CityNews 230608

Avoiding scrutiny drives the Calvary trample

MICHAEL MOORE

Wake up call came in letter to police chief

HUGH SELBY

Who among them will stand with residents?

PAUL COSTIGAN

Urban planning can mean life and death

BEATRICE

BODART-BAILEY

Uproar as Netflix cuts

password sharing

NICK OVERALL

Heroes and villains, winners and losers… the National Library is showcasing tales from a sporting nation

Images (clockwise from left): Steve Holland, Australian Cricketer Shane Warne Holding a Cricket Ball and Stump at the End of the Fourth Test of the Ashes Series, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, 28 December 2006 (detail), nla.gov.au/nla.obj-137980452; David Moore, Portrait of Dawn Fraser, Melbourne, 1963 (detail), nla.gov.au/nla.obj-140402089 ; Serena Ovens, Portrait of Louise Sauvage, 1996 Paralympian (detail), nla.gov.au/nla.obj-136368441.

David’s war with bureaucracy in battle to breathe

By Lily PASS

DAVID Bolton, 66, was admitted to Canberra Hospital with breathing difficulties, as he fought the ACT bureaucracy and an unsympathetic neighbour in Fraser on woodsmoke pollution.

“I had been warned that dealing with the ACT Environment Protection Authority was both arduous and fu tile,” he wrote in a five-page document to Clean Air Canberra, before passing away in February. “CityNews” does not infer that the neighbour’s choice of heating was responsible for Mr Bol ton’s death.

“My neighbours have both ducted gas and electric reverse-cycle systems, and a woodfire heater, which they previous ly used occasionally and responsibly.

“Over the years, their growing preference to use the woodfire heater became apparent.”

In 2019, David made 17 calls to Access Canberra, starting on April 23, to discuss the air pollution, reporting on significant odour and smoke.

In 2020, he called Access Canberra a further 15 times, chasing up on the countless reports he had submitted.

“He became so nervous about win-

and stay with him to try and help him through this situation.”

In 2022, Matthew discovered his dad had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“It caused him to have airflow blockages and breathing-related problems,” says Matthew. “Anything like dust or smoke would really impact him.

“Dad tried to go to the neighbours

he was told to get double-glazing on his windows, and they suggested he stay inside.”

In formal complaints reported by David, he says the environment protection officers on duty seemed competent and willing to manage the complaint initially, but after years of complaints from him and other neighbours, the issue was left unresolved.

Matthew says he knows the neighbour received multiple warnings, but nothing permanent was ever done.

“He’s not listening, they gave out the first warning and then they closed the case, and then he just started burning

“Winter time was the scary part for him, for all of us, no one wants to see their parents suffering like he was, it’s

“Dad got more and more frustrated with the process and going through everything, every time they closed a case, they didn’t reopen it. They didn’t look at the files or anything so they just end up doing the same thing over

It’s too late now to solve the problem for David, but Matthew is desperate to see some changes so that no one else has to suffer through the same fight.

“I would love to actually see actions from those responsible, instead of continuing to give out warnings to actually look at the recorded history and do something,” he says.

“I keep hearing the government say they care about the environment, but at the moment I’m not convinced. They are very good at talking about it, but when actions are needed, they’re not very good at all.

“We can’t do anything about it. Dad has done what he was meant to do and nothing’s happened.

“So, I’m hoping in the future people will realise woodfires damage people’s health, and I’m hoping that in the end we can phase them out. That would be a good solution.”

In some final remarks to Clean Air Canberra, David said he was left feel-

ing manipulated by Access Canberra, as though there was a lack of interest, with comments that suggested the exercise of reporting was pointless.

An ACT government spokesperson said the Environmental Protection Agency was aware of this matter and had engaged with the complainant.

“The EPA can only take regulatory action in such cases where there is sufficient evidence to establish that an environmental nuisance has occurred pursuant to the Environment Protection Act 1997,” the spokesperson says.

“In October 2021, the ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment provided a report on the ‘EPA response to excessive and potentially toxic smoke from neighbour’s wood heater’. The report’s findings identified several opportunities for improvements for Access Canberra and the EPA around the complaint investigation process, information provided to the complainant; and the continued use of woodfired heaters in the ACT.

