CityNews 230413

DI SMITH IN ASSOCIATION WITH ARTS ON TOUR PRESENTS

Wild Thing

by Suzanne Hawley

28-29 April | The Q

"This play has a beating heart; this play will remind you of your own pulse under your skin, steady and true but not forever, not promised."

Sydney Morning Herald

The tiny way to make a big difference in vet care

By Lily PASS

THE mobile Tiny Vet Clinic has hit the streets helping pet owners who have difficulty accessing veterinary care due to money or transport issues.

Run by ACT Pet Crisis Support (APCS), its founder and president Eloise Bright says: “We get so many people contacting us who are having trouble getting an appointment at a vet and it breaks my heart that these pets can’t get help.”

As a local vet, Eloise began APCS in March 2019, with a group of committed animal lovers.

“The charity is passionate about animal welfare and the vital role that pets play as members of the family and social support for vulnerable people in the community,” she says.

“Veterinary care can be very expensive, with no low-cost options available to pensioners or low income earners in the ACT,” says Eloise.

“The Tiny Vet Clinic helps to encourage responsible pet ownership in an affordable way for vulnerable members of the community who would otherwise be unable to access veterinary care.

“This results in the need to eutha-

INDEX

“But getting the funding a year ago from Petspiration Foundation was the final piece of the puzzle,” she says.

“It took a year to build it, and our volunteer Russell did an amazing job, we even have a solar panel on the roof!”

Eloise says people tend to be healthier and have lower blood pressure if they have pets with them.

“It’d be interesting to see if people are living longer with their pets, too.

them a reason to get out of bed. It’s a social thing, too, and good for mental and physical health.”

She says pet ownership is on the rise, with an estimated 27 to 40 per cent more pets, post COVID-19.

“Vet clinics are chronically overbooked and staff burnout is at an alltime high,” she says.

“There has been overwhelming support for the clinic from local vets who have already started referring

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patients to the Tiny Vet Clinic.”

Eloise says the charity has helped more than 500 pets over the past four

“Any vet clinic can access support on behalf of a pet owner who has no other option to pay for urgent, lifesaving veterinary care.”

“Clinics will run regularly at Ainslie Village and Oaks Estate, and other locations as required,” says Eloise.

“The clinics are staffed entirely by volunteers and owners are encouraged to pay what they can towards medications for their pets, with consultations free of charge.

“We just ask that pet owners have a Healthcare Card in order to access veterinary care, there is more information including a form for pet owners on our website.”

The clinic will not do surgeries such as desexing, but is able to treat common conditions such as skin problems, lump checks, ear infections, sore legs, fight wounds, allergies and arthritis, and will provide routine preventative care such as vaccinations and micro -

“At our first clinic at Oaks Estate we saw 11 pets, including a 20-year-old cat and a tiny little puppy,” says Eloise.

“Our regular clinics will operate at Oaks Estate on the first and third Wednesday of every month, from 11am

“Ainslie Village will be on the second Thursday of the month from 11am to 1pm.”

Eloise says Ina Jalil, of Ina J Photography, is about to launch the annual fundraiser, the Canberra Paws 2024 calendar competition.

“This usually raises a huge amount of money for the charity,” she says.

“We will also be at Flynn’s Walk this year on May 21 to support the vet industry, and we will be bringing along the Tiny Vet Clinic so people can take a look and ask questions.”

Donate, volunteer or more information at actpetcrisis.com/tiny-veterinary-clinic

Vet Eloise Bright… “Vet care can be expensive, with no lowcost options for pensioners or low income earners in the ACT.”

The Tiny Vet Clinic… “Took a year to build… and we even have a solar panel on the roof!” says Eloise Bright.

Downer disconnect in thinking the best of Barr

COMMUNITY groups who have studied the Greenslabor planning reform plans and strategies know that the chief minister’s deregulation reforms will devastate the suburban characteristics that attract people to this city.

Even though he is the chief minister, Andrew Barr continues as the real planning minister.

The city is now developed according to Barronomics. This is a skewed form of neoliberalism that says the development industries know what is best for this city and their investors must be able to exploit all suburban areas.

Barronomics is not about addressing inequality or looking after urban environments, biodiversity, greenery, birds, heritage and stuff that hinders developers.

Anyone who thinks that Barronomics is about having a priority on housing affordability, social housing, greenery, community facilities and social welfare programs has missed the point, is extremely naïve or simply trapped intellectually by the cult of Barr’s and Shane Rattenbury’s Greenslabor.

Barr’s ideology is not about looking after pesky residents who cherish their homes, streets and neighbour-

suburbs for more cookie-cutter monsters to be built and sold.

As he said to Dickson residents a decade ago, residents who do not like what’s happening in their suburb need to move on and make way (for investors). Barronomics is about money.

Suburbs have their own characteristics and their own histories. The submission on the planning strategy by the Downer Community Association clearly makes the case that this government has misunderstood established suburbs.

More than a decade of promises has delivered almost nothing to Downer.

They make the evidence-based case

residents.

The proposed District Strategies applies a set of vague development outcomes to all established suburbs without serious consideration of the nature of things on those suburban streets.

The seven-page submission can be found on the Downer Community Association website. It is a good submission written by people who have a set of values relating to the people in the suburbs and the aspects of the natural environment within their suburb.

The submission writers have assumed that these values and aspira-

tions are shared by the politicians and bureaucrats who called for this feedback.

This is the serious disconnect. This error is shared among most of the feedback sent in as a response to the draft planning documents. The reality is that the city operates to an agenda set by Barr and those within his inner circle. That inner circle does not include residents who want to talk about things that matter to them.

How many times recently has Barr shown up at community meetings to discuss and empathise with their vision? Most likely zero. Contrast this with the frequent attendance by Barr and his planning bureaucrats to property and business forums where they are treated as special people. These events are about stroking egos and joint commitments to an ideology.

This is something Canberra’s community groups do not offer. So why would the chief minister bother?

What should be considered when providing feedback is that Andrew Barr, the bureaucrats and their investor allies regard the suburb as land banks waiting for the most profitable redevelopments.

The Greenslabor agenda is about the deregulation of development, investors and land banks. There is little concern if residents are directly or indirectly “encouraged” to leave their homes.

Barr’s planning reforms, if implemented, are destined to be a success as they will deliver on his simplistic and devastating Barronomics principles.

Residents need to monitor who votes for these deregulation reforms and then remember those names at October 2024 ACT elections.

Paul Costigan is a commentator on cultural and urban matters.

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

Wednesday 12 April 11am

Thursday 13 April 11am

Friday 14 April 7pm

Saturday 15 April 2pm & 6pm

Sunday 16 April 11am & 2pm

Tuesday 18 April 10am

Wednesday 19 April 11am

Thursday 20 April 11am

Friday 21 April 7pm

Saturday 22 April 2pm & 6pm

Sunday 23 April 11am only

Thursday 27 April 7pm

Friday 28 April 7pm

Saturday 29 April 2pm & 6pm

Sunday 30 April 11am & 2pm

Thursday 4 May 7pm

Friday 5 April 7pm

Saturday 6 May 2pm & 6pm

Sunday 7 May 11am & 2pm

Thursday 11 May 7pm

Friday 12 May 7pm

Saturday 13 May 2pm & 6pm

Sunday 14 May 11am only

Barronomics is not about addressing inequality or looking after urban environments, biodiversity, greenery, birds, heritage and stuff that hinders developers.

More than a decade of promises has delivered almost nothing to Downer.

Photo: Paul Costigan

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

POLITICS / voluntary assisted dying

Taking bureaucracy out of assisted dying decision

THERE is an opportunity for the ACT Legislative Assembly to lead on voluntary assisted dying.

The ACT was the first jurisdiction in Australia to consider this type of legislation but, thanks to the federal government, it will be amongst the last to implement.

The ACT now has the opportunity to learn from all the other jurisdic tions and avoid any of their pitfalls. As each of the states has considered this sort of legislation, the nature of the political challenges means those legislatures have invariably favoured particularly conservative models.

The test for access to voluntary assisted dying (VAD) ought to be simply “intolerable and untreatable pain or suffering”. Currently legislation in other jurisdictions asks doctors to predict the likely length of life of a person wishing to participate in voluntary active dying. This is an entirely arbitrary process laden with pitfalls. It ought to require verification by just two medical practitioners.

Dr David Morawetz, a director of Australia21, pointed out in a recent meeting that “more than 200 million people are living in jurisdictions where VAD laws have been passed, including Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, Spain, Colombia, NZ, many states of the US and all six states of Australia”.

