CityNews 230202

Vermin move in as waste takes months to be removed

By Lily PASS

NEIGHBOURS and residents of Flora Place in Palmerston have spent the last five months fighting to have their street cleaned up of a dirty mattress and household rubbish.

Finally, on January 24 they got their wish, but one resident, Glenn, said it wasn’t not good enough.

“It was a safety and public health concern,” he said.

“It’s been such a nice street. We’ve tried to look after it from a community view, we take pride in our street. Tak ing five months to clean it is just not good enough.

“The whole experience was really disappointing, and quite deflating.”

Between his neighbours and him self, Glenn said there were countless Fix My Street applications submitted over the five-month period.

“It felt like we were out of options. Those responsible had plenty of time, and it reached a point where we didn’t know what else to do,” he said.

The pile of rubbish consisted of mattresses, chairs, a couch, and old boxes.

“It was pretty dirty and it just kept growing by the day,” said Glenn.

Glenn believed Liberal Health and Wellbeing spokesperson Leanne Castley, along with 2CC breakfast host Stephen Cenatiempo, were the reasons the ACT government finally took action, and said Flora Place is “really, truly grateful”.

up letter after hearing that the rubbish had still not been removed, asking the minister how long a case was investigated before rubbish was removed, and why the government waited five months since they identified the rubbish to remove it.

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ganise a regular clean up of trouble areas, hire a truck and spend a couple of days going around and grabbing all the rubbish,” he said.

“I just think between the potholes, all the long grass and now this, if they can’t pick up a bit of rubbish and get

the street cleaned up within a reasonable time, then what are they doing?”

The minister’s office responded to enquiries by “CityNews” saying: “Due to human error, the initial request sent through in September was not received by the relevant crews until a follow up Fix My Street request was lodged on January 16.

“To address the recurrent illegal dumping on this street, a letterbox drop was undertaken in the area. The letter sought public assistance to help identify anyone responsible for illegally dumping in the area and provided advice on littering offences and how to access bulky waste collec -

The City Services spokesperson said, on this occasion, no offenders were identified or information received and that the area would con -

“Identifying illegal dumping offenders is often difficult and any evidence or information from residents can greatly assist authorised officers,” the spokesperson said.

“City Services reminds the community that a free bulky waste collection service is available for residents. Residents can get one free annual collection of bulky goods (up to two cubic square metres).”

More information was available on the City Services website.

Gone but not forgotten… the dumped waste on Flora Place, Palmerston, that took five months to be collected. Photo: supplied

CANBERRA MATTERS / heritage

Can Rebecca rise to protect city’s past and future?

IN August, when Heritage Minister Rebecca Vassarotti stood aside the members of the ACT Heritage Council, the problems she outlined to justify her actions did not come as a surprise to those in the know about the recent history of this ministerially appointed body.

This so-called independent council of experts had not endeared itself to people committed to heritage in this city.

The minister then called in the consultants to tell her what the problems were. When they had completed the job and told her what she already knew, she released a short summary of what the consultants found.

Apparently, people were not being nice to each other and not much serious work was being done in a timely fashion. Nothing new there.

The minister has now opened up the process to seek changes to legislation, to how things function and what the heritage council should be achieving.

The governance problem to be addressed is that the whole heritage function should be removed from being under the auspices of the Planning Directorate.

To further reduce the chances of

heritage being taken seriously, the ACT Heritage Unit, a couple of public servants working alongside and to the Heritage Council, is a small office down the bottom of the Planning Directorate’s hierarchy.

The minister needs to be determinedly vocal about having the new council and its supportive unit housed somewhere else – being well away from the Planning Directorate. Then and only then, would a well-resourced senior heritage officer and the new council be free to take heritage arguments up to other directorates including to insist that the planners take heritage much more seriously

than at present – which is not much at all.

While it could be a step in the right direction to have axed the council and to have set up a process whereby things will change, there are other matters that the minister needs to address.

It was common for the Heritage Council to not recognise significant buildings and places. The reasons were outlined in reports and often did not make much sense. The unstated reasons are more likely that there is the desire within this government to leave the options open for particular sites and buildings to be axed in the

future and the land used for favoured (money making) developments.

The Canberra Olympic Pool in Civic is one such site. While loads of silly reasons have been framed for this site to be used for a stadium, the proposals sideline the heritage values of this facility and its grounds. Also sidelined is the reality that the pool is in constant use by dedicated groups – as well as being used to train younger people to swim and to be safe around water. People use the facilities to exercise. They do not just sit there and watch others run about kicking a ball.

The Civic pool being on the side of the CBD is accessible to residents, office workers and others in nearby suburbs. The pool may not have been heritage listed by the now-axed Herit-

age Council, but that has not denied that this land and the pool, although altered over the years, is part of the heritage fabric of the centre of the city. It should not be bulldozed.

As with other areas of significance within her portfolio, this Heritage and Environment minister needs to be more proactive and should be doing whatever it takes to have these pool facilities and its lands enhanced for future generations.

As the work to establish a new form of Heritage Council progresses during 2023, the heritage minister should reconsider her role as a steward of the city’s past and its future heritage. The axing of the former Heritage Council has provided a fantastic and rare opportunity to get this heritage stuff right. Is this heritage minister up for the challenge?

Paul Costigan is a commentator on cultural and urban matters. There are more of his columns at citynews.com.au

As the work to establish a new form of Heritage Council progresses during 2023, the heritage minister should reconsider her role as a steward of the city’s past and its future heritage.

The Olympic Swimming Pool in Civic… part of the heritage fabric of the centre of the city. It should not be bulldozed.

A second opinion on hearing loss

An elderly woman with hearing loss came to my clinic for a second opinion, after she had recently been to a hearing aid sales person. I found the cause of her hearing loss was simply the fact that she had build-up of wax in her ears, the salesperson had failed to inspect them. You might be surprised how often this happens!

Here are some things to do to avoid getting ripped off:

1. A visit to the GP may save you from being ‘sold’ something when your only problem is wax in your ears.

2. Look for someone who is independent and can offer you unbiased advice, not just give you a sales pitch.

3. There are a range of hearing aid prices. Finding the right hearing aid might save you money and it will also give you the best chance of success.

4. Hearing aids can be expensive.

Recently I was told by two different patients that they were quoted $16,000 for a pair of hearing aids. This seems a ridiculous amount of money to pay and is most likely not appropriate for the majority of people (or possibly anyone).

5. If you are a pensioner or partpensioner, or a DVA gold or white card holder, you should carefully consider if you want to use the free-to-client government hearing aids or if you’d like to top-up to a different hearing aid.

The free-to-client hearing aids are appropriate for many people, however if you have great difficulty hearing background noise (for example in restaurants) then you might trial the top-up hearing aids, but only if you can afford them. There are a range of top up options and prices, if you are disappointed after a trial, you should return them and trial the free-toclient hearing aids.

If you get the feeling the person you’re dealing with is just trying to sell you something, then take a step back and get a second opinion.

“In an unregulated market there is a lot of opportunity to take advantage of people. Yes you have read correctly, there is no licensing of people who sell hearing aids.”

– Dr Vass

– you need professional advice, not a sales pitch

with a message of female

By Lily PASS

AFTER the best part of 20 years to write, author Tanya Davies has just published her second novel, “Then Eve”.

“I got stuck at times definitely, and I put ‘Then Eve’ away a couple of times,” she says.

“At one period I put it away for such a long time I thought I was never going to finish it or publish it. I just thought I wasn’t really happy with it, I didn’t feel like I’d done a good job with it.

“Eventually, I came back to it and got back into it, and then I got really excited about it.”

“Then Eve” is about 16-year-old Bri git, who is living in Glastonbury in the UK – the mythical setting of Avalon, where King Arthur is said to be bur ied – where she learns how to lift the mists of time and is able to time travel to Avalon.

“She discovers that she is descended from priestesses and she’s next in line,” says Tanya.

“She has mixed feelings about it because it all sounds very exciting and glamorous, but at the same time she knows she is supposed to be going to

school and her mum will be on her case.

“She is also told she is fated to marry the King of the Summer Country to form an alliance between the old pagan ways and the Christian ways that are starting to take over.”

Tanya says there are subtle themes

within “Then Eve” with an especially important meaning to her.

“Themes of self discovery and female empowerment are important because, despite the fact we’re in the 21st century, we know that things are still not equal for women,” she says.

“I think we’re all still fighting, whether we’re 16 or 50, it takes more work to make ourselves heard and to feel confident to speak up.”

Previously an environmental writer and now working for Parks Australia, Tanya’s passion for nature also shines through in her work.

In her award-winning first book, “Sarah’s Song”, there are mentions of vegetarianism and living lightly on

“In ‘Then Eve’ it’s very much about being connected to the earth and to nature, and the whole spirituality of celebrating trees and flowers, and buds and the acorns, so it is interspersed with nature and the changing seasons and the landscapes. That is one of the things I really enjoyed writing.”

Keeping with the nature theme, part of Tanya’s writing routine includes leaving her house in Coombs to frequent the National Botanic Gardens.

“That’s my favourite place to write, I feel like I half live there,” she says, but it’s not always practical.

“Otherwise, I think of it as Generation X but people these days would probably say it’s very Millennial. I can write with the TV on, I can have music on, there can be the rest of the family around. My mum is currently sleeping in the office so I can plonk myself down in a chair and just jump in.”

One of her favourite parts about

“Then Eve” was escaping into that world.

“When the book is out it means I can’t revisit it and can’t go back there any more, so I understand that feeling of missing my character. I used to just love saying I was going to Avalon, to go and cast spells and be a high priestess and be magical,” she says.

“I’ve definitely got ideas for what would happen in a sequel, but it’s just getting the time to do it.

“I was telling my daughter some of the ideas the other day and she was telling me which ones she loved. I figured that’s a promising start; we’ll see what the future holds.”

But, Tanya says, she has almost finished the first proper draft of her next book.

“It’s not young-adult fantasy, it’s more speculative fiction,” she says.

“It’s set roughly in the late 2030s in a commercial surrogacy clinic, so it’s about women who, for whatever reason, find themselves in a situation where they make the choice to use their body to earn money to feed their families and the moral conversations that arise around that,” she says.

