CityNews 220217

WHY A YOUNG MAN’S DEATH IN PRISON MATTERS But the Canberra community seems not to care, says JON STANHOPE FEBRUARY ,7 1 20

Anti-mandate protesters picked the wrong city

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POLITICS / Alexander Maconochie Centre

Why a young man’s death in prison matters THE tragic death by his own hand of a young man on his first day in the Alexander Maconochie Centre appears not to have aroused the interest of the Canberra community.

However, his death earlier this month should be a matter of concern to us all. The AMC is our prison. It is operated and managed on our behalf and in our names.

The ACT government has chosen not to disclose the man’s name. Still in his twenties, it has been reported that he died by hanging in a cell in the “Management Unit” at the prison on the first day of his imprisonment. The Management Unit is reserved, among other things, for the housing of newly admitted detainees.

Newly admitted detainees are held in the unit in order to ensure that, in the difficult early days of their incarceration, they are kept under close observation and their welfare and safety assured.

It is generally accepted that a person sentenced to imprisonment is at the greatest risk of self-harm in the first highly traumatic days. That is why, before being admitted into the prison they participate in an induction process designed to ensure, in part, that any vulnerability they may have, such as suicidal ideation is identified

INDEX

and responded to appropriately.

That he died in such tragic circumstances in the Management Unit on his first day of imprisonment raises potentially concerning questions.

The failure of the ACT government or ACT Corrective Services to provide any information about or comment on the death or its cause is also of serious concern.

I also think it regrettable that neither the Minister nor relevant officers have referred to the dead man by his name. I find that dehumanising and disrespectful and unnecessarily hurtful to his family.

It is also regrettable that, more than a week after his death, in a government facility in which he was in the sole care and control of the ACT government, that no member of the government has commiserated. publicly with either his parents, family or friends.

I have been advised that as a firstday detainee, he would or should have been subjected to physical observation on a half hourly basis and that he should also have been under constant monitoring by CCTV. I hope that was the case.

Coincidentally, the New York-based Human Rights Watch, an independent and possibly the most significant non-government human rights organisation in the world, has in its latest world report, to Australia’s

I think it regrettable that neither the Minister nor relevant officers have referred to the dead man by his name. I find that dehumanising and disrespectful and unnecessarily hurtful to his family. embarrassment, shone a torch on our abysmal record in relation to the incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples.

While I say to “Australia’s embarrassment” we in Canberra must accept that while the ACT government managed to avoid the ignominy of being outed by Human Rights Watch as having the worst record in Australia, if not the world, when it comes to locking up indigenous peoples, we can take no comfort from that omission.

The ACT government recently reported that there were 377 people detained in the AMC. Of that number, it is understood that 128, or 34 per cent, were Aboriginal. Aboriginal people constitute less than two per cent of the ACT population hence the current rate of indigenous incarcera-

tion in the ACT clearly remains, if these numbers have been maintained, the highest in Australia.

Talking about numbers, the Productivity Commission has over recent weeks released its “2022 Reports on Government Services” (ROGS). These are fascinating reports for anyone interested in how the ACT compares with the rest of Australia in the delivery of mainstream services. I recommend you take a look.

The first of the reports I looked at is that relating to child protection services. My interest in the issue has been heightened by the reliance which ACT government ministers place on the commissioning of the “Our Booris Our Way Inquiry” into child protection as evidence of their commitment to address the massive over-representation of Aboriginal children in care and protection.

I am cynical about those claims primarily because it is now five years since the review was announced, with enormous fanfare, and not one of its 28 recommendations has been fully implemented.

Therefore, it is particularly depressing to again note, in the 2022 ROGS, the lack of progress in the ACT

in addressing the over-representation of Aboriginal children in the care and protection system. When the “Our Booris” review was announced in 2017, ie five years ago, there were 252 Aboriginal children on care and protection orders in the ACT, a rate of 88.7 per 1000 children (the second highest rate in Australia), while the non-Aboriginal rate was 7.2 per 1000.

The most recent report reveals that in the five years since then the number of Aboriginal children under a care and protection order in the ACT has increased to 269 and the rate has also increased to 89.8 per 1000 children, which is currently the third highest in Australia.

Jon Stanhope was ACT chief minister from 2001 to 2011 and the only chief minister to have governed with a majority in the Assembly. Read more of his columns on citynews.com.au If this column has raised any issues for any reader a call to Lifeline might be beneficial on 131 114.

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NEWS

Astro-snapper Lachlan sees his future in the stars

By Lily

PASS LACHLAN Wilson has begun his year 11 studies, and will spend the next two years working out how to use his physics elective to get him into a profession in science and space.

“My astrophotography is currently just staying as a hobby for me at the moment, but I’m aiming to do something with it in the future,” he said.

Since going to a YMCA Space Squad event in 2019, Lachlan has turned his family backyard in Weetangera into a prime spot for astrophotography.

“We were looking through telescopes there and I wanted one, so I got one at the school fete and then I was looking through it and decided I needed to take photos through it I had to share what I was seeing but I didn’t know how,” he said.

After many “terribly” failed attempts, he began to succeed.

“I just started taking photos with a DSLR, and just pointing it at the sky and taking photos.”

Now, he wants to continue learning and sharing his photos.

Astrophotographer Lachlan Wilson’s photo of the Horsehead Nebula, a small dark Lachlan Wilson… “The physics of space, nebula in the constellation Orion… “I love what’s called the Horsehead Nebula, it’s gravity… I can’t wait to learn all about it. great.”

Combining the physics side of things with the photography side would be amazing aren’t visible to the naked eye, and sky and rotates with it, as the Earth and so much fun.”

Photo: Lily Pass the joy it brings to me and others see- rotates. The telescope obviously col“The physics of space, gravity… I can’t wait to learn all about it. Combining the physics side of things with the photography side would be amazing and so much fun.

“I love doing all the equations. I can’t see myself going into research though, probably some sort of engineering.”

He said the most rewarding part of taking photos was being part of a community that helped the world to see and understand space.

“I love seeing things in space that

ing it,” he said.

Lachlan posts his photos on his Instagram account @astrolach_ to share them with a wider audience.

“It’s been a long journey to upgrade everything, it’s basically taken from the end of 2020 to now. My own gear is perfect, most of it is second hand,” he said.

Working as a pharmacy assistant, he’s put his savings towards a rather expensive hobby, with parts of his astrophotography setup costing upwards of $1600.

“The mount aligns to a point in the

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lects light and magnifies it. The camera is just a sensor and the other part just corrects any errors in the mount tracking,” he said.

While he was used to just pressing the button at the back of the camera, he now plugs the camera into his computer, setting it up with software and it took the photos for him.

“I go to bed, come back at like 3am, and take it all down,” he said.

He’s taken photos of galaxies, nebulas, star clusters, planets and the moon, and said he enjoyed taking photos in places where there was

really dark skies, and no artificial lights nearby to ruin his photos.

“I love what’s called the Horsehead Nebula, it’s great,” he said.

There were a couple of variables that he did have to work around at times.

“It generally comes down to it not being a school night. There are no clouds and no moon, because the moon is really bright,” he said.

The Canberra Astronomical Society had been a huge part of his journey by lending him telescopes, helping take photos and “heaps of knowledge”.

He said he’d also built friendships through his astrophotography.

“I go out to dark-sky night meets.

I’ve made friends overseas who are like me, quite young,” and he’s built an Instagram community with group chats to share feedback and photos.

Since his initial spark of interest at the Space Squad event, he has spoken twice about his astrophotography and about how other people could get into it.

“Just go out and try. Point your camera at the sky, take five or 10-second exposures with a wide-angle lens. You’ll be able to capture heaps of stars and you’ll be amazed at how much you can do,” he says.

While Lachlan had a preference for Canon cameras, he said any DSLR camera would do the trick.

CityNews February 17-23, 2022 5

NEWS

Verge gardeners grow flowers and friendships

By Belinda

STRAHORN TWO neighbours battling separate hardships have found new “purpose” through a verge garden they created in their street.

Queanbeyan’s Kevin Mills was a self-described “brown thumb” until he began his verge garden 12 months ago.

The 56-year-old lost his leg and ended up in a wheelchair after a mining accident in Marulan in 1998.

“The accident meant I couldn’t work, so I just stayed inside my unit and closed the curtains,” Kevin said.

“I didn’t know anyone in the street and I’d lived here for five years.”

Today, the Agnes Street resident happily dispenses gardening tips to passersby who stop to admire the verge garden he created with his neighbour.

“Before I started the garden, I didn’t know anyone in the street, now I know the entire neighbourhood,” said Kevin.

“The garden has given me a purpose and a reason to get up in the morning.”

The verge garden was the idea of fellow Agnes Street resident, Bryon

6 CityNews February 17-23, 2022

Verge gardeners Bryon Boyd, left, and Kevin Mills… “Before I started the garden, I didn’t know anyone in the street, now I know the entire neighbourhood,” said Kevin.

Photo: Belinda Strahorn Boyd, 68, who himself was the victim of a traumatic incident.

“I was the victim of an attempted murder in Melbourne many years ago,” Bryon said.

“It was a random attack in the

street, by people I didn’t know. It left me with debilitating agoraphobia, which is a fear of outside spaces. I didn’t go outside for 10 years.”

But when Bryon, a retired chef, moved into the unit above Kevin, the

pair struck up a friendship, and a love for gardening bloomed.

“We started by planting a meadow garden with poppies and it went from there,” said Bryon.

Kevin and Bryon’s verge garden is a mass of colour, with sunflowers towering above marigolds, cucumber plants and corn. Like a greengrocer, all kinds of vegetables and herbs find a place on the footpath.

“There’s something new growing every day,” said Bryon.

“We’ve got tomatoes, spinach, zucchini, lettuce, okra, and people can take whatever they want. A few days ago a lady stopped to take photos of the sunflowers, and she left with an armful of lettuce and beans.”

Kevin and Bryon’s garden is part of a growing movement to turn sometimes neglected strips of grass between a property and the road – known as the verge – into a garden.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council owns the verge and has a policy on what can be grown including groundcovers, native grasses and shrubs.

“Verges are often just unused spaces full of bindis and weeds,” said Bryon.

“If we can encourage just one person to change their verge into a productive space then we all benefit from it, and it’s greening our community.”

Bryon and Kevin believe their garden has brought the entire neighbour-

hood together.

“We now know by name our Iraqi refugee neighbours, our Punjabi neighbours, our central coast neighbours, our Queanbeyan-born neighbours, our Dutch friends next door, and our Macedonian friends down the street,” said Bryon.

“The garden just attracts people so you don’t have a choice but to be a part of the community,” said Kevin.

“It brings lots of joy.”

The verge garden has not only reinvigorated the neighbourhood, it’s also helped heal past wounds.

“Kevin has social phobia and I am agoraphobic so the garden has been a way for us both to overcome those issues,” said Bryon.

For a man who once used to struggle to walk to university, Bryon has over time found the courage to undertake a PhD at the Australian National University.

“If you just want to be isolated in your house that’s your choice but if you get out and do something like this it will naturally evolve,” said Bryon.

The boys are hoping their verge garden concept catches on and will motivate others to try their hand at a spot of therapeutic gardening.

“Just follow the guidelines from the council and have a go,” Kevin said.

“You won’t regret it. Community is what you make of it.”

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Free pelvic-floor advice A PHYSIOTHERAPIST from Canberra Health Services will lead a free pelvic-floor workshop at the Tuggeranong Community Health Centre, 1pm-4pm, on Tuesday, March 1, for women experiencing continence problems or wishing to prevent them. Book at 5124 9977.