He argued that the ACT could learn from this experience. In February the ACT released a discussion paper with the intention of understanding “how to design a safe, effective, and accessible process for an eligible person to choose to access voluntary assisted dying in the ACT”.

The discussion paper points out that all legislation in the ACT must be considered for human rights compatibility. The paper argues “voluntary assisted dying raises complex human rights considerations including the right to life, the right to privacy and autonomy, the right to equality and non-discrimination and the right to freedom of religion and personal beliefs”. These are all important questions.

The Minister for Human Rights is Tara Cheyne. She has called upon Canberrans to use the discussion paper to “think about key issues”, and “tell us about anything else you think we should consider”. She asked Canberrans to engage with the government through the voluntary assisted dying YourSay website.

In the light of this invitation, emeritus professor Bob Douglas, a founder of Australia21, convened a roundtable meeting of people with extensive understanding of the moral and practical issues regarding the best possible VAD legislation in Australia.

Prof Douglas argued: “While I recognise the absolute need to guard against ‘the slippery slope’ and the potential abuse of assisted dying by

someone who could stand to gain from a death, I consider that the issue has become over-bureaucratised and over-constrained in the models operating in Australia at present”.

He raised the possibility of allowing advanced care directives to be applied to voluntary assisted dying. The circumstances could apply where “a person of certifiably sane mind could indicate their wish for assisted death in the event of them developing dementia or profound mental illness”.

This seems eminently sensible to me. As with all advanced care directives, there would also need to be a designated person, nominated as their agent, who could initiate the intervention in order to verify that this remained the genuine intent of the person who had originally made the plan.

Conservative approaches in other jurisdictions have injected into legislation concepts such as “predicted life left”, “cooling-off periods” and “progressive or incurable disease”. These are redundant. When someone seeks to end their own life because of great pain or suffering, they can be assessed by two appropriate medical practitioners and consent given.

With appropriate medical leader-

ship available, the concept put forward by Dying with Dignity ACT of a centralised voluntary assisted dying support unit also has merit. The size of our jurisdiction and general access across Canberra makes such a proposal particularly suitable to our jurisdiction.

Although there are others, the main advances in legislation in the ACT ought to include:

• leaving out any need for prediction of time frames for death;

• allowing advanced directives for assisted dying;

• allowing “intolerable and untreatable pain or suffering” as the test for access, to be verified by just two medical practitioners; and

• establishing a centralised voluntary assisted dying unit.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health.

The test for access to voluntary assisted dying ought to be simply ‘intolerable and untreatable pain or suffering’. It ought to require verification by just two medical practitioners.

Fond farewell to John Kerin, who lived to serve

“John Kerin wanted to improve lives, not for glory, ego, income nor his name on a plaque. Like the greatest leaders, he lived to serve. To serve those he’d never met.” ANTONIO DI DIO remembers a friend, a patient and a hero.

JOHN Kerin passed away a couple of weeks ago – he was my patient, my friend and one of my heroes. He was 85.

Eulogies will be given at Friday’s (April 14) state funeral by our Prime Minister, in various publications by pundits and political historians, and in more personal journals.

As a political warrior, and a self-made economist, you’d think such a combination would not promote kindness – but you’d be wrong.

John was one of the finest minds we’ve had in Aussie politics, starting out in a party that had 23 years in the wilderness, as an autodidact farmer who spent evenings like the young Abe Lincoln educating himself, and meticulously applying what he’d learned, with good humour, gentleness, humility and drive, to making his patch of Australia a better place.

He rose through the Whitlam and the Hawke and Keating governments to become one of our most successful and authentic agriculture ministers, our federal treasurer, with a distinguished later career in other portfolios.

To all roles he brought relentless

decency that made not just his patch, but all of our nation, a better place.

I have no interest in political sides, only that he did good. I have no inter est in party point scoring, only that his entire career was a gigantic plus in the invisible ledger counted on by those who measure these things.

I’m fascinated by how many of my heroes end up being incredibly fallible and mortal when you get to know them, and for me it always ends up about three things. The ethical underpin nings that determine their progress and pursuits after politics, the self view and perspective that comes with true humility, and the relationships that emerge from their perspective.

In these things, even when frail and dying, John was an even greater inspi ration to me than when, in his pomp, he dismissed turgid opposition poultry arguments like Bradman smacking a long hop to the square leg fence.

John’s career was incredible, but it is after politics that he becomes truly great. He wrote with passion into his eighties in the “Southern Highlands Branch Newsletter” (the most intelligent newsletter in the southern or any other hemisphere for purveyors of

John helped found the branch in 1969, literally the year of “Don’s Party”, the year Keating reached parliament and Armstrong kicked the moon, and a time where being a “True Believer” was hard.

After his retirement, he had a hundred opportunities to translate his skills and connections into commerce, but instead returned to what he’d loved, agriculture, combined

essay/doorstop in this humble house.

John kept doing his job for decades after his retirement, because he loved it. His people were all people, and I loved that, too. In this, he remained my hero till the end.

Despite this pursuit, he could have fallen into shrillness, repetition, irrelevance and fading male rage. He never did. He articulated, never pontificated. He persuaded, never argued. He made

points, but never sought to score them. He respected those he spoke to, and listened more than he spoke.

Even at the end, as I tried with pitiful medical tools to alleviate suffering, he sought to discuss the wrongs done to the innocent, the settings that a true nerdy wonk would fiddle with, the broad stroke policy and the minutiae of execution.

He wanted to improve lives, not for glory, ego, income nor his name on a plaque with letters at the end of it. He was there for us all, and like the greatest leaders, he lived to serve. To serve those he’d never met. His interest group was all of us. This was a politician a Captain Naivete like me would have designed.

Nothing happens in a vacuum. He spoke with pride and love of his family. He left behind Dr June (a proper one, not a stethoscoped fraud like me), the most fiercely intelligent and loving character you could find, who’d rally like some Welsh Boadicea to all his causes, while gently bringing him back down to earth when the ideological thought balloons threatened to float him away.

John Kerin literally gave himself to public life, till his final day, to all Australians. Pretty kind, if you ask me.

Antonio Di Dio is a local GP, medical leader, and nerd. There is more of his “Kindness” on citynews.com.au

Neglect sends prison’s high ideals into ignominy

THE Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) accepted its first detainees in 2009 –almost exactly 14 years ago.

The philosophy underpinning the decision to establish a prison in the ACT was that it would be human-rights compliant and that the central focus in its operation would be the rehabilitation of detainees.

Significantly, the ACT had by that time enacted a Human Rights Act, the first and, at the time, the only Australian jurisdiction to have done so.

The then government consistently emphasised that the central focus of the AMC would be the rehabilitation of detainees. The objectives were articulated at the time as being to reduce offending behaviour and encourage detainees to seek self-improvement and, hopefully, fulfil their potential and upon returning to the community from prison, lead successful and crime-free lives.

In 2012, the “Canberra Law Review” explained the AMC’s founding principles in the following terms: “The road to the ACT’s first prison was paved with rehabilitative intentions and despite the debates which considered arguments in favour of and against the building of a prison, what was consistent was the ACT’s commitment to the rehabilitation of offenders.

“The ACT is thereby revealed as exceptional as this ideological commitment to rehabilitation as a goal of imprisonment does not exist in other Australian jurisdictions.”

However, it is clear from a reading of the ACT auditor-general’s report titled “The Rehabilitation of Male Detainees at the Alexander

Maconochie Centre”, which was delivered in April 2015, that by that date the earlier commitment by the ACT government to rehabilitation had been effectively abandoned.

Similarly, considering the recent spate of civil cases, initiated by detainees, in the ACT Supreme Court alleging breaches of the Human Rights and Corrections Management Acts the

claims that the AMC is a human rights-based prison are also illusory.

The following excerpt from the auditor-general’s report provides a flavour of the nature and extent of the changes that have occurred.

“Boredom and inactivity in the correctional setting encourages drug use, undermines rehabilitation objectives and threatens security and safety. It is therefore important that the prisoner’s day be marked by the prisoner’s continuous engagement in purposeful activity.

“Over time, the prisoner will, through incentive-based regimes, exercise increasing levels of decision making, assume greater levels of responsibility and will be placed in accommodation which reflects this.

“The means to achieve the integration of the prisoners’ Rehabilitation Plans, ie case plan, will be a structured day of meaningful work, programs ( including visits) and recreation.”

It was envisaged that “the daily routine provides for approximately six hours of scheduled activities per day. Planning for a five-day week provides for 30 hours of scheduled activities per week. A typical daily routine is also set out for remanded detainees. Each routine identifies three program or activity slots per day.”

