CityNews 220707

INSOLVENCY HAUNTS DEBT-HEAVY ACT GOVERNMENT

DEEP IN DEBT

Canberra Liberals swoop on flailing ministers

“If the government was to generate a continual $250 million annual surplus, it will take more than 50 years to repay the existing debt,” say JON STANHOPE and KHALID AHMED.

MICHAEL MOORE

KEEPING UP THE ACT BLAME IT ON THE CENSUS Y J UL , 7 20

e l W rw i t e , n e l w r e a d

SUFFOCATING BEAUTY Stunning and terrifying photographs of the black summer bushfires

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NEWS / how Canberra fared in the census

Richer, younger, less godly and many more of us

By Nick

rest of Australia though, which has a national median of 38.

Canberra has considerably grown up over the last 50 years.

The median age in 1971 was just 23.

OVERALL CANBERRA has become more millennial, less godly and a little bit richer.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) latest census reveals the ACT has significantly changed over the past five years. Here’s how and what it means.

Income

Population

The latest ABS census shows Canberra’s population has cracked 450,000 people.

First off, there’s more people. A lot more. Canberra’s population has reached 454,499, up from the 397,397 recorded at the last census in 2016.

That’s a population growth of 14.4 per cent, the highest out of any other state or territory in Australia.

It’s also about 21,000 people more than what was predicted in the ACT’s last Estimated Resident Population.

That sizeable error has spawned quite the controversy as it could mean that Canberra has been missing out on millions of dollars of federal money, especially via the distribution of GST.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the error is the equivalent of about one whole suburb missing and that he’ll be meeting with federal treasurer Jim Chalmers to make sure the capital gets its “fair share”.

CEO of the ACT Council of Social Service Dr Emma Campbell said the undercount also has significant implications for vulnerable Canberrans and the services provided to them.

“The statistics continue to highlight that the ACT community sector is under-resourced to appropriately support vulnerable Canberrans,” she said.

“This growth in population – which we witness every day in

INDEX Arts & Entertainment 27-29 Canberra Matters 8 Crosswords & Sudoku 31 Dining 29 Film & Streaming 28 Gardening 30 Horoscopes 31 Letters 15 News 3-17 Politics 11 Whimsy 10

rapidly increasing demand for our services – means that we need improved and expanded social and physical community infrastructure to support this.”

Age Nationally, the census showed that millennials are on the march. Those born between 1981 and 1995 for the first time are the dominant age demographic throughout Australia.

It’s no exception in Canberra, with millennials also the highest of any age category across the territory.

However, Canberra’s median age remains at 35. We’re still a touch more sprightly than the

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Canberrans also generally have a bit more cash in their back pocket than they did in 2016, with the average median income rising from $998 a week to $1203 a week.

It’s the highest in Australia by a fair margin. The next closest jurisdiction is the NT at $936 a week, with Tasmania coming in the lowest at $701. The national average sits at $805.

Religion One of the most chewed over findings from the census is that Australia has also become significantly less religious over the last five years, a result that also showed in the nation’s capital.

While Christianity is still the primary religion in the ACT, with 38.1 per cent of the population identifying with the faith, it’s taken a steep dive since 2016 when it stood at 45.4 per cent.

The number of people identifying with Christianity is also now lower than those who iden-

tify as having no religious affiliation at all with 44.2 per cent of people ticking no religious afffiliation on their census sheet, up from the 36.8 per cent who did the same in 2016.

The next highest religious affiliations in the capital were Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.

Ethnicity In similar stats to religious diversity, Canberra has also increased in its multiculturalism.

According to the data, 28.7 per cent of Canberrans are born overseas, an increase from 26.4 per cent in 2016.

Next to Australians, Indians are the second most populous nationality in the capital at 3.8 per cent. They’re followed by those from England at 2.9 per cent and then China at 2.7 per cent.

The number of Indigenous Australians has also risen, with 9000 people marking they were of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. That’s two per cent of the population, up from the 6500 people recorded in 2016.

Housing The stats show that there are now 175,000 people occupying private dwellings in Canberra,

up from 151,000 in 2016 with 26.6 per cent of Canberrans owning a home outright, 40.2 per cent own a home with a mortgage (with an average cost of $2080 a month) and 30.7 per cent renting.

While home ownership has risen, the increased population figures have spurred the ACT Opposition to renew calls for more housing supply in the territory.

Other interesting tidbits: • Volunteering in Canberra has dropped from 23.3 per cent to 18.4 per cent in the last five years.

• Mandarin was the second most spoken language in Canberra, followed by Nepali, Vietnamese and Punjabi.

• Households are getting smaller in Canberra. In 2021, the average number of people who lived in each household was 2.5, a decrease from 3.6 people in 1971.

• Sadly, no data was available on the numbers of puffer jackets across the territory, which seems to have been on a dramatic upward trend in the last five years.

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SEVEN DAYS

Snarky government at war with its constituents “I’M getting more and more disappointed in the current ACT government,” tutted Jane in a comment on our website.

I feel you, sister, for this is a broken and broke government facing at least three Integrity Commission investigations (prisons, procurement and the CIT). And that’s only the ones we know of.

It’s a snarky government constantly at war with its ungrateful constituents. Everything is a fight to be heard as the arrogant indifference and wilful deafness of the Greens/Labor government (or as “Canberra Matters” columnist Paul Costigan waggishly calls them, Greenslabor) ignores the often sensible voices of reason.

Hell’s bells, even the opposition is noticing and landed a damaging bullseye in exposing the CIT contracts schmozzle that sent startled Minister Chris Steel into a flap.

Since then, silence.

Of all the states I’ve practised journalism in, I have never seen a government so furtive and polluted by spin.

They are also the paranoid masters at avoiding media scrutiny. It took weeks for reporter Belinda Strahorn to get corrections ministers past and present, Shane Rattenbury and Mick Gentleman, to comment on the shocking allegations of prison staff at cocaine parties and affairs with ex-inmates we exposed in mid May. Initially it was “the ACT government is unable to comment’’. A month later they

individually both remembered they knew nothing about it.

Then there’s Housing Minister Yvette Berry’s heartless forced eviction of hundreds of single women with children, grandmothers and blind people, many long-term Housing ACT tenants, to make way for opportunistic property sales. “​​I feel the futility of my argument against the juggernaut of ministers and policy makers who couldn’t care less about people like me because we are disadvantaged, marginalised and in their eyes, losers,” commented social housing tenant Aine on citynews.com.au After weeks of campaigning by “CityNews” and other media, Berry was stung into defending the process to seek exemption by a less-than-independent panel where distressed tenants are obliged to turn up and share things such as their intimate mental and physical health with complete

strangers. Oh, and there’s no appeal.

Environment Minister Rebecca Vassarotti is the very model of ministerial silence. As the kangaroo cull makes its annual fatal way across the ridges and reserves leaving pathetic trails of blood splatter, people despair. But not a conciliatory murmur from the Greens Minister, just dead roos and joeys and silence.

And hasn’t the shine gone off Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith now we struggle, post-pandemic, back to the reality of how overworked, underprepared and underfunded our health system really is?

The latest ACT Public Health Services Quarterly Performance Report shows that, between October and December, just only over half of those in emergency departments were seen within the clinically recommended time of four hours or less. Her goal 18 months ago was 70 per cent.

“Not only does Canberra continue to have

the worst ED wait times in the country, but the health minister’s appalling report card includes suspending elective surgeries, refusing to provide free flu vaccines… and 25 senior nurses leaving the intensive care unit over a six-month period, nurses being attacked and bullied with reviews into intensive care and cardiology, the government failing to meet new nurse-to-patient ratios and staff morale at rock bottom,” says breathless opposition health shadow Leanne Castley.

Little wonder the government is warning us to stay away from hospitals!

Then there’s the territory-wide dismay with planning and development (another Gentleman portfolio).

“The ACT’s planning directorate is a rogue bureaucracy doing the bidding of anyone but the residents of Canberra,” bemoans columnist Costigan in a Saturday column on citynews.com.au And the tram (another Steel portfolio) – beyond the grinding cost, the southern approaches to Civic face years of profound dislocation as the pig-headed government blows up the bridges over London Circuit and condemns Commonwealth Avenue to another set of lights and traffic jams in perpetuity. And still we don’t really know how (nor how much) to get this fine example of cutting-edge 19th century technology over the heritage-listed bridge.

What an unravelling mess they’re making under the controlling grip of chief minister and treasurer of 11 years, Andrew Barr.

He’s progressively plunged the ACT into eye-watering debt, the details of which have been forensically unpeeled over recent weeks in “CityNews” by ex-chief minister Jon Stanhope and Khalid Ahmed, a former senior ACT Treasury official.

The ACT has no practical prospect of ever paying down the borrowed billions from the Barr government’s decade of debt. His hipster economics have nobbled the aspirations of future governments and crimped the lifestyles of our children and theirs.

In simple terms, to pay everything back starting now, Stanhope and Ahmed estimate the ACT will have to show an annual surplus of $250 million for 50 years.

Or more poignantly, Andrew will be blowing out the candles on his 100th birthday cake when the ACT comes back into the black. It won’t happen.

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

For more information and fire safety tips visit the ACTESA website

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COMMON FIRES DURING WINTER — AND HOW TO AVOID THEM Don’t overload power points and power boards and check leads for damage or faults.

AN IMPORTANT FIRE SAFETY MESSAGE FROM ACT FIRE & RESCUE

Keep looking when cooking.

Never leave your cooking unattended. Most fires in the home start in the kitchen.

Extinguish cigarettes properly in a deep ashtray.

Never use wheat bags in bed. Turn off electric blankets when not in use and store correctly: roll, don’t fold.

Keep everything one metre from your heater and switch off all heating devices when leaving the room.

A fire can become fatal in less than three minutes. If a fire does start in your home, it is important to respond immediately, evacuate your home or building and call Emergency Triple Zero (000).

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Holding the fire... a crew member from the ACTRFS Guises Creek Brigade during a night back burn along Corin Road, near Gibraltar Falls, ACT on February 5, 2020.

Four ACTRFS and NSWRFS crew members inspect the devastating effects of drought on a farm near Ebor in northern NSW in mid September, 2019. The region experienced extreme bushfires.

Day turns into night... ACTRFS crews wait for an impending firestorm outside in Nerriga, NSW. The photo was taken during daylight at 17.40 on December 21, 2019’.

Photos: Gary Hooker

COVER STORY / black summer bushfires

Saluting the suffocating beauty of bushfire hell

By Nick

OVERALL “SUFFOCATINGLY beautiful” is how firefighter of 28 years Matt Dutkiewicz remembers the black summer bushfires.

The ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) volunteer says that throughout the devastating fire season of 2019/20, there were five times while battling blazes on the front line he thought he might not make it out alive.

“It was one of the scariest times in my career, I’ve never seen anything like it,” says Mr Dutkiewicz.

“I remember at six o’clock in the evening in Nerriga it was suffocatingly dark. In some ways it’s almost beautiful.

“Your body is just telling you to get the hell out of there, but your job is to be there to help keep people safe.”

Matt is just one of hundreds of Canberra firefighters who were stationed throughout the eastern seaboard during the cataclysmic fire season.

While it’s now been almost three years since the fires devastated the country, he says the chance for firefighters to reflect on their experiences and tell their stories was stolen away by the pandemic lockdowns.

But a new book has sought to change that.

“Ablaze: The Long Hot Summer of 2019-20”

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chronologically orders a series of stunning and terrifying photographs of the black summer fires. Many are taken by ACT firefighters who were on the front line battling the blazes.

Matt, one of the book’s editors, says that when they put the call out for photos and stories they received more than 5000 responses.

“We initially thought this book was going to be a few months’ journey, but by the time we ordered all the photos chronologically it turned out to be around an 18-month-long process,” he says.

“We tried to include at least one photo from each contributor. We also had many reach out with written stories of what they experienced there on the ground.”

Matt says part of moving on from the traumatic situations that firefighters found themselves in is sharing those experiences.

