CityNews 221215

Naughty or nice?

KEEPING UP THE ACT shares the Christmas wishes of local pollies

Son, Santa’s real busy, I’m just standing in ANTONIO DI DIO

Choose to believe, the magic follows KATE MEIKLE Why the Scrooges turned to the law HUGH SCROOGE

Putting a real punch into Christmas parties RICHARD CALVER

Gotta love the scent of Christmas lilies

JACKIE WARBURTON

By Belinda STRAHORN

PETS should never be an impulse purchase, or a surprise Christmas gift, the RSPCA is warning.

Unless you want a loving friend for life, Michelle Robertson RSPCA ACT CEO is urging Canberrans not to buy animals as gifts this Christmas.

“Please don’t buy an animal as a gift for someone without having those peo ple involved because it’s not a small commitment,” she said.

“The people who care for that ani mal have to be able to care for it over the course of that animal’s life.

“It’s a financial commitment, it’s a time commitment and a lifestyle com mitment, it’s not a spur-of-the-moment thing.”

Each year, when people realise they are not capable of raising animals given to them as Christmas gifts, they surrender them.

Robertson said September and October were peak times for unwanted pets to be abandoned or surrendered for adoption in the ACT.

“We don’t see it in January, but in September and October we start seeing those cute puppies or kittens that are no longer little and may have become destructive or too hard to han-

fering with starvation in the ACT.

Robertson said at least one emaciated dog a day came into the care of the animal welfare agency over a period of one week in October.

“Every single day our inspectors brought an emaciated dog in, and that was incredibly unusual,” she said.

“One starving dog is one starving dog too many, but seeing so many was very concerning and it weighed very heavily on us.”

It’s a timely reminder for people not to purchase dogs as gifts unless they have factored in the financial, mental and physical impact of caring for a pet.

“We understand that there are a lot of hardships mentally and financially, but we can’t have our pets being the ones that pay the price,” Robertson said.

“We do see dogs in a really bad condition, and that’s really hard for our team.”

Since the pandemic, the RSPCA has seen a greater incidence of pets being surrendered with behavioural prob -

lems arising from not being socialised.

“Covid has really changed the trend lines a lot,” Robertson said.

“We see more dogs and cats when their behaviour starts to become more challenging, when they haven’t been well socialised or where there has been disruptions to routines with people going back to work.

“So our surrender lists are really full with people saying they want to surrender their animals because of those behavioural issues.”

People still thinking about opening their home to a furry friend this

Christmas should do their research first, Robertson said.

“We need people that can look after an animal properly for the lifetime of that animal,” she said.

“So, if you have the physical, mental and lifestyle means and you really want to adopt a member of the family please come see us.”

A more cost effective alternative for people wishing to acquire a family pet may be to approach an animal shelter rather than a pet shop.

“Adopt, don’t shop,” said Robertson.

“If it’s not an impulse decision and it’s something you have been thinking about, our shelter is full so please come and save an animal because we have some beautiful pets that need a good home.”

Robertson said if people are looking to give something back this festive season, offering to volunteer at the RSPCA or an animal shelter would be an ideal gift.

“Volunteer or make a donation in someone’s name,” she said.

“We have a program called the Guardian Angel program where you can become a guardian angel of the animals that will spend Christmas and New Year with us so please do that, or donate to a rescue group in the ACT.”

RSPCA ACT can be contacted on 6287 8100.

RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson… “If it’s not an impulse decision and it’s something you have been thinking about, our

The cops aren’t breath testing like they used to

THAT’S the sound of the stable door banging in the summer breeze. The drunken horse is long gone.

Despite December being deemed the party month for targeting drunk and drugged drivers, the cops aren’t breath testing like they used to.

The road toll is in record-deaths territory. Young, innocent people are dead, victims of drug-driving idiots, and our government is deaf to the petitions and public grieving of broken parents.

But, come on, for the Treasurer, it’s not all bad. Traffic infringement revenue more than doubled last year to almost $61 million, thanks in large part to the bloody mindedness of the 40km/h speed limit on Northbourne Avenue and other parts of Civic. It’s so successful, it’s taking them more than a year in some cases to get around to processing the fines. What a disgrace.

Then there’s the extra $33.9 million in revenue from speed cameras last year.

But to piss on their parade, here are some sobering RBT numbers: there were fewer than 14,000 random breath tests conducted in 2021/22. By contrast, almost 98,000 tests were conducted in 2018/19 and a record 144,256 in 2013/14. The numbers come via the NRMA, which is calling for a significant increase in RBT to save lives. There’s that stable door banging again.

The police are coming off a low base when they told us this past week that this year’s

have to wonder what the number might have been had they been breath testing like before.

“The number of RBT have plummeted 10-fold since 2013/14 while the percentage of positive returns has increased five-fold over the same period – this trend has to They’d like to see the police adopt the

best-practice model of 1.1 tests per licence holder. Based on 2021 figures this would require almost 360,000 tests a year. Makes

YOU’D like to hope the “publisher” of the loss-making “Canberra Weekly” would be better at journalism than accounting. He’s not. The paper rose phoenix-like in August than $2 million including $1.2 million to its printer and $600,000 to the ATO, which is really you and me) to a new one, beyond the reach of its creditors (which includes you and me), under the very same ownership . We have no update on whether, as the director, he’s being investigated by ASIC or the ATO, but

Anyway, the paper appears so journalistically challenged that it had Nick pictured large as life in its most recent edition sitting , the subject of the bean counter’s adoring and unquestioning three-page “Meet the Chief” exclusive suck up. One wonders, once the pressure was off “the chief”, if they swapped

Canberra Writers Centre’s name change to Marion, I asked readers for some singlename suggestions for the ACT government. This week, the appropriately named Chris Wordsworth suggested “Dorothy” as a one-word descriptor for the government, “searching for a way out of the land of Green smoke and mirrors run by the great and powerful Oz.”

Meanwhile, my irrepressible Phillip snout, who clearly doesn’t have enough to do, has come up with these gems: “Buckleys” for the emergency department of Canberra Hospital; “Pinocchio” for the accounting department overseeing the costing for stage two of the tram and, for the Treasury department charged with returning the ACT Labor/ Greens budget to surplus, “Neverland”. He finishes with a flourish from the Old Jokes Home: I got myself a termite as a pet. I named him Clint.

Clint Eatswood.

AND still they come. A couple of weeks

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

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C’mon Chris, what’s the real state of the trees?

SEEMS every year the subject of the city’s trees comes around as a Christmas topic.

Neighbourhood trees have been decorated to shine at night as well as some more elaborate pieces in our shops and malls.

Canberra should be known not only as the Bush Capital, but also as the city that looks after its trees. It used to be that way. At Christmas time this city should be celebrating its trees, its grasslands and its biodiversity.

Then again, that may not be appropriate given the terrible record of ACT Greenslabor of looking after the greenery and biodiversity of the city. No-one wants to boast about the government’s successful de-greening programs.

Not too many years ago Caroline Le Couteur, former ACT Greens MLA, challenged her own government colleagues about the declining number of trees in Canberra.

She published devastating statistics on how the trees were not being cared for. She stated that, according to 2012 statistics, 40,000 trees were required to fill the gaps and that at least an extra 7000 new trees were needed every year on top of normal tree-planting programs. With the city’s average tree canopy less than 20 per cent, a lot had to be done.

Since then there’s been an-

Greenslabor has been doing about the canopy and the number of trees. The outcome has been loads of worthy sounding rhetoric and photo-ops standing around trees. Last month we had a long media statement from Chris Steel, minister for verges and other stuff, boasting about how his government had planted 18,000 trees in 2021-2022 – exceeding their own target of 10,000.

Of course, his statement sounded totally believable – to the gullible. There were quotes from other sources, policy statements and dot points about strategies that this

For some reason, Steel’s spin writers neglected to provide the net statistics on the state of trees in Canberra in 2022. There was no reality check. They overlooked listing the number of trees that died during this time, those marked for replacement due to age, stress and lack of care, and those vanquished from land cleared for new housing and on land in established suburbs bulldozed for redevelopments. The land clearing is continuing by the ACT government courtesy of Housing ACT. Old-growth trees are being removed.

Le Couteur, now retired, must

For some reason, Steel’s spin writers neglected to provide the net statistics on the state of trees in Canberra in 2022. There was no reality check.

be smiling to know that thanks in part to her efforts, this Greenslabor government is paying some attention to the care of the city’s trees.

Amazingly, it took a decade or more of this lot being in government for them to see benefits of trying to catch up on the number of trees and the total tree canopy – and on the levels of biodiversity. There is still a long way to go to catch up, to get ahead of climate change and to have 30+ per cent canopy in all the suburbs – old and new. The question still wilfully being ignored is how this government is going to retrofit the heat-island suburbs of the last decade. Caroline, where are you?

Steel and his Greenslabor colleagues should stop patting themselves on the back over the number of trees planted recently. Instead, we

need an update, a reality check and more honesty. This ACT government could provide a nice gift for Christmas by being transparent about the real state of the city’s trees and green infrastructure.

Being summer in this part of the world, residents in all suburbs in Canberra should have access to tree-lined streets, suburban blocks with gardens, shrubbery and shade trees – to put their decorations on.

Such settings are great for sitting outside enjoying the holidays and having time out – with the Christmas lights beaming away. Trees are wonderful. People would like to know how things are going with all our trees.

Christmas is definitely a time to be jolly, to enjoy our neighbourhood trees, and to admire our decorations and those Christmas trees. Merry Christmas to “CityNews” readers –have fun out there and stay safe.

Paul Costigan is a commentator on cultural and urban matters.