“The EPA has reviewed its procedures for how wood-heater complaints are assessed.

“Access Canberra, through the Environment Protection Authority, responds to air pollution both proactively and reactively by focusing its resources where the risks of harm, unsafe practices or misconduct are greatest in the community in accordance with its Accountability Commitment framework.”

David Bolton… in 2019 made 17 calls to Access Canberra to discuss air pollution.

Matthew Bolton with a photo of his late father. Photo: Lily Pass

By Lily PASS

NINE-year-olds Zara Skepev and Mila Costa have dreamed about becoming many things when they grow up, including being a zookeeper, a mother, a vet or a chef, but their focus has shifted in the past year.

“Now, I want to be a scientist, Mila wants to be a doctor,” says Zara.

“We are dreaming of a world with out brain cancer.”

Zara’s mother, Milena, while on a tour of the Pace Centre at UC – a rehab centre for cancer patients – met ANU Prof Leonie Quinn, whose research focuses on discovering the underlying factors of brain cancer.

“Mum told Prof Quinn about mine and Mila’s dreams to be scientists,” says Zara.

“A few days before, I had told mum I was worried that I would not be able to be a good scientist if I also wanted to be a mother, so mum told Prof Quinn and she offered to give us a tour of her lab.

“Most of the doctors and scientists in her research lab are women, mothers and grandmothers.”

Zara says she got so excited about

the lab tour that she couldn’t sleep, but when she did all that she could dream was her working alongside Prof Quinn in matching lab coats, and they won the Nobel Prize for eliminating brain cancer.

“The next day I had an idea on how I could raise money to support Prof Quinn, I could make clay earrings and set up a stall outside Urban Pantry in Manuka, and I could give all the money I raised to her,” says Zara.

“I begged mum to take me to Officeworks at 7pm to get supplies so I could get started, and I thought it would be so much more fun if my best friend, Mila, joined me as my business partner.

“Mila immediately said ‘yes’ and I told her we needed to take this seri ously and work as a team. Mila came over the next day and we got started on logo design and picked out the business name, Z and M Co. Jewellery by Zara and Mila.”

They started making earrings in September and completed the last batch in December for their stall in January.

In May, Zara had created more than 300 pairs of earrings, and Mila had made another 90.

“I like blue, so making blue earrings is my favourite,” says Mila, whereas Zara prefers rose gold.

or the clips are hard to put on sometimes,” says Mila.

“We wanted to raise money for brain cancer because it’s one of the most common cancers in kids, so it’s going to be like a yearly project for us, because everyone deserves a long and healthy life and to be happy.”

Zara says she and Mila have been best friends since their mums introduced them to each other five years ago, but it’s their differences that make their friendship extra special.

“My favourite subject is probably maths or chemistry. Mila likes PE and

fundraisers ANU has ever had.

“It’s important to encourage women in research. Together we are really looking at the things that enable women to reach those roles, and right from the beginning as well through mentorship programs, including my two youngest mentees in Zara and Mila,” she says.

“I look forward to seeing their future grow and seeing them become great scientists, and it is important to highlight all the work they have done, for all of their spare time across six months, in making earrings to help us.”

Albert Table with Avril Chairs by Vincent Sheppard

Mila Costa, left, Prof Leonie Quinn and Zara Skepev… “We like Prof Quinn’s red hair and that she is always happy, and she has a nice personality.”

Photo: Lily Pass

Mila Costa, left, and Zara Skepev with a selection of their fund-raising earrings.

Who among them will stand with residents?

PLANNING was a hot topic for the 2016 ACT elections with some hoping that it could be the issue to push the Greenslabor cohort out of government.

On the day though the Canberra Liberals failed to offer a viable alternative and so Andrew Barr and his grateful team returned to their comfortable jobs.

In 2020, planning issues were pur posely downplayed by Greenslabor politicians as they knew they were vulnerable and also appreciated that the Canberra Liberals were doing much the same.

Despite the best efforts of the community to make it so, it was not a hot topic during the 2020 ACT elections.

This failure to put a focus on planning combined with the failure of the Canberra Liberals to again offer an acceptable alternative, delivered Greenslabor another four years to make a mess of the city. This they are doing while hoping no-one will notice!

