CityNews 220519

MAY 19, 2022

18

BIG PAGES CELEBRATING

SENIORS

Well written, well read

Liana eyes success ‘Nothing’s impossible,’ says 12-year-old LIANA HOLLAND who, despite having low vision, is determined to play professional tennis

EX-GOVERNMENT

FURNITURE

KEEPING UP THE ACT ELECTION GUIDE Canberra’s most fearless guide to voting!

COME IN-STORE & EXPLORE

TURN THE PAGE TO SEE MORE

HAVE OFFICE FURNITURE?

WE DO FREE PICKUPS EMAIL ENQUIRIES & PHOTOS TO:

sales@exgovfurniture.com

MASSIVE RANGE OF QUALITY ITEMS

www.exgovfurniture.com | Email sales@exgovfurniture.com | 6 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick | Phone 6280 6490 | Find us on

| OPEN 6 DAYS

L FICE L D A , OF EDS N I F ME NE O E H G UR ORA O Y ST &

EX-GOVERNMENT

FURNITURE PLASTIC TUB CHAIRS

ELECTRIC SIT STAND WORKSTATIONS

FORMWAY LIFE CHAIR

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY IN BULK!

COME IN-STORE & EXPLORE *COVID RESTRICTIONS APPLY

• CHAIRS • WORKSTATIONS • SIT-STAND DESKS • TABLES • SHELVING • FILING CABINETS • BOOKCASES • COMPACTUS • MAP CABINETS

YES WE DO COMPLIMENTRY FURNITURE PICKUPS NEW STOCK ARRIVING WEEKLY

6280 6490 6 Yallourn St, Fyshwick

exgovfurniture.com

sales@exgovfurniture.com

NEWS / cover story

Well written, well read

Since 1993: Volume 28, Number: 20. Phone: 6189 0777

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

Liana clearly sees what tennis success looks like

By Belinda

STRAHORN IT’S not hard to spot 12-year-old Liana Holland on the tennis court; she’s the pocket rocket darting from the baseline to the net and back again.

Most watching her play wouldn’t be aware she has low vision.

But the Daramalan College student – who dreams of playing professionally – isn’t about to let it keep her off the court.

“Nothing is impossible if you work hard enough for what you want,” Liana said.

Queanbeyan-raised Liana was twoyears-old when her parents Shane and Laurel discovered she had limited vision.

“We were in the car looking out the window and pointing out some cows and Liana couldn’t tell they were there,” said Shane.

Doctors diagnosed her with low vision and the prognosis wasn’t good.

“We saw some ophthalmologists, and she got glasses, but we were told there’d be no hope for Liana, and that she’d never be able to drive,” said Shane.

Leaving no stone unturned, Liana’s parents sought further specialist advice in Sydney.

Liana Holland… “I love tennis because there’s no one else to blame except yourself.”

Photo: Belinda Strahorn “We took her to see a top eye professor in Sydney who said she had very low vision, minus 13 in both eyes. He prescribed contact lenses for Liana which have improved her peripheral vision.”

Liana hasn’t allowed her limited vision to hold her back, living a normal life and playing a lot of different sports over the years.

“She’s always been a sporty girl,” Shane said.

“She ran for NSW in cross country

for the Catholic Schools and could have run in the special section because of her vision, but she’d never do that.

“Liana never uses anything to do with her eyes as an excuse, in fact most of her school friends and coaches have no idea she has any extra challenges.

“She just wants to be treated the same as everyone else.”

Although Liana played tennis from the age of five, it only became her passion two years ago.

“She’s had some success in small tournaments in Canberra, and one in Sydney, and now she’s going down the pathway of wanting to be a professional,” said Shane, a licensed-club manager and ex-gym owner.

For a year seven student, Liana has set herself an ambitious target.

“To be the greatest tennis player of all time,” Liana said.

“My universal tennis rating (UTR) is currently three, which is okay, but I’ve got a long way to go.”

A dedicated trainer, Liana clocks up to 25 hours of practice a week, with one day off to rest.

“I get to the court around 6.45am – serve about 300 balls – and finish up at 8.15am,” said Liana.

“Then I come back in the afternoon for coaching and drills, then home for strength and conditioning training, and sometimes the odd run.

“It’s tiring but I keep going because I know I have to in order to get where I want to go.”

The old seasoned pros at the Queanbeyan Park Tennis Club – where she is a member – have taken young Liana under their wing and regularly have a hit up with her.

“The members are really good to her,” Shane said.

“They have seen what Liana is bringing to the table and encourage what she is doing. Liana trains really hard and in her own time. People

who walk around town park see how committed she is and often stop at the fence to say kind things to her.”

The aspiring tennis star counts Swedish tennis legend Bjorn Borg, who won 11 grand slam titles and retired from playing tennis almost 40 years ago, as her idol.

“He wouldn’t react to a point, he would just move to the next point without any emotion. That’s who I want to be like,” said Liana.

Building on her recent improvements as a player, Liana now trains in Canberra, where she hopes to perfect her game.

“I love tennis because there’s no one else to blame except yourself,” said Liana.

“It’s a sport where you can work hard to improve yourself and it’s just fun.”

Off the court, Liana is passionate about art, enjoys spending time with her three younger siblings and, like most kids her age, playing on the iPad. “I like technology and still go on it, but I spend most of my time doing active things,” Liana said.

Liana and her family have always adopted a positive outlook on her diagnosis, and are keen to see her achieve her dreams.

“We have told Liana all along that there’s no dream she can’t aspire to have, and she’s proving that with her determination,” Shane said.

Have you considered a pre-arranged funeral?

Take the burden off your loved ones and pre-arrange your funeral.

Pay today’s prices for the funeral you want, with a personalised payment plan.

With 31 years experience, William Cole Funerals provide excellence in funeral service.

02 6253 3655 williamcolefunerals.com.au | 60 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen, ACT 2617 CityNews May 19-25, 2022 3

SEVEN DAYS

So broke, the ACT government turns on widows HERE’S a number that should disgust you. It disgusts me: 87 per cent of the 340 Housing ACT tenants facing eviction from their inner-city homes are women living alone or with children.

These are the people affected by the ACT government’s heartless, involuntary relocation program of, largely, frightened and vulnerable women, who have lived in their community housing homes for up to five decades. The government is aching to sell the properties, so threadbare is its mismanaged Budget.

The tenants are mostly over 50 (83 per cent), with 35 per cent of them over 70. Are you getting the picture?

Ministers Yvette Berry (Housing) and Rebecca Vassarotti (Homelessness) are unrelentingly determined to evict widows from their homes and the security of their neighbourhoods, refusing to let these people live out their lease.

Canberra Community Law has collected the data, which also revealed that 61 per cent of the tenants have physical or psychological disabilities, chronic health conditions or are caring for dependents; 17 per cent are single mothers with dependent children; and 14 per cent identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

“It is this cross section of elderly tenants, women, people with disabilities and people with lived experience of mental illness that

4 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

makes this group of tenants particularly vulnerable,” the ministers have been told in an open letter from 13 community organisations (and one Labor ex-chief minister, Jon Stanhope) working with vulnerable Canberrans living in ACT public housing.

Here are the names of the brave community leaders prepared to put their names to the open letter and stand up for these vulnerable people: • Genevieve Bolton, executive director, Canberra Community Law • Dr Emma Campbell, CEO, ACTCOSS • Carmel Franklin, director, Care Financial Counselling Service Inc • Elena Rosenman, CEO, Women’s Legal Centre ACT • Agata Pukiewicz, principal solicitor, Care Consumer Law • Joel Dignam, executive director, Better Renting

• Bec Cody, CEO, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT • Nicolas Lawler, CEO, Advocacy for Inclusion • Jenny Mobbs, CEO, COTA ACT • Dalane Drexler, CEO, ACT Mental Health Consumer Network Inc. • Cheryl O’Donnell, CEO Canberra PCYC Inc. • Kerry Weste, President, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights • Julie Tongs, CEO, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services I say “brave” because this government can be vindictive to organisations that oppose it and, I imagine, there would have been others too timid to risk the wrath of the highincome, London Circuit progressives.

I’m going to let them write the rest of my column: “We are alarmed at the impact of the ACT government’s Growth and Renewal Program on vulnerable Canberrans living in ACT public housing and are writing to urge

you to end all forced relocations under the scheme and instead revert to a voluntary, opt-in program of relocation.

“While we all acknowledge the acute need for more public housing, we are of the strong view that forcibly relocating vulnerable tenants threatens to cause significant harm to these individuals and is not an acceptable way to raise revenue.

“Collectively we have heard from many affected individuals who have expressed real distress at the prospect of being forcibly relocated from their homes.

“Many of these people are long-term tenants (most have lived in their homes for more than a decade, and many for two, three and some for four and even five) with strong connections to their homes and communities.

“They have raised families and built communities in and around their homes. For many, they were told by Housing ACT that this was their ‘home for life’. The prospect of now being forced to leave has led to distress, anxiety, and confusion.

“Tenants affected by the Growth and Renewal Program have spoken at length about their fear that being forced to leave their home will not only remove them from the safety and comfort of their house, but also take them away from this network of supports that they rely on.

“It is our collective experience that a safe, secure place to call home is critical to peo-

ple’s wellbeing and ability to live fulfilled and happy lives. “Given the age, needs, abilities and vulnerabilities of these tenants; forcing them out of their homes risks causing them significant hardship and very real harm.

“We know from our experiences with members of the community over the years that there are public housing tenants who are willing and able to relocate if offered a suitable, alternative property to live in.

“These are the people who the ACT government should be approaching – not unwilling, elderly and vulnerable tenants with well-established social supports and family networks in their existing community.

“For these reasons, we urge the ACT government to redesign the Growth and Renewal program as a voluntary opt-in relocation program, which incorporates the key elements of tenant consultation and engagement with clear processes and timeframes and abandon elements that rely on forced relocation.”

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

COVID-19 Vaccinations and Testing for Winnunga Clients

WINNUNGA NIMMITYJAH ABORIGINAL HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Winnunga Nimmityjah AHCS is an Aboriginal community controlled primary health care service operated by the Aboriginal community of the ACT. In Wiradjuri language, Winnunga Nimmityjah means Strong Health.

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

Our services include: • GP and Nursing • Midwifery • Immunisations • Health Checks • Men’s & Women’s Health • Hearing Health

• Dental • Physiotherapy • Podiatry • Dietician (Nutrition) • Counselling • Diabetes Clinic

• Quit Smoking Services / No More Boondah • Needle Syringe Program • Mental Health Support • Healthy Weight Program • Healthy Cooking Group

• Mums and Bubs Group / Child Health • Optometry Service • Psychology and Psychiatrist • Community Events • Groups

ALL OUR SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE • WE MAY BE ABLE TO ASSIST WITH TRANSPORT Winnunga AHCS is a national leader in accreditation, was one of the first Aboriginal community controlled health services to achieve dual accreditation under RACGP and QIC standards. Winnunga AHCS has been at the forefront of setting a national agenda for quality improvement in Aboriginal community controlled health and continues to advocate locally and nationally for best practice standards in operational and governance areas of Aboriginal health services.

CLINIC hours | MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9am-5pm

Ph: 6284 6222 | 63 Boolimba Cres, Narrabundah www.winnunga.org.au

CANBERRA MATTERS

The view the NCA doesn’t want to hear about THE National Capital Authority has responsibility for the care of the capital’s design features.

High on its heritage list is the land axis vista – the view from Parliament House to the lake through the Parliamentary Triangle, across the lake and then up Anzac Parade to Mount Ainslie. Many people are more familiar with the view in the opposite direction from Mount Ainslie to Parliament House. Same vista – same importance.

This vista is the stand-out feature of Marion Mahony Griffin’s drawings for the 1912 winning design competition submitted by the Griffins. It was to the top of Mount Ainslie that Marion returned after the death of Walter in India, for a last look at the city she and Walter had designed.

After that she returned to the US. To quote the Commonwealth government’s summary of significance about this vista: “It is highly significant for its symbolic representation of the democratic interchange between the people and their elected representatives and its use of the natural landforms to generate a strong planning geometry.”

Given that its heritage and aesthetic values are fully documented by federal, ACT and non-government agencies, it would follow that the NCA

The NCA operates as if it has sidelined the important heritage and planning requirements of the areas for which it has important stewardship responsibilities.

The Van Gogh Alive! tent… allowed by the NCA to completely block the view from the steps of Old Parliament House.

Photo: Paul Costigan would ensure that this vista was top of its stewardship actions. This does not happen.

My photograph here is the latest in an ever increasing number of things being plonked down on this site as the NCA thinks these activation events promote the national capital.

This was the large circus tent used by the commercial organisation Van Gogh Alive! There it sat in its bloated glory making money by doing very strange things with images based on one of the world’s most talented artists – being dead and unable to curse those doing such things.

That tent was allowed by the NCA to completely block the view from the steps of Old Parliament House.

There’s land at the airport and elsewhere for such commercial circuses.

The NCA should have pointed them

there. And it has better parking.

The NCA has a history of not taking care of this vista. Think of those weird bureaucratic blunders for the Women’s Centennial sculpture in 2004 that tried to land a giant swinging red fan behind the Old Parliament House building. There has been other NCA stupidity in this space.

The designers for the 2002 Commonwealth Place had to allow for the Griffin’s vista and, therefore, delivered a path between the ramps either side. This was to allow for the view from the foreshore back to the new Parliament House. Unknown to these designers, there was another NCA project team working on the site immediately behind Commonwealth Place.

This was Reconciliation Place – being the mound with the circular

path around it. Sadly, for the first set of designers and the prescribed view, the Reconciliation Place mound blocked the view allowed for dutifully by the Commonwealth Place design team.

One set of NCA bureaucrats was not talking to another NCA team and the importance of that axis as a design element was lost through NCA incompetence.

Fast forward now to the vague brief for the recently announced Ngurra – The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct on the shores of the lake. This was a welcomed announcement but the published design brief leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to how the new institutional building designers

need to ensure the vista’s heritage and cultural values are retained.

The central area of the parliamentary triangle that includes this important cultural vista is being constantly hired off by the NCA for bread-and-circus events. The now normal behaviour of the NCA is for parklands to be activated for moneymaking reasons. The NCA operates as if it has sidelined the important heritage and planning requirements of the areas for which it has important stewardship responsibilities. It does not understand the aesthetic values of open-space parklands.

Kim Rubenstein, ACT candidate for the Senate, says there is a need to examine the governance and performance of the NCA. Its failure to look after the Griffins’ national capital design feature reinforces that this should be a priority for the next federal government.

Paul Costigan is a commentator on cultural and urban matters.

There are more of his columns at citynews.com.au

Experience a relaxing session in our infrared LED Light Therapy Bed Benefits to your skin, beauty, body & wellness that may occur include:

LOVE THE LIFESTYLE

•

Independent living with architecturally smart, quality homes.

•

Boutique estate of only 56 homes with amazing, shared facilities.

•

Clubhouse, indoor heated pool, gym, recreation hall, community garden.

•

Heritage listed countryside on three sides and Braidwood Hospital on the fourth.

•

Enjoy living in a supportive community with so much to enhance your lifestyle.

Jane: 0400 472 577 www.summerfield.com.au 6 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

BODY • Sports Recovery • Muscle Cramps & Body Fatigue • Supports endurance • Supports circulation BEAUTY • Anti-Ageing benefits • Fine Lines & Wrinkles • Pigmentation • Skin feels firmer

SKIN supports & relieves: • Skin Conditions • Wound Healing • Bruising • Sunburn • Facial Redness • Scars & Stretch Marks • Supports Collagen production

NOW HIRING STAFF CALL 6299 5792

WELLNESS • Relief of Headaches • Improves Mood • Relaxation • Supports Metabolism • Supports Sleep • Supports lymphatic system

INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL ON NOW One session for $50 10 pack for $40 per session 20 pack for $30 per session

Bed has Bluetooth – Come & relax to your own music!

LIMITED TIME ONLY – BOOK TODAY 6299 5792

PHONE: 6299 5792

Shop 18, Cassidy’s Arcade,

72 Monaro Street Queanbeyan

BOOK ONLINE dezinerbeauty.com.au

ADVERTISMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Hearing aids can be expensive.

Dr William Vass Suite14, John James Medical Centre, 175 Strickland Crescent, Deakin Phone: 02 6282 2717 • Email: williamvass@bigpond.com • Website: drvasshearing.com.au

SPORT / golf

Stepping up to the tee, Canberra’s two top clubs EVERY week in Canberra thousands of golfers test themselves on the city’s courses, from scratch handicappers to the weekend warriors.

