for a try in the 32-23 win over

the Cherry Blossoms in Japan.

The rise to the top level was made all the more impressive, given years earlier McInerney received some frank advice from Brumbies coach Dan McKellar that he wasn’t ready for Super Rugby, let alone playing internationally.

McInerney believes he had some “growing up” to do since hearing that feedback.

“Becoming more mature and seeing the game from a different view,” McInerney said of the differences between him as an Australian Under 20s representative to a Wallaby.

“It was more about working smarter, not harder and nailing down the importance of my role in the scrum and lineouts. It took me years to be happy with the way I was throwing. In the early years I wasn’t as confident in that area and in the last couple of years I’ve tweaked a few things.

“Scrummaging was something I wanted to be the best at, and I needed to find a deeper desire to learn and put more time into that part of my game. I am probably not as talented around the field as some other guys, but I knew that if I could nail my core role I would be in a good place.”

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McInerney will have extra motivation to work hard this season given the Brumbies’ depth in the number 2 jersey. As well as Wallabies starting hooker Fainga’a, young-gun Lachlan Lonergan is another capped rake in the ACT squad.

While some could see the competition as a threat, McInerney welcomes it.

“It is great, we also have Billy Pollard who will also be a Wallaby, it is just a matter of time for him,” said McInerney.

“It is going to be an interesting year.

“If we are all healthy there will be two of us playing club footy, which is crazy to think about. At the end of the day, we are all good mates and we are always doing our gym together, pushing each other and learning from each other.”

The Brumbies kick-off their 2022 Super Rugby season against the Western Force in Perth on February 19. More of Simon Anderson’s sport columns at citynews.com.au

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THE GADFLY / Canberra

Canberra’s cooked, Barr-becue has to end ONE of the rare pleasures of the pandemic has been the chance to get to know the national capital’s hidden delights, especially the nature walks and picnic spots.

Last weekend at one of the best – Dairy Farmers Hill in the Arboretum – came a revelation: it’s time to vote the Barr Labor government out of office.

The hill commands the most delightful view of Canberra, bar none.

On this day, the lake was a shimmering wonder from the foreshore of Yarralumla, across the wide reaches past Morrison’s folly, the Queen Elizabeth II islet, under the bridges Commonwealth and King, and away to the Molonglo with the midday sun flashing off the aluminum triangle above Parliament House.

From this angle and at this height, it’s a scene that would make Walter Burley and Marion Griffin weep with joy. But when you work your way around the lookout, the sudden reality of the Barr government’s vision of the capital’s future glares back at you. Everywhere you look you see the mad expansion designed for his Canberra of endless growth as he calls for a huge increase in immigration.

And though his foolish obsession

It’s this pathetic attachment to ‘growth’ as the economic miraclemaker that Barr is using to destroy the quality of life that made living here such a pleasure.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr. … “timid as a mouse, when the Feds are turning the War Memorial into a sideshow of weaponry, normalising if not promoting the obscenity of war.” with the tramline of 19th century technology is hidden behind Black Mountain, its raison d’etre, of catering for endless suburban development, is everywhere you look.

New suburbs named Whitlam and Throsby (discoverer of the Limestone Plains) and Taylor (who knows?) are being torn out of the landscape, all designed for Macmansions to house the migrant influx.

It’s this pathetic attachment to “growth” as the economic miracle-

maker that Barr is using to destroy the quality of life that made living here such a pleasure, and that delighted visitors on their journeys to the cultural heart of the nation with free access to the National Gallery and the solemn memorial to the servicemen and women who gave their lives in the horrors of war. That’s the way it was when Barr took over from Chief Ministers Jon Stanhope and Katy Gallagher in 2014.

It was Stanhope who sponsored

the magnificent Arboretum – against much opposition – that is now Canberra’s crowning glory. And it was Katy who carried her Labor convictions into the Senate where time and again she has exposed the profligacies and incompetence of Morrison government ministers.

But Barr, alas, is a convert to the neo-liberalism that uses massive increases in rates, parking fees and stamp duties to finance his tramlines when electric buses made much more sense then, and especially now when public servants are working from home.

And it’s Barr, timid as a mouse, when the Feds are turning the War Memorial into a sideshow of weaponry, normalising if not promoting

the obscenity of war.

He even set forth to buy NSW land beyond the ACT boundaries to feed the developmental frenzy.

The result, already, is overcrowded roads, complaints of suburban potholes and overgrowth of the undergrowth in many of those nature walks and picnic places that provided us with relief from the confines of home in the seemingly endless battle against covid.

Labor has been in office, mostly with Greens’ support, for two decades and that alone should be enough to demand a change of government.

Indeed, these days the Greens’ leader Shane Rattenbury has been totally subsumed into the Barrbecue, a mere sausage among the Labor chops. And since none of them are obvious chef material, and the Libs are split between right and extreme right, perhaps it’s time for a local version of the Rise of the Independents to step up to the Barr. robert@robertmacklin.com

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ADVERTISMENT

A second opinion on hearing loss – you need professional advice, not a sales pitch An elderly woman with hearing loss came to my clinic for a second opinion, after she had recently been to a hearing aid sales person.

I found the cause of her hearing loss was simply the fact that she had build-up of wax in her ears, the salesperson had failed to inspect them. You might be surprised how often this happens!

Recently I was told by two different patients that they were quoted $16,000 for a pair of hearing aids.

This seems a ridiculous amount of money to pay and is most likely not appropriate for the majority of people (or possibly anyone).

5. If you are a pensioner or partpensioner, or a DVA gold or white card holder, you should carefully consider if you want to use the Here are some things to free-to-client government do to avoid getting hearing aids or if you’d ripped off: “In an like to top-up to a unregulated market different hearing aid.

1. A visit to the GP may save there is a lot of opportunity The free-to-client you from to take advantage of people. hearing aids are being ‘sold’ appropriate for many something Yes you have read correctly, when your only there is no licensing of people people, however if you have great problem is wax who sell hearing aids.” difficulty hearing in your ears. background noise (for – Dr Vass example in restaurants) 2. Look for then you might trial the someone who is top-up hearing aids, but only independent and can if you can afford them. There are offer you unbiased advice, a range of top up options and prices, not just give you a sales pitch. if you are disappointed after a trial, you should return them and trial the free-to3. There are a range of hearing aid client hearing aids. prices. Finding the right hearing aid might save you money and it will If you get the feeling the person also give you the best chance of you’re dealing with is just trying to success. sell you something, then take a step back and get a second opinion.

4. Hearing aids can be expensive.

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LETTERS

Write to us: editor@citynews.com.au

Nichole needs strength to fight Macquarie Street THE National Party sponsored advertising splash on its candidate for the upcoming Monaro by-election (CN January 27) had me thinking that Ms Overall might well be a fine addition to the NSW Parliament.

A person who could be trusted to keep her word to fight for the Monaro region will be important; as there will be plenty of fights to be had.

As with many of its predecessors, the NSW coalition government has become increasingly Sydney-centric and highly secretive.

This means that all regional representatives struggle to win funding for their electorates. In the case of rail funding, the problem is both longstanding and acute.

Pouring multiple billions of dollars annually into subsidising both fares and new capital works for the Sydney rail network has starved regional rail across the state (and the Sydney-Queanbeyan–Canberra rail corridor) of proper funding.