The certainty about planning issues is that Barr’s Greenslabor government intends to massively deregulate the planning regime to assist development at any cost. A special thanks to the ACT Greens for assisting with that.

Greenslabor politicians continue with the vacuous spin that “the ACT

government is currently progressing the ACT Planning System Review and Reform Project, to deliver a modern planning system focused on delivering outcomes for the people of Canberra.”

This lot are very good at repeating mindless and deceptive spin and they get away with it – so why not?

In early May, a press release popped up from Peter Cain and the Canberra Liberals stating that the Liberals did not support the changes to the ACT’s planning bill.

Cain’s comments were spot on when he said: “The bill is anti-community and anti-environment, and poses a severe threat to our unique bush capital and garden city characteristics.

“The proposed ‘outcomes-focus’ approach will enable any development to

be approved with minimal community input or Assembly oversight as long as it suits the Chief Minister’s agenda.”

The reaction to the Liberals’ statement was a simple – at last!

Community groups, who suffer constant patronising statements by planning bureaucrats and their ministers, are aware that their submissions will not make much difference to the outcomes and that the questionable planning bureaucracy’s governance was not up for discussion.

Unfortunately, the Canberra Liberals’ press statement did leave them some wiggle room so they are yet to sound convincing. While they said they were working on some new planning policies, they need to let people know what they stand for and that they are going into the next election with some real policies worth fighting for.

Then there’s the ACT Greens. They are desperately trying to get people to believe they do not accept what the chief minister and his planning bureaucracy are up to. They have raised issues about the lack of buses, the state of the footpaths and have chaired the

planning inquiry that came out with 49 polite recommendations. Those recommendations were subsequently mostly knocked back or sidelined by “The Government”

– being Andrew Barr and Mick Gentleman – with alternative facts supplied by the planning bureaucracy.

We have been here before with the ACT Greens trying to look serious while ultimately achieving not much except to ensure that they honour their agreement with ACT Labor to behave themselves.

The politics of planning in this city remains murky. This very unsavory state of affairs is about to deliver (to quote the Liberals) a planning regime that will be “anti-community and anti-environment”.

The highest priority of ACT Labor politicians is to obey Andrew Barr and fall in line with his outdated ideological economic thinking. Planning concerns raised by residents are not

treated seriously – or simply ignored.

The ACT Greens still trade on the worthy aspirations of voters who no longer vote ACT Labor. They talk a lot of stuff and boast about “Building a Better Normal”. For them it’s wellpaid jobs thanks to Barr and their agreement to behave that trumps humane and intelligent actions. As for the Canberra Liberals – 16 months out from the next ACT elections, the electorate remains doubtful. So much is unknown. Who among them will stand with residents on the many affordable housing, development, urban design, social housing and urban environmental issues?

Sadly, those in the ACT’s government coalition parties lack the common sense and the commitments to stop Barr’s development deregulation madness. Let’s hope I am wrong.

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

The politics of planning in this city remains murky. This very unsavory state of affairs is about to deliver (to quote the Liberals) a planning regime that will be ‘anti-community and anti-environment’.

Corflute promises from election time.

Photo: Paul Costigan

Volunteer gets a lesson in art and life

WHEN Nepalese-born graphic artist and filmmaker Prajdnik Awasthi responded to a call for a volunteer with an interest in art, he was paired with former trade commissioner to New York and avid art collector John Bush.

Prajdnik, 30, who migrated to Canberra seven years ago to study art, said he was eager to give back to his new hometown by helping an older person. Instead, he quickly worked out he was getting mentored.

John, 91 and trade commissioner to New York in the ‘80s, lives independently at Bruce with the support of HammondCare, an independent Christian charity offering home and aged care.

John has taken Prajdnik into his world of visiting the latest Canberra exhibitions, collecting intriguing works and reading about new artists and trends.

Prajdnik said: “Every time we get together, he shows me around, often art exhibitions. He introduces me to people – it’s great.

“He even gives me feedback on my own art. He’s very sweet with it.”

John said he looked forward to his time on a Saturday with Prajdnik. He believed Prajdnik was talented but

counsels he should “widen” his talent beyond digital art. John said he preferred more traditional, oil-based works.

“I want to encourage Prajdnik to not just look at digital art but to look at the broader perspective of art in the galleries,” said John.