“One of the things firefighters think about when they look back on the fires, is ‘what could I have done differently?’” he says.

“To be able to see these situations from different perspectives, for many lets them realise, ‘I did do the best that I could in that moment’.

“It’s a chance to show your family, your friends, your boss who gave you time off work what you went through.”

From the fires around the ACT to those right up in Queensland, hundreds of ACTRFS volunteers risked their lives to protect lives and property. Mr Dutkiewcz says it was like nothing they’d ever seen before.

“What we were seeing was a lot of pyrocumulous activity. This is where the fires are so intense that they create their own weather,” he says.

“The heat rises so qucikly you get these huge pyrocumulous clouds of smoke developing in the atmosphere. When that happens you get really severe fire conditions and we were seeing that happen by three o’clock every afternoon.

“The photos in the book are a way to capture the enormity of it, and spectacular things we saw despite how tragic it was.”

Mr Dutkiewcz says that while on the fireground, many firefighters would use their mobile phones to take pictures of their surroundings while they anxiously waited for their situations to evolve.

“This book is unique in that we managed to track the fires right down the seaboard and part of that storytelling is trying to help explain to friends and family what it’s actually like to be out in the fireground,” he says.

“Today most people have mobile phones so it’s easier for people to take photos, but having ACT crews spread all across Australia taking these photos was a story in its own right.”

All ACTRFS volunteer members who were active with their brigades during the bushfire season received a complimentary edition of the book when it was launched late last year. Proceeds go towards the ACT Volunteer Brigades Association, a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteer firefighters for volunteer firefighters.

The book is dedicated to Anthony “TK” Summers Kidney, Michael “Mike” Hubert GA McColl and Arthur Colin Sayer, three veteran Canberra firefighters who lost their lives while trying to protect others during the black summer fires.

Mr Dutkiewicz, who in June was awarded the 2022 Australian Fire Service Medal as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours alongside fellow ACTRFS volunteer Greg Potts, says that to be able to tell these stories is an important path on the road to recovery.

“Those out there fighting the fires, they had lots of time to think about it themselves, but when they started sharing those thoughts with others, when those experiences are in a photo, I think it really helped to solidify or reinforce at the time they’ve done the right thing,” he says.

“To hear those conversations that were happening, to have those conversations, it’s healing.”

Get the book at: actvolunteerbrigadesassociation.com

Feeding after the frenzy... ACTRFS and NSWRFS fire crews take a quick meal break inside the Nerriga pub a few hours after the firestorm had passed through the township on December 21, 2019.

6 CityNews July 7-13, 2022

ADVERTISMENT

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

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CANBERRA MATTERS / An independent future?

How to say goodbye to the ‘Greenslabor’ cult GIVEN the successes of independent candidates in the federal election, conversations are underway about how voters could be offered better candidates for the 2024 ACT election.

It would be good for this city’s democracy if independent candidates were to win at least one seat in each of the five electorates in the next ACT poll.

This need for change is being driven by the awful reality that the “Greenslabor” coalition behaves as a cult (rather than two separate parties) with the priority being their joint party allegiances (and well-paid jobs) rather than being accessible representatives of the electorates.

As a coalition of convenience, the “Greenslabor” party has perfected the undemocratic practice of sidelining and gaslighting voices from the community – especially in the portfolios of planning, urban development, transport and public housing.

In my last column, I mentioned the excellent presentation by Geoff Pryor and Richard Johnston to the June meeting of the Tuggeranong Community Council. The theme on the night was the lack of trust in this “Greenslabor” government. Pryor is the convenor for the Canberra Planning Action Group (CPAG), a volunteer group formed in 2019 in

The ACT Legislative Assembly… yet again, on planning matters and the city’s future, the politicians are absent.

Photo: Paul Costigan response to the discontent with ACT planning and approvals processes.

Its website hosts a growing number of informative papers on hot topics.

Many of the position statements by Canberra’s seven community councils could easily be rejigged to be relevant to a wider Canberra community and accessed through the CPAG site.

If this group accepted this role, rather than putting forward its own candidates, it may be able to contribute to the election of independents in the next and subsequent ACT elections.

With the ACT’s five electorates, to get at least one independent up in each would take a lot of work that would need to be underway soon. The

The last thing this city needs is yet another political party with members having loyalties to their party while the values of the community are sidelined.

model of the federal independents’ campaigns was generally that locals met to identify the values voters were seeking their candidates to have.

These groups then selected candidates who best met these values.

An indicative list of these values could be brought together as a resource on the CPAG site for others to access – rather than everyone writing their own.

In fact, several community councils already have versions of lists of the things that residents value most about their suburb and city. Bringing them together for a territory-wide list should not be too onerous.

By doing this and seeking more position papers to be hosted on

its website, CPAG could provide a valuable intellectual resource for the independent groups in each electorate and subsequently for the candidates to base their platforms on.

It’s important to stress that this concept is about working towards at least five independent candidates.

Each would most likely align with the other independents and be linked back to resources such as the CPAG papers and other position statements.

But to be credible, each would remain independent and, if elected, would place top priority on matters raised by their electorates. The last thing this city needs is yet another political party with members having loyalties to their party while the values of the community are sidelined as is the habit of the ACT’s “Greenslabor” coalition.

The ACT’s major party politicians play down the importance of planning and urban issues at election time. It is a hot topic they avoid and therefore make minimal commitment to improve this city’s dysfunctional planning and development regimes.

They leave planning and development to their bureaucracy even though residents constantly place

these issues as high priority for politicians to address.

The Barr-Rattenbury “Greenslabor” arrogance and meanness is well established. Voters have been desperate to install people-focused politicians who will not play at greenwash when it comes to climate change, green infrastructure, biodiversity and urban development.

People are looking for alternatives to those who “Build A Better Normal” – for themselves. The Canberra planning group could assist to inform (kitchen-table) community meetings as they work towards selecting candidates with an independent approach to issues.

Given its hubris and disdain for residents, the clock is ticking for the “Greenslabor” coalition. Fingers are crossed that more people will think about selecting independent candidates for 2024.

Paul Costigan is a commentator on cultural and urban matters.

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

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WHIMSY / Legal English

When tender doesn’t end in affection “I fought the law and the law won” – Bobby Fuller Four (1966).

I HOPE the lyrics above don’t apply in my case. I was due to appear in court on April 8 to dispute an alleged “did-park-contrary-toa-no-stopping-sign” offence in Manuka on April 23 last year.

My wife says I should pay the $276 fine and be done with it – on the basis that I had no doubt transgressed at other times and not been detected – but it’s a matter of principle.

I don’t see why I should pay into Barr’s coffers for something I didn’t do or, for that matter, contribute financially to Rattenbury’s environmentally damaging tram to Woden.

For the record, my legal situation remains unresolved because two magistrates were off sick on April 8 and the hearing has been postponed to November 11.

Like many of those appearing at the magistrates court, I was wearing a suit that had not been worn in a while and was disconcerted when a cockroach appeared out of my sleeve and walked up my arm.

Poor timing because it happened while I was standing in front of the listing magistrate (not listing in an inebriated sense, but listing of the

cases to be heard that day). Anyway, the cockroach escaped and is now presumably residing in the court premises.

Turning to “Legal English”, which was intended to be the main subject of my article: this is the type of English used Tender, maybe, but not to a lawyer! in legal writing. It has traditionally One needs to be aware that English been used by lawyers from Englishwords used by the legal profession speaking countries that have similar often have a different legal meaning common law traditions (especially to the common general meaning – as Australia, Canada, Ireland, NZ, South shown below: Africa, the UK, the US, as well as • Consideration – (legal meaning) former British colonies such as Hong promise by one party to a contract / Kong, Kenya and Singapore). Legal (general meaning) careful thought.

English is now widely used in global • Construction – (legal meaning) commerce. interpretation (as in putting a Legal English may be dramatic: for construction on the facts) / (general example, a subpoena compelling a witmeaning) a built structure. ness to appear in court may end with • Find – (legal meaning) judge’s the threat: “Fail not, at your peril”. final decision / (general meaning) The “peril” threat may have a discover. stronger influence on a recipient of a subpoena than the possibility of police coming calling (assuming they are able to drag themselves away from reading emailed pleas for help).

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10 CityNews July 7-13, 2022

• Furnish – (legal meaning) to provide information / (general meaning) to furnish as with a room.

• Hold – (legal meaning) decision on the evidence / (general meaning) grasp.

• Prefer – (legal meaning) formal bringing of charges / (general meaning) to like better.

• Redemption – (legal meaning) repossession of property / (general meaning) salvation.

• Tender – (legal meaning) an offer to supply / (general meaning) gentle or affectionate.

So, read carefully anything written by lawyers, bearing in mind the legal meaning of words can differ from common usage.

To close on a lighter note: What’s the difference between a good barrister and a great barrister?

A good barrister knows the law; a great barrister knows the judge.

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

NEWS Take note, thieves watching cold cars A STRING of frosty mornings has prompted police to remind residents to supervise vehicles while defrosting, as criminals target unattended, idling vehicles.

Police are aware of cases where offenders are watching homes and keeping records of vehicles left running while unattended, with the aim of returning to steal them in future.

Acting inspector Jason Dziubinski said despite annual messages, people continue to leave their cars unattended.

“Last winter – we recorded at least 21 vehicles stolen while they were outside homes, warming up and defrosting, without the driver present.

And already this winter police have received reports of more vehicles being stolen this way,” he said.

“Only last week we had a defrosting vehicle stolen from the front of a home in Campbell. This vehicle was then used in a string of other serious offences throughout the morning.

“We are again urging drivers to remain in their vehicle for the few minutes it takes to properly defrost the windows. If you need to clear your windows in a hurry – free ice scrapers are available at all police stations.”

Police are also reminding drivers that it’s an offence and very risky to drive with foggy or icy windows.

Sen-Constable Aaron Cherry said all vehicles must have clear windscreens, side windows and rear windows before driving off.

POLITICS

Canberra Liberals swoop on flailing ministers THERE are strong indications that the Canberra Liberals are getting on with the business of holding the government to account.

Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee has taken the government on regarding the land-release program and questionable contracting at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT).

Both of these issues go directly to questions of ministerial responsibility and accountability.

Shadow Health Minister Leanne Castley has drawn attention to ministerial failures that have resulted in Canberra having some of the worst hospital statistics in Australia. She points to the promises of Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith and her failure to deliver.

The Liberals in the Assembly were also asking hard questions of Minister Chris Steel about his failure to be open and transparent regarding a series of contracts worth

Recent land ballots have shown there is significant demand for detached housing: • Macnamara, 7400 applicants for 51 blocks (June, 2022).

• Whitlam, 12,417 applicants for 101 blocks (February, 2022).

• Macnamara, 8700 applicants for 71 blocks (November, 2021).

• Whitlam, 7566 applicants for 92 blocks (March, 2021).

Shadow Health Minister Leanne Castley. millions that were approved by the CIT. The ACT Integrity Commission is now investigating these issues.

Ms Lee used the census data to continue pursuing land availability.

She pointed out that the government is planning to release an average of just 834 blocks of land each year over the next five years. This planning failure came at a time when more than 7000 people went into a ballot for just 51 blocks of land to be released in the new suburb of Macnamara.

However, the government seems determined to remove choice and force families into apartments with their 70

per cent infill policy. Apparently, the Greens and Labor simply “know best” on how Canberrans should live.

Ms Lee did not stop at just one example but painted an ongoing picture of a government that “is deliberately constraining the release of land in the ACT and they also have a history of not delivering and failing to meet their low targets”.

She added: “This clearly indicates the balance is not right and Canberrans are not being given a choice when it comes to housing options”.

