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NEWS / Canberra’s social housing shame

Trashed homes taunt people waiting for help

By Nick

OVERALL DESPITE more than 3000 people across the ACT waiting for a place to live, the average wait time for social housing is now more than four years.

According to damning figures from the Productivity Commission, Canberra has less public housing than it did a decade ago.

The 2022 “Report on Government Services” reveals that as of June 2021, there were 10,859 public housing dwellings in the ACT. That’s below the number in 2012 (10,950) and the peak in 2018 (11,181).

Despite this, there are public housing properties across the territory lying unoccupied, untended or in disrepair.

Scott, a resident of a public housing complex in Wright, in January revealed to “CityNews” that a unit in the complex he was living in had been left trashed, vacant and unlocked for months despite him contacting Housing ACT about the issue in October.

Although locksmiths installed locks on the apartment after “CityNews” published Scott’s story, the unit is still vacant.

After Scott went public, people reached out with similar stories and experiences.

One resident, living in a housing complex in Braddon, said he’d watched his complex gradually deteriorate for three years. Now, he says squatters are using one of the ground-floor units, which has been empty and trashed for three months.

Another resident believed a housing property he lived nearby had been abandoned for more than two years.

The dwelling in Giralang seems to lie empty, with overgrown gardens out the front and back and seemingly no sign of people living inside.

Housing ACT would not confirm whether or not the property is abandoned.

In the last ACT Budget, the government promised $100 million to boost Canberra’s public housing, which has widely been described as in “crisis”.

This was on top of about $400 million in Budget promises made throughout the past decade.

Despite this, from 2017 to June 2021, there was a 117 per cent increase in “greatest needs” housing applicants and wait lists continue to grow.

One housing resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was on the waiting lists for years despite her attempts to escape an abusive situation.

“I had to go through several organisations to get their help before Housing would even engage

Giralang: Overgrown gardens and seemingly vacant. with me. CatholicCare was a lifesaver and the only reason I got housed in the end was because of them,” she said.

“Housing never would have even bothered to look at me twice if [CatholicCare] hadn’t gotten involved.”

The resident, who has hearing issues, said she felt there was no urgency from Housing to help her situation despite her trying to escape an abusive situation.

“They stonewalled and made things harder than they needed to be,” she said.

“As I am unable to do phone calls, it was near impossible to even communicate with them at all.”

While she’s now finally been given a place to live, the resident says she still feels “unsafe” in her current conditions.

“The complex itself was lovely, but Housing refuses to maintain the upkeep,” she says.

“Housing refuses to enforce the lease agreement. We have other tenants using the premises for illegal means, dumping garbage everywhere, vandalism. Housing refuses to look into it let alone do anything about it.”

The resident said the situation has got to a point where her and others living in the complex are fearful for their health and safety.

“The place is never cleaned. There are various maintenance issues. You literally have to spend months raising the same issue with Housing and in the end it is usually resolved only because another tenant fixes it.”

“I get that there’s limited accommodation available and that it’s dependent on a lot of factors. What I find truly atrocious is when they have the accommodation and it’s left vacant for months or years when someone could actually have been using it.”

Another Housing resident that reached out,

INDEX Arts & Entertainment 23-26 Canberra Matters 9 Cinema & Streaming 26 Crossword & Sudoku 27 Dining 24 Garden 22 Horoscopes 27 Letters 16 News 3-16 Politics 15

Since 1993: Volume 28, Number: 13

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Well written, well read

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

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

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

Braddon: trashed and ignored by Housing ACT. who also wished to remain anonymous, said they had been trying to get an issue addressed for more than two years but had only received “empty promises that it would be looked into”.

The person said they had major concerns for the safety of their mentally ill brother who lives in a housing dual occupancy property and who has been experiencing security issues that were making him feel unsafe.

Despite calling for an investigation or some kind of help from Housing for more than two years, the person said their brother had not seen any investigation into his issue.

These accounts and the statistics in the Productivity Commission’s report raise the question, where are the hundreds of millions promised by the government going?

Wright: now cleaned but still vacant.

It’s a question that the CEO of the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) Emma Campbell is also asking.

“ACTCOSS welcomed investments in housing announced in the most recent ACT Budget, but the failure to deliver meaningful outcomes for Canberrans is frustrating,” she said.

“The ACT Housing Strategy has been in place for four years, yet we see growing numbers of Canberrans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.”

The consensus between the people I spoke with for this story, including even more whose words aren’t published here, was unanimous. While it may be redundant to blame any one person in an issue as complex as this, it is clear the ACT Housing system itself is in urgent need of an overhaul.

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SEVEN DAYS

When the dwarfs fell out with the naughty girls I HEARD a story so fantastic recently that I didn’t believe it.

Then I heard it again this past week and it was even more fantastic.

I’m not sure I can print a word of it as fact, it’s too unbelievable, but it inspired me to write, for the first time, some fiction; a fantastic fairytale, if you like. All made up, of course.

ONCE upon a time there was a band of dwarfs who worked in a jail somewhere far, far away guarding naughty boys and girls.

The dwarfs felt unloved because horrid people with poisonous quills were writing nasty things about their lovely prison.

It’s hard work and sometimes these misunderstood dwarfs go out together for some fun. One night that’s what they did.

It was a fun night, first at a nightclub and later at a party catching up with some of the naughty girls they knew, who weren’t in prison any more.

Everyone had lots of giggle juice and happy powder, and one of the naughty girls even had a magic device that made films of the party.

There was so much fun that one of the girls lost her shirt and a kind dwarf helped vacuum some happy powder off her chest through a straw.

But the dwarfs and the naughty girls fell out, and the dwarfs hi-ho-ed away.

The naughty girl with the magic device was very sad at the dwarfs’ behaviour and told on them by sending a copy of her party film to one of the chief dwarfs at the jail.

Newly minted member for Monaro Nichole Overall with sons Alex (left), Nick and husband Tim at the tea party at the National Party’s party room after her first speech to the NSW Parliament.

Luckily for the dwarfs, nothing happened.

Weeks turned to months, months to years until, without warning, one day some pointy headed people they’d never seen before (in fact, no-one had) came to the prison far, far away. One wore a wig, a man of integrity with a commission to punish naughty dwarfs. They asked lots of senior dwarfs lots of mean questions about the film of the happy time with the naughty girls and why the dwarfs didn’t get into trouble.

For years, the pointy headed people had lived alone in a secret cave and people threw rocks at them for never coming out.

But out they came and surprised everyone by working hard on a happy ending to this story, including the man with the wig, who muttered “heads should roll”.

That’s as far as I’ve got. I’m not sure I’ve got the ending right yet. Writing fiction isn’t as easy as fact.

TO another fairytale moment this past week as our lapsed history columnist Nichole Overall rose to her feet to make history of her own in the NSW Parliament.

It was to be the freshly minted member for Monaro’s first speech, and the first from the first female to hold the seat in its 166-year history (of what she told us started as Maneroo in 1856).

Resplendent in yellow, she shone against the dusty, dark hues of the small, crowded colonial chamber.

Her finely crafted oration opened with observed humility followed by a poignant grab of Banjo Paterson, before sweeping incisively through Monaro’s rugged history. Both sides of the chamber sat in rapt attention, the Labor opposition listening for chinks, the government in silent respect.

She gave nothing away beyond being the

Comprehensive, expert advice in your time of need

daughter of a truck driver in the Riverina and a loving sketch of her early and subsequent life on the Monaro.

There was nothing promised that could come back and bite her beyond saying that if she gave her word, she would keep it (“I won’t promise the world and deliver a globe”).

In winding up the 25 minutes with the inescapable thank yous, she looked from the government benches to the Speaker’s Gallery directly at husband Tim, the long-time, former mayor of Queanbeyan and beyond, and thanked him, in Hansard, for accepting her proposal of marriage 25 years ago.

It brought the House down and there she stood to the sustained standing ovation of the chamber, left and right. History was made and the new member for Monaro had arrived. I fancy it will be a while before I can get another “Yesterdays” column out of her.

have to be manually removed,” says Icon Water general manager Davina McCormick.

This is serious stuff, Davina, so what’s the public-education solution? Wait for it… an “immersive” computer game called “Free the Poo” that “lets players head down into our wastewater network to destroy the wet wipes blocking our pipes”. Virtually, that is.

The poobahs of Icon Water clearly have had their heads in something and it’s not sand if they think this “quirky and interactive campaign” is the answer to costly sewer blockages.

The game is available at iconwater.com. au/game and downloadable via the App Store or Google Play.

ICON Water, says Canberra is one of the worst Australian cities for sewer breaks and blockages. It spent $1.7 million to clear them in 2019-2020.

Apparently, many of the “chokes” are selfinflicted. With more than 48,000 trees lining Canberra’s streets, water-seeking tree roots creep into sewerage pipes and blockages occur when wet wipes get snagged on them.

“Wipes cause all kinds of issues at our wastewater treatment plants where they

Ian Meikle is the editor of “CityNews” and can be heard on the “CityNews Sunday Roast” news and interview program, 2CC, 9am-noon. There are more of his columns on citynews.com.au

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NEWS

Sarah’s written the right story, for the right reason

By Belinda

STRAHORN THE idea behind “Right Date Wrong Guy’’ – Sarah Schofield’s debut novel – came when the Canberra author was on a date herself.

On her first date following the end of a relationship a few years ago, Schofield learnt that her date shared the same birthday as her former partner.

“Ben was a lovely guy, but I thought I can’t date two guys born on the same day, that’s just weird,” said Schofield.

Needless to say, the date ended shortly afterwards, but the inspiration for Schofield’s first romance novel was born.

Schofield – a former journalist – shared her experience with her work colleagues the following day, only to discover they had similar stories.

“There was the chick whose husband and father were born on the same day,” said Schofield.

“Then there was the chick who actually dated two guys born on the same day, same month, same year.

“All of a sudden people started to share their date coincidences with me, and it started to feel like people, dates and numbers meant something.”

Author Sarah Schofield… “I don’t remember when I first thought I’d write a book, but I’ve always known I would.”

“Right Date Wrong Guy” tells the story of Sophie Westcott, a young woman who believes the man of her dreams is born on April 11. With the help of her friends, Sophie embarks on a quest to find him.

“And so you hop on an adventure of what one woman will do to find the right man,” said Schofield.

Work on Schofield’s romance novel started some years ago when the firsttime author was living in Tasmania.

The 53-year-old, who now writes from her home in Lyneham, said she had made at least 10 attempts at writ-

ing the book.

“The early versions were just me waffling on because it’s easy to go down rabbit burrows,” Schofield said.