Before the 2019 state election, the Berejiklian government promised big on regional rail – both in the Monaro and across the state generally. Sadly, it delivered only a litany of false starts, token improvements and obfuscation.

Belatedly honouring a 2015 promise from the Baird government, a modest number of new regional trains were ordered in early 2019.

They are still some way off and without significant track work, the new trains simply can’t deliver genuine faster rail envisaged by the former premier or a game-changing 25 per cent cut in journey times between Canberra-Queanbeyan and Sydney.

In August, 2018, much of the NSW Cabinet including the then Premier, her Deputy and the Transport Minister made a beeline for old Cooma railway station to ostensibly back detailed plans to re-open the Queanbeyan to Cooma line with possible extensions to Eden and to Canberra airport. That project also went into the too-hard-basket after the 2019 state election.

This is not a track record that inspires confidence. And it’s why Ms Overall will need to be the fighter she says she is if there is any hope of getting a fair go from Macquarie Street and better transport services for Monaro. If she’s elected on February 12, I wish her luck.

Bob Bennett, co-convenor, Canberra-Sydney Rail Action Group

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So little progress AUSTRALIA Day 2022. How can we “Reflect.

Respect. Celebrate: we’re all part of the story” when so little progress has been made in recognising our First Nations People in our Australian Constitution? Nearly five years ago, the “Uluru Statement from the Heart” was given to us all, after the 16-member Referendum Council travelled Australia for two years, consulting and speaking with 1200 people.

Our government received it with suspicion and disingenuous claims that the statement requested a third chamber to parliament; no, the statement simply asked for a “constitutionally-enshrined voice to parliament”.

Respected journalist, Kerry O’Brien, said in 2019, “the Uluru Statement represents… no threat to the integrity of Parliament… on the contrary it will add much to the integrity of our nation”.

Integrity involves transparency and honesty. Looking forward to Australia Day 2023, can we have a government that leads us, with integrity, to “Reflect, Respect, and Celebrate” our First Nations People – consulting and listening with them, leading to meaningful action and change?

Mary Ewers, Fraser

anonymous squatters who come and go at will. And this goes on for months!

Your recent article was an eye-widening indictment of ACT Public Housing, who have apparently been informed in writing to no avail (CN January 27).

And then again, people languish on a waiting list – while to my certain knowledge one three-bedroom home in Tuggeranong has been occupied only by one person for several years since a child grew up and left. Several years!

If this was merely a self-interested rort, it would be bad enough. But it has life-changing implications for a deserving family that no doubt waits some way down a list.

It may be the case that tenants misrepresent their circumstances, and that actually verifying the ongoing claims of long-term occupants presents both practical and privacy difficulties; but for pity’s sake the stock of housing is an enormous public asset with a crucial role to play.

Surely, the ACT government needs to get serious about the mission, accountability and KPIs of its public housing agency!

Name withheld, by request

Time to get serious

No more school halls!

A SPLENDID social housing unit within a brand-spanking new complex in Wright lies unlocked, trashed, and a drawcard for

I WAS probably not surprised by the Labor announcement of spend on schools (citynews.com.au, January 25). Start of

the school year, covid angle, statement in a party positioning that plays for the ALP (ie education).

It did sound like a pale imitation of school halls from the Rudd/Gillard years. Or one of those clunky computers for kids, or cash giveaways now lost in the mist of time. $440m does not go far for 9542 schools around the country. A bit over $100 for each of the 4,006,974 students.

Albanese earlier levered off his infrastructure background under Rudd and Gillard on the fast train, that never seems to get any closer, no matter how many times it is re-announced.

A level of healthy scepticism is always handy, as is noting comments from old campaigners such as Graham Richardson.

Politics is much about retailing a message, and reaffirming positions. Neutralising issues, talking around the Greens and making the right noises to middle Australia.

Albanese is a clever apparatchik.

Martin Gordon, Dunlop

Libs should can tram IF the local Liberals had any guts they would announce that, if elected, they would “can the tram”. That might even get them elected.

Russell Wenholz, Holt

Timing is everything BOTH letter writers, Dr Douglas Mackenzie (CN January 20) and Max Flint (CN December 9), contribute convincing data for and against the global heating debate.

Standing back to clear my head for judgement, I went back to first principles looking at the mechanisms that generate the Earth’s climate. In doing so I realised just how finely tuned the Earth is and how the slightest hiccup could change the temperature by a magnitude of a thousand times.

Earth’s climate is generated by the mechanism from the heliocentric model, whereby it travels in an elliptical orbit around the sun. That is to say, spaceship Earth travels un-powered around the sun without firing any adjusting rockets to end up in the exact spot every year.

The journey takes exactly 365 days, 5 hours, 59 minutes and 16 seconds, if the time takes an extra second then Earth will overshoot the mark by 30 kilometres and will cool down or vice versa, heat up one second less.

I am not sure of the exact time, however

a plus or minus 10-second error comes to mind, resulting in a one degree temperature change to the Earth in one year not 100 years as from the burning of fossil fuels modelling.

The words perpetual motion and over unity jump out at me, yet I am reassured by greater minds and mathematicians that the tethering force of gravity is indeed frictionless and the Earth will continue on its exact cycle for the next 10,000 years, plus.

Oh, yes, all the other objects in our solar system, planets, moons, rocks in the asteroid belt and space junk also have a solar journey that must be made in exacting time, otherwise the rippling error will cascade logarithmically throughout the total solar system with dire consequences.

Hope everybody has a nice day!

Peter Leane, Calwell

Climate criticism Oh, my! How should I respond to such an offensive and condescending letter such as that by Douglas Mackenzie (Letters, CN January 20) in commenting on my December 9 letter?

Obviously, any retort would be a waste of time. Instead, I invite Dr Mackenzie to do a peer review on my research paper “A view on permanent climate change – how the world needs to keep the threat in perspective”, lodged with the National Library electronic depository and now accessible to all on my website alogstudy.com.au Max Flint, principal, Australian Logistics Study Centre

In search of a mojo COLUMNIST Paul Costigan’s article alluding to the National Capital Authority (“Will the NCA stop this tram south nonsense?”, CN January 20) reminded me about the team they sent on a world trip to find their “Mission Statement” in the ‘70s. It is uncertain if any of the team and their mojo was ever seen again!

On another matter Paul raised, regarding giving permission to land seaplanes on the lake; there is an ever-present threat of invisible, under-surface logs, washed down the river that boats pre-scanning the landing site will be unable to find.

Will NCA executives take personal responsibility for the resulting fatalities when they will inevitably occur?

Peter Gately, Flynn

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Dr Harry’s talking treaties DR Harry Hobbs, a senior law lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney, will talk on treaties between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and States and Territories in Australia at the Baptist Church Hall, Groom Street, Hughes, at 2pm on Saturday, February 19.

Organised by Manning Clark House, Dr Hobbs’ speech – titled “It’s Coming Yet” – will explain why a treaty is important, what a treaty looks like, how a treaty might be negotiated, and how it fits into the “Uluru Statement from the Heart”.

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Bandannas are back on the job THE irrepressible Bold Bandannas, a Relay for Life team, will be back at the Belconnen Fruit & Veg Markets on the weekend of February 5 and 6 raising funds for cancer research by selling bric-a-brac without set prices, homemade jams, pickles and chutney, and a range of hand-sewn items, including children’s dress-up clothes.