In some ways she is stating the obvious. However, with the census data indicating the population of Canberra is 20,000 more than was thought, she gives Andrew Barr room to move by pointing out that this “provides an opportunity for the chief minister to update the indicative land-release

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program going forward”. “one in eight workers planning to At the same time as Canberra leave the system in two years”. There struggles with increasing population, has been constant bullying and the the community is suffering from poor government has failed to meet new management of our public hospital nurse-to-patient ratios. system. After more than 20 years of Holding the government to account Labor-led governments in the ACT, is not the only responsibility of an we have moved from some of the best effective opposition. With the census waiting times in the data showing the country to amongst ACT has a population The government the worst. The responof 454,499, compared seems determined to sibility falls squarely with Tasmania’s on the shoulders remove choice and force 557,571, Chief Minof Health Minister Andrew Barr families into apartments ister Stephen-Smith. called for appropriwith their 70 per cent As Ms Castley ate representation highlights, the infill policy. Apparently, federally. The ACT minister announced is represented by the Greens and Labor in February, 2021, two senators, while that she would fix the simply ‘know best’ on how all states, includproblem of emergency Canberrans should live. ing Tasmania are waiting times within represented by 12. nine months. That was 18 months ago!

When asked about support for this Instead of her goal of dealing with 70 idea, Ms Lee responded: “The number per cent of emergencies within cliniof senators must be seriously concally appropriate times, the quarterly sidered to ensure all members of our performance report indicates that only community are properly represented 56.8 per cent meet this criterion. in the Australian Parliament”. When Waiting times in emergency are good ideas come forward, they are likely to get even worse. Unlike all of also worth supporting. the state counterparts, this short-sighted minister has failed to provide free Michael Moore is a former member flu vaccines as we move into winter. of the ACT Legislative Assembly and The Liberals continued identifyan independent minister for health. ing a list of failures in health going He has been a political columnist with beyond waiting times in emergency.

“CityNews” since 2006. There is more Low staff morale is identified with of Moore at citynews.com.au

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higherfunction.com.au CityNews July 7-13, 2022 11

DEEP IN DEBT / part 2

Insolvency haunts debt-heavy ACT government JON STANHOPE and KHALID AHMED say the ACT government’s accumulated debt is increasing by more than $1 billion every year and will be $13.2 billion by 2025. If they can’t stop the debt spiral, a credit rating downgrade is inevitable.

WE have previously highlighted the risk of the ACT budget experiencing a debt spiral. We have also speculated, if the current trends continue, whether the ACT government will remain solvent.

We acknowledge, of course, that any mention of “solvency” in respect of a subnational (state or territory) government in Australia would to many people seem fanciful.

To be clear, by “solvency”, we mean an entity’s ability to repay its long-term financial obligations.

A standard measure of debt sustainability is called the Primary Balance, which is defined as revenue less expenditure, including capital but excluding interest costs on borrowings.

The cash balance, excluding the interest costs, indicates an entity’s capacity to pay both the interest on its accumulated debt and to repay the debt.

A negative Primary Balance means, obviously, that the entity needs to borrow in order to pay the interest on its previous borrowings. A surplus Primary Balance where the surplus is equal to interest costs means that the debt is stabilised, while a surplus greater than the interest means there is capacity to repay the accumulated debt.

By way of example, in 2018-19, the ACT had a negative Primary Balance with a deficit of $887 million in the General Government Sector.

In that year, interest costs were $178 million.

Therefore, the ACT government needed to borrow money in order to service (that is pay) the

interest on its debt.

The debt was $3.4 billion at the start of that year, a part of which matured during the year, and hence also had to be repaid.

However, because the ACT government did not have the cash to pay the outstanding amount, it was forced to refinance the loan. That is, it had to borrow more money in order to honour the repayment of that loan. At the end of 2018-19, the debt had increased to $4.5 billion to cover the Primary Deficit and interest costs. This was before the pandemic.

A responsible government would normally consider trends over the medium to long term.

The table details the trends on key debt metrics as well as revenue and expenditure growth rates in the ACT budget over the past two decades from 2001-02 to 2010-11, and 2011-12 to 2020-21. It also includes a medium-term outlook on those metrics as reflected in the 2021-22 Budget Review.

Over the decade (2001-02 to 2010-11), the Primary Balance was a surplus of $254 million annually on average. The then government not only had the financial capacity to pay interest which was 1.9 per cent of the operating income on average, but also to repay its debt.

In 2011 the ACT had a gross debt of $1.443 billion, and a negative net debt of $736 million, that is cash reserves were larger than the accumulated debt, and provided ample capacity to repay maturing debt.

Over the next decade (2011-12 to 2020-21), the

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average Primary Balance was a deficit of $188 million annually, a reversal of more than $400 million per annum on average or 12 per cent on the Primary Balance to Operating Income ratio.

The ACT government was accordingly forced to borrow additional funds in order to pay interest on its accumulated and growing debt.

Such a severe erosion in debt sustainability between the first and second decades is clearly attributable to: (a) a mismatch between the trajectories of revenue and expenses; and (b) a change in fiscal strategy.

Over the first decade, operating expenditure (excluding capital) growth tracked 0.7 per cent below revenue growth on average annually, while over the next decade expenditure was 1.1 per cent above revenue growth. As we have noted previously, the mismatch between revenue and expenses was entrenched before the pandemic with expenditure growth tracking 1 per cent per annum on average above the revenue growth rate from 2011-12 to 2018-19.

With persistent deficits in the operating budget, the current ACT government passively adopted a fiscal policy of funding the General Government Sector capital expenditure through debt. Consequently, gross debt has escalated from $1.4 billion in 2011 to $8 billion in 2021.

The medium-term outlook, contained in the 2021-22 Budget Review, presents an alarming picture. The average Primary Balance is a deficit of $715 million across the forward years.

This amount needs, therefore, to be borrowed every year.

The additional debt results in interest costs increasing to $359 million in 2024-25, and averaging $294 million per annum.

This amount also, of course, will need to be borrowed. Accordingly, the ACT government’s accumulated debt is increasing by more than $1 billion every year and will be $13.2 billion

by the end of the forward estimates, in 2024-25.

In our opinion, if the government is unable to stop further debt accumulation, a rating downgrade is inevitable.

While a turnaround of about $700 million in the Primary Balance would obviate the need for further borrowings to cover expenditure, debt will continue to increase in order to meet existing interest costs.

In that scenario, if the interest rate, whether real or nominal, is larger than the economic growth rate (correspondingly, real or nominal), this ratio will continue to rise. A turnaround of about $1 billion would stabilise the debt with no additional borrowings required, ie, all the expenditure including capital and interest costs could be met from the budget. This debt would still, of course, need to be repaid as it matures.

Technically, for an entity to be solvent, the net present value of its Primary Balance across the years should equal the accumulated debt. Accordingly, a cash surplus is required in order to repay the debt. To provide some insight into the magnitude of the challenge facing the ACT government and we the residents of Canberra, even if for example the ACT government was to adopt a fiscal strategy designed to generate a mere $250 million annual cash surplus, it will take more than 50 years to repay the existing debt and that forecast to be accrued by 2025.

To achieve a $250 million cash surplus would require a $1¼ billion turnaround in the budget burden on the economy.

While this does not need to be achieved in a single year if steps are not taken to achieve that goal the consequences could be very severe.

If the ACT government was to generate a continual $250 million annual cash surplus, it will take more than 50 years to repay the existing debt.

Jon Stanhope is a former chief minister of the ACT and Dr Khalid Ahmed a former senior ACT Treasury official.

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BRIEFLY Construction tops compo claims CANBERRA’S residential construction industry has the highest number of workers’ compensation claims for the past five years compared to any other sector in the territory, new analysis from WorkSafe ACT has found.

In 2020-21, twice as many improvement notices were issued per visit compared to the previous year, with small-to-medium businesses making up 97.4 per cent of claims.

WorkSafe has launched an updated Residential Construction Strategy in an attempt to improve safety in the residential construction industry.

Author talks AUTHOR and vet Karen Viggers is the guest speaker at the next meeting of the Narrabundah Probus Club. Viggers’ books include “The Lightkeeper’s Wife” and “The Orchardist’s Daughter”. The club next meets at the Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, from 11am on July 19.

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KINDNESS / being there for others – even when you can’t, you can

Hope is wonderful, it’s the tomato on the pizza WHEN my dad turned 55, we returned to Australia for the final time. His brother had died in a sad Sicilian manner, and as we returned to Macksville, while searching for a home, and things couldn’t get worse, the paper said that the world had lost Elvis.

It was a tough move for mum and dad, an admission of failure and indecision, the pain of farewelling beloved family again, perhaps forever, mixed with the sweetness of seeing Aussie friends.

First arriving in ’52, dad joked that he was returning for his Silver Jubilee, just like the Queen, whose commemorative spoons he secretly collected (so proud was he to be an Australian after that first boat trip long before).

I remember those first months back, sitting in an ancient car, while dad would quietly get out at nearby towns, walk to a paddock or site and ask for a job, then shoulders slightly lower, walk back after another rejection. At some point soon he would have to ask Mr Dawkins to help him apply for the dole, but his embarrassment at asking was higher than the hippies who’d just moved in next door.

You’d think they were grim days, living in a two-room place, and I was having a tricky time at school, but all I

“Hope is wonderful. Hope is the tomato on the pizza.” He was a lovely man but his metaphors were terrible.

And he thrived. He found friends such as Rino and Gentile, two men as fine as he, and spent the next 25 years joyfully driving them crazy on their building sites, his singing of old opera arias almost as dreadful as the toxic waste in his Thermos that mum called coffee.

You can start over again any time, he said. Any time.

I’ve loved Australian cricket since that ’77 return when Bishan Bedi’s Indians delighted us, and in all those years what I loved most was Mark Taylor’s catastrophic loss of batting form accompanied by his cheerfully unselfish leadership of his team. That was dad. Good times or bad, every day he and mum were there for me, putting aside their feelings to engage and be at one with their boy.

And here’s me today, (relatively) secure and professional, surrounded by (awesome) family and friends and blessed with (currently disputed)

devastatingly good looks.

Kindness is so misshapen by Hollywood we forget its many types.

Every day of my youth, after his good days or sad, my father spent hours just hanging out with mum and me. Present, engaged, connected. Even fascinated by the catastrophic farrago of failure that was my sporting career, as if he was hearing news from a distant star. This is kindness, and it may be invisible, especially to those as dumb as me, who’ve taken 45 years for some lessons to sink in.

It is being present for our loved ones, even when we feel like wrapping ourselves up in ourselves. Love’s wisdom ignores the laws of physics – its truths call out to us decades later, if we are lucky enough to hear.

You’d think they were grim days, living in a two-room place, and I was having a tricky time at school, but all I can remember is joy.

Luigi and Cristina Di Dio… “They were so engaged and connected, so interested in me and each other. No grumbling, no despair.” can remember is joy. Every night we’d clear the pasta plates (the hippies and mum used to love discussing 17 ways with lentils) and get on the floor and play cards, watch dumb BBC comedies on TV and Macksville’s home games of country footy. Great days. They were so engaged and connected, so interested in me and each other. No grumbling, no despair. None that I could see.

I turned 55 recently and enjoy the life that they (and free education, health care and a thousand other things this wonderful country gave us) launched for me. Like dad, I had

a little setback or two, then felt sorry for myself. And was distracted from workmates and family. Basically, I had a two-week sook.

I remember failing a few times at life when young, and pouting like Mick Jagger on my Imminent Ruin.

Dad snorted his big goofy laugh.

“My beautiful boy, you start again,” he’d say.

“When I was 30 I came here with no language, no education – and started again. Now I’m 55 and I’m starting again – it’s not perfect but we are so lucky, too.

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LETTERS

Write to us: editor@citynews.com.au

Tell us how the CIT board lost its moral compass IN view of the continuing integrity and funding debacle at CIT (“‘Stan’ Steel stumbles into ‘another nice mess’”, “Seven Days”, CN June 30), it is reassuring to discover that CIT’s “CEO along with the board chair regularly meets with the Minister for Skills and representatives from ACT government directorates.“ (CIT annual report 2021, Page 28).

The minutes of these meetings should reveal how well the minister‘s formal notification of concern 15 months ago about a particular CIT contract with a Patrick Hollingworth company was followed up and monitored over subsequent meetings and how forthcoming the CEO and board chair were about additional funding flowing in the same direction at later dates.

