CityNews 220616

BELINDA STRAHORN / MINISTERS MUTE ON PRISON OFFICERS’ DRUG PARTIES CLAIM Carnell stood up for AIS arena, but Barr sits it out

JON STANHOPE

ACT heritage minister fails to defend heritage

PAUL COSTIGAN

Know where you’re going is the best destination

ANTONIO DI DIO JUNE 16, 2022

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NEWS / Alexander Maconochie Centre

Ministers mute on officers’ drug parties claim

By Belinda

STRAHORN THE ACT’s prison minister is still to address disturbing allegations of drug taking and inappropriate behaviour levelled against prison officers at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC).

Following prison whistleblower Tim Rust’s explosive revelations of former and serving prison officers of out-of-hours cocaine parties, an affair with an ex-inmate, incriminating photos, senior staff in a hot tub with a junior female officer and integrity reports going ignored, “CityNews” is yet to receive a formal response from the ACT government.

In “CityNews” on May 12, Rust – a former senior director of operations at Canberra’s jail – lifted the lid on a long-standing culture of drug taking among some corrections officers, and accused senior staff of turning a blind eye to it.

“There were a lot of things going on there but nothing was getting done to deal with it,” said Rust, who resigned from the prison in April last year.

He told “CityNews” that prison officer drug parties were widely known about and attended by a core group of

“CityNews”, May 12.

10 officers.

As reported by “CityNews”, it’s understood that the officers – nicknamed the “Bali 10” – have participated in at least three major cocaine-fuelled parties outside of work.

“To my knowledge, all the staff that used to attend such parties, and who may still do so, are still employed at the AMC,” said Rust.

Following publication of the story, “CityNews” put questions to ACT Corrections Minister Mick Gentleman, and former ACT Corrections Minister Shane Rattenbury, all of which re-

INDEX

main unanswered.

“CityNews” asked whether the former and current ministers were previously made aware of the allegations and whether they took steps to investigate.

The ministers were also asked to confirm whether the ACT Integrity Commission was investigating the matters raised in the article.

Despite an undertaking from a government spokesperson in May that it was “working on a response”, a formal statement is yet to be issued.

Questions put to the Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS) around the departure of the deputy commissioner of Custodial Operations also remain answered.

“CityNews” has questioned the length of time it has taken the government to respond to the questions, and the allegations published by “CityNews” in May. Rust’s revelations – which have been substantiated by a number of serving and non-serving prison staff – include an affair between a prison officer and an ex-detainee that involved drug taking.

“CityNews” was made aware of pho-

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Cover: KEEPING UP THE ACT, Page 10.

Well written, well read

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

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

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

tographs that support this allegation.

They depict a female former detainee wearing a prison officer’s uniform and hat, and another where a prison officer appears to be holding a bag of white powder.

“CityNews” was also made aware of the existence of a photograph purporting to show seven off-duty prison officers – five males and two females – partying in a spa bath together. The group includes very senior personnel and at least one junior female.

In direct response to the revelations made by Rust and published in “CityNews”, AMC commissioner Ray Johnson circulated a statement to prison staff cautioning them against commenting on the article, particularly on social media.

“This media reporting may lead ill-informed people to comment negatively on ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS),” the prison chief said in a message to staff.

“We should not let the words of the ill-informed impact on us, making ACTCS an even greater and more effective place to work,” he wrote.

Although Johnson, a former ACT chief police officer, has not commented publicly on the matters raised in the article he acknowledged the seriousness of the drug-taking allegations contained in the story.

“Allegations of illicit drug use in any context are serious,” the commis-

sioner wrote.

“If these allegations are accurate, such behaviour is wholly inconsistent with the role and responsibilities of being a corrections officer.

“Contrary to the implication that criminal conduct would be covered up, please know that the leadership team and I do not tolerate staff who break the law.”

In the article, Rust characterised the situation within the AMC as one where senior management were unwilling to carry out a proper investigation, and allegations of inappropriate behaviour were met with a wall of silence.

“You go to work to do the right thing and be an officer of integrity, and you are surrounded by staff doing the wrong thing,” said Rust.

“I’ve done prison work for 24 years and there’s nothing worse when you are locking people up, knowing your colleagues should be behind bars as well.”

As well as highlighting a poor workplace culture that existed within the prison, Rust described the AMC as an “ugly” place to work and called into question the absence of a duty of care towards inmates.

“Prisoners were making weapons and were going into other prisoners’ cells without any oversight from staff, and bashing other prisoners senseless,” Rust said.

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SEVEN DAYS

I’m a survivor, get me out of here, comrades STEEL “survives” no-confidence motion, the headlines chorused when in fact no such thing happened to the underwhelming skills minister.

Nothing even close. St George survived the dragon, Chris Steel survived a red face, not continuing “to live or exist, especially after coming close to dying or being destroyed or after being in a difficult or threatening situation”.

The toadies on the government benches all put their hands up on cue and, like magic, the opposition motion to censure the minister over a series of “questionable” contracts awarded by the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) fell predictably on its face in the Assembly. What a survival!

I can’t help but wonder if there wasn’t a flicker of guilt on the part of just one non-Liberal MLA who thought that perhaps, just maybe, quite possibly opposition leader Elizabeth Lee might be on to something.

She taunted that any MLA who voted in support of Steel was helping to “run a protection racket that breeds the toxic

4 CityNews June 16-22, 2022

culture that we see permeating through this astonishing misuse of public funds”.

But no, the comrades compliantly waved through a virtuous affirmation that this minister is beyond reproach. There would be no doing the decent thing and withdrawing to the library to shoot oneself, despite an unexplained $8.87 million paid to Think Garden and Redrouge Nominees Pty Ltd since 2018, both run by a “complexity and systems thinker” Patrick Hollingworth.

Lee said it was “astounding” that Steel knew as early as March last year about millions of dollars in taxpayer funds awarded to a single person, and linked entities, to “effectively provide mentoring to the CEO” and that he didn’t prevent the misuse of funds.

“Since the minister raised these procurement issues with CIT 15 months ago, a further two contracts worth a combined $5.5 million have been awarded to the same individual,” Lee fumed.

Tellingly, the latest contract – of $4,999,990 – was $10 below the threshold at which it would have needed to face scrutiny from the government procurement board.

Meanwhile, back in the Assembly, Lee railed: “There is no excuse for this gross failure of duty. If the minister does not resign, the chief minister must sack him.”

LOL. Unsurprisingly, that didn’t happen with Chief Minister Andrew Barr bristling

that there was no evidence to support a no-confidence motion, and disparaged the opposition for personal attacks on Steel’s integrity.

Greens sidekick Shane Rattenbury admitted the contracts didn’t pass the pub test, but best let the auditor-general (eventually) come to a view.

Despite the inevitability of the outcome, it was good to see the opposition giving this corpulent government some heartburn. My guess is there’s more to come from this.

AH, but we haven’t heard from the CIT. In a brutally bewildering burst of verbal diarrhoea a spokesman told the ABC the purpose of the latest $4,999,990 contract was to “guide and support CIT through a time of unprecedented change and opportunity”.

He said the contract aimed to “progress the evolution of its complex, adaptive

systems-informed approach to CIT’s transformation, from its initial exploration, designing and testing phases to a wider systemic implementation.

“CIT envisions this will occur through the continued acquisition and embedding of knowledge, tools, activities, practices and structures that will ensure CIT can function as a system that learns.” The learning has just begun.

THE Queanbeyan-Palerang council, one of NSW’s – if not the world’s – most inexperienced, have given themselves an unseemly 22 per cent pay rise!

Unbelievably, at the last council meeting a majority of councillors (seven to four) thought it was okay to bump up their pay packets to the maximum allowed under the relevant NSW council pay structure, a collective cost to the council of $77,000 a year.

From July, councillors will earn $25,310, a 22 per cent increase, while the first-time mayor jumps 33 per cent to $87,820. And this from a group of 11, of which only three had been re-elected at the December poll.

Apart from the dreadful optics, why would this matter? It comes as the council faces a $10 million deficit and rates are soon to rise.

SPEAKING of Queanbeyan, ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith shamefully thinks it’s “fine” for Canberrans to swamp our small neighbour’s health system to get a free flu vaccine because, unlike NSW, she’s refused to pay for everyone to have it. It’s not fine at all.

Ian Meikle is the editor of “CityNews” and can be heard on the “CityNews Sunday Roast” news and interview program, 2CC, 9am-noon.

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NEWS / Hilary Brettell Scholarship

BRIEFLY

History teacher makes her own history

Woollies sale with charitable purpose

By Lily

PASS LIBBY Whitbread, of Amaroo School, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Hilary Brettell Scholarship for young history teachers.

A teacher of two years, Libby says she believes speaking about enjoying the challenges and opportunities each of her classes provide, gave an edge to her application for the $1000 scholarship awarded by the ACT History Teachers’ Association.

“I also discussed how I am passionate about ensuring students are aware of the past so they can learn from it, and critically think about the current events given our socio-political environment,” she says.

“I guess those things maybe indicated that I was a good person to give this opportunity to, and to help keep the legacy of Hilary alive.”

Hilary Brettell was “much loved, a passionate educator, a brilliant teacher and a real mentor,” says president of the ACT

NO A FIN NCIAL CHECKS.

History Teachers’ Association (ACTHTA), Ann Parry.

Hilary began teaching in 1979, and came to Canberra in 1991, where she taught at Belconnen High School, Stromlo High School and Narrabundah College.

She retired in 2015, and died in 2019 from breast cancer.

The association wanted to do something to keep Hilary’s memory alive.

“The idea came up that we could fund a scholarship every year for an early career teacher to go to the History Teachers’ Association of Australia’s (HTAA) National Conference,” says Ann. The conference, in Darwin from September 30 to October 3, aims to foster an interest in teaching history. It’s a terrific opportunity for a young teacher to see and speak with top-level history teachers in the country, says Ann. “I’ve always just been so passionate about learning about the past, and I’m so looking forward to going to Darwin,” says Libby.

“I would have probably gone anyway to the conference, but this is just another, easier way for me to get there and enjoy my time, and learn from more expe-

rienced colleagues of mine to be able to best support my students.

“I just want to say thank you to the ACT History Teachers’ Association, and I’m looking forward to keeping, what I have been told, is a very amazing teacher’s legacy alive.”

Hilary’s sons, Andrew and Hugh Dunbar, were there when Libby was awarded the scholarship and say their mum would have been delighted to know something like this was her legacy.

“Teaching meant a lot to her, changing the lives of young people, so I think it would have been really, really special to her to know that she can have such an impact on a young teacher who is transitioning into teaching,” says Andy.

And Hugh agrees, saying he wishes she could’ve been there to see it.

“She was so involved with us.

She used to umpire our cricket, fundraise for rugby, everything that we ever did she was a part of and that was the same as her teaching. She just wanted to be a part of helping kids,” says Hugh.

“She was very much a community minded person, it was always about what she could do to help other people,” says Andy.

Indoor winter sale ST Ninian’s Uniting Church, Lyneham, is holding its indoor Mid-Winter Sale, 9am-1pm, on Saturday, June 25. Beyond the promise of morning tea of scones and slices, sale items will include jewellery, winter clothing, craft, books, DVDs, CDs, white elephant, plants, jams, relishes and more. Cash sales only.

Trivia with a theme

Scholarship winner Libby Whitbread… “I’ve always just been so passionate about learning about the past, and I’m so looking forward to going to Darwin.”

Photo: Lily Pass

CALVARY Hospital Auxiliary is inviting players to dress as any cartoon character at its trivia night at the Canberra Labor Club, Belconnen, from 7pm on Friday, July 22. There will be a front door raffle, best costume prize, best dressed table prize, lucky door prizes and more. Tickets are $20, payable at the door. To pre-book a table of 10 call 0407 835846. All proceeds go towards equipment for the care and comfort of Calvary Public Hospital patients and staff.

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CLIMATE CHANGE NOT MAIN CAUSE OF RISING GLOBAL SEA LEVELS

By MICHAEL CALKOVICS, Environmentalist Environmentalist MICHAEL CALKOVICS argues that climate change is not the main cause of rising global sea levels. He says we need to also look at the huge effect of subsurface water extraction from aquifers and its serious effects upon the global water cycle.

I AGREE that the current rise in global sea levels is an important international issue.

Yet I am not alone in believing the leaders of many Pacific Island nations have been led to falsely believe via the media that climate change is the sole or main cause of the rise in global sea levels. Well, it’s not.

SUBSURFACE WATER EXTRACTION THERE is an outstanding article in the “New Scientist”, of February 25, 2006, titled “The Parched Planet”.

According to Tushaar Shah, of the International Water Management Institute: “India, China and Pakistan together probably pump out around 400 cubic kilometres of underground water a year, around twice as much as is recharged by the rains.

rainfall, then the rest ends up with the global water cycle including the oceans.

Now, for argument’s sake, if globally we have say 700 cubic kilometres a year extracted for agriculture and only 300 or so replaced, we have an annual deficit of 400 cubic kilometres of water not going back into the ground (aquifers).

What’s the figure for domestic use?

One can easily add 50 or so cubic kilometres not returned to the aquifers a year.

Therefore, back in 2006 we were adding around 450 cubic kilometres a year of extra water to the planet’s oceans.