However, the auditor-general reported that, in reality, detainees were engaging, not as envisaged, in a total of six hours a day of structured activity, but rather in six hours a week or one hour a day.

The unsurprising consequence of this was pithily described, just recently, by the outgoing Inspector of Corrections Neil McAllister, in the following terms: “Frankly, the detainees (in the AMC) are bored shitless”.

Early planning also highlighted the centrality of education and

other programs as well as the opportunity for detainees to engage in work. However, the most recent reports of the ACT Inspector of Corrections highlight that there are virtually no real jobs in the AMC and that for much of the last year the AMC did not have an education provider.

It was also revealed in the audit report that in its early years of operation AMC detainees were able to receive visitors on six days a week. Again, the visits regime was deliberately designed to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, detainees would maintain strong links with family and friends in recognition of the role that family and other community connections play in facilitating the successful return and reintegration of detainees into the community upon release from prison.

However, prison visits have regrettably been reduced to two days a week.

The consequences of the incremental abandonment by the ACT Labor and Greens parties of a genuine commitment to the AMC as a human-rights compliant and rehabilitation focused prison are revealed in the detail of each year’s Productivity Commission Reports on Government Services, the annual ABS reports on prisons in Australia and the reports of the Inspector of Corrections.

The bottom line in each of these series of reports is that the AMC is, if not the worst performing prison in Australia, certainly among the worst.

Interestingly a relatively new national organisation known as the Justice Reform Initiative (JRI) has been formed with the aim of reducing overincarceration in Australia.

The JRI describes its focus as being to reduce Australia’s harmful and costly reliance on incarceration. In its words: “We seek to shift public discourse and policy away from building more prisons as the primary response of the criminal justice system and move instead to proven alternative, evidence-based approaches that break the cycle of incarceration.” Amen to that.

However, let’s not hold our breath considering the dismal record of the ACT Labor and Greens parties over the last decade.

During this time they have overseen a more than 250 per cent increase in Aboriginal incarceration – five times higher than the national average – resulting in Aboriginal peoples currently comprising 31 per cent of the AMC prisoner cohort despite constituting only 1.9 per cent of the ACT population.

Compounding the failings of the ACT government in this regard is, of course, the fact that the Aboriginal recidivism rate is well over 90 per cent.

Jon Stanhope was ACT chief minister at the time the AMC opened. Read more of his columns on citynews.com.au

All shiny and new… inside the Alexander Maconochie Centre before it opened in March 2009.

Photo: Andrew Finch

The Alexander Maconochie Centre is, if not the worst performing prison in Australia, certainly among the worst.

THE GADFLY

Riding on the horns of one, two, three dilemmas

THERE’S nothing quite like a good old-fashioned dilemma to get the grey matter twirling. Any glance around the world will produce more than a single cerebellum can handle. But three have such sharp horns they’ve kept prodding me all week. Perhaps a problem shared is a problem halved, so here goes.

The federal government finds the first so blatant they’re afraid to express it publicly: The Morrison gang left the place in such a woeful state that enormous funding on health, education, the NDIS, aged care, child care and especially the transition to renewable energy is needed right now. Yet since they promised not to raise taxes (or even repeal the ridiculous stage-three cuts), the only way to pay for them is through the bonanza of coal and gas exports.

And with interest rates on the pandemic deficit blowing out the budget bottom line, the mining industry promises even more income from the 140 or so new developments awaiting government approval. No wonder Albo gave Tanya Plibersek the job of overseeing the environment while deciding yea or nay to the new mines. He apparently figured that, when desperate, you look for the cleverest and most appealing woman to camouflage the dilemma.

The second also involves a woman

of high intelligence and appealing mien. Across the Pacific, US President Joe Biden is getting ready to an nounce his run for a second four-year term in 2024, which would make him 86 by the time he bids a mandatory farewell.

So age is a big factor for the voters. Joe’s supporters in government have been very aware of this, so they’ve deliberately kept his relatively young and attractive vice-president Kamala Harris in the shadows.

While this has allowed Joe to bask in a cleverly controlled limelight, it

race with Trump or one of his scary camp followers such as Ron DeSantis, simply because of her loyalty to Joe and his team of White House manipulators. Sharp horns indeed. The third is of a very different order, and it’s been a long time coming. I remember as a wide-eyed youth

in the office of Deputy Prime Minister John McEwen, engaging in an all-out campaign for decentralisation of the Australian population.

At the time, the move from country to city was gathering pace and McEwen proposed a new Australian Industry Development Corporation that would assist industries to establish in the regions. It was fiercely opposed by Treasurer Billy McMahon and while the boss got it approved by the Gorton cabinet, when he retired it simply faded away.

However, in recent years, the NBN, for all its faults, has combined with a new generation of progressive farmers – and the mad prices of city property – to rejuvenate many of the small towns of the inland.

As the superb ABC series “Back Roads” has revealed, communities across the nation are not only growing and welcoming migrants from Asia and elsewhere, they’re finding life so much more satisfying and engaging. The tree change is happening.

But here’s the other horn, and I guess it takes us back to the first example.

Climate change is producing floods, fires, heatwaves and droughts in prospect, with the power to undermine the entire process. Yet there’s no funding to fix it, unless, well, you know what...

Maybe the government should share the dilemma publicly. This might not solve it, but at least they’d show they’re fair dinkum and perhaps even open to suggestion.

robert@robertmacklin.com

Minister Tanya Plibersek, left, and Vice-President Kamala Harris.

No wonder Albo gave Tanya Plibersek the job of overseeing the environment. He apparently figured that, when desperate, you look for the cleverest woman to camouflage the dilemma.

Getting to enjoy more years of deterioration

WE all have to accept ageing as both a blessing and a curse.

A blessing in the sense that by age 50 you should have paid off the mortgage and learned from your mistakes.

A curse because for many people it’s the start of degenerative aches and pains and general physical and mental deterioration. The curse aspect is also brought home to the elderly when travel insurance costs more than overseas travel.

On the plus side, you now get to enjoy more years of deterioration. Life expectancy in Australia has improved dramatically for both sexes in the last century, particularly life expectancy at birth. Compared with their counter

1891-1900, boys and girls born today can expect to live around 30 years longer.

Average life expectancy in Australia is 81.3 years for males and 85.4 years for females. Australian men aged 65 in 2018–2020 could expect to live another 20.3 years (an expected age at death of 85.3 years), and women aged 65 in 2018-2020 could expect to live another 23.0 years (an expected age at death of 88.0 years).

Even so, there are several animals that have a longer lifespan than humans: the bowhead whale (more than

These

include:

200 years), the giant tortoise (over 100 years), the Greenland shark (up to 400 years), and the ocean quahog clam (over 500 years). On a par with humans are the African grey parrot and the macaw and cockatoo species that can live 80 years or more.

Why do women live longer than men?

Scientists believe that estrogen in women helps combat heart disease by reducing circulatory levels of harmful cholesterol. Women are also thought to have stronger immune systems than men. Out of the top 49 oldest people alive today, only two are men. Do married men live longer than single men?

It’s jokingly said that it may seem longer – but there are several reasons why married men live longer: better social support, better health behaviours, lower likelihood of engaging in risky activities, and being less isolated. Of course, some

supportive. As one vexed woman said: “I blame myself for my husband’s death. I shot him.”

Life expectancy changes over the course of a person’s life because, as one survives the danger periods of birth, childhood and adolescence,

Obviously, a lot of thought has gone into ageing and here are a few thoughtful comments:

“If you want to know how old a woman is, ask her sister-in-law.” – Novelist Edgar Howe

“The older I get, the more clearly I remember things that never happened.” – Writer Mark Twain

“I’m at that age where my back goes out more than I do.” – Comedian Phyllis Diller

“Nice to be here? At my age it’s nice to be anywhere.” – Comedian George Burns

“You spend 90 per cent of your adult life hoping for a long rest and the last 10 per cent trying to convince the Lord that you’re actually not that tired.” – Author Robert Brault

“Old people shouldn’t eat health foods. They need all the preservatives they can get.” –Comedy writer Robert Orben

“It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.” – Television writer Andy Rooney

“The older I get, the better I used to be.” –Golfer Lee Trevino

•

•

age increases. Sadly, the more of your friends who die before you, the better off you are in the longevity stakes – based on average life expectancy.