“If you’re Stephen King you can sit down and write whatever comes out of your brain, and it just flows, but I needed a framework and a synopsis.”

After engaging the help of a mentor, and establishing the fundamentals of “good” romance writing, Schofield’s novel finally began to take shape.

“We looked at what the reader wanted to read, what their expectations are and how long each chapter should be,”

said Schofield.

“Then over the course of 12 months I wrote a synopsis, and once I had that it gave me the instruction manual I needed to move forward.”

Schofield turned the book around quickly, managing to write most of it in seven weeks, while on leave from work.

“I went nowhere, saw no-one, and worked on it for up to nine hours a day,” said Schofield. “By Easter it was finished.”

Schofield did the rounds of publishers learning to roll with the punches after several rejections. Eventually, and prompted largely by her sister’s death last year, Schofield decided to publish the novel herself.

“When you have someone close to you that passes away it’s a huge reality check,” Schofield said.

“It made me think what have I done, what have I got to do, and what have I not focused on yet. I thought to myself, I haven’t published this book. So, I set up Spotted Hen Publishing, and selfpublished it.”

One of six children, Schofield grew up on her family’s sheep and wheat farms not far from Wagga Wagga.

Schofield said her passion for writing, and her love of reading started young.

“I spent a lot of time reading as a kid, because my siblings had either left the family farm or were at boarding school,” Schofield said.

“I don’t remember when I first thought I’d write a book, but I’ve always known I would.”

Upon leaving school, Schofield studied journalism and English literature at university. She then worked in radio and television for the ABC in Brisbane, Sydney and Hobart including stints as a reporter and producer on the “7.30” program, and a researcher for “Australian Story” and “Landline”.

Schofield deliberately chose to model the powerful characters in her book upon real people, something which has drawn favourable comments from readers.

“My characters are complex, and flawed, they are both brave and silly and they don’t always get it right, just like humans,” said Schofield.

Also passionate about cooking, Schofield – who now works in communications – has started writing her second novel “Chocolate Brownies for Breakfast”.

“Right Date Wrong Guy” available locally at Dymocks in Civic and online through Amazon and Booktopia.

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HOME.BYHOLLY REI ACT WINNERS

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ACT real estate duo score national recognition REAL estate agents Bianca Way and Sally Strang, of home.byholly, have taken out the awards for real estate excellence and marketer of the year in the ACT. The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) awards mean the two will head to Melbourne for the national finals in April.

“CityNews” spoke with Bianca and Sally about their wins, heading to the finals and the creative way their agency approaches the property industry.

Home.byholly, call 0491 850701, visit homebyholly.com.au or email admin@ homebyholly.com.au

Award recognises Bianca’s lifelong passion for property

Winning campaign for iconic house the highlight of Sally’s career

FROM drawing floor plans as a kid to taking the plunge as a full-time real estate agent three years ago, Bianca Way’s lifelong passion for people’s homes has seen her recognised with REIA’s industry excellence award for the ACT. The award recognises excellence amongst newcomers to the industry in all sectors of the real estate profession, with a focus on significant achievements, overcoming business challenges and innovation.

“While I was hopeful to win, I was honestly so surprised on the night to receive that recognition,” says Bianca.

“It has inspired me to continue working hard to keep performing at that level and to constantly strive to create a positive change in the industry.”

Before real estate, Bianca worked as a celebrant for seven years, which she says has allowed her to bring a unique perspective to the industry.

“Being a celebrant is such an incredibly rewarding and heart-centred space to work in, and there are a lot of correlations between that and selling people’s homes,” she says.

“Connecting with people on an authentic and genuine level to help support them through a sale is massively rewarding for me.”

Bianca says that working for home. byholly was a big contributor to her winning the award, an agency that prides itself on proving that real estate agents can be authentic, genuine, friendly and effective.

“I love that you just never know what’s behind someone’s front door,” says Bianca.

“That passion is what drives me every day. I am always striving to deliver all that I can for my clients.”

SALLY Strang won ACT Property Marketer of the Year for the campaign for the Paterson House in Aranda, designed by renowned architect Enrico Taglietti.

Sally said getting the listing was “very special”, and it is one she will never forget.

“The standout for me was to do the home justice and having the privilege of working on that campaign. It is such an iconic house,” she said.

“This listing showcased what home. byholly does best, being able to feature the amazing architectural elements of the house and get the right audience for it.

“Really, our entire team was involved in that campaign. We had about 800 people through the house. It was so well received and I would not have been able to manage without the support of my team.”

The house, first designed in 1968, was in original condition and in a state of disrepair when Sally got the listing.

Employing her passion for mid-century design, she says she went above and beyond to develop a comprehensive campaign strategy.

“Featuring the history of the house and its architectural significance, I designed the narrative to resonate with mid-century and design lovers,” said Sally.

“My research included interviewing the vendors, local architects, and mid-century experts. With its Brutalist façade and unusual floorplan, the elements that make the house outstanding also dramatically minimise the buyer pool – not appealing to mainstream families.

“Finding a buyer who would honour the legacy of the home was the primary focus, along with achieving a strong sale price, which I accurately predicted.

“I can’t take all of the credit. We have such a supportive and collaborative team that allows us to execute some incredible things.”

Bianca Way… “I love that you just never know what’s behind someone’s front door.”

Sally Strang… “We have such a supportive and collaborative team that allows us to execute some incredible things.”

Canberra’s most creative residential property experts.

Bianca Way 0403 650 128 bianca@homebyholly.com.au

Sally Strang 0410 626 731 sally@homebyholly.com.au CityNews March 31-April 6, 2022 7

BRIEFLY Lake display for traditional boats THE Canberra-based Traditional Boat Squadron of Australia is holding its biannual Boatfest on Lake Burley Griffin.

Organiser Robyn Thorne says: “This is a great opportunity to see classic boats, restored old ones and new recreations.”

The event is based at Lotus Bay, on the foreshore of the Canberra Yacht Club, from 9am, over the weekend of April 9-10. Boats can be viewed at the jetty, or from the shore as they make their way up to Central and East Basins on the Saturday and in the grand parade to Kingston Harbour on the Sunday morning. More from 0409 031243.

Time for clock show THE Canberra-based National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Chapter 182 is hosting a display of clocks and watches and an appraisal day at the Canberra Irish Club, Weston, 10am-4pm, on Saturday, April 9. Entry and appraisals by gold-coin donation. Proceeds to The Smith Family.

Ray’s a Friend, indeed RAY Edmondson, from the Friends of the National Film and Sound Archive, is the guest speaker at the next meeting of the Narrabundah Probus Club, at the Harmonie German Club, from 11am on April 19.

The club says visitors and new members are always welcome and anyone with an interest is invited to just come along.

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CANBERRA MATTERS

Ministers need to get out and engage with life ONCE ACT Greens and Labor politicians become very important ministers in the ACT government, their contact with real people diminishes.

They take advice from chosen advisers (often recent graduates or party faithful) because these insiders know much more about the world than residents.

Here’s a few suggestions to allow these busy ministers to engage with really busy people. Chris Steel, as minister for urban stuff including pedestrian crossings, needs to check out the issue that the Watson community has with getting children safely across streets from Nipperville Early Learning Centre behind the shops.

To make this a real experience, the parents should invite Chris Steel to don a lollipop uniform and assist the children navigate the traffic using a high-tech, hand-operated lollipop stop sign. Given that he cannot find time to respond to voters, the on-thejob experience would save him from carrying out the civil task of replying to the requests for a pedestrian crossing near the children’s centre.

As this job would take an hour or so, he should be provided with fluids to avoid dehydration out there in the open air – something probably now foreign to him. Having consumed

ACT ministers take advice from chosen advisers (often recent graduates or party faithful) because these insiders know much more about the world than residents. for Planning, Mick

Section 76 North Watson… Locals are wondering Gentleman, announced what will developers be allowed to build on this on February 8 that the site.

Photo: Paul Costigan lease for section 76 North a bottle of water or two, he would then need to get himself to the toilet.

He would learn that someone in his government, being the minister for toilets (named Chris Steel), has refused years of requests for a public toilet to be built near the local shops.

We would see how he handles this situation – as do local residents visiting the shops.

The residents of the inner north suburb of Watson cherish what their well-established suburb delivers to their lives. They would like future generations to enjoy the same – and possibly even better.

When the pretend Minister

An

Watson had been altered to allow for residential development, he did this with a spin-filled media release that said almost nothing.

Locals are wondering what will developers be allowed to build on this site – located in North Watson between the Federal Highway and the northern part of Aspinall Street. The site is a huge open space surrounded by fabulous large trees and birdlife.

Residents have asked for years now that this site be developed in an innovative way to provide housing along with generous parks and to be surrounded by the trees already there. That is, do not chop down the

trees and use architects and landscape architects with 21st century design ideas – not the usual lot who have delivered the very ordinary grey-dominated suburbs on the edges of Canberra. And to repeat – so that the ACT Greens may pay attention – please do not chop down these mature trees.

Michael Gentleman should be encouraged to conduct a round table at The Knox, the popular café at the Watson shops. He could host people with coffee and cakes for several hours for one-to one discussions – no political minders.

On the table could be what he thinks should be on Section 76.

Residents could have a coffee and cake and discuss options and aspirations for this site. This consultation process would save him that awful experience of having to read the well-written community submissions he has already received about this North Watson site.

The ACT Minister for the Environment, Rebecca Vassarotti, could conduct tours of Watson and other inner-north suburbs to promote the work she is initiating to ensure that older trees are not removed – both by

developers and the government.

She could indicate where there are Powerful Owls and other owls in residence around Watson, as well as the nests of Gang Gangs. Sadly, this would be a very short tour. Hopefully, after being a minister for 18 months, she has moved beyond worthy announcements and is doing something to keep the mature trees, increase the biodiversity and has a program underway on Powerful Owls and Gang Gangs that is not about having meetings and long-term pretend strategies. Be good to hear something real from her.

These ministers need to rejoin life, get out and do real stuff. And apologies for putting the image of Chris Steel as a lollipop man in your heads.

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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SPORT / Holly Caspers

Holly learns from losing, the power of winning THE 2021/22 A-League women’s season won’t be remembered as one of Canberra United’s strongest, but Vicki Linton’s side came to life at the back end of the year after a slow start giving fans a bit to look forward to next season.

The club had a frustrating start and took nine games to record its first win. It was a winless-streak that carried all the way from the first game of the season in December until halfway through February when United finally secured a 5-0 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers.

For a new player in the squad, it could have been a baptism of fire starting a career in a team performing below expectations, but Holly Caspers took it in her stride.