“It’s a bit different from what I’ve done before, I’m just enjoying experimenting and discovering myself as a writer.”

“Then Eve” is available at tanyadavieswrites.com

Author Tanya Davies and her book “Then Eve”... “I used to just love saying I was going to Avalon, to go and cast spells and be a high priestess and be magical.”

Photo: Lily Pass

Sciatica is caused by nerve pain that originates from the lower back and can cause pain from the point, right down through your bottom and down one leg to your calf.

Not the entire area may be causing you pain at any one time, but what the pain will certainly do is cause you frequent extreme discomfort that is often not relieved by pain medication. Exercise is a key to dealing with sciatica. People who have lived with sciatica for some time will generally have some weakness of the

muscles, tendons and ligaments surrounding the joints and bones that support the sciatic nerve. This is largely due to not having used their body to the fullest extent due to the sciatic pain.

Sciatic pain will generally respond well to rebuilding the support structures surrounding the sciatic nerve. For some people surgery may be the only solution, but in most cases, even if surgery is required, building up the support structures either prior to or following surgery will still be necessary.

Arthritis ACT has a team of exercise physiologists that can improve your quality of life in relation to your sciatica. Both hydrotherapy and land based exercise techniques are useful, and for those who do not like water exercise, land based exercise is just as effective.

Do you want to solve your sciatica?

MEET OUR EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTS & EXERCISE SCIENTIST

Blake Dean Holly Hazelwood

Sophie Bullock

Natasha Perry

Dorothy Johnston

When the pressure’s on, who are you gonna call?

SOMEDAY you or someone you know will need a lawyer: how do you find the right one?

Not all lawyers are equal. Some are brilliant, most are quite okay, but some must be avoided.

Specialisation is now common: the law is changing rapidly and lawyers must be up to date.

Being a lawyer is a business. It may be small, as in a sole practitioner, medium with one or more partners and some employee lawyers, or bigger and bigger up to the megafirm with offices around the world.

Good lawyers, whatever their speciality, can see a legal problem from many vantage points, probably rather better than you can.

Good lawyers will take the time to explain how they see the problem and its solution. They will be realists, not dreamers. It’s their interest in you and your problem, not the fittings in their office, which is the guide that you seek.

Beware of a friend’s well-meant recommendation, as that can be the gullible leading the more gullible. Justice is demanding of your time, your mental energy, and your pocket. It diverts your attention from other important aspects of your life.

As HL Mencken wrote in 1922 – a century ago – “Injustice is relatively easy to bear; what stings is justice”.

What you are looking for in your lawyer includes:

• A sense that they are competent for the task you bring them.

• A clear explanation as to how long your problem is going to take to resolve.

• Do they listen and expertly guide you?

• A sense that they can relate to you and to your problem. Beware those who come from a later generation.

• A sense that while their fees are important their professionalism is more important.

Shop around until you find a match that meets your values and your budget. If your choice proves wrong then move to another lawyer – but your former lawyer keeps the file until outstanding costs are paid. Getting a second opinion can be a good idea.

Keep in mind that your lawyer is not your therapist, counsellor,

If your lawyer asks

confidant or giver of absolution. Your lawyer can be empathetic but their focus is upon your legal problem. Like building or renovations, legal services always cost more than planned. Hence you must get a clear explanation from the lawyer – face to face or over AVL, and with a written costs agreement – of the likely fees, how often billed, terms of trade, what are their professional fees and what are the other expenses that you will have to pay.

If litigation is likely then what is included and what is excluded in “No-win, no-fee”? Lawyers are not a charity. They are a business. If you and/or your case loses believability then you will be routed towards a settlement where your lawyers hope that their professional fees are paid by the other side. You will get not much or nothing. Beware the dire consequences of going to court and losing. If you are ordered to pay the other side’s lawyer costs then you can lose everything. If the principle is important, then find someone with deep pockets who

wants to fund it.

Legal Aid is not a substitute for taking responsibility for your actions and your life. If you pay next to nothing then expect not much. Legal Aid schemes around Australia are bedevilled by inadequate government funding, overworked lawyers and keen but inexperienced lawyers. A few points for criminal cases:

If you’re a complainant then there has to be evidence, not assertion.

If you’re a defendant/accused then:

• Do NOT consider taking part in a police interview until after you have been charged and received the police case against you.

• If your lawyer asks you: “Did you do it?” then replace them asap. They are not competent, no matter what they tell you.

• If your lawyer asks you: “What do the police say that you did?” then you are probably in good hands;

• If there are people who will write and/or say good things about you then welcome them. This is when you will find out who your true friends are.

• If you didn’t do it, then you are in for an awful experience. As the old gypsy curse says: “May you have a

lawsuit in which you know you are in the right”. Why? The criminal justice system survives because most people plead guilty. Of those who plead not guilty, many are taking a gamble, throwing the dice, that a key witness won’t turn up, or the prosecutor will be ill-prepared, or that the police weren’t thorough enough in their investigation. The “innocent” person often has no memory of key events because there was nothing memorable about the time they were wrongly accused of involvement in a crime.

• Don’t talk to the media: their interest is the story, not you. In any litigation, whether as a party or a witness, you need to be prepared: listen to the free, four short episodes podcast “Witness Essentials” on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Google and other podcast sites.

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

Wednesday 8 February (unless sold out prior)

Sink your teeth in at

you: ‘Did you do it?’ then replace them asap. They are not competent, no matter what they tell you.

Justice is demanding of your time, your mental energy, and your pocket.

How things are changing in ‘Godzone country’

IT is now clear that Peter Dutton has joined the Nats’ leader, the eponymous David Littleproud, in a de facto campaign against the referendum for an Aboriginal Voice to Parliament. It is no coincidence that they both hail from Queensland.

I say this as a born-and-bred Queenslander. Indeed, I jackarooed on a property in Littleproud’s Maranoa electorate. There was even a moment as press secretary to his predecessor, John “Black Jack” McEwen, when the idea of a political career in that very region passed its way through the juvenile cerebellum.

It took me as far as forming a Can berra branch of the Young Country Party and recruiting Peter Nixon (McEwen’s preferred successor) and the Boss himself to address a meeting of the group at the Party’s Barton headquarters. And I still recall the drug-like thrill of applause from a (smallish) group of enthusiasts at a Harden Branch meeting. Thankfully, with the help of my much more sensible wife, I kicked the drug before an addiction took root.

The Queensland upbringing has its compensations. Every State of Origin match for the last 20 years sees my two sons and I hook up our mobiles

wherever we are in the world and cheer home the Maroons (or blame the ref). And my first novel, “The Queenslander” has been optioned three times for a TV series, which the latest American producers have hopefully billed, “The ‘Thorn Birds’ of the 21st Century”. This doesn’t mean it will ever get made, and I hated “The Thorn Birds” with a passion, but when things look crook – as they occasionally do in a writer’s life – it’s nice to fantasise about that

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tions for a treaty. More recently it’s given us Ash Barty, Johnathan Thurston, Arti Beetson; and it was Queensland that last year elected its first three Greens to seats in the House and a second Senator.

Indeed, it was another Queenslander, Kevin Rudd, who initiated the Apology to the Stolen Generations; and it was Dutton who walked out of the House when he did so. His latest demand for the Voice’s modus operandi is simply a pinch from the Howard playbook to defeat the 1999 referendum on the Head of State: confuse the argument with the fine detail to be decided once the principle has been secured.

It’s either pathetic or childish – but either way it’s another win for wise old Tom Aquinas.

robert@robertmacklin.com

Why you should LCDC for your dancer:

• Students learn through story and play

• Qualified and experienced teachers

• Age appropriate content

• Encouraging a love of dance in every student

It was Queensland that produced, from left, Eddie Mabo, Noel Pearson and Marcia

*Photo: Megan Evans

Power of orange and why it matters – to some

WATCHING the World Cup in December, I wondered why the Dutch team wore the colour orange, so of course I followed it up.

It seems that the Dutch love of orange is tied to the Dutch royal family – the House of Orange-Nassau.

The lineage began with William of Orange, who was crowned Prince of Orange in 1544. With his leadership, the colour orange became a symbol of the Protestant Dutch royal family.

Several generations later, in 1689, one of his descendants, William III, was invited to become King of England, Scotland and Ireland after Catholic James II had been deposed and fled to France.

William’s accession came at a precarious time in European politics because of the religious divide between Protestants and Catholics that dominated international relationships.

This played itself out in the British context at the “Battle of the Boyne”. This battle took place in 1690 between the Catholic forces of deposed James II and those of Protestant King William III.

The battle took place across the River Boyne, close to the town of Drogheda, now in the Republic of Ireland. It resulted in victory for

William’s Protestant “Orange” forces. William III subsequently reigned over England, Scotland and Ireland until his death in 1702.

In 1795, a secret society, the Orange Order, was organised in the north of Ireland to celebrate the outcome of the Battle of the Boyne, support the British sovereign and promote Protestantism. Its members are referred to as “Orangemen”.

In Northern Ireland, Orangemen in formal dress wear bowler hats because bowler hats are associated with loyalty to the British establishment (older readers will be aware that

one was worn by that very British gentleman, Steed, in “The Avengers”). In Northern Ireland bowler hats are also a local symbol of authority, having been worn by shipyard supervisors when shipbuilding was a strong industry there.

Every year in Northern Ireland, Orangemen march loudly and provocatively near Catholic residential areas to perpetuate Protestant domination of the Catholic minority.

The Orange Order has endured for more than 220 years in Ireland and Britain. To most outsiders, it’s a sectarian anachronism, but for

members and supporters, the Order still exists to defend Protestantism.

The Australian Orange Order was established in 1845 and has a presence in all mainland states of Australia. Each State Grand Lodge is autonomous but operates under the umbrella of the Grand Orange Lodge of Australia. There are members in all states except Tasmania. As far as I could ascertain, there isn’t

a Lodge in Canberra.

Orange, the city in NSW, was so named by Major Thomas Mitchell in 1846 in honour of Prince William of Orange.