Recently though, it was the clubs themselves that were competing for a spot on the annual list of Australia’s top 100 courses.

The list, compiled by “Australian Golf Digest”, ranks hundreds of courses across the country on metrics including design, difficulty, memorability, aesthetics and ambience.

This year’s rankings have seen two of the ACT’s courses inside the Top 100: Royal Canberra, which dropped three spots at 28 and Federal which remained at 80.

“Australian Golf Digest’s” Top 100 editor Steve Keipert told “CityNews” the two Canberra courses have been mainstays in the rankings, and it was no surprise to see them both feature again.

“Royal Canberra has been the best course in the city for as long as I can remember,” Keipert said.

“After the renovations a few years ago it seems to be drawing more attention.

“Federal is an obvious number two and it has certainly made its presence felt on our list.

“The second half of our ranking

Royal Canberra’s director of golf Steven Sandilands…“Our goal is to continue to provide world-class facilities that foster and encourage a great golfing experience for our members and their guests.”

Photo: Simon Anderson can be quite volatile because the scores are so much tighter, but Federal is one that sits in the 80s almost every time. For four rankings in a row it has been in that bracket of 10, it is a really steady performer.”

The recognition means a lot to the clubs, especially those towards the top of the rankings who have reciprocal membership arrangements in place with other clubs interstate that also rank highly in the yearly poll.

For Royal Canberra’s director of golf Steven Sandilands, it is a nice acknowledgement for the work he and his team put in every day at the club.

“We were delighted to once again be named in the top echelon of Austral-

ian Golf Courses,” said Sandilands.

“The club is coming up to its centenary year celebration in 2026 and it is one of our aims to be considered one of the country’s finest courses for years to come.

“Our goal is to continue to provide world-class facilities that foster and encourage a great golfing experience for our members and their guests, and we have our ‘Centenary’ strategic plan in place, which provides a clear vision of the future and prioritises the allocation of resources to major projects.”

Both Federal and Royal Canberra have been regulars on the list for years – Royal had

a highest ranking of 5 in 1991 and Federal reached 36 in 1989 – but no third ACT course has cracked the Top 100 for years.

Keipert believes there are a couple of local courses that are well placed to make a charge in the near future.

“It is so much more competitive than ever before between the new courses being built and old classics being renovated,” said Keipert.

“I would say for Canberra, Yowani is probably the one that has been most likely – it last made the top 100 in 2004.

“I also keep hearing people talk about Queanbeyan. It is one that has been a tournament venue for the ladies tour.

“Gold Creek is another one, but in terms of the scores we get through from our panel, they are on the outside looking in – it is a two-horse race for Canberra currently.”

Despite the challenges over the past few years for many sectors, golf has thrived during covid.

As Keipert has heard across the board while compiling the list, clubs have seen an uptick in playing numbers and memberships.

“It doesn’t matter whether I have

spoken to course superintendents, general managers or club pros, they all say the same thing: the course has never been busier,” said Keipert.

“I have heard stories of clubs turning away prospective members because they didn’t think they could fit them in, and didn’t think it was fair to bring them in because the existing members were playing so much.”

It is a trend that Sandilands has seen at Royal Canberra, which did have a period towards the back end of last year where no golfers were permitted on the course.

“Covid was obviously challenging for the industry in general,” said Sandilands.

“That being said, we have seen a surge in demand which has resulted in strong membership growth.

“Canberra went through lockdowns predominantly unscathed until the final lockdown in 2021.

“We ended up being closed for six weeks, which allowed us to complete course renovations and a major clubhouse renovation.”

The major parties have failed us on climate.

The people of Canberra want action. That’s why I am calling for a Climate Compact - stepping the debate outside of Parliament and engaging the community to end the decades-long partisan policy deadlock.

Authorised by Kim Rubenstein, Kim For Canberra, Suite 259 M Centre, 11 Palmerston Lane, Manuka, ACT 2603.

8 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

Enjoy the magnificence of our animal kingdom!

Come face to face with a white lion!

Pat a Rhino!

INCREDIBLE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS AND TOURS!

Awesome

African Savannah

ROARsome

TOUR

S AFAR I

MEET THE FASTEST LAND MAMMAL ON EARTH!

Join our keepers on a cheetah walk!

02 6287 8400 frontdesk@nationalzoo.com.au

meet our cheetah boys during the greet a Cheetah or the 45 minute experience!

999 Lady Denman Drive, Canberra ACT

MAXIMISE YOUR PROFIT WHEN SELLING Fix Up - Profit - Pay Later

Renovation Matters offers transformational renovations that add the biggest impact and value when selling your property If you are not selling, we can help you renovate to meet your specific requirements!

Come visit us at ‘The ShowRoom Canberra’ in the Bundawang Pavilion, Exhibition Park in Canberra on 28 - 29 May 2022

BEFORE

AFTER

Phone Kim on 0427 696 662

RM explainer video

hello@renovationmatters.com.au renovationmatters.com.au

ELECTION 2022

How to vote to stop ACT being taken for granted THE ACT has been taken for granted by the Federal government for too long. And we can do something about it. Every vote counts.

In Canberra, your vote in the Senate can really make a significant difference for the ACT and for Australians as a whole. At the polling booth, the best chance to disrupt the status quo is on the Senate paper.

The ACT taken for granted? Go back half a century when the ACT voted in a referendum against the introduction of self-government. No problem for the federal government.

Ignore Canberrans’ wishes and introduce it anyway!

What about the time when legislation in the ACT and the NT was proposed allowing people in great pain and suffering to die in a dignified manner? No problem for the federal government; just introduce changes to the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988 to take the power away.

In their minds, the moral views of MPs and senators were more important than those of the ACT Assembly that they had established. It was a similar story when the ACT determined it was well past an appropriate time to allow gay people to marry.

Ironically, other jurisdictions have

Strategic voting, including a blank box against the name of Zed Seselja will improve the chances of Canberra being taken more seriously by the federal government. information until an election?

Anyway, an independent or Greens senator will have enough influence to ensure that promise can be delivered.

Of all of the incumbents, Senator Seselja is the only one of our politicians that appears seriously vulnerable at this stage.

The Labor incumbents in the seats of Bean, Canberra and Fenner have behaved A vote for independent Tim Bohm will send a well enough and worked clear message to the major parties. hard enough for a majority eventually caught up with the ACT of constituents to accept that and the measures are now in place. they ought to be re-elected.

The current conservative ACT senaIn Fenner, Andrew Leigh has been tor Zed Seselja retains the view that an outstanding parliamentarian and the territory rights can be overridden has brought a strong intellect and if his personal moral perspectives policy rigour to his party and to the dictate. Additionally, he has finally parliament as a whole. found “more land for more houses for A vote for independents or Greens Canberrans”. Why has he sat on this will send a clear message to the

major parties. As an example, a vote for candidates such as independent Tim Bohm and Greens Tim Hollo in the seat of Canberra for the House of Representatives will send a clear message to the major parties about the need for a change to the way politics is conducted.

Senator Katy Gallagher has worked hard enough for Canberra and for Australia to deserve re-election.

Even if voting for an independent or a Greens candidate, it is appropriate to then assign a vote next to her name.

Note that Kim Rubenstein and David Pocock have established political parties. This does not make them “fake” independents. They have done so to remove the disadvantage of only being available to below-theline voters.

The second advantage is that should they be elected and at some stage need to resign, it is a likeminded independent that is likely to replace them. Fuxin Li is the only candidate who is listed below the line in the independent column.

Strategic voting is needed by Canberrans. If voting above the line on your Senate paper, remember you need to mark 6 of the 11 boxes. You

must number at least 1 to 6 to have a valid vote.

However, after placing 6 marks, if you really object to the policies, principles or candidates of a particular party it is better to leave that box blank.

Strategic voting is also possible below the line on the Senate paper.

Once again, you must number at least 1 to 12 of the 23 candidates who will be listed.

This is the first time in many elections that there appears to be a real chance to ensure that Canberra is not taken for granted. Strategic voting, including a blank box against the name of Zed Seselja will improve the chances of Canberra being taken more seriously by the federal 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.

ShowRoom Canberra Home Design, Build, Garden & Lifestyle Show 28 - 29 May | 9am - 4pm Budawang Pavilion, Exhibition Park in Canberra

FREE ENTRY Proudly supporting local businesses All the inspiration you’ll need under one roof for one weekend only!

Event partners

Find us at @theshowroomcanberra CityNews May 19-25, 2022 11

KEEPING UP THE ACT / election guide

BRIEFLY Books and warm scones THERE’s a book sale (and fresh scones baked on the premises) at St Ninian’s, 9am-1pm, on Friday and Saturday, May 27-28. Books will include fiction and non-fiction, cookery, gardening, manuals, children’s and magazines. At the church hall, corner of Mouat and Brigalow streets, Lyneham.

Bandannas are back TIRELESS cancer-research fundraisers the Bold Bandannas have a stall in the Piazza area of the Belconnen fruit and vegetable markets, 8am-5pm, on Saturday, May 28. They’ll be selling homemade jams, pickles, chutney, lemon butter and sugar-reduced preserves, plus a range of hand-made items, especially beanies and scarves.

Celebrating in song SOPRANO Georgia Connolly, who has been selected to participate in the Festival of Music in Trentino in Italy in July, will entertain the ladies of the Weston Creek VIEW Club at their club’s 50th birthday lunch at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden on Tuesday, June 7. It starts at 11.30am and the cost is $35. Guests and interested ladies welcome. RSVP to 6286 4626 by 5pm, Thursday, June 2.

Have an event? Send it to: editor@citynews.com.au

Architecture and and Design: Architecture Design:

Inspired | Efficient | Intelligent

JUST TIMBER...

Timber kitchens that are actually made of timber. No chipboard, no MDF. Using plantation Australian timbers. Contemporary designs. Solid, sustainable, durable.

Come andContact see us at The us Showroom today 2022 info@feas.com.au || www.feas.com.au www.feas.com.au info@feas.com.au Maria 0415550 550801 801 Maria0421 0421342 342625 625 || Can Can 0415

12 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

Launching at The Showroom 2022.

02 6230 9414 www.selectcustomjoinery.com.au

9 - 11 June The Q | Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre

A genuine family show.

For any child who has ever felt isolated and any parent who is desperate for tools to help.

theq.net.au (02) 6285 6290

ELECTION 2022 / the gadfly

How to escape America’s fate with a simple vote dose of dorin

SADLY, the leaked draft of the US Supreme Court decision on Roe v Wade to outlaw abortion is only the most recent notch in the firearm of self-destruction that could well culminate in a bullet through the peaceful governance of our most powerful ally.

And the man who clicked off the safety catch of political moderation was and is an Australian.

Oh, what an irony that is.

Ever since Prime Minister John Curtin declared in 1942 that “Australia looks to America, free of any pangs as to our traditional links or kinship with the UK” for the defence of the nation, we have sheltered behind the American parental shield.

We have even surrendered our national interest – as in the madness of Iraq and Afghanistan – to ensure that commitment.

But the American carapace is today attacked from the inside as its constituent parts threaten to break it asunder with a toxic mix of race, religion, and venality. And stirring the pot are the perfervid ravings of our own Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News.

In the words of “The New York Times” columnist Frank Bruni: “We were already on the edge. This could push us over.”

Rupert Murdoch… backing one side to the hilt.

It was very much more than a clever columnist’s throwaway line.

The American democratic experiment is in deep trouble. And alas, all three ingredients of the mix are present within the Australian polity, if in different measure.

The American “race” issue is the direct result of the slave trade conducted by Britain’s 10,000 shipboard journeys over three centuries from Africa to its colonies in the Caribbean and thence to America. Indeed, the grandiose emblems of that enterprise are on show each week in the castles and manor houses of the “Antiques Roadshow” television program. Some 235 years after its slave-owning farmers signed the US Constitution, it remains a huge festering sore on that country’s body politic.

The religious component followed

Cartoon: Paul Dorin the flight of the Puritans from a Britain that had bloodied and burned the nation’s churches and battlefields since the Reformation of the 16th century. And the notion of a God-given America is as powerful as it has ever been… and as divisive in the hands of today’s Pentecostal evangelicals.

The venality is self-evident as the billionaire oligarchs and corporations corrupt their political puppets in the endless election campaigning. Then toss in a narcissist named Trump,

aided and abetted by an equally amoral media tycoon, and a nation irredeemably split between contending perceptions of “truth” becomes Frank Bruni’s precipice, with America trembling on the brink.

Beside this, you might say, Australia’s situation is looking pretty good.

Yet it doesn’t take much imagination to perceive the parallels as we prepare to go to the polls.

One side has refused to recognise and honour our First Nations peoples by rejecting the “Uluru Statement from the Heart”. One side is led by a Pentecostal who boasts of “miracles” dispensed in his favour. One side is perfectly sanguine about the misuse of public funds with the “pork barrel” euphemism.

Oh, and Murdoch’s media is backing that side to the hilt.

The good news is that we have a chance to escape America’s fate with a simple vote in the federal election.

We could take that step from adolescent dependence on the American shield to a friendship between close mates with thanks and good cheer (“Sorry about Rupert”).

Some would even turn Curtin’s call into a curtain call. But perhaps that’s one of those faded red lines that forever colours our old colonial map. robert@robertmacklin.com

Bathrooms | Kitchens | Laundries | Full Home Alterations | Landscaping | Concreting O413 097 628 | 5A DALY ST, QUEANBEYAN NSW | MONAROBATHROOMS.COM.AU | 14 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

KEEPING UP THE ACT / election guide

BRIEFLY Spectacles with a fond VIEW THE Gungahlin Day View Club is having a craft session, designing lorgnettes (spectacles) in celebration of a 100-year association with The Smith Family at its next lunch meeting at the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, Nicholls, from 11.45am on Wednesday, May 25. The lunch cost $35. RSVP to 0407 556460 by 9pm, Sunday, May 22.

Gems for sale THE Canberra Lapidary Club’s Gemcraft and Lapidary Winter Show will be held at Mallee Pavilion at EPIC on Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22. There will be minerals, crystals, jewellery, rough and cut gemstones, opals, or fossils to buy.

Pelvic floor workshop A PHYSIOTHERAPIST from Canberra Health Services will present a free workshop of self-help strategies for women of all ages who are experiencing continence problems or wishing to prevent them. At the Belconnen Community Health Centre, Wednesday, June 1, 1pm-4pm. Book at 5124 9977.

Expo for kids’ sport IN an effort to boost children’s participation in sports and recreation, Northside Community Service and Woden Community Service are staging the 2022 Accessible Sports and Recreation Expo, at Woden School, 3pm-6pm, on June 3. The expo will have information about different programs and also allow children to try activities they have never participated in before.

Neil Hermes Safaris ALBATROSS WATCHING from Jervis Bay

ECO touring at its best with viewing opportunities for albatross, other pelagic birds, whales, turtles and dolphins.

FIRST DRIVING LESSON

The waters off the south coast are a sea bird watching paradise in the winter months especially for many species of albatross. These magnificent birds come close to coast at this time of the year after their summer breeding on Antarctic islands.

A once in a lifetime wildlife experience.

Departing

Saturday 13 August 7.00am Cruise is about 6 hours and departs from Jervis Bay Wharf Huskisson

Expert guides

Knowledgable bioligists and bird experts to help you make the most of your day.

Vessel

The large registered and comfortable charter vessel the Dolphin.

Watch Explorer 2 fully equipped with great viewing points and toilets.

Book

neilhermes.com.au/safaris/

Get a Head Start Build Your Confidence Try Our Trainers Save 32%

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

stayroadright.com.au

$60

CALL NOW

02 6147 6296

WE CURRENTLY ONLY SERVICE THE NORTH OF CANBERRA ACT REGION CITYNEWS-$60-Quarter-Page-Ad.indd 1

CityNews May 19-25, 2022 15 7/03/2022 6:05:45 PM

POLITICS / Budget Review

Budget figures betray Barr’s ‘surging economy’ “Now that interest rates have begun to rise the debt, the inexorable increase in which the residents of Canberra have blithely and dangerously ignored, will assume real and worrying significance”. JON STANHOPE and Dr KHALID AHMED analyse the Chief Minister’s latest Budget review.