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CANBERRA MATTERS

Nature offers a messy way to help biodiversity THERE are many open spaces in Canberra that could be doing far more for biodiversity.

Those in charge of most of Canberra’s urban forests and landscapes are still to recognise the beauty of nature – and that nature is not neat.

Northbourne Avenue was once dominated by lawns in the centre that required mowing. The new trees beside the tramline are generally looking healthy and the native grasslands are an improvement on the former not-so regularly mown European-style lawns.

Having said that, the plantings along the tramline should offer more diversity, with a mixture of grasses and wildflowers. The pre-construction images included wild flowers as well as grasses.

What the Northbourne landscape design demonstrates is that when an open area is not required to be a playground or sports field, the effort should be made to use local native grasses and plants. If this was done throughout the city where it was practicable to do so, the levels of biodiversity would be increased substantially. In short, build them and ensure diversity – and the insects, bees, birds and other creatures will come.

The parliamentary triangle consists of loads of unnecessary mown areas that could be easily

The parliamentary triangle consists of loads of unnecessary mown areas that could be easily replanted with all manner of grasses and flowering shrubs.

The Fowles Street Woodland, Weston… energy and research. Photo: Paul Costigan replanted with all manner of grasses and flowering shrubs.

At the moment most of these spaces have been designed as memorials to the landscape traditions of “olde England”. It is as if the designers were reworking the design concepts of Capability Brown.

There is little doubt that a change of approach to what is planted in these parliamentary parklands will be difficult to understand by those who are yet to embrace the concept that Australia’s national capital should be reflecting the biodiversity and flora of this country. Yes, the rose gardens are fine – but so much of the other open spaces should be replanted.

A more recent landscape that is a

bit odd is Reconciliation Place, just up from Lake Burley Griffin, behind Commonwealth Place. The reason for it being there remains important given how it attempts to address overdue recognition.

Strangely, its main feature is a mound of mown green grass. The designers should have represented the indigenous issues with the use of local indigenous plantings. There’s a group of gum trees in one corner. Good – but as for the rest of the mound – surely it was obvious what should have been there. It would have been messier but nature is not so tidy by European landscape standards – and, surprise – this city is not in Europe.

The federal government recently

announced $316.5 million for a new indigenous cultural precinct on Commonwealth Place. Fingers are crossed that those overseeing the design will have moved on from honouring the landscape design ethics of the UK, and will ensure that the landscapes are composed of local indigenous plantings – complete with those that flower and attract bees.

All that messy stuff that looks great once you adjust your aesthetic expectations. Here’s a job for local landscape architect professionals – no more of those boring archi-parks by interstate designers, please.

Meanwhile, local suburban groups have embraced the need to revisit how we plant open spaces. The most outstanding being the group in

Weston who have transformed a small park to be the Fowles Street Woodland. The energy, volunteer time and the in-depth research for this to happen involved a group of local residents led by Alice Hathorn. There was a feature about her achievements in “CityNews” on November 11. The movement to rewild and to regenerate open spaces with indigenous plantings is slowly being recognised as one aspect in how we deal with the damage done to the planet.

Local and indigenous plants are great for biodiversity and if they can be increased along with keeping those introduced species that birds and insects also love, then we could look forward to a change in how we see ourselves as part of a renewed planet.

Search more at “Fowles Street Woodland, Weston” or “ACT Urban Woodland Rescue”. A rewilding Woden Valley project underway is also happening around the Mawson Ponds – search “Friends of Mawson Ponds”.

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WHIMSY / the Red Crystal

A non-prophet alternative to the Red Cross WE’RE all familiar with the medical Red Cross, and some may be aware of the Red Crescent, but have you heard of the Red Crystal?

It sounds rather superhero-like for those familiar with the Green Lantern, the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics.

While most of us think of the Red Cross as a general symbol of medical care – it actually isn’t. The Red Cross is specifically used in times of armed conflict to indicate that those displaying the emblem are providing neutral humanitarian assistance and are not part of the fighting.

The Red Cross has an interesting history. In 1864, the 12 countries that agreed to the First Geneva Convention adopted the Red Cross into International Law to protect neutral medical personnel. They did not intend it to have any religious significance, nor did

they expect it to be controversial.

In 1876, the Turks objected to the Red Cross, viewing it as a Christian Crusader symbol. (The Red Cross is actually made up of five equal red squares while the Crusader red cross is elongated.) So, instead, the Turks adopted a Red Crescent based on the flag of the Turkish Ottoman Empire.

Eventually, in 1929, the Red Crescent was formally accepted as a second symbol, equivalent in legal status to the Red Cross.

The Red Crystal came into being because some nations were reluctant to use either the Red Cross or the Red Crescent because of their possible religious connotations.

So, in December, 2005, the UN agreed to adopt a third emblem – a red diamond shape on a white background, to be known as the Red Crystal.

Now each nation can choose to use the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, or the Red Crystal – all of which have equal legal status in international law.

Australian military medical services adopted the Red Cross in 1914. To deliberately target a person, site, or transport displaying the Red Cross, Red Crescent or Red Crystal is

The Red Crystal came into being because some nations were reluctant to use either the Red Cross or the Red Crescent because of their possible religious connotations. a war crime and those who do so may be prosecuted.

Use of the Red Cross (and its equivalents) is restricted under international humanitarian law and, in turn, by Australian law. Most Australians would be surprised to learn they can be prosecuted for unauthorised use of the Red Cross emblem in Australia.

The Australian Red Cross organisation is the protector of the emblem in Australia. (Like its parent organisation, the International Committee of the Red Cross, it’s a non-prophet organisation!) According to the Australian Red Cross, it continually issues requests for organisations and companies to stop misusing the emblem.

Some of the most common forms of misuse are on first-aid kits and medical products. The Red Cross is also

Symbols of protection… from left, the Red Cross, Red Crescent and the more recent Red Crystal. sometimes displayed on surgeries and pharmacies. Misuse could either be a straight reproduction of the emblem or a design that incorporates or stylises the Red Cross.

That’s why a white “H” on a blue background is commonly used on road signs for a public hospital. A white cross on a blue background may also be used. Meanwhile, a white cross on a green background is normally used to indicate first aid and workplace/ occupational health and safety.

To close on a lighter note.

A Red Cross fundraiser cold-calls a politician who makes $500,000 a year and says that, according to Red Cross records, he hasn’t made a single charitable donation.

The politician angrily replies:

“Well, do your records tell you about my police brother who’s in a coma with extremely expensive hospital bills? Or about my mother? Do they tell you how sick she is, with even more expensive medical bills, year after year?”

The Red Cross worker is very embarrassed and says: “I’m so sorry, we had no idea.”

The politician responds: “So, if I’m not helping them, what makes you think I’d want to help you?”

An elderly Canberran was asked if he would like to contribute to the NSW floods. He said he would be happy to, but his hose only reaches to the end of the driveway.

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Make those home improvement dreams a reality WITH a new year in full swing, now’s the perfect time to turn your home into the one you’ve been dreaming of.

Whether it’s renovating, reupholstering or refurnishing, “CityNews” has the insights from Canberra’s passionate home improvement experts.

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FROM antique heirlooms to modern club lounges and TV recliners, Ebsworth Upholstery can assist with any furniture restoration or re-upholstery project, says office manager Robyn Ebsworth.