The midfielder is no stranger to adversity. At 19, a tackle gone wrong resulted in a torn ACL – an

injury she had to rehab without access to gyms and group workouts during the height of the pandemic in 2020.

Despite the challenges of that year, Caspers made it through her recovery, returned to the Sydney Uni squad in the NSW women’s NPL and put in some strong performances.

Those performances caught the eye of United, and earned Caspers a contract with Canberra and a call up to the Women’s A League for the 2021/22 season.

She played her first game for Canberra in the club’s season opener in December, coming off the bench, but the wins didn’t come straight away as she was used to while playing with a dominant Sydney Uni team.

“When I was at Sydney Uni in the NPL we had a really strong side and we would win a lot of the games,” said Caspers.

“Coming to Canberra and having the losing streak was quite different and really tested a lot of people’s resilience.

“It was nice to see the team come together and fight and make every game count towards the end of the season.”

That fight was on display in the dominant victory over the Wanderers, and lit a spark under the Canberra side that started a late run of form.

After the win, United didn’t suffer a loss for the remainder of the year, going undefeated in its final five games including three draws against teams above it on the ladder.

The team missed out on the finals, finishing 11 points back from fifthplaced Perth Glory.

While the results mattered for Caspers, this season was about more than her team’s place on the ladder – it was about taking the next step in her career.

“My soccer has definitely improved during what has been a completely new experience,” said Caspers.

“I have really enjoyed living and playing in Canberra. It is really important for me to grab every opportunity I can, and making the move to Canberra is part of that.

“It has been a great season to test my soccer, how much I can push myself and what I can learn from players above me.

“If you’re not the most experienced player in the room and you are not learning anything,

then you are in the wrong room.”

The 22-year-old had plenty of experienced campaigners to learn from, including the reigning Julie Dolan Medallist, former Matildas’ striker Michelle Heyman.

“Having not performed as well at the start of the season, it can be quite disheartening for the team,” said Caspers.

“You have to rely on those people at the club with more experience, those leaders of the group, to really drive everyone’s want to win the game and show that we’re not giving up and we can still fight.

“Experienced players like Michelle, but also Grace Maher and even Laura Hughes really drove that team culture and made us know ‘we are still in it to win’.”

It is a mindset that Caspers will take back to Sydney, with the hopes of returning to the A-League in the future.

“I would love to play in the ALeague Women’s competition again, it has been a great season,” said Caspers.

“I’ve learnt in terms of touch, my vision for the game and team culture in Canberra.

“I definitely want to take that back to Sydney Uni and develop that there, but also keep developing my own game.”

Midfielder Holly Caspers… “If you’re not the most experienced player in the room and you are not learning anything, then you are in the wrong room.” Photo: Matt King

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HOUSING / why buying a house is so hard

How the government sets the market up to fail DURING a recent hearing of the ACT Standing Committee on Public Accounts the Chief Minister and Treasurer, Andrew Barr, stated that “there is not a correlation between the price of housing in areas where land supply is exhausted and the land is finite”.

Mr Barr went on to say: “Our landrelease program has influence on the price of housing in (only) the areas in which the land is released”.

Mr Barr apparently believes there are two separate housing markets in Canberra – one in established suburbs, and the other in newer, outer suburbs, and that there is no correlation between house prices in the two markets.

Not wishing to be impolite, but the Chief Minister is clearly mistaken, which may explain, in large measure, the current very serious failings in the ACT’s housing market.

There has been extensive literature published over the last five decades on the notion of the vacancy chain in the housing market. While a detailed discussion of the concept is beyond the scope of this article, it is well understood that housing choices and consumption change through the life cycle of a household.

For example, typically, a single person will transition from renting a unit to purchasing a unit or a small house after marrying or when

“The worth of a house is how much someone is prepared to pay for it, and that is not within the ACT government’s control.” JON STANHOPE and DR KHALID AHMED beg to differ with the Chief Minister. Here’s why… starting a family. Such a household may then purchase a larger house as the family grows, but subsequently move into a smaller house as children leave home and establish households themselves.

Housing stock is characterised by spatial immobility and durability. However, the housing market is characterised by mobility through the various transitions in the lifecycle of a household, and mobility between existing suburbs and new release suburbs.

It is a fact that a large proportion of newly released land is purchased by existing homeowners seeking to transition into housing consistent with their changing needs, while the sale of established housing assists newly formed households and those moving into first home ownership.

The ACT government’s “Taxation Review” report revealed that more than three quarters (76 per cent) of existing housing stock in Canberra changed hands within 20 years and that a significant proportion of that stock was purchased by first homebuyers.

There are, obviously, several submarkets within the housing market,

for example, units, townhouses and detached dwellings, existing and new release, rental housing and owneroccupied, etcetera.

However, any suggestion, such as that conveyed by the Chief Minister, that what happens in one submarket has no bearing on any other betrays a worrying lack of understanding of the housing market.

According to data released by the ABS, there were around 9200 dwelling transfers in the ACT in 2021, representing around 5 per cent of housing stock. While the actual number of transfers has remained stable (with some fluctuations) over the past decade, the proportion of stock changing hands has declined due to an increase in dwelling stock.

According to the “Affordable Housing Taskforce Report” in 2007, about 10 per cent of the stock, at that time, was transferred annually. A decrease of this magnitude in the proportion of housing stock in Canberra being transferred reveals a significant disruption in the vacancy chain.

We are not aware of any research into why households are staying relatively longer in their existing

dwelling. However, research into the housing preferences of Canberrans, commissioned by the ACT government (Winton “Sustainable Research Strategies”, 2015) provides an insight into the yawning disconnect between the government’s current land supply policies and those preferences.

The Winton report revealed that 91 per cent of Canberra households advised that their preferred housing choice was a standalone dwelling.

The government’s land release policy, as we highlighted in November, completely disregards the preferred housing choice of an overwhelming majority of Canberrans.

For example, total land supply in the ACT decreased from 5048 dwelling sites in 2010-11 to an average of around 3700 sites over the following 10 years. Supply of detached housing sites decreased from more than 3500 blocks in 2010-11 to a mere 329 blocks of land in 2014-15.

It is hardly surprising then, that turnover in the established housing market has decreased. To the extent that there is a dissociation between the established and new release submarkets, it is because the government has deliberately slashed the supply of land for new housing.

Continued Page 13.

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home buyers The Winton report revealed that 91 per cent of Canberra households preferred housing choice was a standalone dwelling.

The government’s land release policy completely disregards the housing choice of an overwhelming majority of Canberrans.

From Page 12.

Mr Barr, nevertheless, declared: “There are 185,000 dwellings in the ACT and land release is in the thousands each year. As I said, it is two per cent of the total market.

So you cannot expect two per cent to shift to 98 per cent. There are other factors, including low interest rates and planning and zoning, and of course income levels.

“In the end, the price of housing is the interaction of supply and demand. The worth of a house is how much someone is prepared to pay for it, and that is not within the ACT government’s control.”

We consider, with respect, that the Chief Minister’s analogy reflects a failure to understand the basic mechanics of supply and demand.

The fallacy of the comparison the Chief Minister makes is readily illustrated if one, for example, was to assume that the existing 2 per cent new release supply were to be cut (say) to 1 per cent or zero. Is the Chief Minister seriously suggesting that if that was to occur that there would be no effect on house prices across the whole of Canberra.

However, we do agree with one statement made by the Chief Minister, namely that the price of housing is the “interaction of supply and demand”.

But rather than blaming the unaffordable house prices in Canberra on the Reserve Bank for current monetary policy settings, or on Canberra households seeking to benefit from favourable fi-

nancing conditions in order to enter the housing market, the Chief Minister and his Labor and Greens colleagues could do what is in their complete control, ie supply sufficient land to meet demand.

We do, of course, recognise the precarious state of the ACT Budget, the high levels of net debt and the persistent deficits over a long period before the pandemic, primarily due to the government’s financial management practices and policy priorities.

Constraint on land supply has very conveniently provided additional revenues through abnormal profits, as we highlighted previously, with the gross profit margin for the ACT’s land supply agency increasing from 25 per cent in 2010-11 to 84 per cent in 2017-18.

The social and economic costs of the harsh government constraint on land supply are significant and enduring. They include a barrier to mobility into homeownership, a permanent and increasing divide between the “haves” and “have nots”, high mortgage costs and long mortgages for young families, delayed retirement, and increased levels of poverty in retirement.

The benefits of increasing house values for the existing homeowners are not only at the expense of others who cannot enter the housing market, they are also illusory.

Rather than cheap and inane point scoring, these issues warrant serious deliberation and thoughtful policy responses.

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CityNews March 31-April 6, 2022 13

LETTERS

Write to us: editor@citynews.com.au

Questions lead to less information and more spin PAUL Costigan is right to criticise local ABC for allowing the NCA to get away with propagandising the approval process for the second stage of the light rail (CN March 17).

The problem is the ABC as a whole is allowing its interviewing quality to be diminished by thinking that leading questions will spur meaningful information from officialdom. A leading, or closed question, puts a proposition that the interviewee is expected to agree with, all too often with the hope the guest will fall into an admission of error over an issue. For example, “Do you think that your decision will cost you votes at the next election?”

Even in my day, when officials and politicians were untrained in media techniques, this was a practice that we journalists were warned to be very careful with and even a half-smart guest knew how to avoid the so-called “gotcha” trap.

Today interviewees are extremely well trained by a veritable army of media advisers, so the likelihood of an inadvertent admission of culpability or even poor judgement is less than zero.

Yet, the leading question has become the norm, rather than a carefully considered rarity.

Why, though, has it been allowed to become so in the ABC, which for years has rightly prided itself on setting journalistic standards, I don’t know. The result though, is that audiences are getting less and less real information, but more and more PR-inspired spin.

Eric Hunter, Cook

What have we done to deserve this lot?

THE article by Jon Stanhope and Dr Khalid Ahmed (CN March 17) is totally shocking, about the truly appalling performance of the current ACT government on public housing.

When that is put together with all the other important areas where this government has dropped the ball (see letter in the same issue by Robin Underwood), you really have to ask what is going on here?

Surely it can’t all be due to the unjustified and vastly excessive expenditure on that rampaging “white elephant”, Light Rail Stage 2?

The excellent cartoon strip “Keeping up the ACT” (CN March 17) gives some insights into this, identifying various drones cynically

Tanya Plibersek and you will be on a winner.

But you can’t wait until after the Budget, then it will be too late.

Julie Finch-Scally, Narrabundah

Housing ACT is broken, a review is overdue

Cartoon: Paul Dorin deployed by the Chief Minister – “Mick Flicker Minus”, “the Aero-Shane” and “the Steel Parrot”. What have we done to deserve this lot?