ACCOMPANYING the ACT government’s 2021-22 Budget Review last month was a media release from the Chief Minister and Treasurer titled “ACT Budget Review: cautious optimism as economic recovery drives $475m fiscal improvement”.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr went on to claim that “the ACT’s economic recovery is continuing to progress with surging employment, strong consumption and an improving budget position for the territory.”

The phrase “cautious optimism”, which was employed by the chief minister is often used by media correspondents and commentators to describe the economic outlook and to forecast recovery.

However, the term is vague and capable of application to a range of scenarios. Interestingly, the term is also subject to a range of definitions, including for example, the following: “hopeful about something, but recognising the problems involved”; “a feeling that there are some reasons to hope for a good result, even if you do not expect complete success or improvement”; “believing something good will probably happen but lacking total confidence that it will definitely occur”; and “a euphemistic (yet silly) way of saying ‘worried’”.

It is not clear which of these possible definitions of “cautious optimism” the chief minister had in mind.

One is therefore left wondering whether the treasurer is confident of recovery, is hopeful

16 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

there will be a recovery but is not certain, or he is simply worried.

The answer can most likely be found in an analysis of the latest forecasts. The table below provides economic forecasts for 2021-22 and 2022-23 in the original Budget, Budget review and the change in each of the parameters.

The table highlights that for the current financial year, as well as for the coming year, the forecast of economic activity as measured by State Final Demand has been reduced. The forecast of economic output as measured by Gross State Product remains unchanged for both years.

The employment growth rate for 2021-22 has been halved. These updates are hardly reflective of economic recovery and surge in employment, as claimed by Mr Barr.

The Budget Review predicts an increase in wages with the Wage Price Index forecast to increase by 1 per cent from the original forecasts both in the current and coming year. Most importantly, inflation as measured by the changes in Consumer Price Index, is now forecast at 3¾ per cent, which is a 2 per cent upward revision, and 1 per cent above the rate of wage growth. With increase in inflation and lagging wage growth, many households are doing it tough.

For the coming year, the Budget Review forecasts inflation to fall to 2¾ per cent, below the rate of wage growth, and employment growth to pick up from ¼ per cent in the current year to

Stamp duty from housing, a tax Andrew Barr announced over a decade ago would be abolished, will increase by $45.2 million.

Photo: Google Earth 1¼ per cent.

These forecasts were based on an assumption that the conflict in Ukraine would have no material effect on economic activity beyond the September quarter 2022, and that the Reserve Bank of Australia would not raise interest rates earlier than indicated in its February 2022 statement. These were potentially heroic assumptions.

The RBA has, as many commentators predicted, raised interest rates in view of the significant increase in public spending and secondly the war in Ukraine is clearly not evolving according to the initial script.

In any event, regardless of the overly optimistic assumptions, the published forecasts are not indicative of a surging economic recovery.

The ACT government has also announced new infrastructure projects totalling $186 million, with infrastructure expenditure now forecast at $6.596 billion over five years.

An important issue that is surprisingly not covered in the media release accompanying the Budget Review, but which is revealed by comparing it with the original Budget papers, is that there will be a capital underspend of $58 million in the current year. If the past performance is any guide, and in an environment of supply constraints, escalating costs and labour shortages the underspend will be significantly higher and cost overruns highly likely.

In the operating budget, the Budget Review forecasts an increase in revenue at an average of $214 million a year to 2024-25, including the current year, of which around $155 million per year is ongoing revenue. More than 84 per cent of the ongoing revenue is from the Commonwealth in GST payments and grants.

Expenses are forecast to increase at an average of $94 million a year over the same period, as a result, the Budget Net Operating Balance improves by an average $120 million per year.

The operating budget deficit in 2024-25 has reduced from $739 million to $636 million.

The treasurer’s media release referred to a $475 million improvement in the operating balance over the four years to 2024-25. On that basis, the operating budget will need to improve by more than $2 billion over coming years to return the Budget to balance.

The main contributor to the improvement in the ACT’s operating budget has been the Com-

monwealth government through an additional $105 million a year in GST and $27 million a year in Commonwealth Grants.

Payroll tax will also increase by $24 million a year and in what is surely embarrassing for Mr Barr, revenue from conveyance (stamp) duty, a tax he has repeatedly stressed is highly inefficient and that he announced over a decade ago would be abolished, will increase by $45.2 million in the current year alone. This is largely driven by the staggering increase in house prices which are, in the main, due to the ACT government’s monopolistic land supply policies.

Dividend revenue from entities such as the Suburban Land Agency and ICON Water will also increase by $48.4 million in the current year.

The overall trajectory in the Budget Review remains one of persistent deficits, with expenditure growth of 3.5 per cent a year (3.1 per cent in the original Budget) remaining above the revenue growth of 3.2 per cent a year (2.4 per cent in the original Budget).

The Budget Review forecasts net debt to grow to $9.1 billion in 2024-25 compared to $9.6 billion in the original Budget. The Net Debt to Revenue ratio (NDR), a measure that ACT Treasury officials confirmed, in the course of a recent Public Accounts Committee hearing, that the rating agencies focus on, is set to increase from 69 per cent in 2020-21 to 127 per cent in 2024-25 compared to 138 per cent in the original Budget. When, and it is clearly a case of when and not if, interest rates begin to rise then the debt, the inexorable increase in which we, the residents of Canberra have blithely and dangerously ignored over the last decade, will assume real and worrying significance.

To provide some context to the current state of the ACT’s finances, when in 2011 the then Chief Minister Katy Gallagher entrusted Andrew Barr with the treasury portfolio the Net Operating Balance was a surplus $42 million and the NDR was negative 12 per cent. In the decade since then, Mr Barr has converted the surplus $42 million operating balance into a deficit of $985 million, a worsening of more than $1 billion in the Budget position and has converted the NDR he inherited from minus 12 per cent to positive 127 per cent, a worsening of 139 per cent.

And no, this massive turnaround cannot, in the main, be attributed to COVID-19.

PR E M IUM GENUINE LEATHER ARPELLE uses only Premium hides with different tanning processes.

Leather is a natural product, therefore variations in shade & texture can occur giving the product an individual identity.

from $199

WOOL

CASHMERE Our wool is yarned with Cashmere blend for a soft-handle. Recognized as being one of the world’s most luxurious fibres, its rarity & natural lustre makes it one of the most precious commodities in wool.

from $99

Custom

tailoring CREATE yOuR Own Choose the material / colour / length Match a bag / a scarf / a hood / a belt...

from $299

OVERSTOCK SALE LIMITED TIME

LETTERS

Write to us: editor@citynews.com.au

My local Lib won’t talk trams and flicks me off!

SINCE returning to Canberra about two years ago, my wife and I have enjoyed reading “CityNews” for the insightful and direct comments from its columnists regarding what appears to be a very poor, underachieving and arrogant Labor/Greens government.

corflute image about the Green credentials of Senate candidate David Pocock. Each of the seven planks in Pocock’s platform that address national issues has a very close parallel in the policy platform of the Greens party.

John L Smith, Farrer

Zed and Katy – they should both go

I particularly refer to the “Seven Days” column of April 28 (“Only 906 sleeps, Elizabeth, it’s time to step up”) reminding the Liberal opposition on how to do its job and hold the government to account.

With so much being written in “CityNews” and by others in articles regarding the tram to Woden, its huge cost, its disruption to normal life caused by its construction and deflection of funds from more worthy recipients, such as health, I was prompted to stop at a booth manned by Peter Cain MLA, Liberal member for Ginninderra, and Liberal senator Zed Seselja recently.

I asked what was the Canberra Liberals’ position on the tram to Woden and how would they redistribute the funds allocated to it to other areas as “CityNews” has continually raised?

His answer: “Well, in principle we the ACT Liberals support the tram and its necessary construction, BUT we haven’t seen the final costing as yet.”

Then: “Of course, we plan to fix health and a raft of other issues”.

How, with no money and massive debt?

No answer was the stern reply, and I was advised to put my concerns to some other Liberal shadow member! I mean, the MLA in my own area flicks me off.

More recently, a political campaign flyer from Senator Seselja states he has arranged funding of more than $120 million for the tram and more funding for Commonwealth Bridge.

My word, what alternative government!

David Tyler, Macquarie

Sue’s fanciful imagery THE opinion expressed by Sue Dyer about Senator Seselja (“Liberals are running on empty”, Letters, CN May 12) is biased to the point of being bigoted and could have been expected given her five letters attacking Seselja that were published in our local daily newspaper between March 28 and April 28.

Her fanciful imagery cannot invalidate the

BOTH ACT senators, Zed Seselja and Katy Gallagher, have gone past their use-by date as neither has done anything for the ACT during their tenure.

There has been plenty of finger pointing about Zed, but nothing about Katy Gallagher, who firstly as health minister, then as chief minister spanning over six years, presided over a shambolic health administration and did nothing about it – and it’s still a shambles.

Mario Stivala, Belconnen

Infrastructure in the national good

The years pass and the gums are dead THIS photo was taken from in front of my favourite café in the Deakin shops. The dead gum tree has been there for at least eight years.

A tree to its left is clearly dying or dead, there is another dead tree 50 metres to the left, and a third 70 metres to the right.

The Barr government has done nothing about these eyesores, and may not even be aware of them.

A couple of months ago, a large oak tree, on a street corner two blocks behind (west of) the shops, toppled over due to strong winds and water-saturated soil. The stump of the tree remains on the nature strip, and has begun to coppice.

Elsewhere, “feral” grasses, including African love grass, paspalum, couch and carpet grass, and other weed species up to 150 centimetres tall, are rampant, but seldom, if ever, mowed.

Deakin is one of Canberra’s “prestige” suburbs, as indicated by recent housing sales, but Mr Barr’s government appears content to see prominent parts of it fall into a state of unkempt ugliness.

Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

AS I’m constantly reminded during this election campaign, the “Canberra Bypass” is not a proposed road, but the name of the mechanism whereby all federal governments determine what little infrastructure spending goes to the ACT and surrounding regions.

Whether such a process – either real or imagined – is the product of a “safe electorate syndrome,” or a “nothing for the Canberra Bubble” mindset I’ll leave to others.

For five years now, the ACT government and advocates for better rail have been making the case for faster and more frequent rail services between Canberra and Sydney.

Rail services between Sydney and Canberra are laughably slow, infrequent and don’t offer the “last word” in comfort.

Even some developing countries have fast or very fast trains operating between their largest, or second largest, city and their national capital.

Some of those lines are electrified and fuelled by green or greener energy, not diesel. Morocco’s line from Tangiers to Casablanca is the same length as the line to Sydney with travel time being 2 hours 10 minutes. Canberra to Sydney by train, at over four hours each way, is (literally) as grindingly slow as it was back in the 1960s.

The Canberra-Sydney rail corridor was listed by Infrastructure Australia as a worthwhile and pressing initiative in early 2020.

Regrettably though, no tangible progress has been made in over two years on improving the Canberra-Sydney service notwithstanding the Infrastructure Australia listing.

Much of the blame also rests with a federal government with a history of promoting and funding projects based on considerations other than needs or merit.

“The Guardian’’ (March 29) reported after April’s Federal Budget that “just 15 per cent of projects announced in the government’s multibillion dollar infrastructure budget splurge have been endorsed as priorities by Infrastructure Australia.”

Getting all governments to play by the rules requires more than just a federal anti-corruption body. The role of Infrastructure Australia in vetting sizeable projects also needs to be bolstered. And governments of every stripe need to make decisions based on merit and the national good, not sectional or self interest.

No more sports whiteboard politics or car park programs.

Barry Peffer, co-convenor, Canberra-Sydney Rail Action Group

Clay’s bus logic doesn’t stack up ACT Greens MLA Jo Clay wants to increase bus services because she is “passionate

about public transport as a way of lowering emissions and easing traffic congestion.” Her logic does not stack up.

More bus services would require more public transport subsidies. These subsidies directly support bus drivers and fossil fuels.

In 2020-21 Canberra’s average 10-kilometre local public transport trip caused more than three kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions per traveller. Canberra’s average nine-kilometre local car trip emits less than two kilograms of carbon dioxide per traveller.

Public transport subsidies indirectly support centralisation and urban sprawl.

They support organisations that choose to locate centrally, rather than locating closer to their clients and their employees. They support people who choose to live beyond cycling distance of where they work or study.

More public transport does not necessarily mean less traffic congestion. From 2011 to 2016 the proportion of Canberra commuters who used public transport increased from 7.8 per cent to 8.2 per cent. The proportion of commuters who drove cars increased from 73 per cent to a record high of 74 per cent.

The government can increase public transport patronage by reducing fares, transfers or in-vehicle travel times, or by increasing car parking charges. Those changes would cause no or negligible increases in public transport emissions.

A 10 per cent increase in bus services would increase bus emissions by 10 per cent.

The “ACT Transport Demand Elasticities Study” estimated that it would increase patronage by less than two per cent.

Leon Arundell, Downer

Displacing coal and gas generation AN interesting discussion has arisen on your letters page about renewable generation and transmission developments.

Several things are inevitable as we go forward including the continuing penetration of rooftop solar and the transmission network continuing to evolve from its old mode of one-way transmission so as to serve the inter-connection of distributed solar farms, wind farms and storage be it batteries, pumped hydro or hydrogen/ammonia.

Several key aspects will contribute to the complex issue of renewable energy displacing coal and gas generation. Behindthe-meter generation and storage, both domestically and in commercial/industrial application will continue to expand playing a large and vital role.

Installation of excess renewable capacity to provide for seasonal storage in hydrogen or ammonia form, provide for electric vehicle charging and for the electrification of large industry will require major investment.

Projects such as the Sun Cable and similar with their massive PV will help to further drive installation costs down.

As the AEMO Step Change scenario has identified and already predicted with some accuracy, developments toward 100 per cent renewable energy in our grid will continue toward a zero carbon electricity sector.

The challenges that need to join that journey are transport, agriculture and heavy industry. Recent moves in the steel sector provide due encouragement that this latter industry is also achievable.

Robert Brown, Camberwell, Victoria

Don’t the Greens know?

DR Douglas Mackenzie (Letters, CN May 5) lists four “solutions” to overcoming climate change but ignores the point of my letter: when and at what national and local personal cost will these changes create? Or don’t the Green’s know?

Greg Cornwell, Yarralumla

SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY? OVER 35 YEARS OF HELPING CANBERRA FEEL BETTER

WE DO TELEPHONE, SKYPE AND VIDEO CONSULTATIONS Eliminate illness: address the underlying cause of your poor health, not just the symptoms We can provide a safe and effective treatment for: • Anxiety or stress • Depression • Fatigue • Insomnia • Tension • Mood disorders Luke Clews

SAFE • NON-INVASIVE • EFFECTIVE • CHRONIC CONDITIONS ARE OUR SPECIALTY

Kingston Natural Therapies

49 Jardine Street, Kingston | kingstonnaturaltherapies.com.au | Phone 6295 6660 18 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

CANBERRA PROPERTY PARTNERS

advertising feature

‘The software manufacturers tell us this has never been done in our industry anywhere in the world.’

World-first in property management tops awards CANBERRA Property Partners’ pioneering efforts to drive its property management operations to new technological efficiencies have led the agency to win the highly contested innovation category at the REIA National Awards for Excellence.

Co-owner Paul Kuske says the technological advances were simply a means for the agency to achieve its principal goal of delivering exceptional client service.

The move has already had an impact, with Canberra Property Partners last year winning Local Agent Finder’s Best Renter ACT for the third year in a row, while customer testimonials consistently mention the agency has hit the ideal balance of online services and personal contact.

“Our entire approach is built on forging a truly personal relationship with our clients, but as with any business, there are competing priorities with administration that were robbing us of the time we wanted to spend on client focus,” Paul says.

“We thought there could be a better

Canberra Property partners’ co-owner Paul Kuske with the highly contested innovation category prize at the REIA National Awards for Excellence. way, and with my background in digital tools and technology I knew there was scope to automate the administrative

tasks, but the challenge was finding the right tools.”

He says he spent more than a year

investigating potential technology options but was disheartened with what was available to the market.

“The industry as a whole has been slower to adopt new technology and as a result there are not a lot of purpose-built software options in the marketplace.

“In the end, we decided to build our own.”

The agency used a prominent off-theshelf US marketing software package and customised it to suit both the industry and its own business-specific demands.

“The software manufacturers tell us this has never been done in our industry anywhere in the world, and we’re now consulting to them so they can enhance their own product’s functionality and potential,” Paul says.