Ladies welcome THE Weston Creek VIEW Club welcomes interested ladies to its next meeting at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, from 11.30am, Tuesday, March 1. Lunch costs $35 and RSVP to 6286 4626 by 5pm on Thursday, February 24.

Members called to AGM THE Gungahlin Day VIEW Club is holding its AGM at the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, Nicholls, from 11.45am, Wednesday, February 23. All current committee positions will be declared vacant and nominations will be accepted for a new committee for 2022.

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CANBERRA MATTERS

Take time to savour Marion’s floundering vision WHEN Marion Mahony Griffin provided those glorious drawings for the submission to design Canberra, she included a distant view of the mountains.

She understood the power of the landscape and being able to see the horizon as part of living in a city.

Today, having a view of the distant horizon is one of the pleasures of moving around Canberra.

Being in enforced and then voluntary lockdown on and off over the last two years has meant a denial of the pleasure of driving away from Canberra and enjoying the changing landscapes of the country between here and, say, Sydney and Melbourne.

However, this has meant that the occasional driving experience within the city and the Canberra region has been a pleasure to be cherished.

There are many vantage points to be enjoyed around the city. Hopefully, people caught in the morning and evening traffic jams on the parkways get time to appreciate what opens up before them – besides the lines of stalled vehicles. Seeing the distant horizon has the effect of placing you in the context of this part of the planet we are lucky to inhabit.

One experience well remembered happened when making a dash to Gungahlin one evening for hardware.

Does anyone in this government appreciate what they have been handed as stewards of an internationally significant landscape?

The Marion Mahony Griffin View from Mount Ainslie…her vision became a reality.

Photo: Paul Costigan This meant entering Horse Park Drive from on high from the Federal Highway turn-off. Before us was the evening sunset over the distant Brindabella mountains. Thoughts turned to whether people in Canberra still appreciate how these views were not accidental, but were part of someone’s vision for the city.

When such a view encompasses suburban areas and their greenery, it is also a reminder of the beauty of having generous green infrastructure and, within that, a healthy biodiversity. Having such surroundings and being able to see beyond the horizon is a significant bonus to living in this city in the landscape – a city located in between hills and in the sight of mountains. Marion’s vision did become a reality.

Does anyone in this government ap-

preciate what they have been handed as stewards of an internationally significant landscape?

The evidence of recent times is that the city’s politicians and their chief bureaucrats no longer value the landscapes and the views that Marion and others have handed down to them.

Their priorities are more about keeping their jobs and enabling their friends to make loads of cash from developments.

The city and its landscapes could benefit by having designers and planners with a vision that builds on those before – such as those of Marion Mahony and Walter Burley Griffin.

Who is to provide this leadership in design and planning – along with a vision for Canberra as a 21st city in a landscape?

I suspect it will not be the present cabal of Labor/Greens politicians.

They have become specialists avoiding engagement with residents and resist completely intelligent discussions on city design, landscape design and urban planning.

Instead, they and their chief bureaucrats respond to the queries from residents with disingenuous spin about how things will be better when the chief planner reforms the planning system – that is messed up completely.

With the way recent suburbs have been developed and the illogical and insensitive nature of the way the planning and development chief bureaucrats have pushed through major projects, any vision will not be forthcoming from those senior levels of this ACT government.

As for the ACT Greens, they have signed away any credibility with their compromising agreements with

Labor. Despite all their spin, there’s little in their actions that would indicate a credible vision for the city based around aesthetics, landscape design, biodiversity, architecture, planning, green infrastructure – let alone honouring and building on the vision of Marion Mahony Griffin.

Rather than fighting the everconsuming battles over the latest shocking development applications, the community sector and residential groups need to shift the debate around planning on to things that matter. Far more concentration should be applied to extending and continuing Marion’s vision for this to be a city in a landscape with an even richer biodiversity – with views of the hills and the horizon readily available for all to enjoy.

Paul Costigan is an independent commentator and consultant on the visual arts, photography, urban design, environmental issues and everyday matters. Read more of his columns on citynews.com.au

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POLITICS / protesters

Anti-mandate protesters picked the wrong city THE anti-mandate protesters came to Canberra to make a point.

Similar protests were held in Canada, NZ and across the world.

The trouble for the protesters in Australia is that they chose the wrong city.

The protests are fundamentally about personal freedom and “my right to choose” as opposed to accepting government decisions to maintain a healthy community at the price of losing some personal freedoms.

A similar ideological struggle is being played out between nations.

China is one extreme. For some individuals who have not been prepared to act in what the government considers the best interests of the community the consequences have been detention and “re-education”.

Some jurisdictions in the US are on the other end of the spectrum where almost any interference in the right to freedom is an anathema.

However, interfering with human rights through sensible regulation has always been a part of history.

A range of mandates have applied across all societies with the intention of protecting the vulnerable.

Regulation of business protects people from fraud and inappropriate practices. The same is true for real estate activities, the protection of

Protesters at Old Parliament House. tenants, regulation of builders and the banking system.

Mandates have applied to military conscription from time to time in most countries. In Australia, young men at 20 years of age were “mandated” to join the military and were sent to fight the unpopular Vietnam War. Why is Canberra the “wrong” city?

As a starting point, 98.6 per cent of Canberrans over the age of 12 years have had at least two jabs. In other words, only 1.4 per cent remain unvaccinated.

This is a tiny percentage of unvaccinated people compared to other parts of Australia and absolutely miniscule on an international comparison.

By contrast to Canberra, the fully

Photo: Mike Welsh vaccinated rate according to Johns Hopkins University, is just over 80 per cent for all Canadians and Australians. NSW does not identify the cumulative total over 12, but chooses to use 16 and above. Above 16 there is a 94.1 per cent double vaccination rate and for 12-15 the rate is 78 per cent.

However, the protests are not just about vaccination. The right-wing movement in the US and across the world is fuelling the protests with a broader agenda. Some of the banners being carried through the streets of Canberra make this abundantly clear.

“The Washington Post” is monitoring such protests worldwide. The paper reported: “Protesters waved signs

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saying ‘GENOCIDE’ and ‘FREEDOM’ in front of Parliament, lawmaker Kristina Keneally warned that the crowd contained ‘individuals that our national security agencies are worried about’. She told reporters: “Some of these protesters actually want to undermine and overturn democracy.”

The ideological and philosophical struggle is really about concern for self on the one hand, versus concern for community well-being on the other. There are confounding factors between the extremes. The most significant of these is trust. Political practices over the last couple of decades including corrupt practices, bullying, trading policy positions for donations and pork-barrelling have undermined trust.

The lack of trust in politicians plays right into the hands of those who have a sinister agenda. In Wellington, there were violent clashes with police during the demonstrations. Ironically, the Ottawa protests resulted in the city being “locked down” with the mandate to do so coming from truck drivers who simply blocked the central part of the city with their 18 wheelers and refused to move. They used their own mandate to object to mandates!

In Canberra attempts to set up camping areas in front of Parliament House were not successful with police moving the campers to an appropriate location at Epic. From there, they were able to freely move around the city (albeit with the seatbelt mandate in place).

The right to protest is a freedom that is valued in our democratic system and one that ought to be appropriately protected. However, people who protest should also recognise that there are those who have a difference of opinion. In Canberra, with so many people at least double vaccinated, it is likely that the vast majority hold a different opinion.

The demands for more personal freedom and rights from these protesters are a self-centred and selfish approach that flies in the face of good, compassionate community relations that are held dear by the vast majority in Canberra.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health.

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THE LINKS BETWEEN BLUE-GREEN ALGAE, THE DESTRUCTION OF OUR WILLOWS AND MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE

By MICHAEL CALKOVICS, Environmentalist

Wyangan near Griffith and the Murrumbidgee River as “rivers and lakes, which all have regular outbreaks of blue-green algae”(2).

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE

Prof Rowe mentioned cases of MND linked to toxic blue-green algae in Lake Illawarra, in Wollongong.

MANY Canberrans are more than aware of the ongoing issues regarding the toxic blue-green algae in our urban lakes and rivers. Most notably in Lake Tuggeranong and Lake Burley Griffin.

Blue-green algae, as such, isn’t actually an algae but classified as a Cyanobacteria, which contain “toxins such as Neurotoxins and Hepatoxins”.(1)

MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE THOSE who suffer from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) know all too well its debilitating effects and outcome. The causes may be genetic or, in this case, are they environmental?

Prof Dominic Rowe, who is a neurologist from Macquarie University, states that “800 people died in Australia last year from MND” (2).

He also said that MND isn’t a notifiable disease, but that he wants it to be. He has my full support in achieving this.

Prof Rowe mentions the links between bluegreen algae in our waterways and MND. In particular, he cites Lake Cargelligo, Lake

Photo of a regatta (rowing) event underway on Lake Burley Griffin taken at Weston Park looking north. There are only a few trees remaining on the lakeshore on the opposite side. And a special thank you to Rowing ACT as they treat safety as a priority and to perfection.

Also a special thanks to everyone involved in a great medal outcome at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Photo: Michael Calkovics

And, interestingly, international researchers in France have also implicated blue-green algae in their waterways to MND (2).

CAUSES OF TOXIC BLUE-GREEN ALGAE BASICALLY, this organism thrives in a nutrient-rich, stagnant body of water with loads of sunlight.

As for urban runoff, we can all do our part by just leaving our drains for rain.

On too many occasions after heavy rains, I’ve witnessed a very dirty stormwater rush down the Woden Valley and into the Molonglo River. To me, its definitely not good enough.

SAVE THE WILLOWS AS most of you may know, willow trees are hungry for nitrates and phosphates and shouldn’t be planted near sewer pipes.

That’s why willows and poplars love our polluted lakes and rivers.

The main nutrients required for its growth are dissolved nitrates and phosphates.

Yet some radical tree-aversion group has somehow convinced the authorities to spend tens of millions of dollars in pouring weed killer into the willows and poplars.

As for our urban waterways, the main contributors are sewage, either from sewage plants, broken pipes or septic systems. Also urban runoff and agriculture.

The now dead trees are polluting waterways with poisonous arboricide (herbicide) and organic matter. Just have a look at Coppins Crossing.

For example, the now inadequate Queanbeyan Sewage Plant is to undergo a major upgrade to cater for a growing population.

There are now virtually no more trees to soak up the nitrates and phosphates from waterways. So who voted for that?

Dr Ian Falconer, former chair of the ACT and Region Catchment Management Co-ordination Group has been reported as wanting to see the new Queanbeyan sewage plant tighten further its phosphate release in its discharge licence.

An article in “The Canberra Times” in January says it all: “An extreme blue-green algae alert has been issued for Lake Tuggeranong. It’s the latest outbreak since millions of dollars are being spent to prevent such incidents, which are now occurring annually... “Touching the stuff carries an increased health risk… Pets may die if they

And Dr Falconer has my total support regarding this outcome.

Taken at Weston Park, this photo shows copious amounts of toxic blue-green algae.

Also note the poisoned stumps of former trees and all sedges and reeds poisoned and removed, which have been replaced with dangerous, razor-sharp igneous rocks. Can I kindly ask: Who approved this? In my opinion it wouldn’t pass any safety requirements for lake users falling off the pontoons on to these rocks or into toxic lake water. Photo: Michael Calkovics, May 2021

come into contact with it.” And likewise, humans should not come into contact with the contaminated water, either.

So what about the rowers and others who use the waterways?