Richard Johnston, Kingston

Peeping drones steal our privacy MURRAY May wrote (Letters, CN March 17) and asked, “Drones: who’s in charge?”.

Yes, CASA regulates aircraft and aircraft noise, but the ACT government has the ability to regulate drones and it is dishonest when it claims that it cannot.

In an October letter to the Australian government on drone regulation, the relevant minister – Tara Cheyne – told the Australian government that the ACT government may be able to regulate the use of land by drone operators, including by regulating “local nuisance and hours of operation”. This could effectively limit Wing’s operations via the Territory Plan 2008.

Also, the Nature Conservation Act 2014 is used to prohibit drone operations in ACT Nature Reserves.

Wing has strategically (sic) placed its Mitchell operations so that to the east, south and west, Wing regularly overflies three nature reserves, all mixed grasslands and forests with high conservation value and abundant birdlife. We should not let the ACT government dishonestly deny any responsibility for drone regulation.

The ACT government favours Wing, as a commercial operation that is ground breaking. For what, urgent coffee delivery that a multinational with deep pockets is paying for so that consumers aren’t charged? Not yet anyway. Hardly commercial.

Also, Wing invades our privacy and it is Google that is invited; an information-mining company. Google’s backyard peeping cameras are claimed to be low resolution – lower resolution than what? They steal privacy.

It is disappointing, no wonder independents thrive.

Brett Goyne, Giralang

It’s time for Tanya to take over I read with interest the column (“Here they come, despite no date”, CN March 17) by Michael Moore. Good to know that I wasn’t the only one to notice the new suit and reduced weight of Anthony Albanese.

Unfortunately, as the saying goes, “clothes don’t make the man”.

And, as much as Mr Albanese changes his appearance, it still hasn’t altered his personality. When it comes to leadership material, the Labor Party needs someone with a personality that people not only warm to, but feel have a vision, and that is something I, and many others, have not seen in Mr Albanese.

Over the past six months I have discussed this forthcoming election with many people from all walks of life and, after much debate, I drop in thoughts about having Tanya Plibersek as Leader of the Opposition, and the whole nature of the discussion changes.

So many people have told me they would vote Labor if Ms Plibersek was at the helm, but although they pray and hope “Scotty from Marketing” won’t be re-elected, they are in a quandary as to who they will vote for on the day.

To those silent men in the back room of the Labor Party, change the leadership to

OURS and our family’s experiences with bad public housing tenants over many years, tenants who have been violent, abusive, who have dealt drugs, trashed their yards and vandalised publicly funded properties, has been horrendous.

Complaints to Housing ACT have been met by one huge government brick wall.

Nothing has been done to address these issues or respond adequately to complaints by several neighbours, both private and public. Tenancy privacy is no excuse for the destruction of publicly funded property or for ruining a neighbour’s right to quiet enjoyment in their own home.

The ACT government has sat back and allowed the deterioration of its housing stock and tenancy management over many years.

As a footnote: The two housing properties next to us are now to be demolished so additional Housing ACT units can take their place. Without any enforcement of a tenant’s “rights and responsibilities”, heaven help us all. Housing ACT is broken and a full review is well overdue.

A Chapple, via citynews.com.au

Renewable energy isn’t cheap NOW that the Mike Cannon-Brookes’ renewable-energy fizzer is behind us, it remains that the climate change/renewable energy issue will probably be the deciding factor in the coming election.

Unfortunately, there is very little appreciation of what must be done to bring about the widely held expectations for the energy sector.

Putting aside the irony that coal is our second biggest export earner, I quote from the 2022 Draft Integrated System Plan (DISP) for the National Energy Market (NEM): “By 2050, without coal, the NEM will require 45GW/620GWh (gigawatt hours) of storage, in all its forms.”

That is sufficient energy to run the entire eastern grid today for more than a day. The required dispatchable rate of 45GW is more than 20 times the generation capacity of Snowy Hydro 2.

The DISP also requires an additional 10,000 kilometres of new transmission lines “to connect geographically and technologically diverse, low-cost generation and firming with consumers”, as well as two-way electricity flow.

It will take a lot more than a change of government to meet these enormous system and technology challenges. The first thing will be to defuse the idea that renewable energy is cheap.

John L Smith, Farrer

Inner-north minority laps up the tram DANNY Corvini ( Letters, CN March 17) , opines that he has never heard anyone from the inner north complain about the gold-plated “Rattenbury Rattler” [the tram].

Why should they?

As a minority group living in the inner north, they are the beneficiaries at the expense of the rest of the ACT community who, aside from having to wear most of the substantial initial capital cost, will have to contribute towards its maintenance over the rest of its commercial life without getting any benefit themselves.

Mario Stivala, Belconnen

Snipers have come a long way I WAS astonished to learn from the letter

by Colliss Parrett (“What’s the longest rifle shot?”, CN March 24) that a Canadian sniper neutralised an ISIS target at a distance of more than 3540 metres.

I was a member of the Canberra Rifle Club for about 20 years back in the ‘50s and ‘60s.

We used ex-army Lee Enfield .303 calibre heavy-barrel (snipers’) rifles. The pinnacle of achievement was to hit a 30-inch (76cm) diameter bullseye 16 times from 900 yards (823 metres). My personal best was eight shots in a four-inch (10cm) circle from 600 yards (549 metres).

At the time, these were accomplishments to be proud of, because we used open “peep” sights, the ammunition was standard military issue, and its large calibre and relatively slow muzzle velocity meant that it was strongly affected by the wind.

Modern snipers’ rifles with telescopic sights and modern ammunition have taken the skill of snipers a very long way in 60 years!

Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

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POLITICS / ACT Opposition Report Card

AXIS HAIRDRESSING

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Mute Libs fail to keep World-class cutter has pressure on ‘stale’ Barr a real flair for hair HOW effective is the Elizabeth Lee-led ACT Assembly Opposition?

Governments in our parliamentary systems are strengthened by strong, effective oppositions. Oppositions that question the government closely, demand answers and hold the government accountable are doing their job as the “alternative government”.

Criticisms have been levelled at the ACT government for being “stale” and “complacent” after more than two decades in power. However, there are also accountability questions when the focus of the lens is the Canberra Liberal Opposition.

Well over a year after the ACT election there can be no excuses about management and performance. Shadow portfolios should have been bedded in and those responsible ought to be up to speed in understanding the strengths, achievements and what can be improved as they interrogate the directorates for which they have responsibility.

One of the most effective accountability mechanisms for any opposition is the examination of annual reports through the Estimates Committee process. This year Annual Reports Estimates were held from the last week in February to the end of the first week in March. Annual reports meet appropriate standards of accountability and, as such, provide extraordinary insights into each of the ministerial portfolios.

Just three opposition media releases emanated from the hearings this year. James Milligan questioned Minister Chris Steel on “why so little funding went to the independent sector following a recent ‘Report on Government Services’ that indicates almost 80 per cent of students in the VET sector attend private and independent RTO’s yet receive less than 20 per cent of funding”.

In an appropriate criticism, Mr Mulligan pointed out that the Minister had failed “to back the quality of training provided by the independent sector”.

Such a challenge should put the Minister on notice to ensure that the quality of training in the independent sector is at least at the same standard as that of the Canberra Institute of Technology.

Another release coming out of the Estimates hearing on annual reports was from Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee who was able to ascertain that Cabinet decisions were being delayed.

Rather than being published within a month – there was at least a six-month delay. Her questioning exposed either lack of transparency or incompetence by the Chief Minister.

Leanne Castley used the Health Directorate’s annual report to expose failures in elective surgery with nearly 800 people missing out on having their elective surgery on time. However, there were opportunities missed! What about the real waiting lists – those people who have been referred by their GP but not yet assessed by ACT Health? What is the size of this undeclared waiting list? How long are people waiting to move from referral

WILLIAM Petterson, who has cut and styled hair around the world for 18 years, has joined Axis Hairdressing, in Braddon.

Opposition leader Elizabeth Lee… “It was like a breath of fresh air when the moderate Elizabeth Lee took over as leader,” says Michael Moore. stage to getting on to the official list?

These are just three examples. The nature of this sort of Annual Report Estimates Committee is that there should be countless examples. And the Opposition should be making them public so that the community can also understand where the government needs to improve.

The political strategy of some jurisdictional oppositions has been to keep a low profile following the political adage that “governments lose elections, oppositions don’t win them”. This tactic has never worked in the ACT. So what is containing or limiting the Liberal Party Opposition? Are each of the MLAs free enough to question the government? Do they have enough resources to forensically examine the annual reports? Are they restricted by centralised party processes or individually free to really drive home issues in their own portfolios?

The Canberra Liberals need to be very public in presenting themselves as the alternative government. It was like a breath of fresh air when the moderate Elizabeth Lee took over as leader. It really looked like they might be able to challenge for government at the next election. However, a strong opposition performance speaks to the potential for an effective government.

It is difficult to judge, as an outsider, what is retarding the efforts of the Liberal Opposition.

No doubt they work hard on constituency and other issues. However, where they are focused and how they present to the public does not provide enough confidence as yet to see them as an effective alternative government.

It is difficult to judge what is retarding the efforts of the Liberal Opposition. No doubt they work hard, but how they present to the public does not provide enough confidence as yet to see them as an effective alternative government.

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

William, from Glasgow, Scotland, has taught and mentored in the hairdressing industry in London, Russia, Europe and Australia.

“I specialise in all aspects of cutting hair, everything including afros,” says William who began his career in hair at 16 years old.

“In the UK, mostly we focus on either cut or colour, and I was pretty good at the cut side of things, so I basically learnt to cover all aspects, specialising in everything that you are able to cover.”

He says he brings his fresh approach to everyone who walks in the door.

“It’s about problem solving and suitability,” William says.

“My thing is creating something that’s going to be manageable for the client, because at the end of the day we can have our clients in the salon chair and can make them look amazing, but the important thing is when they go home and do their own hair, it has to look amazing then.

William says that his passion for hair came from his mum, who is a hairdresser and has her own salon, although William has never worked with her: “I’ve always tried to build myself up. I’m fortunate, and I’ve worked hard. I’ve done hair shows and hair exhibitions and all that, which is cool. I absolutely can’t complain.”

Hairdresser and educator William Petterson…

“I specialise in all aspects of cutting hair, everything including afros.”

William’s top tip for clients to get the best out of their hairstyle? Use products.

“It’s crazy how many clients don’t use products at home, and expect the same result as you get here.

Every single person in here uses products before they blow-dry hair, that’s how we get the hair to look as good as it does. Something so simple as products can make a big difference in styling your hair at home.”