Canberra Property Partners’ new operating system not only automatically takes care of hundreds of repetitive behind-the-scenes tasks that were once done by hand, it also sends emails to property owners upon purchase with handy information about such matters as NBN connections and smoke alarm testing and reminders about new addresses for direct-debit bill payments.

Paul says the approach provides huge advantages, including reducing human

error and providing smoother, more consistent transactions with clients, faster response times, higher quality assurance of paper trails and more immediate access to client histories.

“It’s definitely led to a higher level of customer satisfaction and loyalty,” he says.

“They appreciate that we’re faster, more precise and efficient and that they’re assured of prompt resolutions and continuity in the standard of service they get.”

The agency has recently gone one step further on its technological transformation, introducing a new property management service that provides 3D virtual walk-throughs of residences.

“This allows owners and prospective tenants a remote means of seeing the condition of paintwork, carpets and even garden health,” Paul says.

“It’s a highly accurate and a highly detailed virtual point of reference.

Tradespeople can measure and visually identify any problems without stepping a foot on the property and prospective tenants can visualise arrangement of their furniture, even down to the number of power points in a room.

“We believe the service is another digital first in property management.”

AGENTS OF INNOVATION We manage rental properties and sell homes in the Canberra region.

What makes us stand out from other realtors is how we do this.

As a digitally savvy and progressive agency, our attention is fully on you and your property thanks to time-saving business innovations we’ve made behind the scenes.

It means you get a level of personal service rarely seen in the industry.

More care. Less hype.

Discover what it means to have Canberra Property Partners working with you.

sales@canberrapropertypartners.com.au | 02 6103 0843 | 2/18 Winchcombe Court, Mitchell ACT CityNews May 19-25, 2022 19

SILVER IS GOLD EXPO / May 26

advertising feature

‘Positive, poignant’ way to celebrate ageing Aged care providers understand the needs of seniors

THIS year, the Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT will be reimagining its events space in the Canberra community with a “Silver is Gold” festival that will stretch across the entire year, rather than one week.

At Exhibition Park,10am4pm, on Thursday, May 26, COTA ACT will present the 2022 Silver is Gold Seniors Expo, one of the festival’s most anticipated events.

The star attraction is food celebrity Maggie Beer AO, an Australian cook, food author, restaurateur and gourmet food producer from the Barossa Valley.

But that’s not all. There’ll be competitions, concerts, giveaways and many more things that’ll appeal to seniors.

“We’re all about sparking

20 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

WHEN it comes to aged care, Carers ACT chief services innovation officer Adam Horner says a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.

“It is incredibly important to take the time to understand the needs of the individuals we support to ensure they get the services that best suit them,” says Adam.

“We visit them in their homes, we organise services to help them with personal care and we strive to meet our vision of being trusted partners in care.”

Adam says a big part of the organisation’s service is in-home care for seniors, something that’s incredibly important to a lot of older residents.

“In most cases it is where they have raised their

connections this year, getting out, loving life and celebrating our age,” says COTA ACT CEO Jenny Mobbs.

“With more than 200 stalls, spread across two huge pavilions, you can also check out the latest products and services available to Canberra’s seniors and gain a fascinating

insight into the treasure trove of lifestyle and recreation activities that are available to you in the Canberra region.”

To celebrate this year’s Silver is Gold Expo, “CityNews” spoke with businesses, organisations, advocacy groups and more that are passionate about improving the lives of seniors.

families, established a community and built a life,” says Adam. “It allows a person to maintain their independence and sense of identity and continue to be an active member of their community.”

Adam also says that the experienced team at Carers ACT incorporates activities into their care that keep seniors physically and mentally active.

“We run several social and support groups for people who are ageing and those that care for them.

This includes cultural support groups,” he says.

“These groups do a variety of fun activities including art classes, museum visits, lake cruises and yoga.”

Carers ACT, call 6296 9900 or visit carersact.org.au

COTA ACT 2022 Silver is Gold Festival

advertising feature

Festival sparks connection across Canberra THE COTA ACT events calendar in 2022 will encourage imagination, freedom and the spontaneous creativity to do things a little differently.

Importantly, we will provide opportunities for Canberra’s seniors to connect and enjoy themselves.

“We have moved away from presenting a packed Seniors Week to an energising and refreshing ‘Silver is Gold Festival’ that will stretch across the entire year, providing Canberra’s seniors with a little breathing space to plan their social calendars with safety and confidence,” says COTA CEO Jenny Mobbs.

“We’re all about sparking connec-

tions this year, getting out, loving life and celebrating our age.”

COTA ACT will present the 2022 Silver is Gold Seniors Expo at Exhibition Park, 10am- 4pm, on Thursday, May 26.

The star attraction, kindly sponsored by LDK Seniors Living, is the Australian food celebrity Maggie Beer, an Australian cook, food author, restaurateur and gourmet food producer from the Barossa Valley. She is also one of the judges on “The Great Australian Bake Off” alongside Matt Moran and is also a regular guest on “MasterChef Australia”. Expo patrons will have the opportunity to hear from Maggie about the importance of seniors’ nutrition and the Maggie Beer Foundation.

With more than 200 stalls, spread

across two huge pavilions, visitors can also check out the latest in products and services available to Canberra’s seniors and gain an insight into the treasure trove of lifestyle and recreation activities available in the Canberra region.

Enjoy live music and dance performances; disco sounds by nationally-acclaimed senior DJ “Run-around Sue” and indulge in a smorgasbord of culinary delights including toasties, soups, gourmet ice cream and gourmet food by local producers.

Transport Canberra, one of our generous sponsors, will have a significant display presence at the Seniors Expo and will provide free light rail and bus services on the day for all ACT seniors. Car parking

at Epic is free. Explore the realm of electric vehicles, courtesy of our sponsors, ActewAGL. There are Expo giveaways and the opportunity to win exciting prizes for those in attendance. All this fun and entertainment, for just a gold-coin donation!

“So join us this year as we celebrate being a senior in the thriving and cosmopolitan city in which we live and let’s make 2022 the year of sparking connections across Canberra and surrounding regions,” says Jenny.

More information about COTA ACT’s events including the 2022 Silver is Gold Festival and the Seniors Expo, at cotaact.org.au or call 6282 3777 or email events@cotaact.org.au

COTA ACT CEO Jenny Mobbs.

Save the Date: Thursday, 26 May 2022 Budawang and Coorong Pavilions, Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) 10am – 4pm The Silver is Gold Seniors Expo will feature over 200 stalls showcasing services, products and lifestyle activities for senior Canberrans. There will be a wonderful program of live entertainment throughout the day.

Entry to the Seniors Expo is by gold coin donation. There is ample free car parking for Expo patrons at EPIC. Transport Canberra will provide free bus and light rail services to enable seniors to attend the Seniors Expo at EPIC on 26 May 2022 For more information, please phone COTA ACT on 6282 3777 or email events@cotaact.org.au

CityNews May 19-25, 2022 21

Looking for peace of mind for your future?

KJB Law draws on decades of experience, helping you create a Will and Estate plan that stipulates all your wishes and concerns.

We are able to assist with: • Wills and Testamentary Wills • Powers of Attorney • Self-managed super funds • Advice on potential claims against estates • Advice for blended families

Kerstin Glomb Estate Planning Special Counsel

For successful results in a cost effective manner call 6281 0999 Ground Floor, 10 Corinna Street, Woden

kjblaw.com.au

SILVER IS GOLD EXPO / May 26 When hearing aids are not enough CLINICAL professor Catherine Birman is the medical director of NextSense Cochlear implant services.

She has performed more than 1700 Cochlear implant and hearing restorative surgeries for children and adults, she says.

“By the age of 65, one in three people will have hearing loss,” says Prof Birman.

“Addressing hearing loss is important. Studies show hearing loss can be associated with social withdrawal, depression, and anxiety – and is an independent risk factor for dementia.

“Better management of hearing loss in middle age and beyond is beneficial in many ways,” she says.

NextSense says it delivers Australia’s most comprehensive Cochlear implant program, from initial assessment through to lifelong care.

“We’ve supported more than 5000 people, from newborns to people older than 90 years of age, to access a better world of sound,” says Prof Birman.

NextSense will be at the Seniors Expo on May 26.

NextSense, Equinox Business Park, Equinox 4, Level 1/70 Kent Street, Deakin. Call 1300 581391, or visit nextsense.org.au

kjblawcanberra

With hearing aids on, do you find it difficult to hear: 1

2

on the phone?

in crowded places?

3

children’s voices clearly?

Join our free information sessions to discover how you could benefit from a hearing implant system and learn about the journey from a cochlear implant recipient.

When: Where: To register:

Wednesday 25 May from 2pm to 4pm NextSense Canberra—Equinox Business Park, Equinox 4, Level 1, 70 Kent St, Deakin, Canberra ACT 2600 Scan the QR code, visit nextsense.org.au/dhi/canberra or call 1300 581 391.

NextSense is the registered business name of Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (ABN 53 443 272 865)

22 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

NextSense medical director, Prof Catherine Birman.

advertising feature KJB Law special counsel Kerstin Glomb.

ing ease the burden and making clients feel comfortable.

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

“It’s about working out with a client who are the right people in their family or broader surroundings and then structuring their document to reflect that. “There’s nothing better than when people say after signing that they’re happy to have it in place, feel comfortable and most importantly that they understand what they’ve signed.”

YOUR Property Profits can manage a home renovation and prepare it for sale without the client having to lift a finger, says founding director Sophie McLean.

“We think big by refreshing bathrooms and kitchens and overhauling window furnishings, floors and re-painting to name just a few of our makeover changes,” she says.

“When your home is sold, the renovation costs and our fee will be taken out of the settlement costs.”

Sophie says the business was first born as a result of helping an elderly customer living on a large farm property who was unable to pay her heating and other lifestyle costs.

“We refreshed her home with contemporary styling and necessary structural changes,” says Sophie.

“Now living comfortably in a smaller dwelling she has surplus funds to cover all expenses.”

Several renovations later, Sophie says the business is helping singles, couples and families to maximise profits from their home and investment property sales.

“By allowing us to source the best real estate agents in your area and style your home, it will look stunning when it goes to market, have the best chance to sell for maximum profit and sell faster with our help,” she says.

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

Call 6281 0999 or visit kjblaw.com.au

Your Property Profits, call 1800 225597 or visit yourpropertyprofits.com.au

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

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

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

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

NO A FIN NCIAL CHECKS.

Profitable renovations for no up-front costs

Your Property Profits founding director Sophie McLean.

Renovate now Pay later

SELL FAST AND SELL FOR MORE

>> BEFORE

AFTER >>

ACHIEVE THE BEST PRICE QUICKLY, PAY TH COSTS LATER E .

“Your Property Profits helped modernise and polish our large 4-bedroom house prior to sale; the team’s excellent workmanship and rapid delivery meant our house was looking brand new in a matter of weeks, and attracted many interested buyers. A big thank you to the crew, contracting YPP is an investment you won’t regret!” – Adrianne, ACT

Need to sell your home?

We can help you sell your home quickly with no upfront costs.

AUSTRALIAN HOME RENOVATIONS Your Property Profits offers a self funding system. We pay all costs up front, manage all work and you only pay us out of the profits from your sale.

We have years of experience in helping people achieve stunning home renovations in ACT, NSW and TAS with minimal stress and time. If you want to maximise the sale value of your property and sell it fast, without outlaying a cent. We’re the experts you should call.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY! 1800 CALLYPP

(1800 225597)

www.yourpropertyprofits.com.au CityNews May 19-25, 2022 23

Diabetes Australia has been helping people living with diabetes for over 80 years. We offer our community of 45,000 members an extra level of support through reliable information and helpful programs designed to make it easier to manage your diabetes. As a member you have access to:

SILVER IS GOLD EXPO / May 26

• expert advice and support via our Helpline • the latest health information • great food tips and recipes • free and discounted events and programs • discounts from our online shop diabetesshop.com.

To join our community or to find out more about the advice and support we offer, call our ACT Office on 02 6248 4500 or visit diabetesaustralia.com.au

24 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

“The Long Cold Winter of 2021” by Margaret Hadfield.

New art class for seniors MARGARET Hadfield, owner of the Artists Shed and Margaret Hadfield Gallery, is adding a new class for seniors.

The class will be run on Wednesday mornings throughout June.

“The Artists Shed continues to evolve and features some local artists including Shed Artists who are stepping up and out of the classes,” she says.

In her own work, Margaret spent lockdown in the studio and did a painting titled “The Long Cold Winter of 2021”.

She says it’s a quiet and soft painting, reflecting on how she was feeling when she was alone in the studio.

“It is a work painted during the winter last year when the snowfields were empty.”

Margaret says she was quite delighted that it won her the “Rural/Landscape Section 1” award at the 2022 Royal Easter Show, and it sold.

The Artists Shed, unit 1-3, 88 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick.

Call 0418 237766, email hadfieldgallery@gmail.com or visit artistshed.com.au

advertising feature Get your health back on track “IN the ACT we’ve got just under 20,000 people living with diabetes,” says Natalie Smith, general manager ACT of Diabetes NSW and ACT. “But we know there’s a lot more people who are living with it, but don’t know about it yet.”

She says the key message Diabetes NSW and ACT want to get out is now is a great time to get on top of your health.

“None of us have really had annual health checks because of covid. Unfortunately, as we get older diabetes becomes more common.

“If you’re living with diabetes, it’s about making sure you’re getting the care and support you need.

It’s important to get your feet and eyesight checked to make sure everything’s still working well and your condition isn’t progressing fast, or little things aren’t changing that you might not necessarily be aware of.”

Natalie says Diabetes NSW and ACT are really excited to be back at the Silver is Gold Expo to re-engage with the community.

“And also to be able to continue to raise awareness and support early screening, and support our community.”

Diabetes NSW and ACT. Call 6248 4500, or visit diabetesaustralia.com.au

Carers ACT cottages are set amongst safe and secure gardens.

Cottages that give carers a breather

ACT general manager Natalie Smith of Diabetes NSW and ACT.

CARERS ACT operates two short-stay cottages that enable carers of people who are ageing or who have dementia, to take a short break from their caring role.

Chief services innovation officer Adam Horner says the Deakin and Naragana-Wali cottages are a “home away from home” and provide personal and professional care with services including interactive day programs, overnight stays, and short-term respite stays.

“The cottages are set amongst a safe and secure garden with each having four bedrooms available for overnight stays,” says Adam.

“On weekdays, we operate a popular day program with the key goal of assisting our clients with everyday living skills, socialisation, and memory retention while individually tailoring hobbies to reflect our client’s life interest.”

Adam says the cottages are staffed by an experienced and highly qualified team trained in the Montessori model of care which is designed to focus on what the client can still do.

“They are open to all aged ACT residents, depending on individual care needs. There is a fee to attend our cottages, however you may be eligible for a subsidy through the Australian Government Commonwealth Home Support Program,” he says.

“Subject to availability, we also accept full-fee paying clients, as well as clients who have an NDIS plan, a Home Care Package or are privately funded.”

Call 6285 2082 for Deakin Cottage and 6296 9940 for Naragana-Wali Cottage or visit carersact.org.au

Rosemary, carer to her husband.

Are you caring for a family member or friend who is living with a disability, a chronic medical condition, a mental illness, or who is frail due to age? If your answer is yes, then you are a carer.

As a carer, there may be times when your caring responsibilities can affect your wellbeing and your ability to work, study or socialise. It is important to know that there are supports available and you don’t have to do it alone.

Carer Gateway provides a wide range of free supports for carers from counselling, peer support, respite care, online skills, and self-guided coaching courses.

To access these services, call Carer Gateway at 1800 422 737 between 8am and 5pm Monday-Friday and select option 1 to speak to your local service provider. For more information, visit carergateway.gov.au.

CityNews May 19-25, 2022 25

SILVER IS GOLD EXPO / May 26

advertising feature

Friendly and personal care

Expert advice on wills and guardianship

ANNECTO is a home-care package and private feefor-service provider based in Mawson, says acting practice manager Beth Wurker.

“At Annecto, we believe that what is important to you is also very important to us.

“We strive to be welcoming, friendly and professional in all we do, whether it’s a chat in our office, regular phone calls, to the work undertaken by our wonderful frontline staff.”

Beth says Annecto provides home-care packages, short-term restorative care, private fee-for-service and meal preparation, as well as obligation-free

AS one of Canberra’s largest independent law firms, MV Law delivers a comprehensive range of specialised legal services, but MV Law partner Tanya Herbertson and her team are putting a focus on wills and estate work at this year’s expo.