The same article sums it up by stating: “Algae has been so thick on Lake Burley Griffin in the past that it can be seen from space satellites.”

HOW CAN YOU HELP? FIRSTLY, minimise any nutrients from entering waterways. Then, maybe, go for a walk with a willow or poplar twig or two and replant on the water’s edge.

However, please don’t do this within our National Parks.

And I have some advice for the NZ government which also has a serious issue with toxic algae in rivers of the Canterbury Plains.

In my opinion, keep the dairy industry. Work with them to plant thick rows of poplars and willows that can soak up the nutrients from deep in the ground. And trees lock up carbon and can also be harvested, unlike the huge grass area that just allows nutrients to reach the water table and hence the rivers.

References: (1) Washington State Department of Health (2) 9 News, December 16

Lakeside vegetation on Lake Burley Griffin at Weston Park is gradually being replaced with synthetic cloth and razor-sharp rubble.

And, as the photo shows, encouraging toxic blue-green algae to now move in. And is all that vegetation in the background also going to be removed? Surely our National Capital Authority can do better than this!

As I see it, it’s vandalism.

Photo: Michael Calkovics

TO BE CONTINUED... Michael Calkovics – Environmentalist Authorised by Michael Calkovics at PO Box 127, Curtin ACT 2605.

This illustrates how much dissolved nutrients are entering or are in Lake Burley Griffin and the same would apply to most other lakes in Canberra and the Murrumbidgee River catchment. These trees and reeds don’t just lock up vast amounts of nutrients, they also absorb carbon, cool the local climate and act as a refuge for wildlife. This photo was taken just metres from the Yarralumla dog park. I’m impressed with the surprisingly clean quality of urban stormwater entering from Yarralumla. A thank you goes to those residents.

THE GADFLY / Winter Olympics

Why the Winter Olympics totally leave me cold I’M one of those for whom too much sport is never enough.

But I’m sorry to say, the Winter Olympics leave me cold.

There’s a certain oxymoron at the heart of it – and it was articulated neatly by the president of the IOC, Thomas Bach, at the flashy opening ceremony. Their mission, he said, was to show the world that “fierce rivals” can live “peacefully and respectfully together”.

Now, Mr Bach is a German lawyer and while his name might suggest a love of orchestral harmony, and his profession a preference for civil over armed combat, he had no sooner exited the stage than we saw the pretend Emperor Xi welcoming the KGB thug Putin, while the London clown, the Australian fibber and tottering Joe had publicly boycotted the entire operation.

Not a lot of peace and respect on show there.

The television commentators made light of it. But from the opening bell their entire focus was on Australian competitors whose task was to beat the pants off every other nation’s representative.

And here’s the thing – just who actually represents the various countries is a kind of catch as catch

We saw the Pretend Emperor Xi welcoming the KGB thug Putin, while the London clown, the Australian fibber and tottering Joe had publicly boycotted the entire operation. Not a lot of peace and respect on show there.

UK ice-skating duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, pictured in Sydney in 1984.

They were on tour with the Russian Olympic team in the same year as their gold medal win at the Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games, where their “Paso Doble” and “Bolero” performances scored unprecedented perfect 6s from the judges.

Photo: NFSA can. Some had been born in certain African countries, for example, but had lived virtually all their lives in places much closer to a ski field.

Come time, and they just phoned their birthplace and whacko: “Thanks Dad, I’m an Olympian”.

Others had been born and raised in cold climates; but noticing the paucity of participants in hotter places in the Southern Hemisphere (not unlike Australia) had relocated in time to take citizenship and “voila!”, another chance for the country to “medal” or “podium”.

Watching the national parade and listening to the commentary, it almost seemed as though most of the competitors spent their entire lives going from ski slopes in Switzerland to ice rinks in America and seeing how many bones they could break or ACLs they might rupture and still turn up to Beijing to be feted as heroes.

There were, of course, lots of exceptions. In one heart-warming story, an Aussie kid from the boondocks became inspired at 15 to take up the luge. That’s when you lie face

up on a little sled and slide downhill with your tender parts protected only by your feet. This kid built his own and zoomed down a bitumen road while his mum stopped the traffic. And then – magically, it seemed – here he was, on his third Olympics preparing to risk his tender parts at 150km/h. I couldn’t help but think: “Is he nuts!?”

What price “podiuming”?

Everyone loves the speed skating since the really good sport, Steven Bradbury, entered the Australian language when all about him fell over and he “gold medalled” and we

all got a great laugh. I love the way he’s handled it and would happily buy him a beer any day.

I’m sure lots of people love figure skating, especially the pairs when the bloke tosses his partner metres away and she smiles triumphantly when she hits the ice and they end in passionate embrace. Trouble is, they’ve done the same routine hundreds of times so you can’t help thinking all that emotion is less about their undying love for each other as relief that they didn’t muck it up.

These days it seems a bit oldfashioned, as does the ice dancing made famous by Torvill and Dean doing “Bolero” all those years ago. I can’t help wondering when same-sex couples will make an appearance… not under Pretend Emperor Xi, I suspect. But it would at least cause us sporting freaks to sit up and take notice. And it would certainly warm a few cold hearts. www.robertmacklin.com

THE MARKETS ARE BACK Australian Native Plants Markets

SATURDAY MARCH 5 8.30am to 3pm Come out and speak with local growers and find the perfect plants for your garden

OPEN 7 DAYS with Canberra’s largest range of native plants Covid restrictions enforced

5A Beltana Road, Pialligo, ACT 02 6257 6666 • www.coolcountrynatives.com.au 12 CityNews February 17-23, 2022

SPORT / Jamal Fogarty

Team comes first, new Raider fires up the fitness AFTER making his Indigenous All Stars debut last year, many footy fans may have been surprised that Jamal Fogarty didn’t feature in the pre-season match this year.

The new Raiders half had a stellar 2021 season and earned himself a three-year contract and a move from the Gold Coast to Canberra.

Some were surprised to see that the proud Mununjali man’s name wasn’t listed when the Indigenous All-Stars team was announced last month, but the reason behind Fogarty’s omission will no doubt have Raiders fans excited about their new recruit.

“I had a chat with Ricky Stuart and with the covid stuff, and missing a bit of training, I thought it was in my best interests to put the team first and catch up on a bit of fitness,” said Fogarty, who was caught up in the Raiders covid outbreak shortly after arriving at the club late last year.

“I am in a position where the Raiders are my priority and I would love to represent my culture and where I am from, but I wanted to prioritise the club and look at the bigger picture.

“All-Stars is a one-off game and I would love to play, but my priority this year was to come down to the new club and put them first, and put myself in the best position this year

New Raiders half Jamal Fogarty… “Everyone is always going to have an opinion, but the opinions that matter the most to me are the coaches and my teammates.” to be healthy and fit.”

It is that club-first attitude that will no doubt endear him to the Raiders faithful, who went through a frustrating season last year after their Grand Final appearance in 2019 and a top-four finish in 2020.

Upon joining the Raiders, Fogarty soon learned it was the team that was more disappointed than anyone about

how last year played out.

“I would say they are kind of holding a grudge against themselves over how badly things panned out for them,” said Fogarty.

“That shows to me that they care, they want to get back and be a top four team.

“Some players really take that personally and that

is the best way to approach it – if it really means something to you then you have that emotional attachment to your results and the club and it will only make you want to be better for this season.”

One of the keys to Canberra’s success this year will be the combinations through their spine. All eyes will be on how Fogarty can gel with Jack Wighton in the halves.

The pair played together for the Indigenous All Stars last year, and Fogarty says that experience provided them with a base before he made the move to the Raiders. He’s happy with how they have clicked on the training paddock, and off it.

“Jack and his partner and kids really made our family feel welcome when we moved down from the Gold Coast,” said Fogarty.

“Our girls play OzTag together so we spend plenty of time together at training, but also when we’re watching them play.

“I think the combination is going to be a work in progress.

“We’ve only been training together for the last two or three months and we’re just starting to really knuckle down in that team environment.

“I don’t think just my combination

with Jack is important, also having a relationship with Joshy Hodgson and Tom Starling at hooker and our fullbacks Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Xavier Savage.

“The teams that do really well don’t just have a 7 and 6 that get along, their 7 and 6 get along with everyone in the squad.

“It is a game where you have to perform each week. You can train the house down for five days during the week, but if you have one bad performance, that is all the fans and commentators will think of,” said Fogarty.

“Everyone is always going to have an opinion, but the opinions that matter the most to me are the coaches and my teammates.

“If I am doing the right thing the opinions of those guys will hopefully be good ones and they’ll want to run out with me every week and I’ll be trying my best to do that for the Raiders this year, that’s for sure.”

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CELEBRATE SENIORS

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The people passionate about supporting seniors ALMOST a quarter of Canberra’s population is made up of people aged 55 and over, and throughout the capital there is a wealth of services specialising in helping them make the most of their lives.

Whether it’s financial advice, exercise or even just enjoying a martini, this week “CityNews” speaks with businesses passionate about supporting seniors.

Brendan’s got the secret to staying independent

Retirement village offers convenience ADRIA Village combines access to important facilities with a feel of privacy, making it the perfect place for retirement, says CEO Stephanie Tyrrell.

“There’s close access to Cooleman Court and Woden Westfield, but we are surrounded by reserves and parklands making it a very peaceful atmosphere for residents,” she says.

Located in the heart of Weston Creek, Adria Village, which has two dedicated respite rooms and a special care unit, offers residential care for 42 residents. The village also contains 36 independent living units.

Stephanie says the village offers residents a wide range of things to do, and that they can get involved as little or as much as they’d like.

“We have an active residents’ commit-

tee who organise lots of get-togethers.

Residents can play cards, go to morning teas and happy hours, enjoy exercise, and much more,” she says.

Established in 1994 by volunteers of the Croatian community of Canberra and Queanbeyan, Stephanie also says the village is home to a greatly multicultural group of people.

“We have residents [from] Australia, Croatia, China, France, Macedonia, Hungary and more,” she says.

“There are great residents and great staff committed to the best outcomes for the community.”

Adria Village, 89 Fremantle Drive, Stirling.

Call 6288 0198, email admin@adria.org.au or visit adria.org.au

BRENDAN Roche, owner of Alfredo Life, says asking for help is essential if you want to stay living at home independently.

“We wanted to make sure it was easy to ask for help, and also a little bit of fun,” he says.

The team of 20 “butlers” can do everyday jobs such as cleaning the house, doing laundry, flipping mattresses and changing light bulbs, as well as driving to the shops, picking up scripts, “and fixing our clients a martini”.

Brendan says when they get asked to do something, they respond with “absolutely!”

“There’s not much we can’t do, but in the fine print we say as long as it’s safe and legal.”

He says if he and his team can’t do it, they’ll find someone who can.

“We know as you get older, those everyday problems can build up and create stress and worry, so it’s meant to be a service that’s about convenience, a little bit of luxury and some peace of mind.”

The business opened in January, and is serving clients from 60+.

Alfredo Life. Call 6100 3255, email hello@alfredo.life or visit alfredo.life

Alfredo Life owner Brendan Roche.

INDIVIDUAL LIVING VILLAS & RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE ROOMS AVAILABLE – ENQUIRE TODAY 6288 0198 • Nursing Care • Personal Care • Independence • Safe home-life environment • Multicultural • Friendly • Family orientated • Quality in-house kitchen • Variety of quality activities Set amongst landscaped grounds, Adria Care in Stirling is a warm and welcoming community of people from all around the world. We pride ourselves on cultural diversity and celebration, and offer a wide range of activities to cater for all interests. We provide care for Croatian and all other nationalities.