What religion you are is still important in Ireland. Quentin Crisp, the raconteur, once noted that when he told people at a book launch in Northern Ireland that he was an atheist, a woman in the audience stood up and said, ‘Yes, but is it the God of the Catholics or the God of the Protestants in whom you don’t believe?”

To conclude, given the Christian focus of this article, I thought readers might appreciate a relevant poem on decorum:

With heaving breast, the Dean undressed

The Bishop’s wife to lie on She thought it crude done in the nude

So made him keep his tie on.

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

King William III… victory for William’s Protestant “Orange” forces at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

Orangemen march in formal dress wearing bowler hats because bowler hats are associated with loyalty to the British establishment.

PAINTING GROUP advertising feature

Passionate painters come with experience and flair

FOR residential or commercial painting, C&C Painting Group are Canberra’s repainting specialists, and a local success story.

Founded in 2018 by Luke Chamberlain, Daniel Carrick, Tanya Chamberlain and Matthew Chamberlain, they each brought their own unique experience and passion to the team, which quickly saw the business grow in many ways, including now employing more than 20 staff.

Luke Chamberlain and Danniel Carrick each have over 20 years of local experience in the painting and decorat ing industry, as well as experience in the broader building and construction industry, with Luke also having obtained his Class C Builders License.

The four directors of C&C Painting Group are excited to launch a new era for the business, starting with a new office space and display showroom at Mitchell and the introduction of a wider offering of renovation services such as repairs, roofing, electrical, plastering, rendering and home furnishings.

“We are finding that people want it all in one package, and that’s where we are keen to take the business in 2023,” says Tanya, who comes from a corporate business background.

mix of experience and knowledge com bined with a modern flair, which means we are up to date with current trends and best practices, while drawing on our years of experience to ensure top-quality workmanship and lasting results.”

C&C Painting Group are members of the Master Painters Association, and are Dulux Accredited. Tanya says that C&C Painting Group has a big focus on staff training, with a dedicated training area in the new premises for them to improve techniques and skills.

She says that they specially focus

on building processes and systems to support excellence in service, quality and ensuring that the connection to the client remains strong throughout the duration of each project.

“We have found that we have been able to retain our staff even through recent unprecedented times and we are continually focusing on new ways to support our staff and to become an employer of choice in a fast-evolving workforce,” she says.

As the business has grown, Luke and Daniel have been able to spend less time “on the tools” and more time managing and supporting staff, working with clients

and building the C&C Painting Group’s reputation as a trusted leader in the painting and decorating industry.

From stand-alone homes to residential multi-units or larger commercial jobs, C&C Painting Group is able to take on a wide range of projects. The complimentary services of a professional colour consultant are available for some projects as well as a workmanship warranty of up to five years.

For Luke, his father was a professional painter and he feels honoured to be following in his footsteps. Tanya says that the team takes enormous pride in its workmanship and quality.

“There’s something about painting being the last trade to decorate and work on a house. It’s the finishing trade, which is very satisfying,” says Tanya.

“We want to be the trusted trade that comes into a house to mark the final, finishing and lasting touches that truly transform a space.

“Nothing is too hard for us. We are very particular about leaving the house clean, tidy and a job well done. We understand that people may be living in their home while we work, or they might be off-site and trust us to be in their homes.”

The business has been recognised with multiple awards at the Master Painters excellence awards and has been chosen as a finalist for the Telstra Best of Business Awards this year.

Tanya says that it’s a whole-team effort that has driven the business awards and accolades.

“It’s a passion and dream for us to take the business to the next level, thanks to our dedicated staff and wonderful clients,” says Tanya.

C&C Painting Group, ground floor, 1b 118 Lysaght Street, Mitchell (by appointment only). Call 6221 3466 for an obligationfree quote. Visit ccpaintinggroup.com.au for more information.

Founders Daniel Carrick and Luke Chamberlain – over 20 years of local experience each.

‘We are finding that people want it all in one package, and that’s where we are keen to take the business’

C&C Painting Group founders, from left, Tanya Chamberlain, Daniel Carrick, Matthew Chamberlain and Luke Chamberlain.

C&C Painting Group team… “We are up to date with current trends and best practices, while drawing on our years of experience to ensure top-quality workmanship and lasting results,” says director Tanya Chamberlain.

AWARDS

Locals honoured in Order of Australia awards

RECOGNISED by her pink handmade overalls, her cheerful double-barrelled “G’day! G’day!” ConneeColleen Cameron is remembered as one of Queanbeyan’s bestknown characters and finest artists.

She has been posthumously recognised with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the 2023 Australia Day honours. She died, aged 80, in December 2021.

ACT National Trust stalwarts John and Ruth Dowling Wanniassa, have also been awarded medals in the Order of Australia (OAM). Members also of the Canberra Archaeological Society and Canberra and District Historical Society, they have been individually awarded for their service to community history.

Poet Geoff Page was awarded an OAM for his service to literature as a poet.

Here are the recipients for Canberra and the surrounding region:

OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Ms Glenys BEAUCHAMP PSM , Kingston. For distinguished service to public administration, particularly innovative health reform, industry and science policy, and program delivery.

Distinguished Prof Matthew Malcolm COLLESS, ACT. For distinguished

service to scientific research, particularly to astronomy and astrophysics, and to professional societies.

Ms Katrina Roslyn FANNING PSM , Farrer. For distinguished service to the Indigenous community through education and health initiatives, and to sport.

Mr Robin Charles GEHLING , Bruce. For distinguished service to the maritime transport and safety industries, and to naval architecture.

The Hon Prudence Jane GOWARD, Goulburn. For distinguished service to the people and Parliament of NSW, and to women’s affairs.

Mr Gregory James HOOD, Bruce. For distinguished service to the national transportation and aviation industries, and to the not-for-profit sector.

Mr Peter Andrew JENNINGS PSM , ACT. For distinguished service to the development of strategic and international policy, and to public affairs.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Dr John Francis ANGUS, Giralang. For significant service to the agricultural sector through research roles, and to education.

Ms Lucinda Jane BARRY, Deakin. For significant service to public health policy in executive roles, and to medicine.

Dr Sonya Maree BENNETT, ACT. For

significant service to public health in leadership roles.

Mr Warren Lindsay BROWN, Goulburn. For significant service to media as a cartoonist, and to military history.

Dr Trina GREGORY, ACT. For significant service to general practice medicine.

Prof Kiaran KIRK, O’Connor. For significant service to science education and research, and to professional organisations.

Dr Michelle Anne POTTER , Wanniassa. For significant service to the performing arts in a range of roles. Dr Michael TEDESCHI, Garran. For significant service to medicine, particularly to people with drug and alcohol dependency.

Mr David Charles TEMPLEMAN, Red Hill. For significant service to community health administration and governance.

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Ms Margaret BENNETT, Bungendore. For service to medical administration.

Mrs Jeanette BROWN, Waramanga. For service to the performing arts.

Ms Laura Carol BUNYAN, Richardson. For service to community history.

Mr Macaulay COTTRELL DFC , Gowrie. For service to veterans and their families.

Mrs Dianne Ruth DOWLING , Wanniassa. For service to community history.

Dr Peter John DOWLING , Wanniassa. For service to community history.

Mrs Gillian Kathleen FRANCIS, ACT. For service to community history.

Dr Charlotte Kendrick GALLOWAY, Kingston. For service to education, and to history.

Mrs Fiona Louise GODFREY, Reid. For service to primary and secondary education.

Mr Philip Andrew GREENWOOD, Greenway. For service to the not-forprofit sector, and to the community.

Ms Kerrie GRIFFIN, Kambah. For service to community health.

Mr Michael James LEE , Amaroo. For service to education.

Mrs Sarah Anne McGORAM , Franklin. For service to community health.

Mrs Deborah MASLING , Kaleen. For service to secondary music education.

Mr Allan Linden MOORE , ACT. For service to international relations.

Mrs Narelle Judith O’ROURKE , Queanbeyan East. For service to the preservation of nursing history.

Mr Geoffrey Donald PAGE , ACT. For service to literature as a poet.

Mr Glenn Osborne John ROFF, Pearce. For service to education.

Mr Garth SETCHELL , Mawson. For service to the community through a range of roles.

Mr Kenneth Raymond STONE , Jerrabomberra. For service to the community through a range of organisations.

Mrs Carmel WEATHERBURN, ACT. For service to netball.

Mrs Patricia WOOD, Charnwood. For service to the community, particularly through the church.

The late Ms Connee-Colleen Formerly of Queanbeyan. For service to the community of Queanbeyan.

Pandemic leaders recognised with medals

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)

The ACT’s chief health officer Dr Kerryn Coleman and her deputy Johnston recipients of the Public Service Medal, which is almost entirely dedicated to those managing the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the ACT.

ACT

Dr Kerryn Peta COLEMAN

For outstanding public service in public health, particularly as ACT Chief Health Officer.

Ms Leesa Maree CROKE

Torrens. For outstanding public service in social policy and in leading the ACT’s Whole of Government COVID-19 response.

Ms Vanessa DAL MOLIN, Greenleigh, NSW. For outstanding public service overseeing COVID-19 policy and intergovernmental relations during the ACT’s COVID-19 response.

Ms Deborah Lynne EFTHYMIADES, Fadden. For outstanding public service to public education, in leading significant education system policy and reform for the ACT.

Ms Jessie HOLBERTON, ACT. For outstanding public service to public health as the Clinical Nurse Consultant for the ACT Government COVID-19 vaccination program.

Dr Anne Louise JENKINS, Kaleen. For outstanding public service to public health through specialised data analytics.

Ms Patricia Ellen JOHNSTON, Ainslie. For outstanding public service as the Public Information Coordinator during the ACT’s lockdown period.

Dr Vanessa JOHNSTON, ACT.

For outstanding public service in public health, particularly as ACT Deputy Chief Health Officer.

Mr Toby Michael KEENE , Canberra. For outstanding public service to public health as the Executive Branch Manager, COVID-19 Response Branch in ACT Health.

Dr Ian Mackenzie MARR , Reid.

For outstanding public service to public health as the Infectious Disease specialist at Canberra Health Services.

Mr Andrew Peter MURPHY, ACT.