Tanya says she’s been in the industry for more than 20 years, and loves connecting with her clients, which is exactly what the expo is all about.

“The expo is important because it’s about connecting with people again, and giving them an opportunity to come up and have a chat and ask questions,” she says.

Tanya says their focus at the expo will be on estate planning, making wills and organising people’s power of attorney, as well as answering questions about guardianship issues and tribunal issues.

“I love the people side of it, I love hearing people’s stories, hearing their issues or problems and helping them to work out a path forward.

“We’re there for our clients, in terms of having lawyers from our team offering information and advice to the expo attendees.”

advice on all aspects of accessing aged care.

“We have our own case managers, dietician, occupational therapist, registered nurse and enrolled nurse,” she says.

“You will be given the mobile phone number for your case manager so you can contact them directly.

We also employ all of our team of support workers and we don’t use any agency staff, ensuring that we have strong oversight.”

Annecto, 71 Mawson Place, Mawson.

Call 6174 4883 or visit annecto.org.au

The Annecto team, from left, Kath McNaught, Beth Wurcker, Suman Bhusal, Helen Rohan and Baan Kinani.

MV Law, Level 2, 121 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic. Call 6279 4444, email info@mvlaw.com.au or visit mvlaw.com.au

Aged care support that works for you

MV Law partner Tanya Herbertson.

annecto.org.au

Annecto is an aged care and disability service provider supporting people to live the life they want.

Our planning and support starts with you; whether you’re looking for home care, help around the house or garden, or support to stay connected to your community, Annecto will work with you. We provide Home Care Packages, Short Term Restorative Care, CHSP (meal preparation) and private fee for services.

(02) 6174 4883 | Southlands Shopping Centre, 71 Mawson Pl, Mawson ACT 2607 | Ngunnawal and Ngambri Countries

Find out more by speaking to our friendly Annecto staff at the Silver is Gold Festival at booth 56 on 26 May, or give us a call today!

Annecto is supported by the Australian Government, Victorian Government and NSW Government. Registration No A0037563T | ABN 69 045 491 808 | May 2022 26 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

Need help with a legal matter?

Elder Law Have you retired, or are thinking about retiring? Or are you downsizing and moving to a retirement village?

Before you sign off on any important life decisions, it’s crucial to seek specialist legal and financial advice in advance in order to protect your interests. This becomes even more important as you grow older.

Avoid stress and worry in later life by consulting the elder law specialists at MV Law. With an in-depth understanding of the legal issues facing older Australians, we can provide advice and guidance on a range of issues including moving into a retirement village or aged care facility and decisions affecting your financial affairs.

(02) 6279 4444 info@mvlaw.com.au Level 2 121 Marcus Clarke Street Canberra City mvlaw.com.au

Wills and Estates As Canberra’s wills and estate planning specialists, we are the goto experts for providing comprehensive estate planning services that cover all aspects of wills and estate matters.

From the front-end work of preparing wills and powers of attorney for all types of situations and financial circumstances, to administering estates and handling disputes, we have the experience and knowledge to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients.

Because we specialise in wills and estate planning, we have a unique perspective on all the issues that can and do happen. As a result, we’re able to consider every aspect of the law in order to plan for and advocate on your behalf accordingly.

SILVER IS GOLD EXPO / May 26 In-home care provides happier ageing

Exercise classes tailored for seniors

NURSE Next Door provides in-home care services so that seniors can continue to live in their own homes as they age, says managing director Kylie Williams.

“Our focus is on happier ageing and making lives better,” says Kylie.

“We’re all about holistic care of the individual and focusing on their daily needs as well as their mental health needs.”

Whether it’s meal prep, housekeeping, transport or just providing some companionship, Kylie says the trained team at Nurse Next Door prioritises the needs of their clients.

“We meet with the clients to look at what their requirements are. Then we build a care plan around that,” says Kylie.

frustrating season if you’re living with asthma, and it can be daunting to pinpoint what your triggers are.

“For more information on the triggers you’re likely to face this winter, and how you can best manage your asthma around them, visit the Asthma Australia team at the Seniors Expo.

EXERCISE and fitness require a different approach as people age, says Duncan Craig, personal trainer and founder of BoomerAABS. The “AABS” stands for “Active Ageing, Balance and Strength”, and with a focus on training the over-55s, Duncan offers one-on-one, group or active training classes that include the effectiveness of Nordic walking.

“The classes are really BoomerAABS founder targeted to the needs of Duncan Craig. the individual,” says Duncan.

“For over 55s there can often be mobility issues, chronic health issues and other problems and it’s important to be aware of those limitations and abilities that we all have as we get older.

“It’s all about helping to preserve seniors’ independence by keeping them active so that they can do everyday tasks without risk of injuries or falls.”

Duncan says that for many seniors the classes are also an enjoyable opportunity to socialise with others in the community.

“Coming to exercises may be the way for some people to get out and make contact and we have a coffee and chat afterwards and that’s always a great way to connect,” he says.

Asthma Australia. Call 1800 278462, or visit asthma.org.au

BoomerAABS, call Duncan on 0404 373157, visit boomeraabs. com.au or email info@boomeraabs.com.au

Viruses, cold air or wood smoke can trigger asthma A “trigger” for asthma refers to anything that sets off a chain of events that sees a person’s airways narrow or react, says an Asthma Australia spokesperson.

“This often makes it difficult to breathe. In winter, things like cold air, viruses or wood smoke are common triggers for both adults and children,” they say.

“Winter can be a difficult and

“Some clients may engage us for one visit per week, other clients may be every day. It really depends on them.”

Kylie says Nurse Next Door also asks clients what they like doing and builds their hobbies and interests into their care.

“We’ve got one client who we’ve taken to the balloon festival. We’ve got another who, through having the support, has been able to go to museums and the zoo,” she says.

“Other clients just go down to a coffee shop or to the lake or even just outside for a walk. That social connection is so important.”

Nurse Next Door. Call 1300 600247 or visit nursenextdoor.com.au

We offer full spectrum premium in-home care, ranging from nursing to companionship.

MAKE THE CALL 1800 ASTHMA Call our free information and support service to speak with an Asthma Educator about asthma.

1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462)

asthma.org.au

28 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

Get started with a FREE Caring Consult today, because there really is no place like home.

nursenextdoor.com.au

1300 600 247

Move with confidence for life!

Restore wellbeing, independence and quality of life with exercise that is safe, functional, and provides social connection.

Tailored exercise to improve your ability to move with confidence and a reduced falls risk in every day activities.

Over 50’s Community Group Exercise classes and Bungy Pump-Nordic Walking training available NOW. Come and talk to us at the Silver is Gold Seniors Expo, Thurs 26 May, Stall C47 in the Coorong Pavilion, Exhibition Park in Canberra.

Call Duncan TODAY on 0404 373 157 or email: info@boomeraabs.com.au

Qualified instructor Duncan Craig – a Baby Boomer active ageing expert!

advertising feature Insurance for a cause

Northside Community Service client Myrna Henkel (on bus) with care co-ordinator Kate Malone.

Northside brings care and smiles NORTHSIDE Community Service is a not-for-profit, community based organisation that has been supporting the community in north Canberra and beyond since 1976, says care co-ordinator Kate Malone.

“We provide aged-care services such as homecare packages, domestic assistance, personal care, social support, social groups for people aged 65+ and transport,” she says.

“A statement that goes along with Northside, and one I wholeheartedly believe, is ‘exceptional people, courageous practice’.

“That’s where Northside stands out and makes that difference in the community, with its people who are here day in, day out with a smile on their face and mission in their hearts.”

Kate says the focus for the aged-care team is to

FIRST established three decades ago, Council on the Ageing (COTA) Insurance became the first insurance specialist to focus on the needs of older Australians, says CEO Daryl Bateman.

“Today, we are the most experienced insurance agency in this area, insuring home, contents, motor, travel, caravans, boats – even pets,” he says.

“Our policies are backed by leading insurers, who have worked with us to offer insurance products tailored to the needs of our market.”

Daryl says COTA Insurance is one of very few Australian insurance agencies that operates on a not-forprofit basis.

He says that all surplus funds

generated after deducting costs are returned to COTA, the peak body advocating for seniors’ rights and interests to all levels of government, business and in the community at large.

“We know you value talking directly with our wonderful staff, who can guide you through each step of your insurance needs,” says Daryl.

“Most of our team have been with us for many years, and they specialise in talking with older Australians about their insurance needs. They are experts who are generous with their time, making sure that you are properly covered and understand your policy.

“Most importantly, they really enjoy talking to people about their

COTA Insurance CEO Daryl Bateman. insurance needs.”

COTA Insurance, call 1300 130050, visit cota.com.au or email insurance@cota.com.au

help people enjoy their home for as long as they choose to stay, and to keep them engaged with activities they love in their community of choice.

“We provide services, advice and support to maintain your independence, and to feel safe and confident at home and in the community. We can also support you to settle back into your home following hospitalisation or rehabilitation,” she says.

The saying “people may forget what you said, they may forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel”,’ resonates with Kate, and she believes that is why Northside will “always succeed in our work with older people in our community”.

Northside Community Service, 2 Rosevear Place, Dickson. Call 6171 8000, or visit northside.asn.au

Enjoy your home for as long as you choose to stay

Now offering domestic and international travel insurance

Cover for some COVID-19 related events

Services we provide include: Home Care Packages Domestic Assistance Personal Care Social Support Social Groups for over 65’s » Transport » » » » »

northside.asn.au (02) 6171 8000

1300 1300 50

PROUD SPONSORS

cota.com.au

Insurance and Membership Services Limited ABN 59 057 159 743, AR 246235 trading as COTA Travel Insurance is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd, ABN 81 115 932173, AFS Licence No 308461 and act as nib’s agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.

CT110522

CityNews May 19-25, 2022 29

CELEBRATING SENIORS

advertising feature Exercise options to suit all abilities ARTHRITIS ACT CEO Rebecca Davey says it’s important to remain active at all ages, “to condition muscles that protect against injury”, and Arthritis ACT has solutions for people of varying abilities.

“We have Nordic Walking classes. We’re teaching people how to walk with poles, which is a great, low-impact aerobic activity for everyone.”

Rebecca says it’s also important to build strength in different areas of the body.

“We now run Pilates from both locations, Pearce and Bruce,” and, as an added benefit for Arthritis ACT

members, “we have free, online exercise classes every week from Tuesday to Thursday.”

That’s only the start, Rebecca says, with Arthritis ACT also offering services such as exercise physiology, disability support and meal planning to help people in managing their pain.

“No question is too big or small for us,” she says.

Arthritis ACT, Building 1, Colette Place, Pearce, and Building 18, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041, email info@arthritisact.org.au or visit arthritisact.org.au

Lawyer and notary public Ashilpa Khanna of Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators.

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

Ashilpa, who has also recently been made a notary public, says some people don’t have a will, which means their possessions are instead distributed by the “rules of intestacy”.

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

This can be costly and time-consuming. Even if they have a will, Ashilpa says it’s important that seniors periodically review it, especially after significant events such as when children get married or the birth of a grandchild.

“At the forefront of people’s minds is making sure

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

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

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

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

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

Working with you for the best result YES WE ARE OPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS For all client meetings COVID-19 adherance applies

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

Ashilpa Khanna Wills and Estate Planning Lawyer. Notary Public

For the best outcome when it matters how it’s done call Capon & Hubert on 6152 9203 First Floor, 32-38, Townshend Street, Phillip ACT

chsol.com.au | enquiries@chsol.com.au 30 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

Over 30 years serving Canberra

ARTHRITIS ACT ARE THE EXPERTS IN OSTEOARTHRITIS TREATMENT Our team of physiotherapists are all trained in delivering the highly evaluated GLA:D® program for osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.

Research from the GLA:D® program in Denmark found symptom progression reduces by 32%. Other outcomes include less pain, reduced use of joint related pain killers, and less people on sick leave.

GLA:D® participants also reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and increased levels of physical activity 12 months after starting the program.

The GLA:D® program involves: • A first appointment explaining the program and collecting data on your current functional ability· Our physiotherapists work closely with our exercise physiologists and excercise scientists so if you need hydrotherapy or other exercise supports, you can keep your care all in the hands of one practice.

• Two education sessions which teach you about osteoarthritis and how the GLA:D® Australia exercises improve joint stability, and how to retain this improved joint stability outside of the program·

Do you want to live better with your osteoarthritis?

•

Call us today on 1800 011 041 and book your appointment with one of our physiotherapists to discuss your best course of treatment.

Jacqui Couldrick

Lead Physiotherapist

Group neuromuscular training sessions twice a week for six weeks to improve muscle control of the joint, aiming to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. GLA:D® is offered at both our Bruce and Pearce offices.

If GLA:D® is not for you, our team will be able to support you with specialised treatments aimed at improving your quality of life whilst living with osteoarthritis. Our team can also assist you to prepare for and recover from surgery, if this is the best course of action for you.

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

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

Enquire or book today 1800 011 041

CANBERRA’S FASTEST GROWING FITNESS MOVEMENT!

CELEBRATING SENIORS Aged care living with a multicultural focus

Nordic Walking – the total package for health and fitness

low impact high results total body fitness

Join thousands of Canberran’s taking advantage of the fitness activity that has been keeping the Nordics and Scandis strong and healthy for hundreds of years Nordic Walking is way more effective than regular walking, jogging, cycling or swimming. Much easier on joints, provides stability, strengthens core, improves posture, and fantastic cardio workout.

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

www.capitalnordicwalking.com.au hello@capitalnordicwalking.com.au

CANBERRA LIVE Weekdays 3pm-6pm @CanberraLive2CC 2cc.net.au

LEON DELANEY

32 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

Prof Paul N Smith of Orthopaedics ACT.

Expertise in patients’ healing ORTHOPAEDICS ACT, which began in 2013, provides a complete range of care for patients, and offers specialist surgical services for adults and children.

“All of our surgeons are subspecialty trained in their areas of expertise,” says Prof Paul N Smith. “We cover all areas from head to toe.”

Prof Smith says the team have a “deep engagement” with the ANU Medical School and research units, as well as participating in specialty training.

He says he works in the industry because of the joy it brings when he is

fixing someone’s problems. The most rewarding part is “seeing people get better and getting on with their lives”.

“Either healing a fracture, repairing an injury or enabling someone to walk again,” he says.

Orthopaedics ACT is the largest practice in the region, he says, and its surgeons are the most experienced.

Orthopaedics ACT, Woden Specialist Medical Centre, Level 2, 90 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 6221 9320, or visit orthoact.com.au

ALAN Hardie, operations manager and acting general manager of Villaggio Sant’ Antonio, says the aged-care facility has a focus on multicultural residents, and says “mixing with other cultures is a good thing.”

“It’s good for a lot of the residents to mix, and they are better able to understand each other.”

Villaggio has provided aged-care services and accommodation since 1992, and Alan says the staff focus on promoting and providing activities and entertainment for the residents.

“We have coffee days, we have themed days, we do a lot of things to make them happy. It’s a really homely feeling.

“I’ve been in aged care and retirement work for about 20 years. It’s lovely to work with the elderly and be able to help people,” says Alan.

He says Villaggio treats residents as if they were “our own family.”

“Villaggio tries to give more of a closeness in looking after people and in personal care, and we try to make their stay here very pleasant. We also try to cater for as much as we can that helps residents enjoy their lives, even if they’re restricted by age or illness.”

Villaggio Sant’ Antonio, 35 Burkitt Street, Page. Call 6255 1794, email @villaggio.com.au or visit villaggio.com.au

advertising feature Planning a will for peace of mind AS an expert in wills and estate planning, solicitor Peta Taylor of RMB Lawyers says she’s passionate about creating legal clarity and comfort for seniors and their families.

“A will is a straightforward, cost-effective way of providing guidance and peace of mind to the people that you leave behind,” says Peta.

“It also provides peace of mind to the willmaker themselves that their hard-earned assets are going to be dealt with how they’d like them to be dealt with.”

Peta says that one of the most important things about a will is that people also get to appoint the person who is going to be responsible for finalising their affairs.

“It’s not just about the distribution of assets, it’s about who takes charge in identifying your assets and tying up loose ends and dealing with the distribution of your estate,” she says.

“If you die without a will then you lose the ability to nominate that person. It means your family, your friends or even the Public Trustee have to then decide amongst themselves who is going to be responsible for that.”

Peta says that even if people have organised a will before, it’s important to review what’s in place every few years.

“This is so you make sure your executor is still alive and appropriate and that the beneficiary can still receive what you want them to,” she says.