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

“You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.” – Musician Joel Plasket t

“There’s one advantage to being 102, there’s no peer pressure.” – Comedian Dennis Wolfberg

“There are three stages of man: he believes in Santa Claus, he does not believe in Santa Claus, he is Santa Claus.” – Journalist Bob Phillips

“Looking fifty is great – if you’re sixty.” –Comedienne Joan Rivers

Women are thought to have stronger immune systems than men.

Out of the top 49 oldest people alive today, only two are men.

Golly gosh, time you looked after your own health

In this exclusive column, the Minister for Declining Health Services reveals that ACT Health Services will be rebranded as Health-Aren’t-Us to continue the government’s progressive abandonment of health delivery.

AS the ACT minister for Declining Health Services, I’ve been doing my best to avoid public scrutiny lately by hiding behind a lot of bureaucratic hooey.

Oh, my golly gosh, have you seen all the news stories? It’s brutal out there. When are people going to realise that, with all of our incompetence and the money we have blown on the tram, the ACT government really isn’t in any proper position to provide a health service.

As I’ve said many times to convince myself in the mirror, the only real answer to improving ACT healthcare outcomes is spin. That’s why I’m giving the wheel a whirl and gambling our last million bucks on lucky try, number seven – rebranding.

with the outsourcing of urinary tract treatment to chemists and the use of fly-in-fly-out specialists to replace permanent doctors, but now we are going even further.

First cab off the rank, will be just that. From May, our over-costly ambulance service will be replaced by Uber drivers, who will provide much-needed competition in the restrictive emergency-delivery sector. Under UberEMT, patients can choose between Ahmed in the Suzuki Swift or Johnny in the Toyota Camry while they lie bleeding to death waiting for the app to confirm their pick-up address. They’ll also have access to a complimentary bottle of water in the back seat.

Drug dealers will be on hand near the bins at the back of Canberra Hospital to administer an exciting range of drug cocktails to suit patient needs.

From next month, or sooner if another scandal breaks, ACT Health Services will be rebranded as Health-Aren’t-Us. Health-Aren’t Us will be all about continuing our progressive abandonment of health provision in the ACT. We started this year

Then in June, we introduce our revolutionary new approach to pain treatment – Score-Fer-Sure. As the ACT has already legalised all known drugs, there is simply no need for our anaesthetists anymore.

Instead, local drug dealers will be on hand near the bins at the back of Canberra Hospital to administer an exciting range of drug cocktails to suit patient needs. From

Magic Mushies to Monkey Dust, our recidivist dealers will have something for everyone. This progressive reform will sweep away the staid, old regime of fuddy-duddy specialists determining what drugs were best for people. Let the individual decide, we say!

Then in July, we tackle all of the palaver with operations. Let me tell you, as someone who spent their childhood using the metal tweezers to remove Charley Horse without setting off the buzzer, doing an Operation isn’t as complicated as the so-called “profes-

sionals” would have you believe. That’s why we’ve outsourced all operations in the ACT to the leaders in this field – Hasbro Games. Which just leaves us with those pesky nurses. Blah, blah, blah – always complaining that we don’t treat them properly. Who needs them, right? I mean, all they do is respond to patients’ needs. We can get Google Assistant or Alexa to do that.

And have you seen those smart watches that can monitor your heart rate and blood pressure? Plus, have your kids shown you that ChatGPT? We’re living in the 21st century, people! It’s time for those needy nurses to get over themselves.

But obviously you can’t get rid of every health professional in the ACT. No, we still need highly-paid specialists to work on the really serious issues such as covering-up things and public relations. I mean, if we didn’t have those people, our whole racket would be exposed.

At its sclerotic heart, Health-Aren’t-Us is all about individuals taking responsibility for their own health. As I think the biblical saying goes, “complainer, heal thyself”.

Sick whingers out there need to explore other options before becoming an unnecessary burden on us. Find a crystal pendant that wards away cancer or follow an Insta-influencer who uses camel’s milk as a cure for diabetes. In today’s world, miracle cures abound everywhere. Seeking an evidence-based professional should be a person’s last resort.

So, stay safe out there and whatever you do, don’t get sick. It plays havoc with our stats.

Nurse Rach performs a successful Operation of Ankle-Bone-Connected-to-theKnee-Bone surgery without setting off the buzzer.

Who answers questions if the coroner doesn’t?

THE findings into the death of Bronte Haskins have, after three long years, finally have made their way through the ACTs creaking, laborious, adversarial coronial system.

The coroner has decided that “no one person was to blame for Bronte’s death”, and I agree with him on that.

The findings, however, should be disturbing for all Canberrans because they clearly indicate that there were far too many times in the days just before this young person’s death when focused, planned action by any of a number of individuals working in agencies with whom she interacted, could likely have averted the tragic outcome.

At the inquest, we heard the bail and corrections officers were under resourced, the police didn’t get the right information, the PACER team wasn’t available and the MH crisis line (now called the Access Mental Health Team) triaged Bronte incorrectly. We heard “the mother” didn’t sound distressed enough on the phone, that Bronte wouldn’t speak to the team directly so she couldn’t be assessed… the list of excuses went on and on.

During my last eight years of advocacy in this area, I have attended many coronial hearings and studied many coronial findings, and I can assure you that similar lists of missed opportunities are common, and accompanied by similar lists of regurgitated excuses.

Coroners have heard this all before, but too often make weak, ineffective recommendations that will change nothing. Our elected government representatives have heard it before, too, but take little action. Highly remunerated managers leading the agencies have heard it all before and know that, ultimately, there will be very few repercussions and no accountability.

ACT taxpayers should be asking why so much of our money and the money from bereaved families is spent for so little return.

Despite legislative requirements many reasonable questions asked by families are not answered because they are supposedly “outside the scope” of the inquest.

Indeed, the scope issue often becomes a contentious one between the court and the family.

“This isn’t a royal commission,” bewildered, often intimidated families are told. For years I have wondered if it is merely a convenience for the court to limit the scope? A lazy approach to investigation? A way to more quickly work through the case

Never mind the tram, how about my suburb?

I AGREE with R Nano (Letters, CN March 23), who says the state of many Tuggeranong suburbs are, at best, ordinary and rightfully notes that excessive graffiti is commonplace and vandalism is increasing.

Of course, we all see both explode during school holidays. This, coupled with the near-absence of general maintenance activities (other than mowing), make the area look so tired and neglected.

The picture of the pathway between houses speaks volumes. Last week work was undertaken that included painting all over the footpaths with ridiculous signs to convey.... some sort of message, I guess?

Painting footpaths like that, in my opinion, is just a waste of money and resources when so much else has a higher priority.

My small effort to address lack of maintenance is to make sure I submit all legitimate issues via the “Fix My Street” web address as soon as I see them (lights out, damaged public seating, etcetera).

If the ACT government is going to spend gob-smacking billions on an unnecessary

backlog? Or an opportunity to avoid getting to the real truth of what actually happened?

A significant number of families whose inquest has been summarily dismissed and who then have fought for a more comprehensive investigation have eventually had, as a result, recommendations of major significance for community safety handed down by the coroner. Most families do not have the energy or confidence to take on this fight.

We should all be asking who will answer these important questions if the coroner does not?

Ros Williams OAM, Holder

Now I’m considered a new Australian

I WAS raised in what I believed to be one Australia and my parents impressed on me respect for our new Australians citizens.

Now I find I am myself considered a new Australian, with my family only having been here for 180 years. Nevertheless, I would like to impress on my newer, new Australian friends that I don’t claim any precedence over them, nor will I do anything other than respect and love them as my parents taught me to.

Brian O’Connell, via email

Bjorn Moore says the near-absence of maintenance makes his suburb look tired and neglected…and there must be higher priorities than painting all over the footpaths with “ridiculous signs”.

train, then I want to see a few dollars thrown into fixing my suburb. I encourage everyone to report all legitimate issues in their suburb, although I know of the atrocious failure of the Fix My

Praise for Erindale pharmacy staff

I WAS with a group of people at Erindale having our weekly get together cuppa. We all have a mental illness. This is an invisible illness, not quite like what the TV portrays. We saw a pop-up stall to raise funds for Beyond Blue.

I would like to praise the Erindale Pharmacy staff for volunteering and cooking yummy blueberry muffins, interesting, yet delicious blue-topped cupcakes and a sausage sizzle.

All of us non-violent, non-addict, genuinely-have-this-illness, say THANK YOU!

Cam White, via email

Bus rapid transport trumps the tram

THE report of the inquiry into the economic analysis of Stage 2A of light rail was quietly released on March 21.