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

If you choose to believe, then the magic follows

KATE MEIKLE has been fielding curly questions from believers who have the smarts to start querying a few of the more confusing elements about Santa.

“Mummy, how old is Santa?”

“Mummy, does Santa die?”

“Mummy, I just don’t understand – how does Santa deliver all the presents in one night? Do you think the elves help?”

HERE are a few of the questions I have fielded since the kids and I put up our Christmas tree.

At age eight and six, we certainly have two ardent believers in our house, but now the kids have the smarts to start querying a few of the more confusing elements about Santa – his mortality, multi-tasking abilities and don’t mention the shopping-centre Santas who, for the record, aren’t quite the real deal; they’re more like the big guy’s helpers on the ground. In case anyone is wondering!

My answers to the kids’ questions usually have the same vague theme: “I don’t really know, it’s all very magical. You have

to choose to believe in the magic.”

It’s a magical time of the year, for sure, especially with little ones eagerly writing their wish lists and counting down the days.

My children are finally old and tall enough to pretty much construct and decorate the tree by themselves – gone are the days that we had to put all the nice ornaments up high away from little toddler fingers.

One Christmas, when my son was almost two, we had to put a playpen around the tree to maintain it and the baby’s safety!

It’s always a frenzied, tiring time of year but as I get a few more Christmases under my belt as a mum of two, I feel more settled in what our family’s traditions are and what Christmas means to us. I love this time of year. Always have!

I love hearing my kids recount the excitement of discovering the cubby house that Santa delivered (with the help of the elves) into our backyard two years ago. How they spotted the cubby house while eating breakfast on Christmas morning and how they ran outside to see the big surprise.

My then six-year-old son exclaimed: “Wow! Santa, you are the best Santa ever!” while he raced to check out the cubby.

I love how they never noticed why their dad was missing most of Christmas eve that year and never clocked Uncle Simon sneaking out of the backyard with his tool box. They were never aware of dad’s sore back the following days, either!

Creating classic memories that

become family folklore for years to come is why I feel Christmas is so magical. Yes, it’s expensive, draining and stressful in the lead up, but moments like the joy of embracing my two nieces last Christmas when they were finally able to travel home from Singapore was the best present ever.

My mum told me the story of when she was a little girl. She distinctly remembers hearing bells ringing and sounds on the roof as she was snuggled in bed on Christmas Eve.

She was certain that it was Santa arriving on his sleigh and she said she shut her eyes tight and fell asleep, safe and excited in the knowledge that he had “been” but she needed to be asleep for the magic to happen.

The story of when nanna heard sleigh bells on the roof has now been retold to my kids with wide eyes.

And, of course, they have been asking my mum loads of questions.

“It’s all very magical,” is her reply.

WANT TO GIVE YOUR CONCRETE SURFACE A NEW LEASE OF LIFE?

Parents share son’s art to paint message of despair

By Belinda STRAHORN

AN exhibition celebrating the life and work of a Canberra artist who took his own life, hopes to highlight the need for improvements within the ACT’s mental health system.

“Weird Years”, on show at Smith’s Alternative until late January, showcases 15 original artworks by emerging artist Ravi Madan, 23, who died by suicide in April last year.

Following Ravi’s death, his parents Leigh Watson and Ashish Madan have campaigned for changes to the territory’s mental health system.

They hope exhibiting their son’s work will shine a light on the need for improved support for young people following a suicide attempt.

“The exhibition is two-fold. It’s a celebration of our son’s art, but it’s also a vehicle for our advocacy work,” said Leigh.

“Since Ravi passed we have been very active behind the scenes, rattling the chains, and advocating the government, the community sector, service providers and peak bodies on how we can improve the system.”

Ravi’s parents tried in vain to get

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“We felt Ravi didn’t get the proper care he needed, and so he took his life in April.”

Although overwhelmed with grief

at the tragic loss of their son to mental health, Ravi’s parents resolved that night to work towards making changes to the system that failed their son.

“The night Ravi died we both thought this was something we could do. The frustrations were there all the time. We didn’t just suddenly say, we are angry, let’s blame the government,” Leigh said.

“We have redirected all our energy into the work we are doing to improve the system.”

Of greatest concern to Ravi’s parents during their son’s battle with mental illness was the lack of dedicated support services for patients who had attempted suicide, and were being discharged from hospital.

“There’s no support structures in place to actually hold someone’s hand who is going through this because when you are mentally unwell you are not in the right frame of mind to make the right decisions for yourself,” said Ashish.

“There is nobody to help take responsibility for someone who is so unwell that they try to take their own life.”

The lack of clear communication was deeply troubling his parents who felt completely in the dark over what was happening.

“When Ravi was released into our care following a suicide attempt it was what was really difficult, and no one would talk to us or tell us what was

wrong with him, and what we needed to do to support him,” said Leigh.

“It was like a ticking time bomb. There was no way to diffuse it all.”

One recommendation Ravi’s parents are calling on the ACT government to adopt is for a dedicated caseworker to be assigned to a young person hospitalised due to a suicide attempt.

“That caseworker would turn up at the emergency department and establish a relationship with the young person, and would work with them to identify what that person needs to get better,” said Leigh.

Another recommendation is a support worker for the family to help them better understand and navigate the mental-health system.

“The third recommendation is that all this comes together in case management, so there’s a shared understanding between the providers, the young person and the family to help get them better,” said Leigh.

Ravi’s parents remember their son as a person with a bubbly personality and a promising artist.

“He was a lovely kid, very cute, very charming, he loved people, and he wanted to be an artist,” Leigh said.

“Weird Years”, which exhibits 15 pieces of Ravi’s work, was curated by his close friend Brooke Neilson.

If this article has caused any concern, call Lifeline on 131114.

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ANDREW FREER Principal JO TWIBLE Principal DES MOORE Principal

Examples of Ravi Madan’s artwork on show at Smith’s Alternative.

It was the best of times and the worst of times

“IT was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity”.

Charles Dickens’ reflection, in the opening paragraph of “A Tale of Two Cities”, effectively describes the management of our health.

On the best of times, the Canberra Hospital was finally accredited and the restrictions from the pandemic lifted. People have been able to gather together, to travel widely and to make healthy connections. The government in the ACT has invested in protection, prevention and health promotion.

However, regarding the worst of times, the pandemic is not over. Last week marked a thousand days since the pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is still rampant. Incredulity regarding the importance and efficacy of vaccines, the challenge to election outcomes internationally, and the role of government generally, have cast a dark shadow over the broader health of the population.

Wisdom was displayed by Canberrans in electing David Pocock and Katy Gallagher to the Senate while rejecting the ultra-conservative policies of Zed Seselja. Wisdom was

displayed in rejecting Scott Morrison and electing the very effective Andrew Leigh along with Alicia Payne and David Smith.

Some effort has been made to keep people healthy such as the program for babies in the first one thousand days. Federally, there is commitment to an Australian Centre for Disease Control. Hopefully, following consultation, to be a Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, it was also an age of foolishness as half-baked measures and actions have allowed the pandemic to keep spreading. Foolishness has been seen in the cutting of hospital budgets and consequent increases in waiting times.

Although the Canberra Hospital has been accredited, this is the year in which youngsters have died when lives ought to have been saved. The most recent report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare paints a damning picture where the ACT median emergency department (ED) wait time was 47 minutes. The national median is 20 minutes and in NSW it is 14 minutes.

Shadow health minister Leanne Castley pointed out that “this is the fifth year in a row that Canberra has recorded the worst ED wait times in the country”.

“Each year the Labor-Greens government tells Canberrans that they are implementing new models

and reviewing their practices, yet they continue to languish at the bottom of the list for ED performance in the country,” she said.

Ms Castley was scathing about the “more than 3300 Canberrans leaving ED without being seen because of excessive wait times”. She suggested the “Labor-Greens government has not been able to deliver reliable assistance to patients who require urgent and specialised care for the community since 2017-18”.

At the Federal level, the Grattan Institute has identified that Medicare is no longer fit for purpose. The “feefor-service” model of care in general practice is not suitable for chronic conditions that impact on so many Australians. Failures of the primary care sector add pressure to hospitals.

It is now 40 years since the introduction of Medicare and the Grattan report recommends changing how doctors work and are paid. According to Grattan, it is time to replace a system that rewards doctors for “quick consultations”.

Looking into next year, the pandemic will loom large. On the worst of things, there are a million COVID-19 cases every day worldwide with 5000 fatali-

ties. On the best of things, the fatality rate has fallen now from the original 6 per cent to 2 per cent a year ago and now to 1.03 per cent. A combination of immunisation and useful treatment has been a huge benefit to many people. The last few years have been an odyssean journey. However, there is the hope for better things ahead. The pandemic may still be raging, but for those who are fully vaccinated and those able to access antiviral drugs hope remains.

According to Dickens: “It was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us”. Dickens began his book as both the optimist and the pessimist. In Canberra it is a time to bury the pessimism and look forward with optimism.

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

Canberra Hospital... Foolishness has been seen in the cutting of hospital budgets and consequent increases in waiting times.

It is now 40 years since the introduction of Medicare and the Grattan Institute report recommends changing how doctors work and are paid, replacing a system that rewards doctors for ‘quick consultations’.

The suite life calls for an exclusive few residents

WARRIGAL has launched its five Executive Suites, offering a premium service to Queanbeyan residents or those looking to relocate to the area.

The Executive Suites were developed to combine luxury with support, in an innovative approach to aged care, says Warrigal CEO Jenni Hutchins.

“With superior appointments, the new, high-end and highly-exclusive suites come with an array of inclusions to set them apart from other aged-care offerings,” she says.