“I’m passionate about talking to clients about what their intentions are for their wealth planning, where they’re wanting to head in the future and what they see happening for their family.”

RMB Lawyers solicitor Peta Taylor.

RMB Lawyers, 70 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan.

Call 1800 681211 or visit rmblawyers.com.au

Villaggio Sant’ Antonio Independent Living and Aged Care Hostel

Our Villas enable you to enjoy relaxed independent living in a caring retirement community.

Located within a beautiful garden setting in Page, Villaggio Sant’ Antonio offers safe and secure living in 2 or 3 bedroom Villas.

Come and discover how you can retire with us today.

For all enquires please contact us on 62551794 or reception@villaggio.com.au

www.villaggio.com.au

CityNews May 19-25, 2022 33

CELEBRATING SENIORS Nordic Walk your way to total body fitness

Fully serviced gym for people aged 65+

NORDIC Walking is one of the most affordable and fun ways to get moving and stay active and healthy, so seniors can keep doing all the things they love, says Kristen Pratt of Capital Nordic Walking.

“Exercise, when done properly, is proven to boost health,” she says.

“Even a few minutes every day can strengthen the immune system, improve brain function, reverse the effects of ageing, and may even improve your memory. Exercise can also be a boon to mental health.

“Nordic Walking is an incredible fitness activity – it’s fun, super effective, and convenient.

“It suits all ages and fitness levels and is suitable for people with health and mobility challenges like Parkinson’s, arthritis, or balance problems.”

Kristen says the low-impact, total-body workout is as gentle as walking but delivers results that are proven to be more effective than walking, jogging or cycling.

“It doubles the number of muscles being worked to over 90 per cent, can blast as many calories as running, strengthens your upper body and core, improves your posture, and takes a huge amount of strain off your legs, hips and back,” she says.

“Best of all it’s fun to do with friends and family.”

ALYCE Egelton, member services officer at YMCA Chifley Health and Wellness Centre, says while their demographic trend is heading for a mature-aged population of 65 and older, anyone is welcome.

“I would say that we have more of a community feel, and we feel like our members are our family,” she says.

The staff know the majority of their members by name, and Alyce says because the gym isn’t open 24/7, there’s always someone there when members attend the gym.

Alyce has been in her role as member services officer for 18 months.

“I just love building rapport with the members. I love to get to know everyone and they stop by and have a chat.”

And, she says it’s a nice distraction from admin work.

“There’s always a contact point here,” which Alyce says helps with their “real community feel,” which is what the members love.

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

Environmentally friendly fabrics HAVING opened in the heart of Phillip last year, Weft and Warp has established itself as a store providing a wide range of fabrics for making clothes.

“That’s what makes us a bit different from other shops that sell fabric, most don’t sell exclusively for the making of clothes,” says owner Rebecca Harper.

“We almost exclusively buy our fabrics from Europe, which means we have access to some of the nicest brands and the ones we know are more environmentally friendly.”

Rebecca says the store prides itself on being an inclusive place to visit that welcomes anyone through its doors.

“We don’t want this to be seen as a place just for women,” she says.

“There’s a bit of perception out there that sewing is for women. We’ve got quite a few customers who are men and we sell the widest range of patterns for men we’ve been able to find.”

For those interested in sewing, Rebecca says Weft and Warp also hosts a variety of classes in its mezzanine room.

“We’ve got some very good teachers who are extraordinarily experienced and who are very good at troubleshooting issues,” she says.

“Wherever you’re at, everyone can learn to sew and we’re happy to teach people and provide them with the info and resources to do so.”

YMCA Chifley Health and Wellness Centre, 9/71 Maclaurin Crescent, Chifley. Call 6281 0124 or visit ymcacanberra.org.au

Weft and Warp, 10/82 Parramatta Street, Phillip.

Call 6181 8583 or visit weftandwarp.com.au

Fabric you want to sew, notions you want to sew with.

Weft and Warp is Canberra’s specialist apparel fabric shop dedicated to sewing beautiful functional and sustainable clothing.

Located in the heart of Woden, with over 300 fabrics you will find fabric from: • • • • • •

Liberty of London Lady McElroy Merchant and Mills Lise Tailor See You At Six Roo-tid and much more.

Visit us in store or online to discover fabric, classes and the largest range of Prym haberdashery and William Whiteley scissors in Australia.

OPEN: Wednesday & Thursday 10-5 | Friday 10-6 | Saturday & Sunday 10-4 | 02 6181 8583 Unit 10, 82 Parramatta St Phillip | www.weftandwarp.com.au | 34 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

weftandwarpfabrics

advertising feature

Independent Living Specialists Phillip store manager Peter Corbett.

Improving the lives and mobility of people in need WITH a new store recently opened in Phillip, Independent Living Specialists (ILS) provides mobility and homecare equipment including wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking aids, lift chairs, hospital beds, daily living aids and more.

Phillip store manager Peter Corbett says it’s “incredibly rewarding” to be part of a team who help care for and improve the lives of people in the community.

“Some people are coming out of hospital because they’ve had a planned surgery, other people might wake up all of a sudden and their lives have changed completely,” he says.

“We want to provide products that can help them in their lives going forward as much as possible.”

Running until June 30, Peter says all stock will be 10 per cent off.

People are free to trial the products in store, and in certain circumstances, at home with a referral. Peter also says the experienced and knowledgeable team encourage people to ask questions about any of the products.

“It’s a very rewarding feeling to think that someone is going to walk out of this store and hopefully be in a better position than when they walked in,” he says.

Independent Living Specialists, units 3-4, 25 Dundas Court, Phillip. Call 9044 1333, email canberra@ilsau.com.au or visit ilsau.com.au

Moving Through Life EARLY INTERVENTION > CHILDHOOD > ADULTHOOD > AGED CARE

10% storewide off

RRP

until 30 June

Walkers & Accessories

Mobility Scooters

Lift Chairs & Seating

Wheelchairs

Daily Living Aids

Bathroom Aids

NEW STORE IN CANBERRA Units 3-4, 25 Dundas Court PHILLIP OPENING HOURS Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm Sat: 9am-2pm

ilsau.com.au | 02 9044 1333 CityNews May 19-25, 2022 35

CELEBRATING SENIORS Equipment for all abilities in a heated, accessible pool HARTLEY Hydrotherapy is an all-abilities, accessible heated pool, which operates five days a week at a temperature of 34 degrees, says a Hartley Hydrotherapy spokesperson.

“The pool is available for hire to all members of the Canberra community and surrounds,” they say.

“We offer two different hire arrangements, shared use and exclusive use.

“Our pool offers access via pool steps or a hoist, at a shallow depth of 1.1 metres to 1.5 metres, handrails, non-slip tiles and a change room on site.”

The spokesperson says Hartley Hydrotherapy also

provides a large range of equipment free of charge, which can be used to enhance the program.

“This includes steps, floating devices, arm resistance equipment, kickboards and an in-water seat.

“Hydrotherapy is the use of water for therapy, rehabilitation, exercise and relaxation. Hydrotherapy may benefit a variety of people for reducing pain, relieving stress, supporting recovery, relaxation or fun.”

Hartley Hydrotherapy. Call 6185 1653, email hydrotherapy@hartley.org.au or visit hartley.org.au

Hartley Hydrotherapy pool is available for hire to all members of the Canberra community and surrounds.

With water heated at 34C, Hydrotherapy can assist with general health, recovery and increase a person’s sense of wellbeing.

Visit Vic for second-hand furniture SAVE A Bob Or Two is a second-hand furniture store providing everything from knick knacks to small and large pieces of furniture and much more, says owner Vic Seisun.

The store has recently relocated from Karabar shops in Queanbeyan to Hawker shops, opposite Woolworths and, Vic says, they also have a new store open in Harden, NSW. He says the stores stock everything from household furniture to glassware, collectibles, artwork and records, and all stock is in a good, used condition.

Vic says he’s got a passion for going above and beyond to help fulfill customer requests, and he absolutely loves what he does.

“We’re trendy and inviting. The store is exciting and adventurous and we have many different collections for all our customers.”

Vic prides himself on providing the best possible service, and keeping things on schedule and available so as to avoid inconveniencing customers.

He says he’s honest, his prices are cheap and he can deliver goods for an extra cost.

Save A Bob Or Two, Hawker Shopping Centre (0448 164315) and 25 Neill Street, Harden (0434 514870). Visit saveabobortwo.com.au

For bookings and enquiries please contact the team at hydrotherapy@hartley.org.au or 02 6185 1653

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

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

Located in the heart of Weston Creek, Adria Village, which has two dedicated respite rooms and a special care unit, offers residential care for 42 residents.

The village also contains 36 independent living units.

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

“We have an active residents’

committee who organise lots of get-togethers. Residents can play cards, go to morning teas and happy hours, enjoy exercise, and much more,” she says.

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

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

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

Adria Village, 89 Fremantle Drive, Stirling. Call 6288 0198, email admin@adria.org.au or visit adria.org.au

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

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

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

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

Contact our friendly staff today to arrange a personal tour.

• Phone: 6288 0198 • Fax: 02 6288 7635 • Email: admin@adria.org.au • Website: www.adria.org.au • Address: 89 Fremantle Drive, Stirling, ACT 2611 36 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

advertising feature

Looking for a unique piece 10% or collectable?

OFF ALL

Fitness plans that suit the individual THE team at Higher Function Physio & Pilates takes the time to learn about people’s fitness goals so they create the best exercise plan for them, says CEO Janet Fabbri.

“Whether someone might want to walk up and down the stairs without pain or someone might want to run up and down Mount Ainslie, we’re always aware of what their goals are,” says Janet.

“We tailor the exercise for individuals.

Everyone in our classes is getting something they need.”

With classes run by trained physiotherapists and exercise physiologists, Janet says the team can diagnose specific health problems and prescribe evidence-based therapeutic exercises and manual therapy to treat the underlying cause.

“Prevention is better than cure so we’re trying to get people away from physio and away from the doctor,” she says.

“We know how to modify exercises so that they’re safe and comfortable and with our levelled classes we can progress people to suit their strength.” Janet also says all classes are claimable on private health insurance and Higher Function is registered with AHPRA, Medicare, DVA and NDIS. “We’re passionate about what we do. We genuinely care and we work hard to create a friendly and supportive environment so that our patients can thrive,” she says.

We Buy and Sell New and Pre-Loved • Furniture • Household Goods • Paintings • Records • Collectables • and more!

FURNITURE

just mention this ad!

Searching for something particular?

Call Vic on

0448 164 315

Come & find a bargain, opposite Woolworths Hawker ACT

Save a Bob or Two

Higher Function Physio & Pilates, Suite 4, Level 1/23 Petrie Plaza. Call 6262 9664 or visit higherfunction.com.au

Also at: 25 Niell Street, Harden NSW

Move freely, with less pain Small group Clinical Exercise Classes taught by Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists.

Claim from your Private Health Insurer.

Improve your strength, balance & mobility Improve your bone density Prevent and manage arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease & more Reduce the risk of falls

Move well, age well with Clinical Exercise Classes: Strong Bones - osteopenia / osteoporosis GLA:D - knee / hip osteoarthritis Strength for Life - by COTA Golf Fit Matwork Reformer A Clinical Exercise Assessment is required prior to starting classes. This 60 min Assessment with a Physio or Exercise Physiologist will ensure your functional needs are addressed during classes.

23 Petrie Plaza, Canberra City

6262 9664

higherfunction.com.au CityNews May 19-25, 2022 37

GARDENING

Cold comfort from cyclamen

By Jackie

WARBURTON CYCLAMEN would have to be the most popular indoor plant for cold climates like ours.

Chris’ Trees • Tree pruning • Tree removal • Tree maintenance • Tree surgery • Hedge lowering

Quote range $300 to $600*

‘Lights on drive safe’ MAXIMUM IMPACT!

Text or call 0468 695 561 Email cgsact@gmail.com Find me on gumtree.com.au Double vaxxed

Insured – AAMI

I always buy two largish cyclamen at the beginning of winter, one lives outside and the other in the bathroom.

I swap them over every few weeks and the cold air gives them a lift.

They will keep flowering for at least four to six months and are a cheaper alternative to a bunch of flowers.

Cyclamen like moist, well-drained soil, but not wet feet. Deadheading the flowers and the leaves with a twist at the base will give more room for fresh growth to come through.

There is a wide colour range from whites, reds and pinks including some hybrids to choose from. When the plant slows down its flowering in a few months’ time, it can be planted in the garden for flowering next year.

ANY fallow soil should be covered up now with either broken down leaves, mulch or compost to

Cyclamen… they keep flowering for at least four to six months. decompose over the winter months – and keep the weeds at bay.

If the veggies are growing strong, keep a fortnightly seaweed solution and water to keep them growing fast. Garlic can be put in still and this year most of mine have gone into the rose garden. As good companion plants, the garlic will keep insects away from the roses and will be ready for harvest when the roses begin to put on a show.

* $600 day rate (1 x Tree surgeon)

Lic # 1993 14963

PLUMBING GAS FITTING & DRAINAGE • No job is to small • Provide fast reliable service • Clear Blocked Drains | Hot water Installations & Repairs • Service & Install all Gas Appliances • All Plumbing & Gas Services • New Homes & Renovations • We care about our customers • We get it fixed right the first time

30 Years Servicing Canberra

Competitive prices – No surprise fees

PAT MORELLA | 0412 628 538

Even the magpies think it’s real…

Synthetic grass stays green all year round Australian made for Australian climate standards Family owned business - 15 years experience Easy low maintenance & water free Up to 15 years warranty from manufacture & 8 years commercial use We do Landscaping and paving too!

For a FREE measure & quote

call David 0410 682 457 or Nancy 0410 081 771

Keeping it green.com.au The synthetic grass solution

38 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

Medlar… a heritage fruit tree that can double as a small shade tree.

Photo: Jackie Warburton

MEDLAR (Mespilus germanica) is a heritage fruit tree that can double as a small shade tree and produce edible fruit as well. The fruit is eaten when it is bletted, which is a process of over-ripeness and is the same as quince and persimmon fruits that can be eaten raw or cooked.

The tree is self-fertile, so only one tree is needed to produce fruit and is relatively pest free. The tree has a spreading and weeping habit with gorgeous fragrant white/pink flowers in spring. I have had success with the “Nottingham” variety and found it is the best at growing in our region with good flavour.

THERE’S still all those wonderful autumn leaves to collect and compost. The smaller the leaf the quicker it will break down.

Elsewhere, there is still a lot of pruning of herbaceous perennials to do as well as getting the garden beds ready for winter.

I prefer to use manures and mulches to feed the soil in winter and let it all rest for spring. Cow manure is available by the trailer load and a lot more economical than bags, although sometimes bags are more convenient.

Manures can be added to the garden in the next few months and chicken manure is readily available for me and throughout the year.

Photo: Jackie Warburton I give the chook run a good clean out, let the manure age in a large bucket and spread it on to the veggie garden in winter. Chicken manure is high in nitrogen and all fruit trees and vegetables need nitrogen, which makes it a terrific non-chemical fertiliser.

It’s also available in pelleted form and is a lot easier to distribute on to garden beds if you don’t have chickens. When using any manures always water in and wash off the foliage of plants.

NOW’S the perfect time to prepare any garden beds for winter planting of garden trees and fruit trees.

Some fruit trees are self-fertile, meaning there is only one tree for fruiting, but some trees such as plums, apples and pears require two trees for pollination and there might be more space needed to grow in the garden.

Planning the long-term space for trees is vital and it would be a shame to have years of growth gone for a tree planted in the wrong spot.

Prepare by digging over the area with a sharp spade or fork and aerate the soil, manure and compost can be added and turned over every week or so until planting. jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

WICKING SOLUTIONS FOR ANY SPACE

COME SEE GARDENS COURTYARDS BALCONIES 28-29 MAY Visit us at 4/23 Essington St, Mitchell ACT 2911 US AT THE BUDAWANG 02 6179 3977 SHOWROOM! admin@aquafloirrigation.com.au | aquafloirrigation.com.au PAV, EPIC

PUMPS - TANKS - IRRIGATION - FILTRATION

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE

Love it or hate it, this is a movie like none other

NICK OVERALL

Remembering hidden lives in history of a house

By Helen

MUSA A HOUSE is the main character in an original new play commissioned as part of Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre’s “Q The Locals” program.