Adria Care fosters individuality and independence, providing support and assistance to enable residents to live in a comfortable and secure environment. It offers residential care for 42 residents, incorporating 2 respite rooms and special care. All rooms are single rooms with ensuite.

The village also contains 36 independent living villas. All villas have 2 bedrooms, a courtyard and a garden, and residents enjoy a peaceful and welcoming community lifestyle.

Our aim is to provide a caring, safe, home-like atmosphere, reflecting your rights to dignity, respect, privacy, safety and the best quality of life.

Contact our friendly staff today to arrange a personal tour.

• Phone: 6288 0198 • Fax: (02) 6288 7635 • Email: admin@adria.org.au • Website: www.adria.org.au • Address: 89 Fremantle Drive, Stirling, ACT 2611 14 CityNews February 17-23, 2022

...not like the pasta Thinking about the future?

A key ingredient to creating your forever home is having someone you can call on to help with those everyday chores.

Alfredo is here to help!

Our team of friendly neighbourhood butlers are here to take care of the everyday, so you can live in comfort and with peace of mind.

Cleaning, laundry, flipping a mattress, changing a light bulb, fixing that squeaky hinge, watering your plants, taking the bins in or hanging a picture.

We can also move that pot for you, assemble furniture, help you with a spot of weeding, drive you to the shops, even whip you up a bowl of pasta!

With Alfredo, you can live in the home you love, knowing you’re prepared for the future.

Book a free home visit now www.alfredo.life Alfredo, like the butler, not like the pasta :)

(02) 6100 3255

CELEBRATE SENIORS

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Wholistic Financial Solutions team.

Financial advice for all life stages HELPING people financially at all stages of life, the team at Wholistic Financial Solutions understand that seniors have unique financial needs, says CEO Catherine Smith.

“Senior clients often have differing needs such as planning for retirement, investing in retirement, managing their cash flow, minimising their taxes, planning their estate matters and assisting their next generation build wealth,” says Catherine.

“Wholistic can help in relation to all of these matters.”

Not just accountants, the team members at Wholistic Financial Solutions are also financial planners, mortgage brokers, property advisers, retirement consultants and superannuation specialists who look after the “whole” of someone’s financial needs, all under one

roof, she says.

With a vision to take clients on a journey to financial freedom, Catherine says they are the most awarded team of financial and property experts in Australia.

“We understand how conflicting opinions from professionals in different fields can make the financial world a lot more complicated,” says Catherine.

“At Wholistic Financial Solutions we work as a team to answer all your questions simply and efficiently. The unique combination of our services also makes our advice very affordable.”

Wholistic Financial Solutions, 4/6 Pelle Street, Mitchell.

Call 6162 4546 or visit wholisticfinancialsolutions.com.au

Protecting the rights of older Canberrans

If you have a complaint or concern about age discrimination, we can help!

“SENIOR Canberrans are protected from discrimination and unfair treatment under ACT law,” says Karen Toohey, the Discrimination, Health Services, Disability and Community Services Commissioner of the ACT Human Rights Commission.

“This means that you or someone you care for doesn’t have to put up with discrimination or unfair treatment because of age, where you live, disability or family and carer responsibilities.”

Ms Toohey says the ACT Human Rights Commission promotes and protects the rights of older Canberrans.

“We do this by providing a free – and easy – complainthandling process, and advocating for the rights of older people,” she says.

Ms Toohey says people can give them a call if they have experienced discrimination because of age, race, sex, disability, where they live or a medical condition.

“You can call us if you have a concern about a service for older people such as a residential aged-care home or retirement villages, or about a health service or a health worker,” she says.

“You [can also] call us if you are concerned about elder abuse, the abuse, neglect or exploitation of an older person or if you are concerned about an older person who is a victim of crime.

“All our services are free and confidential. You can contact us for an informal chat or you can talk to us about making a complaint, and learning more about how we handle complaints.”

The ACT Human Rights Commission, call 6205 2222, visit hrc.act.gov.au or email human.rights@act.gov.au

The ACT Human Rights Commission handles complaints about discrimination in the ACT. We have a free, confidential and impartial complaint process.

Karen Toohey.

16 CityNews February 17-23, 2022

Jennifer Nagy, Your Canberra Celebrant.

Helping farewell loved ones PASSIONATE about helping people through one of the most profoundly difficult times of their life, Jennifer Nagy, of Your Canberra Celebrant, helps to organise funeral services.

“When our loved ones pass, we know we need to accompany them to their place of rest and to organise a fitting goodbye,” she says.

“This is where I come in, meeting with the family to help them work out how best to do this.

Comforting words need to be said, memories shared, music played and stories told.

“Whatever suits and I can even design the order of service handout, if needed.”

Jennifer felt drawn to being a funeral celebrant after both her parents passed away.

“It was a very difficult experience, made a tad easier as my father had put aside newspaper clippings of celebrants he thought I’d like,” she says.

“The loss of my parents gave me compassion and empathy for people travelling through the journey of grief. It means a lot to turn that experience into helping people during such a difficult time”.

Jennifer says helping people with eulogies is rewarding.

“A lot of people feel too shattered to read the eulogy. Usually I can help them feel empowered enough to achieve this, though I’m always ready to step in,” she says.

“I strive to help people come away from a funeral with a sense of peace and comfort.”

Your Canberra Celebrant, call 0435 119981, visit yourcanberracelebrant.com/funerals or email jennifer@yourcanberracelebrant.com

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See the team to get your fixed priced free quote for your Self-managed Super Funds – We can also assist with buying property in Self-managed Super Funds.

Do you want the simple truth about Self-managed Super Funds?

• How a 6 members SMSF can work for your family?

• How much do I need to invest to make a SMSF cost-effective?

• Investments – Where can I invest?

• How to borrow to buy a property in my SMSF? • What control do I have? What can I do and what can’t I do?

• Am I too young to consider a SMSF or am I too old?

SMSFs are simple, easy, flexible and affordable to set up. Let Wholistic Financial Solutions show you how a SMSF may be cheaper to run than your existing retail or industry funds.

A local Canberra company for over 20 years 6162 4546 | Unit 4/6 Pelle Street, Mitchell www.wholisticfinancialsolutions.com.au

CELEBRATE SENIORS The importance of getting screened for diabetes

Experienced surgeons improve patients’ quality of life

ACT general manager of Diabetes NSW & ACT Natalie Smith says that as people get older their risk of diabetes also increases.

“Unfortunately, as we get older the pancreas produces less insulin meaning there’s a higher risk, especially for type 2 diabetes,” she says.

“That’s why it’s so important people have a conversation with their GP ACT general manager or health-care provider and of Diabetes NSW & ACT get screened every year.”

Natalie Smith.

Natalie says that the earlier diabetes is detected, the faster treatment and lifestyle changes can begin to stop or delay complications such as heart disease and amputations.

She says Diabetes NSW and ACT has an online calculator where people can measure how much risk they’re at of the chronic illness.

“It calculates cultural, genetic and lifestyle factors that contribute towards your risk and we encourage everyone to do it,” says Natalie.

It’s just one of the many services the organisation offers to help people living with the condition, including a membership support package that allows people to learn from others living with diabetes.

“If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, don’t panic, call us.

We’re here to help,” says Natalie.

ORTHOPAEDICS ACT was established “At Orthopaedics ACT we have all in 2013, and provides a complete devoted ourselves to caring for our range of care for patients with patients and striving to be the best orthopedic conditions. in our field.”

Associate Professor Chris Roberts says they are the largest and most Orthopaedics ACT, Woden Specialist comprehensive orthopedic practice Medical Centre, level 2, 90 Corinna in Canberra.

Street, Phillip. Call 6221 9320 or visit “Our specialists have the most orthoact.com.au experience of any of the other orthopedic surgeons in Canberra,” he says.

The goal at Orthopaedics ACT is to treat patients with musculoskeletal disorders, strive to reduce pain, and improve their patients’ function and quality of life.

Chris Roberts says this may involve trauma and fractures, sporting injuries, high-speed motor vehicle accidents, overuse injuries, arthritis and disabling pain.

“As an orthopedic surgeon, there is nothing more satisfying than hearing from our patients that there has been a reduction in their pain or that they are pain free and able to get back to activity Associate Professor Chris Roberts. without restrictions.

Diabetes NSW & ACT, visit diabetesnsw.com.au or call 6248 4500.

Diabetes NSW & ACT has been helping people living with diabetes for over 80 years.

As a member of our community you have access to: • expert advice and support via our Helpline • the latest health information • great food tips and recipes • free and discounted events and programs • special deals from our online shop diabetesshop.com To join, or to find out more about the advice and support we offer, call our ACT office on 02 6248 4500 or visit diabetesnsw.com.au

18 CityNews February 17-23, 2022

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

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

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

“Even people who go for a walk every day, or Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey. say they are always doing assuredness, Rebecca says. different things, they’re not “Having that confidence to get out exercising all their body.” again, to come join a group or come and As a result, Rebecca says Arthritis ACT see someone who can help them get offers a full range of exercise classes that more fit is a huge barrier,” she says. are tailored to different age groups, such “We work really hard to welcome peoas hydrotherapy and tai chi. ple in and always look at the friendships “We have strength and balance classes that people will make around our exercise all over Canberra, which really look at classes to reduce that barrier and to entice building up bone strength and making them to come back.” people more stable on their feet,” she says.

Arthritis ACT, building 1, Colette Place, “And we can also work with people to Pearce, and building 18, 170 Haydon devise an independent exercise plan.”

Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041, email info@ As people get older, they become less arthritisact.org.au or visit arthritisact.org.au sure on their feet and can lack self-

MEET OUR PAIN MANAGEMENT EXPERTS Gwen Estigoy - Exercise

Physiologist

Gwen instructs Tai Chi for our Falls Prevention program and also supports people to meet their exercise goals within our gym or hydrotherapy program.

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

Gwen has a four-year degree as well as extensive industry experience working with people with chronic pain conditions.

Sophie Bullock - Exercise

Physiologist

Blake Dean - Exercise

Physiologist

Blake has expertise in improving clients mobility and decreasing their pain through appropriate exercise. Blake delivers our ‘My Exercise’ program, targeting the relief of lower back and sciatic pain, shoulder and upper body concerns as well as leg, hip and and ankle interventions – for those who do not qualify for physiotherapy-led GLAD programs.

Blake provides individual & group exercise for younger people with a disability. Blake treats clients in-clinic or via our hydrotherapy program as well as attending your gym with you.

Jacqui Couldrick - Physiotherapist

Sophie has post graduate qualifications in hydrotherapy, and as a non-sports centred Exercise Physiologist-helps clients who struggle with engaging in exercise due to a lack of sports participation. Sophies goal is to improve clients health via our hydrotherapy program, gym instruction and in-home visits.

Sophie also is known for her passion for working with children.

Jacqui has a particular interest in hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Richard Costin - Physiotherapist

Kwong yan Cheung - Physiotherapist

At Build a Better Me we see many people who are struggling to manage their chronic conditions. Richard is passionate about helping people to live better and more comfortable lives achieving their goals through exercise, education and manual therapies.

Kwong is trained as a GLAD instructor, his focus is in treating sports injuries early to avoid arthritis forming later. Kwong is a passionate sportsman, playing both Aussie Rules and Soccer.

Richard is fully trained in the GLAD program.

Jacqui delivers the GLAD program designed to reduce the need for joint replacements, or if a joint replacement is unavoidable, to prepare you thoroughly for surgery and recovery for day to day tasks. Jacqui is studying towards a PhD in the outcomes of the GLAD program.