What’s today’s figures? Please, someone, research and publish to further educate me and others.

THE GREAT GLACIAL MELT

This is just for agriculture, what about domestic or industrial use?

ACCORDING to Eric Rignot, of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, the ice balance of the Greenland ice sheet is a yearly net loss of about 220 cubic kilometres after allowing for snowfall.

If, say, less than half is replaced by

Meanwhile the “Sunday Telegraph”

“These three countries account for more than half the world’s total use of underground water for agriculture”.

(March 5, 2006) claims the Antarctica ice sheet “lost its ice at a rate of 36 cubic miles per year rather than growing from heavier snowfalls”.

That equates to roughly 57 cubic kilometres.

Now, taking roughly 220 from Greenland and some 57 from Antarctica equals about 277 extra cubic kilometers of water entering the oceans a year.

THE COLD, HARD FACTS ICE-sheet shedding adds only some 277 extra cubic kilometres of water to the world’s oceans a year.

Meanwhile, subsurface water abstraction adds somewhere in the order of 450 cubic kilometres per year or 62 per cent of this total. Isn’t this a significant figure? And as every day passes many more wells have been sunk to eventually add extra water to the oceans.

Therefore, I conclude that climate change (or formerly named “greenhouse effect” is not the main cause of rising global sea levels.

My impression is that it’s been over emphasised in the world’s media that climate change is the sole and only cause.

Other data also needs to be considered, such as glacial melt from

1) Lake Illawarra looking north-west from Windang Bridge. Low-lying areas are of concern to changes in the seal level, including these parts of Wollongong. Some other coastal cities may have land subsidence due to subsurface water extraction. A classic example would be Venice.

Photo: Michael Calkovics

1

2

2) This may appear to be Norfolk Island, but it’s actually Kiama in NSW, looking south from the lighthouse. Higher areas here above sea level should survive any major rises in sea levels. However, an increased concern is the greater risk of cliff erosion.

Speaking of Norfolk Island and others, such as Lord Howe Island, erosion is a natural process. Volcanic activities in the past created these islands. Eventually they will erode away to below sea level.

Photo: Michael Calkovics

TO BE CONTINUED...

Authorised by Michael Calkovics at PO Box 127, Curtin ACT 2605.

other parts of the world or thermal expansion of the oceans, arc volcanoes releasing vast amounts of water from subduction zones etcetera. However, these also need to be taken into consideration for a more true and accurate analysis.

I just wanted to point out the huge importance of subsurface water extraction from aquifers and its serious effects upon the global water cycle.

OTHER ISSUES TO PONDER YARRALUMLA Brickworks woodland site with its endangered bird species needs protection. But how? It’s the local Labor/Greens coalition government that’s going to trash it.

We are trashing our planet and Australia leads the world in mammal extinctions. One just has to go and have a look at the Molonglo Valley developments; entire forests have been trashed and carbon returned to the atmosphere!

THE forests in Molonglo Valley should have been logged instead, and timber used in the construction Industry.

We need to plant more trees for future responsible forestry to lock up that carbon from the trees for our buildings.

Also many of the trashed trees in the Molonglo Valley developments could have also been used as firewood – as firewood is renewable.

AND many would have noticed when driving along Canberra Avenue and Monaro Highway the recent trashing of trees along Jerrabomberra Creek.

Looks like trees mulched and placed within the flood zone of the creek. This will eventually end up in Lake Burley Griffin. Then will pollute the water via eutrophication and death of oxygen requiring aquatic life.

So may I kindly ask: what does our new prime minister Anthony Albanese have to say about this environmental mess caused by a radical coalition local government?

A BIG thank you to everyone, including Extinction Rebellion and climate change activists, for supporting my articles.

CANBERRA MATTERS / heritage listings

ACT heritage minister fails to defend heritage IN April, the Commonwealth Government granted Commonwealth status for Lake Burley Griffin and parts of the surrounds.

This is not as significant as having this area on the National Heritage List and leaves out the other proposal for the national listing of the central areas of the city.

The ACT heritage minister should have immediately taken up the challenge to have the decisions on the listings revisited. She is not doing this.

The federal government should have granted National Heritage listing for these nominated areas of the national capital many years ago.

More worrying is that the ACT government has not made the effort to understand the benefits of these heritage listings. Instead it has spread misinformation about what a heritage listing is about and has encouraged other fringe political groupings to echo their campaigns of alternative facts on heritage.

A major worry is what Rebecca Vassarotti, as the ACT Minister for Heritage and the Environment, has said in media articles in March (before the decision being announced) and again in May. She has made it clear that she considers these matters to be of federal concern and her role is to publish the occasional supportive words and to

Photo: Google Earth

Lake Burley Griffin. throw a couple of damp squibs at the Commonwealth for not delivering on the listings.

The chief minister has actively opposed heritage listings. He has allowed his chosen heritage minister to make wimpish noises. There was a good reason why the portfolios of heritage and environment were given to this ACT Greens member of government. Clearly it was not to have her stand up for her portfolio responsibilities at the cost of questioning the chief minister’s neo-liberal conservative approach to redevelopment of the city and its landscapes.

She is performing exactly as expected by her dear leaders, Andrew Barr and Shane Rattenbury.

The rubbish being put about by the ACT government is that heritage listings would hinder the development of the city and force the city centre to become frozen in time.

The ACT heritage minister could address this damaging situation. It is damaging because it makes the ACT government look like a cohort of crass clowns. Is this to be the legacy of this ACT Greens heritage and environment minister?

So what to do? The first suggestion would be to inform yourself. Do this by bringing in a specialist independent consultant (not one of the usuals, please) to research and document why the capital city of Australia should be seeking such national

heritage listings.

Use this to put together new proposals for national heritage listings. In the process of doing the research and developing new proposals, the consultants would work with the heritage minister to ensure that other members of the government had the correct information to answer any doubts about such listings which could deliver benefits to the future of this city and its landscapes.

A quick back story. In the UK, regional heritage bureaucrats are often approached about proposals for contemporary housing in a heritage village or location. The reported response has often been that the applicant is advised not to try a pastiche or a heritage look-alike. Instead, they are required to go markedly contemporary while acknowledging in their architectural and landscape designs important elements of the heritage

area. Heritage listing is not about keeping things frozen.

Another change required is for the ACT government’s heritage bureaucracy to be no longer part of the planning directorate where it is totally answerable to the narrow thinking of the planning chief.

ACT Heritage and the ACT heritage committee should be able to freely and forcibly take heritage arguments up to the planning directorate with the full backing of its minister.

The behaviour of the ACT government on the issue of national heritage listing points to many governance problems within this government. It is up to Vassarotti to fix these matters urgently or to get out of the way and allow someone else to do the job of being the steward for the city’s heritage and environment.

Paul Costigan is a commentator on cultural and urban matters.

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

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POLITICS / AIS Arena

Carnell stood up for arena, but Barr sits it out AN issue that caught my attention in the recent enervating federal election campaign was the competing promises from different candidates and parties to rehabilitate the AIS Arena to a standard that allowed the Canberra Capitals to return to its rightful home.

As you would recall, the basketball team was forced to vacate the venue when it was deemed unfit for purpose.

It did, of course, serve a very useful role as a covid vaccination clinic.

Despite the obvious need for the arena to receive a makeover, in order that the much-loved Capitals have a venue deserving of the team’s importance and status, the ACT government declined to commit to the required upgrade on the grounds that the building belonged to the Commonwealth and it was, therefore, up to Scomo to fix it and the Capitals would simply have to put up with substandard facilities until the Commonwealth came to the party.

The fact that it was Canberra’s most successful and loved women’s sporting team and its legion of Canberra fans who would be disadvantaged by this macho standoff was apparently lost on Andrew Barr and Scott Morrison.

The politics was far more impor-

To her enduring credit, Kate Carnell decided, unlike Andrew Barr, that the fact that GIO Stadium was owned by the Commonwealth was irrelevant and what mattered was ensuring that the needs of the Canberra community were met.

AIS Arena… deemed unfit for purpose. tant to them than the relatively minor amount of funding required, namely a miserly $10 million or so, or the equivalent of 50 metres of tramway.

An amount, the insignificance of which is starkly illustrated by comparison with the $9 billion of debt racked up by Barr and Shane Rattenbury, for goodness knows what, in the last six or seven years.

However, what mostly grabbed my attention was the vastly different approach of Labor and the Greens to the confected conundrum of expending funds on a property one does not own to that adopted by a previous Liberal Chief Minister and government.

I am sure those of you who were around 20 years ago remember it well. In the late ‘90s then ACT chief minister Kate Carnell committed $45 million (ie, more than $100 million in

today’s dollars) to the construction of the Eastern Stand at GIO Stadium and the conversion of what was an international-standard circular athletics track, into a football stadium for use by the Raiders, Brumbies and the Canberra soccer fraternity.

It is interesting to reflect on what that decision by Carnell and the Liberal Party has meant for Canberra and what the consequences would have been for Canberra sport and the Canberra community had she not decided to step up and deliver a facility of such central importance.

The Raiders might, had they been able to survive, still be playing at Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan and similarly the Brumbies, had they survived, at Viking Oval in Tuggeranong. One can only wonder about how many millions of visits there have been by fans to the stadium because of Carnell’s actions. To her enduring credit, she decided, unlike Andrew Barr, that

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the fact that GIO Stadium was then and still is owned (for accounting purposes) by the Commonwealth was irrelevant and that what mattered was ensuring that the needs of the Canberra community were met.

In one of the harsh ironies of politics, it is also possible that Kate might still be chief minister if she had not gone ahead with the project. But that’s another story.

But back to the AIS Arena. The rivers of gold that we have been led to believe will begin to flow into the ACT from the Commonwealth’s coffers, now that we have a Federal Labor government, will be most welcome.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also acknowledged that the ACT has traditionally not done well under Liberal governments, and he will look to ensure that we receive our fair share of Commonwealth funding.

Those members of the ACT govern-

ment who were around in 2007, when Labor last emerged from opposition, will have breathed a sigh of relief that the experience from that time is not to be repeated. The first ACT specific action of the Rudd Labor government was to abandon $34 million in funding committed by John Howard to the upgrade of Constitution Avenue.

That decision was followed up a little later by a decision of the then Rudd cabinet to refuse funding for the construction of the Majura Parkway, despite it having been recommended

by Infrastructure Australia as a priority project.

Thankfully, more than four years later, Julia Gillard agreed, as prime minister, to fund half the cost of the Majura Parkway if the ACT picked up the other half. I still have the gravel rash to show for her agreement.

Jon Stanhope was ACT chief minister from 2001 to 2011 and the only chief minister to have governed with a majority in the Assembly.

Read more of his columns on citynews.com.au

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SPORT / Women’s State of Origin

No friendships when Millie gets to the footy field WHEN GIO Stadium hosts the Women’s State of Origin fixture next week it will be the first time the match has been held in Canberra, and the first time it has been held outside of Queensland and NSW, in a neutral venue.

Blues prop Millie Boyle couldn’t be more at home playing in Canberra though.

The reigning Dally M medallist grew up on the NSW south coast with Canberra as her nearest major city.

“I moved to Canberra when I finished school,” Boyle told “CityNews”.

“I have recently moved back to the city from Queensland this year with my boyfriend Adam, who is at the Raiders.

“It is pretty special for me that the game is in Canberra. I have a lot of family in the city and the surrounding areas and I am excited to play there.”

Boyle is hopeful the Canberra fixture will work in her team’s favour, having to contend with an away crowd for the last two Origins in 2021 and 2020.

“We haven’t been successful in winning the shield back since the matches went to Queensland,” said Boyle.

“I think having it in Canberra will be good, especially for those people

Blues prop Millie Boyle… “To have Origin in a different place is really special, especially somewhere like Canberra where they are mostly pretty keen NSW supporters.” who want to come and support footy from regional areas.

“To have Origin in a different place is really special, especially somewhere like Canberra where they are mostly pretty keen NSW supporters.”

Unlike the men’s series, the women’s Origin is a standalone fixture.

While it was announced earlier this year that the series will expand to two matches in 2023, Boyle would like to play three matches like the men.

“I think we have gone past one game now and we definitely need a series, and by series I mean three

games,” said Boyle.

“I don’t see how two games benefits in any way. If we win one and Queensland wins the other and you finish tied – you may as well just stay at one game in that case.

“The staff put so much effort into getting combinations right, coaching different structures and you put so much into the prep, but we don’t really ever get to reflect on an Origin game because once it is done, it is done and that team will never be the same.

“You might have different coaching staff, different

players, different spine and you can’t really lift to another level after playing one game. It is just ‘one and done’ whether you win or lose.

“To have that second, and hopefully third game will be really beneficial for the players and the people watching as well.”

The one-off fixture has meant the Sky Blues have had to wait 12 months to make amends for their heartbreaking, last-minute loss to Queensland in 2021.

After being in an arm wrestle for much of the match, NSW gave away a last-minute penalty in front of the posts. Queensland centre Lauren Brown slotted a penalty goal, and the Maroons went on to win the gripping contest 8-6.

“It was disappointing going down like that, but a loss is a loss whether you lose by two or you lose by 20 – you still lose,” said Boyle.