Creator Kate Walder and musician John Shortis have joined forces to pay tribute to 21 Forster Street, Bungendore, a heritage home lovingly cared for by Walder’s father Chris, who died in 2017.

Shortis was even married there and he, in turn, used to visit printmaker Theo Tremblay when he lived in the house, but its history goes back to the 19th century, so there are many a tale to be told onstage.

Billed as “a journey through time through the walls and histories of the house”, it’s been inspired by stories Kate’s father shared with her in his final days.

Artistic director of The Q, Jordan Best says: “Kate’s late father’s house not only has historical significance within the community, but by drawing on stories from its 150-year history the work will shine a light on the regional Australian home.”

Chris Walder was one of a long line of residents at 21 Forster Street, as I find when

If these walls could speak… the star of the show, 21 Forster Street, Bungendore.

Kate Walder.

I catch up with Walder to talk about her theatre company, Steps And Holes and the peripatetic lifestyle that sees her dash backand-forth between Sydney and Bungendore, where her partner lives.

Titled simply, “21 Forster St”, the play is her company’s first major work and a world premiere, too.

But she’s no theatrical ingenue. A graduate in musical theatre from the WA Academy of Performing Arts before going to Paris to study with master clown Ecole Philippe Gaulier, she has since amassed a swag of credits, performing at the Ricca Festival Japan and the

an old pub in The Rocks, and paid loving attention to details he felt captured the integrity of the house.

After he died, 21 Forster Street was put up for sale, and as she grieved, Kate thought about the many things that must have happened between there since farmer Crawley built the house in the 1860s.

Buoyed by her dad’s stories and books about old Bungendore, she dug into the history of the house.

“It was a little overwhelming, but I’ve put it together with my father as a kind of narrator,” Kate says.

Edinburgh Fringe, while also working professional shows in Sydney and at the Australian Theatre for Young People in Sydney.

Kate will perform in the play, but she’s also engaged the clown Damien WarrenSmith and Poppy Lynch, daughter of the late actress Penny Cook.

Partly inspired by a swimming pool game she used to play with her dad as a girl, the play looks at the hidden lives in the house’s history, giving weight to the cliché, “if these walls could speak”.

Chris had renovated the old house, sourced 1880s stained glass windows from

There’s a section about the Crawleys, who built the house, for which she’s adopted a vaudevillian way of telling the tale.

Then there’s the part about the family of Dr Eric Dark, related to Australian author Eleanor Dark, of “The Timeless Land” fame. The Darks lived there briefly in 1918, so the play goes into the silent-movie style of the time.

Finally, there is the Edmonds family, who lived there for a full 70 years and whose descendants are all around Bungendore and Queanbeyan.

“That’s going to be a bit like a Broadway musical that moves into the era of TV,” she says, describing it as “a visual and physical experience,” one she needed to flesh out with music.

That’s where Bungendore local, Shortis, came into the picture.

“I asked him to do a musical montage and that man can really generate tunes,” Kate says.

Shortis tells me he was asked to create musical scores that reached across the ‘30s, ‘40s, ‘50s and into the era of rock ’n’ noll. And he did.

There’s more history-in-the-making at number 21 Forster Street. Another famous novelist, Inga Simpson, is the daughter of the new owner and Kate talked her into writing some of the text – “that’s one of the best things in the whole show,” she says.

“21 Forster St”, The Q, Queanbeyan, May 26-June 4. Book at theq.net.au or 6285 6290.

26 MAY - 4 JUNE 2022 THE Q QUEANBEYAN PERFORMING ARTS

CENTRE

THEQ.NET.AU

CityNews May 19-25, 2022 39

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Enjoying power of dancing from the ground up

By Helen

MUSA THE idea of moving on solid ground is a contended concept in the world of dance and the title of the coming Quantum Leap triple-bill, “Terra Firma”, puts the question on show.

As QL2 Dance director Ruth Osborne confirms, while ballet dancers are known for taking flight from the ground, contemporary dancers are “very grounded, using the floor, feeling closer to the ground than in classical”.

Osborne is not choreographing in the annual show at The Playhouse this year, but is instead making sure the three contrasting works fit together under the unifying title.

“We really wanted to establish a sense of continuity, while at the same time emphasising the three different approaches of three different choreographers,” she says.

As usual, the visuals will be very strong with, in the final work, the familiar largescale moving imagery from Quantum Leap’s long-time partner, WildBear Productions.

The lighting will be by prize-winning interstate lighting designer Mark Dyson, who grew up in Canberra as part of a notable dance family.

“Mark lights like an artist rather than a lighting technician,” Osborne says.

40 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

Dancers rehearse for Quantum Leap’s “Terra Firma”.

First up on the program is “Metal Park”, choreographed by Melanie Lane, a famous Canberra-raised dance artist whose independent work has been presented at international festivals and theatres such as HAU Berlin, Leipzig and the Indonesian Dance Festival.

“We are lucky to have her here,” Osborne says. “Melanie’s work is about materialism, the oversupply of everything in our world and how we fill our lives up with ‘things’.

“And, yes, we’ve definitely got a lot of ‘things’ on stage.”

UK electronic musician Clark, for whom Lane choreographed his 2015 and 2017 shows performed at more than 30 international venues, has been engaged as composer on this show.

The second work, choreographed to an original score by Newcastle composer Zackari Watt, is “Shifting Ground”, choreographed by Cadi McCarthy, a long-time dance artist from Canberra who went on to head up Buzz Dance Theatre in Perth then, in 2014, founded Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub in Newcastle.

Photo: Lorna Sim Her work, which involves both Novocastrian and Canberra dancers, explores the physicality of solid versus shifting ground, shown to embody the strength and connection that holds us to our world in uncertain times.

For this work, McCarthy has brought four of her dancers in as visiting artists.

Osborne says: “We like to have visiting dancers and this year we will be collaborating with them on three different works.”

There’s also a visiting dancer who comes from Cootamundra every week.

The final work, “Tides of Time”, is choreographed by a familiar Quantum Leap figure, Steve Gow, who trained in hip hop, contemporary and acrobatics and now works at QL2 Dance.

Now in the first commissioned work for the choreographic duo, Synergy Styles, he’ll be working with his choreographer wife Lilah Gow, who’s been seen performing with Australian Dance Party and now also teaches at QL2 dance, the parent company of Quantum Leap.

“They’ve been married for a long time, but have had different careers and this brings the two of them together,” Osborne says.

The Gows’ work deals with time – the past and future – and the musical score will be by Canberra composer Adam Ventura, whose beats have graced the company’s big Playhouse productions for many years.

Osborne likes the idea of having her dancers, who range in age from 13 to 23, working with different choreographers and composers and praises the stamina of the young people, saying: “I’m loving that they’re working long days 9-to-5 in masks, which is really tiring but they do it to stay safe with their families and with each other.”

The annual Quantum Leap showcase at The Playhouse, the result of a long-standing collaboration with the Canberra Theatre Centre, serves to illustrate why, year after year, QL2 Dance gets dancers into major Australian dance schools and companies.

“Terra Firma”, The Playhouse, May 26-28.

Book at canberratheatrecentre.com.au

STREAMING

Love it or hate it, this is a movie like none other A STRANGE little curio of a film has drifted on to Stan this month.

It’s called “A Ghost Story”, and in it Oscarwinning actor Casey Affleck spends most of the film underneath a bedsheet with two eye holes poked in it.

That may sound like some kind of brutally deadpan joke, but this peculiar movie somehow turns the oldest halloween costume in the book into a profound piece of imagery.

Shot on a $100,000 budget, it’s the story of a man who returns to his house as a ghost after dying in a car crash and who helplessly watches as his wife tries to move on in her life without him.

This isn’t a film that’s trying to get your popcorn flying in the air with a jump scare. Instead, it opts for the slightly more frightening tac of ruminating on lost love, the relentless, crushing passage of time and the impossible question of what comes after we die. Nothing too scary, then, right?

It is remarkable how a film, set almost entirely in a single house, is able to feel so cosmic in the exploration of its ideas.

Be warned this is a movie that is heavy on imagery, and light on action and dialogue.

It wants its audience to sit and soak in its scenery and think about how it makes them feel. Those wanting answers to the film’s many questions will have to look inside themselves to get them.

And, hey, that’s just not what some people want in a movie, and that’s fine. While some of this slow-moving meditation at times

“A Ghost Story”... no horror movie, but certainly a haunting one. borders on saccharine, it’s ultimately only collateral of a film that tries to do something so wonderfully unique. Love it or hate it, this is a movie like none other.

If you are at all intrigued, even slightly, I can’t recommend this 90-minute burst of phantasmagoria enough. It’s no horror movie, but it certainly is a haunting one.

STREAMERS looking for something a little more high octane this month may find more fun in the latest James Bond flick which has

just made its way to Amazon Prime Video.

“No Time To Die” caps off Daniel Craig’s tenure as the globe-trotting MI6 agent with a stylish final outing that ticks almost every box in the James Bond book.

It might not hit the heights of other Criag led 007 flicks such as “Casino Royale” or “Skyfall”, but this is still a hell of a good time.

Bond fans may also be excited that coinciding with the release of “No Time To Die” is the entire James Bond collection on the platform.

From Sean Connery all the way through to Craig himself, all 25 Bond films will now be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

FOR those who enjoy a peek behind the scenes, Paramount Plus’ newest streaming hit gives an inside look at the making of

what’s widely considered to be the greatest film of all time.

“The Offer” drops viewers into a glossy ‘70s Hollywood and tells the story of how “The Godfather” was made.

Miles Teller stars as a plucky producer who was doing all he could to get the film greenlit, and despite the unmatched success of the movie, it turns out it almost didn’t happen.

With the script changing directors’ hands multiple times, a real-life crime mob protesting its production and even Marlon Brando not wanted in the lead role by Paramount executives meant the Corleone family almost didn’t make it to the screen.

“The Godfather” itself holds up incredibly well in 2022, 50 years since it was first released, and can be found on a plethora of streaming services including Paramount Plus, Binge, Amazon Prime Video and Stan.

It makes for a particularly interesting watch next to this new, 10-part mini series that’s dripping in style and moves along at a swift pace.

For general audiences it may not quite be the drawcard Paramount wants it to be, but for film buffs, pop culture pundits and fans of “The Godfather”, this is one offer that can’t be refused.

CINEMA / Reviews

Tensions bubble under cloak of secrecy “Operation Mincemeat” (M) MY memories of director Ronald Neame’s 1956 film “The Man Who Never Was” with Clifton Webb and Gloria Graham have rather faded.

Drawing on the book by real life protagonist Ewen Montagu, Nigel Balchin, no slouch at film writing, did the screenplay.

Montagu died in 1985. I suspect that if he were still alive, he might have looked favourably on John Madden’s film made last year of the same historical events with a screenplay by Michelle Ashford drawing on a book by Ben Macintyre.

Ashford and Macintyre may well have had access to documentation not available to Balchin.

It would make for stimulating reading.

Did the actual Operation Mincemeat do any good in 1943? Eminently watchable, Madden’s film “Operation Mincemeat” doesn’t find a fictional way into the stranger-than-fiction outrageousness of the scheme itself, like those “homefront wartime” British films emphasising morale, strategic ingenuity and political shenanigans, rather than battlefield action.

I’m glad I saw it. Wartime tensions bubble away under its cloak of secrecy. It’s well acted – Colin Firth as Montagu, Matthew Macfadyen as Flt-Lt Cholmondeley (pronounced “Chumley”), Jason Isaacs as Admiral Godfrey, Penelope Wilton as Hester Leggett, Kelly Macdonald as Jean Leslie.

The action evolves mainly in a top secret office in the War Office, where a collection of agile minds ponders the best way of leading Hitler and his generals to expect the allies would invade through Greece, when the allies were actually planning to come through Sicily.

One of the people involved in the deception went on to world fame – some might call it notoriety – after the tumult and the shooting died. His name was

Restorations - Repairs - Remakes - Re-Setting Ring Re-sizing - 48hr Service Custom Design - for something Special Pearl and Bead Re-Threading and Knotting

Advance Jewellers A Family Business: 55 years experience

Southlands Shopping Centre – Mawson (about 50 metres South of the Post Office) 0408 310 063

Colin Firth in “Operation Mincemeat”.

Ian Fleming, a lieutenant commander under Montagu (who held the same rank). Played by Johnny Flynn, he has a peripheral role in the film – some say the mincemeat idea was his in the first place, but who now could be certain?

At Dendy and Palace Electric

“FireStarter” (M) KEITH Thomas’ second feature as director delivers many dramatic misfortunes. I won’t try to list them. Here’s a short list of stand-out moments.

Zac Efron plays Andy McGee, the dad of Charlie who, as a babe in arms, could set her environment alight just by disliking it. When her unusual talent emotionally strains him, he weeps, not tears like the rest of humanity but trickles of blood.

The family – caring dad Andy, mom Vicky (Sydney Lemmon) and Charlie (11-year-old Ryan Kiera Armstrong who has amassed 18 roles since 2018!) – is trying to cure Charlie of her destructive penchant without seeking professional help.

Andy wonders if her hormones might be driving

it. No, says Vicky, her periods haven’t started yet.

Irv (John Beasley), a trigger-happy member of the same breed as Andy and Charlie and the film’s most virulent nasty, comes to the McGee home at the same time as four sheriff’s deputies. Irv starts shooting them. Four of the community’s finest go down in ragged piles without firing back. Can this be the film’s message about America’s gun culture? And if so, which side is the film taking?

The closing sequence portends the possibility of a sequel. Irv walks along a beach carrying unconscious Charlie in his arms. Anybody who’s stayed to the film’s flaccid finish knows that dousing Charlie in water can deal permanently with her proclivity. I suspect Irv has his reasons for not!

This is the second time Stephen King’s horror story has been told on film. In 1984, Mark Lester directed Drew Barrymore playing Charlie. I didn’t see that version.

At all cinemas

Your Precious ‘Old’ Jewellery - well it used to be... now maybe... It’s just old - and a bit worn out, or costs too much to fix... probably never be worn again...

You keep the memories - perhaps, we could buy the goods?

FishCo

Fresh is Best!

OPEN 7 DAYS

FRESH Fish & Seafood

Excellent choice Free cleaning!

fishco.com.au

6239 6415 19 Dalby St Fyshwick

CityNews May 19-25, 2022 41

DINING / Caspian Turkish Fusion Cuisine, Kingston Foreshore

Delicious fusion food from the heart

By Wendy

JOHNSON IN a first for Canberra, a TurkishAzerbaijani fusion restaurant has opened, offering special dishes from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean.

This is delicious, not pretentious, food and it comes from the heart.

One signature dish on the Kingston Foreshore restaurant’s extensive menu is the Icli Mantra, oven-baked mushrooms packed with cheese, diced capsicum, fresh parsley, crushed garlic and egg ($14). It may sound simple, but the trick is getting the right balance and Caspian sure does.

Sharing continued with the addicting Borek. The pastry rolls, formed in the shape of a cigar, were super light and crispy and loaded with salty feta and fresh parsley.

They were piping hot and went down the

Borek… pastry rolls, formed in the shape of a cigar and loaded with salty feta and fresh parsley.

Photo: Wendy Johnson hatch quick sharp.

The Mucver zucchini fritters were also nice and light and beautifully seasoned ($14). After shredding, Caspian mixed the versatile zucchini with carrot and eggs and served with a fresh dill and garlic yoghurt.

A strong recommendation from the main section of the menu is the Kofte Bozbash ($34), traditional Azerbaijani minced-lamb

meatballs baked in a clay hot pot. The dish was a flavour bomb with zesty dried prunes and home-made tomato sauce. We lapped up the sauce with fresh Turkish bread.

Another delightful dish was the Fisinjan ($35), a favourite across Azerbaijan and Persia. The chicken was oven-baked in a tangy pomegranate and crushed walnut sauce. As with many mains, the meat was

served with rice and salad. We also adored the Karides Tava ($24), marinated prawns, simply but expertly pan-fried with seasonal vegetables.

Other signature dishes include a stuffed eggplant, a crispy saffron rice and Khangal, dough boiled in a meat broth and served hot with fried onions, lamb or chicken. It is served with a garlic sauce and brown butter, which sounds exciting.

White and red wines range from $18 to $28, and Caspian is BYO. Caspian’s décor is comforting with cultural images and decorative items displayed. The music is perfect for the personality of the restaurant and played at the right level.

We had trouble with one dish, but the kitchen came to the rescue asap, dealing with it professionally and with no argument, which impressed us. Service was a bit hit and miss and we had to flag our waitress a couple of times, even though the restaurant wasn’t busy on our visit. Caspian was new when we landed and no doubt these teething pains are being worked out.