Kwong will assist you with maintenance of your sports injuries, back pain and all general musculoskeletal issues.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT ACCESSING OUR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS WHO HELP MAKE YOUR EVERY DAY TASKS EASIER

PILATES GROUP CLASSES ON NOW – NORTHSIDE & SOUTHSIDE • Occupational Therapy - Assistance with the planning and modification of your home, workplace or car. Applications for NDIS, the Disability and Housing Support Pension, and also driving assessments.

• Physiotherapy – including the GLAD program for knee and hip osteoarthritis, sports injury prevention and rehabilitation, and pain condition support.

•

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

•

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

“You do not need to have any particular condition to utilise our services, just a desire to ‘Build a Better You.’

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

Enquire or book today 1800 011 041

CELEBRATE SENIORS Thoughtful and Uplifting Funeral Services Helping you through the journey of grief: • Services tailored to your loved ones wishes • Order of Service preparaton • Planning of a beautiful goodbye to your loved one • Funeral officiating

Please call Jennifer on 0435 119 981 “Helping you and your family feel reassured and supported on the day.”

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

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

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

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

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

“At the forefront of people’s minds is making sure their financial and legal affairs are in order,

so that in the event of a crisis, their loved ones are secure and can be provided for as intended,” she says.

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

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

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

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

jennifer@yourcanberracelebrant.com www.yourcanberracelebrant.com/funerals

Help navigating grief in all its forms

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Wills and estate-planning lawyer Ashilpa Khanna.

Exhibition to find living options that suit you THE Canberra Retirement Village and Resort Expo is set to take place on February 27 and 28.

Organiser Dorothy Willoughby says it’s a very specific event to show retirees the variety of options in Canberra.

“The thing I really love is that all our exhibitors are in separate booths so when people come in they can gather all the information, they can ask questions and they can find out anything they need to know,” she says.

It’s really important, Dorothy says, for people to do their own research.

“At the end of the day, the only

people that know what’s best for them are them, and I love that.”

She says they began the exhibitions in 1997 after noticing there was a need for people to be comfortable in openly asking questions.

“It’s important for people to have access to information outside a sales environment, without those sorts of pressures.”

Canberra Retirement Village and Resort Expo, February 27-28, Canberra Southern Cross Club, 92-96 Corinna Street, Woden.

Visit retirementexpo.com.au or email mail@dorsal.com.au

“LOSS comes in many forms throughout our lives and there doesn’t have to be a death for you to feel bereft, or a deep sense of sadness,” says grief counsellor Estella Hutchinson.

“It can be any key change point – moving, the end or a relationship, a change of jobs, the loss of an animal companion, even Grief Counsellor Estella retirement.”

Hutchinson.

Estella, owner of Your Sunset Grief Counselling, helps people navigate grief across many different situations that have them feeling at a loss.

As part of her services, Estella visits clients in their homes in order to give them a space that’s comfortable for them.

“It takes away a bit of the anxiety of going to see a counsellor,” she says.

“There’s no need to go find parking, no need to worry about public transport and it allows the person to be in an environment they know.”

When it comes to seniors dealing with grief, Estella says there are many life-changing events that counselling can help them with.

“Quite often with our seniors, they or their partner may have received a diagnosis of a particular condition that can completely derail plans,” she says.

“A lot of people have to become carers for their partners, changing what their lives may have looked like for the next 20 years, and grieving over that loss is okay.

“When that, or another life-changing event happens, we’re here for you.”

Your Sunset Grief Counselling. Visit yoursunset.com.au or call 0474 307584.

The Canberra Retirement Village & Resort Expo

Are you looking for information on Retirement Living?

Sunday 27th & Monday 28th February 2022 Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden | 10am-3pm both days

FREE ADMISSION 20 CityNews February 17-23, 2022

Don’t miss this life changing event! On display will be the latest resort style developments as well as established villages from many different organisations offering a wide range of services & facilities, sizes, prices and locations, all under one roof. Covid safety measures will be in place at this event, please check our website for updates.

For more information please visit

www.retirementexpo.com.au

Who will benefit from your will?

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

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Getting on the front foot when preparing a will

Agile experts in superannuation

WHEN it comes to wills and estate planning it’s best to get on the front foot and be prepared, says partner at Maliganis Edwards Johnson, Craig Edwards.

However, he says sometimes people pass without leaving a will, or if they have left one, it can be invalid or poorly prepared. Other times, even when a will is valid, someone may feel they haven’t been adequately provided for.

“A lot of people don’t know what to do or where to start when a loved one dies and a solicitor can guide them through that,” he says.

“It can be emotional work, and if there are disputes, a solicitor is able to ‘step back’ and look at all the individual points of view.”

Craig says he can help people navigate problems when they feel that a will is “not fair”.

“Often there are oversights, particularly in an extended or blended family,” he says.

“It’s certainly not always a vindictive thing but it can cause distress – they’re dealing with the loss of a loved one while coming to terms with the fact that they haven’t been looked after as they may have been expecting.”

Craig has been a solicitor for more than 30 years, and specialising in personal injury law for the past 20 years.

“It’s a complex area, with our ageing population and people who have more to leave than ever before,” he says.

“I like talking to people and helping them feel prepared, or if necessary, untangle any problems that can arise.”

LOCAL chartered accounting firm, Greenlight Super Services, is owned and operated by Vanessa Rae and Danielle Rodda.

Specialising in self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF), Vanessa and Danielle have a combined total of 40 years of accounting experience and are accredited specialists by the SMSF Association.

Being a smaller firm, Greenlight is able to be agile with the changing technology and ever changing legislation to the benefit of its clients.

“SMSF is an area of accounting that can provide strategies for retirement that greatly minimise tax,” says Vanessa.

“We provide a personal-service solution, aligning our clients with a relationship manager and a specialist adviser.

We want to help people get the best out of their superannuation and care about their futures.”

Located at Marcus Clarke Street, Civic, Greenlight can also provide all its services remotely via its online portal and video calls.

“We work with clients directly, other accountants, financial planners, lawyers and other professional services firms to provide SMSF-specific solutions to aid in retirement plans,” says Vanessa.

“We understand that no two clients are the same, so individual strategies are our forte. We have the skills, knowledge and process that will make a difference.”

Maliganis Edwards Johnson, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic. Call 6257 2999 or visit mej.com.au

Maliganis Edwards Johnson partner, Craig Edwards.

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‘Turbo charge’ your walk A NEW, scientifically studied exercise technique called Nordic Walking is more effective than jogging but as gentle as walking, and is the perfect way to get in some regular exercise this year, says Capital Nordic Walking founder Kristen Pratt.

The technique, which keeps European cross-country skiers fit during their off season, uses specially designed poles that are planted behind the user to propel them along using the power of the upper body as well as the legs.

“It doubles the number of muscles being used and strengthened compared to walking and running, making it easy to get a high-intensity cardiovascular workout,” says Kristen.

“It strengthens arms, shoulders, back and core while also massively reducing strain on leg joints.”

Kristen says Nordic Walking is quickly growing in Canberra, beneficial to those who need some low-impact exercise and for those with a competitive spark.

“The great thing about Nordic walking is you don’t have to go very fast to get a good workout but competitive Nordic walkers can get up to speeds similar to running,” she says.

“For people who like walking, it can turbo charge your walk and for people who are really fit like runners and crossfitters, it’s a really good cross activity to build muscle because it is so low impact.”

Capital Nordic Walking, email hello@capitalnordicwalking. com.au or visit capitalnordicwalking.com.au

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To experience our tailored approach to managing your SMSF contact us on 6273 1066 or send us an email at info@glss.com.au

greenlightsuper.com.au 22 CityNews February 17-23, 2022

Nordic Walking is way more effective than regular walking, jogging, cycling or swimming. Much easier on joints, provides stability, strengthens core, improves posture, and fantastic cardio workout.

Suitable for all ages and fitness levels - the super fit and those with health conditions like arthritis, back and neck pain, Parkinson’s, and MS.

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Personal Injury Lawyers

Have you been unfairly left out of a will?

It is hard when someone close to us dies – and even more challenging if you believe you were entitled to more from the deceased’s estate. Fortunately, there are laws in place to help you if you believe you have been treated unfairly.

The team at MEJ can guide you through the wills & estate dispute process with sensitivity during this emotional time.

For proper compensation, don’t delay. Call MEJ.

02 6257 2999 | mej.com.au

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Purposeful living in aged care

KJB Law estate planning special counsel Kerstin Glomb.

MAKING the decision of supporting a loved one to move to an aged care service is always difficult, says Jacqueline Quirke, engagement and purposeful living manager at Southern Cross Care.

“We often think about aged care in a clinical way. However, there’s much more than that,” she says.

“For Southern Cross Care, the well-being of their residents includes not only their physical health and safety but also the way they choose to live their life.

“We generate in each resident the confidence to keep doing what they want to do. We support them to continue exploring their interests and expand them, creating the space to help them identify what brings purpose to their lives.

“We offer tailored and targeted opportunities; these may include interest-based activities in large and small groups, and independent leisure pursuits, such as cooking or gardening.”

Jacqueline says that Southern Cross Care works on identifying residents’ goals, needs and preferences, and empowers them to provide feedback. “All our practices are evidence-based and backed by the latest knowledge and skills,” she says.

“The team also leverages new technology to enhance engagement. Some examples are virtual armchair travel, quiz competitions and art workshops. These have proven very popular and have had significant uptake and positive responses from residents,” she says.

Visit sccliving.org.au for more information.

Enlightening people on their legal options

Resident of Southern Cross Care cooking up a barbecue.

TAKING the first step in estate planning is often an enlightening experience, with many people surprised to find out what they’re actually worth, says KJB Law’s estate planning special counsel Kerstin Glomb.

“I have clients who believe they don’t own much, but then when we walk through things like superannuation and life insurance they’re surprised to find out how much they’re actually worth and what they have to organise,” she says.

“After that initial meeting I find people feel a lot of relief and peace of mind that they’ve started the process.”

Although it can be an uncomfortable topic to approach, Kerstin says estate planning is something everyone should think about and KJB takes pride

in helping ease the burden and making clients feel comfortable.

“We guide people through what options they have and what they should address so that they can take charge in providing protection for themselves and their loved ones,” says Kerstin.

“It’s about working out with a client who are the right people in their family or broader surroundings and then structuring their document to reflect that.

“There’s nothing better than when people say after signing that they’re happy to have it in place, feel comfortable and most importantly that they understand what they’ve signed.”

KJB Law, ground floor, 10 Corinna Street, Woden.

Call 6281 0999 or visit kjblaw.com.au

Looking for peace of mind for your future?

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For successful results in a cost effective manner call or email kjblaw@kjblaw.com.au Ground Floor, 10 Corinna Street, Woden 24 CityNews February 17-23, 2022

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We’ll support you to live life well.

When living in your own home is no longer an option, you’re most welcome to make our home yours and live in safety and comfort. Residential care is a natural next step in life for thousands of Australians every year. With us, your life continues on your terms – you decide when to get up, eat, socialise and relax.

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Every resident is unique. We’ll work with you to create a personal care plan for your exact needs. Those needs will be met by our team of carers, lifestyle officers, spiritual and wellbeing coordinators, registered nurses, and any specialists needed.

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The Aged Care Quality Standards provide reassurance that you’ll be Our homes in Campbell and Garran have been recognised for their treated with kindness, dignity and respect. We continually evaluate our outstanding level of personalised care. We’ll be happy to arrange for training, systems and processes and strive to exceed these standards. a tour, please ask when you call.