“The suites enjoy both privacy and comfort right at the doorstep of Warrigal’s Queanbeyan services, allowing residents to feel supported right at home.”

Jenni says each premium offering features its own separate bedroom, private ensuite and own living room, including a private kitchenette with appliances and ample storage.

In addition, residents also have access to community spaces within easy reach at the Warrigal Queanbeyan care home. A variety of sitting nooks, lounges, cafes, wellness centres, and a hairdressing salon are a stone’s throw away from the Executive Suites, providing an all-inclusive luxury lifestyle.

“These Executive Suites in Warrigal Queanbeyan are so much more than just apartment living. Buyers will be part of an intentional community where customer choice is enabled through exceptional customer service,” she says.

“It includes residents-only amenities that support

the enhancement of customers’ lifestyle, choice and wellness. It’s more like a private club, and a very exclusive one at that.”

“Buyers can take great comfort knowing they’ll be living with like-minded individuals. There’s definitely some perks that come with growing older and being able to live here is one of them.”

On the back of winning National Provider of the Year in 2021, Warrigal has further established its success in the aged-care industry by being named the state winner of the Excellence in Large Business award at the 2022 NSW Business Awards. Rewarded for its continued display of commitment to older people, innovative service options, and outstanding customer service, Warrigal is a trusted service provider at 14 locations across NSW and the ACT.

“The Queanbeyan Executive Suites are an extension of this success, as they bring this premium offer to the Canberra and Queanbeyan market,” says Jenni.

“Warrigal has been operating in Queanbeyan since 2019, following the development of its new Residential Care Home located on Canberra Avenue. Beside this care home is an idyllic community village, picturesque with its white picket fences and well-maintained gardens, and offering an engaging support network with friendly neighbours and Warrigal services.”

With one of the Executive Suites already sold, Warrigal is urging those interested to get in quickly before they sell out.

Obligation-free tours are available at 10am every Friday, bookings are essential. Call 0436 864803 for more.

‘There’s definitely some perks that come with growing older and being able to live here is one of them’

Here’s cheers to the good life… dining in at Warrigal Queanbeyan.

All the comforts of home… at Warrigal. Courtyard comfort at Warrigal Queanbeyan.

Exclusive: why the Scrooges turned to law

I DON’T like Charles Dickens.

Dreadful man. Let me tell you why.

My family, the Scrooges, have been prominent in our community for generations. We were prominent, are prominent, because of our wealth, our cost-cutting skills and our admirable tax-minimisation schemes.

My ancestor, Ebenezer, about whom Dickens wrote an awful tale as being in need of redemption, was quite as adaptable as today’s mega-rich.

Just as they set up tax-effective charities so as to have their good works paint a patina over excess wealth, so Ebenezer used “just-intime” Christmas-time generosity to rebrand his business image.

Ghosts past, present and future, are just Dickens being Dickens – figments of his overactive imagination.

Ebenezer was so astute that he recognised that a shining wall of respectability was a far better way to acquire and keep wealth than his business dealings.

His insights are why the Scrooges turned to the law more than a century ago. There are rich pickings, be it feast or famine in the rest of the economy.

We don’t have a public motto, but our unofficial one is, “Let your greed be our guide”. It’s our secret sign.

You’ll find us in tax havens, special economic zones, in CBDs where the multinationals have naming rights

over the biggest, shiniest buildings, and even in public administration centres, where we have persuaded the public servants that commercial lawyers and litigators should be welcomed inside the tent of power.

Our trojan horse is so much more subtle, and effective, than the original. We can “enter the gates” even while we remain outside, such is the power of AVL.

We have guiding principles that we share with our sympatico clients.

Among the varied definitions for “principles”, we Scrooges subscribe to this one: “A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behav-

iour or for a chain of reasoning”.

Note that this definition avoids any overt “love-thy-neighbour” nonsense such as Dickens wanted Ebenezer to embrace. “To thy own self be true” sits nicely alongside this definition.

Our first guiding principle is a “win-win” for us and our clients. It is, “maximise the return on every dollar and every minute spent”.

Our second guiding principle is “inflict pain, early, often and in increased quantum as time passes”. Put another way, their pain causes our pleasure.

Our third is “never apologise, never repent”.

Let me share with you

some samples of how we get and stay rich at everyone else’s expense.

Those multimillion corporate fines from government regulators that drive down shareholder dividends, replenish the government granaries, but leave the responsible directors with everything except their annual bonus: we’re there from the outset, on all sides, giving advice in chargeable six-minute units.

Class actions provide the same opportunities, but this time the canvas is a crowded scene, like a Bruegel market. We fund from so many of those in the market, take a big chunk of the payout, and distribute what’s left over to those who put their trust in us.

Gullible readers of Dickens’ story will remember the clerk Bob Cratchit and his grievously ill son Tiny Tim.

Today’s Scrooges employ a surfeit

of new law graduates each year. We watch them fight among themselves – Cratchits scratching – so that only the fittest survive into the second and later years. Naturally, those survivors acquire our values and principles. They learn that to give a little one must take a lot.

Oh, how we love Christmas. Blessed are we who receive the texts and emails for urgent billable action in the New Year.

The Twitter dove that seems to be in free fall – what a bonanza for we Scrooges everywhere. It’s like Robodebt and financial scandals – the gifts that keep on giving.

How to contact us? Look under any letter of the alphabet. Please do get in touch if you have funds to burn or a passion to fight on principle no matter what the cost. Happy Christmas!

Hugh Selby is a recently retired barrister who enjoyed appearing in criminal jury trials and teaching about them.

John Leech’s 1843 illustration of Scrooge being visited by “Marley’s Ghost”.

My ancestor, Ebenezer, about whom Dickens wrote an awful tale as being in need of redemption, was quite as adaptable as today’s mega-rich.

Youth Dance Ensemble

DANCE WITH US.

Major Performances with professional dance artists

Creative Development Programs Training Programs

More info: QL2.ORG.AU

DANCE WITH US.

Major Performance Projects Training Programs

• Quantum Leap Youth Ensemble (14-26 yrs-old) - create a new dance work, contribute your ideas, add your voice, work with industry leaders and choreographers from around Australia, perform on the Canberra Theatre Playhouse stage. Auditions in November each year. Rehearsals Jan-May. Performance season in May.

• Chaos Project (8-18 yrs-old) - create a new dance work, connect and share with other young people, work with professional choreographers, perform at the Canberra College Theatre. Auditions in August. Rehearsals Sept-Oct. Performance season Term 4 week 1

• YGen to IGen - an intergenerational project in partnership with Australian Dance Party

• Festivals & Touring - Australian Youth Dance Festival, Meet Up, DaCI. Touring within Australia and overseas each year.

Creative Development Programs

Young Choreographers Programs

• Giant Steps (9-12 yrs-old) - create your own work with support from QL2 mentors. Rehearse and perform in June in our QL2 Theatre to family & friends.

• Stepping Up (11-14yrs-old) - create your own work with support from QL2 mentors. Rehearse and perform in August in our QL2 Theatre.

• Hot to Trot (Quantum Leapers) - Quantum Leapers create their own work with support from experienced mentors. Rehearsals Sept-Nov. Public performance season in our QL2 Theatre.

• On Course (Tertiary dance students) - Tertiary dance students return to create and perform their own work over 2 intensive weeks in Dec.

Our training programs are tailored to prepare our young artists physically and creatively for our performance projects and for tertiary study in dance should they wish to follow that path. Each program has a set schedule, from one to six classes per week, that includes some or all of the following classes depending on the number of classes per week in each program: Contemporary, Classical, Stretch & Conditioning and Yoga. Plus several workshops and masterclasses each year.

In our classes you will work on your technique as well as develop your creativity and collaboration skills in a caring and non-competitive environment. Our teachers are experienced working professional dance artists. Training programs for ages 5-26.

Lorna Sim Photography

Local winners who shone at Sydney awards night

Local businesswomen

– Kylie James and Victoria Pearce – have won two 2022 Altitude Awards.

Of the 12 award categories, 11 Canberra businesswomen were nominated across nine categories at the 10th awards night in Sydney earlier this month.

Founded by Andrea Turner-Boys, of Women With Altitude, the awards honour the achievements of everyday people across business, leadership and community sectors.

Empowering career women in their mid-life

KYLIE JAMES, owner, Kylie James Coaching, won the “On My Way Award”.

IN January last year, Kylie James turned away from her career in the public service to start her own coaching business.

She says her “successful and fulfilling 20-year career” in the corporate career had left her “burnt out and exhausted because I wasn’t living in alignment with my personal values.”

Kylie yearned for a role that made use of her “connection superpower”, embraced her “open-minded curiosity” and promoted “balance and rhythm in life”.

She opened Kylie James Coaching as “a thriving hub of men and women who want to springboard their careers, grow their businesses, or feel less stressed out.”

Kylie says she specialises in transition coaching, noting “change as the only constant in life”.

“I facilitate the journey of change by giving my clients the space to unpack every part of themselves without judgement and work towards sensible plans,” she says.

“Setting down the load, opening up in a safe space and collecting their thoughts

is the reprieve that keeps burnout and exhaustion at bay.”

Kylie aspires to “reinvent the modern-day workspace and empower women in their mid-lives.”

“Women in their mid-lives, between the ages 40 and 60, are in the prime of their lives,” Kylie says.

“But going through so many things at once, like menopause and workplace stress, makes the mid-life difficult.

“Mid-life women tend to struggle with their confidence and feel as if they are unseen and unheard.”

Kylie wants to empower women in their mid-lives to “go beyond what they think their limits are, explore what’s possible in life and embrace the challenges of the midlife, without feeling embarrassed, guilty or apologetic.”