It provides, for the first time, the government’s estimates of the costs and benefits of Stage 2A and Stage 2B of light rail.

The government’s analysis supports its previous conclusion that bus rapid transit is a

Street system as recently highlighted by “CityNews” (February 2) with dumping that occurred in Palmerston – so waiting goes without saying.

Bjorn Moore, Gowrie

much better investment for Canberra.

In its August 2012 submission to Infrastructure Australia, the government estimated that stage 1 of bus rapid transit (between Gungahlin and Civic) would generate $230 million greater net benefits than stage 1 of light rail.

In its August 2019 “City to Woden Light Rail: Stage 2A City to Commonwealth Park Business Case” the government estimated that the combined net benefits of stage 2A and 2B of light rail (from Civic to Woden) will be more than $400 million less than the net benefits of stage 1 of light rail.

Leon Arundell, Downer

No ‘grandeur’ north of the lake

A CONCERNED Yarralumla resident spies ACT government “delusions of grandeur” in the “yellow bits” marked along Melbourne Avenue in the draft Inner South District Strategy (Letters, “Yellow bits: Looking forward to the stoush”, CN March 30).

For too many years much of the inner north, and Flemington Road, Gungahlin, have been on the receiving end of deluded and deficient design and densification de -

velopment, with no evidence of grandeur whatsoever.

There is little reason to believe that this won’t worsen now that the government wants to ramp up population growth, rezoning and multi-storey built forms north of the lake, to a far greater degree than was advised previously.

However, in comparison the suburbs south of the lake will probably be treated with kid gloves and have a bit of breathing space for some time, as planning authorities stretch their limited resources and expertise and hunker down to deliver faster and far more densified residential infill “outcomes” – and little else – north of the lake.

Sue Dyer, Downer

The difficulty of better targetted taxes

LABOR’S proposal to establish a Future Fund to finance the construction of 30,000 affordable homes over five years is a drop in the bucket given the level of housing need.

The Greens and cross-benchers, including Senator David Pocock, should be commended on their attempt to secure more funding for social housing (CN March 30).

However, the ability of the government to adequately fund the construction of social housing (or health, disability services, defence, the transition to a low-carbon economy or increase welfare payments) is limited unless the community is willing to accept increased and better targetted taxes, the reduction/ removal of middle-class welfare including superannuation, negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions and first home buyer assistance.

As many voters benefit from such concessions and windfall gains from the property market such change is difficult. The difficulty is compounded by scare campaigns and the unconstructive negativity of the Coalition.

Let’s hope the Greens and the independents are successful and the government supplements the funds being made available through the Future Fund as a first step in addressing housing needs.

Mike Quirk, Garran

Luke Clews

Comfort of commemorating Anzac Day together

ANZAC Day this year commemorates the 108th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.

At the Australian War Memorial, more than 120 veterans who served as part of 1993 peacekeeping operations in Somalia will march with the Governor-General, David Hurley, who commanded 1RAR Battalion Group in Operation Solace.

“We encourage everyone to attend these special ceremonies at the Australian War Memorial. Anzac Day means so much to so many people and it is a comfort to commemorate together,” memorial director Matt Anderson said.

The proceedings will start early on April 25, with images from the National Collection displayed from 3.30am, readings from the letters and diaries of Australian servicemen at 4.30am, and the dawn service commencing at 5.30am.

After the dawn service, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association (ATSIVSA) Commemorative Ceremony will be held at 7.30am at the For Our Country memorial in the Sculpture Garden.

“We will honour all First Nations peoples who have served in defence of country on Anzac Day,” indigenous liaison officer Michael Bell said.

“It is appropriate to conduct this

“Anzac Day means so much to so many people and it is a comfort to commemorate together,” says Australian War Memorial director Matt Anderson. Photo: AWM

Join us at the Australian War Memorial to remember all Australians who have served and died in war and on operational service, past and present.

PRE-DAWN READINGS 4.30 AM

Captain Reg Saunders Courtyard and Sculpture Garden

DAWN SERVICE 5.30 AM

Captain Reg Saunders Courtyard and Sculpture Garden

Reid Oval will be made available to members of the public to observe the Dawn Service.

RSL (ACT BRANCH) VETERANS’ MARCH 9.30 AM

Captain Reg Saunders Courtyard and Sculpture Garden

LAST POST CEREMONY 4.45 PM

Watch live at awm.gov.au/anzac

Free bus services will run for the Dawn Service and Veterans’ March. For event details, bus travel options, and road closures visit awm.gov.au/anzac

Martin Ollman, 2018, AWM2018.4.81.28

Dawn Service on the mega-screen

THE Tradies in Dickson will host a Dawn Service on the mega-screen for Anzac Day, with doors open at 5am, says a Tradies spokesperson.

“Join us in The Lounge for a live stream of the Dawn Service, screening from 5.30am, as we pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of generations of Australians,” they say.

“All returned or current service people can join the club for $2 and enjoy the complimentary breakfast.

Barista coffee will be available to purchase.”

The Tradies is offering “The Diggers’ Big Breakfast” or “Veg Digger” from 6am to 8.30am at $25 for members, or $28 for non-members, including a complimentary pastry.

The Tradies, 2 Badham Street, Dickson. Call 6162 5656, or visit thetradies.com.au

Campaign to honour the Anzacs

THE Military Shop is part of a parent company BrandNet and it’s been running for more than 30 years, says branch manager Caris Ebeling.

“Our physical shopfront in Fyshwick opened in 2010,” she says.

“For Anzac Day we’re running a campaign called ‘Voices of Anzacs’ to celebrate and honour the Anzac spirit.

“People are encouraged to share their stories, memories and reflections on what Anzac means to you, and join us to create awareness and start a dialogue.

“Use the hashtag #voicesofanzac to post on Facebook or Instagram or submit directly to us at info@militaryvoice.com.au”.

Caris has worked for the company for more than

11 years, and says The Military Shop offers a range of products from commemorative items and products that tell a story, to figurines that are 100 per cent authentic.

“We work with historians and service people to get that authenticity,” she says.

“We also offer field gear and tactical products to defence, law enforcement and emergency services.

“We’re doing a campaign as well for the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, we’ve worked closely with the Department of Veteran Affairs on a medallion, working to tell stories from that time,” she says.

The Military Shop, 65 Kembla Street, Fyshwick. Call 6123 2950, or visit militaryshop.com.au

“We work with historians and service people to get authenticity,” says branch manager Caris Ebeling.

ANZAC DAY

DAWN SERVICE ON THE MEGA SCREEN

FROM 5.30AM (CLUB WILL OPEN AT 5AM)

Join us in The Lounge for a live stream of the Dawn Service as we pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of generations of Australians.

Barista coffee will be available for purchase.

DIGGERS’ BREAKFAST

FROM 6AM-8.30AM

MEMBER $25 | NON-MEMBER $28 including a complimentary pastry. Free for active and returned service-people.*

Call reception on 02 6162 5656 to book now.

THE DIGGERS’ BIG BREAKFAST

Bacon, chipolata sausage, hash brown, scrambled eggs, mushrooms, spinach, country style beans, tomato, sourdough toast

ALL RETURNED OR CURRENT SERVICE PEOPLE CAN JOIN THE CLUB FOR $2 AND ENJOY THE COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST.

VEG DIGGER

Scrambled eggs, hash brown, mushrooms, spinach, country style beans, smashed avo, beetroot relish, sourdough toast

Please note no variation to the menu items will be allowed on the day.

2 BADHAM STREET, DICKSON

Remember and recognise across Queanbeyan-Palerang

ANZAC Day, 25 April, is one of Australia’s most important national occasions, says Sara Wightman, co-ordinator of performing arts and culture for the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.

“It is a time to remember and recognise the service and sacrifice of our veterans and serving personnel,” she says. “With a collective pride for country and community, embracing the spirit of Anzac thorough courage, mateship, sacrifice, endurance and reflection.”

Araluen – Service at the War Memorial assembles from 9am.

Braidwood – Dawn Service assembles from 6am and main service assembles from 10.30am.

Bungendore – Dawn Service assembles from 6am and main service assembles from 10.30am.

Captains Flat – Service assembles from 9.30am.

Jerrabomberra – Anzac Day Dawn Service at Jerrabomberra adjacent to the Jerrabomberra Hotel. Service assembles from 5.30am.

Majors Creek – Service assembles from 8am in the St Stephens Church grounds.

Queanbeyan – The event is jointly run by QPRC, RSL and Legacy Queanbeyan. The march is from the RSL building on Crawford Street, along Monaro Street to the memorial at the corner of Lowe and Monaro Streets.