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1800 870 427 sccliving.org.au

LETTERS

Stop wasting money and support electric buses I READ recently that the ACT government is “just weeks away from announcing the successful tenderer for the $37.5 million contract to replace 34 of the oldest diesel buses in its fleet” (of 451 buses) with new electric ones.

Why so few? Apparently “the ACT power grid is already at capacity, and Transport Canberra cannot introduce too many zero-emissions buses at once without… risking major infrastructure upgrades and impacting services”, according to Transport Canberra’s own “transition plan”.

There is an obvious challenge to the ACT government here!

Instead of wasting $2 billion or more on a single route, inflexible, highly disruptive, old-technology tram, which will substantially increase journey times for southside residents, would it not make more sense to invest in the required “major infrastructure upgrades” to facilitate much faster roll-out of electric buses and, for that matter, other battery electric vehicles?

It is also said that “electric buses, when charged and not in use, deliver a secondary role in helping manage energy demand and stabilise the grid”.

In other words, the buses can send power back to the grid in peak energy demand periods. Local manufacture is also a possibility as is the payment of a fee per kilometre to the private company that would carry the costs and risks.

I suggest the government scrap Major Projects Canberra, which seems to exist just to push highly expensive and unjustified “headline” projects such as Light Rail Stage 2, together with its aptly named “Disruption Taskforce”.

Richard Johnston, Kingston

I love the tram I love the tram and I vote.

Danny Corvini, Deakin

Greens want the ‘scared’ teens A BILL being sponsored by the Greens to lower the voting age to 16 (and eventually to 14) can have only one objective, being to capture the vote of teenagers scared witless

by Greens propaganda about climate change.

That would be a recipe for disaster for

Admire the tramline weeds PAUL Costigan’s column (CN February 3) laments the lack of native plantings in the ACT. However, there have been some efforts; my out-of-town visitors and I admire Canberra’s homage to the ‘Mallee Scrub’ cleverly camouflaging the light rail along Northbourne Avenue.

Additionally, while adhering to the 40km/h speed limit on Northbourne, motorists have plenty of time to admire the native wildflowers (and weeds) at the light rail terminal.

This should have been available when the app was first introduced, not now that it is being reduced in requirement. NSW had it, so why didn’t we? What’s the point of doing it now when people no longer need to scan in at most places?

Another issue is that the government is no longer updating its website on contact locations, so how are we supposed to know where the infected people have been.

If people were expecting to be notified and did not look at the website, they would not have known if they had been in contact with anyone infected. At the moment, it appears it is pot luck.

Vi Evans, Macgregor

Rosemary Harrison, Yarralumla

Take Woden buses underground Cartoon: Paul Dorin the Labor Party and for Canberra. Labor politicians would be crazy to support this Bill as it would certainly mean that, instead of 10 ALP and six Greens in the Assembly, there would be more like 10 Greens and six ALP at the next election. Canberra is already Greens heaven; what would it be like with their total control of legislature?

However, are they also going to advocate lowering the military recruitment age to 16?

After all, that was the argument for lowering the age to 18 years. Would they be allowed to run for a seat in the Assembly? If not, why not?

Max Flint, Erindale

Pining for welldressed gents I THINK it’s high time that critical commentary about “men in suits” was made.

For far too long they have been ignored while “women in suits” have taken the brunt of critical commentary since women in public life were visible on television 50 years, or longer, ago.

Male politicians, male TV presenters, male journalists, males in advertisements and almost everywhere, including in other countries where men wear suits, only the top button has been secured, leaving the bottom button undone.

Often the shirt above the suit trousers and the tip of the tie are visible with the

vent left by the bottom button being undone. This looks rather provocative and yet contemptible and unrefined. Not a good look. What makes a well-dressed gent no longer applies.

Jenny Holmes, Weston

Climate paper ‘worth a read’ I WAS heartened to read Max Flint’s letter titled “Climate Criticism” (CN February 3) and looked up his research paper at the Australian Logistics Study Centre.

This should be made available to all schoolchildren in Australia, let alone their parents, so that they get a balanced view on the climate. Well worth a read.

Carol Dunnet, Wanniassa

Northbourne tourist tax of $301!

CONGRATULATIONS to letter writer Gil Miller (Letters, CN January 20) for exposing the Northbourne Avenue tourist tax of $301 for interstate visitors like me.

This is the only way I can describe the speeding fine ticket received in the mail back in Sydney after a wonderful week visiting the national capital.

Jefferson Lee, Leichhardt, NSW

SURELY, it’s not too late for the ACT government to change the new Woden bus interchange arrangement, so that Callam Street can remain the vital through-traffic and comprehensive servicing route that it was always meant to be; and in the process, save quiet Easty and Wilbow Streets, and neighbouring residential, cemetery, and recreational areas, from the diverted traffic, with its associated noise, vibration, fumes, and dust pollution.

Instead of installing the new bus interchange on, and blocking Callam Street, it should be installed underground (as successfully in Brisbane’s CBD), say, below the new CIT scheduled to go in on the former bus interchange site – in an attractive, climate-controlled space with accompanying shops, cafes, etcetera.

This arrangement could also simplify the design and siting of the proposed Woden tram station on Callam Street.

Bleak and desolate bus “layovers” should also be excluded from Easty Street.

Jack Kershaw, Kambah

Canberra app update comes too late HAS anyone noticed that in the new covid rules that recently changed, the words: “The app is currently being updated to enable automatic notification of users if they have been at a higher risk setting during a COVID-19 exposure. While this technical work is still underway, we expect to have this feature ready in the next couple of weeks.”

Why no boosters for visitors?

ON an Australian government information TV ad about what vaccinations are needed for those entering Australia is the quote: “Australia has announced the re-opening of its borders to vaccinated tourists and other visa holders for the first time in almost two years.”

“If you’re double vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

Double vaccinated? I saw NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant on the TV news almost begging all Australians to have the third shot (booster). Accompanying her comment was a report that only 44 per cent had so far had it.

So why do non-Australian visitors have a lesser obligation to protect all in this country?

Colliss Parrett, Barton

Did the leopard change its spots?

GOSH, did I just see a leopard change its spots, reading Robert Macklin’s “Road to Damascus” column? (“Canberra’s cooked, the Barr-becue has to end”, CN February 3).

What next ? I’m scanning the skies for flying porkers.

Tina Faulk, Swinger Hill

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

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Off the wall and into pages

ED IS N

NICK OVERALL

Showbiz spoof takes wild ride into the limelight COVER STORY

By Helen Musa

ANYBODY who has ever said, even half in jest, “I’d kill to play that role” will be able to relate to goings-on in “Ruthless! The Musical”, about to take the stage at The Q in Queanbeyan.

For the boutique 1992 musical, with music

by Marvin Laird and lyrics by Joel Paley, is the ultimate spoof on showbiz, so much so that it’s billed by production company Echo Theatre as a cross between “The Bad Seed” and “Gypsy” with “All About Eve”.

Briefly, precocious eight-year-old Tina is oozing with talent and with admiring mum Judy watching on in breathless admiration, she prepares to audition for the school play and even gets herself an agent, but in one of the show’s many weird twists, mum Judy is really the main character.

It’s a wild ride as Tina shows just how far she’ll go to seize the limelight and there are more bodies around the stage than in “Hamlet” by the end of the show. Oh, yes, and it’s all done in uproariously funny song and dance.

Director of Echo Theatre and The Q Jordan

Jenna Roberts as the mother, left, and Jessy Heath as the daughter. Photo: Jane Duong Best is counting on the high-recognition factor among showbiz fans, who will love the theatre jokes, the characters and the choreography, but she cautions us not to take it seriously.

Best is adamant that it’s neither a dark show nor a psychological thriller but more “a cautionary tale of what grasping ambition

can lead to”.

“It’s over the top in the way of ‘50s musicals and all the songs sound familiar, but they are absolutely original and the characters drawn with a broad brush, but well-delineated,” Best says.

In this musical, every theatre stereotype imaginable surfaces – child prodigy, vapid

stage mom, the teacher who is a frustrated actress, the envious understudy, the nasty theatre critic, the gushing showbiz columnist and the jealous backstage assistant.

“I’m not a musical theatre kind of a person,” Best says, a little disingenuously, considering that she has directed Stephen Sondheim’s “Company” for Everyman Theatre and Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid” for Ickle Pickle Productions, but she was drawn in by Laird’s terrific numbers and Paley’s over-the-top characters.

This is most definitely not a kids’ musical and, in an unusual move, Best has decided not to look for a tiny Tina, preferring to cast a tall, 29-year-old adult actor Jessy Heath to play the role.

Heath says, when questioned about her suitability for the part: “I have lived experience as an eight-year-old” and Best perceives a “knowingness” to Tina that she believes is best captured by an adult actor.

She’s got designer Ian Croker working on a colourful cartoon-like set and costumier Anna Senior looking back to the ‘50s and big skirts.

Best chose the play as the opener for the Q’s 2022 subscription season because it was all women – that’s part of the mission of Echo Theatre – have a small cast who are all paid, and it could be done with just two pianists, Sharon Robinson and Nick Griffin, who doubles as musical director.

“I think it’s a sensible choice for a small theatre company. I think it will attract an audience. It’s clever and ridiculous, it’s escapist fun and it’s absurdist,” she says.

“The songs in ‘Ruthless!’ are complex and catchy – I constantly have the songs in my head… but it’s a tough sing, and if you have a cast of not very good singers, it probably wouldn’t work.”

No problem about that. She’s engaged an impressive cast that, apart from the two principals, features Tracy Noble as the teacher, Miss Thron, Dee Farnell as the agent, Sylvia St Croix, Janie Lawson as critic Lita Encore and Eryn Marshall doubling as Louise and Eve. Heath has a degree in musical theatre from the Victorian College of the Arts and has done cabaret shows in Sydney, while Jenna Roberts, who plays mum Judy, is a luminary in the Canberra theatrical scene and also holds a science doctorate and a high-level public service job – “Jenna is more than a triple threat, she’s a sextuple threat,” Best says.

And given that this play is famous as a cult-killer classic, will the stage be awash with blood?

“There sure is bloody murder, but there’s no blood, it shouldn’t feel real,” Best says.

“Ruthless! The Musical,” The Q, Queanbeyan, February 24-March 12. Book at theq.net.au or 6285 6290.

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MUSICAL THEATRE

Paul steps back into the spotlight

By Helen Musa

QUEANBEYAN Players are about to stage “Keating!” the musical, but rather than doing it in the federal seat of Eden-Monaro, they’re staging it in Belconnen Community Theatre.

When I pop in on a weekend rehearsal at Uniting Church Hall in Rutledge Street, Players’ president Alison Newhouse is at pains to assure me that this wasn’t because it clashed with the musical “Ruthless” at The Q, but rather because they were “looking for something with a more intimate vibe, more like cabaret, with dancing”.

That’s consistent with some of the history of the musical by Casey Bennetto, which first saw life in Melbourne Trades Hall as part of the 2005 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Neil Armfield’s later production with Company B Belvoir turned it into a nationwide hit, nowhere more popular than in Canberra.

Canberra Theatre’s covid-related cancellation of the musical, “The Dismissal”, billed as “‘Keating’ the musical on steroids”, left the doors open for Queanbeyan Players to step into the political arena. Good move in an election year and, yes, the bellwether electorate of Eden-Monaro gets more than one mention.