William says that his move to Canberra and joining the highly-awarded team at Axis Hairdressing has been a very positive experience.

“At Axis, the standard is high, the team is good, we have a lot of fun, and it’s a nice, easy atmosphere.”

Established in 1991, Axis Hairdressing is an awardwinning team.

William prides himself on being exceptional at what he does. He says salons have brought him in to help lift and build the standards in newer members of staff, and he says that in the past he has guided people into winning awards such as Australian Hairdresser of the Year and Educator of the Year.

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WHIMSY / history of playing cards

Ace it with the suicide kings and the death card … You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em Know when to fold ‘em Know when to walk away And know when to run

– “The Gambler”, Kenny Rogers

MOST people who play card games probably give little thought to the cards they’re playing with, but playing cards have an interesting history.

The most common pack of playing cards used in the world today is the standard 52-card deck, known as the English-pattern pack. It originated in Britain in 1480 based on imported French playing cards from Rouen and Antwerp. All early cards were single-headed, but around 1860, the double-headed cards used on modern decks first appeared.

The fanciful design on the Ace of Spades began in the reign of James I (1603-1625). He passed a law requiring an insignia on that card as proof of payment of tax. From then until 1960, decks of playing cards printed and sold in the UK were taxed and sealed with a government duty wrapper.

A standard 52-card deck comprises 13 of each of four suits: Clubs (♣), Diamonds (♦), Hearts (♥) and Spades (♠). Each suit includes three “court” cards: the King, Queen and Jack, all

More to playing cards than meets the eye. with double-headed images. Each suit also includes 10 numeral cards, from 1 to 10. The card with just one “pip” is the Ace. French card makers in the late 16th century standardised the suits of Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, and Clubs with the four “Kings”: David, Alexander, Charlemagne and Augustus.

Two of the Kings are referred to as “Suicide Kings”. The King of Hearts is typically shown with a sword behind his head, making him appear to be stabbing himself. Similarly, the one-eyed King of Diamonds is typically shown with an axe behind his head with the blade facing toward him. These depictions, and their

blood-red colour, led to the nickname “Suicide Kings”.

The Queen of Hearts is Judith, a biblical figure. The Queen of Diamonds is Rachel, also a biblical figure. The Queen of Spades is Pallas, another name for the goddess Athena.

The Queen of Clubs is Argine, an anagram of Regina (Latin for “queen”).

The Queen of Spades usually holds a sceptre and is sometimes known as “the bedpost queen” or “black lady”.

She also is the only queen facing left.

In many decks, the Queen of Clubs holds a flower so is known as the “flower queen”.

The Jack or Knave has a man in courtier dress, generally associ-

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ated with Europe of the 16th or 17th century. The usual rank of a Jack is between the 10 and the Queen. The Jack is probably Ogier the Dane (a knight of Charlemagne).

The Ace of Spades, unique with its large, ornate spade, is sometimes referred to as the Death Card, and in some games is used as a trump card.

It is traditionally the highest and most valued card in the deck of playing cards in English-speaking countries. It is often used as a military unit symbol. Some American units in Vietnam used it as a psychological weapon, leaving the Ace of Spades on the bodies of dead Viet Cong.

The Joker is a playing card found in most modern card decks as an addition to the standard four suits. The Joker originated in the US during the Civil War; it was created as a trump card for the game of Euchre. In many card games the Joker is a “wild card” that can be used as any card.

There are many expressions from playing cards in everyday speech – to lay one’s cards on the table (to be open), to know which card to play (to be astute), a person can be described as “several cards short of a full deck” (a bit slow on the uptake), to play one’s

cards right (to take advantage of an opportunity), a house of cards (a weak structure prone to collapse), to keep one’s cards close to the chest (to be secretive), to mark someone’s card (to tip them off), to ace it (to win well) etcetera.

To end on a lighter note: A man confides it is his wife’s 40th birthday in two days, and she had told him she would like something with diamonds. He goes out and buys her a nice pack of playing cards.

A man walks into a bar. After buying a beer he looks around and sees three men and a dog playing bridge.

Amazed, the man wanders over and starts watching the card game. After watching for 10 minutes, the man leans over to the dog’s partner and whispers “That’s one really smart dog!”. The man whispers back gloomily “Not really - when he gets a good hand, he wags his tail!”

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

WINTER WARMERS

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Warm inspiration for the cold months ahead ANOTHER of the capital’s notoriously chilly winters is just around the corner, but there are businesses around the place that know how to keep the cold at bay.

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

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

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

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

From April 1 to 30, NAOT of Canberra will also hold an end-of-summer sale where all shoes in stock will be 25 per cent off.

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

While Canberrans rug up, boil the kettle, and turn on the heater, “CityNews” speaks to those passionate about keeping people warm and cosy as the colder months arrive.

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“Under the same umbrella we do blinds and awnings including roller blinds, romans, verticals, shutters, outdoor awnings, retractable roofs and more,” she says.

Leonie, who runs the business with her partner Paul, says that together the team at Carpet One have more than 50 years of flooring and window experience.

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WINTER WARMERS

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

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

“No other heating system provides the all-round benefits of floor heating,” says a P.A.P. Heating Solutions spokesman. “It is efficient to install and run and is generally maintenance free as it doesn’t require cleaning or replacement of filters.

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

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

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BLINDS and curtains that provide insulation are ideal for keeping homes warm this winter, says BMAC Window Furnishings owner Ben McCallum.

“People tend to think that the best way to insulate is by using blackout curtains but there are so many great products available,” says Ben, who started BMAC Window Furnishings with his wife Allana more than a decade ago from a home office, which has since grown to a showroom in Queanbeyan with 10 staff.

“As well as curtains, honeycomb blinds do a great job, with hexagonal shaped cells that hold air in the pockets, keeping homes cool in summer, warm in winter and reducing energy bills [too].

“Verosol silverscreen blinds are [also] popular because the metallic fabric offers effective heat control [and] they’re translucent so people can still enjoy their outlook.”

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Automation of blinds has been in high demand, too, according to Ben, who loves the Somfy smartphone application, which allows users to set timers and even close blinds from their phone while they’re away or at work.

But BMAC Window Furnishings doesn’t just offer window treatments for the home, it also caters for commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, government buildings, new apartment complexes and residential properties.

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EASTER

Ideas to make the most of the Easter weekend Church welcomes all for Holy Week celebrations

THE long Easter break serves as the last languid moment before the cold weather takes hold.

There’ll be plenty of time to spend with family, to share the company of friends, to eat out and to indulge a little.

In this special feature, “CityNews” highlights some of what’s happening in Canberra over the Easter holiday.

‘Eggstravaganza’ raffle at the Burns Club THE Burns Club in Kambah has been in existence for more than 90 years of Canberra’s 100-year history, and is preparing for its upcoming “Easter eggstravaganza,” says marketing manager Maddison Miller.

On April 14, its big easter raffle will kick off, with 20 easter baskets, 20 meat and seafood vouchers and two giant easter baskets.

Tickets will go on sale at 5.30pm, with the tickets drawn at 7pm.

“We’re a team of friendly staff, you’ll feel at home here,” Maddison says.

“We’ve got the Star Buffet so come on down for

THE All Saints Anglican Church in Ainslie is hosting a series of ceremonies throughout Holy Week that everyone is welcome to attend, says parish council member Betsy Dixon.

From Monday to Wednesday, the church will hold a mass at 6pm each night as well as one for Maundy Thursday at the same time.

There’ll be a Good Friday mass at 9am, and on Holy Saturday a lighting of the new fire and mass at 6pm.

For Easter Day itself, the church will hold a mass at 10am.

dinner, there’s also bar meals available and prices are cheap.”

The club has also been newly renovated with the addition of a new deck, “The Glen”, which is “the biggest outdoor entertainment area in Canberra, that has live music every Friday and Saturday from 7pm, and Sunday from 3pm,” says Maddison.

“We are aiming to become a live music hub for the southside and we create a safe family-friendly environment.”

The Burns Club, 28 Kett Street, Kambah.

Call 6296 2425, or visit burnsclub.com.au

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Betsy says that following a few years where people have been unable to regularly attend mass, hosting the ceremonies throughout the week will be an extra special time to reflect and contemplate.

“Whether you’re a one-time churchgoer or a regular attendee of our services, everyone is welcome to come celebrate this Easter,” she says.

All Saints Anglican Church, 9 Cowper Street, Ainslie. Call 6248 7420 or visit allsaintsainslie.org.au

advertising feature

Holy Week and Easter Services

Aviary offers a great time amongst birds PARROTS, finches, doves and quail are among the birds ready to interact at the Canberra Walk-in Aviary over the long weekend, says owner and manager Mick Logan.

“The aviary is great fun for all ages. Now is the best time to get up close and personal with a range of friendly, free-flying birds,” he says.

“While not all birds will interact with you, visitors get the chance to observe, up close, species of birds that otherwise would be hard to see in the wild.

“We provide a small plate of food and a tub of mealworms and you can wander around and feed the birds.

“Providing the weather is fine, you can have a great time feeding the birds, taking photos or just observing our feathered friends.”

The aviary is a 1000sqm planted walk-in enclosure that has more than 500 birds from about 65 different species from Australia and the world, Mick says.

Gold Creek Village has three other attractions, as well

as cafes, gift shops and a garden centre, so it’s a great place for a day out after visiting the aviary.

The aviary is open every day, 10am-5pm, with last admissions at 4.30pm.

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

A selection of services for Easter reflection WITH three locations across Canberra, the Mosaic Baptist Church is offering the community a wealth of opportunities to celebrate and reflect this Easter.

On Good Friday, its church in Page will host two masses at 8.45am and 10.30am. The Gungahlin Church will be hosting one mass at 9.30am, and an “interactive service” with a light meal will be held at its Evatt church at 5.30pm.

On Easter Sunday, a special sunrise service will be held at 7am at Diddams Close, Lake Ginninderra.

In Page there will be two services, one at 8.45am and one at 10.30am. In Gungahlin there will be one at 9.30am and in Evatt there’ll be one at 10am and one at 5pm.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the church’s leadership team says it’s excited to celebrate Easter with the Canberra community.

“Mosaic’s different congregations reflect the diverse range of ordinary people from the broader community – people from all ages, backgrounds and nationalities,” says the church.

“We gather together to learn more about God, to enjoy the music and the friendship of other like-minded people and to help and support one another.”

Mosaic Baptist Churches at 18 Dallachy Street, Page; 8 Chomley Court, Evatt and 7/160 Lysaght Street, Mitchell.