Queanbeyan Legacy Dawn Service assembles from at 5.15am and Queanbeyan RSL main service from 10am.

All members of the community and any visitors are encouraged to attend any of the services in the townships.

QPRC, qprc.nsw.gov.au/Events/ANZAC-Day-2023

Shop celebrates all things Australian

STARTED as a small market stall selling homemade greeting cards, Wombat Cards and Gifts has grown into a shop that celebrates all things Australian.

Owner Monica Rolls has had a passion for Australia, its people, landscape and animals since she was a young girl living on a farm, and today has turned that passion into a business.

“For Anzac Day we have some nice metal art of the Army, Navy and Air Force crests,” she says.

“We also have signs with ‘Lest we Forget’ written on them.

“They are perfect to put up at home or to gift to people.”

Monica says an added bonus is that the signs are made in Queensland.

“We think it’s important at Wombat

Cards and Gifts to get and keep stock from Australian people or businesses,” she says.

“These signs are made from aluminium, they’re painted black and they’re really nice.”

Wombat Cards and Gifts also offers Australian children’s books, “absolutely gorgeous” hand puppets of Australian animals, there’s home decorations, aprons, cards, cups, coasters, kitchenware, plush animals, gifts and more.”

“There’s always something unique to be found.”

Wombat Cards and Gifts, shop 2, 31/35 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen. Call 0423 786222, or visit wombatcardsandgifts.com.au

Services and War Era Metal-art and Books

Remembering in Bungendore… All members of the community and any visitors are encouraged to attend any of the services in the townships.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Jazz-soul Lisa likely to raise festival finale roof

COVER STORY

By Helen Musa

IN an unusual departure from conventional festival programming, the final concert of the 2023 Canberra International Music Festival is likely to raise the roof of the Fitters’ Workshop in Kingston.

For instead of a line-up of premier classical instrumentalists, this year’s finale will feature two of the hottest properties on the international jazz-soul scene, Kenyan singer-songwriter Lisa Oduor-Noah and Aron Ottignon, NZ-born master of jazz and roots who now works from his Berlin studio, in between collaborations with Caribbean and Afro-beat superstars.

“It’s more like a pop concert” director Roland Peelman says, with more than a touch of glee at upturning the musical tables.

I caught up with Oduor-Noah by phone to Nairobi and found myself

in the hands of a seasoned musical artist who’s shared a stage with Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Beyonce and Pearl Jam and partnered with Blinky Bill, Kato Change, June Gachui, and Sauti Sol.

“Every musician is a storyteller,” she tells me. “We have to connect with people and I try to do this in more intimate performances.

“I’ll be performing some songs from my albums, songs to explain to people what the music of Kenya is, and I’ll be singing in several different languages.”

Oduor-Noah was to come to Australia last year, but became entangled in the backlog of visa applications to enter the country, also encountering scepticism as to whether she was really an artist.

“You’d only have to Google to find out that I really am,” she says, but all is well now.

“I grew up with the divas, Aretha, Gladys Knight and Mariah Carey,” she says, adding that her parents used to rock her to sleep to Lingala music, a fusion of African rhythms with Latin American influences.

Kenya has 42 to 43 separate tribes, but her mother tongue is Luo, originated from the River Nile region. She speaks English, Swahili and sings

can understand a lot of what fellow singers from neighbouring countries are saying.

Oduor-Noah cut her teeth singing traditional songs in school choir festivals from age nine when she went to Nairobi’s Loreto Convent Msongari.

Her school days are long behind her and there followed years of singing in her church’s youth worship team, when she thought that music was “some kind of a hobby”.

Studying in Boston from 2015 to

I loved my teachers and I also learnt to be kind to people, because you never know who might open the door for you.”

“It gave me more tools and it’s changed the way I hear melodies which will help me in producing music for my own albums,” she says. Musical notes were no longer “ants on the page” and she came to appreciate the extraordinary gifts of the great classical musicians of whom she says, “now, I know what they were doing”.

“I like all different kinds of singing and there’s a lot of soul in me, but I really enjoy jazz because you can explore it, you can create your own colour palette… I guess I bounce between jazz and neo-soul,” she says.

There’s more to a festival than a finale and while Peelman has fitted a lot in, including a focus on Ukraine in two concerts, the stated theme is “The Child Within”.

Refreshingly, he refuses to let themes straitjacket him, but this year he recognised there wasn’t a lot for

young people in the festival.

“Childhood has been hijacked through social media, the way we talk openly about child abuse, innocence has been hijacked,” he says.

“I thought, let’s throw some light on childhood… It’s becoming difficult for kids to be socially together, what with having to learn and sing online – how the hell do you do that?”

A centrepiece will be “The Children’s Crusade”, Benjamin Britten’s setting of Brecht’s 1939 poem about children who became orphans of war. That will be sung by the Luminescence Children’s Choir, while actor Christopher Samuel Carroll will recite the poem.

Family has also been on his mind, with another concert called “Sibling Revelry”. He draws attention to the extraordinary phenomenon of siblings in the musical world – Peelman starts counting them, Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, Lili and Nadia Boulanger, Martin and Peter Wesley-Smith and now, in a new commission by Flora and Theo Carbo, two young musicians from the Melbourne jazz scene.

2023 Canberra International Music Festival, April 27-May 7.

Facie

Kenyan singer-songwriter Lisa Oduor-Noah… “Every musician is a storyteller.”

Music festival artistic director Roland Peelman. Photo: Peter Hislop

Dance day draws international artists together

By Helen Musa

IN a canny move to mark International Dance Day on April 29, the Canberra Theatre’s “New Works” program, has picked up on the fact that two of our dance artists, James Batchelor and Liz Lea, have been working on the international stage.

First up in “Batchelor + Lea”, a delicious double bill showing off our proudest dance exports, will be Batchelor’s “Shortcuts to Familiar Places”.

When I catch up by phone to Berlin with Batchelor, he tells me he still thinks of his work as existing between Europe and Australia, with his home town Canberra as his Australian base.

“It’s nice to present alongside Liz; two Canberra artists working internationally, but I also really believe in contributing to the arts scene in Canberra on an ongoing basis,” he says.

Proof is in the fact that he performed “Shortcuts” as a work-in-progress solo in the grasslands at the Gungahlin Arts Festival in 2021 and will also create a new piece with Canberra Dance Theatre’s Golds (Growing Old Disgracefully) troupe – “I love this intergenerational ripple,” he says.

Transportation being very easy in Europe, he conducts a thriving dance practice, James Batchelor and Collaborators, together with

musician Morgan Hickinbotham and former Canberra dancer Chloe Chignell, who lives in Brussels, just a hop away.

“Once in Europe, you’re in Europe,” Batchelor says, adding that he has a busy schedule, creating a work for 20 dancers at his alma mater, the Victorian College of the Arts, and a mainstage show in Sweden, to name two projects.

“Shortcuts” is a homage to his Canberra teacher, QL2’s Ruth Osborne and to her artistic forbear, Gertrud Bodenwieser, the Austrian dancer who fled the Nazis in 1938 and

where Batchelor has visited her. There are three parts – a solo where Batchelor shows the “soft and delicate” hand language of Bodenwieser, a duet with Chignell and a second duet where Batchelor and Chignell circle around each other. Interwoven is a video collage of archival footage with studio recordings in which Batchelor, Ruth Osborne and Carol

Artist of the Year Liz Lea’s personal battle with endometriosis.

Lea is a true Canberra mover and shaker, having founded the DANscienCE Festival at CSIRO Discovery, also establishing the Gold company and the national dance summit, “Bold”.

“Red” is a one-woman show, although wherever Lea goes, she engages senior

ARTS IN THE CITY

and start work on a new show, “Diamond”. But not before she performed it just once more, in Brighton, UK, on May 5. That was cancelled because of covid a couple of years ago, but after Cath James, the Australianborn director of South East Dance, saw it in Edinburgh, she booked her in again.

“Batchelor + Lea”, The Playhouse, 3pm, April 29.

Page to talk about clanship

By Helen Musa

“CLANSHIP” is the theme chosen by former artistic director of Bangarra Dance Theatre, Stephen Page, who will give the Andrew Sayers Memorial Lecture, in memory of the late director of the National Portrait Gallery. NPG, 7pm-8pm, April 27.

CANBERRA Bach Ensemble, directed by Andrew Koll, is the first and only ensemble in the nation’s capital dedicated to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Forced to cancel its appearance at Leipzig’s BachFest in 2020, the ensemble is now holding a post-covid relaunch and fundraising concert to support its planned return to Germany in 2024. At St Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka, April 19.