Alissa Pearson, playing Cheryl Kernot, and Zyl Hovenga-Wauchope as Gareth Evans performed the memorable tango duet.

When I arrive at rehearsal, I find a cast of twentysomethings rehearsing a show about a hero many of them had never heard of before they were cast.

Well not quite all. The late father of cast member Alissa Pearson was Keating’s bodyguard and, as she told me, both Paul and Annita Keating attended her dad’s funeral.

As well, youthful choreographer David Santolin’s father once acted as Italian interpreter for Keating.

Santolin’s enjoyment of the show work was evident as Pearson, playing Cheryl Kernot, and Zyl HovengaWauchope as Gareth Evans performed the memorable tango duet where “Cheryl” rhymes with “peril”.

Director Sara Hull, well known

for her production of “The Wedding Singer” for the Players, confessed to being “a bit older than all these people”, since she was a teenager when Keating was at the height of his powers.

But for the rest of them, it was over to YouTube, especially one particularly famous clip showing Keating doing John Hewson slowly. It’s so entertaining that it’s almost showbiz.

Steven O’Mara, who plays Keating, is a public servant in his 20s.

He read “Keating” by Kerry O’Brien in his holidays, but feels he takes out some of the colour from the story because he focuses on Keating’s love of economics. But there’s no shortage of archival footage of the elections to help him understand the mixed public perceptions of Keating, good and ill.

The show, he believes, has plainly been written as sympathetic to Keating, who is the central hero, “a protagonist who suffers in the service of his office”.

It is O’Mara’s view that Keating will be remembered far more than many of his contemporary PMs for his economic reforms, his achievements for land rights reform and his “Redfern Speech”, the latter two forming the basis for the show-stopping songs, “Ma(m)bo” and “Redfern”.

Unless you count Kevin 07, Keating is the last rockstar prime minister we’ve had, so it’s only fitting that quite a bit of it is rock.

Musical director Jen Hinton has

assembled a team of keyboard, acoustic and electric guitars, percussion and a bit of sax to capture that to perform a catchy score for which Bennetto appropriates bossa nova, blues, rap, reggae, soul, swing and waltz.

Bennetto once described the piece as “a ridiculously pro-Paul Keating piece that ultimately aims to be funny and entertaining” and he has certainly provided a choice list of characters for a community theatre group to play, far more than any of the big musicals.

Apart from Keating himself, there’s the rubbery-faced Bob Hawke played

by Anthony Swadling, the aforementioned Evans and Kernot, antagonist John Hewson (Zachary Izzard) and, of course, Keating’s nemesis John Howard (Matt Greenwood ) who is increasingly prominent in Act II. My own favourite sequence is the song “Freaky”, sung and danced by Andrew Finegan in homage to Alexander Downer’s famous performance in fishnet stockings.

And will Keating be coming to the musical? After all, he has a historical connection with Queanbeyan, having once purchased its convent. Also, he loves the show – and why not? He’s the hero.

“That’s a good idea,” committee members chorus – they’re working on it.

“Keating!” Belconnen Community Theatre, February 25-March 6.

Book at trybooking.com

ARTS IN THE CITY Still here for the laughs

By Helen Musa OUTRAGEOUS comedians Judith Lucy and Denise Scott have joined to tour something they claim can loosely be called a play – “think ‘Waiting for Godot’ meets ‘Flying High’” – in which they perform together for the first time since 2017.

“Still Here”, The Playhouse, 7.30pm, February 23-24. Book at canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

ART Song Canberra’s first concert in 2022 will be “Piazzolla – A Century of Tango”, featuring musicians from the Storytellers Ensemble – soprano Ayșe Göknur Shanal, violinist Monica Cichon, cellist Aleksanda Zivkovic and pianist Eugenie Tamplon. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 3pm, Sunday, February 20. Book at trybooking.com DESPITE the departure of founder Jacqui Malins from Mother Tongue Multilingual Poetry, the project has regrouped under Canberra language enthusiasts Frances Szeremet, Frank Keighley, Kasia Williams, Mandy Scott, Mary Besemeres and Mirsad Ramic. Their first gig is at “That Poetry Thing” at Smith’s Alternative, on Monday, February 21, International Mother Language Day, when there’ll be feature poets and a multilingual poetry “open mic”. Inquiries at mothertonguemic@gmail.com FREE lunchtime concerts in Woden Town Square will kick off on Thursday, February 24, featuring duos and trios drawn from the Woden area, then continue on the last Thursday of each month.

THE “SummerSalt’’ roadshow is coming to town with a solid line-up of artists, including Missy Higgins, Xavier Rudd, Birds of Tokyo, The Waifs, Pete Murray, The Dreggs and Tulliah, performing on the lawns of Stage 88 alongside local market stalls, food trucks and beverage booths. Saturday, February 26.

Book at ticketmaster.com.au THE AGM of the Friends of the ANU Classics Museum will take place at 6.15pm on Wednesday, February 23, in the Social Sciences Research Building Theatre opposite the Baldessin car park. It will be followed by a lecture by Kathleen Riley entitled “Keeping Ithaca in mind: Home, Homer, and Homecoming”.

DINING / The Jetty and Mr Papa

usic, M e r o M un...

More F

Burger or two with a view

By Wendy

JOHNSON ONE thing is for sure. The Jetty Canberra, which opened on New Year’s Eve at Queen Elizabeth Terrace, has pretty speckie views.

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It’s on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin – you couldn’t get any closer to the water if you tried – with expansive scenery.

The Dock (Kingston Foreshore) runs the overall operation, which offers food, drink, live entertainment and a great atmosphere. A massive tent structure provides shade and wooden picnic tables are available in the sun.

On site, The Jetty Kiosk (café) serves coffee and food, the Bentspoke Beer Garden pours beer on tap, creates cocktails and serves wine, and Mr Papa’s van smashes out sexy Peruvian street food.

The café is open from 7am, seven days. Lined up in the large display cabinet are ciabattas ($14), muffins, cakes and pastries.

The ciabatta options on our visit were smoked ham, cheese and tomato relish as well as a sweet potato, caramelised onion, roast pepper, cheese and pesto.

They’re created by the folks behind the gorgeous Three Mills Bakery.

Also on the menu is the “Jetty Picnic Box”, “Guac Box”, “Salty Snack Box” and sausage rolls. No doubt the ice cream cones are popular.

We asked what was in the suite of boxes but were told it didn’t matter ‘cause they were all sold out. That took care of that, so we headed to Mr Papa’s, where it was service with a smile.

Mr Papa’s friendly staff warned there was a bit of a wait, which we didn’t mind – especially given the heads-up and we weren’t surprised given it was a

Pan Con Chorizo… artisan-smoked chorizo with street chimichurri and fun papitas.

Photo: Wendy Johnson glorious weekend with loads of people about.

And it was well worth that wait.

The mini empanadas ($7.50) got the tastebuds dancing. They were crispy on the outside and packed with warm, spicy Peruvian flavours. The two of us shared the dish, dipping the empanadas into a tasty street sauce with secret ingredients.

Next up were burgers ($16), which Mr Papa’s kindly cut in half so we could each try each kind. The P.F.C. (Peruvian fried chicken) was super scrumptious. The chicken was thick, but moist, and the coating packed a punch with spices. Another burger masterpiece was the Pan Con Chorizo. The artisan-smoked chorizo was heavenly and we adored the street chimichurri and fun papitas. The chips were piping hot and perfectly seasoned ($5).

On the drink side, cocktails ($15 to $16) included a Four Pillars Shiraz Gin Spritz. Wines ($10 to $15) included a Whitton Rose, Twill & Daisy Sauvignon Blanc, Nick O’Leary Riesling, Chain of Ponds Shiraz and Bourke Street Pinot Noir. BentSpoke’s beers were being poured.

The Jetty Canberra has live entertainment Thursday to Sunday.

STREAMING

Off the wall and into the pages

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OVERALL WES Anderson’s newest film “The French Dispatch” feels a lot like the magazine it’s about.

It’s one that you’ve curiously picked up in a waiting room somewhere, its pastel cover intriguing enough to get you flipping through the pages with a passing interest.

The film contains three stories based on three articles by three different journalists who write for the “The French Dispatch” – a publication based in the fictional French town of Ennui-sur-Blasé.

One story recounts the tale of a mentally disturbed, but deeply artistic prisoner who gains fame after painting a nude portrait of a prison officer he develops a relationship with.

Another follows an undergraduate revolutionary leading a revolt against the military conscription of a fellow student.

The third regales a daring heist to rescue the son of a police commissioner from a gang of criminals led by a failed musician notoriously labelled The Chauffeur.

Is all that off the wall enough? The unorthodox storytelling has the unique Wes Anderson style written all over it.

It just so happens the viewer has stumbled across this fictional magazine during its final edition, published after the death of its long-serving editor Arthur Howitzer Jr, played by Bill Murray.

By the time each story (only around 30 minutes a piece) gets going it’s already over and the page is flicked over to new, quirky characters played by a staggeringly large cast.

Benicio del Toro, Léa Seydoux, Frances McDormand, Timothée Chalamet, Tilda Swinton, Owen Wilson, Jeffrey Wright… it goes on.

The discursive structure makes it something of a Wes Anderson variety box or perhaps a best-of album, of the director’s iconic, bizarre idiosyncrasies strewn throughout the film, from

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It made a quick transition from cinema to streaming, snatched up by Disney Plus who are eager to captialise on Anderson’s vivid cult of followers.

It’s not just his newest film available on Disney Plus, the platform features a collection of the director’s works, including one of his most widely enjoyed, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”.

The comedy-crime drama stars Ralph Fiennes as a famed concierge of a grandiose hotel who is accused of murder and along with a lobby boy sidekick must go on a quest for a renaissance painting.

Not quite curious enough a premise? There’s also “Isle of Dogs”, an animated adventure about an island of talking dogs off the coast of Japan who are being quarantined due to the outbreak of a canine flu.

While these flicks represent a height of the director’s career, fans can also go back to the beginning of Anderson’s fame with his 1998 coming-of-age movie “Rushmore”.

In it, an eccentric 15-year-old falls in love with a much older teacher and is devastated when he finds out his friend and mentor, a middle-aged

industrialist, is having an affair with her, sparking a vendetta within the rambunctious teen.

Co-written by Anderson and his friend Owen Wilson, the duo wanted to capture a “heightened sense of reality” in the story – an atmosphere which has permeated the director’s works ever since and which was inspired by Roald Dahl’s children’s books.

No surprises then that he also directed an adaptation of one of Dahl’s most beloved books “Fantastic Mr. Fox ‘’, which is on Netflix. The streaming platform has another of Dahl’s short story collections in the pipeline that the director will also lead the way on.

For non-Anderson fans they may very well find all of this, and “The French Dispatch”, a bunch of nonsense. For fans of the auteur, it’s nonsense they can’t get enough of.

In fact, so vivid has the fanbase become that they can be spotted from a mile away.

When seeing “The French Dispatch” at the movies, the guy selling us tickets told a friend of mine almost immediately: “You look like a Wes Anderson fan”. She didn’t know whether that was a compliment or an insult, but she wore it like a badge of honour all the same.

CINEMA / reviews

When the lights go out at the convent

By Dougal

MACDONALD “Benedetta” (R) WITH this film, writer (in conjunction with David Birke) and director Paul Verhoeven journeys to a theme seldom ventured on any kind of moving/ talking media.

The literary foundation for this 17th century drama is the book “Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy” by Judith C Brown, published in 1986.