Call 6254 6565 or visit mosaicbaptist.org.au

EASTER AT MOSAIC join us

Good Friday 15th April

HOLY WEEK Mon - Wed 6pm Mass

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OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR (EXCEPT DEC. 25) Unit 13 Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls Phone 6230 2044 | canberrawalkinaviary.com.au CityNews March 31-April 6, 2022 21

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Edible grape vines… prune when the weather is cold and the vine has gone into dormancy and the sap has stopped flowing.

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Photos: Jackie Warburton

Compost gold in autumn leaves

By Jackie

WARBURTON WITH autumn now in full swing, there will be leaves to collect and they are gold to any hard-core gardener.

Autumn leaves are a great source of carbon, which is essential to the composting process. Large leaves can be mowed over to break them down so they can compost quicker or a mulching machine will also work well. The smaller the leaves the faster they decompose.

The two most important materials for creating compost are green fleshy material and brown dry material. Generally, a 50/50 mix of green and brown material will get compost started and keep it moist.

If the compost bin or pile doesn’t

smell that great, the balance is wrong. Add dry material if it’s wet and soggy or wet material if it is dry.

A compost should be in touch with the soil to help worms find the compost and assist in breaking down the material even faster. Turn the compost pile over with a fork to allow the air to get into it and when all the material is unrecognisable and dark in colour it is ready for putting into the garden.

Composting garden leaves is not only for sustainable reasons but ecological reasons as well. It stops leaf litter getting into the drains and minimises the risk of blue-green algal blooms in lakes and waterways.

AUTUMN is the perfect time to plant a hedge in Canberra and, in fact, any evergreens should be planted now for best establishment before winter’s cold weather sets in.

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With the good rains we have had, the soil will be a little easier to dig.

Add a good amount of organic matter and any manures and mix with existing soil to get good results.

When planting a hedge, plant the shrubs in a trench and not individual holes. This will give the whole hedge a better root system to grow evenly and prevent plants dying out when mature.

For a small hedge, about 50cm tall, plant 20-30cm apart and for a larger hedge, a metre or more, plant 70cm apart or generally three plants a metre will give you a good, thick hedge. Trimming hedges as they grow is really important to get a thick hedge from top to bottom.

Trim little but often and slowly grow to the desired height.

AUTUMN crocus (Sternbergia lutea) is a sweet little bulb I grow at the base of some trees to add a splash of colour in autumn. Once established, it is easy to care for and ideal for a small garden or also can be grown in a pot. Its flowers are full of nectar and the pollen is food for the bees and other pollinators.

EDIBLE grape vines can be pruned now as the fruit should have been picked. They are pruned differently to an ornamental vine.

Cane pruning is required for the first three years or so and from then spur pruning is needed for fruit production.

Each year the shoots or canes that grow horizontally are pruned back to form spurs or little stubs with two or three buds. This is where next year’s cluster of fruit will come from.

Prune when the weather is cold and the vine has gone into dormancy and the sap has stopped flowing. If your vine is bleeding when the canes are cut, leave for a few more weeks.

I have crimson seedless table grapes growing under the eaves of the verandah and it is difficult for the birds to get them there and easier to net.

This year I have had my worst crop. It succumbed to powdery mildew and other fungal issues. I have seen this a lot over the last month, and it is due to all the rain that we have been having. Removal of all leaves from the ground will help lessen the spread of the fungal spores for the next season and I will be spraying my vines every month throughout winter with copper oxychloride to keep on top of this issue and, hopefully, get rid of it by next season.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Forever young, Canberra Youth Theatre at 50 COVER STORY

By Helen Musa

WITH the hashtag #50yearsyoung, Canberra Youth Theatre celebrates its half century this year.

The year of fun begins with a revival of a famous Australian play about peer group pressure, “Dags,” and ends with a leap into the future through Kate Walder’s “Soul Trading,” set in 2079.

“Dags” is particularly heart to the hearts of Youth Theatre and its present director, Luke Rogers, because it was commissioned by the company from playwright Debra Oswald in 1984-85 and staged by them before going on to national and international fame.

It centres on 16-year-old Gillian, chocolate addict, misfit and takes a look at body image, so relevant that the 2022 cast can’t believe it was written in the ‘80s.

But Canberra Youth Theatre started well before that, emerging out of Canberra Children’s Theatre in 1972 under director Carol Woodrow – 50 years ago.

The original aim was to provide young people aged between six and 25 with the opportunity to find their own theatrical voices.

Under Woodrow, who stayed until 1979, the kids were encouraged to add their own dialogue, song and physical work with shows such as “The Rising Generation” in 1973, involving 100 young people aged between eight and 20.

“I never shy away from using classic texts with young performers, but I would be very careful about the way they use them so they become something of love and joy for the kids,” she said at the time.

Social events such as bush dances, barbecues and cricket matches were common, then in the ‘80s, no fewer than 50 plays were staged.

But a revolutionary spirit was in the air, so under directors John Oakley, Tim Mackay, Steve Payne, Gail Kelly and Amanda Field, the company officially aimed at getting kids to “discuss and evaluate themselves in relation to society.”

A promotional cartoon was released, signalling the idea of building a better

1985 ‘Young Playwrights conference’

2020 ‘Normal’

1997 ‘The Maze’

‘70s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

1985 ‘Dags’ poster

1993 ‘Gormenghast’

2012 ‘Psychosis’

world with freedom and justice, matched by group-devised works about people with disabilities, women in the media, teenage revolution and the agony of adolescence – that’s where “Dags” came in.

There was fun, too, with “The Adventures of the Super Space Pongs” in 1987, written and performed by seven to 11-year-olds under Monica Barone, now the CEO of the City of Sydney.

The 1990s, under director Roland Manderson and his colleague and successor Linda McHugh, saw a reach outward with

2004 ‘Generation’

a tour to Adelaide of “Gormenghast”, based on Mervyn Peake’s book, followed by a revamped version, which in 1993 took over the whole of Gorman House (get it?

Gormen=Gorman) with a cast of hundreds.

The 2000s saw a return to group-devised plays, but present-day director Rogers has focused on professionalism, forming “Emerge”, a pre-professional company for 1825s, and says his focus is on “intelligent and challenging theatre”. He’s also negotiated space with the Canberra Theatre Centre for the whole 2022 season.

Inevitably, Canberra Youth Theatre produced a crop of famous alumni, such as producer David Bates, the man behind The Famous Spiegeltent; Tim Ferguson, of Doug Anthony All-Stars fame and glamorous screen actress Samara Weaving.

The team of tutors and directors also included important figures such as Camilla Blunden and daredevil “Splinters” co-creator, the late David Branson.

Playwriting has always been central, with alumni such as Mary Rachel Brown, Tasnim Hossain and Liv Hewson going on to fame

The Creation

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Classical

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7:30pm 29 and 30 April 2022 Fitters’ Workshop

7:30pm 1 May 2022 Fitters’ Workshop

“And there was light!”

The thunderous joy of Haydn’s greatest oratorio opens the Festival. Cast with the finest voices from Australia and New Zealand, this Creation is in the hands of our period specialists: The Australian Haydn Ensemble.

Featuring two of New Zealand’s musical heavyweights, Horomona Horo, one of the gentle giants of Māori music, and the distinguished New Zealand String Quartet. This evocative program combines string quartet culture with the ancient sounds of the Māori instruments.

interstate.

Multiple prize-winning Queanbeyan writer Tommy Murphy had his first play staged by Canberra Youth Theatre in 1996 and Canberra’s Joanna Richards is currently working on a playwright’s commission.

“CityNews” theatre reviewer, Simone Penkethman, joined the company around 1978 then, after university, worked as musical director for “Animal Farm the Musical”, directed by Manderson at the new Street Theatre.

Penkethman went on to tutor drama classes and worked as a composer, musical director, director, company administrator and tutor until around 2007, and says: “One of the great joys of working with teenagers was supporting them to try new instruments, listen to each other, play together, and write their own songs.”

Pip Buining, who came in as director in around 2005, says she always felt she was a “custodian,” focusing on access and equity for young people of diverse backgrounds.

“It wasn’t about me, it was about the young people,” she says, proudly describing her 2007 production of “Comfort” at Gorman House which she, artist Louise Morris and collaborators, took a whole year to develop and create with the kids.

Recent director Katie Cawthorne continued this practice of focusing on developing youth-devised plays, with a lot of physical theatre elements.

Youth Theatre members used to be a rambunctious lot, known for taking over parks and public spaces to perform, but Rogers is running a tight ship these days, with an emphasis on high production values.

“The ‘80s and ‘90s were synonymous with community theatre,” he says.

“While community is still very important, there’s been more of a shift to being valued and respected as a key company of the theatre sector.”

Even so, Rogers says they’re having a lot of fun with “Dags”, its music (think Icehouse and Cyndi Lauper) and its costume department, because ‘80s fashion is back and as they embark on the 50th birthday, everything old is new again.

“Dags”, Courtyard Studio, April 19.

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CityNews March 31-April 6, 2022 23

THEATRE / Belle Shakespeare

Meet theatre history’s most famous wicked stepfather

By Helen

MUSA Beef Wellington… perfectly pink and easily cut with a fork.

Photo: Wendy Johnson

DINING / Buvette Bistro and Wine Bar

Six years on, glorious and still exciting on all counts

By Wendy

JOHNSON SIX years ago, I entered Buvette Bistro and Wine Bar, Hotel Realm, for the first time, writing then that the fit-out oozes gorgeous, with beautiful tones, textures and attention to detail. Très chic.

I had been twice at that stage (one visit “sweet” and one visit a tad “sour”).

Fast forward to 2022 and I found myself at Buvette once more, after visiting “Van Gogh Alive”, with a party of six.

It was a glorious and exciting experience on all counts – wine, food, service, ambience.

The menu spans shared plates, charcuterie and cheese, oysters, a grill section, a Wagyu section and desserts. We focused on sharing, always a delightful way to socialise with foodie friends.

We began with the Vanella burrata, a beautiful, soft texture and stunning with gorgeous chunks of smoked heirloom red beet and golden beet dancing about the plate ($22). It’s a visually inspiring dish that sings with the 25 year-old Pedro Ximenez balsamic vinegar.

Next were sensational grilled prawns which exploded with flavour and were another feast for the eyes ($22). We squirted loads of fresh lime on top and loved the Thai chilli butter and prawn oil. The prawns were cooked with skill.

Our meat selections included a mouth-watering lamb shoulder with a garlic and eschalots confit, pomme lyonnaise and a rich, silky braising jus ($65). A very-French-influenced plate, and totally flavour driven. The lamb was succulent and super tender. True sophistication.