CANBERRA Circus Festival, a season of professional circus, clown, magic and sideshow performances open to the public, will be combined with a national youth circus development training camp hosted by Warehouse Circus. At the May Wirth Big Top, Chifley Oval, April 18-23.

NINA Stevenson’s Piper Productions is staging “Shrek, the Musical Jr”, running through the school holidays at Canberra College Performing Arts Centre, Launceston Street, Phillip until Friday, April 21. At the May Wirth Big Top, Chifley Oval, April 18-23.

CANBERRA Rep’s playwriting

competition, “The ’Logues”, is running heats on Sunday afternoons throughout April, where all attendees will vote for their favourites. The two most popular scripts from each heat will go on to have three staged performances in the finals at Canberra Rep Theatre, May 19-21. Audience votes will determine the three winners. Details at canberrarep.org.au

“WONDER Walks” is part of Project Alchemy, a cross-disciplinary arts project to build community connection across south-east Australia enabled by Canberra’s Rebus Theatre. It involves artists from Bega Valley Shire, Eurobodalla Shire, East Gippsland, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, and the ACT. Over several months, the walks, led by visual artist Cecile Galiazzo, will take participants into the landscape being regenerated by landholders to observe nature’s regrowth since the fires of 2019/20.

SHAKESPEARE was never like this at school – Daramalan Theatre Company, under the tutelage of Joe Woodward, is about to stage “Troilus and Cressida”, a play considered by many people to be “not very nice”. It’s purportedly about the Trojan war, but it’s really a very up-to-date look at war and the programming of young people’s minds. Woodward promises: “This production approaches the work as if it has never been done before.”

It’ll be staged cabaret style in McCowage Hall, Dickson, 7.30pm and 9pm, April 23. Bookings at Humanitix.

FILM director Daniel Widdowson, whose terrific documentary “Trafficked to Australia”, about Australia’s involvement in human trafficking we featured last year, has written to say a TV station offered to buy the rights, but would only stream it for one month every year. Widdowson decided it needed to be available all year round and put it on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ n23uWG1lf-I

THE Braidwood and Bungendore Bendigo Bank branches have increased their sponsorship support of the annual QueanbeyanPalerang Regional Council art awards to $10,000, which will allow the introduction of First Nations Art award and highly commended awards in four categories. Registrations open at qprc.nsw.gov.au

THE 160-year-old Lanyon Homestead is having a conservation makeover over the next three months, hence the scaffolding around the building. Collection objects, furniture and furnishings and the original flooring, doors, windows, fireplaces and wallpaper will be protected. The café is still open and it should be over in time for the launch of the inaugural ACT Historic Places Art Prize in July.

STREAMING

Worries in a world of wellness

By Nick OVERALL

That’s the question at the centre of Netflix’s newest Aussie comedy series “Wellmania”, a tongue-in-cheek look at the world of health trends and the extremes people go to achieve it.

Aussie comedian Celeste Barber is behind this series broken up into eight, 30-minute episodes all now available to stream. She plays Liv Healy, a chaotic food journalist with a live-fast, die-young attitude.

“What’s the point if you’re not making the f—-ng most of it every moment?” she asks a one-night stand in the show’s opening minutes.

But that ethic is soon thrown into disarray after she suffers a major health crisis, one severe enough to make her rethink her approach to life. In response she goes on the ultimate cleanse – dipping her toes in almost every ridiculous wellness trend in order to get her cholesterol and blood pressure down. Whether it’s fasting, cupping or even drug taking, this adventure to achieve a “balanced lifestyle” only gets more ludicrous as the show goes on.

“Wellmania” isn’t must-watch TV, but it is certainly watchable TV.

Barber has been around the Aussie TV scene for a while, but rose to international fame after a series of Instagram posts where she mocked celebrities and their ostentatious social media forays.

Whether it was Lady Gaga or Kendall Jenner posing half naked in all sorts of weird and unrealistic angles, Barber, a middle-aged mother, recreated their posts on her own account to hilarious effect, showing just how unrealistic and absurd the age of Instagram is.

The posts went viral and have since clocked Barber up almost 10 million followers.

She’s now taken that style of comedy and turned it into her new show for Netflix – the producers smartly clueing in to how much her posts resonated with people around the world.

“Wellmania” pokes fun at the absurd lengths middle, upper-class women will go to in order to achieve “wellness” and is a merciless takedown of millennials.

“My dog needs her epilepsy pills”, says one of the glammed-up influencers in the show’s opening episode.

Set in Sydney, it’s raced to Netflix’s top 10 most popular shows in Australia. How far it will go in attracting audiences from overseas will be the real test but it’s refreshing to see more of downunder in the Netflix feed.

DINING / Cinnabar, Kingston Foreshore

ON first blush, a movie about falling blocks might not sound all that thrilling but somehow the newest film to hit Apple TV+ has pulled off just that.

This month they’ve brought subscribers “Tetris”, a biopic about the man who created one of the most famous and addictive video games of all time.

Initially spotting “Tetris” on my feed, it seemed like a “they’ll-make-a-movie-about-anything” type affair but I found myself captivated by this surprisingly intriguing true story.

Taron Egerton of “Rocketman” and “Kingsman” fame plays Henk Rogers, an ambitious business mogul who risks it all to get “Tetris” out of Russia, its country of origin, and to the rest of the world. Turns out he wasn’t the only one to think he was on to the next big thing. The film details his battle against media tycoons and the Soviet Union in order to secure the rights to the game. Who thought a film about “Tetris” could include car chases, espionage, and secret deals?

The movie is certainly jumping on the trend of nostalgia, particularly for the ‘80s à la “Stranger Things”, but the product here is more than compelling enough to justify its existence as a two-hour watch. It turns out the story of “Tetris” proves as pacey and enjoyable as the game it’s named after.

It seems to be the start of a wider trend to make movies about popular brands. Coming up this year are also biopics about “Nike”, “Blackberry” and even “Cheetos”.

“Tetris” may be a winner, but I can’t help but feel Hollywood is getting a little carried away here. Next thing you know there’ll be a Product Placement Cinematic Universe hitting cinemas.

Loved the fab food, but...

By Wendy JOHNSON

WHILE it’s tempting to rush to the enormous number of newbie places to eat in the capital, it’s also rewarding to support restaurants that have been on the scene for some time.

With that in mind, four of us headed to Cinnabar, Kingston Foreshore. Two in our party had been before and two were experiencing the restaurant for the first time.

We loved the food, adored the stylish décor, admired the direct views of the lake, but scratched our heads over the service (more on this later).

Cinnabar has been on the foreshore for some years (my first review was in 2016). The interior is stylish and exotic and the gigantic black and gold lamps make a massive statement, reflecting light in intriguing ways.

As dumpling lovers, we couldn’t bypass Cinnabar’s deep-fried beef version ($12.80 for four). They didn’t disappoint and neither did the steamed, earthy mushroom dumplings (same price).

Also delicious were the duck pancakes ($24.80 for four). We had fun assembling the thickly sliced poultry with slices of cucumber and leek and adding a healthy dose of hoisin sauce.

The mains are a testament to Cinnabar’s innovative, modern approach to traditional Asian cuisine. The wagyu beef was to die for and the wasabi made a proud presence, along with asparagus and pretty pieces of pinkish pickled ginger ($28.80).

Also loaded with flavour was the Singapore king prawn dish, made hot and spicy with loads of garlic ($28.80). The prawns were plump and perfectly cooked. A winner was the aubergine chips ($20.80), a

fabulous vegetarian dish that packed a punch with chilli. We agreed they would go oh-so-well on a hot day with a cold beer (dining outdoors).

Cinnabar’s wine list is well considered with good variety sourced from diverse locations, especially Australia and NZ. It’s reasonably priced and we enjoyed our Masterpeace Rose ($35 bottle and only $9 by the glass) by Andrew Peace Wines, Victoria. The strawberry and raspberry overtones were delicate and it’s a good drop with Asian cuisine.

While nothing disappointed on the food, everything disappointed with the service. It was painfully slow from the get-go.

We waited and waited for a wine bucket, which eventually arrived without glasses, so we waited again until they arrived. Indeed, we flagged staff down six times throughout our meal.

Cinnabar wasn’t packed and the staff repeatedly walked by our table without any eye contact or attention. At one point only two tables were occupied and two staff were operating front-of-house, so what was the excuse?