For outstanding public service to public health as the Senior Director of Procurement and Supply at Canberra Health Services.

Ms Catherine Ann O’NEILL , Pearce. For outstanding public service to health services as the Chief Operating Officer of Canberra Health Services.

Ms Tamerra Jane ROGERS

For outstanding public service in communications and

engagement as the Deputy Public Information Coordinator during the ACT’s lockdown period.

Dr Sally Louise SINGLETON, ACT.

For outstanding public service to public health.

Ms Katherine Ruth WAKEFIELD, Woden. For outstanding public service to public health as the Executive Director in the Division of Cancer and Ambulatory Support.

FEDERAL

Ms Chloe Morgan BURNS, ACT.

For outstanding public service in the development of statistical modelling and public health measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Andrea Marie FAULKNER , ACT. For outstanding public service in leading Australia’s Embassy in Myanmar and commitment to advancing Australia’s interests.

Ms Sonje Anoushka FRANKLIN, Fadden. For outstanding public service supporting the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable Australians overseas.

Ms Fiona Louise GANTER , ACT.

For outstanding public service in legislative instrument drafting and for developing the Office of Parliamentary Counsel’s instrument drafting capability.

Mr Andrew Douglas JAGGERS, Hawker. For outstanding public service in supporting the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Australians.

Ms Sarah Jane NORRIS, ACT.

For outstanding public service in reforming the National Medical Stockpile processes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Javier RIBALTA , Theodore. For outstanding public service through leadership and coordination of Services Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mrs Jane URQUHART, Conder.

For outstanding public service through sustained contribution to industry and science policy and programs to improve the economic wellbeing, global reputation and national interests of Australia.

Ms Andrea Louise WALLACEGREEN, Gilmore. For outstanding public service through sustained and significant contribution to social security policy and delivering outcomes for Australian individuals and families.

Connee-Colleen Cameron in her heyday working on the facade of the old Queanbeyan Hospital.

Reaching back to ‘pure’ past is foolish

COLUMNIST Robert Macklin’s odd claim (“Exposed to the natural world of our yesteryear”, CN January 19) that he’d be “casting a vote for my gentle marsupial visitor” is born of the most unsettling aspect of Voice advocacy.

Namely, the romantic notion, as presented by Robert, that “the real Australia has been surviving in the Aboriginal people and their unique totemic creatures”.

In fact, the real Australia is far more complex; it also includes 97 per cent of the population without Aboriginal ancestry and the full panoply of modernity.

History warns us that attempts to reach back to a “pure” past are foolish, nasty and ultimately unsuccessful.

Peter Robinson, Ainslie

Everything, it seems, has a planned obsolescence

FURTHER to the article “Shoppers no longer buy the throwaway culture” (CN January 12), it seems that almost everything we purchase, use, work in or live in has an inbuilt planned redundancy or planned obsolescence.

For example, most electrical appliances are built to last 10-15 years before they need to be replaced. Larger appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines seem to have a planned life also of 10-15 years, depending on their complexity. High-tech appliances such as computers, smartphones and “smart” TVs are usually replaced when a more advanced model is released.

Houses are built to last, say 40-50 years before they become knock down-rebuild properties. Larger buildings, such as office blocks and shopping centres become “old fashioned” or not fit for purpose after about the same time.

This way of living, with its enormous waste of materials and labour is clearly unsustainable.

Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

Surely the government’s got the message?

NOW that the representatives of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy have emphatically

rejected supporting the Voice, surely the government must have got the message that to proceed with the referendum would be a total waste of time, effort and $82 million of taxpayers’ money.

It is now very obvious that the Voice was an ill-considered, poorly drafted and badly managed exercise in futility, and by continuing to rush headlong to a referendum by year’s end, it shows the government to be stubborn, arrogant and out of touch with reality.

The government is treating voters with contempt by stubbornly refusing to provide important relevant details before the referendum being held and, instead, is trying to con them into voting “yes”.

It’s a very dangerous situation as with insufficient safeguards, nothing can then stop it from doing what it wants once it is enshrined into the constitution.

Mario Stivala, Belconnen

Boardings fall short on light rail

ON being interviewed on 2CC, the chair of the Public Transport Association of Canberra, Ryan Hemsley, was waxing lyrically about the raging success of Stage 1 light rail and claimed that it had come in within budget.

First, then-chief minister Katy Gallagher said she would not pay more than about

$650 million for Stage 1, but it came in at $1.78 billion (auditor-general’s figure).

It may have come in within budget, but budgets adjusted every year by Rattenbury and Barr for escalation – it cannot be said to have come in within early cost estimates.

Second, it cannot be called a raging success when the best it has done so far is 4.5 million boardings a year when a justification of the dodgy business case was 6.3 million.

Third, at its best of 4.5 million boardings to date, the subsidy is just on $15 a boarding (less between $2.50 and $5 for a fare).

I am yet to hear an argument for light rail from the Public Transport Association other than it’s a great idea – like sliced bread and icecream.

Max Flint, co-ordinator, Smart Canberra Transport

‘Defensive’ Russell leaves me aghast

RUSSELL Wenholz’s defensive letter CN January 19 leaves me aghast. Russell, your initial letter was without doubt less than complimentary of CN letter-to-the-editor writers. What on earth did you expect?

Surely not silent submission with a thanksfor-the-lecture and for educating us and correcting the errors of our negligent editor (steady, fella – Ed)

I have used a “pen name” in this response to comply with your request that it would

be nice to see letters from people you are not familiar with. As the saying goes “if it waddles, quacks and looks like” it’s probably a duck!

“Rufus McDuck” via email

(Editor’s note: in the spirit of good humour, I have allowed the nom de plume on this occasion.)

Does tradition count for nothing?

DISTURBING news coming out of Melbourne: Victorian racing authorities are considering moving the running of the WS Cox Plate from October to November – moving it from the weekend between the Caulfield Cup and the Melbourne Cup carnival. Does tradition count for nothing?

Are the Victorians reacting to NSW launching new events in the (mistaken) belief that increased prize money creates more exciting racing?

Already the time-honoured LKS Mackinnon Stakes, traditionally run on the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup, is now the Champions Stakes and run after the Cup.

Russell Wenholz, Holt

Write to Rebecca about killing ‘roos

Even after the fires in 2020, ACT government continued culling kangaroos. The killing continues annually.

Kangaroo numbers have been declining for years. Just take a walk on Farrer Ridge. The 185-hectare reserve should accommodate over a hundred, but you’ll be lucky to see a few because they got shot.

Last year Red Hill was a target and there are very few kangaroos to be seen. Not one reserve has high kangaroo numbers.

It’s only when species become extinct we regret our decision as humans to protect and co-exist with our magnificent wildlife.

Environment Minister Rebecca Vassarotti can and absolutely should stop the killing immediately. Write to her at vassarotti@act.gov.au

Alex Kuch, via email

TRANSIT lanes and bus rapid transit encourage car drivers to become public-transport passengers.

We can convert an existing traffic lane to a T3 or T2 transit lane for the cost of a few road signs.

The government estimated that stage one of bus rapid transit would cost $249 million, and would deliver $492 million worth of benefits, for a benefit-to-cost ratio of two. It estimates that stage two of light rail would cost at least $1.5 billion, with a benefit-to-cost ratio of only 0.6.

Population growth is the biggest cause of increases in Canberra’s transport emissions and traffic congestion. The second biggest cause is car passengers becoming car drivers.

Transit lanes encourage car drivers to become car passengers. Neither bus rapid transit nor light rail do that. Stage one of light rail failed to reduce the proportion of commuters who drive cars.

The proportion of Canberra commuters who travelled as car passengers fell from 9 per cent in 2011 to 7.3 per cent in 2016, and to 6.7 per cent in 2021. The proportion who drove cars increased from 73 per cent in 2011 to 74 per cent in 2016, and to 75 per cent in 2021.

Stage one of light rail also failed to reduce Canberra’s transport emissions – 2017-18 was the last complete financial year of all-bus local public transport and the ACT caused 1.06 million tonnes CO2-e of transport emissions. That was 2.5 tonnes per capita.

In the first complete financial year of bus and light rail (2019-20), transport emissions increased to 1.15 million tonnes. That was 2.7 tonnes per capita.

The government plans to transition to a fully electric bus fleet by 2040. We can bring forward that transition, and build bus rapid transit between Civic and Woden, for less than the cost of stage two of light rail.

I recently asked why the ACT Greens do not advocate for bus rapid transit. Greens MLA Jo Clay told me that the Greens were promoting transit lanes and bus rapid transit. I can’t find evidence to support that claim.

Leon Arundell was a Conservation Council board member between 2010 and 2016 and currently a member of the Conservation Council’s Transport Working Group.

Cartoon: Paul Dorin

Reader LEON ARUNDELL , of Downer, is grumpy that stage one of light rail failed to reduce the proportion of Canberra commuters who drive cars.

Top local businesses achieve award-finalist status

FOR 28 years, the Telstra Best of Business Awards has celebrated the achievements of small and medium-sized businesses across Australia.

This week, “City News” salutes businesses selected as ACT finalists.

Indigenous-led facilities management experts

EVOLVE FM has been recognised as a finalist of Indigenous Excellence – for an indigenous-led, owned and operated businesses succeeding through entrepreneurialism, innovation and inspiring the next generation for all Australians.

Evolve is Australia’s first, and only, majority indigenous-owned, full-service facilities and property management company.

CEO Amy Castro says that from starting out as a team of two only five years ago, she’s incredibly proud of Evolve FM’s growth to now more than 60 employees, with 30 per cent of them indigenous.

“It’s exciting to be creating equity through opportunity, breaking down intergenerational barriers and supporting our staff,” says Amy.

The business manages over 3.6 billion sqm (in cluding land) of space, across 669 Australian sites for more than 30 clients. It offers services covering tenant representation, leasing and transaction, BI and analytics, procurement, finance, facilities management, asset management, environmental and sustainability services, and project and development services.

“We are really proud that our ‘downstream spend’ with indigenous businesses enables the delivery of social initiatives that positively change the lives of both indigenous and non-indigenous people.”