The annual report also talks up processes like CIT’s new “Strategic Compass 2025”, but fails to indicate external inputs for this claimed transformative approach and what has been gained and lost so far from the various sets of “weekly sessions” that staff have endured to “understand the new perspective of dealing with increased complexity in our work and the industries and community we serve”.

Hopefully current inquiries will shed much light on the links between the troublesome contracts and the development and implementation of this strategy and all that hangs off it.

The 2022 report will need to steer clear of waffle words, plus back up claims about “transformation work through our ‘evolving together’ approach to understanding the complexities of the CIT system” and avoid blithely repeating a stated key performance achievement from 2021: “enhancing management capability through ongoing transformation work with the senior leadership team” (Page 20).

Given the lack of lucidity and transparency to date on all these matters, the next CIT annual report may need to also include a special chapter about how and why the CEO and board lost their moral compass in recent years.

Sue Dyer, Downer

How Steel could save us billions!

THE complexity thinker Patrick Hollingworth’s message is simple: adapt to change or fail. If Mr Steel, in his capacity as transport minister, took this advice, he could save us taxpayers billions.

With the manufacture of increasingly high-tech electric buses in Australia, the tram from Spain has become redundant. So has high-density housing producing the urban heat island effect.

The resulting extensive use of air conditioning causes high energy consumption, and for those who can’t afford this or work outside, these temperatures can be fatal.

Could Mr Steel please pay me $8 million for this important piece of mentoring?

Robin Underwood, via citynews.com.au

Shame on you, Minister Vassarotti. Shame.

DEAR Minister Vassarotti, After 10 days interstate, today I returned to my daily walk up Red Hill.

The calm and serenity of my walk was shattered beyond belief when I came across the BLOODY EVIDENCE left by injured kangaroo/s from your so-called, “humane cull”. I am shocked, sickened and appalled by what I saw.

I read two letters to the editor published in “CityNews” (June 23) describing the horrors of the kangaroo cull on Red Hill. I couldn’t believe I was reading about such cruelty occurring in my neighbourhood.

Are you really employing people to come in and wash away the blood trails left by injured and dying kangaroos? If you are, there are areas they have missed. The BLOODY evidence is sickening. SHAME ON YOU. SHAME. SHAME. SHAME. This cruelty must stop – NOW. Yours in absolute disgust.

Sonia Cottee, Red Hill

Kangaroo rights as sentient beings THE ACT government introduced a bill in 2019 to legislate animals as sentient beings.

It’s also introduced a broad range of reforms to strengthen animal welfare laws. Given this, isn’t it time for it to apply to kangaroos that are gunned down every year?

The ACT community strongly values animals and science tells us that animals are sentient, they feel emotion and pain and that is now being recognised in law.

We then have no doubt that shooting thousands of Canberra’s kangaroos day after day in the months of May, June, July affects that entire population of beings.

It states, we have a duty to care for the mental and the physical welfare of the animals.

So, there you have it, the law has spoken.

Alex Kuch, via email

Trade commissioners a ‘waste of money’ THE media storm about the NSW government attempting to appoint John Barilaro as a state trade commissioner to New York has not touched on the cost/benefits of states appointing their own trade commissioners overseas and paying for their upkeep out of state taxpayers’ money.

The issue as to whether such positions are necessary at all, apart from providing largesse for ex-politicians and the like, has not been addressed by the media.

The federal government already provides trade commissioners throughout the world and it is my view, based on my time in the Trade Commissioner Branch and on the promotion of trade in the old Department of Trade and Industry, that such appointments are a waste of money, a view supported by my high-level contacts in DFAT and Treasury.

It is time for pressure to be put on state governments to justify such expenditure and explain the selection process used to determine these appointments which must be open to independent scrutiny.

Ric Hingee, Duffy

Moore ignores two telling facts MICHAEL Moore’s enthusiasm for the election of Senator David Pocock (“Pocock’s job is to build trust for ‘all the people’”, CN June 22) ignores two telling facts.

Firstly, a comparison of aggregate senate primary votes received by Labor, the Greens and Liberals in the ACT at the 2019 and 2022 elections shows that the Labor vote fell by 5.9 percentage points from 39.3 per cent to 33.4 per cent, the Greens by 6.8 percentage points from 17.7 per cent to 10.9 per cent, and the Liberals by 7.5 percentage points from 32.3 per cent to 24.8 per cent. These votes moved

largely to Pocock who scored 21.2 per cent of the primary vote.

Rather than showing “an extraordinarily poor showing for the Liberal Party [Zed Seselja]” as Moore claims, it was a poor showing by the three major parties.

Secondly, this voting swing, resulting in the election of Pocock, was primarily the result of the “teal” climate-action bandwagon that had no implementation plan.

If Senator Pocock is “to build trust” he must first enunciate a realistic energy policy in place of the default misinformation on which he was elected, that ignored the long and expensive task ahead to bring about a low emissions electricity grid.

John L Smith, Farrer

Sceptics can rely on Sky News THE ongoing climate-change alarmists featuring in CityNews continue to ignore the elephant etcetera undermining their reliance on “climate science” .

Fortunately, we sceptics can rely on the Sky News team to drive a media “bulldozer” through their dodgy “climate solutions” that threaten to drive us all into power blackouts and financially unacceptable taxes and bills!

Colin Blair, Curtin

Where’s the climate evidence?

DR Douglas Mackenzie (Letters, CN June 23) claims that a previous writer, Max Flint, was giving a catalogue of false and misleading claims in regard to climate change.

Well, a lot of people say the same about the people pushing renewables.

I think it’s time the climate-change proponents read the article by emeritus professor of earth sciences Ian Plimer, Australia’s best-known geologist, in “The Spectator”, June 18. A professor of geology, mining and ore deposits, he has been asking the scientists that Dr Mackenzie has written about, to provide evidence that climate change has been caused by humans. To date none have provided any evidence.

How much of Australia do the proponents of renewables want to be covered with wind turbines and solar panels? The cost may come as close as the $10 billion Dr Mackenzie claims the nuclear power plants will cost.

Then there is the disposal of the turbines and solar panels. They have to be buried not

be recycled, and this is done every 15-20 years.

So where do they all go? In the US it is too hard to remove them, so they are left in situ falling apart and a blight on the countryside.

Vi Evans, MacGregor

I was pointing out where he was wrong MAX Flint (Letters, CN June 30) claimed that I “disparaged” him. I was pointing out where he was wrong and what is the truth.

He continues to wander away from the truth in his latest epistle. Climate scientists and other experts have known for decades that emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels (coal, oil and its derivatives) initiated the process of global warming – now heating – 160 years ago, and continue to cause higher average global temperatures at an ever-increasing rate. That rate is now about 100 times faster than at any time in the last ~1 million years.

Carbon dioxide is now being joined by increasing volumes of methane from the thawing Arctic permafrost seafloor sediments in warming oceans, our mountains of waste, coal mines and fugitive emissions from natural gas wells and pipeline networks.

Mr Flint also greatly exaggerates the warming influence of water vapour and cloud. As any meteorologist knows, both are too transient to have a longer-term influence on Earth’s climate.

Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

When the bus trumps the car RE Leon Arundell’s letter “Public transport emissions a ‘myth’’’ (CN June 23): A car emits 2.7kg emission for a 10km journey; and with an average load of 1.46 passengers, the emission per passenger (including driver) is 2.7/1.46kg or 1.85kg.

Buses cause 2.5kg emission per person for a 10km journey. If the bus is carrying 60 people, the emission is the same, resulting in 2.5/60 or .04 kg emission per passenger.

In fact, the emission per person decreases as the number of passengers increases.

Transport Canberra’s result is thus better than individual cars’ result as soon as the number of passengers exceeds three, which is almost always the case, especially in the daily commuting situation, which is being considered.

Jack Palmer, Watson

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WINNUNGA NIMMITYJAH ABORIGINAL HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICES ‘People come to us because they feel safe here and not judged.’

Service comes a long way from the Tent Embassy FROM its humble beginnings as a temporary medical service set up at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy site, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services has grown into an important part of the health services provided to indigenous people in the national capital.

Outside the new health centre in Narrabundah…

“We managed the project, built it on time and on budget, without any government involvement apart from the funding,” says Julie Tongs.

It has recently moved into a new, purposebuilt facility in Narrabundah, enabling the service to do more.

In the Wiradjuri language, Winnunga Nimmityjah, means “strong health”, says the service’s CEO Julie Tongs.

Tongs’ vision as CEO, a role she has held since 1997, has always been for Winnunga to be a leader in the provision of primary health care.

“All Winnunga wants to do is give people an opportunity to be better, to feel good about themselves, and to start to work through some of the layers of trauma that Aboriginal people have experienced,” Tongs says.

Winnunga was established in 1988 by local Aboriginal people inspired by the national mobilisation of people around the opening of the new Parliament House in May and the visit by the Queen.

The late Olive Brown, who worked tirelessly for the health of Aboriginal people, saw the need to set up a temporary medical service at the Tent Embassy site, and enlisted the support of local doctors, midwives and volunteers.

“Thus Winnunga was born,” Tongs says.

Since then it has grown into a pivotal healthcare service, which last year saw some 7000 clients.

Providing around 60,000 occasions of service to its clients annually, Winnunga offers health care to people living in the ACT and across the border.

“In total we have 18,000 clients on the books from 334 suburbs, and 223 postcodes from right across the country,” says Tongs.

“There are a lot of people who come to Canberra to work in the public service, to go to university or to boarding school, so we see a lot of different people.”

CEO Julie Tongs… “All Winnunga wants to do is give people an opportunity to be better, to feel good about themselves, and to start to work through some of the layers of trauma that Aboriginal people have experienced.”

Photos: Holly Treadaway Managed by the local Aboriginal community, Winnunga takes a “holistic” approach to health care offering clinical and medical services, and social health programs.

Clients come from all walks of life, Tongs says, from the most high-profile Aboriginal people, to the most marginalised in society.

“We see people who are living in poverty, the working-class poor, and people with high profiles,” says Tongs.

“They come to us because they feel safe here and not judged.”

With more than 30 years’ experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, Tongs says the ongoing challenges facing indigenous health are enormous.

“The complexity of healthcare and the life expectancy of my people is eight to 10 years less than non-Aboriginal people,” Tongs says.

“Regardless of who you are or how much money you earn, we are still struggling with chronic disease.”

Since its inception 34 years ago, Winnunga has operated from various locations around Canberra.

“At one point admin staff were working out of

the health building on Moore Street, and the clinic staff – along with Dr Peter Sharp – were working out the back of the old Griffin Centre,” says Tongs.

“From there we went to Ainslie and then to Narrabundah to the building next door to where our new facility is.”

Before working as CEO, Tongs served on the Winnunga board – including a period as administrator for the organisation.

“The government had some concerns about how the service was being managed. We were told to sort it out otherwise there would be no Winnunga,” says Tongs.

“So, I took six months leave without pay and fixed it up. That was 25 years ago and I’m still here.”

Despite the challenges, Tongs says making a difference to the health outcomes of the Aboriginal community remains a rewarding mission.

“When I first started we had five staff, now we have 70,” says Tongs.

“We have come a long way.”

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah.

Call 6284 6222 or visit winnunga.org.au

WINNUNGA NIMMITYJAH ABORIGINAL HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Winnunga Nimmityjah AHCS is an Aboriginal community controlled primary health care service operated by the Aboriginal community of the ACT. Our aim is to provide a culturally safe, holistic health care service for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of the ACT and surrounding regions.

The holistic health care provided by Winnunga AHCS includes not only medical care, but a range of programs to promote good health and healthy lifestyles.