“The fact that you don’t get to do anything about that, and there are a lot of hurdles to cross in between each game is tough.”

Before making the move to Canberra, Boyle’s time in Queensland was spent playing with the Broncos in the NRLW where she became a

two-time premiership winner, and developed her reputation as one of the best players in the women’s game.

The old State of Origin adage “state against state, mate against mate” will ring true for Boyle when she runs out against many of her former Brisbane teammates who will be representing Queensland next week.

“I have played with most of the Queensland girls before, not only at the Broncos but also with my club team the Burleigh Bears,” said Boyle.

“I was playing with my housemate Tamika (Upton) at the Broncos. We will play against each other for Origin and have both signed together at the Knights for next season.

“That is just how it is, and at the end of the day I love to win and, whatever team I am in, I want to represent to the best of my ability.

“There is no friendship once you get to the footy field, especially Origin.”

There’s more sport with Simon Anderson at citynews.com.au

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CityNews June 16-22, 2022 13

NEWS / Queen’s Birthday Honours 2022

Locals awarded top honours in birthday list FORMER federal chief medical officer Dr Brendan Murphy, of Kingston, helped steer Australia through the pandemic and has been appointedCompanion of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

He is one of two Canberrans promoted to the top honour (AC). The other is Prof Tanya Monro, of Griffith, a photonics expert and Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist.

Dr Murphy is honoured for eminent service to medical administration and community health, particularly as chief medical officer, and to nephrology, to research and innovation, and to professional organisations.

Prof Monro’s citation recognises her eminent service to scientific and technological development, to research and innovation, to tertiary education, particularly in the field of photonics, and to professional organisations.

Former head of the Australian Mint Ross MacDiarmid was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and, likewise, former “CityNews” Artist of the Year Chris Latham was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

They are part of a cohort of 992 Australians included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2022, including 669 in the General Division of the Order of Australia, of which women accounted for 307.

Governor-General David Hurley, on

to the community of Yass.

Mr Adrian WALSH, Bruce, for service to youth through Scouts.

Ms Liesel WETT, Griffith, for service to medical administration.

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)

Dr Brendan Murphy AC.

Prof Tanya Monro AC.

behalf of all Australians, congratulated the recipients.

“Collectively, the recipients, whose achievements span community service, science and research, industry, sport, the arts and more, represent the very best of Australia,” he said.

“For that, we thank them and, today, we celebrate them.”

Here are the other locals recognised in this year’s awards:

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION Ms Bethlyn Jan BLACKWOOD, ACT, for significant service to secondary education, and to youth.

Mr David Arthur KENYON, Forrest, for significant service to the community of the ACT region.

Emeritus Prof Valerie Anne KIRK, O’Connor, for significant service to tertiary

Ross MacDiarmid AM.

arts education, and as an artist and curator.

Mr Ross Stewart MACDIARMID, ACT, for significant service to public administration, and to the community through a range of roles.

Prof Rory MEDCALF, ACT, for significant service to international relations, and to tertiary education.

Prof Imogen Ann MITCHELL, Red Hill, for significant service to intensive care medicine, and to tertiary education.

Mrs Barbara Anne SLOTEMAKER DE BRUINE, ACT, for significant service to squash as a player, administrator and coach.

Mr Michael John WARD, Kingston, for significant service to the defence industry.

MEDAL (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION Ms Michelle Louise COFFILL, ACT, for service to public administration, and to animal welfare.

Chris Latham OAM. Mrs Dorothy Ann DANTA, Yarralumla, for service to the arts, particularly to music festivals.

Mrs Maria Krystyna DOOGAN, ACT, for service to the law, and to the judiciary.

Mrs Iryna DVOSKINA, Belconnen, for service to paralympic athletes.

Mrs Maureen Louise HICKMAN, Mawson, for service to the community of the ACT. Mrs Rosemary Margaret HYDE, Stirling, for service to the performing arts.

Ms Jennifer Avriel KEMARRE MARTINIELLO, Rivett, for service to the creative and visual arts.

Mr Christopher Peter LATHAM, Downer, for service to performing arts, particularly to music.

Ms Emma Siobhan MACDONALD, Ainslie, for service to journalism, and to women.

Ms Anna SENIOR, O’Connor, for service to the visual arts through costume design.

Mr Wayne Leslie STUART, Yass, for service

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Mr Michael Paul BATH, Karabar.

Dr Sally BOX, Watson.

Mr Alistair Lachlan CAMPBELL, Griffith.

Ms Samantha Elizabeth CHARD, ACT. Professor Phillip Randolph CUMMINS, Narrabundah.

Ms Michelle Julie CURRY (AINSWORTH), ACT. Ms Jacqueline Ann CURTIS, Duffy.

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Ms Teresa Ann DICKINSON, Belconnen.

Ms Niamh Marie DOBSON, Canberra.

Ms Joanne Leigh EVANS, Cook.

Ms Susan Helen FLANAGAN, Narrabundah.

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Ms Penelope IRELAND, ACT. Dr Elisabeth Alexandra KERR, Hawker.

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Ms Alison Dell LARKINS, O’Connor.

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Mr Michael Roy RYAN, Murrumbateman.

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POLITICS

Drug legalisation doesn’t mean a free-for-all THE proposed legalisation of small amounts of a range of illicit drugs does not mean a free-for-all.

Pharmaceuticals, alcohol and tobacco are legal, but each has a different system of regulation to minimise the harms associated with their use. Fundamentally, drug use is a health issue rather than a criminal justice issue.

The challenge for public health is to find the right balance between maintaining appropriate availability for those who choose to use drugs at the same time as minimising the harm.

Australia has been quite successful at minimising the use and harms associated with tobacco, although much less so with regard to the regulation of alcohol.

In the past prohibition, as a method of controlling illicit drugs, has simply created many more problems than it has resolved. These include handing profits to organised crime, increasing corruption, a lack of control on quality as well as extensive health issues.

There is an agreement regarding broad drugs policy across Australian jurisdictions with the goal of minimising harmful use of all drugs.

The fundamentals of the agreement are balancing supply reduction and demand reduction with harm reduction. The greatest challenge for Australia is getting the right balance

Although the legislation is of great interest as the ACT remains at the forefront in Australia for innovative drug policy, treatment for dependency remains a key element of the approach taken for more than 30 years by successive ACT governments.

MLA Michael Pettersson… The ACT government response was supportive of his original private member’s Bill. between these three concepts.

When the ACT Legislative Assembly conducted the Inquiry into the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Bill 2021 the MLAs on the committee set out a series of additional tasks for the government to undertake in order for the policy to be successful.

These include specific “demand reduction” recommendations on amphetamines, cannabis, heroin and other drugs as well as recommendations on mental health support and rehabilitation.

The ACT government response, which came down on June 9, was supportive of the original private member’s Bill by Michael Pettersson, which was designed to remove criminal penalties associated with personal use of currently illicit drugs.

The proposed system is to “decriminalise small amounts of the most commonly used and best understood illicit drugs by introducing a simple drug offence notice (SDON)”.

The support from the government came with a couple of minor amendments to the quantities and specific drugs covered by the legislation. Of the 17 recommendations of the Select Committee of Inquiry, the government agreed with eight recommendations, agreed-in-principle with eight recommendations and noted one.

Health Minister Rachel StephenSmith pointed out that “rates of drug use are not strongly linked to levels of punishment for personal possession”. She noted that “the government’s proposed amendments will retain the list of drugs proposed

in the Private Member’s Bill other than methadone, which is regulated as a pharmaceutical drug”.

A key element of the national and ACT drug policies of harm minimisation is to retain some focus on supply-and-demand reduction at the same time as keeping harm reduction as the central focus point.

Since 1992 the police have been able to exercise discretion in the application of decriminalisation. This continues with the minister stating: “By ensuring that discretion for ACT Policing is retained and that diversion is legislated and put on an equal footing with the SDON”.

Although the legislation is of great interest as the ACT remains at the forefront in Australia for innovative drug policy, treatment for dependency remains a key element of the approach taken for more than 30 years

by successive ACT governments.

Stephen-Smith was quick to emphasise that the government has “invested to upgrade treatment facilities, begun the construction of new facilities and expanded life-saving programs like the needle-syringe program and primary care outreach services delivered for those most in need”.

Lack of regulation in the drug market simply means greater availability, greater use and greater harm.

Prohibition has had a similar impact.

The solutions are not simple.

However, all indications from international studies are that the most effective approach lies in appropriate levels of regulation that provide disincentives for users as well as those who would like to profit from such markets.

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.

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KINDNESS / you can’t get what you want ‘til you know what you want

Know where you’re going is the best destination JUST like the breakfast menu at a fancy bushland health retreat, your 1980s Pop Diva Spotify playlist may be a mystery, but you know it will be very good for you.

Right now, the memorable Tiffany is repetitively telling me she thinks we’re alone now, quite unnecessarily adding that she thinks there doesn’t seem to be anyone else around. The music is thumping and the trip to Mugga Lane tip seems a lot more fun.

Thanks Spotify for making these decisions for me.

Reminds me of one of my heroes in that hair-sprayed decade, my second mum, the tyrant of Maroubra, Elizabeth Kowalski. She would lovingly berate her GP – “Don’t give me choices, you sweet boy. Tell me what to do. I trust you to get me to where I need to be. What do you think I’m paying you for, you big schlemiel!”

That wonderful woman, of course, knew the secret to getting places – she knew where she wanted to get to!

Unlike my wife and I on our first visit to the financial planner.

When she asked us where we wanted to be spiritually and emotionally in 10 years time, I had to hold my wife back from assailing her with an Excel spreadsheet.

“What’s this pop psychology

We’re alone now? Tiffany (left) thinks so, but Whitney’s bringing back memories of dancing in car parks with idiots in 1985. guff?” she asked, pummelling her until-recently intact ribs. “Just tell us what the guaranteed loss is on these ostrich farms.”

Cookie the Financial Planning Psychologist and Personal Life Guide explains it best. He reckons his clients need him for the first 35 years to plan their holidays and kids schools, sports and weddings for them because his role is to get them Where They Want To Be. Do they need a thousand in the bank or a million? Do they need to get

to Dubbo or the Danube? Planning is a vehicle to get to a destination, but you need to know your destination.

Of course, if it takes an hour to get that sentence out of him over some swanky lunch a little fancier than what I’m getting on my way to the tip, you’ll still probably end up a fair way in front.

My job is getting people to where they want to be.

“I Want the diet pill script now,” says Andrew. “I want the testoster-

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one,” says Len. Sigh, says I, just wanting to have fun with Cyndi Lauper. Or maybe a holiday with Madonna.

Andrew, do you want the diet pills for the belching, the insomnia and the small but real risk of permanent, maybe fatal, side effects? Len, would you like some cancer with the improved wedding-tackle performance?

I sit Andrew down and ask WHY he wants the diet pills but I already know. He thinks they will make him more attractive to his wife. But I know her well, and she loves his shape. She just wants to see more of it, and maybe he could stop working every evening and weekend.

My profession has some people in it who just prescribe the pill. Their consultations are a lot quicker and nobody whacks them with an Excel file.

The trick is to channel Mrs Kowalski and find out why they want the pill.

What is their desired destination?

Kindness is not always giving people what they ask for, it’s caring enough to take the time and ask what they want it for. Sometimes it’s pretty obvious that a particular requested vehicle has a fairly specific destination (mum, can I have money for Pokemon cards… or a gaming

computer… or that doctor’s appointment about contraception) but at other times the inquiry is needed.

Almost always when we are tired.

Eighties Diva list has taken me to Whitney Houston, who has trumped Tiffany’s observation with a fairly firm assertion that she will always love me ooo, ooo and furthermore, ooo. This has not only led to wonderful memories of dancing in car parks with idiots in 1985, but the last hour furiously WhatsApping and arranging meetings and laughing out loud with the same idiots (in whom some unkind observers may identify a desperate need for diet pills and testosterone) as we lay down new experiences of love and laughter.

Thanks Spotify – you really do know what I want! Now, where is that patronising man in the eco-tracksuit with the organic bran flakes? Let’s see how hard I can whack him with a spreadsheet!

Antonio Di Dio is a local GP, medical leader, and nerd.

There’s more of his “Kindness” on citynews.com.au

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LETTERS

Write to us: editor@citynews.com.au

Tram’s bad vibrations over the concrete bridge ALTHOUGH I am not an engineer, I have discussed the issue of getting the tram over the Commonwealth Bridge with a number of structural engineers.

In a nutshell, you cannot build a tram bridge out of prestressed concrete, much less connect it to the existing road bridges.

Why not? Vibration. The concrete will come apart. And if the tram bridge is attached to the road bridges, the vibration will also wreck the road bridges.

The only way to build a rail or tram bridge is to build it all of steel, and not attach it to the road bridges (there is also a separate issue that the gap between the road bridges may not be wide enough for two rail lines).

A steel suspension bridge is possibly the best solution, though it may sway.

A Sydney Harbour type is an alternative, as the superstructure would absorb the vibrations. It is not advisable to use a catenary arch for a rail bridge, as it would ring like a bell from the vibrations, and the foundations at either end would not be strong enough to hold it. Alternatively there is the old-fashioned way. Heavy masonry semicircular arches, though that might upset the boaties!