Kylie James Coaching hosts “The Mid-Life Mayhem and Magic Community” Facebook group for women to come together and seek comfort through shared experience.

Kylie James Coaching, kyliejamescoaching.com.au

On awards night Victoria said: “Win ning a Brave Award is recognition of my determination to establish and build a centre of excellence for heritage conservation for Australia and overseas.

“This award is validation from women in business who, without exception, are extraordinary.

“Doing business in collaboration instead of competition delivers better equity and economic returns for all.”

Since the win, Victoria says she is now recognised locally as a leading businesswoman.

“I am internationally recognised for my work in heritage conservation, beginning as a textiles conservator, with further training in paintings conservation,” she says.

material as well as caring for complete collec tions, both public and private,” says Victoria.

“Conservators work to preserve what is important, helping us sustainably manage our assets so they can be sources of economic growth for the entire community.”

Victoria is an organiser of the National Endangered Skills and Trades Show, lobbying to reverse legislation preventing these professionals taking apprentices.

“Everyone has something they want to last forever, Endangered Heritage is making sure we have a past to build our future on.”

Endangered Heritage, Shop 8 Paragon Mall, 20 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6280 or visit endangeredheritage.com

Kylie James is a transition coach and people strategist who helps people increase their confidence so they feel valued, heard and seen in all areas of life.

Individuals can find a good rhythm between work and home life without feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.

Teams can have clarity on their role in delivering outstanding outcomes to their leaders, stakeholders and clients.

Leaders and Managers can understand and communicate what success looks like so their team is seen as trusted advisors and high performers.

• HR Practitioners can support their people and organisation.

Inspiring Change In-person and online 1:1 Coaching and Mentoring

Nine to Thrive Corporate Coaching Leadership Support and Strategy Coaching

The Mid-Life Mayhem and Magic Community FB community, group coaching program

Contact Kylie and book a free consultation today www.kyliejamescoaching.com.au

Phone: (02) 62806280

‘Who are you?’ photos become ‘Where are you?’

HUNDREDS of iconic

by the person themselves by holding a long shutter release, like an air-pressure bulb thing that you squeeze that pushes a button on the camera.”

work,” Orkin said.

“Life was moving on, too, I was a parent of a five-year-old at the time and got

“I was working a lot in indigenous communities and it became my interest to turn my intention and camera more inward into the community I lived in, and to do a bit of a reflective exercise of who we are and what

“It was kind of like an anthropological audit of my own community.”

The result were hundreds of black and white photographs capturing everything from lovers kissing, parade-goers in costumes, young families posing, a girl and her Shetland pony, and a man with a

Others show the fashions of the era; big hair, big sunglasses, Tooheys brewery T-shirts, beer cans and cowboy hats.

Orkin said that one image that stands out captures the quintessential Australian male of the time, with a handlebar moustache and very short shorts.

“The guy with the moustache in a paisley shirt standing next to his partner who has a

while wearing a Space Invaders mask.

The photographs taken during the Canberra Day parade capture the quirky side of people at that time, Orkin said.

“Many of the photographs, if you look at them and don’t know the full context of the parade you’d be wondering why are those people dressed like that?” Orkin said.

“It’s those photographs that mystify you, that surprise you and make you wonder that are my favourite.”

Orkin said the photographs reveal how much Canberra has changed from those times.

He concedes it is still very much a white, male-dominated society, but to a lesser extent that it was in the ‘80s.

“Demographically, Canberra has changed, it’s not as multiculture or as diverse as other parts of Australia, but it’s noticeably less monocultural and it’s still overwhelmingly white, middle class and well educated,” he said.

Orkin said people were far more willing to share personal images back then, and they

“Not that people are out to promote themselves, but the act of posting photograph after photograph of yourself and the activities you’re involved in there was nothing like that in 1985, and nor was the physiological framework for representing ourselves and protecting our identity.”

Orkin’s photographs featured in a recent exhibition “Picture Yourself”, held in Canberra.

He would love to hear from the people who featured in the photographs to learn more about them, and their lives in the intervening years.

“If people can identify themselves in the 70 odd photographs that feature in the exhibition or the book, they can contact me, and share their name, and I’ll print them a photo,” Orkin said.

A web page has been created to help Orkin identify the people in the exhibition photos at pictureyourself.picflow.com/catalogue

Photographer Gerry Orkin… “It was kind of like an anthropological audit of my own community.”

Another favourite image captures three children holding Calippos, one while wearing a Space Invaders mask.

“The shape of people’s sunglasses and how short the men’s shorts are speak of that particular moment in time,” says Orkin.

This is governance found in a banana republic

MINISTER Steel claims the government has shown an “unparalleled level of transparency” in relation to light rail. Hogwash!

The government has either largely ignored or given superficial responses to criticism.

A business case, including a comparison of alternatives has not been done. Its approach is the antithesis of transparent and accountable government.

The decision to proceed, no matter what the cost or level of benefit, does not indicate a “mature and responsible government”, but the governance found in a banana republic.

Mr Steel frames the opposition by the Liberals to light rail as “denying access to the same great public transport system and lifestyle that northsiders enjoy”. Yet a small proportion of northside residents live or work in proximity to light rail and need to rely on other means of transport, especially the car. Its extension will not improve the mobility of most Canberrans.

The government’s strategy to address the challenges of congestion, climate action and urban sprawl of focusing a significant proportion of growth around major transport corridors and improving the transport network will assist economic growth and diversification, sustainability and enhance liveability. It has not demonstrated light rail is needed to meet these challenges.

The benefits, in all probability, can be achieved at substantially lower cost by other means including the greater use of electric buses (with their own right of way on the inter-town public transport route), increased employment dispersal and increasing the coverage and frequency of the bus network.

It is likely the project, in diverting funds from major unmet needs, is reducing rather than enhancing liveability and sustainability.

The government in its promotion and development of light rail is guilty of deceptive and misleading conduct. It has not established its claims are true or accurate and has failed to provide the information needed for voters to make an informed decision. Goebbels would be proud.

Policy should be based on evidence not malarkey.

Mike Quirk, Garran

Electing a party that listens

I WOULD like to congratulate the ACT Liberals for finally making a stand and announcing their platform of banning the 19th century waste of our taxpayers’ money, ie the tram.

This stand makes it clear to most of the people of Canberra who they will be voting for in the next ACT election, the Liberals.

We have been reading in your paper about the couldn’t-care-less government that we’ve been stuck with for far too many years, so it is refreshing to look forward to electing a party that will listen to the people of Canberra.

Athol O’Hare, Kambah

Reform to improve council appointments

THE Heritage Minister has dissolved the ACT Heritage Council, and announced a comprehensive reform of heritage. This follows a review that highlighted issues impacting the Heritage Council’s performance (“Heritage Council sent packing into history”, citynews. com.au, December 7).

Nine of the Council’s 11 members were appointed by Heritage Ministers.

The Council has two ex-officio members.

The chief planning executive was appointed by the government. The conservator of flora and fauna was appointed by the chief planning executive.

The chief planning executive also chairs the Environment and Planning Forum. Three years ago he was invited to explain the contradiction between Notifiable Instrument 2012-622 and information that he had provided to Forum members. He responded by cancelling all Forum meetings for six months, on the grounds that the Forum “may no longer be fit for purpose.”

I hope that the reform will improve the quality of appointments to the Heritage Council.

Leon Arundell, Downer

Overseeing death of the detached family home

THE ACT government has abrogated that important responsibility of ensuring that housing is affordable for the average Canberran.

Their offer is, if you want affordable, live in an apartment (“ACT government drops families into debt mess”, CN November 24).

They have overseen the death of the detached family home. A major driver of this has been restricting the sale of detached blocks and changing zoning laws to savage

existing detached blocks.

The excuse is sustainability and affordability. The outcome has been the rapid increase in the per square metre cost of land – now over $1500 a square metre. You need to pay a lot more for a lot less.

At this land cost a family can’t build an affordable house on a detached 500 sqm block. For the government they get a lot more for each block and pushing up the per square metre value of land means greater rates take in the future. For the family, its living in a box where you can talk to the neighbour from your bathroom.

It would be interesting to crunch the numbers on what the input costs have to be to produce a detached affordable house for the average Canberra family – land and build. Because that’s what families want!

Ian Hubbard, via citynews.com.au

Minister apologises for late return

AS reported by Ian Meikle (“Seven Days”, CN December 8), ACT Arts Minister Tara Cheyne’s dramatic second act entrance was indeed one of the unexpected moments of the first production of Mill Theatre at Dairy Road.

The cast and crew of “The Torrents” will remember Ms Cheyne’s acting debut with affection in view of her handsome and unprompted follow-up apology.

I’m afraid in this instance, teething problems with a new and unconventional venue contributed to her dilemma. A unique aspect of the theatre is its setting among the restaurants and breweries of a very unusual precinct. We are still working through ways to ensure they can accommodate theatre patrons on time.

If we are to become the cultural capital of Australia, as per the Minister’s ambition, we need to learn how to entwine economies so theatre patrons, for example, can at the one time take in a culinary, social and theatrical experience.

Lexi Sekuless, Mill Theatre, Fyshwick

Fossil fuel-based products are in the past

VI Evans (Letters, CN November 17) declares she’s aware of the difference between the past and the future, and says that my comment on her earlier praise of fossil fuels and the plastics made from them failed to

suggest what might be used in place of those plastics.

No, I didn’t waste space providing lots of examples, as a simple Google or similar search discloses so many recent developments in bioplastics, etcetera, and several products currently being marketed in this area.

As the development and production of environmentally-friendly alternatives continues to mature, if we effectively recycled the fossil fuel-based plastics we have already produced, rather than discarding them into landfill and our oceans, there would be no need to continue producing new ones.