Robyn operates the business with her husband Mark, a skilled upholsterer with more than 16 years of experience, and together she says they work with designers, timber restorers, metal fabricators and frame makers to deliver attention to detail that’s second to none.

“We often have customers with furniture that once belonged to their grandparents that’s been passed down through generations,” says Robyn.

FOR many Canberrans, working from home has become the new norm and Ex-Government Furniture co-owner James Fullerton says having a good piece of furniture to work at home with is invaluable.

“We’ve got a bunch of ergonomic, high-quality office chairs at a great price,” he says.

“Also popular at the moment is a range of manually adjustable sit-stand desks.”

It’s just the start of the range available at the warehouse, which James says includes both an extensive and affordable range of second-hand furniture for the office and for the home.

“We’ve got a huge range going all the way from budget items to really nice executive, designer items and everything in between,” he says.

“We pride ourselves on our eye for good quality.”

James says the team is always keen to welcome people into the store to browse what’s available

“When it’s restored for them, there can be a real emotional response. “These heirlooms are often a way to remember loved ones.”

It’s just one of the valued services that Ebsworth Upholstery offers, says Robyn.

“We’ve got one of the biggest fabric libraries in Canberra that includes soft furnishings, fabrics, upholstery and drapery, and customers can come and purchase fabrics for their own projects through that library as well,” she says.

“We have an interior designer whose services are free that can help you select your fabrics, too.”

They’re also proud to offer custom-made furniture, with the building process all done here in Australia, she says.

“With us, customers can add their own style and flair to their furniture, something you can’t get at the large furniture retailers,” she says.

Custom made daybed by Ebsworth Upholstery.

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and help them find what’s right for them.

“Come on in, see what’s here, try out some chairs and walk the length and breadth of the place,” he says.

“We charge fair prices and source the best, no-nonsense, quality furniture available.”

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HOME IMPROVEMENT Expert designers make homes more liveable

Reliable and experienced plumbing services FOUNDED in 1989, PFM Plumbing is an established, well-respected and trusted business in the Canberra community by offering customers reliable service for all types of plumbing, says owner Pat Morella.

“PFM Plumbing is equipped with the right tools to find the cause and correct the issue for blocked drains,” says Pat. “We specialise in the replacement, installation and maintenance of hot-water services at properties throughout Canberra and the servicing, installation and replacement of gas appliances including cooktops and heaters.

“We also install all manner of appliances like tapware, hot-water systems, toilets and more.”

OWNER of Duck Duck Goose Design Emma Miles says she’s passionate about improving people’s lives by improving the functionality of their homes.

Leading a team of experienced interior architects and designers, Emma says their team focuses on turning the minor details of homes into major improvements.

“Interior design can sometimes be thought of as just choosing colours or cushions, but it’s much more than that,” says Emma.

“It’s about making the home more liveable and often the small details people might not think of can make such a big difference.”

Emma says she’s particularly interested in “space design”, which helps people to move through their living areas with more ease.

“People often think when they renovate they’re limited to the space they have, but there are ways to make effective use of the space you have so that it’s more functional and more liveable,” she says “We can design around someone’s lifestyle or physical attributes so that their living space is perfect for them.

And, Emma says she’s never afraid to think outside the box to help clients achieve their dream home.

“Of course, we are always happy to offer our advice but ultimately, the client has to love their own space and that’s what we’re driven by – the client’s taste and what they want their home to look like,” she says.

“We work closely with people to make sure they get the results they’re looking for.”

Duck Duck Goose Design, call 0402 054203, visit duckduckgoosedesign.com.au or email emma@duckduckgoosedesign.com.au

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Duck Duck Goose Interior Design owner Emma Miles.

A licensed plumber and gasfitter, Pat says he prides himself on providing customers with a great experience through his reliability, knowledge and commitment to quality work.

“When tasked with a job, you can be assured I will be there working to complete the task from start to finish,” says Pat. “If required we also have qualified team members to assist.”

Pat says it’s all part of PFM Plumbing’s quality service that they’ve been proudly offering Canberra and the region for more than 30 years.

PFM Plumbing, call 0412 628538, visit pfmplumbing. com.au or email pfmplumbing@optusnet.com.au

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HOME IMPROVEMENT Experienced packers that save time and stress

Market days at the nursery

THE local team at House to Home are experienced packers who have been helping Canberrans get their property ready for sales, renovations, insurance work, downsizing and relocating for over 10 years, says co-owner Renee Le Grande.

“Our expert team will save you hours of time and stress by packing all your personal belongings, household items, right through to packing up the shed,” she says.

“The team offers a personalised service and recognises every client is different and has different needs and expectations.

Karen Brien, owner of Cool Country Natives, is excited to start hosting market days again.

The first market day will take place on February 5, with eight market days happening this year, four in spring and four in autumn.

“We have different growers from the local region, they come on to our nursery and sell their own products and customers can talk to and buy directly from the grower,” she says.

“This will be the first market for 2022 and we have some new stalls joining the markets over the next few months and our regular growers too,” says Karen.

“Some people want the kitchen, bathroom and wardrobes packed, others want everything that is in a cupboard or behind a closed door.”

Renee says they also offer a full walkin walk-out service, where clients hand over their keys and the staff completely clear the property, remove the furniture, take necessary items to a charity store, get the old property cleaned, and set everything up again in the new home.

House to Home, 40 Quandong Street, O’Connor. Call 0457 456767, email info@ house-to-home.com.au or visit house-tohome.com.au

Endeavour Carpets owners Ben and Taylor O’Brien.

Offering a large range of quality flooring ENDEAVOUR Carpets offers the largest range of top-quality floor coverings in Canberra and Queanbeyan, with options that help keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, says co-owner Taylor O’Brien.

Established in 1970, and still a family run business, Taylor says the business has maintained its original objective of displaying exceptional choices of carpet, timber, laminate and hybrid flooring, vinyl, vinyl planks and rugs.

Taylor describes their Fyshwick-based showroom as Canberra’s “greatest floor show” with thousands of samples on display, and an experienced team of flooring specialists to make the customer’s experience as easy as possible.

“Our showroom is so great that other retailers send their customers to view our huge range of top-quality floor coverings,” she says.

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“As a family business, Endeavour Carpets appreciates that customers are spoilt for choice in a competitive market place, and so maintain an objective to offer the best service and products available and for the best possible price,” she says.

When customers visit Endeavour Carpets, Taylor says they experience a good, oldfashioned service from a long-standing, local family business.

“This is what really sets Endeavour Carpets apart from any regular carpet store,” she says.

“At Endeavour Carpets, we don’t just endeavour, we do.”

Endeavour Carpets, Corner Newcastle and Isa Streets, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6132, email info@endeavourcarpets.com.au or visit endeavourcarpets.com.au

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20 CityNews February 3-9, 2022

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FILL IN THE BLANK What floor covering makes your house a home?

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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5

8.30am to 3pm Come out and speak with local growers and find the perfect plants for your garden

‘Stunning’ furniture and photography for the home OWNER of Timberland Furniture Tony Purdy says he has a range of beautiful furniture that includes almost anything the home needs: bedding, dining suites, TV units, coffee tables, buffets and more.

Included is a range of Tasmanian Blackwood, says Tony, one of Australia’s most beautiful and sought after timbers.