I am sure the ACT government is discussing the issue of how to build the tram bridge with consultants. However, beware. Consultants have a tendency to give the answers you want, and be a long way away if the advice is wrong. My advice is to obtain well-written indemnities from each of the individual consultants, not the company, for payment of full cost of repair or rebuilding of the bridges. This could be up to $100 million or more.

In summary, no concrete tram bridges because of vibration. Steel only. After that, select the best option.

Tim Walshaw, Watson

The ‘immorality’ of Woden tram IT seems no member of our elected Assembly is aware of the immorality of the light rail extension to Woden.

Immoral because the several billion dollars this project will cost (the transport minister has been unable to work out the amount so far) will only be of benefit to some 10 per cent of Canberra’s population, namely those who can afford to live near a rail stop. For the rest of Canberrans it will be a curse.

For those living in the Woden or Tuggeranong area because the express bus to Civic will disappear – as in the north – and they will be forced to take the tram taking almost twice as long, or buy a car.

For all Canberrans, regardless of where they live, it will mean a heavy financial debt not just now but for generations to come. Increasingly there will be even less money for essential public services which are in a desperate state already. Some people, like those living in Oaks Estate, don’t even have public transport.

Mr Albanese, could you please teach Mr Barr and friends the long-held principles of the Labor Party? Isn’t one of the most important the care for the have-nots who suffer most when public services are run down as they are here in Canberra?

Robin Underwood, via citynews.com.au

Tree hollows take a long time DR Gina Newton (Letters, CN June 9) is quite right about the value of hollows in old eucalyptus trees.

However, she notes that it takes about 100 years for small hollows to form in eucalyptus trees and 200 years for larger hollows to form. The trees that were the subject of my May 19 letter are probably less than 70-years-old and likely less than 50-years-old, therefore unlikely to have hollows in them of any value.

The tree that features in the photograph that accompanied my letter was a very young tree, perhaps only 30-years-old, and it certainly contains no hollows. I saw no hollows in any of the other dead gum trees in the area.

The fact remains that these dead trees are unsightly and possibly dangerous. In the last few years during strong winds several large branches have fallen. These could injure passers-by.

Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

Plan puts more basketball courts in the north

dose of dorin

What a great idea!

Good luck with gambling taxes

I RECENTLY heard someone suggest the people with disabilities should become known as people with a different perspective. What a great idea!

Judy Hamilton, Latham

IT comes as no surprise that the ACT government wants to introduce a Bill in relation to “online” gambling (citynews.com.au May 31).

The continued reduction of gaming machines in venues over the years and the restrictions proposed on playing them (citynews.com.au April 29), are ongoing steps of what I believe is the government’s aim to completely remove all such machines from the ACT. In addition, wanting to “buy up” machine licences and even paying more for venues to become “pokie free” (citynews.com.au March 18) is further evidence of this.

While gaming-machine control measures may have some limited impact in reducing problem gambling at on-site venues, the result now acknowledged by the government is that “online” gambling simply increases.

Clearly the government’s now noticed how much tax revenue is being forfeited by the reduction of gaming machines in local venues and more so, how much revenue is now simply going “offshore”.

I for one will be very interested in seeing how the government proposes any Bill on how they will address “online” gambling for taxation purposes.

With “online” gambling, people can set up third-party linked payment accounts, have anonymity and circumvent blocked websites via the use of VPNs, gamble at any time of day/night and utilise gambling services anywhere across the globe, which are well beyond the reach of the ACT government to send a tax bill – good luck with that.

Electrical elephant in the room I SEE the letter by Robert Brown, Victoria (Letters, CN May 17) continues the climate changer party line in displacing coal and gas by renewables. Don’t these people ever think about the elephant in the room with renewables, namely that all renewable infrastructure – the thousands of hectares of solar panels and thousands of wind generators – will have to be replaced every 20-25 years, with expensive maintenance in between to maintain generation efficiency and levels?

Most of this generation equipment is imported with a great deal from China. God only knows what the world will look like in 20 years’ time but it is not looking good at present with Russia already at war and threatening nuclear war, and China continually threatening to invade Taiwan and who knows where else.

If climate changers are so keen on getting rid of coal and gas, they had better start thinking about nuclear energy.

Renewable energy in Australia, despite the hype, will ultimately prove to be unsustainable. That said, there is no real problem with roof-top solar as long as owners are prepared to pay unsubsidised costs and prepared to face full panel replacement costs in 20-25 years, if components are still available.

Note however, that the value contribution of roof-top solar to the resale value of the home would be minimal or even negative, depending on age.

There is no getting away from the fact that, irrespective of what sacrifices Australia makes to climate changers, at about one per cent of world greenhouse gas emissions, it can have virtually zero effect on global warming, let alone permanent climate change.

Max Flint, principal, Australian Logistics Study Centre

Bjorn Moore, via email

Commission a ‘waste of money’

I WELCOME “CityNews’” continued attack on the silent ALP/ Greens government’s forced public housing evictions and the ironic timely advertisement for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (both CN June 2), while other articles about the parlous state of my local Liberal Party were justified.

The topics should be co-ordinated however and my Assembly Liberal team publicly support these 2022 “forgotten people”: the elderly Housing ACT tenants.

OBVIOUSLY, the new Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has nothing better to do than waste taxpayers’ money on setting up a royal commission into Robodebt.

What good will it do now that victims have been recompensed to the tune of $1.8 billion after a Commonwealth agreement to a settlement, and the Coalition is no longer the governing body?

What he should be doing instead is setting up a commission to investigate how the ABC is spending $1.1 billion of taxpayers’ money a year.

As the ALP and the Greens recently conspired to derail a Senate inquiry into the ABC’s complaints process, primarily on alleged ABC anti-Coalition bias, why are they, together with the ABC, so afraid of an independent inquiry being held if they have nothing to hide?

Regrettably, it is highly unlikely to happen as it is not in the ALP’s or the Greens’ interest to do so.

Greg Cornwell, Yarralumla

Mario Stivala, Belconnen

Stand up for ‘forgotten people’

WOW, $750,000 for another feasibility study, this time to determine whether a $60m development for the Capitals at UC is justified.

Added to the cost of the four previous studies on indoor sporting facilities over the last 10 years, the ACT government could have funded an indoor community centre for less than the five reports cost!

The last (“Otium Report”) focused only on north Canberra’s basketball needs and suggested that government funding of community courts would impact private operators – presumably Canberra Southern Cross Club and schools, all of which operate commercially. The report did acknowledge a lack of facilities in Gungahlin but nothing came of it. South Canberra did not exist (so far as the report’s scope was concerned).

The UC plan is for a 3500 capacity main court and six other courts. No doubt part of the cost/benefit analysis will be its rental returns based on commercial hire rates and car parking fees, primarily to community groups, despite public monies being used to develop the centre. Pretty good for a campus of 15,000 and one basketball team; and why an additional six courts?

As the Basketball ACT general manager who set up the foundations of the “Team of the Decade”, I have deep affection for the Capitals, but I doubt if any home game sold out in the 1700 seat Convention Centre in the last four years.

Yes, the Capitals are capable of drawing a capacity house, but only for finals games maybe twice a year.

Meanwhile, Basketball ACT struggles to find courts and is turning junior teams away (40 last year).

The advice from the ACT government is that no funding will be provided for community courts as it expects school gyms to meet such needs (at up to $100 an hour and unavailable at the whim of the school).

The UC courts proposal will mean that more than 25 courts would be located in Belconnen (including an existing four at the AIS, a two-court complex at UC and two at Radford, which is adding two additional courts, plus two venues seating 4500 and 3500 within two kilometres of each other.

The rest of Canberra sees three courts demolished in Woden for highrise apartments and one at the Woden TAFE for hospital expansion and there’s an expectation that the five courts in Tuggeranong will go the same way.

If we are going to have a community indoor sports centre let’s ensure it is located southside and partially funded from the betterment tax should the Canberra Southern Cross Club wish to redevelop its Tuggeranong site for high rise.

If $60m is available, it can be put to more productive and better located community facilities.

Brian Franklin, former director and GM, BACT (1962-2022) CityNews June 16-22, 2022 17

CONFERENCES & TRAINING

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Make this function the one to really remember WHEN learning a new skill, running a training session or hosting a conference, it’s important to get the setting right.

From a professional atmosphere, to quality catering, to accessible audio-visual capabilities, an event is made all the more memorable when all the details fall into place.

Hotel caters to a wide variety of events WHETHER it’s a social or corporate event, the team at Crowne Plaza Canberra say they have the facilities to cater to a wide variety of functions.

“We offer fully catered events from day-delegate packages to cocktail and dinner events,” says a hotel spokesperson.

“The hotel is right next to Glebe Park so guests can get that relaxing feeling of being close to nature even though they’re in the CBD. “Our smaller function rooms have wall-mounted LCD screens and we have video conferencing options available.

Here’s the “CityNews” guide to quality training and conference spaces available here in Canberra that are suitable for any upcoming event.

For our larger event spaces, we work with AV specialist Elite Event Technology to cater to all audio/visual needs.”

The team says it’s the feedback they get from clients that most reflects the quality of the function spaces available.

For example, they say a review from Interaction Consulting Group called them “true partners” with “venue options perfect for hosting training events”.

Crowne Plaza Canberra, 1 Binara Street, Canberra. Call 6274 5500 or visit canberra.crowneplaza.com

‘Modern, chic’ hotel in heart of Queanbeyan THE Royal Hotel in Queanbeyan has three different venues available to suit any occasion, says events and marketing manager Bianca Paquay.

“The Manhattan Room is our biggest, hosting up to around 80 guests, but we also have the Menzies Room and our smallest and most private is the Beadman Room,” says Bianca.

And with an upstairs kitchen designed purely for functions, Bianca says the Royal Hotel offers an extensive choice of dining and drinks packages to add flavour to any event being hosted.

“We’ve got different catering options

available as well, whether they’re after the sandwich package for a working lunch, or whether they want to go for a hot buffet, which is perfect in these winter months – and it’s been the most popular at the moment.”

Bianca says The Royal Hotel has the latest audio-visual technology available. The atrium and outdoor terrace can be used for fresh air during breaks and it’s all right at the heart of Queanbeyan, in a modern, chic feel.

The Royal Hotel, 85 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan.

Contact functions@royalhotelqbn.com.au or call 6297 1444.

At Crowne Plaza Canberra we have everything you need to make your training, planning or strategy workshop a success.

MEET AND PLAY IN CENTRAL CANBERRA.

Located centrally with a variety of meeting rooms, featuring natural light, the hotel is perfect for events for 10 to 50 people.

Plus, book before 30 June and receive a $100 Canberra Centre gift voucher per $1500 event spend*. Use the Canberra Centre voucher at one of over 260 national and international retailers.

Perfect for some post event retail therapy or to put towards your Christmas party prize pool.

Talk to us today by calling (02) 6274 5500 or emailing eventscanberra@ihg.com

*Terms and conditions apply. Book by 30 June 2022, valid for new events only, quote ‘City News’.

18 CityNews June 16-22, 2022

The Royal Hotel Queanbeyan’s Upper House boasts a collaboration of contemporary comforts and amenities, integrated with the original architecture; offering unique and memorable settings. All are complemented by a beautiful atrium overflowing into an open courtyard, allowing an abundance of natural light, to create the perfect ambiance for any event.

Only 10 minutes from Canberra airport.

From boardroom meetings of 24 guests to Half Day & Full Day Conferences for 80 cabaret, our Upper House venues are the perfect choice for your next meeting.

With the option of a post-conference cocktail for 150 guests, or presentation dinners for 120 guests, the Manhattan Room has the versatility to suit all types of events.

Our event spaces all flow into the outdoor courtyard and atrium to be enjoyed during your breaks or with the setting of the sun over a glass of wine.

Contact one of our events team for more information and to organise a site visit to see why this venue is the best kept secret in Queanbeyan!

functions@royalhotelqbn.com.au | 02 6297 1444 ext 2

ROYALHOTELQBN.COM.AU

CONFERENCES & TRAINING

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Elevated conferences in the ‘perfect’ venue RYDGES Canberra offers 12 spaces for a variety of events, says hotel sales executive Mitchell Hodder.

“We have boardrooms that cater for five people, to suites that can cater for up to 150 people,” he says, and all their rooms are fitted with a screen, “either TV or a data projector and drop-down screen.”

“Our day-delegate packages start at just $79 per person, which includes all-day catering and room hire.”

Mitchell says the catering provides a continuous

supply of tea and coffee, as well as sweet and savoury morning and afternoon tea options, and a work lunch.

“Given that we have just been recently refurbished, the spaces are absolutely stunning now.

“We’re the perfect venue because our location is so central to Barton and Manuka, and since the renovations the space has just completely elevated.”

Rydges Canberra, 17 Canberra Avenue, Forrest.

Call 6295 3144, or visit rydges.com/canberra

Conferences with a view BANNISTERS Mollymook offers conference rooms with a difference, says events co-ordinator Juliette Edwards.

“Your boardroom could be in a penthouse or suite with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop, meeting breaks on the outside balcony to soak up the sun, a glowing fireplace for those cold winter days, and Mollymook beach is only a two-minute walk from our hotel,” she says.