The time for fossil fuel-based products is indeed in the past and the sooner we stop producing them the better. Yes, their replacements need further development and those already on the market may currently cost more than their fossil fuel-based alternatives, but those are elements of the price we have to pay now to reduce the massive damage we have caused to our environment, ourselves and other living things as soon as possible.

John M Schmidt, Monash

How do we address climate change?

THERE have been innumerable words written and spoken about climate change and the threats it poses, including letters by Mike Quirk and Peter Lyons (CN December 8).

However, there have been much fewer words about how to address this increasingly intransigent problem; and addressing it has never been more urgent.

The first and most obvious step is to phase out as quickly as possible the burning of the fossil fuels that began the process of global heating and are still its primary cause. For many of us, this must happen in our lifetimes.

Second, the world must cease destroying forests (unless they were planted for timber production) and instead plant new trees, nature’s most effective carbon sequestration system.

Our transport systems must either become all-electric, with batteries charged by solar energy, or powered by hydrogen made using renewable energy electrolysers.

Many aircraft could also be electric or hydrogen powered, as prototypes have already shown to be feasible.

I could go on, but I think the message is clear.

Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

Luke Clews

Cartoon: Paul Dorin

advertising feature CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE The ultimate

Don’t panic, here’s a top guide to getting gifts sorted

From arty parties to all-ages theatre, flight simulators to fitness vouchers, “CityNews” has compiled the ultimate Christmas gift guide for this

Take a seat and share the gift of theatre

THE Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre – The Q – has just launched its 2023 season, says marketing officer Joel Horwood, featuring a line-up of plays, musicals, comedy, live music and entertainment for the kids.

Artistic director Jordan Best “has programmed an incredibly diverse array of shows for 2023”.

“There will be a show for every member of the family!,” he says.

“Whether it’s your eccentric aunt who loves risqué comedy, or your brother who considers himself a young Quentin Tarantino, we’ve got you covered.

“We have pivoted away from subscriptions towards an exciting new membership system,” says Joel.

“Give the gift of theatre,” he says, “and purchase a ‘Q Membership’ for your loved ones.

“For just $50, members benefit from special prices on our season shows, discounts at our theatre bars, prize draws, invitations to special events, and discounts from our friends in the neighbourhood.

“After a few years trapped at home, it’s time to start exploring all of the amazing entertainment options in our region.”

“From literary classics reimagined, to quirky

“Legacies”... at The Q, August 2-23.

cabaret and terrifying acrobatic stunts, there has never been a better time to return to the theatre and experience the magic of live performance at The Q.”

• “Prima Facie”, April 19.

• “Puffs”, May 11-20.

• “Legacies”, August 2-23.

• “Coil”, August 8-9.

The Q, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6285 6290 or visit theq.net.au

An artistic experience

THE Artists Shed has a selection of gifts and experiences for those looking to get in touch with their creative side, says owner Margaret Hadfield, including a range of her own and a selection from other artists.

“We have a huge variety of beautiful pieces for sale in the large gallery from $50 for original art.”

A new take off is “Margie’s Arty Painting Party”, providing “quality paint, some brushes and a creative space with a professional artist to guide you.”

Margaret says the “Arty Painting Party” allows members to let their hair down and enjoy “a lighthearted and colourful experience”.

As an award-winning artist, Margaret has decades of experience in “various mediums and can show you how easy it is to paint!”

The business also sells gift vouchers redeemable for beginner to advanced art classes and products.

Another speciality at The Artist’s Shed is Margaret’s hand-picked, quality art hampers, which she says are perfect

techniques.

“As a professional artist, I only pick good-quality materials that can help beginners achieve the vibrancy they’re looking for.”

Margaret has also been “delving into plein air painting” as “the wedding painter”.

The Artists Shed, Unit 1-3, 88 Wollongong Street. Call 0418 237766 or visit artistsshed.com.au

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE The ultimate

gifts for summer days, says Gillian

COLLEEN’S Lingerie and Swimwear has “the perfect gifts for summer days,” says owner Gillian Horton.

“Many of us spend our Christmas holidays at the beach or splashing around in a pool.”

She sells an assortment of swimwear and cover-ups including typical swimmers such as tankinis, one-pieces, swim dresses and rash vests.

SAVE a Bob or Two is a second-hand store providing “a little bit of everything” from knick knacks to large pieces, says owner Vic Seisun.

The store stocks household furniture, glassware, collectibles, artwork, pottery, books, lamps, records and, this year, Christmas decorations.

All of Vic’s stock is used, but in a good condition.

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

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

He highlights vintage, old-English tea sets and books as recent best sellers for gifts.

“But, everything has been going,” he says.

“Normally, we have a couple of particular items that go quick, but this time, everything is going!” says Vic.

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

“We’re trendy and inviting. The store is exciting and adventurous and we have many different collections for all our customers,” says Vic. Save a Bob or Two, Hawker Shopping Centre. Call 0448 164315 or visit saveabobortwo.com.au

Gillian also says the shop has more specialised mastectomy and underwire products.

To finish off a summer outfit, they offer a wide range of Cancer Council hats.

“Keep your loved ones covered with our gorgeous cover-ups and rash vests, both short and long sleeves,” Gillian says.

“These make great gifts for gardeners, walkers and anyone finding themselves out in the sun.”

Rash vests are also perfect, instead of a jacket, for cruising on cool summer nights, says Gillian.

Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear also offers bra fittings and a wide range of lingerie.

“What women don’t know is that anybody can come in and be fitted,” she says.

Since opening more than 20 years ago,the shop has expanded beyond its specialty post-breast surgery bras with sizes and styles that are hard to find.

“We cater for large cups, large backs, small cups and front-closing bras,” Gillian says.

“We have gift cards available in store and online.”

Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear, Shop 6, 22 Garran Place, Garran. Call 6285 1311 or visit colleens.com.au

Glasswork family making ‘beautiful’ Christmas gifts

GLASSWORK artist Matt Curtis started making “Crumple Vases” this year, because his youngest son Hugo started a traineeship at Canberra Glassworks.

“I wanted to work alongside him and it has been a lovely process,” says Matt.

“Vases are basically big, flat bub bles that allow you to distort it easily, so each piece is individual and it has been a lovely, fun process with Hugo.

“It is nice to see the colour transition too, from red at the top to a faded orange at the bottom.

“Hugo is doing well now, he has Christmas baubles displayed in the Canberra Glassworks shop, too.”

Matt is a visiting artist from Queanbeyan, and his wife, Harriet is also a glasswork artist.

“It is nice having a little glasswork family,” he says.

Matt says the glass at the Glassworks’ shop is made locally, and “you can feel the connection to the artists.”

“There are lots of skilled artists at Canberra Glassworks, who produce beautiful glass accessories,” he says.

“Glass gifts are good because they provide lovely colour and movement to a home.”

The Glassworks Shop has extended hours, 9am-5pm, between December 21 and December 23. Standard trading hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston. Call 6260 7005, or visit canberraglassworks.com

‘Perfect’

Matt Curtis, Crumple Vases and Glassworks Baubles.

Photo: Brenton McGeachie

Town and Country hat available at Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear.

Getting close-up and personal with animals

MORE hands-on than any zoo or park, Taralga Wildlife Park offers close-up and personal animal experiences, making it the perfect outing for the whole family, says owner John Stafford.

“Meet all our regular visitors’ favourites like Bridget the wombat,” he says.

“You’ll find Bridget wandering the grounds just waiting for a pat and some attention.

“Or get up-close to the friendship farm area that features rabbits, guinea pigs and sheep.”

The park also has numerous species of kangaroos and wallabies, including a spectacular white kangaroo with joey, more than 100 species of birds, including macaws, curlews, parrots, finches and endangered freckled ducks, as well as free-ranging peacocks.

With more than 50 exhibits featuring animals such as dingoes, deer, antelope, camels, llamas and alpacas, John says there are plenty of animals and birds to see and feed.

Visitors can make a day out of the park, too, finish ing it off at its cafe, which John says serves great coffee and cake or light lunch options until 3pm.

He says there’s also a good range of cafes and hotels in the area to enjoy a variety of food.

Taralga Wildlife Park is open 10am to 4pm, Thursday to Monday, and is open every day during Christmas holidays.

Taralga Wildlife Park, 257 Bannaby Road, Taralga. Call 0419 014540 or search Taralga Wildlife Park on Facebook.

Bridget the wombat with visitors at Taralga Wildlife Park.

says owner Trevor Vickers.

“Visitors get to operate a full-size replica of a Boeing 737-800 cockpit and can choose from 24,000 airports around the world to fly in or out of,” he says.

“There’ll be an instructor who’s there to point out what all the buttons and levers do and when to use them, but it’ll be you that’s doing the flying.

“Sometimes people want to fly over where they’ve been on holiday, others want to do things like fly under the Sydney Harbour Bridge – it’s all possible.”

He encourages people to try the new VR Paraglider which combines a real paraglider harness and controls linked to world-class professional training software.

“Participants can practice catching thermals, soar

over coastal dunes, or improve their accuracy at spot landings,” says Trevor.

Visitors have the opportunity for a more fast-paced, virtual reality experience called “ICAROS” which he describes as a “completely different way to fly”.

“The way it works is that you lie on a frame and shift your body weight to steer in the virtual world,” says Trevor.

“The sensation is more like flying with a wingsuit or like you’re Superman.”

Whether it’s flying a 737, soaring through a virtual world, or both, Trevor says there’s multiple booking options and gift certificates.

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra, 4 Montford Crescent, Lyneham. Visit jetflightsimulatorcanberra.com.au or call 0438 834026.