“Tasmanian Blackwood is a prestigious hardwood with a warm and natural colour,” he says.

“It can adorn different rooms of the house, and can be complemented by any piece of furniture. You can’t beat it as far as I’m concerned.”

While at Timberland, visitors can also browse a range of pictures from award-winning local photographer Rick Kramer.

Rick, who’s been a photographer for more than 20 years, says he shoots stunning natural environments as well as historical cityscapes and currently has some of his best work on display at Timberland.

Just some of Rick’s wins include taking out the “Calendar of Canberra” several times, as well as first prizes and multiple best-in-show awards at local photography competitions.

Timberland Furniture, 100 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 7411, email timberlandfyshwick@gmail.com or visit timberlandfurniture.com For inquiries about Rick’s photography call 0413 133880 or email rickyk.kramer@gmail.com

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When it comes to curtain systems, Roz and Lew recommend “EVO”, a curtain-heading system that, they say, is extremely effective at preventing loss of heat or cooling, whatever the time of year.

“You can choose any fabric you like, as the key is the EVO tracking system,” Roz says.

Roz says EVO has developed new track sections that incorporates a sleek and “invisible” pelmet

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system, replacing the traditional bulky pelmet, which gives better insulation from the window.

“It can be used as a double-track system to have sheers for privacy,” she says.

Alexanders Furnishings, which has been in business for more than 50 years, provides a free measure and quote. Roz says they also offer other curtain systems to suit personal preferences, and a wide range of blinds and accessories.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ED IS N

Mothers, daughters and mystery

DOUGAL MACDONALD

‘Mono’ Max and the show for our isolated times

By Helen

MUSA IN the uncertain and sometimes treacherous world of theatre, comedian Max Gillies has proved himself to be a genuine star, and probably the most versatile actor in this country.

In a recent “shot-in-the-arm” moment when he was at the chemist wearing a mask, even the young shop assistant at the cash register recognised him.

Gillies will be at The Playhouse soon in a covid-era production, “Mono”, featuring him, his old mate John Wood and Noeline Brown, famous for “The Naked Vicar Show”.

Celebrated for his 1984-85 show, “The Gillies Report” on ABC TV, he became known everywhere for his rubbery-faced portrayals of major Australian figures and – no respecter of either gender or eminence – caricatured everyone from Margaret Thatcher and Germaine Greer to Gough Whitlam, Rupert Murdoch, Mikhail Gorbachev and, an Australian favourite, Bob Hawke.

He is especially beloved of left-wing Canberrans, who rejoiced in his 2001’s “Your Dreaming: The Prime Minister’s Cultural Convention”, staged during the “Children

Overboard” affair in the lead-up to the 2001 federal election, when scriptwriter Guy Rundle and director Aubrey Mellor laboured behind the scenes at The Playhouse to update the text as the dismal election results were coming in.

I have never forgotten his avuncular representation of PM John Howard reading from the Methodist joke book but, as Gillies tells me, their efforts at satire backfired as audiences – and the electorate – warmed to Howard.

“That was also Federation year,” Gillies says. “I remember it well, but audiences’ perceptions of political matters were not what I expected… I remember ringing Don Watson to share this insight.”

“Your Dreaming” was followed in 2005 by an unofficial sequel, “The Big Con,” where Gillies was joined by Eddie Perfect where, impersonating Amanda Vanstone, Gillies scoffed down a whole KFC meal on stage.

“Mono” is not a play but a series of monologues, three each for three actors, scripted by Angus FitzSimons, in whose show “Senior Moments” Gillies and Wood have also performed.

FitzSimons describes himself as “producer and dictator”.

Aimed at people of a certain age, “Mono” is determinedly apolitical, more of a gentle satire in the manner of the famous British revue “Beyond the Fringe” where Alan Bennett, Peter Cook, Jonathan Miller, Dudley

Max Gillies as a clergyman in “Mono”.

Moore and their university mates poked fun at human foibles.

Gillies is pensive as he reflects that the monologue, “a British tradition” he thinks, is well suited to self-isolation.

After two successful national tours of

“Senior Moments”, FitzSimons came up with the idea of doing a theatre show for the time of an epidemic, cheap to mount and easy to rehearse online. He even introduced an onstage lectern so that if time was a constraint, something could be

thrown together quickly.

The end result was three actors doing three monologues each, but not together.

In fact, when we spoke, Gillies still hadn’t physically met Brown, who replaced Jean Kitson after a 2021 try-out tour.

“Angus [FitzSimons] is a young fogey,” Gillies says. “He knows so much about the productions of an era well before he was born… I remember this kind of thing through BBC radio in ‘Take It From Here’ and Tony Hancock.”

In the show, Gillies first plays a clergyman delivering a sermon, not unlike Alan Bennett’s brilliant spoof sermon, “My Brother Esau is an hairy man but I am a smooth man”.

His second character is a female conductor conducting an orchestra – we, the audience, are the orchestra.

The third piece is the one he considers most interesting.

“It’s a non-verbal piece, a mime with a previously-recorded voiceover… The character goes to an exhibition of 20th century painting in a gallery and what he is looking at takes him back to a relationship he had with someone who is no longer alive.”

“It’s remarkably poignant, there’s a little bit more in the show than a series of jokes,” Gillies says.

“Mono”, The Playhouse, 2pm and 8pm, February 12. Book at canberratheatrecentre. com.au or 6275 2700.

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CityNews February 3-9, 2022 23

STREAMING / streaming and stuff

Something wicked (but good) this way comes MORE than 400 years since the death of Shakespeare and it’s as clear as ever that Will still thrills.

make it a show that is easy to recommend, if viewers can get past the bitter taste left by the controversy.

From Baz Luhrmann’s ‘90s romp “Romeo + Juliet” (Disney+) to Netflix’s political thriller “House of Cards”, adaptations of the Bard’s works remain entrenched in the zeitgeist, often more than many realise.

One of Disney’s most beloved animated outings of all time, “The Lion King”, is a disguised retelling of “Hamlet”… understandably with a little less brutal killing than what its author originally put to paper.

A string of modern comedies also source humour from Shakespeare. “10 Things I Hate About You”, “She’s The Man”, “Warm Bodies” – all taken from plays written hundreds of years ago.

Now streaming on Apple TV+ is the newest adaptation of “Macbeth”, a film starring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand as the famous conniving couple in 11th century Scotland.

“The Tragedy of Macbeth’’, as the film calls itself, strips the famous play right down to its core elements and on an entertainment level makes it work like a charm.

Shakespearean movies can have a problem of drooping, losing the energy of the stage in their transition to the screen, but director Joel Coen cuts this new flick down to 100 minutes of the most important stuff and amps up the action.

Even the colours are pulled back to a spectral black and white cinematography that Washington and McDormand play in the

MUSICAL fans may be excited by Steven Spielberg’s new cinematic take on the classic “West Side Story”, which is currently in cinemas and set to hit streaming later this year (likely on Disney+ or Binge).

It’s the second filmic take on the famous musical, the first being 1961’s classic that can be found on Stan, and tells the story of rivalling New York street gangs the Jets and the Sharks and the forbidden love story between two of their members.

Sound familiar? It’s widely known that the musical reincarnated “Romeo and Juliet” in ‘50s Manhattan, replacing the warring Capulet and Montague families with opposing gangsters.