“The option of conference rooms is endless at Bannisters Mollymook. We have Rooftop East and two Pavilion Penthouses that can host conferences at Bannisters Pavilion.

“At Bannisters by the Sea, we have the option to host conferences in our Cameron Kimber Penthouse, Narrawallee Suite or Rick’s Beach House.”

Juliette says audio-visual presentations are welcome, with basic flip charts and whiteboards, or TVs with HDMI

connection availability or “click share connections,” and reliable internet service for laptops.

“Conference packages include morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. There are options to upgrade for lunch from a quick working lunch to share plates, pizza and burgers, and barista coffee available throughout the day,” she says.

“We strive to ensure all our guests have an enjoyable stay. We appreciate the effort required for delegates to travel the distance to be at our property, and we understand the challenging tasks of organising an offsite event, and we will be available to assist every step of the way.”

Bannisters Mollymook, 191 Mitchell Parade or 87 Tallwood Avenue, Mollymook, NSW. Call (02) 4454 7400, or visit bannisters.com.au

THE SMALL EVENT SPECIALISTS Welcome to the newly refurbished Rydges Canberra.

Specialising in events from 8 - 120 people.

Full day packages start from just $79 per person and include basic AV 17 Canberra Avenue, Forrest, 2603 Tel: 02 6295 3144 E: functions_rydgescanberra@evt.com Web: www.rydges.com/canberra 20 CityNews June 16-22, 2022

Get in touch today.

M E E T I N M O L LY M O O K Host your business conference or team building retreat at Bannisters Hotels in coastal Mollymook.

ENJOY A FULL DAY DELEGATE PACKAGE FOR $85 PER PERSON.

Accommodation available at Bannisters Pavilion from $219 and Bannisters by the Sea from $299.

Conveniently located only a 2.5 hour drive from Canberra, Bannisters Hotels is comprised of two unique properties and an array of dining venues including the iconic Rick Stein restaurant.

To enquire, contact our Events Manager at juliette@bannisters.com.au use code OCEAN. Available until 30th September 2022.

B A N N I S T E R S .C O M . A U | 0 2 4 4 5 4 74 0 0

CONFERENCES & TRAINING Experienced educators provide training solutions OPENED in 1992, Wizard Corporate Training is one of the oldest Australian-owned training companies in Australia, says chief operating officer Matilda Robinson.

“Wizard Corporate Training, a leader in Microsoft, Adobe, web design and professional and self-development training, provides Australia’s best instructor-led classroom training experience,” she says.

“Wizard has delivered quality training by the most experienced instructors in Australia. Our friendly, expert trainers provide classroom training; work with corporate groups in the workplace; and develop

customised training solutions for small and large businesses.

Matilda says the company also provides the industry’s best service and post-course support.

“Our experience in the training field is second to none and enables us to bring 25 years of experience to our clients in all areas of corporate training and development,” she says.

Wizard Corporate Training, Level 4, 54 Marcus Clarke Street. Call 6162 2929 or visit wizardcorporatetraining.com.au

Theatre provides flexible function venues FROM cabarets to fashion shows, weddings to high teas and everything in between, The Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre (The Q) has the right function space for almost any event, says artistic director Jordan Best.

“Our most popular event space is The B, or the Bicentennial Hall, where we have functions, conferences, birthdays, weddings, lectures and many other events that utilise the theatre,” she says.

“It can fit 300 on a flat-floor layout, but many events also use the 570-seat retractable seating. We have full audio-visual capabilities including a projector and large screen, speakers and some swish lighting.”

Jordan says the venue staff can also provide a diverse range of catering options.

“We have various places in Queanbeyan that we talk with to organise pretty much any type of food

22 CityNews June 16-22, 2022

for any type of arrangement,” she says.

“We have kitchen facilities for people who are wanting hot food and we can bring in cold food.

Whether it’s buffet style or whether you’re wanting to be served at the table, we can do it all.”

For more intimate events, Jordan says functions can also be booked in The Q’s foyer and exhibition space, where movable TV screens can also be utilised for audio and visual elements.

“We can make both The B and The Q a flexible space for your event,” she says.

“The room can be made to feel how you need it to feel.”

The Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre (The Q), 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6285 6265 or visit theq.net.au

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How safe is your workplace?

Industry leader for emergency response training AS the industry leader for emergency response training, FERST has a focus on safety throughout the whole year, says director Gary Cheeseman.

“Our training gives people the skills to not only keep themselves safe but anyone who visits their workplace or facility,” he says.

“People first” is the catchphrase that drives the team behind Ferst Training Solutions, which offers specialised emergency response training to workplaces in the ACT and NSW. Since 2007, the family-run business has offered a range of courses to workplaces including: Training of Emergency Response Teams; Emergency Response Chief Wardens and Wardens; General Staff Training; Fire Extinguisher Use Training; and Building Evacuation Training.

“We endeavour to give people the skills so when something does go wrong, they have the tools to get out of that situation safely,” he says.

All trainers have been in operational positions, in fields including the military, fire services or emergency services, meaning they have real-life experience in dealing with many situations, Gary says.

“Our training is practical and procedural,” he says.

Ferst Training Solutions. Visit ferst.com.au or call 1300 333778.

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Brendan Garske, left, and Alex Robertson.

Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre offers a range of versatile spaces, both intimate and spacious, that can accommodate your next corporate function, conference or social event.

In addition to our foyer and exhibition spaces, The B (Bicentennial Hall) can be configured to host: Standing Cocktail (up to 1000) Raked Theatre (570) Banquet (250) Cabaret (125) plus a range of other options to suit your event.

CONTACT US 6285 6265 theq.net.au/venue-hire/hire-our-spaces/ CityNews June 16-22, 2022 23

CONFERENCES & TRAINING Event experts offer affordable options WITH function space that can accommodate anywhere from 30 up to 1000 people, Canberra Southern Cross Club is the perfect place to host your next event, says general manager of sales and marketing Mel Braid.

“The Southern Cross Club has a range of affordable packages and experienced event managers at your service,” she says.

“We can tailor individual packages for you and provide expert advice to ensure the smooth running of your function.”

Mel says the club can offer full-day catering, AV facilities, dedicated function staff and free parking.

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24 CityNews June 16-22, 2022

“Our award-winning chefs will create menus to suit all tastes and budgets,” she says.

“There’s tea and coffee on arrival, morning and afternoon tea, working lunch, three-course seated menus, cocktail events and beverage packages.

Operating across four venues including Woden, Tuggeranong, Jamison and the Yacht Club, Mel says the Southern Cross Club is particularly excited to welcome people as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Canberra Southern Cross Club, call 6283 7200 or visit cscc.com.au

Queanbeyan’s got plenty of function facilities QUEANBEYAN Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) offers several multipurpose function and meeting rooms of varying sizes that can accommodate smaller business meetings, private parties and community group gatherings.

Available for hire are Riverside Oval Meeting room, Jerrabomberra Community Centre, Googong Community Centre, Letchworth Community Centre, Axis Centre, Bungendore Community Centre, Braidwood Community Centre and Captains Flat Multipurpose Health Centre.

“All venues include kitchen facilities and furniture to assist with your event,” says QPRC community facilities team leader Mandy Tomlinson.

“Catering options can be arranged at all of the centres or hirers are able to organise and bring in their own catering.

“Options available can be as simple as a refreshment pack to full wait service conference packages.”

Mandy says the facilities can accommodate a small meeting of four to six people up to a conference or training day for up to 80 people.

“All of the facilities have or are in the process of being fitted with TV screens or projectors for audio/visual capabilities and Riverside, Jerrabomberra and Googong have wi-fi capabilities,” says Mandy.

More information and to take a virtual tour of the facilities visit qprc.nsw.gov.au/venues or call 6285 6583.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

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What’s happening in Canberra these holidays WHETHER it’s admiring artwork, experiencing a live show, or even learning with Lego, there’s plenty of activities to keep the kids engaged and entertained these school holidays.

This week “CityNews” rounds up some of Canberra’s best activities that the whole family can enjoy over the school break.

Program has the building blocks for fun and learning

Remembering a century of wartime service FROM uniforms to food, jobs to equipment, the Australian War Memorial’s galleries include objects and artworks which tell the stories of Australian servicemen and servicewomen who have served for more than 100 years.

These school holidays, visitors can experience the “Highlights Tour”, where they can explore featured exhibits and discover items of interest from the collection with an immersive selfguided audio tour.

They can also explore the World War I and II galleries to find stories of animals who served during wartime.

At 4.45pm each day, a Last Post Ceremony

BRICKS 4 Kidz has entertained and educated thousands of children since it was established in 2017, says owner Mark Jefferies.

“Our holiday workshops are unique: we run full-day programs where children work at a number of different Lego stations to give them variety, which includes motorised Lego Technic, traditional Lego bricks with instructions and bags of free play where they are encouraged to use their own imagination.”

What sets Bricks 4 Kidz apart, says Mark, is its amazing instructors who love teaching kids.

“We have a passion for providing a fun and nurturing environment for all of our little

builders,” he says.

Mark says all workshops are customised to the age of the children and are striving to encourage more girls to take up STEM and robotics.

“Children will learn basic STEM concepts through the use of motors and gears with our LEGO Technic,” he says.

“That combined with the supportive and enthusiastic atmosphere our instructors create makes for a learning experience that activates the imagination.”

Bricks 4 Kidz. Call 0481 240311 or visit bricks4kidz.com.au/act-northside

is held in the Commemorative area. Each ceremony shares the story behind one of the more than 102,000 names on the Roll of Honour.

While the Memorial undergoes its transformation project, all visitors, including children, will require a ticket to enter or attend the Last Post Ceremony.

Entry is free and visitors are advised to book their tickets in advance to guarantee entry.

There is also a temporary entrance in place, opposite Poppy’s Café.

The Australian War Memorial, Fairbairn Avenue, Campbell. Visit awm.gov.au or call 6243 4211.

OUR DOORS ARE OPEN We continue to welcome visitors while we work to expand our galleries. Plan your visit and book free tickets online.

AWM.GOV.AU

CityNews June 16-22, 2022 25

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Activities to warm the family THE National Portrait Gallery is getting ready to celebrate its annual winter festival, says learning facilitator Lucie Shawcross.

The theme this year is “Warm Up, Chill Out”, she says.

“It’s a free family festival, running on August 7 from 10am until 2pm,” says Lucie.

“We have a wide variety of performances and activities that families can come and enjoy together.”

Lucie says the day will start off with a traditional Welcome to Country and cleansing ceremony, followed by a “wonderful” dance performance by Kulture Break.

“We’ve got an incredible aerobics performance piece, but it’s also participatory so people can get involved. It’s very retro which should be fun,” says Lucie.

26 CityNews June 16-22, 2022

“It’s around Science Week so we’re collaborating with a neural networks group and we’re making some huge collaborative sculptures using yarn.

“We’re doing some really active, engaging activities such as the dance and aerobics.”

But there will also be some chilled activities, too.

“We’re doing mindful drawing, we’re doing gentle movements, and we’re also inviting people to bring in some of their unloved rags to help with sustainability, making old shirts into tote bags and jewellery,” she says.

National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes.

Call 6102 7000, or visit portrait.gov.au

advertising feature ‘Dahlicious’ mischief for the whole family FOLLOWING the upcoming school holidays, the Canberra Theatre Centre will run a “great” but limited production of “The Twits”, says the centre’s Jane Barrett.

“It’s got some beautiful images, it’s a big production, and it’s perfect for the kids and the kids at heart. Anyone is welcome, from ages five to 105,” she says.

Schools can book in for either of the two Thursday sessions (June 21), or the morning session on June 22.

“School sessions aren’t booked out yet and it would be nice for the schools to come, too,” says Jane.

General public sessions begin in the afternoon of June 22 and two sessions will run on June 23.

Roald Dahl’s gruesome twosome, “The Twits”, has been described as a “visually-spectacular, delightfullydisgusting, revoltingly-funny stage production, packed with ‘Dahlicious’ mischief for the whole family.”

Jane says “The Twits” is theatre you won’t want to miss, from the same team behind the popular “Fantastic Mr Fox”.

“The Twits”, Canberra Theatre Centre, July 22-23.

Tickets at canberratheatrecentre.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gold Creek Village has three other attractions, as well as cafes, gift shops and a garden centre, so it’s a great place for a day out after visiting the aviary.

The aviary is open every day, 10am-4pm, with last admissions at 3.30pm.

COME OUT TO THE CANBERRA WALK-IN AVIARY THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Come along and see the friendly free-flying birds that can be photographed and fed.

Walk amongst over 500 birds from 50 species from Australia and around the world!

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

“The Twits”.

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CityNews June 16-22, 2022 27

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“Coprosma repens”… a native of NZ that shows as vivid and bright red on a winter’s day.

Photos: Jackie Warburton

Plants untroubled by the frost THERE are many plants unbothered by frost that put on a foliage show in the winter months.

One of my favourites is “Coprosma repens”, a native of NZ that shows as vivid and bright red on a winter’s day. Its common name is mirror plant and it is a good, small shrub that grows 1.5 metres tall by 1 metre wide.