The Studio Pilates team from left, Tony, Tahni, Tammy-Jo and Holly.

A technological reboot for the old-school ‘Carol’

By Helen MUSA

HOLOGRAPHIC ghosts, original songs and Christmas carols are just a few of the extra Yuletide treats offered by shake ‘n’ stir theatre’s upcoming production of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”.

Shake ‘n’ stir has been knocking the socks off Canberrans and Queanbeyanites for years – think “Animal Farm,” Dracula” and “Jane Eyre” for starters, with “The Twits” coming to The Q next year, too.

When I catch up by phone to producer and actor Nick Skubij at the company’s home in Brisbane, I sense a certain amount of irritation over all the other “Christmas Carol” shows popping up around the country, not least one billed as “joyous and uplifting” at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne, based on a traditional West End show.

But shake ‘n’ stir theatre’s version, praised by “Broadway World” magazine, is in his modest opinion the best, and all the signs are that he’s quite right.

For the company’s strong history of adaptations and its use of innovative technology, plus the fact that the show has been around for five years in Brisbane, where they can’t

get enough of it, augurs well for this slightly darker “Carol”.

So popular is shake ‘n’ stir’s huge production that next year they’re going to do it with double cast so that they can play simultaneously and overseas arts centres are sniffing at it, including Dubai.

“We are a bit dirty on these other productions,” Skubij says. “Obviously they noticed we were on to a good thing and everyone wanted a slice of the ‘Christmas Carol’ pie, so now every man and his dog is doing it.”

Usually they play it around this time every

year in Brisbane, a bit like “The Nutcracker” in New York, and for that matter in Brisbane, where it vies with “A Christmas Carol” for venues.

Covid, it turns out, has been positive for the company, with a paucity of theatres at home opening the show up to touring, something he says they’ve been wanting to do for some time.

Skubij plays Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, “the unsung hero”.

“I tend to be consigned to those roles,” he says, explaining that Fred is the polar

GOLDILOCKS &

opposite of stingy Scrooge. Rather, he’s the epitome of the “typical Christmas guy”, obliged to visit Scrooge on Christmas Eve every year when he tries to encourage him to embrace the season, but always dismissed by the old miser with a wave of hand.

Until, of course, this particular Christmas when there is a kind of reconciliation between Scrooge and Fred at the end.

But it’s not his only role.

“There’s a cast of 10. We all play all sorts of different people… for instance, I play one of the Cratchit children, aged about nine or

10 and I pull it off convincingly,” Skubij says

The adaptation has been done by shake ‘n’ stir’s Nelle Lee, last here playing Jane Eyre, but Skubij says they all contributed to

“We wanted a big-scale, family production, something that families could get together watching, like Christmas movies, or ‘The Nutcracker… people love Christmas and the show caters to that, but it’s not at all old school, it’s wholesome, but it’s something a

“We wanted to remain in the world of Dickens, and be faithful to his feeling, but we’ve updated it with technology and projections, and holographic three-dimensional

The original music has been composed by Salliana Seven Campbell, who composed the score for “The Drover’s Wife” film, played live on stage with multi-layered instrumental sounds, including the old-fashioned sound of the hurdy gurdy to give it “an extra timbre”.

Audiences should expect incredible scenery, but the show is also “quite dark, with a bit of a thrill, like watching ‘Harry Potters’ when you’re a kid.”

“We are turning ‘A Christmas Carol’ on its head and repackaging it in a 21st century way,” he says.

“A Christmas Carol”, The Playhouse, December 20-24.

Nick Skubij as “the unsung hero” Fred…”I tend to be consigned to those roles.”

Photo: Dylan Evans

CIRCUS Circus of surprises and escapes

By Helen Musa

ILLUSIONIST Michael Boyd’s “Circus of Illusion” show, which astonished Canberra audiences last year before Omicron intervened, will be back at the Canberra Theatre in mid-January, and this time he feels optimistic that it won’t be interrupted.

“Circus of Illusion” recreates all the razzle-daz zle of the circus without an actual big top, since Boyd recreates a kind of tent within the stage, festooned with the paraphernalia of the circus.

“It’s like you’re inside a tent under lots of lightbulbs. It allows the space to look massive and it brings back the sawdust and magic effect that I saw when I was a child,” Boyd says.

Central to “Circus of Illusion,” is its ringmaster Idris Stanbury, who will introduce some new material, including a terrifying live chainsaw act never done before.

Stanbury is loved by Canberra audiences because he is known for introducing a strong element of comedy, and also because he was born here.

In his youth he spent more time in Goulburn getting involved with the Lieder Theatre, then later going on to study circus at the National Institute of Circus Arts in Melbourne, where he lived for 19 years as a professional performer.

He’s been back in Canberra for the past five years and his day job is now head of performance at Warehouse Circus, for whom he directed

An Irish kinda crazy Christmas

TEMPO Theatre is taking a break from Agatha Christie to present its eighth annual Christmas radio play, “An Irish Kinda Christmas”. Scripted by Mike Weston and Jo Jones, it’s billed as a fun Irish story set around the background of the horse racing industry, showing how down-andout trainer Seamus and his family get through Christmas, with the help of leprechauns, songs, Mick and Pat Jokes and a dash of craic! To be broadcast on Christmas Day around 2pm on radio 1RPH and the new year at tempotheatre.org.au

LUMINESCENCE Chamber Singers’ 2023 season features a wide array of singing, ranging from “Rabelaisian examples of Renaissance repertoire” to JS Bach. Sad news is that admired bass singer Jack Stephens will leave the team to concentrate on his role in Sydney as director of music at St Paul’s College. He’ll be replaced by Alasdair Stretch.

GOOD news from Bobby Farquhar at the National Acting School: his student, Liz Creevey from Canberra, has won the World Monologue Games’ amateur open category, the first Australian to do so, although many have been shortlisted.

THE National Film & Sound Archive is screening “The Grinch” on December 17, then one of the

most enduring Christmas films of all time, “Miracle on 34th Street” from 1947. Arc Cinema, McCoy Circuit, Acton, 2pm, December 18.

CHRISTMAS in Australia is closely associated with the coming Summer solstice on December 22. A new album, “Sunconscious,” has been released by composer Kim Cunio from the ANU, UK multimedia artist Diana Scarborough and scientist Nigel Meredith from the British Antarctic Survey, which was inspired

by the sounds of space from Earth and the sun, and even from beyond our galaxy. “This album conveys the sheer scale of our sun and how completely it permeates our lives,” Cunio says. Available free at the Sounds of Space Project on Bandcamp.

Tempo Theatre’s “An Irish Kinda Christmas” crew.

A dark side to the wooden boy

By Nick OVERALL

IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas, which means there’s enough streaming content to stuff a stocking with.

The annual flood of movies and TV shows to get families watching over the holiday season has begun, and Netflix is up front and centre with a new adaptation of “Pinocchio”.

One would be forgiven for mistaking this new film for Disney’s remake, which came out mere weeks ago and quite literally tried to turn the famous puppet into a real boy.

It was the latest effort to transform their animated classics into more “realistic”, live action movies, similar to what they’ve done with “Dumbo”, “Mulan”, “The Lion King” and so the list goes on.

Sad to say, their newest attempt to reinvent “Pinocchio” was wooden to say the least.

Luckily over on Netflix, Mexican director Guillermo del Toro has gifted audiences with a bizarre and masterful new take on the tale.

At first glance del Toro is a peculiar choice for the classic children’s story, given his fame for making horror films, but he’s brought an entirely fresh angle to a narrative that’s been told and re-rold for almost 150 years.

Where Disney’s 1940 classic and new remake focus on the familyfriendly elements of Carlo Collodi’s 19th century novel, del Toro hones

in on the darker and more macabre elements.

An intricately crafted stopmotion animation style creates an absorbing atmosphere and the film comes packaged with a line up of stellar voice talent including Ewan McGregor, Cate Blanchett, Christoph Waltz and Tilda Swinton.

While the result is a movie that may be a little much for younger kids to handle, older kids and parents alike will delight in this new version.

I’d dare go as far as to say this might be the best adaptation of “Pinocchio” ever made. No, my nose isn’t growing.

IT’s not the only hit Netflix has on its hands this month.

“Wednesday”, the latest curiosity to come from the wonderfully weird mind of Tim Burton, has become one of the platform’s most successful shows of all time.

This eight-episode, spin-off to ‘60s sitcom “The Addams Family”

CINEMA / reviews

has taken out the record for the most watched Netflix debut ever.

In its first few weeks alone it’s been seen by more than 50 million households, racking up more than 350 million hours of collective viewing.

Jenna Ortega brings deadpan charm to the show’s titular Wednesday Addams, a surly supernatural teen who’s sent to the Nevermore Academy – something of an alma mater for outcasts.

Enjoyable, if slightly juvenile, “Wednesday” will be a Christmas treat for viewers who enjoy Burton’s hallmark gothic weirdness and pitch-black comedy.

MEANWHILE, Paramount Plus has secured viewers first-class tickets to the danger zone.

From December 22 the platform will include access to “Top Gun: Maverick” – nothing short of 2022’s biggest film.

This follow up to the 1986 classic

managed to cross a whopping one billion dollars at the box office after being delayed multiple times due to the pandemic.

During the height of covid, the streaming services swarmed over the rights to the film – hoping to be the first to offer audiences access to the blockbuster.

The only reason it didn’t come to streaming first was due to the direct orders of Tom Cruise himself, who demanded the movie go to the cinema first.

It’ll be a boon for Paramount Plus to offer the thrilling aerial choreography to audiences from their own home.

You might be thinking that supernatural mysteries and dogfighting isn’t all that festive.