This rendition promises a stunning new cinematic take on the musical and while audiences are promised it’ll make an appearance on streaming later this year, it does seem this one, similar to “The Tragedy of Macbeth”, would be far better enjoyed on the big screen.

shadows of to a brilliantly eerie effect. It can be easy to forget just how creepy “Macbeth” is, and this rendition emphasises those creeps to give it new flavour.

Washington is fierce as the would-be king, but McDormand steals the show as Lady Macbeth descending into guilt-ridden mania.

Monolithic sets form simple, yet beautiful backdrops that somehow exude cinematic grandiosity while also looking like something one would see on stage.

Those keen on watching may need some brushing up on their Shakespeare though.

The film is spoken in unfiltered Shakespearean language and taken right from the pages

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of the original play.

As such, those unfamiliar with the dialect or plot of “Macbeth” may find it tricky to keep up with, but it still makes for a great entry point to the wordsmith, one that might even turn the heads of some daydreaming, high-school English students.

It’s certainly not the first time in recent years “Macbeth” has been brought to modern entertainment, and it won’t be the last.

One of the most popular modern takes on the play is Netflix’s “House of Cards”, which cast Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright as a power couple murderously hunting a seat in the oval office.

While mainly inspired by “Macbeth”, the show borrowed heavily from many of Shakespeare’s plays and transported the plot from 11th century Scotland to 21st century America.

Unfortunately, “House of Cards” veered off the rails towards its ending majorly fuelled by the sexual misconduct allegations against Spacey while the show was still in production. Still, the compelling early seasons

CINEMA / reviews

Mothers, daughters and mystery

By Dougal

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24 CityNews February 3-9, 2022

To stream, or not to stream?

TWO-time Spanish Oscar winner Pedro Almodovar’s “Parallel Mothers” is characterised by its robust, warm-bodied celebration of middle-class female-ness.

Nothing is more female than bearing children.

Janis (Penelope Cruz) and Ana (Milena Smit) find themselves in the same maternity ward after giving birth to daughters.

Janis, a 40-year-old photographer, is determined to raise her daughter as a single mum, as her mother and grandmother did before her. In the ward she meets teenager Ana (Milena Smit), who is similarly intent on going it alone. The women become close; they are both in the same boat. Months later, a biological test will establish just how linked these two are.

The drama’s complexities are numerous and wide ranging. Anthropological archaeology provides a thread stretching back in time to a massacre in the Spanish Civil War. Janis approaches forensic anthropologist Arturo (Israel Elejalde) about digging up the grave of her great-grandfather whom Falangists murdered in that war. Ambition provides a platform for Ana’s mother to complain about the slow speed of her career progress from bit roles to her first leading part in a play.

The story’s foundation doesn’t manifest itself until well into the film’s 123 minutes. Hint. The film begins with two babies but ends with only one. Forensic examination of the people involved offers some surprises. Nothing is taken for

Janis (Penelope Cruz) embraces Ana (Milena Smit) in “Parallel Mothers”. granted. The tensions are gentle. There’s plenty of scope for smiles, not all for conventional causes. And the film will send you out knowing that you’ve had your money’s worth. Almodovar does it again.

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“Queen Bees” (MA) THIS movie, set among the inmates of an aged people’s up-market home, made me smile occasionally. But I grimaced in almost equal measure.

Its theme is a condition of which we will all get a taste of unless we fall off the twig earlier.

Oscar-winning Ellen Burstyn, who will turn 90 at the end of this year, plays Helen, a widow who one evening forgets that there’s a naked flame on the stove in the house where she lived with her late husband.

The firies get there in time, but repairs will

take a while. Helen’s family decides that an old folks home will be the best place for her until they are complete.

And as the insurance company inspector values one repair site in her home, he discovers another, meaning that Helen will have to stay at Pine Grove Senior Community longer than she expects.

Helen is an independent widow who finds that Pine Grove is rather like high school – full of cliques and flirtatious suitors. What she initially avoids leads her to exactly what she has been missing – new friendships and a chance at love again with newcomer Dan. Most of director Michael Lembeck’s mediumlength, moving-image career is in TV series – of the 68 titles listed in his filmography, five look as though they might have been for the big screen.

Donald Martin’s 58-titles-long list of screenplays is mostly for American TV series that never made it here. He wrote this one with the help of Harrison Powell whose filmic CV lists only one as writer. There’s much in “Queen Bees” dialogue to delight cliché-collectors. You may draw whatever conclusions you can be bothered to draw.

I watched one (and only one) passage in “Queen Bees” with respect, admiration even – for two actors (Ms Burstyn and Afro-American actress Loretta Devine), and the lines that Donald and Harrison gave them to tell each other about men, sex and Loretta’s boobs while lying together in bed and sharing a freshly-rolled joint. Being old doesn’t necessarily mean that characters can’t have some lively fun. Alas, there has to be more than one swallow to make a summer.

At all cinemas

ART

Art that speaks from ‘living on the hyphen’

By Helen Musa

NOT one but two Canberra artists are on the shortlist for the 67th Blake Prize.

With a swag of rich prizes, including the first prize of $35,000, it’s an important item on the Australian arts calendar and it’s kept up with the times.

Formerly the annual Blake Prize for Religious Art, it was first awarded in 1951. Since 2016 it has been a biennial award, but one that has undergone a dramatic change, now for art that explores spirituality.

With prominent male artists such as John Coburn, Leonard French and Rodney Milgate usually carrying off the award in its early history, it took until 1982 before there were any female names on the list and even then, the focus was largely on painters talking about Christian issues, with titles such as “Hosanna” and “Hail Mary”.

Nowadays “The Blake” is strictly non-sectarian, with entries not restricted to any faith or even any artistic style. A dramatic case in point is one of this year’s choices, “Unchained Melody” by Akil Ahamat from Braddon, described as “an experiential installation comprising a suite of sound works and a speculative therapeutic technology: the Sonic Shower.”

Canberra’s other shortlistee is Emma Rani Hodges, from Belconnen, for her mixed-media installation, “Near to the sound of your heart, beating waves into the ocean”.

She too is an eloquent spokeswoman on the subject of what is often called “living on the hyphen”.

Hodges, of Thai-Chinese-Australian heritage has, like Abdullah, three hyphens in her genealogy, and has grown up with the mixed joys of a Canberra schooling, especially at Charnwood High, where she was constantly taunted with cries of: “Why don’t you go back to where you came from?”

But Hodges, who answers equally to Emma or Rani, has triumphed. After completing her honours in painting at the ANU, she won Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s 2019 Emerging Artists Support Scheme award, was selected to participate in Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts’ Graduate Show 2020, exhibited at Goulburn Regional Art Gallery and the Front Canberra in 2021, won a Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship and was one of 10 Canberra arts workers chosen for the ACT government’s Creative Recovery and Resilience Program. Coming up are spots in the Belco Arts exhibition “Uncategorized – Being Here” and “Tributary Projects”, opening at Gorman Arts Centre.

For the Blake Prize, she entered a large-format installation consisting largely of a lot of fabrics, cut up and reconstituted to make a point about the concept of home or a homeland.

“I mainly use fabrics from my grandma in Thailand who is a seamstress, to craft a narrative of

Artist Emma Rani Hodges… “I’m always having to justify what I do.” migration,” she tells me. “I use all these materials to express my ideas, my fluid identity, the fact that I am caught between heritages.”