It likes full sun and can cope with windy, exposed sites but not wet feet, which can cause rot if drainage is not good and pests. They clip well and are a good set-and-forget shrub.

There are a few other favourites that colour up just as well with yellow and burgundy foliage.

Look out for them at the nurseies as there is a new sunset range out.

JUNE is the time to divide and replant rhubarb.

It is a wonderful addition to a perennial vegetable garden and can provide shade for seedlings in the warmer months and is slow to spread.

If dividing, use a fork to dig around the clump and remove from the soil. There will be several “crowns” where new plants emerge and they can be cut into big segments with roots for replanting. Use only crowns that are fleshy, plump and are intact with roots.

Dig a deep hole double the size of the crown, add rich organic compost and plant the crown with its neck out of the ground and water well.

Water again when new growth appears.

The leaves can be given to the chooks or chopped up and added to the compost. There are

two different colours available for growing, red or green with the flavour being the same.

Stems can be “torn” from the base of the plant near the ground and, most importantly, no more than a third of the foliage should be removed from the crown at one time for the longevity of the plant.

I freeze rhubarb in small portions, then heat for breakfast on muesli with nuts and yoghurt for breakfast.

NOT much can be added to the veggie garden this time of year, but peas, spinach and broad beans can be planted. All garden vegetables, such as peas and leafy greens, can have seaweed solution sprayed over the leaves to help build stronger, tougher plants with big frosts coming in the next month. Importantly, keep picking greens to encourage new growth.

STAR Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is an evergreen climber with fragrance from the flowers in December.

It copes with the cold winters and is popular for small spaces and is generally pest resistant.

As an evergreen, it will drop some small, old leaves and will turn red before dropping. This is nothing to worry about, but if the vine is showing red splotches then this is an indication that the soil is lacking phosphorus, turning the leaves red under stress.

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A GOOD spot in the garden for a veggie patch is a space that has at least five to six hours of full sun.

Dig over the area to about spade depth (30 centimetres or so) and no more than a metre wide for good reaching access for picking produce.

Add lots of organic matter, soak with water and add mulch and soak again. Leave for a few weeks and repeat the process. If the area is a hard clay ground, then it needs plenty of gypsum compost. Manure can also be added.

Mound it all up, cover with mulch and dig over every couple of weeks and keep it weed free. This will be ready for planting when the soil temperature increases in spring.

Winter is a beautiful time in Canberra with the crisp mornings and clear sunny days. The soil is cold and small plants will not be growing, but deep-rooted plants such as trees and shrubs will be working away composting leaves and adding nutrients ready for spring. jackwar@home.netspeed. com.au

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28 CityNews June 16-22, 2022

Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)… copes with the cold winters and is popular for small spaces and is generally pest resistant.

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LEON DELANEY

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE

Here’s cheers to a hint of eucalyptus

RICHARD CALVER

Jumping Jack Lister hits the ground running

By Helen

MUSA THE Australasian Dance Collective takes The Playhouse stage later this month with a program of Australian premieres called “Three”, billed as “Three works. Three choreographers.

Three spellbinding stories”.

I caught up with one of the “three”, rising Brisbane star, Jack Lister, as the company, formerly known as Expressions Dance Company, prepared to tour.

Formerly associate choreographer and dancer with Queensland Ballet, where he created work for the company’s “Bespoke” seasons and a co-production with Birmingham Royal Ballet, “A Brief Nostalgia”, Lister jumped ship to the Australasian Dance Collective in 2020 and hasn’t looked back.

Knowing that ballet dancers are usually bent on leaving the ground while contemporary artists are more likely to be hugging it, I asked him if the move from ballet to contemporary dance was unusual, given that there are contemporary dance schools all around the country feeding into companies such as ADC. “Everyone’s path is really different. Within ballet it’s not uncommon, but we’re talking

about vastly different worlds with different techniques, so I didn’t just jump in, I really had to learn on the job and it’s really what I wanted – to shake up my career at age 26,” says Lister.

A couple of decades ago, 26 would’ve been considered old for a dancer, but no longer and as Lister says, “it’s great to see dancers dancing into their 40s now”.

To him, the exceptional great thing about being with the dance collective is that he gets to work with different choreographers, composers, artists and people who have been brought in as associate collaborators.

“It has extended me artistically, it was what I wanted… we were doing a lot of other people’s productions, but I’m interested in the creative process and in this company I’m dancing and choreographing too,” he says.

He’ll be performing in his own part of the triple-bill, “Still Life”.

“It’s based on an idea that’s been at the back of my head for years and now I’ve got the chance to realise it in a work that’s been inspired from the Memento Mori [Latin for “remember that you must die”] still life art movement from the 16th and 17th centuries,” he says.

“It’s a reminder of our mortality, laden with symbolism… images of wilting flowers and decaying fruit come to mind, things that are on the way to decay, symbols of impermanence.

“But it’s really about what it is to be hu-

Jack Lister… “I really had to learn on the job and it’s really what I wanted.”

From “Three”... “Three works. Three choreographers. Three spellbinding stories”.

Photo: David Kelly

man and although the movement originated in the 16th century, it’s still relevant, because it’s human. It’s this question of mortality.

“The symbols in the Memento Mori movement were to do with our own transience and dance is exactly that, transient.

“But another symbol in the artworks was hour-glasses, which got me thinking about timelines, big ideas to put into this dance work.”

Lister says he doesn’t have a visual arts

background but spends a lot of time in galleries when he needs to find clarity, saying: “A gallery for me has always been a pretty sacred space and it helped me to make this work into a meditative piece of dance onstage – an abstract sort of art gallery.”

Contemporary dance is notoriously hard to describe, but Lister articulates his work eloquently, telling me that “Still Life” is a series of scenes which all boil down to the same idea.

“Audiences will see a white wall that sits

in the middle of the space… the dancers are seen as human beings, coming and going, sometimes with the physicality of a snuffed-out candle, sometimes moving very fast, sometimes in timelapse, but at other times completely still,” he says.

“The white wall is man-made, but the variables are the human beings and that speaks to life, it’s quite beautiful.”

“Three”, The Playhouse, June 24-25.

CityNews June 16-22, 2022 29

OBITUARY / Mary Wheeler, April 20, 1938-February 15, 2022

FILM

Portraits to landscapes, Mary did all

Serendipity sets doco film festival

ESCHEWING the chosen profession of her great-greatgreat-great grandfather Henry Wheeler who, at the age of 20, was transported to Australia for housebreaking offences, Mary Wheeler opted for the more genteel occupation of landscape artist.

Henry escaped from a chain gang to engage in highway robbery, and was reprieved from a death sentence to spend eight years of penal servitude on Norfolk Island.

In pursuance of her artistic goal, Mary left her Dubbo birthplace to undertake years of part-time study at what was the East Sydney Technical College, later the National Art School, while employed as a display artist at Mark Foy’s department store in Sydney.

Tasked with completing major window exhibits celebrating events such as the Capt Cook Bicentennial and visit of US President Lyndon Johnson, her increasing expertise with portrait work led to accepting commissions to paint people ranging from retail entrepreneur Sir Frank William McDowell, thalidomide expert Dr McBride and accordionist/band leader Herbie Marks.

She also enjoyed doing rural landscapes and won prizes in regional art shows as well as holding solo exhibitions and, on moving to Canberra, was selected to paint the por-

By Helen Musa

Artist Mary Wheeler at work in Wingadee Station woolshed, Coonamble, 2006.

Wheeler’s “Nancy Wake”, circa 1995.

traits of former Commonwealth Police and ACT Police commissioners Jack Davis and Reg Kennedy as well as Narcotics Bureau chief Harvey Bates for exhibition in the AFP Museum. These works were followed by her completing the portraits of four more federal police commissioners, which hang in the AFP Training College at Barton.

Among other personalities painted by Mary were Dawn Casey, when director of the National Museum in Canberra; Aboriginal magistrate Pat O’Shane and TV personality Del Cartwright.

Moving to Paris with her husband and family in 1981 for three years, she had three pieces accepted for showing among the prestigious Salon des Artists Français in the Grand Palais while painting scenes of Parisian life and individual portraits.

It was there that she met World War I Somme veteran Arthur Ebdon from

to various Pacific islands, always taking her easel and paints, while also seen adding vibrant colours to canvases beside Lake Burley Griffin and Floriade, and including Dubbo and Coogee among her triangle of favourite venues.

However, as years progressed two childhood bouts of rheumatic fever took their toll on her cardiac functions and she passed away with family members by her side in February.

Her funeral service at Gowrie was well attended and included a large wreath from the AFP, while a later memorial function was held for family and friends at Dubbo’s Western Plains Cultural Centre with more than a dozen of her local works on show.

She is survived by her husband, two children and three grandchildren.

– John Murray

Victoria who, in his 80s, often travelled to attend Anzac Day ceremonies at VillersBretonneux.

Doing a head study of Arthur, which now hangs in the V-B College Victoria school museum, she made contact with him on returning to Australia and undertook a large-scale portrait that was chosen to be among 26 finalists in the 1987 Archibald Prize competition.

At the 1989 French Bicentennial dinner at Parliament House she met another war veteran in the form of Nancy Wake, the legendary World War II “White Mouse”, leading to a friendship that saw Nancy twice staying at Mary’s Fadden home while two portraits were completed. Contact with Nancy continued during her years in the Kew Royal Star and Garter Nursing Home in the UK until her death in 2011.

Mary often accompanied her husband

ARTS IN THE CITY An encore when rights go wrong

By Helen Musa QUEANBEYAN Players missed out on the rights to “Oklahoma!” so they’re doing an encore run of their smash-hit 2021 show, “The Sound of Music” at The Q, Queanbeyan, June 24-July 3. Bookings at theq.net.au or 6285 6290.

READERS have been asking how to see Daniel Widdowson’s challenging documentary, “Trafficked to Australia”, about Australia’s involvement in the dark world of human trafficking. The film will now be available free worldwide on YouTube from July 1. In the meantime, it will screen at the National Film and Sound Archive at 2pm on June 25.

SYDNEY ensemble Thoroughbass will be in town with “Home and Hearth”, sonatas, catchy tunes and sentimental songs performed by soprano Danielle Grant, Tara Hashambhoy on violin and Diana Weston on piano.

Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 3pm, Sunday June 19.

PIANIST Ronan Apcar will join Canberra Sinfonia to perform the world premiere of Dulcie Holland’s “Piano Concertino”. The concert will also feature the Australian premiere of “The Light that Breaks Through”, by Chinese-American composer Bobby Ge, and another world premiere, “June Again”, by Sydney composer Christopher Gordon. Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, 5pm, Sunday, June 19.

TP 22/00971.1

30 CityNews June 16-22, 2022

CANBERRA Choral Society and National Capital Orchestra continue their annual collaborations with the presentation of Rossini’s “Petite Messe Solennelle”, with Louis Sharpe conducting, Dan Walker as chorus master and Sarahlouise Owens, Sonia Anfiloff, Ryan O’Donnell and Hayden Barrington. Llewellyn Hall, 3pm, Saturday, June 25.

CANBERRA’S enticingly-named “Stronger Than Fiction” documentary film festival has a reputation for being up-to-date, but its directors, Deborah Kingsland and Hannah de Feyter have outdone themselves this year.

Their two opening films, “House of Splinters” and “Navalny” focus on Ukraine and Russia, but if you believe the directors, it’s tragic serendipity rather than genius that led to the timely programming.

I caught up with co-director, Hannah de Feyter, who tells me they started “Stronger Than Fiction” in 2013, but after having to cancel it in 2020, decided to run it as a monthly series instead, a family and covid-friendly initiative that won them a Canberra Critics Circle award.

“It was more covid safe and more flexible,” she says. “Normally the annual festival would have been in August, but was the week of lockdown in 2021, so it was a good decision to reschedule our films.”

The other compelling factor was that the audience loved the series format especially after isolation and the idea of having a monthly gathering in a “community” that could chat about the movies meant that 85 per cent of audience members surveyed preferred the series format.

“During festivals people will say: ‘I wish I could see them all,’ but this way you can,” she says.

De Feyter is very quiet about what’s coming up after the two June films, but I manage to twist her arm a little.

This year, for the first time, they’ve programmed a Japanese movie, one from Georgia (not the US state but the Caucasian country) and, most exciting of all, a new film from Rakhine State in Myanmar.

That last film, “Midwives”, “Navalny”. which screened in the Sundance’s documentary competition this year, is the debut feature for Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing, a female director from Rakhine State and features an unlikely collaboration between two women – one Buddhist and one Muslim – in a Rakhine State village.

As for the two opening films, both were programmed before the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

“I know it seems very deliberate but it’s quite coincidental,” de Feyter says.

First up is opening night film “A House Made of Splinters” directed by Simon Lereng Wilmont, which follows three children growing up in care on the front line of eastern Ukraine.

“You might think it intersects with politics, but it’s actually a look at a better world, seen through the eyes of childhood. A documentary is a form of response to things that go on in the real world,” de Feyter says.

“Navalny”, directed by Daniel Roher, is a case in point. Another Sundance hit, it revolves around Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who survived an assassination attempt by poisoning, and his trial, taking us inside the story, “real fly-on-the-wall stuff,” she says.