In the Italian city of Pescia, pre-pubescent child Benedetta is abandoned by her mother into the care of the nuns in the convent managed by mother superior Sister Felicita (Charlotte Rampling). Quick jump 18 years to where the child has become a woman (Virginie Efira), noted for her devotion to Jesus.

Entering the convent and Benedetta’s life comes abused, uneducated farm girl Bartolomea (Daphne Patakia). Sister Felicita gives Bartolomea into Benedetta’s care. And the film sets forth toward its real objective.

Two very handsome young women not only appear unabashedly, full-frontally nude; they also do what women of that sensory persuasion do to get the natural buzz that it brings. Good

on them, I say.

Not so the Papal Nuncio (Lambert Wilson) who arrives in Pescia with his retinue to go through a quasi-legal, quasi-clerical judgement and deliver the punishment that he has made up his mind Benedetta is going to get. Tied to a stake in the middle of a pile of oil-soaked firewood.

At this point, the film’s tensions have become powerful and close to unbearable. Fate, or was it God, stepped in. Death was indeed on its way to Italy. They called it the plague. They had no weapon with which to fight it, but Pescia’s townsfolk closed the city’s gates and nobody in the city died from it.

If that doesn’t look like what’s been happening in our present decade, the coincidence is remarkable. After seeing the film, I came away less deeply impressed by its nude flesh than by its canonical and juridical passages.

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“Drive My Car” (MA) WE don’t get many mainstream narrative movies from Japan. But director Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s adaptation of a short story by Haruki Murakami spends 179 minutes doing something elegant, perceptive and engaging to remedy that lack.

Yusuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima) is a

talented and successful theatrical director who comes home early one day to find wife Oto (Reika Kirishima) with a younger man.

Oto dies unexpectedly from natural causes.

After about 40 minutes of run time, the film cuts to opening credits with Kafuku, two years later, engaging to produce and direct a multi-lingual season of Chekov’s “Uncle Vanya” in Hiroshima.

The theatre company tells Kafuku that its insurance policy requires that, as a visitor to the city, he may not drive. The company will provide a skilled driver for him.

This is Misaki Watari (Tôko Miura) who says little for most of the film but whose presence in the story is crucial. She is indeed a skilled driver.

One of the actors auditioning for the production is the handsome, callow but only moderately talented Kôshi Takatsuki (Masaki Okada). The last time Yusuke saw him, he was up to the maker’s name in Oto. Yusuke casts Takatsuki as Vanya rather than taking the role himself. Is he exacting tacit revenge on the oblivious younger man, or somehow overlapping their identities? This is only one of the film’s numerous ambiguities.

A film that runs for only one minute less than three hours including closing credits has a lot going in and for it. It looks handsome and its dramatic content is subtle and intelligent.

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PUZZLES PAGE

FREE PUZZLES EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au

Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

General knowledge crossword No. 817

February 21-27, 2022 ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The Sun, Jupiter and Neptune are in your solitude zone. So spend time in a special location, where you can look within. A beautiful garden or secluded beach would be the perfect place to recharge your run-down batteries. Venus and Mars encourage you to dream big. Be inspired by birthday great, writer Anais Nin: “Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back. A new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Watch out for stubbornly holding a fixed position in your dealings with others.

You may not be seeing the full picture so try to be more flexible. But don’t let a colleague, friend or acquaintance pull the wool over your eyes. Keep your trusty bulldust detector set on high. You’re in the mood to socialise with your peer group but be careful what you say. Think before you speak because impulsive words (especially on Thursday or Friday) could lead to regrets later on.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

It’s a wonderful week to foster friendships and nurture international contacts. Plus, make sure you’re carrying your weight in all your major relationships. Communicating with a stressed loved one will be tense, but a pinch of patience will get you through. Venus and Mars encourage you to concentrate your energy on matters of a financial and/or business nature. Lucky opportunities are hovering around, but you’ll need to be a smart and proactive Twin to catch them.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Roll up your sleeves, put your head down and get things done, as you turn creative ideas into practical and productive projects. Romance is also in the air, as the planets rev up your relationship zone. Attached Crabs – spoil your sweetheart with a special treat. If you’re single, Venus and Mars send some serious contenders in your direction. Don’t be dazzled by appearances, though! Have the patience to pick a partner who has less surface gloss and more inner substance.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

With Venus in your work zone, it’s time to beautify your work environment and socialise with colleagues. And some singles will start an on-the-job romance. Then Mercury squares Uranus on Friday, which boosts creativity. But it also increases the likelihood of computer confusion, disrupted appointments and mixed messages.

So don’t believe everything you hear. If you pass on salacious gossip, then you could end up with egg on your lovely Leo face!

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

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When it comes to your daily routine, avoid making any hasty moves. You know which tasks need to be done, and Saturn will help you knuckle down and complete them properly. Stop complaining, bite the bullet and just get on with things. If you’re searching for your soul mate, then your motto is from writer Anais Nin (who was born on February 21, 1903): “You don’t find love, it finds you. It’s got to do with destiny, fate, and what’s written in the stars.”

Down

1 Name another term for a backlog. (4-2) 7 What are copies or reproductions known as?

(8) 8 Name the flattened region on either side of the human forehead. (6) 9 What term describes the quality of being sacred or holy? (8) 10 What might we call additional expenses? (6) 11 Name a large, ferocious-looking baboon. (8) 14 Prior to 14.2.1966, what was five cents known as? (8) 18 To have deducted an amount from someone’s wages is to have done what? (6) 19 Which type of verse is comical and usually loose in measure? (8) 21 Name a climatic event having disastrous effects on the world’s weather. (2,4) 22 What do we call those who trade in drugs? (8) 23 Which term did Ali Baba use to open the door of the robber’s den, open ...? (6)

1 Name those who are under medical or surgical treatment. (8) 2 Which day was once observed on May 24th? (6) 3 Name another term for a newspaper reporter.

(8) 4 What is a colloquial name for political rhetoric?

(4) 5 To scatter rubbish, especially in public places, is to do what? (6) 6 Which term describes a collusive syndicate? (6) 12 What designates that which is unnecessary? (8) 13 Name an island off the northern coast of NSW. (4,4) 15 Name a compound that is isomeric with other compounds. (6) 16 What is a sacred building, usually more or less pyramidal? (6) 17 What are perfumes also called? (6) 20 Which rotatory device is attached to a fishing rod? (4)

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Have you been feeling lethargic, Libra? With three planets activating your wellbeing zone, it’s time to focus on healthy food and fitness. And make sure any exercise program you start also has a social element to it (like tennis, squash or golf) otherwise you’ll quickly lose interest. Romance is highlighted. If you’re attached, don’t place unrealistic expectations on your partner. If you’re single, avoid falling for someone who is married, engaged or just not interested.

Solution next edition

Across

FREE SUDOKU EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au

Sudoku medium No. 309

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

The buzz word at the moment is communication. Your curiosity is piqued, and you’re keen to converse with a wide range of people. And the best way to showcase your numerous talents is within your local community or via social networking. The more time and effort you put into building firm foundations, the more it will benefit you further down the track. So this week it’s important to employ long-term strategies, rather than short-term fixes.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

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The pressure is on, as friends and relatives demand plenty of your precious time.

So how on earth will you keep all the plates spinning and get everything done?

Clear communication is the key. If you can convince others (with your substantial Sagittarian charm!) to come on board and collaborate, then you’ll accomplish tasks in half the time. The Mars/Venus/Neptune links are positive for matters involving money, business, real estate and family.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

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PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Venus and Mars link up with Neptune (your patron planet) which highlights creativity, spirituality and compassion, as you reach out and help someone in need. But avoid escaping into a fantasy world for too long. Make the most of the Sun moving through your sign, as you go out and get what you want. As birthday great Anais Nin wrote: “Good things happen to those who hustle.” The more proactive and positive you are, the better the week will be.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2022

Solution next edition

Solutions – February 10 edition Sudoku hard No. 308

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AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

This week the planets light up your inner security zone. So don’t let other people undermine your self-confidence. Remember, with strong self-esteem you can climb any mountain, weather any storm and sail any turbulent sea. If you’re attached, you have much to learn from your partner. For some Aquarians, a burgeoning affair has a special fated quality. This person will help you to grow emotionally but it won’t be an easy or smooth-sailing relationship.

Crossword No. 816

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With Mars and Venus both visiting your sign, you’re feeling bold and beautiful but don’t barge in and think you can easily fix a situation. Neptune encourages you to be sensitive and compassionate. The planets also encourage you to make detailed plans for a fabulously inspiring future. Draw inspiration from this week’s birthday great, wildlife warrior Steve Irwin: “Be passionate and enthusiastic in the direction that you choose in life, and you’ll be a winner.”

GARDENING

Small, native garden at the National Gallery. Photos: Jackie Warburton

A wicking bed… a very water efficient way of growing food.

Big ideas grow in a small space

By Jackie

WARBURTON GROWING natives in a small spot can be achievable and a perfect example is a garden at the National Gallery that I was impressed with.

The design for this south-facing garden is simple with a clever use of natives. At least three metres tall by three metres wide, the garden’s height can create privacy as well as a visual interest to view.

The main planting is Xanthorrhoea sp, a slow-growing spectacular native that grows well in Canberra. The other plantings are Brachyscome and Hardenbergia, which also grow with little care.

Brachyscome decipiens, with white to mauve flowers, is also a native species worth trying. And B graminea with pink flowers and Hardenbergia violacea is local, too.

WICKING beds, which have been in vogue for a few years, water plants from below and not overhead. The moisture is drawn up through potting mix to reach the roots of the plants as a process of capillary action and is fundamental to the function of wicking beds.

It is a very water efficient way of growing food and its reservoir only needs to be filled every few days.

Adding one part perlite to 10 parts potting mix will help bulk up the material, assist with compaction. Perlite has a high water content that doesn’t break down quickly.

The most common mistake I always come across is that soil is used instead of potting mix in wicking beds.

Another bonus for having a wicking bed is they are a raised bed and better for bending over and an accessible garden for wheelchairs or a seat in the garden.

There are a few kits on the market that are easy to put together.

Equally, they can be made simply from a plastic tub, PVC piping, some geotextile material, stones and potting mix. All that and a good Youtube video will get a good setup for very little cost. The main requirement is to make sure it is a minimum of 600mm deep for plants to grow effectively.

NOW’S the time to transplant any vegetables to the garden beds while the soil is warm and get the seedlings growing before autumn.

Remove all spent summer vegetables and place in the compost, give them to the chooks or get rid of them into the green bin. If there is fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, don’t compost this material. Dig over the soil to a spade depth, and make sure the soil is loose and drains well. Add a little lime in the soil and a pH soil level of 6-6.5 would be ideal

for brassicas. Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower seedlings can be planted where there were legumes growing such as beans and peas. There will be nitrogen in the soil that the brassica family will benefit from.

Protect seedlings from cabbage moths with Dipel and sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the seedlings to protect them from crawling night critters. There is still time to put in lettuces and silver beet seedlings, and beetroot and carrots by seed. Feed citrus with a granulated citrus fertiliser or a pelletised fertiliser and keep wellwatered as fruit begins to mature.

IF hydrangea flower heads are drying off, they can be cut off and, leaving a 40-50cm stalk, hung upside down to preserve them for dried-flower arrangements.

Hydrangea heads that are left to age on the plant are called antiquing.

As the weather cools the flower heads can be a great attraction as they age to rich greens, reds and purples.

Hopefully, with the humid garden conditions we have had this season there won’t be any powdery mildew about to destroy the flowers and the flowers can be cut off before the first frost. jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

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

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