She grew up in Canberra to a Thai mother and an Australian father who first went to Thailand on exchange as a student and learnt to speak and write Thai fluently.

For a while they went back and forth between Australia and Thailand, eventually settling in Belconnen.

For secondary college she moved to Canberra College on the other side of town and from there went to the ANU School of Art and Design, where she still found an underlying tone of condescension among the predominantly white art students.

“When you go to art school they are more nuanced, but they do come from a more privileged background, often from the northern beaches in Sydney so they say fewer racist things, but there are microaggressions,” she says.

“It’s a bit challenging for someone like me. Many people don’t relate to my work and wonder why I want to make work about identity. I’m always having to justify what I do.”

And yet, she sounds like an Aussie, dresses like an Aussie and shows outward confidence and assertiveness, which are not what people expect in an Asian woman.

“I’ve always been loud,” she says.

Aside from the brilliant colours, the glitz and the delicate gold-painted Thai shrines in her Blake work, the meaning is clear, as overlapping layers of textiles spell out the words “home, come home” while underneath the bright colours lies a tattered and frayed Australian flag – no prizes for guessing what that suggests.

Indeed, Hodges is quite taken with the idea that Australians have become, in their narrowing attitude to migrants, just a bit un-Australian.

Blake Prize, 67th Blake Prize exhibition, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, March 12-May 22. More at casulapowerhouse.com

Fred’s playing to help the refugees ARTS IN THE CITY

By Helen Musa “CANBERRA troubadour Fred Smith, who by day works for DFAT processing refugees, will join band members to perform songs from his “Dust of Uruzgan” album as well as new material drawing on his experiences working on the Afghan evacuation, in support of Afghan refugees in Canberra. At The Playhouse, February 17.

Book at canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

“MIXED Signals” is a new solo exhibition exploring the perceptions of beauty from Canberra-born artist Jess Cochrane, whose star is fast on the rise in the international scene. “Signals” showcases more than a dozen multi-disciplinary painted-over photographic portraits, created in Canberra during a recent visit from her home in London. It opens at aMBUSH Gallery Kambri, ANU, 6pm-8pm, February 10 (book via events.humanitix.com) then runs until March 15.

PHOENIX Collective is performing “Darkness & Light”, works by Beethoven, Mozart and Aussie composer Mace Francis, at Tuggeranong Arts Centre, February 17.

Book at trybooking.com “DEGREES of Concern” is a group exhibition at ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, February 9 - March 18, featuring artists from around Australia including Yandell Walton, Ngaio Fitzpatrick and Adam Sebire.

The exhibition coincides with the ANU Climate Update Conference and is also part of “Aquifer”, an ACT-wide program of dialogue, events and exhibitions responding to the climate crisis.

THE “East Meets West” orchestral evening, which was postponed in June, will be at Llewellyn Hall, February 12, but this time without the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.

It will feature traditional and contemporary music from the east and the west including two Chinese classics, “Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto” and “Yellow River Piano Concerto”.

Book at 132849 or premier.ticketek.com.au “TRIPTYCH” is an exhibition of 40 years of ceramic leadership from Janet deBoos, Greg Daly and Alan Watt, curated by Peter Haynes. At Nancy Sever Gallery, City Walk, Civic, until February 27.

THE Eishan Ensemble’s “Project Masnavi”, led by the Persian-Australian tar virtuoso Hamed Sadeghi, fuses contemporary Persian classical music with modern jazz. They’ll be at The Street Theatre, February 12. Book at thestreet.org.au

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GARDENING

Rain sends plants out of whack

By Jackie

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But we still have the prospect of a few good months of summer weather to, hopefully, get tomatoes on the plate.

Sowing of beetroot, carrots, leeks and lettuce can be done now.

Leeks need between 25-40 weeks to mature and can take a little longer if they are grown in the ground over winter.

Plant them about 5cm apart, in rows 30cm apart and in full sun. If sowing leeks now in punnets and trays, they’ll be ready for transplanting in about 10 weeks with the last of the hot weather.

Some summer vegetables and herbs will be going into seed in the next few weeks and if there are any worth collecting, put a lightweight mesh bag or paper bag over the flower heads. When the seeds are brown/black and papery, and have

Black seedless grapes… ready for picking when Catharanthus roseus… an easy care border plant the Currawongs have their eye on them. for a hot, summer spot in full sun.

Photo: Jackie Warburton Photo: Jackie Warburton fallen into the bag, remove from the plant and keep the seeds stored in a dry area, labelled and ready for planting in spring.

Alternatively, let herbs self-seed naturally as I have done and had some of the most prolific herbs grown between cracks in the pavement with very little care.

PRUNING is important for encouraging new growth and

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autumn flowering in roses.

Increasing the airflow to prevent fungal disease will be most helpful as the black spot and powdery mildew will be worse than other years due to the wet weather.

Trim and dispose of any visual signs of yellowing on leaves and place in the green bin. Spraying fungicides in the cool of the day will help a little for the remainder of the season and prevent any further damage. A light fertiliser will also encourage more blooms for autumn.

CATALOGUES with spring bulbs for 2022 will be in the mailbox soon. Most mail-order bulb companies work on a first-in, best-dressed ordering system, so get orders in early.

Now is the time to lift and divide any bulbs in the garden that didn’t flower very well last spring. Poor flowering bulbs can indicate too much shade or overcrowding.

Lift bulbs with a garden fork around the clump of bulbs and lift and separate.

Turn over the soil, add some organic matter and bulbs in a welldug hole, double the depth of the bulb and cover with soil and water in. Surprisingly, there will be more bulbs than you think underground

and plenty to share with family and friends.

APPLES and pears are beginning to ripen and may need netting protection from the birds.

Continue to prune with clean, sharp secateurs on a dry, sunny day any stone fruit trees that have not been done.

Grapes that are beginning to ripen will need to be netted as well.

My black seedless grape is ready for picking when the Currawongs have their eye on them.

Some grape bunches don’t ripen all at once, so pick the ripe ones first, immediately freeze. When they are all ripe and frozen, they can be used at once for making homemade slushies, sorbet, grape jam or roast them for a snack.

CATHARANTHUS roseus or Vinca is an old-fashioned plant that does really well in Canberra in summer, but it doesn’t like the frost and is treated as an annual.

Its colour range can be from pale pink to hot pinks and reds. A good low-growing, easy care border plant for a hot, summer spot in full sun. It is suitable for small, hard-togrow areas in the garden or trailing in a hanging basket. jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

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Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

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General knowledge crossword No. 815

February 7-13, 2022 ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

This week adventurous Uranus and dynamic Mars (your ruler) form a fabulous trine. So it’s time to be brazenly bold and dazzlingly daring as you initiate ideas, launch projects and make changes in your life. Be inspired by birthday great, writer Alice Walker: “We should learn to accept that change is truly the only thing that’s going on always and learn to ride with it and enjoy it.” The weekend favours casual business meetings and catching up with colleagues.

AUCTION STRATEGIES

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

It’s a wonderful week to network with family and friends in a variety of stimulating ways. Aim to surround yourself with positive people who boost your confidence and encourage your dreams. But avoid getting drawn into complicated discussions about money or politics, as ideological clashes are likely. You have much to learn from a loved one who has a wealth of knowledge and life experience to share with you. There’s always something new to learn!