16 CityNews July 7-13, 2022

• GP and Nursing • Midwifery • Immunisations • Health Checks • Men’s & Women’s Health • Hearing Health • Dental • Physiotherapy

• Podiatry • Dietician (Nutrition) • Counselling • Diabetes Clinic • Quit Smoking Services / No More Boondah • Needle Syringe Program • Mental Health Support

• Healthy Weight Program • Healthy Cooking Group • Mums and Bubs Group / Child Health • Optometry Service • Psychology and Psychiatrist • Community Events • Groups

special feature

‘Only the best for my mob because this is what they deserve.’

New centre with a close eye on indigenous health SIX doctors, three nurse practitioners and 14 nurses will lead health care delivery at Winnunga’s stateof-the art new health facility in Narrabundah.

The $20 million building – constructed during the pandemic – won’t officially open until September, but its services are in full swing.

“The facility is amazing,” says Winnunga CEO Julie Tongs.

“People call it the Taj Mahal. But I say only the best for my mob because this is what they deserve.”

Some of the clinical services operating out of the purpose-built facility include a dental clinic, audiology, optometry, physiotherapy, podiatry, alcohol and drug services, a needle-exchange program, mental health services and a diabetes clinic.

“We lost five doctors during the pandemic, which was a challenge, but we’ve now got six doctors, and for the first time ever we have three nurse practitioners, and 14 nurses,” says Tongs.

The new facility, which offers services free of charge for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, was funded by the Commonwealth, the ACT government and Winnunga itself.

Tongs cites the project as an example of good “self-determination” leading to a great outcome.

“We managed the project, built it on time and

Dr Samar Aumarah.

Inside the new health centre… “The facility is amazing… People call it the Taj Mahal, but I say only the best for my mob because this is what they deserve,” says Julie Tongs. Photos: Holly Treadaway on budget, without any government involvement apart from the funding,” says Tongs.

“That’s a really big news story because we are an Aboriginal community controlled health service that managed a big infrastructure project. We should be doing that more often.”

Although it predominantly provides health care services, Winnunga runs a number of social health programs.

Social health team, from left, Wayne Sloane, Sarah Jarrett, Jason Kair, Ambrose House and Craig Williams.

Its home maintenance program provides opportunities for reformed prisoners to re-enter the workforce.

“The men work really hard mowing lawns and cleaning up the yards at social-housing homes, because the tenants get threats of eviction if their yards are not looked after,” says Tongs.

Tongs is no stranger to personal hardship having lost two of her own children, affording her the perspective necessary to help tackle the health challenges facing indigenous people.

“I’ve been to so many funerals over the years, and sat with so many families who have buried their kids,” says Tongs.

“I’m a mother who has buried two children of her own. It’s heart wrenching, we shouldn’t have to keep doing this.

“All Winnunga has ever wanted to do is help people get better.”

Currently Winnunga’s services are strictly for indigenous people. But the service employs both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff, a step on the path towards practical reconciliation, Tongs says.

“We have staff from all kinds of cultural backgrounds,” says Tongs.

“To me, that’s reconciliation being practised every day.”

CEO Julie Tongs, right, with social health team manager, Kacey Boyd.

Administrative staff, from left, Shannon Keed, Thomas Williams, Tracey Crowther and Caitlin Thompson.

ALL OUR SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE WE MAY BE ABLE TO ASSIST WITH TRANSPORT CLINIC HOURS | MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9am-5pm Ph: 6284 6222 63 Boolimba Cres, Narrabundah www.winnunga.org.au CityNews July 7-13, 2022 17

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS

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There’s lots to explore in the historic Highlands JUST over 90 minutes from Canberra, the Southern Highlands is home to stunning countryside, great wineries, fascinating heritage sites and more.

From Mittagong to Moss Vale, Bundanoon and Burrawang, the region spans iconic Australian towns and landmarks and features a rich history.

Many people know that Bowral was the home of legendary cricketer Don Bradman, but it is also widely considered to be the “birthplace” of Mary Poppins.

Famous author PL Travers first came up with the idea for the iconic character as a young girl while living there.

That’s just the start. The Highlands is packed with stunning natural scenery to explore, museums where visitors can discover the region’s history and on top of it all, many businesses that are proud to be at the heart of the community.

This week “CityNews” took a trip to the Southern Highlands to speak with some of them.

Decor for a homely feel

Quarry Hill Cottage.

‘Gorgeous’ variety of accommodation HOST Partners manages a total of 33 properties, says Director Fiona Deegan, with two newer properties becoming very popular as winter hits.

“The first property is called Hollydale, it’s in Burradoo,” says Fiona.

“It’s a really beautiful home, very contemporary. The kitchen is gorgeous, super clean lines and it’s located at the end of a long driveway so it’s very private.

“It’s a four-bedroom, two-bathroom place. It has a media room, which is a good separate room for kids.

It’s got cypress trees hedged gorgeously, so it’s just a really stunning home,” says Fiona.

“Being smack-bang in the middle of Bowral is good, but it can be a little busy and there’s lots of people there all the time, so to book something like Hollydale, private and quiet, it’s quite nice. It’s about

Redecorating the whole room?

That Beautiful Shop 406 Argyle St, Moss Vale, T: 02 4868 1234 18 CityNews July 7-13, 2022

$1200 a night.”

Property number two is called Quarry Hill Cottage.

“This little one in Berrima is gorgeous. It’s $410 a night,” says Fiona.

“It’s super cute, it’s minimalistic and beautifully renovated, just a gorgeous-looking, modern little cottage.

“It’s three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a minute from the main street in Berrima, so close to cafes and restaurants,” says Fiona.

“We’re two hours from Canberra. I always think of it as an hour to Goulburn and an hour to your destination.”

THAT Beautiful Shop, in Moss Vale, offers a full upholstery service, says owner Virginia Ransom.

The shop also sells curtains and blinds, couches, sofas and armchairs, rugs and lamps, custom bed-heads, wallpaper and pre-loved chairs that have been reupholstered.

Virginia says she’s not an interior designer: “I don’t pretend to be. My point of difference is I offer all of this stock, but I’m not going to go to your house and tell you what to get rid of.

“We offer all types of upholstery and curtain fabrics, and lots of wallpaper designs.

“My priority is to satisfy the client’s individual needs, to make sure they get exactly what they want.

“We offer servicing to clients from Sydney, to the coast, and to Canberra.”

And, Virginia says she hopes the store is busy.

“I like meeting the people, and helping them turn their house into a home.”

That Beautiful Shop, 406 Argyle Street, Moss Vale.

Call 4868 1234.

Host Partners. Call Fiona on 0408 415775 or Georgia on 0477 720225, or visit hostpartners.com.au

Or reviving an old piece?

Whatever your project, come and see us for custom-made sofas, upholstery, curtains, rugs and much more.

Open Wednesday to Saturday, OR by appointment

Stay in comfort,

in the tranquil surrounds of the Southern Highlands

‘Hollydale’

Stay in our beautifully restored cottage in Berrima

•

Stately home on a large private block in Burradoo

•

Central location close to Bowral and Mossvale

•

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 powder room

•

Sleek contemporary kitchen with stylish artworks and furnishings throughout

•

Sitting amongst one acre of established leafy gardens

‘Quarry Hill Cottage’

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1 minute walk to Berrima cafes, shops and restaurants.

Couples and families will love staying in this stunningly restored cottage with the midas touch.

Booking enquiries for these featured properties: Fiona Deegan 0408 415 775, Georgia Bell 0477 720 225 Go to hostpartners.com.au to view more Southern highlands properties

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS Agents helping to achieve ‘tree change’ dreams THE team at Campbell Jones Property is known for its community spirit and reputation of integrity, says director Angus Campbell-Jones.

With decades of experience and thousands of property transactions, Angus asks, what better agency is there to trust with one of life’s biggest investments?

Campbell Jones Property is home to real estate agents, stock and station agents and property managers who specialise in rural, residential, commercial, industrial and vacant land development.

Angus says he’s no newcomer to the real estate industry in the Southern Highlands, and has been selling properties in the area for more than 30 years.

“Bowral is centrally located between Canberra and Sydney, and offers a sophisticated yet relaxed country lifestyle that is supported by excellent schooling options and medical facilities,” he says.

“A move to the Highlands has always been the smart ‘tree-change’ choice.”

European-style clothing store in the heart of the Highlands

OFFERING boutique accommodation and business meeting space in the Southern Highlands, The JOYce Residence offers guests the chance to relax and indulge or meet and explore, says owner Angela Macpherson.

“The residence has two queen bedrooms with their own bathrooms. It comes with wi-fi, and features a light and airy space where up to 10 people can comfortably meet,” she says.

“We’re located in a very quiet residential area in Moss Vale that’s only a four-minute drive to the nearest coffee shop and a six-minute drive to the main shopping area.

“Moss Vale is centrally located [to] all the vineyards.

There’s beautiful restaurants nearby and it’s very close to some incredible scenery and bush walks.”

Angela says the residence is not only perfect for a holiday getaway, but also for corporate meetings, board meetings, strategy sessions and everything in between.

“It gives that clean, open-air feel of a meeting room and is very interchangeable,” she says.

“I can access a range of facilities like smart boards, white boards, a flip chart, even a projector and screen.”

Along with the concierge service is the ability for Anglea to arrange all the conference meeting equipment and any catering as required.

“Guests can also use an internal garage space that can fit a car, four road bicycles or a couple of mountain bikes so you can come and work here and exercise at the same time,” she says.

“One of the most wonderful pieces of feedback I get is that it feels like home.”

OWNER of Quintessential Exeter Rachael Norman has curated a “colourful and vibrant selection of clothing and shoes” that she says has made her store a delightful destination to visit.

“Located in a beautifully restored 1850s railway workers cottage and situated opposite the renowned Exeter General Store and Cafe, you will be immediately struck by the lively colours of our selections,” she says.

Owner of Quintessential “I hope to give people an Exeter Rachael Norman. enjoyable shopping experience in the quaint atmosphere of a beautiful country village.”

The store offers a collection of European and American women’s fashion, inspired by Rachael’s visits to Europe where she says many small boutiques carry unique styles and offer personalised shopping experiences.

From dresses to pants, shirts, jumpers, shoes and scarfs, Rachael says these stylish items are all about her passion for helping people feel good in their clothes.

“I enjoy talking to my customers about their taste in clothes and helping them select items that they will feel really good in,” she says.

“It’s a relaxed environment, where my customers can take their time, have a chat and a giggle, and walk out feeling happy.”

The location, the cottage, the clothes and the caring and attentive service all make the visit to Quintessential Exeter a must for anyone visiting the Highlands, says Rachael.

“The store also offers homewares, cushions, lamps, local art and lots of pretty things to brighten up your living space.”

The JOYce Residence, visit thejoyceresidence.com.au

Director Angus Campbell-Jones.

FOR

Campbell Jones Property, shop 3/252 Bong Bong Street, Bowral. Call 02 4861 2550, or visit cjpbowral.com.au

A home away from home in the Highlands

SALE

Quintessential Exeter, 2 Exeter Road, Exeter. Call 0412 624222.

33 Wombeyan Caves Rd, Woodlands 6 Beds

4 Baths

2+ Car spaces

Unique rural offering just a few minutes’ drive to Mittagong in the Southern Highlands. Dual occupancy with a 4 bedroom house and study plus a separate 2 bedroom residence. Large shedding, stables, shelters, timber cattle yards with loading ramp, good fencing and water. Nattai Creek meanders through the property.

25 Acres | Price Guide $ 3,950,000

Jayne Barker 0414 834 107 | Angus Campbell-Jones 0400 300 444 | cjpbowral.com.au 20 CityNews July 7-13, 2022

advertising feature

Italian Cooking Class in the heart of the Southern Highlands

15%

Stefano Marvello teaching one of his Italian cooking classes.

Stefano shares his love of Italian food NO matter your experience, Stefano Marvello says absolutely everyone can get something out of his Italian cooking classes.

The well-known Southern Highlands chef has been cooking since he was five-years-old, and by 12 was confidently cooking the family meals.

Today located in Bowral, Stefano brings his passion and skill to two types of classes.

“There’s Pasta Master, which is two handmade kinds of pasta, and two matching sauces, which are all seasonal,” he says.