This year the streaming services seem to have toned down the Christmas-themed content in favour of blockbuster movies and TV shows.

Disney Plus has also opted for a remake of “National Treasure”, the 2000’s adventure film starring Nicolas Cage, while Amazon Prime Video’s big release this month is a new season of the espionage thriller “Jack Ryan”.

For those who are looking for something more festive to stream, “Love Actually” is on Stan and, for an added excuse, is about to turn 20-years-old.

Not to ruin anyone’s Christmas cheer, but director Richard Curtis recently said he regrets that his classic film doesn’t have more diversity, describing it as slightly “out of date”.

Will this nonsense ever end? At the rate we’re going, I can picture one certain jolly old white man who will be cancelled next.

A little too grown up for little people

By Dougal MACDONALD

Dahl’s Matilda the Musical”

powers underlie the core of the plot. Irish actress Alisha Weir, who turned 13 two months ago, was 11 years old when she played her. She’s reportedly already a millionaire after roles in just three movies and a TV series episode!

(PG)

THIS is a film about children, with a cast preponderantly composed of children. But I judge that many children will find it to be just a little bit too grown up for their taste.

It’s one of two movies released during 2022 that tell Dahl’s story about how a girl foiled a domineering head mistress (from what I’ve been able to discover, the other has had only limited release).

Not having read how Dahl wrote it disqualifies me from being able to tell you how well director Matthew Warchus has managed its staging as a musical play.

Together with Dennis Kelly who developed his 2010 stage musical of the story into the screenplay and Tim Minchin who wrote the words and the music to sing them to, make a formidable creative team whose confection whirls and cavorts across the screen in a manner both impressive and joyous.

Standing up for what’s right, Matilda’s kinetic

However, this time she is required to confront one of the great ladies of British acting, the multiple-award-winning Emma Thompson.

Matilda’s parents (Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough) have enrolled her at Crunchem College, where she must confront the formidable Agatha Trunchbull, a principal for whom anything less than perfection is anathema.

Playing her is Emma Thompson, in a caricature of unweening abuse of power, written to harvest scornful laughter, easy to blow raspberries at and altogether a pleasure to watch because of her overplaying of it.

At Dendy

“The Road Dance” (M)

THE gentle 117-minutes-long drama is the third feature film by American writer and director Richie Adams.

The story, from John Mackay’s best-seller 2002 novel, unfolds for the most part in 1916 on the

Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Beginning by telling the audience it’s based on true events, it won the Audience Award at the 2021 Edinburgh Film Festival.

Village girl Kirsty (Hermione Corfield), falls in love with a young man, Murdo (Will Fletcher). But along with three other local youths he gets called for military training, which takes him to service in France. There he meets the fate of so many infantrymen, unaware that back in Scotland, Kirsty has been raped and is pregnant.

The film’s Act 2 tells how Kirsty deals with knowing that the rapist is not the man she loves. Hiding her secret through pregnancy is not easy.

The local constable (Ian Pirie) suspects an offence may have been committed. We learn that Kirsty did indeed know who raped her but not before the narrative gets perilously close to revealing his name.

The film’s dramatic energy is strong and the cast does a fine job. However, its brief coda, which may be the result of its creator being American, rather blights its dramatic impact.

A happy ending is not de rigeur but that’s what this one’s got, despite having at the end of Act 2 tried to persuade us that it’s not going to give us one. At Palace Electric

“Roald

Cartoon: Paul Dorin

WHY not celebrate Christmas with a punch? I’m not advocating a boxing match with that traditionally difficult uncle on your mother’s side or even a Punch and Judy puppet show.

No, I’m talking about a retro mixed drink concoction that was ubiquitous in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

One website explains the origins: “This punch is first served in early 17th-century England, and it is believed to have originated from Hindi and Urdu pẵc, meaning “five” – in reference to the supposed original number of ingredients, which probably consisted of an alcohol (such as arrack), a sour (such as lemon or lime), a sugar or other sweetener, spices (or tea), and water.”

Punch resonates for me because at the time of my 21st birthday I wanted a cheap, agreeable drink that would please a crowd of people who mostly liked sweet drinks. To give you more of the flavour of the crowd: we danced most of the night to “Hot August Night” by Neil Diamond.

I adapted the following recipe from an American ‘60s book that I found at the library (no internet then). The sheet of paper on which the recipe is scribbled is one of a number of useful recipes jammed in the back of my “New Zealand Radio and Television Cookbook” published in 1973 and edited by Alison Holst. She is now in her eighties, a famous NZ TV chef whose cookbooks have collectively sold more than four and a half million copies.

In the ‘70s, Asti Spumante, the alcoholic content of my youthful punch, was for me at the time a luxury. Now Liquorland sells it for $10 a bottle. The Raro brand orange juice wasn’t very sweet, so it

DINING

adds a sour element to the drink, the sourness of which is offset by this sweet sparkling wine and the sugar syrup.

Hawaiian punch recipe

1 cup sugar

2 cups water

1 can of Raro orange juice

3 large bottles of ginger ale

1 bottle (750 ml) Riccadonna Asti spumante

Pineapple juice to taste

Ice cubes

Directions: Heat sugar and water until sugar dissolves; cool. Combine sugar syrup, fruit juices and ginger ale in a punch bowl; add ice cubes and well chilled sparkling wine.

I asked my son why punch had gone out of “Dunno,” he said. “It just doesn’t feature in the

I asked a friend who, while younger than me, was familiar with punch. She said: “Ew, no, in the ‘80s we used to buy garbage bins and line them with black plastic and then people would arrive at the party with really cheap grog – I brought Ben Ean Moselle – and we’d mix it up all together in these bins and it would just be a slurry of what we’d use to get drunk.” Oh dear, I thought, no

In the hope of revivification, I reverted to my son: “Mate, cocktails are popular now right?”

“Well, you could give people at Christmas a cocktail glass and put vodka in the bottom of the glass, pour in the punch mix and convince them this drink is a sophisticated screwdriver.”

A derisory look was the response.

Finally, clutching at straws, I said: “I know, given that my punch recipe is a derivative of the Hawaii punch, we could add vodka or gin and mix it up in a cocktail glass under the name ‘Scomo’s Escape’ and see if they spit it out after one taste.”

Happy punching.

/ Rebel Rebel, New Acton

Serious food without the pretension

I WASN’T at all surprised when the “Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide” awarded Rebel Rebel a Chef’s Hat and pronounced the restaurant as “stylishly simple and all things to all comers”. It is, beyond doubt, one of Canberra’s top places to dine.

The menu has changed since our visit, but some standouts remain, and with good reason. Let’s start with the Wagyu tongue ($28). This may well not be something everyone dares to tackle in the kitchen at home. However, ordering tongue at a place of the calibre of Rebel Rebel guarantees a stunning result.

The dish was sensational and showcased how Rebel Rebel dares to be different. The tongue was served with vibrant peppers on top that added a sweetness and a burst of colour. The tongue was soft, not chewy, and not overly strong. We all adored the experience, even a friend who arrived a bit late. We didn’t tell her what the dish was until she had indulged.

Also still on the menu is the burrata, a visual star of a dish. Not everyone loves the texture of burrata, which can vary quite a bit. I’ve had superb takes on this soft, stringy cheese and

Rebel Rebel has been in New Acton for some years now and it is still thrilling diners. Even the chips are to die for ($10).

The menu changes regularly and the focus is always on the highest-quality ingredients.

Premium-grade Appellation Sydney Rock Oysters come natural or with citrus Pomelo and pink peppercorn ($5 each). The Hiramasa Kingfish celebrates apples, dill and horseradish ($25). Beef tartare is a winner with anchovy, pickles and hot

fun elements include an out-there David Bowie portrait hanging behind the bar. Big windows allow the light in, and tables are appropriately spaced for comfortable dining.

I’ve never been for breakfast but have put it on my list for 2023. The charred sourdough, asparagus, broad beans (one of my all-time faves) and ricotta salata sounds sublime ($14). Same with baked eggs with Shankleesh and chilli Aleppo pepper ($18). How about a bit of black pudding with fried eggs and punchy pickles ($19)?

Rebel Rebel is serious about food but avoids pretention at all costs. The wine list offers many interesting options available by the glass.

An American ‘60s punch ad for Seven Up.

CHRISTMAS lily or trumpet lily makes a terrific cut flower that lasts for many weeks in a vase.

Lilium longiflorum likes moist, well-drained soil and a little protection from the wind. The flower stems can grow to at least a metre tall and can be a good backdrop for a large garden.

The sweet tropical fragrance from the white flowers is what they’re grown for. Unfortunately, Liliums are toxic to animals so it’s best to keep flowers, stems and leaves out of reach.

Christmas lilies are easy to grow in pots or containers in a sunny position with protection from the afternoon sun. They are fleshy bulbs and can dry out easily if exposed to the air for long periods of time.

Other successful liliums to grow in Canberra are Asiatic or Oriental hybrids as well. Asiatic hybrids have a huge colour range, but no fragrance, whereas Oriental hybrids tolerate more shade, flower in a variety of colours and have a slight fragrance.

The bonus with these plants is that they are much smaller in size and more suitable for pots and patios or small gardens.

THE red-flowering gums, Corymbia ficifolia are in flower now and putting on a show with the wet summer that we have had.

A small tree that grows to 10 metres, it can be tricky to grow in Canberra and needs a sheltered spot where the frost won’t damage it. Its multi-trunks and gnarled branches can be a feature in themselves.

Flowering gums flower better in full sun and their flowers are highly attractive to bees.

The flowers come in a range of colours from red to oranges and pinks and whites. A light trim after flowering will help flowering for the following year.