Visit evolvefm.com.au

As Australia’s first, and only, majority Australian Indigenous owned full-service Corporate Real Estate, Evolve FM brings a truly unique service offering. Evolve FM continues to be a radical new player in the Facilities Management industry, with over 25% Indigenous employee representation –13 times higher than indigenous representation in the Australian population.

Design group fosters lasting equity for women

BANDIT Design Group is a finalist for Accelerating Women in the 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards, which recognises businesses actively challenging exclusion and inequality to create meaningful and lasting equity for women.

Bandit Design Group was founded five years ago by creative director and brand strategist, Mikeila Scheckenbach.

“I was 23 years old when I started my own agency, after feeling I didn’t quite fit into the established Canberra agencies,” she says.

Joined by senior designer, Ash, Mikeila then expanded the business into Sydney with Ash continuing to be based in Canberra.

Mikeila says that the business works primarily with lifestyle brands, understanding people’s visions, their target audiences and visualising unique creative solutions that have substance.

“We are now a team of seven females,” says Mikeila.

“We are super passionate about

Nursing agency secures four spots in the finals

NATIONAL Nursing Agency has been selected as state finalist in four catego ries at the 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards, says co-owner Lisa Walker.

“It’s a big honour to be recognised in four categories for helping people and supporting the Canberra community,” she says.

The business is a finalist in the Build ing Communities, Championing Health, Embracing Innovation and Outstanding Growth categories.

Lisa, who started in aged care at 16 helping her parents in the business, says: “We fulfil a niche market, contracting an amazing, quality team of nurses and carers in the Canberra region.

“We are not owned by the govern ment, we help people at a number of facilities in Canberra. The business has been in my family for 25 years.

“Eight years ago, my husband and I bought the business off of my parents.”

“Our team’s ability to put our clients’ and patients’ needs first is one of our greatest assets.

“We have amazing community spirit in Canberra and our team love to give back to the community by providing outstanding care.”

National Nursing Agency, 3/85 Hoskins Street, Mitchell. Call 6241 3525 or visit nationalhealthcare.com.au

National Nursing Agency co-owner Lisa Walker.

There’s never a wrong time to make things great advertising feature HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Home improvements for the home office

EX-Government Furniture sees the at-home office as a recent necessity for home improvements, says co-owner James Fullerton.

“With people working from home two or three days a week, it’s time to move from the end of the dining room table into an at-home office space,” he says.

“We have loads of office chairs that have just come in. As well as a lot of sit-stand desks and mobile storage for upgrading your home office to the new normal.”

He says the business, which has been operating for more than three decades, has become a well recognised part of Fyshwick offering a wide range of dining, office, outdoor tables and wall accessories for any home improver.

“We have quite a lot of designer pieces to upgrade your basic spaces, like dining and lounge rooms,” he says.

James says he has interesting options spanning a wide variety of time periods and designer styles “adjusting to all kinds of budgets.”

Ex-Government Furniture also has home-

Kim makes renovation a ‘stress-free’ experience

AS the owner of Renovation Matters, Kim Persson says her love of renovating has taken her passion from a hobby to a successful business.

With more than 45 renovations completed, she says the business has the experience to transform homes to the best effect.

“We can help people to maximise their profit when renovating to sell,” says Kim.

“The current interest-rate hikes have had an impact on the market, so having a well-presented property when selling is key.”

“I’m still hearing from some real estate agents that houses that are unrenovated or needing repairs are sitting on the market and not moving,” she says.

“There are some areas you must not miss when selling.”

great street appeal and is inviting to potential buyers.”

Kim says the business can also renovate homes to make them more “functional and enjoyable” for people looking to make the most of staying in their home.

style prints and wall accessories helping to personalise any space, says James.

Ex-Government Furniture, 6 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture.com

“It’s currently a buyer’s market rather than seller’s market, so you have to be very strategic with the areas you renovate and be sure not to overcapitalise,” says Kim.

“We can also help with all internal and external transformations including landscaping and fencing to ensure your property has

“We can tackle small repairs and maintenance, larger extensions, new builds and anything in between,” she says.

“There’s nothing we can’t do to help make the renovation a stress-free experience.”

Renovation Matters, call Kim on 0427 696662 or visit renovationmatters.com.au

Be it the house or the garden, there’s never a wrong time to make things great around the house.

Whether it’s floor coverings, house renovations, new furnishings or native plants for the garden, we’ve been talking to experts who understand the value of home improvements.

Renovation Matters operation manager Amy Gannon, left, with owner Kim Persson.

A selection of Sean Dix furniture at Ex-Government Furniture.

largest range of Australian-made curtains, blinds, shutters and awnings, says marketing manager, Melia Mangan.

“We are one of 30 stores in Australia providing handcrafted window coverings.”

“In our store, you can feel the fabric samples, see all colourways and experience the large-scale size of what the window coverings will look like,” she says.

“We are unique in that we offer full-length curtain samples that you can borrow and try at home.

“We also offer a free design, measure and quote service.”

The business specialises in cellular blinds for windows.

“Our window coverings can provide security and

home,” says Melia

“The unique cell construction of our blinds makes it difficult for heat energy to transfer in and out of the window, providing superior insulation properties.

“This can save customers up to 32 per cent more on heating and cooling costs compared to a standard roller blind.”

The cellular blinds fabrics are available in blockout, translucent or both and provide a child safe solution, says Melia.

dollar curtains + blinds, 135 Newcastle Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 9272 or visit dollarcurtainsandblinds.com.au

The go-to home renovator

ESTABLISHED in 2015, Canberrabased company TradeWise Renovations is quickly becoming the go-to company for home renovations, says owner Angelo Nardi.

The business specialises in all aspects of interior renovations including custom built kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.

“We also offer a comprehensive design and drafting service,” he says.

With a complete team of qualified tradespeople at their disposal and strong working relationships with some of Canberra’s largest suppliers, Angelo says “there is not much we can’t handle”.

The business is family owned and has more than 30 years of experience building and renovating in the Canberra area.

“We believe our success comes down to three things: excellent service, excellent communication and excellent product,” he says.

“It’s all about the customer experience,” says Angelo.

The business also offers an “obligation-free quote”.

TradeWise Renovations. Call 0430 172451 or visit tradewiserenovations.com

‘Uniquely beautiful’ garden improvements

COOL Country Natives continues to stock the largest range of native Australian plants in the Canberra region, says owner Karen Brien.

She says a lovely garden adds to the amenity and value of any house. “Native Australian plants are uniquely beautiful and deserve to be in every garden,” says Karen.

“The garden is the finishing touch to any home improvement project that can be completed by any home improver.”

Her dedicated team of knowledgeable staff say they’re happy to talk to customers and help them with any queries.

“We know how it grows and what it requires,” says Karen.

“We have a huge range of possibilities for your garden with new stock coming every week,” she says.

“We currently have some really exciting plants in the nursery, including rare brachychitons, the newly-released purple paramour and legacy flame grevillea.”

Karen says the relatively mild and moist summer means it’s a great year to get plants established for maximum growth.

Furniture to suit any home needs

OWNER of Timberland Furniture

Tony Purdy says he has a range of beautiful furniture that includes almost anything the home needs: bedding, dining suites, TV units, coffee tables, buffets and more.

“We specialise mainly in Australian hardwood furniture,” he says.

“It can adorn different rooms of the house, and can be complemented by any piece of furniture. You can’t beat it, as far as I’m concerned.

“Everything is good quality, and our furniture represents value for money.

“We try to find things a little bit quirky and different because there’s no point having the same

“Shoppers can also find groundcovers, grasses, ferns, climbers and small-to-large shrubs and trees such as acacia, banksia, crowea, daisies, ferns and grevillea.”

Karen says everyone is welcome at the next market day on March 4.

Cool Country Natives, 5A Beltana Road, Pialligo. Call 6257 6666 or visit coolcountrynatives.com.au

products as everyone else.”

Tony says size is often an issue for clients, so whether it’s a TV unit, bookcase or buffet table, Timberland Furniture can custommake furniture to fit the space.

“We can do simple designs and offer some custom-made pieces, including the customisation of fabric on lounges, or sizing and colouring, even the type of wood that gets used.

“We customise a particular piece to meet the customer’s requirements,” he says.

Timberland Furniture, 100 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 7411, or visit timberlandfurniture.com

BUDGET Reno specialises mainly in full bathroom and kitchen renovations, says owner Jorge Quiceno.

“But we can also undertake a wide range of projects from commercial building and home extensions to one-off repairs and maintenance.”

He says no matter what type of building, Budget Reno can create the bathroom or kitchen of your dreams.

“The business opened in Canberra in 2016, but I have been doing this sort of work for a long time before that,” he says.

“I love designing and I’ve got a background in architecture.”

Jorge says his team are happy to offer expert advice with creative suggestions, and provide “superb workmanship” while paying

attention to detail.

The business also offers rendering services using a variety of materials including cement and flexible acrylic, and painting services for indoor and outdoor settings, as well as protective coatings for timber decks and pergolas.

“At Budget Reno we offer a good price, it’s affordable but more importantly, it’s good quality,” says Jorge.

“No job is too big or too small for our highly skilled tradespeople and, of course, we do our best to work with minimum disruption to you, with full clean up when we’re done.”

Budget Reno, 6 Isa Street, Fyshwick. Call Jorge on 0413 494308 or visit budgetreno.com.au

‘Affordable, good-quality’ renovations

Home designs that make a difference

REIMAGINED Habitat was opened in 2017 as a passive house design business, says owner Michael Drage. Their aim is to “help people live in healthier, more energy efficient, sustainable homes,” he says.

“We incorporate energy efficient principles throughout the design process- without compromising on the aesthetic.

“We ensure that the homes we design function well, save on utilities and provide the user an oasis of calm.”

Michael says most clients find the business because of its focus on energy efficiency, “but are delighted to discover the collaborative design process we offer.”

“We offer a complete interior and building design service for home improvements and new construction, with a team blend of experienced designers and

graduates who bring fresh perspectives to the thinking and visualisation of our projects.

“The combination of experience and unbridled design thinking creates enviable results for our clients.”