“There’s also the Italian Long Lunch, with three courses including, pasta making, entree, main and dessert.

“Both come with complimentary bread making, antipasto, and local wine tasting and go from four to four and a half hours.”

Stefano says that classes have a maximum of 12 people so that he has plenty of time to ensure everyone gets the experience they are after.

He says that fresh, seasonal produce is a key passion in his cooking that he loves to share with others.

“Mother nature does all of the hard work, I just have to put it together.”

OFF

Master the art of homemade pasta and more!

USE CODE CODE ACT15OFF TO RECEIVE 15% OFF THE LONG ITALIAN LUNCH Minimum of 2 people. Valid July 2022 only.

Bowral NSW | stefanomarvello.com

Italian Cooking Experience with Stefano Marvello.

Visit stefanomarvello.com

The JOYce Residence

Fashion. Homewares. Gifts.

A id h den off gem just n the beate track

Boutique accommodation and business meeting space in the beautiful NSW Southern Highlands.

Open 10am - 4pm, Thurs - Sun * Homewares * Quality wool products * European & American styles * Personalised shopping experience check us out 2 Exeter Rd Exeter, or call Rachael 0412 624 222, e: shop@qexeter.com

Perfectly situated between Canberra and Sydney, The JOYce Residence is the perfect place to meet to host your corporate meetings, board meetings, strategy sessions and everything inbetween.

With a light and airy space for up to 10 people to comfortably meet, the residence comes with Wi-Fi, corporate equipment hire through one of our partners, and has everything you need to get the creative juices flowing.

The JOYce Residence, 0488 099 769 5 Joyce St, Moss Vale NSW 2577

bookings@thejoyceresidence.com.au www.thejoyceresidence.com.au CityNews July 7-13, 2022 21

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS Helping find a home in the Highlands

Lollies to share between generations

HAVING lived in and loved the Southern Highlands for more than a decade, independent buyers agent and director of Highlands Arrivals Suzi Bryant says she’s passionate about helping people find homes that are perfect for them.

“I do all the searching, talking to agents, looking at properties on-market and off-market and I can negotiate on your behalf and get the best price,” she says.

“Some people need advice on schools, other people want to know about yoga, other people want to know about golf clubs.

I help with whatever it is you’re looking for.”

Suzi says Highlands Arrivals is proud to be the only REBAA member in the Southern Highlands, meaning the business is completely independent and never acts for sellers or accepts kickbacks from them.

Buyer’s agent and owner of Highland Arrivals Suzi Bryant.

With more than 20 years’ experience in sales, she says with your property.” she’s established a strong network with all agents in Having moved to the Highlands herself with her own the community. family in what she describes as the “best move ever”, it “I can work with you the whole way through the inspired Suzi to want to help others find their dream home. purchase of your home,” she says.

“Whether you’ve retired, you’re working, you’ve “I can help with visiting and reporting on all potential got kids, the Highlands is such a strong small town properties, negotiations for a property you have already community, that’s what I love about it,” she says. found, preparing a suitable property list to match your exact needs, advising on towns, locations and activities, Highlands Arrivals, call 0414 679259 or visit bidding at auction, or helping with post-purchase work highlandsarrivals.com.au

IAN Richardson, one of the lolly swagfolk at the Lolly Swagman, bought the business eight years ago.

“It’s what we call an old-fashioned lolly shop, so we have the jars of lollies sitting on the wall and there’s a table in the middle with all the packaged lollies laid out,” says Ian. “There’s probably about 200 bottles on the wall, and we stopped counting product lines at 1300 because we just lost count, and of that probably 300 would be staples.

“They are the favourites that you know, and the ones you have yet to meet.”

Ian says he grew up with lollies, which has given him knowledge of each of the lollies, and the stories behind them.

“One of the reasons we were allowed to buy the

shop is because of how much time and money I’ve spent in it over the years,” he says.

“People share those stories with us, too. People still come looking for the lollies that they knew when they were children.

“And by the way, children in our world is a very non-age specific label.”

Ian says he loves seeing generational links coming into the shop.

“We have people who were brought in when they were little kids, and they’re now bringing their own children in and sharing those memories with them, and grandparents bringing their grandkids.

Lolly Swagman, 11 Old Hume Highway, Berrima.

Call 4877 1137, or visit lollyswagman.com.au

Lolly Swagman owner Ian Richardson.

Are you looking to

Buy in the Highlands?

Independent, local Buyers Agent who works for you to find your perfect property Completely independent advice Access to all local properties – including off market

Buyers Agent

Helping you make a home in the Highlands

Info on the local market, from all the local agents The best price for the property you want

0414 679 259 Proudly representing REBAA in the Southern Highlands 22 CityNews July 7-13, 2022

highlandsarrivals.com.au info@highlandsarrivals.com.au

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LOLLY SWAGMAN Bringing Happiness since 1991

Mrs Oldbuck’s Pantry owner Carol Brown.

Traditional Pantry moves with the times MRS Oldbuck’s Pantry is a 46-year-old business, says owner Carol Brown, who brought it “kicking and screaming” into the 21st century when she purchased it four years ago.

“The main thing is we work on tradition, we do old, traditional styles of jam, including pineapple, melon and lemon and tomato,” says Carol.

“Also we use no artificial flavours or colours.”

When she bought the business, she increased the range ‘massively’.

“Forty years ago there weren’t simmer sauces and flavoured caramelised balsamic vinegars, so now we work with lots of different small producers throughout the state,” says Carol.

“Two years ago we extended into the shop next door, and that’s where we’ve opened our tea room.

We retail over 190 different varieties of tea and we sell tea accessories.”

She says her passion for the business comes from her childhood. “I used to come with my parents. We used to live in Sydney and this was our stop in the days when it used to take five and a half hours to get from Sydney to Canberra. Berrima was the halfway stop.

“Little did I know, 40 odd years later, I’d be living in the Southern Highlands and I’d buy Mrs Oldbuck’s.”

Carol says most of the people who come through are happy. Everyone loves food and the store just has a beautiful feel about it.”

Sweets, Treats, & Indulgences for Kids of All Ages Featuring Mrs Swag’s famous Fabulous Fudge

Mrs Oldbuck’s Pantry, shop 4, 15/17 Old Hume Highway, Berrima. Call 1800 440 1444, or visit mrsoldbuckspantry.com.au

Open Monday to Friday 9:30-4:00 Weekends & Public Holidays 9:30-5:00 mrs.swag@lollyswagman.com.au www.lollyswagman.com.au

11 Old Hume Highway Berrima 02 4877 1137

Mrs Oldbucks Pantry is the original and famous shop on the corner in Berrima. Home to a range of delicious jams, preserves and gourmet products instore and online.

SHOP 4 15-17 OLD HUME HIGHWAY BERRIMA NSW 2575 www. mrsoldb u cks pan tr y.co m . au PHONE: 1800 440 144

Scan the code to explore.

CityNews July 7-13, 2022 23

FUNERALS AND ESTATE PLANNING

advertising feature

Compassionate experts to ease a difficult burden ORGANISING a funeral, creating a will or investing in an estate plan can be an uncomfortable reality, but throughout Canberra there are compassionate experts who can help ease the burden.

“CityNews” speaks to professionals who offer peace of mind when it comes to some of life’s most difficult decisions.

Comforting, caring approach to wills

Finding a beautiful resting place for loved ones CANBERRA Memorial Parks offers a wide range of cremation, traditional burial, natural burial and memorialisation options to honour and celebrate community members across three beautiful parks at Woden, Gungahlin and Hall, says CEO Kerry McMurray.

“We also assist those who would like the remains of loved ones to be buried or scattered elsewhere, in a place of personal significance,” he says.

“We strive to help the whole community in planning for their end of life or to honour the life of a loved one in a way that reflects their personal needs and wishes.”

Featuring a private viewing room accommodating up to 25 people, Kerry says the new Gungahlin crematorium incorporates features which meet the diverse needs of Canberra’s communities.

He says the crematorium is ideal for intimate services with a choice of witnessing the cremation

and that the Gungahlin cemetery offers natural burials in a beautiful bushland environment which let people’s remains decompose sustainably and return to nature.

“Our team are caring, considerate people who are committed to supporting the Canberra community when they need us most,” he says.

“The services we offer are facilitated by our expertly trained and considerate customer service people, who help you navigate what option best suits your personal needs and wishes or cultural tradition.

“Staff are available to conduct tours of the grounds at Woden, Gungahlin and Hall cemeteries and assist you with finding a beautiful resting place.”

Canberra Memorial Parks, call 6207 0000 or email canberramemorialparks@act.gov.au

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

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

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

This can be costly and time-consuming.

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

“At the forefront of people’s minds is making sure their financial and legal affairs are in order so that, in the event of a crisis, their loved ones are secure and can be provided for as intended,” she says.

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

Lawyer Ashilpa Khanna of Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators. matters, conveyancing, and power of attorney.

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

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

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip.

Email enquiries@chsol.com.au, call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

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

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

Ashilpa Khanna Wills and Estate Planning Lawyer. Notary Public

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

chsol.com.au | enquiries@chsol.com.au 24 CityNews July 7-13, 2022

Over 30 years serving Canberra

Canberra Memorial Parks

provides Canberrans with a choice in honouring and celebrating life • Our natural burial area at Gungahlin Cemetery offers a burial with a lower environmental impact.

• Gungahlin Crematorium at Gungahlin Cemetery, the first publicly owned crematorium in the ACT, offers a wide range of services including a private viewing room ideal for intimate services.

• Eternity Memorial Garden, Woden Cemetery, is a newly-opened area where ashes can be laid-to-rest and loved ones memorialised.

• The new Olive Grove development (to be completed in September 2022) will provide a new premium lawn burial option to complement our range of services.

www.canberramemorialparks.act.gov.au

To make an appointment to explore your end-oflife arrangements for yourself or your loved ones, call 02 6207 0000

FUNERALS AND ESTATE PLANNING

advertising feature Award-winning local florists go the extra mile

William Cole Funerals principals Bill and Christine Cole, centre, with the team.

A comforting, caring, family approach to funerals BILL and Christine Cole, the principals of William Cole Funerals, say they approach arranging funerals with compassion and have organised more than 17,000 services in their 30 years in their Belconnen-based funeral home.

An independent and family-operated funeral home, run by former high-school sweethearts Bill and Christine and their team, which includes daughter Judy and her husband Naithan, son David and more recently, two of their granddaughters, Bill says they offer a caring, personal service.

“People tell us that they feel comforted and that arranging a funeral was less difficult than they had thought it would be,” he says.

“We want them to know that the service they

experience exceeds their expectations.”

For Bill, becoming a funeral director was a “calling”, while Christine says she found her passion by helping people in their time of grief, using her talents to provide an organised, calm approach to planning a funeral with the families she met.

As one of only two remaining locally-owned funeral homes in Canberra, Bill says they offer personalised, empathetic and understanding service and choice for families, including all different styles of funerals and farewells for civil services and all faiths.

William Cole Funerals, 60 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen.

Call 6253 3655 or visit williamcolefunerals.com.au

ANTHOS Flowers provides floral arrangements and bouquets for all occasions, says owner Drew Daskalakis.

They also offer floral tributes, wreaths, casket covers, and sheaf and sympathy arrangements.

“What makes us ‘us’ is the quality, fresh product, the extra mile we go to make sure our flowers last the longest time possible,” says Drew.

He says the focus on the business has always been making beautiful floral designs for any occasion.

“We pride ourselves on our good value and outstanding customer service.

“We offer delivery six days a week throughout Canberra and Queanbeyan, the store is open seven days a week,” he says.

Drew has more than 25 years of experience in the floral industry, and opened Anthos Flowers five years ago.

“We’re an award-winning local florist, with affordable and long-lasting quality flowers.”

Anthos Flowers, 46 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin. Call 6241 1249, or visit anthosflowers.com.au

Anthos Flowers co-owners Chris Hughes and Drew Daskalakis.