WINE

There’s lots to like about being up the Creek

By Richard

CALVER IT was an escape of sorts; I told my friend that it was going to be a little bit like the leopard’s problem.

Leopards never manage to escape from the zoo. They’re always spotted!

We had decided to walk the edges of the Murray River and the Wonga wetlands as part of a visit to Albury.

We’d originally started this journey two years before covid had us locked down or limited travel. But a brown snake had stretched itself across the pathway shortly after our walk started. Neither of us was game to move on. So, a return was a good way to extend the weekend and find an escape for three days.

The wetlands are a genuine attempt to recreate the habitat of birds and other fauna that need floodplain conditions to

thrive. Even though the wetlands are smack bang next to the Murray, they are fed by Albury’s reclaimed water.

The stretches of captured water are fenced off with warning signs, a matter that puzzled us until I did some research later.

The Hume Dam was built in 1919 and since that time the Murray River has been used for irrigation.

The natural flow of the river is changed fundamentally. The change reduces flooding, and many floodplain wetlands and billabongs have dried out, destroying the breeding habitats of local birds and fish.

The Wonga Wetlands development began in 2000. Using the city’s treated wastewater has helped re-create a flow into the floodplains. It is evident that, escaping behind their fenced-off stretches of brown water, birds are back and vegetation is abundant.

The day after our long walk around the wetlands and along the banks of the Murray, a rest day was in order. We visited a winery that is a comfortable 10-minute drive from Albury: Splitters Creek

George Bernard Shaw

P YG M AL I O N

Belconnen Community Theatre May 27 to June 4

vineyard. Stephen Altmeier, the owner, had welcomed our proposed visit when we gave advance notice (they are generally only open to the public on weekends and some holidays) and was a charming host.

The day was hot but had been preceded by lots of rain, so the property was looking verdant, resplendent with a valley of vines and a rustic brick cottage that has become the cellar door. The place is often used for weddings because of its natural beauty, something revealed from Facebook reviews that I read after the visit. The old peppercorn trees presented an idyll for an exchange of vows. But we didn’t leave!

We had brought wonderful bowls of “tailored” salad that we’d purchased from a specialty shop in Wodonga where there is an abundance of healthy choice, even catering for my friend’s coeliac issues, and we ate and went through Stephen’s list (small sips and relaxed timing). He indicated that, despite his passion and dedication, he had a winemaker, Tony Costin. Together they were a team that had taken Stephen’s interest and turned it into a vocation.

“It’s a hobby that’s gone beyond a hobby,” he said.

“It’s not an empire. It’s eight acres [3.2 hectares]. Even though the vines were planted in 1998, this has been my family’s property for over 150 years and it is everything.”

Despite the heat of the day, the two fortifieds took my fancy. The first was Dawn, named after Stephen’s mother. It is a lighter style of fortified, hence suitable for finishing a meal on a hot day. It’s fresher than most fortifieds and lower in alcohol than some, at 15 per cent (Morris of Rutherglen’s Classic Muscat alcohol by volume is 17.5 per cent).

The contrast was with the Dusk liqueur muscat fortified, which was much more robust and had a classic dried-fruit finish.

Both are cigar worthy.

Stephen was an engaging host in a place that was memorable for its comfort and embrace. You should visit. Or even get hitched there.

“Reality doesn’t impress me. I only believe in intoxication, in ecstasy, and when ordinary life shackles me, I escape, one way or another.”

– Anaïs Nin

CONVERSION SERVICE Would you like to watch those old family videos once again, or listen to your favourite SLIDES TO records on CD? D NOW DV

We can take your AVAILABLE PRICE ON vinyl records or APPLICATION cassette tapes and put them onto CD and we transfer VHS tapes onto DVD.

Bookings: Canberraticketing.com.au Phone 62752700

A Tempo Theatre production.

Tempotheatre.org.au

42 CityNews May 19-25, 2022

OPEN 7 DAYS Cooleman Court, Weston Creek | 6293 4677 | songland.com.au

ARTS IN THE CITY Comedy opens German festival

By Helen

MUSA THE German Film Festival (May 25-June 19) opens with, of all things, “A Stasi Comedy” (Stasi Komödie) before screening a selection of 26 new German-language films, complete with a retro sidebar to celebrate the Goethe Institut’s 50th anniversary. German director Franziska Stünkel will be in Canberra for the opening night and for her film, “The Last Execution”. Book at palacecinemas.com.au THE Llewellyn Choir makes a welcome return with “Light Eternal”, music by Vaughan Williams, Samuel S Wesley, Penelope Thwaites and others, led by guest concertmaster Matthew Stuckings. At Wesley Uniting Church, May 28. Book at llewellynchoir.org.au RICHARD Johnson from the SoundOut Festival for experimental music, funded at last, needs volunteers for the event, running at the ANU Drill Hall Gallery June 18-19. Tasks include working the ticket and merchandise counter, assisting with set changes and collecting artists from the airport, but you’ll get to see the concerts. Contact vortexrec@aapt.net.au LEADING Canberra-Asia scholars Helen and Tony Reid have established the new Reid Prize to recognise work that has made an exemplary contribution to understanding of Asia. Shortlistees are J Melvin’s “The Army and the Indonesian Genocide: Mechanics of Mass Murder”; Assa Doron and Robin Jeffrey, “Waste of a Nation: Garbage and Growth in India”; Hans Pols, “Nurturing Indonesia: Medicine and Decolonisation in the Dutch East Indies” and Christine Helliwell’s “Semut: The Untold Story of a Secret Australian Operation in World War II Borneo”.

ADAM Salter stars as Professor Higgins and Meaghan Stewart as Eliza Doolittle in George Bernard Shaw’s classic play “Pygmalion”, on which “My Fair Lady” was based. The surprise is that it’s being staged by Tempo Theatre, which normally does Agatha Christie mysteries, and with a new director in Rachel Hogan.

At Belconnen Community Theatre, May 27-June 4. Book at canberraticketing.com.au ARTSOUND FM, Canberra’s arts and music community radio station, will hold its annual on-air “Radiothon” fundraiser from May 27 to June 5, which will feature a concert, sausage sizzle and a grand prize drawing, 10am-2pm.

ArtSound FM: 92.7FM (90.3 in the Tuggeranong Valley), details at artsound.fm

PUZZLES PAGE

FREE PUZZLES EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au

Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

ADVERTISEMENT

General knowledge crossword No. 830

May 23-29, 2022 ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Prosperity planet Jupiter is transiting through your sign for the first time since 2011. Plus lucky Venus and dynamic Mars are visiting Aries too! So it’s time to be creative, be proactive and dream big dreams. Draw inspiration from birthday great Stevie Nicks (who turns 74 on Thursday): “My life is a testament to believing that if you want something, you can make it happen.” However – with Mercury retrograde until June 3 – you’ll have to be patient.

WHEN IT COMES TO TAX, A UTE MAY NOT BE A CAR

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Brent called wanting help with claiming use of his ute in his tax return.

Uranus (the planetary harbinger of change) is still in Taurus, and Mercury’s reversing through your sign until June 3, so avoid being a stubborn, stuck-in-a-rut Bull! Make sure you capitalise on unexpected opportunities that come your way.

Be flexible and do your best to embrace adjustments with both hands. Change doesn’t have to be scary. As singer-songwriter (and this week’s birthday great) Bob Dylan reminds us: “There is nothing so stable as change.”

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Avoid taking your Gemini health for granted. Be proactive about making positive lifestyle choices, and prioritise time for regular exercise and nutritious homecooked meals. As writer (and birthday great) Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us: “The first wealth is health.” And is a platonic or romantic relationship going through a bumpy patch? Mercury is retrograde until June 3, so work on keeping the lines of communication wide open.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Crabs are very good at brewing and stewing on perceived grievances from the past. This week, with Mercury retrograde and Venus squaring Pluto (in your relationship zone), karma is calling. So it’s an appropriate time to forgive someone and let go of a grudge that’s been weighing you down, especially involving an exlover or a former friend. Then you’ll feel lighter and less encumbered by problems from the past. Destiny is knocking so be ready to answer!

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Freedom, far-away adventures and exotic escapades are calling as Venus, Mars and Jupiter activate your travel zone. Clever Cats will be patient and make it a priority to plan (and save for) a dream holiday sometime soon. So your motto is from birthday great, philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” A chat with a student, teacher or mentor puts a current problem in perspective.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Mercury (your patron planet) is retrograde until June 3. So don’t be too hard on yourself or let rattled nerves stop you from doing something you’ve always wanted to do. You’re feeling stressed but try not to sweat the small stuff. Careful preparation is the key. Attached Virgo – set ambitious goals together. Singles – don’t just dip your toe into the dating pool; research and planning are required, so you give yourself the best chance of long-term success in love.

Down

3 Name the Mohawk Indian leader of the 16th century. (8) 7 What is the roof of the mouth known as? (6) 8 Which US silver-white metallic element has the symbol Al? (8) 9 Who is responsible for the content of a newspaper, magazine or the like? (6) 10 What is a tactical unit of an air force? (8) 11 Name an alternative term for crowbars. (6) 14 Which nuclide is isomeric with one or more other nuclides? (6) 17 To be throttled, is to be what? (8) 18 Name a harem attendant. (6) 19 What was the profession of Amelia Earhart?

(8) 20 What is a demand by an audience for a repetition of a song, etc? (6) 21 To have disliked something intensely, is to have done what? (8)

1 Which strip of cloth is used to bind up a wound? (7) 2 Which term describes joyful ecstasy? (7) 3 What are funeral vehicles called? (7) 4 Name some of the species of large, burrowing marsupials. (7) 5 What is a sudden burst of ill humour? (7) 6 Name a social worker, attached to a hospital. (7) 11 What do we call a person who lingers? (7) 12 Name the finding of a jury, given to the court. (7) 13 When something turns around, as on an axis, it does what? (7) 14 To have made an alphabetical list, is to have done what? (7) 15 Name a large river in northern South America. (7) 16 Name a pale yellow NZ cheese. (7)

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Venus, Mars and Jupiter are revving up your partnership zone. But Mercury is reversing through your intimacy zone, so a romantic relationship could feel stuck.

Do your best to talk about problems with your sweetheart, as you introduce some exciting new activities into the mix. If you’re single, you could revisit a rocky old romance (while wearing decidedly rose-coloured glasses). Just remember that memories are so seductive because they’re so selective!

Solution next edition

Across

FREE SUDOKU EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au

Sudoku hard No. 315

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Mercury reverses through your partnership zone until June 3. So other people will continually flummox you with their confusing behaviour. Avoid being a cynical Scorpio who sabotages relationships. Nurture and cherish your close connections. If you’re unhappily single, then keep pursuing your dream of finding your soulmate. Be inspired by birthday great, singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks: “I live in the realm of romantic possibility.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Your ruler, Jupiter, is jumping through fellow fire sign Aries, which increases enthusiasm and motivation. So make the most of it! The next 12 months is a terrific time to expand, enthuse, encourage and explore. Be inspired by actress Joan Collins (who was born on May 23, 1933): “I’m very lucky; I seldom get depressed.

I’m a ‘glass half full’ person. In fact, it’s three-quarters full!” But tread carefully on Friday when relations with a friend could be fiery.

If you need guidance on claiming your car or any other taxrelated matter contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 02 6295 2844.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

With Venus, Mars and Jupiter visiting your domestic zone, it’s a good week to entertain family and friends at home with an impromptu meal. Convivial conversation is a bonus. Being of service to others – with kindness, compassion and style – also brings much joy and satisfaction. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great, writer Ralph Waldo Emerson: “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”

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

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

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2022

Solutions – May 12 edition Sudoku medium No. 315

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Have you got your head stuck in the sand? If you avoid dealing with an urgent issue, then expect more problems. Face the reality that a family matter must be recalibrated or a major relationship needs to be reinvented. In the words of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver (who was born on May 27, 1975): “People hate change, until the pain of not changing is worse than change itself.” When it comes to a financial matter, be creative, philosophical and proactive.

Solution next edition

Crossword No. 829

Your humanitarian Aquarian nature is highlighted. So it’s a good week to get involved in formal volunteer work (especially within your local community) or just lend a charitable hand to a friend, family member or neighbour who’s in need.

However, the Venus/Pluto square (on Friday) increases your tendency to spend too much time in a fantasy world. So avoid making an important move until you are seeing things in a more realistic light. Be patient.

"The last accountant I saw claimed it at the Tax Office rate because I haven’t got any receipts,” he said.

I told him we needed to establish whether his ute qualified as a car or "other motor vehicle” for tax purposes. Both were treated differently.

A car is defined as a passenger vehicle, not being a motorcycle or similar vehicle designed to carry a load of less than one tonne and fewer than nine passengers. If the vehicle is not a car it is regarded as an “other motor vehicle”.

"If your ute is a car there are two different ways that it can be claimed," I said.

"These are the cents-per-kilometre rate and the logbook method. The cents-per-kilometre method has a number of requirements. The main one is that the maximum number of kilometres that can be claimed in the year is 5000. So if you travel more than 5000 kilometres you must either limit your claim to that number or use the logbook method.

"The other requirement for using the cents-per-kilometre method is that this covers all tax-deductible usage for any purpose, it cannot be applied to motorcycles and vehicles of greater than one tonne. You also need to be able to demonstrate that you made the journeys.

“We also need to assess whether your ute is a car. The way to do this is quite complicated. To determine if the vehicle has a carrying capacity of one tonne or more, the payload capacity needs to be calculated.

"The payload capacity is the gross vehicle mass (GVM) as specified on the compliance plate reduced by the basic kerb weight of the vehicle.

"The basic kerb weight is the weight of the vehicle with a full tank of fuel, oil and coolant and the spare wheel, tools (including the jack) and factory-installed options. The weight of passengers, goods or non-factory fitted accessories is excluded."

Brent told me the GVM of his ute was 3200 kilograms and the basic kerb weight was 2135 kilograms, which made the payload capacity (3200kg less 2135kg) 1065 kilograms.

"This is greater than one tonne so you cannot use the cents-perkilometre method," I told Brent.

"There is also a special rule that if you only use the vehicle for travel that is minor, infrequent and irregular and is not work travel, then you can claim 100 per cent of costs. This is travel between your home and work and any detour that adds no more than two kilometres to the trip and for private journeys there is no return journey greater than 200 kilometres and the total of these is less than 1000 kilometres.

"If that is not the case for you then you will have to do a logbook and claim your expenses on that basis.”

Brent said: “I only have one vehicle, so that's what I'll have to do. Thanks, Gail.”

02 6295 2844

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

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

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

Connect with me on Linkedin

@gailfreemanandco

bit.ly/3bcXEZl CityNews May 19-25, 2022 43

YANA del VALLE SENATE CANDIDATE

VOTE 1

Animal Justice Party

JANNAH FAHIZ

SENATE CANDIDATE

Your number 1 vote for the Animal Justice Party will send a powerful message to the major parties that voters want action to create a better world for animals, people and our environment.

We are the only party working to create a better future for our planet and all its inhabitants

ANIMALS

PEOPLE

PLANET

Imagine a world where animals are treated with kindness and compassion, a world where animals are allowed to live their lives free of human harm.

This is the world we are fighting for.

We will: • Ban Live Export • Establish an Independent Office of Animal Protection • Protect our wildlife • Stop commercial slaughter of wildlife • Ban the use of toxic and cruel poisons • Stop animal testing • End factory farming • Protect our pets

The Covid pandemic has changed the world for all of us, yet the major parties are continuing the destructive, exploitative practices that will pave the way for the next pandemic.

We will: • Create a healthy sustainable food system • Support farmers to transition to plant based agriculture • Invest in cultured meat technology • Invest in jobs for the new green economy • Establish a Federal ICAC • Raise the welfare payments above the poverty line • Fund Programs that address family violence and animal abuse.

There is no Planet B. We will promote a transition to healthy and sustainable agricultural and food systems and invest in clean, green and climate positive energy solutions We will: • Act of the climate emergency • Commit to no new coal and no new gas • Commit to net zero emissions by 2035 • Commit to 30% methane reduction by 2030 • Protect the Great Barrier Reef • Revive the Murray-Darling river system • Stop logging in native forests • Stop land clearing and end species extinction

Authorised by B.Schultz, Animal Justice Party, Suite 13, Level 5, 35 Buckingham St, Surry Hills 2010