At one level it’s a fast-paced political thriller, but the extremes in the movie seem so ludicrous and so fake that it seems “stranger than fiction” while giving a sense of the context by showing a team of journalists and data collectors following the case.

“You’ll say to yourself: ‘Oh, my god’,” de Feyter says.

“Stronger Than Fiction”: “A House Made of Splinters”, 4.30pm, June 18 and 12.30pm, June 26; and “Navalny”, 11.45am, Sunday, June 19, and 9.15pm, June 21.

At Dendy.

STREAMING

Elizabeth’s mighty fight for her right to reign NETFLIX’S hit series “The Crown” might have a competitor vying for its throne.

As the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II rolls past, it’s no coincidence that a new series focusing on the Royal family has also reared its head.

“Becoming Elizabeth”, streaming on Stan, winds the clock back to the 17th century to tell the tale of a young Elizabeth I in the fight for her reign as the future Queen of England.

Picking up right after the death of King Henry VIII, the series details the subsequent scramble for power as Elizabeth, an orphaned teenager, becomes embroiled in the heated and sexual politics of the English Court.

Little known actress Alicia von Rittberg takes on the truly mammoth role that is playing a future queen of the world, but throws herself head first into a performance that’s a treat to watch.

It seems audiences can’t quite get enough of the Monarchy in entertainment. “Becoming Elizabeth” is just one among a multitude of regal hits strewn across the streaming platforms.

The Princess Diana biopic “Spencer” continues to do numbers on Amazon Prime Video and season five of Netflix’s Royal romp “The Crown” is slated to hit streaming in November.

The hegemonic streaming platform will be deeply relying on “The Crown” as it continues to lose subscribers to other services.

Alicia von Rittberg as Elizabeth I… throws herself head first into a performance that’s a treat to watch.

With shows such as “Becoming Elizabeth” offering viewers quality alternatives, the likelihood of a power seizure from Netflix is becoming all the more real.

AMAZON Prime Video’s newest sci-fi series brings an unusual dollop of sweetness to a genre that’s widely dominated by creepy aliens and laser gun scrimmages.

“Night Sky” is the tale of an older married couple, who at first glance live a quaint and happy little existence together on their farm, but who are soon revealed to share a celestial secret.

Beneath a shed in their backyard is a gate-

way to another planet, a portal that leads them through to stunning cosmic vista and one they’ve regularly escaped to throughout their almost 50 years of marriage.

The couple have made the trip more than 800 times, according to Frank, a carpenter who starts to worry that he and his wife’s other-worldly getaway is starting to pull them away from reality a little too often.

Frank’s wife, Irene, on the other hand, is becoming more and more entranced by the view. She increasingly wants to return to the observation deck which looks out over the desolate, yet beautiful planet far away from Earth.

Despite their many trips, the two have never yet dared to open the door of the observation deck that leads out to the planet’s surface, something that Irene starts to become more curious about as the viewer drops into their peculiar lives.

“Night Sky” is held together by Hollywood veterans JK Simmons and Sissy Spacek, who here share a chemistry that’s understated yet charmingly tangible.

It’s a strange, yet absorbing thing to watch these two actors in roles far more subdued than what they’re otherwise famous for.

JK Simmons, known for his performance as the madman drumming coach in “Whiplash” or the churlish news editor of “The Daily Bugle” in “Spiderman”, here dials things down to reveal the diversity of his talent.

Spacek as well plays a character that’s a far cry from her demonic performance in “Carrie”, the 1976 horror classic about a highschool girl haunted by demons and a film based on Stephen King’s first breakout novel.

“Night Sky” is eight hours of television that could easily have been four due to some unnecessary subplots getting in the way, but the endearing performances of these two leads will be more than enough to keep many viewers locked in orbit.

CINEMA / Reviews

Contribution of men who love men to life “Benediction” (M) WRITER/director Terence Davies’ film delves into the cultural environment in England between World Wars I and II, the role of good poetry as a means of conveying deep thought in difficult situations, and gay men.

Siegfried Sassoon (a neat portrayal by Jack Lowden) has won the Military Cross for valour on a French battlefield, an honour rather upset by the death in battle of his younger brother.

Siegfried accepts his sexuality as another of life’s vicissitudes. He’s more interested in the lifestyles of gay men as a condition needing gentle massaging if it is to find wider social acceptance.

The film introduces people whose names are now familiar to and accepted by folk with the wit to see the contribution that men who love other men can make to life and culture.

Its emotional level does not delve far beyond its portrayal and acceptance behind closed windows and drawn curtains. That is more of a fact of cultural and social life in its time than a dramatic engine driving the story of men whose emotional and physical preferences defied conventional rubric.

I wonder how many of today’s culturallyinformed people would recognise names such as playwright Ivor Novello (Jeremy Irvine) or poet Wilfred Owen (Matthew Tennyson) or Edith Sitwell (Lia Williams).

The roles that these and others play in the film, except for Novello whose involvement the film treats as being more significant, are informative rather than with an important function in shaping the story.

“Benediction” runs for 137 minutes, which can be time well spent for

filmgoers seeking remembrance of times past, delivered in an agreeable package.

At Palace Electric

“A Hero” (PG) BY now, films like “The Runner” or “The White Balloon” have been consigned to that great vault that holds movies once enjoyed but overtaken by time and changed audience preferences.

They are among a small collection of Iranian movies that I remember with warm pleasure, despite it being several decades since I saw any of them.

In due course, “A Hero” may well meet the same fate, but while it is fresh, it covers different yet equally challenging, stylistic ground in telling its story.

It’s the work of writer/director Asghar Farhadi. For the filmgoer, its 128 minutes of dramatic complexities and long list of dramatis personae border on exhausting; its hero must confront obstacles at every turn; its emotional power is unremitting; yet it never goes far beyond the walls of the city – I presume it is Tehran – in its search for justice and emotional comfort.

Farhadi has been accused of plagiarising the screenplay for “A Hero”. Whether that holds water may be a moot point for others to dispute, it needn’t bother us mere Aussie filmgoers looking for a way for Rahim (Amir Jadidi) to resolve a problem not of his making.

Rahim, an inmate at a debtor’s prison on a two-day leave, decides to return a handbag full of 17 gold coins found by his girlfriend Farkhondeh (Sahar Goldust). The gold could have gone some way toward repaying Rahim’s standing debt to Bahram (Mohsen Tanabandeh), a copy shop owner and the brother-in-law of Rahim’s ex-wife. Under Iranian law, Rahim can be freed when he pays off the debt or if Bahram agrees to forgive it.

Rahim’s selflessness has turned him into something of an overnight celebrity. He wants to make a partial cash payment followed by future cheques. Prison authorities, needing good publicity after another inmate’s recent suicide, want to present him to the public as a hero. A charity that raises funds to help free prisoners gets involved. But for Bahram it’s all or nothing; he refuses to forgive any share of the debt.

Media exposure insists on interpreting Rahim’s actions as either totally pure or totally base. Every time it looks as if the mystery of the handbag’s owner will be resolved, another family member or resident of the community building offers a reason to reject what has just been argued in support of a particular line of reasoning.

How does it end? No spoilers today, dear readers.

Get your money’s worth and see the film.

At Palace Electric

“MAKING a Murderer”, “Tiger King”, “American Crime Story”, one could make a bottomless list of the true-crime hits that continue to dominate the streaming charts.

It’s no secret the genre is a go-to for many viewers, and it was only a matter of time before some wise guy had the idea to pay out the audience’s obsession with these real-life murder mysteries.

“Only Murders in the Building”, now streaming its second season on Disney Plus, is a slashy slice of satire which pokes fun at just that.

Starring comedy greats Steve Martin and Martin Short, as well as pop star Selena Gomez, this hyperbolic whodunit is about three strangers and true-crime obsessives who find themselves caught up in a murder mystery themselves.

When their apartment complex becomes the scene of a grisly death, the clumsy trio put their collective knowledge of true crime together to try to figure out who the killer is.

Plot twist: podcast enthusiasts aren’t much chop as murder investigators.

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0422 073 665 61813511 toni@twinstitchupholstery.com.au CityNews June 16-22, 2022 31

WINE

Here’s cheers to a hint of eucalyptus

By Richard

CALVER THE cynics of this world define a politician as someone who promises to build a bridge even when there is no river.

“Orochyon Spicy Miso Ramen”… thin, yellow noodles in a pork and chicken-based soup with slices of tamari soy braised pork belly.

“Oh! Sama Tori Chicken Ramen”… loaded with thin noodles, greens and thick slices of chicken breast. Photos: Wendy Johnson

DINING / Ohsama Ramen, Manuka

Cosy spot for comfort food WINTER commands warm, comforting food, such as a hearty, nourishing and tasty ramen.

Ohsama Ramen, tucked away in Palmerston Lane, Manuka, specialises in this type of wildly popular Japanese noodle/soup dish.

The question was, which to choose?

My friend decided on the “Oh! Sama Tori Chicken Ramen” ($24).

Her slowly simmered chicken broth was loaded with goodies – as excellent ramen are – and in a massive bowl with presence.

Thin noodles filled the bottom of the bowl, and greens included heaps of bok-choy cabbage. A half sweet soy poached egg sat on top of the noodles along with thick slices of chicken breast. Other toppings featured crunchy bamboo shoots, roasted, nutty sesame and black fungus. A decent dose of green shallot oil perked up the flavours.

While my friend enjoyed her chicken ramen, I could see her watching my ramen choice with an eagle eye. It was food-envy time …

My “Orochyon Spicy Miso Ramen” had great kick with the garlic chilli oil. The thin, yellow noodles were in a pork and

chicken-based soup that married well with the heavenly slices of tamari soy braised pork belly. Toppings included a sweet soy poached egg, black fungus, bok-choy, shallots and more ($24). The colourful dish was packed with flavour and not overpowering on the chilli.

I offered my friend a taste or two and she confirmed her food envy (poor thing).

Other ramen includes a vegetarian version ($23) and a curry version ($23).

Ohsama Ramen has several types of noodles (including soba).

Before our ramen we checked out the specials board and shared the Gyoza dumplings, which were delightful (eight pieces for $15). Other specials included cold ramen with salads (perhaps on a warmer day), wonton soup, barbecue pork buns, prawn tempura on rice and pan-fried pork tripe on rice. Specials start at $8 and top off at $23.

An item on the main menu that intrigued

me was the Tasmanian salmon don, with the sashimi served on top of sushi rice and accompanied by pink ginger and wasabi ($28).

Kids’ meals include two types of ramen ($15 each), a curry ($14) and a fried chicken don ($14).

Ohsama Ramen is a cosy spot; not too big and the place features a long, communal table in the centre. We sat at a small table along the long bench seating on the right-hand side of the restaurant. We felt the tables were uncomfortably tight. When I went to order our food at the counter, I had to carefully manoeuvre sideways between our table and the next one. Despite my care, I still knocked a saltshaker off the table (twice, actually!).

Service was slightly slow, although to be fair it was a busy Saturday lunch. Ohsama Ramen is BYO.

But the recent election has shown that there appears to be a new breed of politician who promises to fix the climate.

Indeed, in his first week as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese formed part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue which met in Tokyo (not Hawaii). The leaders of that forum released a joint statement in which they committed member countries, including Australia, to taking action on climate change inclusive of implementing the Paris climate agreement.

This relates to wine, I hear you ask?

Well, in my assiduous reading of the “Daily Wine News”, I came across a link to a radio interview with Tony Battaglene, the CEO of Australian Grape and Wine (which came about on February 1, 2019, from the amalgamation of the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia and Australian Vignerons.) The radio clip is headed “Global warming is changing Australian wines”.

Patricia Karvelas was interviewing Mr Battaglene from France, which I counted was mentioned four times in the interview (sigh). The focus of his comments was on what additional higher temperatures would do to wine growing rather than any other effects that we have felt of late, such as the thunderstorms and hail that took out around 10 vineyards in Murrumbateman in January or the Lismore floods that seem to have made that rural town uninhabitable.

But he was after all in France where a drought has subsisted for some time with my august daily wine bulletin telling me that the only French wine region not affected by drought is Languedoc in the south.

Mr Battaglene said that Australian wineries had been living with the effects of climate-induced greater temperatures “for 10 years”. In response to this phenomenon, he pointed to a move to Tasmania, albeit with land there being a finite resource, and the increasing utilisation of Mediterranean varieties.

He mentioned increased plantings of

Tony Battaglene. fiano, albarino and tempranillo, as well as unstated Portuguese varietals.

The conversation then focused on how the “old-world” wine industry was dealing with climate change.

The issue of new varieties was raised again: apparently Bordeaux is permitting another six unnamed varieties to be introduced into its blends but given regulation is much tighter, yes, in France, that will be a slower process.

The fact that some of the world’s most delightful sparkling wines are now being grown in Britain also came out, as did the techniques of stopping grapes from getting “sunburn”.

This is something long practised in Australia with different styles of trellising and methods for cooling the surrounding soils, such as through under vine plantings.

In all, the Battaglene message was that the industry both here and abroad would adapt and survive.

I would have liked to hear more about how vineyards can move away from monoculture. Most vineyards are monocultures, devoted to one crop.