There was no way we were going to pass by the Beef Wellington. It was a show-stopper and no doubt an all-time fave for Buvette fans (500 grams $85 and a 25-minute wait, but well worth it). The beef was perfectly pink and easily cut with a fork. It is testimony to Buvette’s devotion to quality produce. The “Buvette butter” added a decadent element and the side salad – fresh and perky – cut through the richness.

The grilled miso broccolini is a must-have side ($9), with its earthy tones and crunchy taste. The fennel salad ($9) was created with a winning combo of ingredients, cucumber, carrot, tangy pomegranate, celery, radicchio.

So colourful and inviting, with the sherry vinaigrette balanced “just so”.

Buvette’s wine list is extensive, carefully selective and reveals many secrets for the patient reader. We adored the Cep By Cep Anjou Blanc (2018) from France ($80 bottle).

It was service with a smile all round at Buvette, even though we started a bit later than planned. There was no attempt to rush us out the door, either. Indeed, the staff were delighted that we were so delighted.

I’ll be back, and soon. Perhaps for the signature Lillet Mode De Vie aperitif before making my way to a table to enjoy a chef’s choice plat pour deux. Délicieux.

HAMLET’S uncle, King Claudius, has always been an intriguing character for audiences and actors alike, so contradictory are the views about him.

To Hamlet, he’s an absolute creep – “the bloat king”, “a satyr” and a “serpent”.

But to most people at the Danish court, Polonius, Laertes and the ambassadors, he’s a perfectly appropriate person to be running Denmark, even if he did marry his late brother’s wife a bit too quickly.

And he’s a good bloke who’ll have a drink with you.

Of course, they don’t know he’s also a murderer, and thereby hangs the plot of Shakespeare’s most famous play.

Ray Chong Nee plays Claudius in Peter Evans’ updated version of “Hamlet” for Bell Shakespeare, set in a trendy 1960s Denmark and with Harriet GordonAnderson as Hamlet.

When I catch up with him, we don’t concentrate on the cross-gender casting.

After all, Bell did it spectacularly well with Kate Mulvany as Richard III and Gordon-Anderson says she’s playing the melancholy Dane as a man, so that’s how Chong Nee will treat him/her.

We’re more interested in how he approaches the most famous wicked stepfather in theatrical history.

“No one thinks they are absolutely evil, We all negotiate some things, but my character is quintessentially human,” Chong Nee says.

As an actor building his character, he has to take into account what the fratricide king says and does as well as what other people say about him, but one thing he’s absolutely sure of is that Claudius is remorseful about having bumped off his older brother, Hamlet senior.

The other thing is he’s a man very much in love with his brother’s widow, Gertrude, played in this production by John Bell’s daughter, Lucy.

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about Claudius. He’s an astute politician and as Chong Nee points out, the script gives no indication that the court doesn’t want him to be their leader – they also agreed to his marriage with Gertrude.

Right from the start, there are barbs in the quips of Hamlet, whose problems with Claudius are motivated by his mother’s alacrity in jumping into bed with his uncle. But his objections can easily be seen as imagined.

Then the ghost of Hamlet senior turns up to set the wheels of revenge in motion.

Evans may have set it in the 1960s, but the theology is medieval, with the ghost unable to move on from Purgatory until he is released by an act of retribution.

To Chong Nee, in preparing his character, the deep religious undertones in the play are especially important.

In one of the two crucial scenes involving Claudius, we see him attempting to pray and seeking forgiveness, but famously, because he’s not prepared to give up the things he did the murder for – power and love – she finds himself unable to do so and says: “My words fly up, my thoughts remain below: Words without thoughts never to heaven go”.

Chong Nee grew up as a Catholic and for many years, he says, fought his own battles, so he’s very familiar with the question of spiritual struggle.

His Claudius is probably more intelligent than the deceased Hamlet senior, who was a man of war, but he’s no match for Hamlet, just back at the University of Wittenberg; he quickly foresees the king’s intent.

For all this, Claudius is a man with a heart, who says of Gertrude, “She’s so conjunctive to my life and soul, That, as the star moves not but in his sphere, I could not but by her,” and Hamlet’s coarse representation of the relationship between the couple tells us more about him than it does about them.

To make that relationship more credible, the decision was made by director Evans to make Claudius much younger than the ageing Hamlet senior – Chong Nee is a mere 38 years old.

Certainly, in the play Claudius is not granted the gracious death that Hamlet experiences, and dies a horrible death, but it’s lovely for an actor to play a villain,

Ray Chong Nee as Claudius.

Photo: Brett Boardman to “smile, and smile, and be a villain”.

“As actors, we strive to fill shoes we could not in real life,” Chong Nee says.

“Hamlet”, The Playhouse, April 7-16.

Book at canberratheatrecentre.com

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Pianist Calvin Abdiel… at Greenaway Studio, April 3. Street dancing… hip hop’s happening at the Canberra Street Dance Festival.

ARTS IN THE CITY

LIVE MUSIC

Dancing, dancing in the street

By Helen Musa

THE second annual Canberra Street Dance Festival will swing into gear on the weekend of April 9-10 through hip hop while aiming to spread “peace, unity, love and having fun”. On April 9, Garema Place in Civic will feature stalls, performances, dance battles and street-art installations.

April 10 will be a day of workshops in hip hop dance and music production.

PETER and Sally Greenaway’s Greenaway Studio welcomes Calvin Abdiel, third prize winner and best Australian Pianist of the 2021 Sydney International Piano Competition, for a private concert where guests can meet the artist. At 2pm, April 3.

Location and booking details via trybooking.com AINSLIE and Gorman Arts Centre have announced as artists in residence writer, poet and multimedia artist Samia Goudie, visual artist Jackson Taylor-Grant, woven textile artist Sarah Loynes, artist, poet, performer and producer, Jacqui Malins, and visual artist/teacher, Yamile Tafur.

LIVEWIRE events manager Frank Madrid has parted ways with the National Multicultural Festival after its latest cancellation. He’s not the only one to jump ship in a depressing atmosphere where ACT Arts Minister Tara Cheyne’s stated aim to bring innovation and creativity to the festival has been blighted by covid and other events.

POPULAR mezzo-soprano Christina Wilson, with Alan Hicks on piano, will perform a concert called “Persons of Interest” for Art Song Canberra, exploring the fate of men and women from myth, literature and real life. At Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 3pm, April 3. Book at artsongcanberra.org

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STREAMING

Slam dunking politics of basketball

By Nick

OVERALL EVEN non-basketball fans are likely to know something about the Los Angeles Lakers.

The dynastic NBA side has won 17 championships, holds the record for the longest winning streak (33 games) in the competition’s history and has been home to a string of household names including LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson.

But how did the franchise, now worth something along the lines of $5 billion, come to be one of the most famous sporting sides of all time?

If the question interests you, Binge has slam-dunked a new sports drama hit with a series that winds the clock back to the ‘80s to chronicle the professional and the personal lives of those who helped usher in the reign of the team.

“Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” opens stone cold with Magic Johnson’s HIV diagnosis that triggered his immediate retirement in 1991.

While it sets a tone for a more drama-heavy affair, a flashy opening that follows pulls viewers back to 1979 where they’ll quickly find the show styles itself in a comedic polish.

John C Reilly of “Step Brothers” fame throws himself headfirst into the role of Jerry Buss, who

John C Reilly (as Jerry Buss) and Quincy Isaiah (Magic Johnson) in “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty”. was a real estate mogul, chemist, philanthropist, Playboy club owner, film producer, inventor and majority owner of the Lakers who was instrumental in establishing the brand recognition it has today.

As one can imagine, the role gives Reilly much to play with. He combines lavish arrogance with a decadent charm that seamlessly zips between funny and serious. It’s effortlessly entertaining stuff.

Adam McKay comes on side as executive producer to inject the show with his unbridled approach to storytelling that, while not always landing its shots, is undeniably magnetic.

The proof is in the pudding with McKay’s recent Netflix hit “Don’t Look Up”, which dropped a spate of

A-grade actors in a fictional world that knows it’s on an apocalyptic collision course with a meteor.

He also directed “Vice” (on SBS On Demand), a pitch-black comedy biopic set on the brink of the Iraq War where Christian Bale mesmerically transformed himself into US vice-president Dick Cheney. There was also “The Big Short” (Netflix), which told the little-known story of four finance experts who predicted the GFC and made a fortune out of it.

“Winning Time” takes McKay’s signature moves found across these films and sticks them together.

There are characters talking to the camera, flashy jump cuts that make for entertainingly erratic editing and a derision of minute details in favour

of the big picture stuff.

Considering McKay more often than not tackles true stories, some can find his approach grating. Love it or hate it though, it gets people paying attention. As a viewer who wouldn’t consider themselves overly interested in the politics of basketball, his outlandish influence on “Winning Time” kept me watching even when it gets messy.

Adding to the panache is a grainy visual style which replicates the 8mm (Super 8) film stock that was widely used throughout the ‘80s. It’s a nice touch – visually striking at the start but easy to get used to.

Those interested should also understand there’s not actually a whole lot of basketball itself here.

This is very much behind-the-scenes business, an examination of what happened off the court rather than on.

Regardless, there’s certainly an audience for the subject matter.

The huge success of Netflix’s 2020 documentary hit “The Last Dance”, which told of the rise of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, certainly attests to that.

And while “The Last Dance” recounted its story in a slower, more sincere style, in “Winning Time” viewers get history that moves at a pace resembling Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” (Netflix), albeit without quite as much finesse.

In other words, this is pure fun telly, and another welcome addition to the all-star line-up of streaming content centered on basketball. We might leave “Space Jam 2” on the bench with that one though.

CINEMA / reviews

Horrid horror movie with a message?

By Dougal

MACDONALD “X” (R) PRE-release material issued presumably by the producers of this little piece of Gothic-to-the-max cinema announced that it was a horror movie.

After watching most of its characters come to violent death, flavoured with a sprinkle of X-rated images, I came away neither disgusted, disappointed nor dismayed by it. Horrible? Yes. Horrid? Folk of delicate sensitivity who take it seriously might consider it so.

But underlying the blood, guts, nudity and vocabulary, writer/director Ti West seems to be trying to make a point about what our arbiters of public morality decided were barriers beyond which young eyes and minds should not venture.

West’s film’s a mixed bag of sex and violence for unfettered grown-up consumption. A group of young adults is going to make a movie on a run-down Texas farm belonging to Howard (Stephen Ure) and his wife Pearl (Mia Goth).

They’re both very old. Howard still adores the woman whom he met and married all those years ago. But his years have outpaced his ability to perform. Which is a disappointment for Pearl, whose erotic cravings still flow.