Have you considered a pre-arranged funeral?

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

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

Quality Wreaths & Sympathy Bouquets With 32 years experience, William Cole Funerals provide excellence in funeral service.

02 6253 3655 williamcolefunerals.com.au | 60 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen, ACT 26 CityNews July 7-13, 2022

Order by 12pm for Same day delivery, Delivery 6 days, Pick up 7 days Shop 29/46 Hibberson st Gungahlin (florist next to Coles) 0262411249 | anthosflowers.com.au

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE

Is ‘Westworld’ heading south?

NICK OVERALL

Teens take on a world as everything changes

By Helen

MUSA A BRIGHT-eyed cast of teenagers greeted me when I popped in on the Queanbeyan Bicentennial Hall for a rehearsal of Echo Youth’s coming play, “This Changes Everything”, opening soon at The Q. The script is by in-demand English playwright Joel Horwood, not to be confused with The Q’s marketing manager and trained actor Joel Horwood – exactly the same name.

“This Changes Everything” was written in 2015 to give meaty roles to young women. Although originally written for an all-female cast, Horwood has said that groups staging the play could easily cast male actors if working with a mixedgender cast.

Director Jordan Best is adamant that Horwood displays none of the condescension often seen when adults write for and about young people, saying: “It is not the case of a grown-up writing about teenagers, it enters thoroughly into the

feeling of being in a group of young people who want to change the future.

“It’s not cringy, there’s no love interest and there won’t be any swearing.

“It’s a group of smart, politically and socially engaged young people fed up with the way the world is running, wanting to make it a better place.”

“This Changes Everything” was written for 20 speaking roles, but Horwood wrote it so that, with doubling, it can be performed by a minimum of 16 actors.

Best has 18 people in the cast, aged 13-19.

Horwood places little emphasis on gender in the writing, she says, but in fact she has only two male cast members, including her son Will, who has also composed the moody musical score, following in the footsteps of his famous film-composer grandfather, Peter Best.

“Although what happens could happen with adults, it makes sense to cast the play with young people because this is their future,” Best says.

“It’s one thing for people to be frightened, but when young people say they don’t want to have children and that they can’t face the future, that’s a horrible thing to hear.”

So how do you change the world?

In this case, the group of young people decide to simply vanish off the radar and on to what looks like an oil rig in the

middle of the North Sea. “It’s not ‘Lord of the Flies’, not so horrible, but it is a microcosm of the world and it is an attempt to create a utopia, where stuff happens,” Best says.

The play begins with “The Community” of young people living by three codes: The Community is the individual and the individual is The Community; we all work to make this place; and there are no bad answers.

“As the play goes on, the codes change, a bit like ‘Animal Farm’,” says Best.

While at the rehearsal, I saw a scene where three friends, Alva, Kim, and Klara, have uncovered the location of The Community and, having made it to the platform, they want to join.

But the cracks are already beginning to show. The founder has vanished and one of the members is excommunicated for her negativity, leading to a poignant reiteration of the first slogan.

“The characters are so well-drawn; Joel Horwood has written such smart speech patterns that give them such a voice… it’s joyous, it’s 100 per cent hopeful, but there’s plenty of cut and thrust – it’s very clever writing,” says Best.

“This Changes Everything”, The Q, July 22-30.

The teenage cast of “This Changes Everything”.

Photo: Cathy Breen

CityNews July 7-13, 2022 27

STREAMING

Is the rich intrigue of ‘Westworld’ heading south?

THERE’S a moment where the fun of trying to solve a Rubik’s cube gets just a little bit too irritating.

It’s looking great, one side starts to seem complete, and then that frustrating realisation as all the progress starts to fall apart. Time to do something else, or rip the stickers off.

It’s an experience that came to mind while watching the latest season of the blockbuster sci-fi series “Westworld”, a puzzle of a show that, now in its sixth year, is still too cagey with the answers to the many, many intriguing questions it’s set up.

By all accounts, “Westworld” (streaming on Binge) has a chance to be one of the best things on TV. It’s the saga of a Wild West digital theme park populated by robotic “hosts”, where people can live out their deepest and darkest fantasies without consequence.

The life-like automatons are designed to be shot, slept with or whatever else cashed-up visitors to the park wish to do with them, but when the robots start to gain consciousness all hell breaks loose.

The first season of “Westworld” was a truly inspired slice of sci-fi television. It flowed with fantastical ideas, but remained grounded enough to draw in viewers who don’t normally go for the out-there nature of the genre.

Throwing a Western setting into the mix was a flash of genius, and combined with the HBO staples of a triple-A cast, unabated nudity and cinematic action, “Westworld”

Rachel Wood in the role of Christina in the latest season of “Westworld”. was an immediate hit.

Particularly refreshing though was that the show wanted audiences to solve the puzzle themselves. Looking down at one’s phone for a few minutes had the chance to derail any understanding of its sprawling and intricate plot that’s packed with characters.

The show doesn’t just respect the audience’s intelligence, but demands it. Now, sadly, it feels like it’s starting to abuse it.

Four seasons in and things are still intrigu-

ing, but the series is too heavily relying on tantalising the viewers with the answers it’s overdue to be more generous with. It’s reflected in the series’ viewership, which has more than halved since its first season.

There are many still hanging on to see “Westworld” realise its potential, but there’s only so long one can play with a Rubik’s cube before throwing it away, or just googling the answer instead.

obscure category of actor that’s known for a string of obnoxiously bad comedies yet every now and again reveals true talent with some bizarrely excellent movie that comes out of nowhere.

Last time he did it was in 2019 with “Uncut Gems”, a film with a garish ‘80s aesthetic at the basis of its intriguing mood board and a performance from Sandler as an ostentatious jeweller that many critics were outraged was not nominated for an Oscar.

In comparison, the last widely released thing Sandler was in before that was “Pixels”, a movie where Pac-man comes to life, or something.

In the years since “Uncut Gems”, the actor has put his name to stuff such as “Hubie Halloween”, “The Wrong Missy” and other movies that seem as determined to get as close to 0 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes as possible.

And yet, just dropping on Netflix the other week was the newest Sandler flick called “Hustle”, which is nothing short of one of the best sports films of the last decade.

This comes from someone who actively avoids Sandler movies, and one who has little to no interest in basketball, the sport at the centre of this rags to riches story.

Sandler brings a charming every-man persona to a jaded basketball talent scout who, while almost at the end of his tether,

happens upon a once-in-a-lifetime amateur player who he becomes determined to make a star.

It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to, “Hustle” shoots and scores.

ON the less pricey side of streaming this month, ABC iView has a little home-grown gem of a show called “Diary of an Uber Driver”.

Here viewers can find six, 20-odd minute episodes about an Uber driver who tries to figure out what to do with his own life while taking strangers to where they need to go.

From having to avert his eyes from a couple in the backseat getting frisky while dressed as Simpsons characters to pretending to be a drug dealer’s referee in order to help get him a job, the interactions are absurdly comical yet always feel oddly real.

But while there’s laughs in the car, there’s also a remarkable amount of emotion packed into the show’s run-time barely totalling three hours.

The result is a brief burst of fun and one that certainly adds profound new meaning to the question “been busy tonight, mate?”

There are more of Nick Overall’s streaming columns at citynews.com.au

ADAM Sandler has fallen into that ultra

FILM / Scandinavian Film Festival Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre

This Changes Everything 22-30 July

How can you change the world if you've taken yourself out of it?

28 CityNews July 7-13, 2022

Nordic noir lifts its skirts with

By Helen Musa

NOT since the heyday of the late director Ingmar Bergman has so much interest been aroused by films from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

I caught up by phone to Reykjavik with Christof Wehmeier, head of festival promotion at the Icelandic Film Centre and an expert on Scandi films.

This month’s Scandinavian Film Festival across Australia opens with a big historical drama.

Wehmeier says that most other countries have had their big costume blockbusters, but not the Nordic film scene.

Now, in a lavish co-production between Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, the Czech Republic and Poland comes “Margrete – Queen of the North”.

Set in 1402 and directed by Charlotte Sieling, it explores the dilemmas faced by Denmark’s Queen Margrete, the ruler who brokered the Kalmar Union that united Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

Partly lost in the mists of time, the story is deeply significant to Scandinavian countries, explaining why the project attracted the

The Scandinavian Film Festival’s a big historical drama “Margrete – Queen of the North” opens the festival. largest single grant ever made by the Danish Film Institute.

Its choice as the festival’s opening night film is a no-brainer.

Featuring Danish superstar Trine Dyrholm, once called by Alec Baldwin “the best actress in the world”, the film is full of “epic drama and humour that kind of unites us,” Wehmeier says.

But he’s also keen to point out that each country in the Nordic regions has its own language and its

own character.

The Norwegian film “Nothing to Laugh About”, for instance, involves a very particular sense of humour as it tells the story of Kasper, a successful stand-up comedian facing cancer, who sets out on a journey to rediscover himself and his laughter.

That’s by the Norwegian film director Petter Næss, director of the cult film (also a stage play seen here in Canberra) “Elling”, about differently-abled people living in

DINING / Onzieme, Kingston

ARTS IN THE CITY

Inviting serve of French bistronomy A night with

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A RESTAURANT that date stamps its menu is serious about quality food. So a warning, some items in this review may not be available when you visit Onzieme in Kingston (former Two for Joy location), but visit you absolutely must.

By Helen Musa “FRIENDS! The Musical Parody” national tour will relive favourite moments on stage from the smash hit TV show as Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey and Phoebe navigate life and friendship though song and dance. The Playhouse, July 13-15.

Award-winning, hatted chef Louis Couttoupes has assembled a massively talented team at Onzieme (and the intimate cellar wine bar, 11e Cave, in the old bank vault under the building), who collectively provide an intriguing gastronomic experience.

It’s French bistronomy in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Tom Blakely (XO, Mount Majura Vineyard) manages operations.

Sharing is the go, and we started with sexy sardines, carefully plated on a pool of aromatic, bright green lovage oil, with pretty, decorative (and edible) nasturtium adding colour ($14). The sardines were sensational and testament to Louis’ skill in never, ever over working a dish.

We worshipped the creamy, decadent duck liver pate with heirloom apple and crunchy toast ($18, the pate such a generous serve we had to order more toast so as not to waste it, and because we wanted more!).

Stracciatella with deep-fried fennel fronds and ruby red Meringue… with yuzu posset forming the next layer and grapefruit.

Photos: Wendy Johnson blood plum slices delicately fanned on top.

Onzieme focuses on beautiful vegetables, transforming the humble potato into a creative, multi-layered galette, with a round of crème cru on the side with salty smoked roe in the centre.

Although the top layer of the galette was just a bit dark, we adored the pops of roe.

A fabulous share dish is the Stracciatella with deep-fried fennel fronds and ruby red grapefruit. A feast for the eyes and such a well-rounded combination of flavours ($26). Light, yet tangy, and served as almost a palette cleanser for the magnificent dishes that followed.

Great kitchens know the endless possibilities of a quality flank steak ($42) and this interpretation was very umami with a richlooking hatcho miso poured over

the perfectly cooked and sliced steak.

Enoki mushrooms danced on top.

The smoked duck was succulent and blush pink in the middle. The smear of quince paste on the side is attractive and a wonderful accompaniment ($38).

Back to beautiful vegetables. We agreed the Roman beans were magic ($24). Served on whey and with crunchy toasted almonds, they are proof that vegetarian dishes can be divine.

Both desserts on the menu are gorgeous. The meringue held court in the centre of the dish, with yuzu posset forming the next layer and then blood

a costume drama blockbuster

SINGER/songwriter, Melinda Schneider, presents “Love Songs”, billed as an “emotional, intimate and soulful” concert production featuring her Golden Guitar-winning hits plus love songs spanning her 40 years in entertainment. The Street Theatre, July 16.

plum slices delicately fanned on top ($16). Thinking laterally, Onzieme uses leftover cinnamon rolls to make a fun “pain perdu” with buttermilk ice cream, a creamy, silky texture ($16).