There is a developing discipline called agroforestry (which is not an angry bunch of climate-change protesters hanging out in a forest). It focuses on the cultivation and preservation of trees and their ecosystems, while maintaining vineyard production and reducing negative impact on the environment. It also means there might be a eucalyptus tinge more frequently in wine: real change.

“If there was anything that depressed him more than his own cynicism, it was that quite often it still wasn’t as cynical as real life.

– Terry Pratchett

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JUMBO CROSSWORD

Solution Page 16

ACROSS 17 Stroll 18 Annoy 20 Indian currency 21 Group of ships 23 People of a country 24 Defeated 25 Unworldly 27 Collect after harvest 29 Made certain 33 On the beach 34 Put in place 38 Headquarters 40 Make a statement 42 Type of shares contract 45 Lure 47 First settler 49 A monastery 50 Like a fairy 51 Musical beginning 52 Chopped 53 A dance 54 Classify 56 Multiple river mouths 58 Rest period 60 Dislikes 62 Ancient 64 Fall off 65 False name 66 Coarse 67 Subject of talks 69 Hung loosely 72 A shelf 74 Bird claw 75 Tidy 77 Secretes 80 Char 83 Border 85 Large cases 88 Pleads 90 The coming 93 Supply gear 94 A firearm 95 Orchestra area 96 A tempest 97 Persistently assail 98 Make case against 99 Blood disorder 100 Consume 101 Support for road sign 102 Agreed to 104 Prepared 106 Signalling device 108 Apparel 111 Sleeping aid 113 Walks proudly 117 An arachnid 120 Long-lasting 121 Aids to do wrong 123 Wish for food 125 Engine specialists 126 Distinctive uniform 128 Walk unsteadily 129 Happen after a time 130 Leasing pasture 133 Floating platforms 136 One disagreeing with rules 137 Mix with water 138 Briefly in speech 139 Joined to 143 Car parts 145 Slight pain 147 Twisted, as hair 148 Having toothed edge 34 CityNews June 16-22, 2022

152 154 155 156 158 159 160 161 162 163 166 167 170 172 175 178 180 181 182 184 185 186 187

Bad trouble Mineral spring Very close A drunkard Remarks A fireplace Nothing Light touch A fish Funeral vehicle Flippered reptile Deadly Thought Copper-zinc alloy Performed Victims Many times Cosy spot Walking very slowly Came out A heath plant Put together Arm joint

188 191 195 198 202 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 217 222 225 229 231 232 233 234

Put on list Narrow land strip Supple Chosen A willow plant Irritate Animal skins Holy book Happy Small carnivore Greatly angered Farmed More clever Attempt Able to be bribed The beach Send away First act Trite Private word Say again Less trouble Misdemeanour

235 Group of lions 236 Leased out 237 Fall together

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18

Spouse Undo Partner Flows back Close by Fruit skin To (poet) Rot Lines of houses Headwear Results Legal paper Precious stone Tear apart Put down Well down Large snake

19 22 26 28 30 31 32 35 36 37 39 41 42 43 44 46 47 48 49 55 57 58

Fish eggs Kept going Spoken Afterwards Naming words Ayers Rock Arabian leader Speak indistinctly Slight colouring Use strength Over fat An essential part A religious holiday Modelled Takes to oneself Wrong One of us Oxidised Declared off Crude speech Curved structure Scarlet

59 61 63 68 70 71 73 76 78 79 81 82 84 86 87 88 89 91 92 103 104 105

Unhappy A fish Search into Different Improve a photo Great pleasure Disease causes Guard Devils Go by closely (4,4) Money from investment Inner part Handy item Takes note Smooth-acting Have fun at Rate of progress An adder Facial parts Loud and coarse Massage Forever

107 109 110 112 113 114 115 116 118 119 122 124 127 131 132 134 135 140 141 142 144 145 146 147 149 150 151 153 154 157 158 164 165 168 169 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 179 182 183 189 190 192 193 194 196 197 199 200 201 203 204 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230

Open to view Nasty Take a seat Showing development Gazed fixedly A scamp Plunging into water Small shovels Stop from doing A cure Narrow opening A jug Young person Strong type of string Those serving Type of verses Make an attempt Cord Change Leaned to one side Stick for walking Clothed Act of avoiding Thin pancake Talk foolishly A representative Something more Egyptian peninsula Burn Factual Fellows Following A vest Ugly thing to see Caribbean country Salad vegetable A ray Entertained Spends sparingly Although Drying cloths Take a chance Building material Snake-like fish A stone Sound Musical dramas Nous Piles Overturn Copied Foreman Type of monkey Christmas song Correct Method Make into law Recess in a church Loose Type of clan Keen Decorated a cake God of love Turn around A rod Owned A distance Correct in manners Carve Russian river Resound A jetty Youthful person

PUZZLES PAGE

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Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

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General knowledge crossword No. 834

June 20-26, 2022 ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Don’t sit on the sidelines, Rams! Mars and Jupiter are both still marching through your sign. So do your best to promote yourself big time, as you push forward in a positive and proactive way. Confidence is the rocket fuel that will take you to exciting new places! You also have much to gain from sharing ideas with a compatible colleague, a creative friend or a curious neighbour, as the Sun, Mercury and Venus activate your communication zone.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SUPER CHANGES?

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Perhaps the most important thing for employers and employees to know is that from July 1 compulsory super increases to 10.5 per cent and from July 1 next year it increases to 11 per cent.

You’re keen to exercise your Bullish brain as you talk, text, tweet, post, publish and converse in increasingly creative ways. If communication problems arise, then take the time to discuss and dissect issues with the people involved. Then you’ll start to see the current situation from a much more balanced perspective. It’s also time to put aside pre-conceived ideas (that aren’t working) and examine old beliefs in a creative and philosophical new light.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

The Sun, Mercury and Venus all spend time in Gemini, which is wonderful for brainstorming adventurous ideas, which could lead to an inspired lightbulb moment! Your creativity and communication skills are firing, but there’s a tendency to scatter your energy all over the place. So focus yourself. From Wednesday, the Sun shines a spotlight on money matters. If your finances are in a mess then try to develop some fiscal skills, with the help of a professional.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

With the Sun transiting into Cancer, look for a creative or humanitarian project that you can really sink your teeth into. Venus and Pluto stimulate your relationship zone, so aim to be passionate rather than possessive and creative rather than clingy. Helping other people – and putting their wellbeing first – is the key to a satisfying week. Be inspired by Meryl Streep, who turns 73 on Wednesday: “The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.”

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Disruptive Uranus is moving through your career zone (until 2025) which will periodically shake you out of your cosy comfort zone. This week a relationship with a student, colleague, client or customer needs to be reviewed and recalibrated, as you discover new ways to relate, debate and communicate. Don’t be afraid of change! As birthday great Nicole Kidman observes: “Life has all these twists and turns. You’ve got to hold on tight and off you go.”

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Are you experiencing problems with a student, colleague, client or customer?

Drop the “I’m right” attitude and strive to communicate in more consultative ways as you inspire others with your networking skills and inclusive ideas. Mercury and Jupiter stimulate your ‘money-from-others’ zone so it’s a positive week for finances. But avoid getting drawn into other people’s power games. Pluto and Venus encourage you to be strategic and diplomatic.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

So much to learn, so little time! It’s a good week to channel energy into educating and expanding your mind. Your communication skills are firing, as you extend your peer group and make creative new connections. Family comes first on Tuesday, when you work on building firm foundations and fostering affection at Villa Libra.

Singles – with Mercury and Jupiter on your side, the best place to look for love is online. So start updating your profile, pronto.

Across

4 Name a NZ tea-tree, and part of Canberra. (6) 7 What do we call one who keeps watch during a two-up game? (8) 8 Name the monetary unit of Indonesia.

(6) 9 Which rodents appear to engage in mass suicide? (8) 11 What are answers also known as? (7) 13 Name a perfumed toilet water? (7) 15 What is the planet Venus called, when appearing as the morning star? (7) 17 Which cocktail consists largely of gin with a little dry vermouth? (7) 20 What science fiction, are robots that are made to resemble humans? (8) 23 Name another term for fate, or destiny. (6) 24 The echidna is known as the spiny what? (8) 25 What is the edible central part of a nut? (6)

Down

Solution next edition

1 To sit for a painting etc, is to do what? (4) 2 To stand with hand on hip, and elbow bent outwards, is to stand how? (6) 3 Name a particular light submachine gun. (4) 4 Which system of dots and dashes etc, was used in telegraphy? (5) 5 Which powder is used in flame throwers and firebombs?

(6) 6 What, in playing cards, is the Jack? (5) 9 Which building is devoted to instruction by lectures? (6) 10 Name the invisible being said to cause disorder and confusion out of mischief (7) 12 What colloquially, is a radio operator called? (6) 14 What is a primary linguistic form from which derivatives are formed? (6) 16 Name a line drawn on a weather map. (6) 18 To be in existence, is to be what? (5) 19 Name a former province in eastern South Africa. (5) 21 What is information collected for analysis or reference?

(4) 22 What is a prearranged combat between two persons? (4)

FREE SUDOKU EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au

Sudoku hard No. 317

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Be careful that possessive attitudes and jealous behaviour don’t derail a close relationship. Channel your intense energy into a creative project or a joint venture.

Draw inspiration from singer-songwriter Carly Simon (who celebrates her 77th birthday on Saturday): “There’s always a creative side to me, even when it’s quiet musically… like painting, decorating or planting a garden.” Plus aim to be more proactive about protecting your local environment.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Is it always appropriate to be fearlessly frank? And is honesty always the best policy? Your natural inclination is to be incredibly blunt, but not everyone is ready for your special brand of Sagittarian truth serum. On Tuesday the Sun shifts into your secrets zone, so a dollop of discretion and a pinch of diplomacy will smooth troubled waters. If you’re smart, then you’ll talk a lot less and listen a lot more, as you hold your tongue and uncover a mystery (or two).

There are still opportunities for you to obtain super benefits. If you want more information contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 6295 2844.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Venus trines Pluto (in Capricorn), which boosts your drive and ambition. But it’s also likely to fan your control-freak tendencies, which could end up alienating others. Remember, the only person you can control is yourself! So turbo-charge your personal evolution, as you tap into your leadership skills and steer your life in a positive direction. As the Sun shifts into your relationship zone, put the needs of loved ones towards the top of your to-do list.

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

Sudoku medium No. 317

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Tuesday is a big day! It’s Solstice time – the shortest day of the year (in the southern hemisphere) and the longest day (in the northern hemisphere). And there’s a Venus/Pluto trine, which favours creativity, passion and romance. And the Sun shifts into your domestic zone, so loved ones will be extra appreciative of your tender loving care. Be inspired by birthday great, actress Meryl Streep: “My family really does come first. It always has and always will.”

Solutions – June 9 edition Crossword No. 833

Courtesy of the Venus/Pluto trine, you’re keen to follow humanitarian or spiritual pursuits. You’ll seek out the wise counsel of a trusted mentor or play that role yourself to someone who’s looking for judicious guidance. You’ll also question your inner motivations, which can be confronting. But a soulful examination of your interior life will give you the self-knowledge and confidence to let your quintessential Aquarian nature and unique talents shine.

If you are either a part-time worker or casual worker and you earn less than $450 a month, you will get additional superannuation as there will be no minimum threshold in the future.

Have you thought about making additional personal contributions to maximise your superannuation cap?

You have a concessional cap (tax deductible) of $27,500. That does not mean that you can contribute $27,500, it means that the total contributions for which a tax deduction is available are a maximum of $27,500.

Firstly, you need to check how much your employer has paid on your behalf then you need to add any salary sacrifice contributions and subtract that total from $27,500.

This is the maximum you can contribute to your fund and receive a tax deduction. Your fund will probably have a cut-off date for receiving these contributions so you will need to do it now for a deduction this year.

You will need advice if your only fund is CSS or PSS, but not PSSap. You make the contribution to the fund, complete a form on your fund’s website called “notice of intent to claim or vary a deduction for personal super contributions” and make sure that the fund acknowledges receipt. Give a copy of the acknowledgement to your accountant or your tax return preparer for your claim. This will provide you with a benefit if you earn more than $45,000 as your tax saving will be at the rate of 34.5 per cent while the contributions tax will only be 15 per cent, a 19.5 per cent tax saving.

If you haven't paid the maximum to super this year and your balance is less than $500,000 at the previous June 30, you may be able to make catch-up, concessional contributions. This has been possible since July 1, 2019 and applies for any five-year period starting after 2019.

Have you thought about making a non-tax deductible contribution of up to $330,000?

This is known as a non-concessional contribution. The rules for this are a little complex so you should get advice from your financial adviser as to the amount you can contribute in any year.

The good news is that from July 1 you don't need to meet any work test provided your total super balance is below $1.7 million.

This contrasts with concessional contributions where you still need to meet the work test between 67 and 75.

For another year it is possible to reduce the minimum amount you're required to draw down from your super by half. You may find that your fund automatically reduces your payment, so watch for this if you don't want this reduction to apply to you in 2022-23.

There are other changes which you might need to know about.

The age at which you can make downsizer contributions has been reduced from 65 to 60. If you are saving for your first home, the maximum amount of contributions that can be released from your fund has been increased from $30,000 to $50,000.

Solution next edition

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

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@gailfreemanandco

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