The young filmmakers are led by a producer/

writer/director, with a cameraman and a young actor whose job, once the camera starts rolling, will be to tup four young women. These are a comely enough bunch who seem unfazed by what they’ve signed up to do. Except the youngest, whose purpose initially seems ill-defined but who tells the director that she wants to be in the movie. ‘Nuf sed.

The first day of the shoot is how you might expect – cast and crew settling into what’s going on. The images at times get a little complicated but the idea is leading to the film’s real purpose, which is to tell what went on after the lights went out.

By sunrise the next day, the only one of the youngsters still alive is Maxine (Mia Goth again).

And Howard and Pearl have tupped for the last time. He dies in the act; she dies staggering along the track when a car drives over her head.

The story’s supposed to take place in Texas, US. It was shot mostly in NZ. A horror movie? A message movie? It nearly makes the grade on both counts.

At Dendy

“River” (G) AFTER “Sherpa” and “Mountain”, this is Australian documentary filmmaker Jennifer Peedom’s third cinematic poem about something on our planet that we kind of take for granted.

And in “River’s” 75 minutes, she, together with co-writer and co-producer Joseph Nizeti, fills the screen with “a cinematic and musical odyssey that explores the remarkable relationship between humans and rivers”.

Before there was any living thing on our planet, plant or animal, there were rivers. Today, humankind depends on rivers for the only substance, other than air, without which living things cannot survive. Thirsty? At some moment in the planet’s existence, the water we drink today, of whatever immediate origin, has flowed along a river.

There are some movies that our law-givers should be made to watch. “River” is one such. It’s begun its Australian release in the same week as a multi-billion dollar proposal to build a dam on Queensland’s Burdekin River. It’s a big river.

I remember as a child hearing about how the Townsville Mail train couldn’t run beyond Ayr or Home Hill (depending which way it was going) because the Burdekin was over the bridge – it’s since been replaced by a higher one.

“River” travels the world to illustrate many wondrous things and many terrifying things. It scared me on behalf of my grandchildren and their children. Did you know that great water storages are having an effect on the speed of earth’s rotation? That’s just one of the film’s useful observations.

At Dendy and Palace Electric

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Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

General knowledge crossword No. 823

April 4-10, 2022 ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The Sun and Mercury are charging through your sign, so it’s time to express your fiery creativity and assert your feisty independence. But Mars (your patron planet) links up with taskmaster Saturn, so expect some delays, frustrations and restrictions along the way. Clever Rams will be patient, persuasive and persistent. Your motto for the moment is from Aries movie star (and this week’s birthday great) Bette Davis: “The key to life is accepting challenges.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Resist the push from other people to rush projects and get into a panic (especially at work). Steady leadership, careful consideration and wise decision-making are required at the moment so step up and be a positive role model. Your motto for the week is from playwright and diplomat Clare Boothe Luce (who was born on April 10, 1903): “Courage is the ladder on which all the other virtues mount.” For some lucky Bulls, love and work are linked in wonderful ways.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Prosperous Venus and Jupiter help you to prioritise your professional commitments and plan your long-term goals for the future. If you devise a firm direction forward, then Lady Luck is waiting in the wings via a new job, client, bonus or promotion. Volunteer work could also be extremely rewarding. But the weekend looks rather tricky when Pluto stirs inner conflict, complicates relationships and intensifies communication. Try to keep things in perspective.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

This week many busy Crabs will burn the midnight oil, as creativity bites and inspiration strikes. International connections could be particularly beneficial at work, and your involvement with a group, club or organisation has others looking to you for an action plan. Resist the temptation to sidestep or snooze! Use your networking skills to drum up support, and don’t be afraid to ask experts for help.

At the moment, it’s not what you know, but who you know.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

With the Sun and Mercury both transiting through fellow fire sign, Aries, you’re feeling feisty and ready for adventure. But with proactive Mars hooking up with restrictive Saturn, you could also feel like a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof! Remember that hubris often comes before a fall. So the buzzword for this week is humility. Clever Lions will be kinder towards other people, and more tolerant of their individual idiosyncrasies and particular circumstances.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Taskmaster Saturn demands that you roll up your sleeves and sort out any ongoing problems at work. Plus, improve your professional literacy through upskilling or via the mentorship of someone with smart and savvy connections. But be careful on the weekend, when Pluto squares Mercury (your power planet) and your obsessive side could shift into top gear. Best productive plan for the week? Sort out the big stuff and don’t sweat the small stuff!

Down

1 What are suspensions of hostilities, as between armies? (6) 7 To be armour-plated, is to be what? (8) 8 What is the highest point of something? (6) 9 Name the professional care or treatment of the feet. (8) 10 Titanium dioxide is more commonly known as which mineral? (6) 11 What is a highly annoying thing or person?

(8) 14 Which term describes a respite from impending punishment? (8) 18 What is a funeral vehicle called? (6) 19 How many eyes appear in a normal pack of 52 cards? (8) 21 To be joined together, is to be what? (6) 22 Which term describes one’s occupation, profession, or trade? (8) 23 What is a flag or banner, as of a nation? (6)

1 What is the owner of a hotel known as? (8) 2 Which organic acid occurs in greater amounts in limes and lemons? (6) 3 What, prior to Feb 14 1966, was of the same value as five cents? (8) 4 Which imperial land measure is equal to a quarter of an acre? (4) 5 Which tree is usually known as the wattle in Australia? (6) 6 Which cloth is made by weaving, knitting, of felting fibres? (6) 12 Name the Australian pop group, originally The Flowers, formed in 1977. (8) 13 Which team won the AFL premiership in 2000? (8) 15 Name the second book of the Old Testament. (6) 16 What is the sale of commodities to household consumers? (6) 17 What are street urchins also known as? (6) 20 A layer, or level, is called a what? (4)

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

The Sun and Mercury are in your relationship zone, and Mars conjuncts Saturn in your peer-group zone. So it’s important to nurture and cherish your close friends.

You could also lend a hand to a friend or relative who is sick or experiencing financial trouble. Fast thinking and creative strategies will help you solve problems and alleviate stress. Your motto for the week is from birthday great, singer Billie Holiday: “If I don’t have friends, then I ain’t got nothing.”

Solution next edition

Across

FREE SUDOKU EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au

Sudoku medium No. 312

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Mars links up with Saturn, which can mean delays, cancellations and plenty of frustrations – especially at home. Perhaps a DIY project is stalled, a family member is slowing progress or an essential domestic appliance breaks down? Avoid getting into a Scorpio stew! Aim to be proactive rather than reactive. As writer (and birthday great) Maya Angelou reminds us: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Friday is the best day of the week, when Jupiter (your power planet) makes a lovely link with the karmic North Node. So the Universe may present you with an opportunity to follow your destiny. Smart Sagittarians will start dreaming and planning now! Your mantra is from birthday great, writer Maya Angelou: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style.”

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Your money zone is currently being influenced by impulsive Mars and pennypinching Saturn. So wise up, Capricorn – it’s time to increase your financial literacy.

More careful budgeting (and less spontaneous spending) will help life run more smoothly. Keep your feet on the ground, even though your head is in the stars.

On the weekend, be careful what you say to a stressed family member. If in doubt, then be extra discreet, zip your lips and say nothing!

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2022

Solutions – March 24 edition Sudoku hard No. 311

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Expect some frustrating dramas as Mars and Saturn stir up old grievances. Use your natural diplomatic talents to help smooth troubled waters. However, if you sit back and let other people make decisions, then you’ll just feel physically powerless and emotionally paralysed. So strive to be a more self-sufficient Pisces. Wednesday onwards is wonderful for candlelit dinners and seaside rambles, as Venus shifts into your sign and ratchets up the romance factor.

Solution next edition

Crossword No. 822

The week looks rather stressful, as Mars and Saturn link up (in your sign) which could drain energy, curb motivation and slow momentum. But – fortunately Venus is also visiting your sign (until Tuesday). So make sure you celebrate the bohemian Aquarian you were born to be, as you express yourself in your own highly individual way. Be inspired by actress Kristen Stewart, who turns 32 on Saturday: “I know who I am. I have a very strong sense of self.”

CityNews March 31-April 6, 2022 27

Canberra Bird Walks Curious about birds and bird watching. Two hour morning bird walk at the eastern end of Lake Burley Griffin. Limited to 12 people. An easy going and fun experience and an opportunity to enter the wonderful world of Canberra birds. $20 per person, $30 couple.

Private bird walks on request. Great gift idea. Other local bird walks from time to time. See website for most recent updates.

July 12-14 – BIRDS OF HIGHLANDS AND JERVIS BAY Three days exploring the best bird spots on the Southern Highlands and Jervis Bay, includes Barren Grounds Nature Reserve and Booderee National Park. Ex Canberra Motel accommodation.

3 days, 2 nights – $795pp.

August 13 – ALBATROSS WATCHING CRUISE Six hour boat cruise from Jervis Bay. Best time to see southern albatrosses close to land. For nature lovers as well as keen bird watchers. $245 pp early bird price until 30 April.

Beginners Bird Walking tour dates Sunday April 3 Sunday May 1 Sunday June 5 Sunday July 3 Sunday August 7

September 2-9 – BIRDS AND HISTORY NORFOLK ISLAND 8 day fully escorted tour of Norfolk Island. General interest tour of Norfolk’s wildlife and history. Includes airfare from Sydney, accommodation, car hire.

Ex Sydney. Led by Neil and Michael Hermes – $2539pp.

September 26-30 – BIRDS OF THE NSW MID NORTH COAST For bird watchers to explore the best rainforest and coastal locations on NSW mid north coast and ranges. Ex Canberra.

5 days, 4 nights – $1350pp.

October 10-14 – MELIPHAGA MAGIC Our spring hunt for honeyeaters and other inland birds. Includes Round Hill Nature Reserve and the famous Chat alley.

Ex Canberra. 5 days, 4 nights – $1250pp.

November 10-12 – ON TRAIL OF THE PLAINS WANDERER A days birding in the Deniliquin area followed by a night-time watching the elusive Plains wanderer. Guide Philip Maher. Great for lifers list. Ex Canberra. 3 days, 2 nights – $895pp.

2023 June – PARADISE BIRDS – TASTE OF NEW GUINEA 7 days, 6 nights exploring the birds of Cairns and Port Moresby.

Highlights Birds of Paradise, Bowerbirds and Palm Cockatoos.

Tour is open for expressions of interest, details to come.

For these and other walks, tours and safaris check out

www.neilhermes.com.au

Email hi@neilhermes.com.au

Neil Hermes

Sunday Sept 11 Sunday Oct 2 Sunday Nov 6 Sunday Dec 4