Onzieme’s wine list is playful, with classics and fun whites and fun reds on offer. Magnums start at $120. Our Somos Barbera Rose (2021) was $15 by the glass and $65 by the bottle.

CANBERRA’S Kim Yang joins rock legend Steve Kilbey to perform her original songs.

Kilbey will share stories and perform music Steve Kilbey… Belco Arts, July 15. from The Church albums “Heyday” and “Starfish”. Belco Arts, July 15.

There are more of Wendy Johnson’s dining reviews at citynews.com.au

“THE Exploration of Space” is a series of oil and watercolour paintings by Paul Martin based on research and exploration endeavours, both current and historic.

Rusten House Art Centre, Queanbeyan, until July 23.

ELISE Walsh’s jazz band, Bella Groove, will be back at Smith’s Alternative, Civic, at 4pm, July 17, with five of her new songs, arranged with pianist John Black, who will also perform with the band.

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“It’s hard to watch, but it is so believable, the way cancer affects him and how he decides to do something about it,” Wehmeier says.

“It’s a combination of drama and laughter and it’s so believable that it stays with you.”

On a related theme, from Sweden, comes “Comedy Queen”, a story of loss, anger and healing that follows a 13-year-old girl who wants to become a stand-up comedian.

A hit direct from the 2022 Cannes Film Festival Critics’ Week is Finland’s “The Woodcutter Story”, the directorial debut for Mikko Myllylahti in which Pepe the woodcutter’s quiet life is torn apart by a series of tragic events.

And, yes, there certainly is an Icelandic inclusion, the mystery thriller “Quake”, about a single mother fighting to keep her young son while trying to piece together her life after losing her memory in a seizure”.

Directed by Icelandic Film School lecturer Tinna Hrafnsdóttir, who also performs in “Margrete – Queen of the North”, it’s based on a bestselling Icelandic novel, “Grand Mal”

by Audur Jonsdóttir.

“The Emigrants” is a reboot by director Erik Poppe of a famous film made in 1971 starring Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann as Swedish immigrants who struggle to establish a new life for themselves in 19th century Minnesota, now telling the

story from Kristina’s perspective.

Those Nordic screen goddesses are not forgotten either, with the “Scandi Screen Sirens” section screening classics “Casablanca”, starring Ingrid Bergman; “Queen Christina”, starring Greta Garbo; the 2013 final-cut version of horror film “The Wicker Man”, featuring Britt Ekland and Liv Ullmann in Ingmar Bergman’s drama “The Serpent’s Egg”.

Closing the festival will be “The New Land”, the 1972 prequel to the original film of “The Emigrants”.

For Wehmeier, it’s accessible realism that characterises all the films chosen for the coming festival.

Scandinavian Film Festival, Palace Electric, July 13-August 7.

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Lemons… ready for picking when they are bright yellow or green/ yellow.

Pick lemons before the frosts

By Jackie

WARBURTON CITRUS fruits such as lemons are ready for picking when they are bright yellow or green/ yellow. While they continue to ripen after being picked, they must be riper than not.

A lemon tree producing only green lemons will need more sunlight to ripen them. It will have to be moved to a warmer spot.

There are going to be some heavy frosts coming up, so pick as many lemons so the frost doesn’t burn the skin and spoil them.

The more lemons picked, the more flowers and fruit the tree will produce next season.

Grapefruit are ripening and

cumquats are fruiting well right now and with the extra rain we’ve had, cumquats can be an ornamental evergreen shrub in the garden as well.

Try not to overwater citrus in the winter as it doesn’t like wet feet and it may prove fatal.

A glut of lemons can be used in a variety of ways; I like to have preserved lemons in a jar for adding to soups, stews and Mediterranean dishes.

Preserving any variety will work.

Pip and quarter as many lemons as can be squeezed into a jar and top up with a good tablespoon of salt and lemon juice.

Rotate jars for about four days or when the salt is starting to dissolve and leave for a minimum of three weeks in the fridge, when it will be ready for use. Preserved lemons will store for up to six months.

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not thaw out during the day. So it’s important not to dig frosted soil.

Wait until it has defrosted and is not so wet.

FERTILISING plants at this time of year is useless. With the soil temperature below 10 degrees, the plants can’t take up nutrients. A light foliar feed of seaweed solution would be beneficial for the soil and plants and only watering in the mornings to allow the foliage to dry before the cold weather sets in the evening.

WINTER is a good time to take hardwood cuttings of deciduous plants and woody trees that have lost their leaves. That is, plants such as Wisteria, grapevines and figs.

Hardwood cuttings are brown stems cut into sections about 15-30 centimetres long. Cut the top above to a node and cut the bottom close to the bottom node. The stem should have at least 4-6 nodes in total.

Dip the cuttings in hormone gel, honey or even Vegemite.

Bundle a bunch of cuttings and place in a smallish pot with potting media. Use specific propagating media, worm castings or seed raising mix that doesn’t have any fertiliser in the mix.

Once potted they don’t need a lot of care, just a sheltered

spot in the garden away from direct sunlight. Some cuttings can strike better with a little warmth underneath and using a heat pad or a simple frame cover of a plastic bag over the pot can help. The strike rate can be a little slow, so keep moist but not wet.

This is a good way of propagating trees that have spectacular autumn foliage, such as smoke trees and Chinese pistachio. Only take cuttings from male trees as they don’t have seed pods when they mature that attract cockatoos and destroy top growth of trees.

CORAL Bells (or heuchera) can be divided now and replanted to make more plants.

Their variety of foliage shapes and colours are endless and provide a ground cover with a difference.

They have delicate pink/white flowers in the spring and periodically flower through to summer. Colours range from lime to burgundy and many shades of green as well as variegated.

They like a cool, shaded spot to grow well and are good for hanging baskets, rockeries and shady gardens.

There are more of Jackie Warburton’s gardening columns at citynews.com.au or emal jackwar@home.netspeed. com.au

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WEEKLY HOROSCOPE Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

PUZZLES General knowledge crossword No. 837

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You’re keen to rush things and speak bluntly but don’t barge in with Full Moon guns blazing! If you do, then you could end up smack bang in the middle of a fiery argument. It is a suitable week to tackle domestic and professional projects. Just make sure you finish details properly before you embark on exciting new ventures.

Your motto is from birthday great, philosopher Henry David Thoreau: “Haste makes waste, no less in life than in housekeeping.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

This week the Full Moon activates your adventure zone. Plus Mars and Uranus (which are transiting through your sign) urge you to jump out of your comfort zone, shake off bad habits, embrace opportunities and fast-track changes. It’s time to view transformation as terrific, rather than terrifying! Be inspired by birthday great, actor Harrison Ford (who turns 80 on Wednesday): “We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance.”

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GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Venus is vamping through your sign, which boosts your Gemini charisma and sense of fun. So it’s a wonderful week to turn up the charm and call in a few old favours. However, too much happy hilarity (and no action) will just annoy others (who are doing all the work). So try to walk your talk. The weekend is a good time to make a splash on social media or learn something new. But resist the urge to be the neighbourhood nosey-parker and spread salacious gossip.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

The Sun and Mercury are both moving through your sign, which boosts your creativity … and your moodiness. And there’s a Full Moon in your relationship zone on Wednesday night. Time to look after loved ones, and nurture your inner self via meditation, contemplation and relaxation. Your quote for the week is from fellow Crab, actress Selena Gomez: “I’m such a Cancer. I feel everything so intensely, which is one of my favourite things about myself.”

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

The more stubborn (or arrogant) you are, the more likely you’ll get drawn into an argument, either in person or online. And do you sometimes feel stuck in a mindnumbing rut? It’s a wonderful week to rev up your usual routine. Be a bold and brave Lion, as you turf your daily timetable and go on a spontaneous adventure. Be inspired by birthday great, writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau: “Rise free from care before the dawn and seek adventures.”

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Mercury (your ruling planet) and the Sun pair up in moody Cancer, so your obsessive/compulsive side could crank up and take over. However, if you sweat the small stuff, you’ll end up feeling tired and emotional (and exhausted) by the end of the week. Perhaps it’s time to de-stress, as you sample a session of meditation or try a spot of yoga? You might just enjoy it! Wednesday is fabulous for matters involving work, business and finance.

Down

1 What is a downhill skiing race over a winding course with artificial obstacles? (6) 8 Which expression describes unbelievers? (8) 9 To have a rank, unpleasant, stale smell or taste, is to be what? (6) 10 Name an historic province in SE France. (8) 11 To cite as pertinent or conclusive, is to do what? (6) 12 To be close, is to be what? (4) 13 How does a reptile move its body? (5) 16 What is a place where any action occurs? (5) 19 Members of which race are now widely spread in Asia and Africa? (4) 21 What is a book size determined by printing on sheets folded to form eight leaves? (6) 22 Which radioactive chemical element occurs in pitchblende? (8) 23 What, colloquially, is an habitual hotel drinker?

(3,3) 24 Name an impairment in reading ability. (8) 25 What are rough, coarse, or uncouth persons called?

(6)

2 Who swam the Hellespont nightly, to visit his sweetheart, Hero? (7) 3 What is a discourse delivered before an audience? (7) 4 Which mound marks the site of prehistoric human habitation? (6) 5 What are junior lifesavers known as? (7) 6 What was the given name of a NSW Premier 1976-86, ... Wran? (7) 7 Name an alternative term for perfume. (7) 13 What do we call those who lack courage? (7) 14 Which term describes rapturous delight? (7) 15 Which Native American peoples now live mainly in Oklahoma? (7) 17 Name the inflammation of a mucous membrane, especially of the respiratory tract. (7) 18 Name a Welsh actor, dramatist and composer, Ivor ... (7) 20 What is the former name of India's largest city, Mumbai? (6)

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Expect some tension as the Full Moon stirs up old grievances with a family member or a work colleague. By all means use your natural diplomatic skills to help smooth troubled waters. If you sit back and let others make decisions, then you’ll just feel powerless. So strive to be more self-sufficient. Getting the ratio right between your public and private lives is an ongoing challenge. But if anyone can juggle complex commitments, it’s a well-balanced Libran!

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SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

This week you’ll be given the chance to heal an old emotional wound or patch up a relationship problem. Don’t let false Scorpio pride stop you from taking a leap forward when it comes to love and forgiveness. Accept the opportunity gratefully, with outstretched hands and an open heart. Neighbourhood activities and international connections are favoured mid-week, when the Full Moon encourages you to be community-minded, curious and kind.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

The focus is on financial matters, as the Full Moon and Mercury stir up your spontaneous spending gene. Which is OK – as long as you have the cashflow to fund a shopping spree. If you don’t, then you’ll have to entertain yourself in more frugal ways. Finances and friends are a particularly messy mix, so strive to keep the two well-separated. Your motto for the week is from birthday great, writer Henry David Thoreau: “Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.”

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CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Wednesday night’s Full Moon is in your sign. So relationship dramas are likely, unless you can slip out of fussy Capricorn control-freak mode and, instead, try the gentle art of compromise. Other people are acting as a mirror, reflecting back negative personal traits that you may have been unaware of. So use these experiences to work on your weaknesses – and build on your strengths. As always, calm cooperation is the key to interpersonal harmony.

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Solutions – June 30 edition Sudoku hard No. 318

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

You could bump into an old friend, discover long-forgotten love-letters, or reconnect with a former flame. But are you living in Pollyanna Land? Just remember – memories are so seductive because they’re so selective. You intuitively know what is right for you, even though you may appear confused to others. Welcome to Planet Pisces! Don’t let loved ones (from the past or present) push you around or persuade you to do something you don’t believe in.

Solution next edition

Crossword No. 836

Bohemian Aquarians are free spirits and you could go missing in action this week, as the Full Moon boosts your tendency to detach or run away from difficult situations. Heading for the hills or escaping into a private fantasy land seems appealing but the current problems will still be waiting when you return. So you need to get the balance right between dealing with daily challenges when they occur, and retreating into your own wild and wacky inner world.

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