There are now smaller grafted varieties suitable for small gardens and some new varieties that grow only to a height of three metres.

Fertilised only with native fertiliser, that is one low in phosphorus and good drainage, and they should grow well.

The best time for planting a flowering gum into the garden is autumn while the soil is still warm and has a chance to get established before winter.

NOW is a good time to start to take semi-hardwood cuttings of shrubs such as camellias, viburnums and conifers or shrubs that generally flower in spring.

Semi-hardwood or softwood cuttings should be of brown/ green stems that are about 10-15 centimetres long and be current season’s growth. Stems need to be cut at the bottom at a node where

the growth point is, and the stems need to have at least two to three nodes buried and three to four above the ground.

Using a coarse 50:50 potting mix, sand and coir peat, dip cuttings into hormone gel or honey, bunch stems and place in potting mix and keep moist and in the shade.

Most cuttings will take four to eight weeks depending on the type of shrub being propagated. Roots coming from the bottom of the pot means it’s time to pot up to a larger one filled with a good quality pot-

ting mix with a little fertiliser.

THE vegetable garden should be growing strongly with the extra wet conditions… and so will the insects. Like last year, there are lots of butterflies, moths and bugs around so keep an eye out and squash if there are too many.

Tying up tomatoes, cucumbers, beans to trellises keeps them off the ground to create good air flow around the plants and keeps fungal diseases at bay.

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

Red-flowering gums… a small tree that grows to 10 metres.

By Joanne Madeline Moore December 19-25, 2022

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Your bossy side usually goes into overdrive, as you take charge of festive preparations. But perhaps it would be smarter to slow down, delegate and cooperate this Christmas? With your ruler Mars in retrograde mode, it’s time to morph from a rowdy Ram into a gentle Lamb. Jupiter also moves back into your sign (until May 16). So capitalise on the positive vibes and good fortune it provides. Confidence is the rocket fuel that will really take you places!

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

When it comes to last-minute gift shopping, look for presents that are practical and useful. But, if you spend more than you can comfortably afford this Xmas, then you’ll just end up with a heap of New Year debt. Remember… you don’t have to go overboard in order to have a good time. And avoid getting too serious and stressed. It’s time for Bulls to bliss out on Yuletide cheer! A calm and methodical approach is the best way to handle festive celebrations.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

With Jupiter visiting your hopes-and-wishes zone (from Wednesday until May 16) it’s important to make plans and set goals. Go for gold, as Jupiter helps you envision ambitious dreams for 2023. A streamlined approach is the key to successful Yuletide preparations. If you plan carefully and prioritise, then you’ll get everything done without too much stress. But, if you eat and drink too much on Xmas Day, then you’ll be a grumpy Gemini on Boxing Day.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Jupiter – planet of good fortune and prosperity – transits through your career zone from Wednesday until May 16, 2023. That bodes well for a welcome promotion, big new job or lucky professional break coming your way over the next few months. But this week, don’t get carried away and overdo the Christmas cheer, especially eating and drinking. If you pace yourself, then you – and your delicate digestive system – will enjoy the celebrations even more.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Party-loving Lions love the colourful drama of Yuletide celebrations. Just make sure you’re pulling your weight on Xmas Day – with preparations and cleaning up – otherwise you’ll be in the bad books by Boxing Day. Even though it’s the height of the festive season, strive to make your food choices as healthy and nutritious as possible. With Jupiter bouncing through your travel zone, 2023 will be a bumper year and Cats need to be in tip-top condition.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

You’re in the mood for Yuletide cheer and holiday hijinks! But, with Mars still retrograde, erratic thoughts could cloud your judgment (especially about your career). So enjoy the festive celebrations, and leave important decision-making for another time (when you’re thinking more rationally). The Mercury/Neptune link encourages you to think creatively and communicate compassionately. Then you’ll have a satisfying and stimulating Christmas weekend.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

It’s a good week to make plans and set goals for 2023, especially involving home, family and finances. Joyful Jupiter transits into your partnership zone (where it stays until next May). So strive to be more generous towards loved ones, as you view a troubled relationship from a more philosophical perspective. Your Xmas motto is from birthday great, singer-songwriter-activist Annie Lennox: “Make kindness your daily modus operandi and change your world.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

With the Moon and Saturn in your domestic zone on Christmas Day, many Scorpios will host festive celebrations at home. But communication between guests looks fiery, as argumentative retrograde Mars stirs up sensitivities. It will take your very best diplomatic (and acting) skills to keep children under control; parents from getting paranoid; and family members from feuding. When in doubt, take ten deep breaths and continue. The show must go on!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Have you left most of your Christmas shopping to the last minute… again? If you make a detailed list and pace yourself, then you’ll get the gifts you need without too many problems. Look for creative presents that stimulate the imagination. And avoid jumping to hasty conclusions when you’re communicating with loved ones on Christmas Day. With Mars reversing through your relationship zone, do your best to display more patience and compassion.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

With jolly Jupiter jumping through your home zone, you’re looking forward to some fabulous festive fun and cheer. Clannish Capricorns are the keepers of the family flame so aim to be super proactive about gathering loved ones together over the coming week. But don’t labour under the delusion that you can handle everything on your own. Cooperation is the secret to a successful Christmas. So ‘many hands make light work’ is your Yuletide motto.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Mars is reversing through your entertainment zone, so it’s up to you to handle Xmas celebrations (and misunderstandings) with stacks of Aquarian style. Be smart enough to rise above silly family squabbles! Saturn is still transiting through your sign, so you’re keen to keep the traditional parts of Christmas. And you can add some exciting new festive flourishes of your own. As birthday great Benjamin Disraeli wrote: “Change is inevitable. Change is constant.”

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Have you been worrying about money? Jupiter is transiting through your $$$ zone for the next five months, so make the most of any lucky financial opportunities that come your way. However, with Mars reversing through your domestic zone, Xmas communication shenanigans are likely. So a truckload of tact is required, otherwise you could find yourself in the middle of a feisty family feud, as you blurt out the wrong thing to the wrong person at the wrong time.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2022

Across 3 Name the greatest of Arthur’s knights, and the lover of Queen Guinevere. (8)

7 Which spirit is distilled from the fermented juice of grapes? (6)

8 Which fruit is eaten green as a salad, and used for pickling? (8)

9 What is another name for a dead body? (6)

10 Which mythological animals have a single long horn? (8)

11 What are appointments, especially between lovers? (6)

14 What are flames of light, used as signals? (6)

17 Cassia is a variety of what? (8)

18 What are seats of authority? (6)

19 Which term describes a plot or crafty dealing? (8)

20 Name a well-known thesaurus. (6)

21 Name another term for skills. (8)

Solution next edition Down

1 Bing Crosby was renowned as a what? (7)

2 What are concealed marksmen? (7)

3 What are halls, devoted to instruction by lectures? (7)

4 Name a local administrative body of a city, municipality or shire. (7)

5 What do we call one engaged in physical work? (7)

6 When one pushes forcibly, one does what? (7)

11 What are modes of procedure for gaining advantage? (7)

12 Name a Chinese river also called the Chang. (7)

13 To be buying and selling, is to be doing what? (7)

14 Which persons practise the art of using a sabre? (7)

15 Who is the editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks, Julian ...? (7)

16 Name a territory under the control of an emir. (7)

FREE PUZZLES EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au

Sudoku hard No. 330

NUPTIALS TURN NASTY WHEN THE TAX DODGE IS EXPOSED

A taxpayer tried to claim his overseas wedding reception as a work-related conference, claiming part in his return and part in his new spouse’s return.

The new spouse was prosecuted!

As a Christmas treat, I've lightheartedly compiled a few of the more unusual tax claims some people try to make… and what not to do in your tax returns.

For instance, have you bought Lego for your kids for Christmas? No surprises that you can’t claim it as a business expense, but one taxpayer (unsuccessfully) tried to.

Then there was the senior executive who claimed deductions of more than $100,000 including business meals on the way to a family skiing holiday, sunscreen and sunglasses (even though he worked indoors) and $5000 to his seven-year-old son for secretarial support. And he thought that was okay! It wasn't.

If cigarettes help you reduce stress or you think you can claim sunscreen and an umbrella to walk to the park for "smoko" forget it – these are just not valid claims.

Don’t try and claim your new personal car, which is not used for business purposes, under the instant asset write off provisions. It's just not a valid tax claim.

If you are keeping a logbook for your car make sure you are in the country and working on the dates shown in your logbook.

It’s nice to see someone with a nice smile but you can’t claim the dental work on your tax return as being essential to finding a job. Don’t try and claim dog food as security costs for your business unless the dog really is a guard dog.

Have you ever thought of claiming the costs of a trip to give blood as a donation? Someone did and was unsuccessful.

While the World Cup is on and everyone is passionate about football, don’t try to claim your club membership as either being critical to your family’s wellbeing or for stress relief. It is just not acceptable.

A builder tried to claim for sunscreen and hand cream. The cost of sunscreen was allowed but the hand cream was regarded as a private expense.

How does the ATO screen out these claims? There are many ways, but typically the ATO compares total claims across an industry. So if you're a public servant, your claims are compared to those of other public servants and if yours are too high then your return is taken off line and you may be audited.

The best way to avoid this is to check your claims carefully make sure you satisfy three criteria

The expense must relate directly to earning your income. You must have incurred the expense.

You must have the records to prove it.

There is no claim if the expense has been reimbursed, if it is capital in nature, if it is a private or domestic expense, if it produced exempt income or if the deduction is expressly prohibited by the Income Tax Assessment Acts

The team at Gail Freeman & Co wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year and if you need any help with your claims give us a call on 6295 2844.

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