Michael says the team wants to help clients to achieve healthier, more energy efficient, beautiful spaces to live and grow in.

“We are launching some pre-designed one and two-bedroom units that can be used as granny flats, Airbnb spaces or retreats. We have a range of designs, with some achieving the maximum 10 star-rating for Canberra, meaning they use virtually no energy for heating and cooling.”

Reimagined Habitat, 18 Creswell Street, Campbell. Call 0419 391282, or visit reimaginedhabitat.com.au

reimagined habitat

Designing Passive Houses for Australia

We aim to help everyone live in a healthy, beautiful, energy efficient and sustainably designed home. Specialising in energy efficient home design and renovations, we use the principles of Passive House, one of the world’s most energy efficient design standards, to inform our design thinking. Our belief is that a home should ‘live well’ yet touch the earth lightly and inspire through design.

Our team includes designers, energy analysts and engineers to ensure a holistic approach to your design. Whether for a new home, renovation, energy upgrade or even for a new granny flat out the back we would love to help you on your journey.

Campbell

Distinctive ways to give the home a special touch

SOUTH Pacific Hemp, Canberra’s first all hemp store, features a range of linen, fabrics, bedding, cushions and more to add a unique touch to the home, says manager Sue Booth.

“Hemp gives years of wear while its breathing ability, antibacterial and antiviral properties help promote good sleep, health and wellbeing,” says Sue.

“Hemp protects your skin by naturally filtering UV light. It also resists bacterial growth and breathes excellently, preventing odours. It has four times the strength of cotton and it won’t weaken when washed.

That’s just the start of what’s on offer at the store, says Sue.

Offering a large range of quality flooring

ENDEAVOUR Carpets offers the largest range of topquality floor coverings in Canberra and Queanbeyan, with options that help keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, says co-owner Taylor O’Brien.

Established in 1970, and still a family run business, Taylor says the business has maintained its original objective of displaying exceptional choices of carpet, timber, laminate and hybrid flooring, vinyl, vinyl planks and rugs.

Taylor describes their Fyshwick-based showroom as Canberra’s “greatest floor show” with thousands of samples on display, and an experienced team of flooring specialists to make the customer’s experience as easy as possible.

“Our showroom is so great that other retailers send their customers to view our huge range of top-quality

floor coverings,” she says.

“As a family business, Endeavour Carpets appreciates that customers are spoilt for choice in a competitive market place, and so maintains an objective to offer the best service and products available and for the best possible price,” she says.

When customers visit Endeavour Carpets, Taylor says they experience a good, old-fashioned service from a long-standing, local family business.

“This is what really sets Endeavour Carpets apart from any regular carpet store,” she says.

“At Endeavour Carpets, we don’t just endeavour, we do.”

Endeavour Carpets, 33 Isa Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6132 or visit endeavourcarpets.com.au

“In terms of fabric, there’s everything from belts, bags and bedding to scarves and throws, plant-dyed yarns to reusable make-up removal pads,” she says.

“Our selection of products extends to a unique collection of hemp foods, hemp seed oils, with gorgeous balms and skin creams, babycare, homewares, accessories and pet products.”

Sue says the team is always excited to help customers explore the extensive range.

“Come ask us about what the hemp plant offers, from the benefits of CBD oil to the selection of skincare and beauty products.”

South Pacific Hemp, 84 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0431 318898 or visit southpacifichemp.com.au

Puckett promises a night of rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia

By Helen MUSA

WHEN Gary Puckett and the Union Gap take the stage at the Southern Cross Club on February 15, audiences can expect a night of serious rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia, for unlike a lot of admittedly well-performed tribute shows we see yearround, this is the real deal.

Of course, today’s line-up of Puckett, Woody Lingle, Jamie Hilboldt and Mike Candito is not the one Puckett formed in San Diego in the late ‘60s, but it is the one he’s been touring with for a few years and, at age 80, lead singer Puckett is still very much there.

Apart from a short time in the ‘70s when he went solo, he’s been a band performer all of his life, with an unmistakable, ringing voice that gave us hits such as “Young Girl” and “This Girl is a Woman Now”.

The band is also still wearing the signature Yankee soldiers’ uniforms from the American Civil War, in which they became famous. The name “Union Gap” is a real place in Puckett’s native Washington state, a nod to the

northern Unionists in the war.

When I ask him how on earth that went down with southern audiences, he roars with laughter.

“I wanted us to dress differently from other bands,” he says.

DANCE WITH US.

6000 people, and then we rocked.”

He’s been very lucky. It’s possible to speculate that if his dad hadn’t moved Puckett and his three siblings to San Diego for a job, things might have worked out

His parents wanted him to go to college and get a higher education, so he started studying psychology, but then, he says: “I inherited music in my genes and certainly in my voice”. Fans will know what he means.

He started playing piano aged six or seven, around the beginning of rock ‘n’ roll, and immersed himself in the music of Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and the larger-thanlife Fats Domino.

“I suppose you could call them the influences of my youth; I was in the midst of all that and I loved all of them,” he says.

Most of all, he loved Elvis, and he’s quick to praise Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic of the

“I loved the guy, he was handsome, there was his voice, I loved his songs, it was all fantastic to me,” he says.

But Puckett was no copycat, and didn’t seek to emulate Presley.

Willpower” for his group Gary and the Remarkables, which was quickly renamed the Union Gap.

They had six consecutive gold records and sold more records in 1968 than The Beatles, also becoming one of the few artists whose first five releases went gold.

The group disbanded in 1971, but Puckett was later to reassemble the Union Gap and nowadays keeps up a cracking pace, with more than 150 performances a year.

And, yes, he says, he’s finding it tiring with a US tour to follow his Australian visit and then on to England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales in October and November. But knowing he needs a bit of downtime, they play the tour in segments with home-time in between.

“I keep fit. I’m a healthy guy,” he says. As for what we’ll see here in Canberra, Puckett says it’s a matter of “recapturing sounds”.

DANCE WITH US.

Major Performance Projects

“I thought maybe the key to success for the group was the visual image of Union soldiers. But it’s true that when we first went to perform in the south, we were a little bit nervous, so we bought a big Confederate flag, rolled it across the keyboard in front of

Major Performances with professional dance artists

Creative Development Programs

Training Programs

More info: QL2.ORG.AU

“I didn’t model myself after anybody, I was just being me and, fortunately, the genes gave me a signature voice.”

Success followed fast when he signed a contract with Jerry Fuller, a producer for Columbia Records in Los Angeles, who also wrote the songs, “Young Girl” and “Lady

“I’ve based the show around the first three Union Gap albums, everything the fans will know like ‘Young Girl’, ‘Woman Woman’, ‘Lady Willpower’, ‘Over You’, ‘Don’t Give Into Him’, ‘This Girl is a Woman Now’.” And they’ll do a few things “just for fun”… there’ll be a tribute to veterans of the military and a bit of Elvis.

Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, Wednesday, February 15.

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.

Training Programs

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.

• 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 SeptOct. 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.

Youth Dance Ensemble

Lorna Sim Photography

Gary Puckett (second from left) and the Union Gap… “I didn’t model myself after anybody, I was just being me.”

Top pianist home for a Chopin birthday treat

By Tony Magee

AN outstanding BritishAustralian pianist will be in Canberra soon to present “Chopin’s Birthday Concert” for the Friends of Chopin Australia.

Penelope Thwaites will be joined by cellist Patrick Suthers and violinist Kirsten Williams in a concert featuring “Piano Trio in B flat, K502”; Chopin’s “Ballade No 2 in F, Op.38”; a Thwaites commission and premiere performance, “Au Tombeau de Chopin” for piano trio and Chopin’s “Piano Trio in G minor, Op.8”.

Thwaites is the daughter of poet, the late Michael Thwaites, who with his wife Honor, was a long-time resident of Canberra and a well-known figure who played a leading role in the Petrov Affair in 1954.

Michael Thwaites’ poetry is filled with images inspired not only by life in Australia as in “Canberra Autumn”, “Creation” and the delightful “Metamorphosis”, but also in Britain as in “Coming into the Clyde” and his narration of a 1940 sea battle in the North Atlantic, “The Jervis Bay”.

His hymn “For Australia”, set to a tune by Henry Purcell was sung during an Anzac Day service in Westminster Abbey, as well as at the Australia Day Bicentennial celebration at the Sydney Opera House and when the late Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the new Parliament House in May, 1988.

“Both my parents were deeply musical,”

Thwaites says.

“As children, we had very good quality music. And they had a poetic quote for every situation. I owe a lot to them. I think what children get from their parents is more what they do than what they say.”

Thwaites is a citizen of Australia and the UK and spends a great deal of her time in

Canberra. Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2001, she is a represented composer with the Australian Music Centre. Known as an intensely communicative concert pianist and recording artist, she is also a composer, writer, editor, broadcaster (including for the BBC) and music-festival curator. She has appeared as a recitalist in

more than 35 countries, and as soloist with leading orchestras in Europe, Australia, and America.

of her work, “Missa Brevis”, in Canberra.

“The Greek and Latin words have such power and force and I hope that people will think that they fit,” she says.

“It’s interesting to get the texture of the voices melding with the notes and words. The sentiments have been expressed in these words forever and I regard it as a privilege to have set them to music.”

She is also recognised as an international authority on the music of Percy Grainger and was artistic director of London’s first international Grainger event in 1998, also helping to instigate the monumental 19-CD Grainger recording series on Chandos, in which she was a featured soloist.

Violinist Kirsten Williams enjoyed an international reputation before joining the Canberra Symphony Orchestra in 2019 as concertmaster, also leading the ANU’s Women in Music program in 2021.

Her music-for-healing passion led to her recording two CDs for Australian Bush Flower Essences and, in 2014, she was named Volunteer of the Year for her work playing in the Intensive Care Unit at Westmead Children’s Hospital. In the same year, she became patron of the Goulburn Strings Project, designed to bring music education to children in low-socioeconomic, regional contexts.

Patrick Suthers, a graduate of the Canberra School of Music, is the principal cellist of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 2012. He has performed frequent chamber music concerts with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellowship Ensemble, including private performances for Pope Benedict XVI.