Our dirty dishes remained on the table at the end of our meal and, suddenly, the music was turned off by staff signalling to us it was time to go. Hardly the “unparalleled” dining experience Cinnabar promises online.

“I’M well, thanks.” It’s a phrase heard almost every day, but what actually makes someone “well”?

Comedian Celeste Barber.

of pinkish pickled ginger. Photo: Wendy Johnson

Dainty tree doesn’t mind the cold

and it doesn’t mind the cold weather, either.

where the soil is acidic and moist, and where the soil won’t dry out. Plant camellias and other acidloving plants around it. Importantly, it needs protection from the hot, afternoon winds.

appears as well as the small green flowers with bracts or modified leaves that are white and open flat to look like flowers.

with crimson reds. As the leaves fall, it can be a real feature plant in the garden.

and the birds will let you know when they are ripe and ready for picking.

broken, crossing over or dead branches and keeping a balanced tree structure.

tree with compost and any organic matter or manures, water in and mulch, and it will be ready for flowering in spring.

The National Arboretum has a forest of Japanese flowering dogwoods that were planted in September, 2009, and this species has edible fruit as well.

The Friends of the Arboretum Harvest Group has made preserves to sell at its harvest

THE winter heliotrope (Petasites pyrenaicus) is a low-growing ground cover for deep shade and a terrific plant for where nothing else will grow.

An ornamental flowering plant, it creates a crowded network of underground roots and doesn’t like root competition from other plants. En masse under a shaded tree will show this plant off best.

It usually blooms in winter and produces tiny clusters of pink flowers that are said to have the fragrance of cherry pie.

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

Jottings…

• Spray all stone and cherry trees with copper oxychloride and white oil.

• Buy autumn-coloured trees now to see their best colours.

• The next month is a good time to plant or move camellias and evergreen shrubs.

flowering dogwood

kousa

Flowering dogwood… dainty to grow in our climate and it doesn’t mind the cold weather.

Photos: Jackie Warburton

The winter heliotrope… is a low-growing ground cover for where nothing else will grow.

HOROSCOPE PUZZLES

Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

17-23 April, 2023

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

It’s action stations, as Jupiter and the Solar Eclipse turbo-charge your motivation and boost your determination. If you’re lacking confidence (and feel more like a meek lamb than a courageous ram) then spend time with an uber-Aries friend. Hopefully, some of their chutzpah and self-assurance will rub off on you and activate your fiery Sun! So your motto for the week is from Aries actress, producer and entrepreneur Reese Witherspoon: “Confidence is everything.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

People are looking to you for powerful leadership. Taurus is a fixed sign and you can be a bossy, stubborn Bull. Aim to be more adaptable and adventurous this week, as you focus attention on helping those around you. Being of service to others sees you glow on the inside. When the Sun shifts into your sign on Thursday, it’s time to sparkle and shine, as you call in a few old favours. When you’re firing on all cylinders, it’s hard for others to resist your bovine charms!

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

This week Venus (in your sign) and Mars (in your money zone) stimulate your urge to splurge on extravagant purchases that you don’t really need. So perhaps it would be best for clever Twins to avoid spontaneous spending sprees… both in person and online. In the words of financier J. P. Morgan (who was born on April 17, 1837): “If you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford it.” Mercury turns retrograde on Friday so prepare to revise, reboot and re-do.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Avoid being a lonesome Crab! Professional projects and creative collaborations with colleagues are favoured, as you spark ideas off each other and pool your talents to produce something special. The Solar Eclipse and Jupiter increase enthusiasm and encourage rebooting a rickety work relationship that’s been experiencing problems. But be careful you don’t get into an emotional stew over a festering secret, a broken promise or a breach of trust.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

On Thursday there’s a fiery Solar Eclipse in your adventure zone, which is good for travel, exploration and exciting new beginnings. But relationships with loved ones or colleagues could be stressful as Pluto squares the Sun, which boosts your bossy streak. And then Mercury turns retrograde, which will limit patience, shorten timelines and lengthen frustrations. So you’ll need to be on your best behaviour if you want to cruise through the week, Cats!

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Mercury turns retrograde from Friday until May 15. So – even though there’s a New Moon/Solar Eclipse on Thursday – it’s not an appropriate week to expedite tasks, initiate ideas or race ahead with projects. Instead, use the time wisely to revise, research and review. Be patient, pace yourself and move ahead slowly in stages. Your motto is from birthday great, financier J P Morgan: “Go as far as you can see. When you get there, you’ll be able to see further.”

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

This week positivity planet Jupiter and the Solar Eclipse energise your relationship zone, so you’re keen to motivate, encourage and inspire others. But are you barking up the wrong tree? Wisdom for the week comes from writer (and birthday great) Charlotte Bronte: “What you want to ignite in others must first burn inside yourself.” The weekend stars favour reflection, relaxation, listening to your inner voice and paying attention to your nightly dreams.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Jump off the comfy couch! This week’s dynamic stars encourage you to be proudly proactive as you get your body moving, set challenging daily goals and then actively pursue them. Not sure how to do that? Try rubbing shoulders with your kick-ass Aries friends… they’ll show you how to crank up your motivation and energise your enthusiasm. But – with Pluto squaring the Sun – be careful you don’t stir up trouble and play power games.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

With your sparky Sagittarian mojo and momentum running on high speed, you’re ready to rock and roll! Jupiter (your power planet) and the Solar Eclipse activate your leisure-and-pleasure zone. So all forms of entertainment will appeal as you socialise with friends and enjoy yourself to the max. However – with Mercury reversing through your job zone – be careful you don’t say the wrong thing to the wrong person at work. Think things through before you speak.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

This week’s fiery Solar Eclipse promises a fresh start involving family plans, a domestic situation, a revamped living space or a new housemate. But the difficult Sun/Pluto square – and Mercury turning retrograde – could delay a project, exacerbate a misunderstanding with a friend or frustrate a financial situation. So proceed with a pragmatic attitude plus plenty of tact and caution. As birthday great Charlotte Bronte reminds us: “Look twice before you leap.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

The big challenge this week is the Sun/Pluto square on Thursday, which could reactivate a festering family issue that’s been brewing and stewing. Tonnes of Aquarian tact – and a heap of humility – will get you through. With Jupiter and the fiery Solar Eclipse stimulating your neighbourhood zone, expect increased social and educational activities in your local community. When it comes to an ongoing neighbourhood problem, think global and act local.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Jupiter and the Solar Eclipse shine a light on your self-esteem. So steer clear of criticism (in person and online); avoid letting negative self-talk drag you down; and stop worrying about the qualities you perceive you don’t have. Be your Number One fan! Confidence is the rocket fuel that will take you where you want to go. As birthday entrepreneur Victoria Beckham says: “If you haven’t got it, fake it.” So your motto for the week is: ‘Fake it until you make it!’

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2023

General knowledge crossword No. 876

Across

4 What is an indictable offence? (6)

7 What, colloquially, is something completely outdated? (8)

8 Which term describes one’s items of property? (6)

9 Which communication is in the US colloquially called a wire? (8)

11 Which breakfast foods are made from some grains? (7)

13 Name the eighth month of the early Roman year. (7)

15 Name the largest city in the USA. (3,4)

17 What, in billiards, is a particular cannon? (7)

20 Which sealed glass bulbs are used to hold hypodermic solutions? (8)

23 To be in a state of foul decay, is to be what? (6)

24 Name a crystallised purple or violet quartz used in jewellery. (8)

25 Who makes, sells, or repairs knives? (6)

Solution next edition Down

1 Name a high-pitched flute, much used in military music. (4)

2 What is a lively Spanish dance in three-four time? (6)

3 Who became Premier of NSW in 1995, Bob ...? (4)

4 What is an enclosing border for a picture? (5)

5 Who was the first surgeon to use antiseptics in surgery, Joseph ...? (6)

6 Name a former province in eastern South Africa. (5)

9 Name an inhabitant of Troy. (6)

10 What is a word formed from the initial letters of other words? (7)

12 Which pins radiate from the hub of a wheel? (6)

14 Name an alternative term for stellar. (6)

16 What are young men also known as? (6)

18 Ayers Rock was the former name of which giant sandstone monolith? (5)

19 Name a means of determining the presence and location of an object. (5)

21 What is another term for quarry? (4)

22 Which cardinal point of the compass is 90 degrees to the right of north? (4)

A

Open: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri. 0408

Your Precious ‘Old’ Jewellery - well it used to be... now maybe... It’s just old - and a bit worn out, or costs too much to fix... probably never be worn again... You keep the memories - perhaps, we could buy the goods?

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