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

With Mercury, Venus, Mars and Pluto stimulating your sensuality zone, romantic Twins are in the mood for love and lust. If you’re attached, it’s time to spice up the relationship with a sexy SMS or an erotic email. Searching for your soulmate? Cupid has his arrows pointed in your direction, and love is likely with someone from your past. Perhaps an old friend or a former lover. Happily single? A secret may be revealed that suddenly turns your world around!

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

This week’s stars help you view a close partnership from a surprising perspective. With a few strategic tweaks, the relationship can be turned around and transformed. You’re also keen to show loved ones how much you really care. Avoid being too overprotective though. All relationships need room to breathe and there’s a big difference between loving and smothering. Be inspired by birthday great, writer Charles Dickens: “A loving heart is the truest wisdom.”

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Stimulating conversation and exciting adventures are the keys to a satisfying week. But has your job or home life become rigid and boring? Dynamic Mars and innovative Uranus shake up your daily routine zone. So get ready for some surprising changes and hold on tight! Your fiery temper – or an impulsive outburst – could set the Cat amongst the pigeons on the weekend. The current situation is complex, so calm down and try to keep a sense of perspective.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Adventurous Virgo, with Mars and Uranus activating your travel and leisure zones, you’re feeling restless and are keen to take a trip somewhere soon. If you can’t jump in a car, bus, boat, train or plane, then go travelling in your mind via books and movies. All forms of communication are favoured, as you convey your message to an expanding audience. The weekend’s a wonderful time to tackle a creative project or start writing an ambitious new wish list.

Down

1 To be cunning or tricky, is to be what? (6) 8 What is obtained from the berry of the pimento tree? (8) 9 What is a badge of office, or authority? (6) 10 Which term describes a soldier who runs away from service? (8) 11 Which fin stands out on a shark? (6) 13 What do we call extra hours worked? (8) 16 Name a renowned breakfast dish. (8) 19 Which ship’s officer is charged with keeping accounts, etc? (6) 22 Name the fruit of the plant known as the bottle gourd. (8) 24 Racehorses have their birthdays on the first of which month? (6) 25 What is a brief account as of news or events? (8) 26 To affect with a sudden wave of keen emotion, is to do what? (6)

2 What is often the last movement of a sonata? (5) 3 What are amusement shows also known as? (5) 4 Who is the master of an inn, or lodging house, etc?

(8) 5 What does a beggar seek? (4) 6 Which term describes the incorporeal part of man?

(6) 7 To utter a loud, sharp, piercing cry, is to do what? (6) 12 Name a river in West Germany that flows into the Rhine. (4) 14 What is another name for a pachyderm? (8) 15 In the ancient Roman calendar, what describes the 15th day of March, etc? (4) 17 To be impenetrable to light, is to be what? (6) 18 Which expression means actually, or indeed? (6) 20 Which term implies that a message has been received and understood? (5) 21 What supports an artist’s canvas? (5) 23 Name the lowest female voice. (4)

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

When it comes to your creativity, you may feel as if you’re going backwards but putting in longer hours won’t fix the problem. Do your best to work smarter rather than harder. If you relax and let things flow, then the ideas will come. Your domestic situation is going through a major metamorphosis, as you initiate a change that livens up your home life. When it comes to close relationships, aim to be less self-absorbed and more sympathetic to the needs of loved ones.

Solution next edition

Across

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Sudoku medium No. 308

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Your creativity and originality are firing, as you form a new partnership or pursue a joint project. With four planets visiting your communication zone you’ll feel like conversing, studying and/or travelling. If you’ve been waiting to get something off your chest, Monday through until Friday is the time to express yourself. Things could become very intense on the weekend, when the Mercury/Pluto conjunction gets your compulsive Scorpio side going.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Spontaneous Sagittarius – you can find it difficult to be on your best behaviour and follow the rules. Expect the unexpected this week, as Mars and Uranus stir up your restless (and reckless) side. You’ll balk at restrictions being placed on you (especially at work) but resist the urge to be a disruptive influence. Put your personal wishes aside, and make sure you stay well-informed and fulfil your responsibilities to the wider community for the greater good.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

No less than four planets are powering through your sign – Mercury, Venus, Mars and Pluto. So you’re in hard-working, perfectionist, conscientious, super-Capricorn mode. Which is OK – just don’t overdo it! Balance is the key, as you introduce some quiet, restful moments into your constantly busy days. As writer (and birthday great) Alice Walker reminds us: “May we learn to honour the hammock, the siesta, the nap and the pause in all its forms.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2022

Solutions – January 27 edition Sudoku hard No. 307

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Karma and destiny are dancing around you this week. Mercury, Venus, Mars and Pluto are activating your hopes-and-wishes zone. So you need to think very carefully about the aspirations you are choosing and the goals you are setting, right here and right now. Your motto for the moment is from writer and activist Alice Walker (who turns 78 on Wednesday): “Look closely at the present you are constructing; it should look like the future you are dreaming.”

Solution next edition

Crossword No. 814

Restless Aquarians love radical change. And this week you’re in a mad rush to shake up the status quo, as Mars and Uranus boost your impatient side and you’re desperate to do everything ASAP. But slow down or you’ll come a cropper! Plus handle a family member with extra care … they may feel unsettled by your relentless pace. On the weekend you’re in the mood for colourful daydreams, secretive meetings and intense conversations.

We have witnessed the amazing market of 2021 where sellers have seen incredible prices, and 2022 seems to be starting just as strong.

When agents give owners guidance on potential sale price, we also need to tell owners our appraisal could be out of step in such an active market. The safest method of sale for owners in this type of market is Auction - as it is only by listening to the buyers that owners will know what their home is worth.

For buyers, this means understanding the auction process and being prepared with particular strategies.

Here’s a few tips: • Do your research and find out all past sales. The information is always free on allhomes and agents can always give you updated sales data.

• Stand where you can be clearly seen by the auctioneer and where you have a good view of the rest of the bidders.

• Visit as many auctions as possible to see how they work. Every Auctioneer has a different style, so it’s important to see the differences, and become comfortable with the process.

• It is important to be the highest bidder should the property pass in, as this puts you in the best possible position to negotiate with the owner once the auction is over.

• Auction conditions finish at midnight on the day of Auction, so if you are the highest bidder and can’t reach agreement on-site, it is possible to leave the premises and later speak to the agent about another number. The negative of this strategy is that once you leave the site, the agent has the right to negotiate with other buyers and your revised higher number may not be quick enough.

• Understand your financial limit and get your mortgage payments mapped out in $10,000 increments. You’d be surprised sometimes how an extra $10,000 on the future mortgage could equal just a cappuccino per day.

• Get a friend to bid for you, with a strict limit, if you think there’s a chance you could run away with bidding.

No-one needs to eat baked beans for the next 10 years just to buy a property.

• If you are approaching a round number in the bidding, try to get there first - by skipping ahead in the bidding pattern.

Often two buyers will come to an auction with the same limit, and it is as simple as being the one to land on that number first that could secure the home. ….. and if you’re wanting to sell, ring me to get the very best sales result.

Phone 0405 135 009 cshaw@blackshaw.com.au #christineshawproperties CityNews February 3-9, 2022 27

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