“Chopin’s Birthday Concert”, All Saints Church, Ainslie, 3pm, February 19.

Lots of musical love for Barbra

LEADING star of musicals, Ainsley Melham, wll join the cast of “To Barbra, With Love” when it comes to town. The 80th birthday celebration of Barbra Streisand features top performers singing her most memorable songs, accompanied by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Vanessa Scammell. Canberra Theatre, 7.30pm, Friday, February 1 and 2pm, Saturday, February 11.

“AT Dinner” is the first in ACT Hub’s 2023 drama development program. Written by Rebecca Duke, the play is billed as an examination of modern love which begins when Anna and her high-school boyfriend Eden go out to dinner at a restaurant. At first glance, Anna appears to be stuck in a dead-end

relationship with Eden. Directed by Holly Johnson, the show features actors Tim Cusack, Thea Jade and Nakiya Xyrakis. February 9-11.

CHANGES at Tuggeranong Arts

Centre this year include the appointment of Ann McMahon to head up its visual arts program, replacing Karena Keys, who has moved to the National Portrait Gallery, and the engagement of Toby Cole to run a new community choir.

“CATCH Jazida” is a reprisal of burlesque star Jazida’s “noir burlesque” extravaganza where she

plays a thief who drops her clothes as she flees capture through every speakeasy, cabaret club, circus tent and burlesque bar in town. Courtyard Studio, February 10-12.

IN “A Collection of Favourites”, Andrew Rumsey on piano and Thomas Azoury on clarinet, offer a short-and-sweet , one-hour program of their most-loved favourites. Wesley Music Centre, For rest, 3pm Saturday, February 11.

9-11.

Penelope Thwaites… “As children, we had very good quality music.”

When the therapist lets rip and tells it like it is

EVER wondered what a therapist is really thinking?

That’s the question at the centre of Apple TV Plus’ newest comedy series “Shrinking”.

This 10-episode show tells the story of a grieving psychologist who snaps after the tragic loss of his wife and begins telling people what he really thinks about them and their issues.

Throwing any and all ethical training out the door, the grouchy clinician lets loose on his clients after having to sit through their problems, which seem infinitely less important than his own.

The results, it turns out, are not as disastrous as they seem.

By speaking honestly, the therapist is surprised to make profound breakthroughs with clients he never has before.

Jason Segel and Harrison Ford star in the show which comes from the creators of Apple TV Plus’ other comedy hit “Ted Lasso”.

Like “Ted Lasso”, “Shrinking” is a comedy that can tickle funny bones but also pull heartstrings.

The series pokes fun at this generation’s penchant to self-diagnose, but is ultimately a story of grief and hope and how the two intertwine.

Fans of Ricky Gervais’ hilarious Netflix hit “After Life” may have picked up on a few similarities here.

That show also features a protagonist who begins telling the world what he really believes after the loss of his wife. It’s interesting that the idea is one that has

caught on.

In a day and age where people are less and less able to say what they really think, a show about doing just that perhaps comes as something of a comedic catharsis.

Similar to “After Life” yes, but “Shrinking” still does enough with its amusing concept to warrant checking out.

Sigmund Freud would have had a field

day with this one.

NEW week, new rehash. This time it’s Netflix reviving a once popular TV show in order to exploit some nostalgia.

“That ‘70s Show” is back. Well, sort of.

In its newest Netflix iteration it’s become “That ‘90s Show”, with creators uprooting the sitcom and planting it in an entirely dif-

AWARDS WINE / in cans!

Theatre awards: how many can we support?

By Helen Musa

WITH the announcement that the long-awaited “Ovations” awards for theatre will be run at the Hellenic Club on February 10, the question arises as to just how many theatre awards a modestlysized city can support?

The “Ovations”, according to president Michael Sparks, were established as an incorporated not-for-profit community association in 2020 after a wide-ranging series of community meetings, to acknowledge excellence in local dance, musical theatre and theatre.

But this move itself had followed the announcement that the CAT Awards, after 25 years of operation, were to be wound up on June 30 of the same year after a dramatic drop in Canberra membership, complaints about the cost of entry and controversy over the suitability of judges.

But confusion set in almost immediately, because although the CATS had been wound up as a registered company in 2020, they were immediately resuscitated by founding CAT mother Coralie Wood, who re-registered the name, retained the membership-based structure and her team of roving judges, and determined

to maintain focus, not just on local theatre but on schools and amateur companies from around the region.

On December 18, an awards night was held at Theatre 3 under the new official CATS name, the Combined Area Theatre Awards, a nod to the regional basis of the present-day awards, which had been bolstered by generous grants from the NSW government through former Deputy Premier and member for Monaro, John Barilaro.

The Ovations Awards, in contrast, are specifically limited to the Canberra and Queanbeyan region. Like the CATS, they are membershipbased, with joining fees ranging from $20 to $85 and judged by members of the performing arts community, with strict conflict-of-interest restrictions set in place.

There are many familiar categories, such as Best Director, Best Lead Female Performance, Best Hair and Make-up Design, to name a few at random.

A special award – the Standing Ovation – will be presented to someone who goes above and beyond in the performing arts, nominated by companies taking part in the awards.

The Ovations Inaugural Awards Evening, Hellenic Club Woden, 6.30pm, Friday, February 10. The full list of nominees at ovations.org.au

ferent decade to look back on and laugh at.

It’s not Eric Forman and his teenage gang of friends who are front and centre though. They’ve grown up and got on with their lives.

Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith have reprised their roles as Kitty and Red Forman – Eric’s mum and dad, who step into the spotlight here.

While the quirky couple originally had minor roles in “That ‘70s Show”, throughout the series’ eight seasons they became two of the most popular characters.

Now it’s grandchildren they have to worry about. Eric’s daughter Leia has come to visit them in Wisconsin and falls in with a new generation of Point Place teens for Kitty and Red to manage.

Like its predecessor, “That ‘90s Show” is a sitcom duck soup. It asks no more of its audience than to enjoy its straightforward sense of humour and starry eyed look at decades gone by.

Absolutely one for fans of the original show.

GOING from NRL to filmmaking is an intriguing change of career path but that’s exactly what Matt Nable has done.

“Transfusion”, the latest Aussie action flick to Stan, is the directorial debut of Nable who many will know played for Manly

and South Sydney in the ‘90s.

In later years he’s had acting gigs strewn throughout Aussie dramas but now he’s tried his hand at directing.

In “Transfusion” Hollywood heavyweight Sam Worthington plays Ryan Logan, a former sniper for the Australian Army who struggles to readjust to normal life after returning home from Iraq.

When approached by one of his retired special forces colleagues with a deal to make some dirty money, the two quickly get in over their heads and are forced to escape the maze of Australia’s criminal underworld.

Anyone who has seen a Liam Neeson, Bruce Willis or Jason Statham B-grade action movie has seen this before.

The movie does have the ability to thrill at certain moments, but is otherwise an excruciatingly predictable affair.

Worthington does admittedly bring some nuance to the role, but it’s not enough to save the sadly uninspired action flick.

Bit of a crash back to Earth for Sam given his recent frolicking around with animated blue people on Pandora again.

Shattering my snobbish expectations

YOU expect commodities such as cat food to be sold in cans (by what measure is cat food sold? Purr can).

My expectation was that wine in a can would be horrible. In my mind’s eye I envisioned the acid in wine being an unnatural partner with an aluminium can.

Acids corrode many different kinds of metals or wear them away through chemical processes.

So, when shopping for a suitable wine to have at my tennis club’s New Year’s Eve party, I surprised myself by buying four cans of Pizzini spritz rosé from Vintage Cellars in Manuka at $23. That’s a litre of wine in total. It is a rosé based on sangiovese. Also available was pinot grigio with a spritz and prosecco.

What the heck, I thought, give it a go. It’s a new year and new experiences should be embraced. Plus Pizzini is one of my favourite winemakers. Halliday rates Pizzini as a five-star winery. I very much like the Pietra Rossa King Valley sangiovese, a wine not presently directed to the canned market.

The night of consumption was organised around tennis from 10pm and ending the year with drinks and snacks after play. I brought some cheese and a couple of dips and the cans of wine were in a chiller bag. I gave a can to a mate to try.

“Great, its not sweet and it’s a refreshing drink after running around. Much better than those pre-mixed drinks in a can which are often sugar hits,” he said.

“Yep,” I said, “context is everything.”

The rosé had quite a bite at 9.8 per cent alcohol by volume. It had a good, clean finish. I was surprised and glad that my somewhat snobbish expectations had been shattered.

I called Pizzini wines and spoke with Natalie

Pizzini’s wine in a can… “We could see a trend starting overseas where wine people were looking at alternatives to 750ml bottles,” said Natalie Pizzini.

Pizzini, who is a director of the company. She told me that they had decided to market wine in a can in February 2020 just after the bushfire crisis and heading into covid.

“We could see a trend starting overseas where wine people were looking at alternatives to 750ml bottles,” she said.

“At the same time, Coles were also looking at an opportunity of marketing wine in a can.

“We decided that we would attract a new consumer, young people are not wedded to

stereotypes. But we also decided that the wine would not be of lesser quality even though wine in a can might be perceived as a lesser product.

“To take a risk in this new format, you had to have a guaranteed sales channel outside of your own traditional one and, with the Coles outlets, growth in sales has continued and canned wine has been our best-selling product over the last three years.

“Part of the success was going into covid, where drinking alone suited drinking out of a can. We really hit the market there.”

I asked Natalie about the longevity of wine in a can.

“One of the reasons we are comfortable is the quick turnover. It’s bought to consume in the next week, you don’t let it lie for a year before you drink it,” she said.

“Trusting the supplier of the can is key and that’s a promise of 18 months. Each of the cans has a use-by date. We usually have three canning runs in a year. We’ll stick with it – every part of the can and the packaging is recyclable.”

Her final comment was that the winemaking process was exactly the same except the spritz is added at the canning stage.

I’ll try it again, especially after a game of tennis on a hot day.

“A wonderful gift may not be wrapped as you expect.” – Jonathan

Lockwood Huie

Harrison Ford, left, and Jason Segal… stars of “Shrinking”.

Sunshine brings out tomatoes

last, tomatoes are ripening and producing a good crop.

Hot sunshine and warmer days trigger flowering and fruiting for tomatoes and extra tomatoes means a few extra for jars of pasta sauce for the winter.

Tomatoes are either a bush variety or a vine variety so choose the best for your space.

Vines need a good strong trellis to climb on and space for the bees to pollinate the flowers. The bush varieties are smaller and better salad varieties and grow in pots or small courtyard areas.

The varieties to grow are endless and depend on the space that gets at least five to six hours of sunlight each day.

It’s too late to plant out for this season, unless you have a lot of frost protection and warmth in autumn such as a glasshouse or a very protected spot.

If looking for tomato seeds for next year, a cooking tomato to source would be Beefsteak, Oxheart or Roma tomatoes and Jaune Flamme or cherry tomatoes for salads.

If you like what you taste now, try cutting a slice of tomato and washing it under the tap in a strainer to remove any flesh from the seed. Allow it to dry on a piece of paper towel for a few days indoors and then store in a jar or envelope with date, name and place in a cool indoor space until August or September, when they will be ready to sow.

Cut up the seeds on the paper towel and

A fungal disease to look out for in the garden is the never-ending tomato blight and fusarium wilt. Keeping the plants dry and well ventilated with minimal overhead watering will help keep these diseases at bay.

If there are visual signs that the tomatoes look unwell, have discoloured leaves with brown blotches and don’t respond to watering, remove as many infected parts of the plant as quickly as possible.

Tomato plants infected from any fungal diseases will not recover long term and while the fruit is not affected by the diseases, it is still edible but it’s not advisable to store seed from an unwell plant. Fruit will rot quickly.

If early signs of blight are spotted, water in copper sulphate and lime around the plant. It could take a few weeks for tomatoes to take up the nutrients, but it’s worth a try.

SUMMER flowers are now putting on a show and one plant in particular is the coneflower (echinacea).

An ordinary small inconspicuous plant in the garden most of the year, but when it’s hot and sunny, the flowers really put on a show.

The flowers bloom through summer to late autumn (or when the frosts arrive). The colour

range is pink, white and yellow and can grow from 60 centimetres to at least one metre tall. A herbaceous plant in the daisy family, it is highly attractive to bees and pollinators.

Coneflowers like to be dead headed to produce more flowers on an upright, long stem. They are superb as a fresh or dried flower arrangement.

Echinacea also has medicinal properties as teas and tinctures made from roots, leaves and flowers to enhance immunity to colds.

It’s a rhizome and can be dug up after flowering and divided if needed in autumn, replanted in the garden or used in the kitchen. There are a few new varieties to look out for and they are suitable for rock gardens, pots and containers and look terrific when planted en masse. Sombrero Lemon, Hot Coral or Adobe are my favourites. Cut back all echinacea plants hard to the ground in winter.

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

The coneflower… a small inconspicuous plant, but when it’s hot and sunny, the flowers put on a show.

Beefsteak tomato, a good source of seeds… tomatoes are either a bush variety or a vine variety so choose the best for your space. Photos: Jackie Warburton

HOROSCOPE PUZZLES

Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

6-12 February, 2023

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

You’re feeling optimistic about the future as Jupiter (the buoyant planet of prosperity and positivity) journeys through Aries. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great Bob Marley: “Love the life you live, live the life you love.” Wednesday is wonderful for fun, friendship and novel expressions of affection. But avoid getting carried away, promising too much and then delivering too little (especially involving financial matters and helping others).

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

It’s time to network with family and friends in a variety of stimulating ways. Aim to surround yourself with positive people who boost your confidence and encourage your dreams. But avoid getting drawn into complicated discussions about money or politics, as ideological clashes are likely. You have much to learn from a mentor or work colleague who has a wealth of knowledge and life experience to share with you. There’s always something new to learn.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

With Mercury and Pluto stimulating your sensuality zone, romantic Twins are in the mood for love and lust. If you’re attached, it’s time to spice up the relationship with a sexy SMS or an erotic email. Searching for your soulmate? Cupid has his arrows pointed in your direction, and love is likely with someone from your past. Perhaps an old friend or a former lover. Happily single? A secret could be revealed that suddenly turns your world around!

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

This week’s stars help you view a close partnership from a surprising perspective. With a few strategic tweaks, the relationship can be turned around and transformed. You’re also keen to show loved ones how much you really care. Avoid being too overprotective though. All relationships need room to breathe and there’s a big difference between loving and smothering. Be inspired by birthday great, writer Charles Dickens: “A loving heart is the truest wisdom.”

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Stimulating conversations and exciting adventures are the keys to a satisfying week for sociable Lions. But has your job become rigid and boring? Vivacious Venus and innovative Uranus shake up your career zone, so prepare for some surprising professional changes and hold on tight! Your fiery temper – or an impulsive outburst – could set the Cat amongst the pigeons on the weekend. The current situation is complex, so try to keep a sense of perspective.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Life at planet Virgo can sometimes be rather stressful, as your days are organised with military precision and you try to get everything just right. But strive to be much more spontaneous this week as Uranus and Neptune toss your usual timetable out the window and urge you to stop and smell the roses along the way. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great, author and activist Alice Walker: “In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect.”

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

When it comes to creative expression, you may feel as if you’re going backwards but putting in longer hours won’t fix the problem. Do your best to work smarter rather than harder. If you relax and let things flow, then the ideas will come. Your domestic situation is going through a major metamorphosis, as you initiate a change that livens up your home life. When it comes to close relationships, aim to be less self-absorbed and more generous with loved ones.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Your creativity and originality are firing, as you form a new partnership or pursue a joint project. With three planets activating your communication zone you’ll feel like conversing, studying and/or travelling. If you’ve been waiting to get something off your chest, Monday through until Wednesday is the time to express yourself. Things could become intense on Friday or Saturday, when the Mercury/ Pluto conjunction gets your compulsive Scorpio side going.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Spontaneous Sagittarius – you can find it difficult to be on your best behaviour and follow the rules. Expect the unexpected this week, as the planets stir up your restless (and reckless) side. You’ll balk at restrictions being placed on you (especially at home and work) but resist the urge to be a disruptive influence. Put your personal wishes aside, and make sure you stay well-informed and fulfil your responsibilities to the wider community for the greater good.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

This week the focus is on business and financial matters. Capricorns are usually incredibly patient and persistent but, when it comes to a frustrating situation, you could find yourself ready to throw in the towel. The planets push you to keep on keeping on. So your mantra for the moment is from birthday great, inventor and businessman Thomas Edison: “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Wednesday favours stimulating friendships and falling in love very fast! With the Sun, Saturn and Mercury visiting your sign, you’ll feel restless, curious, and eager to explore radical new ideas. You’re also keen to show others how innovative and interesting you can be, as you shake a loved one out of their cosy comfort zone. Be inspired by fellow-Aquarian, actress and activist Vanessa Redgrave: “Ask the right questions if you’re to find the right answers.”

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Venus is vamping through your sign, which encourages you to channel your inner hedonist as you eat, drink, socialise, entertain and live life to the max. It’s also a wonderful week to host a lunch, dinner or party, where you can play the gracious host or hostess. The late week Mercury/Pluto hook up activates your hopes-andwishes zone so it’s a good time to revisit (or expand) your goals for 2023. Make your dreams as big and beautiful as possible!

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2023

General knowledge crossword No. 866

Across

3 Who was a renowned Austrian composer, Franz ...? (8)

7 Name the head of a Muslim State. (6)

8 Name a seaport in central Japan, on Tokyo Bay. (8)

9 In which Texas city was President Kennedy assassinated? (6)

10 To have exemplified, is to have done what? (8)

11 Who fuses pieces of metal together as an occupation? (6)

14 When one emits a sound like “ah choo”, one does what? (6)

17 What are the texts of operas? (8)

18 Name a US child film star, and later a diplomat, Shirley ... (6)

19 That which has no openings is what? (8)

20 What is the linear magnitude of anything, as measured from end to end? (6)

21 Name another term for the Christmas season. (8)

Solution next edition Down

1 What is an alternative term for otalgia? (7)

2 Name the first Australian female Prime Minister, Julia ... (7)

3 What, colloquially, do we call a lawyer who uses questionable methods? (7)

4 Which term describes a visionary or an idealist? (7)

5 To scrutinise carefully, is to do what? (7)

6 What is silly, trivial, feeble or tedious talk? (7)

11 Which animal resembles a smaller kangaroo? (7)

12 To be free from prejudice or bigotry is to be what? (7)

13 What do we call one who uses a duelling sword? (7)

14 To knock over or send flying, is to do what? (7)

15 What is a constituent part of a whole? (7)

16 Which substance is used in water softening? (7)

FREE PUZZLES EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au

WINNUNGA NIMMITYJAH ABORIGINAL HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Winnunga Nimmityjah AHCS is an Aboriginal community controlled primary health care service operated by the Aboriginal community of the ACT. In Wiradjuri language, Winnunga Nimmityjah means Strong Health. The service logo is the Corroboree Frog which is significant to Aboriginal people in the ACT.

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

Our services include:

• GP and Nursing

• Midwifery

• Immunisations

• Health Checks

• Men’s & Women’s Health

• Hearing Health

• Dental

• Physiotherapy

• Podiatry

• Dietician (Nutrition)

• Counselling

• Diabetes Clinic

• Quit Smoking Services / No More Boondah

• Needle Syringe Program

• Mental Health Support

• Healthy Weight Program

• Healthy Cooking Group

• Mums and Bubs Group / Child Health

• Optometry Service

• Psychology and Psychiatrist

• Community Events

• Groups

ALL OUR SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE • WE MAY BE ABLE TO ASSIST WITH TRANSPORT

Winnunga AHCS is a national leader in accreditation, was one of the first Aboriginal community controlled health services to achieve dual accreditation under RACGP and QIC standards. Winnunga AHCS has been at the forefront of setting a national agenda for quality improvement in Aboriginal community controlled health and continues to advocate locally and nationally for best practice standards in operational and governance areas of Aboriginal health services.

CLINIC hours | MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9am-5pm

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

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