“I am not particularly interested in digital art, but I think he’s quite gifted and talented. He’s a graduate

with

of the ANU School of Art.”

One of John’s preferred spots is the Beaver Galleries at Deakin where the two visited recently. Nancy Sever Gallery in Civic is another favourite. Prajdnik said the opportunity to spend time with John helped fill an emotional void he felt being so far from family in Nepal.

“Through this volunteer role, John is helping me learn more about

Garlic could ward off covid and flu

Canberra and I am getting out more,” said Prajdnik.

HammondCare head of Volunteer Services Belinda Holst said volunteers could get as much from the volunteering experience as the client they were spending time with.

“The myth about volunteering is that it’s all about the client you’re visiting, and they are the person who will gain the most,” she said.

As well as the sense of purpose from giving back, Ms Holst said volunteers reported an improvement in selfesteem and confidence. HammondCare had 29 volunteers working with home-care clients around Canberra, part of a 750-volunteer contingent in NSW, Victoria and the ACT working in residential aged care, hospitals and community home care.

However, volunteer numbers were still down on pre-covid levels.

In the ACT, HammondCare has roles for people keen to volunteer in social/visitor and pastoral care, as well as volunteer spots for musicians or singers, gentle hand massagers, flower arrangers, lolly trolley operators and volunteers with pets. Other ways volunteers can help include driving a small minibus, assisting with exercise or cooking classes and crafts.

Enquiries to hammond.com.au/ volunteer or call 1800 793399.

By Tara Cosoleto

AUSTRALIAN-grown garlic could hold the key to fighting off COVID-19 and the flu.

The world-first research from Melbourne’s Doherty Institute found unique garlic varieties were able to reduce the infectiousness of the viruses by up to 99 per cent.

“We could barely detect any remaining virus genome, indicating nearly complete virucidal activity,” the institute’s Julie McAuley said.

The research involved 18 months of in-vitro testing of garlic ingredients against the SARSCoV-2 and influenza type A viruses.

The study was commissioned by Australian Garlic Producers, which is commercialising the most effective garlic varieties and their extracted ingredient.

The novel garlic extraction process is subject to a recently lodged international patent.

“Our extensive research over many years... has shown that garlic varieties not only vary in their agronomic and physiological properties, but also in their biochemical properties,” the company’s chief executive Nick Diamantopoulos said.

“This type of detailed analysis is the key reason that has led to the identification of unique and specific garlic varieties with superior properties.”

The Doherty Institute’s business development director Martin Elhay welcomed the latest findings, saying the organisation was committed to the global effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. –AAP

Volunteer Prajdnik Awasthi (left) and John Bush with a Graeme Drendel artwork at Beaver Galleries, Deakin.

COMMENT / The Sofronoff Inquiry

Wake-up call came in the letter to the police chief

For weeks, “CityNews” legal commentator and former barrister HUGH SELBY has been writing daily commentary on the advocacy and witness performances before the Sofronoff Inquiry’s public hearings into how ACT police, prosecutors and a victim-support service handled allegations made by Brittany Higgins against her former colleague Bruce Lehrmann.

IT’S not just mind-altering drugs that can bring on a heady, glorious intoxication. Being a standard bearer for the movement of the times induces the same heady atmosphere.

Behind those standard bearers are the massed supporters who both push the leaders forward and are pulled by them. That “push and pull” duality is to be seen in the media’s reporting, too.

It took some years, but our criminal justice system was pushed and pulled by the movement’s followers until some core values were forgotten.

The “wake up” call was not, as it should have been, a senior prosecutor and a talented victims’ support person being seen to be too closely identified with a complainant and her cause. Nor was it the raucous baying of the media hounds.

The wake up call was the extraor-

dinary allegations and the call for an inquiry made in the early November letter to our chief police officer from our director of public prosecutions.

He got his inquiry. We got full disclosure of how close we had come to casually discarding tried and true principles of criminal law practice.

There is a simple test, reasonable prospects of a conviction, that informs the decision to take a matter to trial. But words can be stretched and compressed to fit with our preconceptions, to promote a cause above the needs of individual complainants.

Sen-Const Emma Frizzell pulled the safety rope with her account of seeing the devastation wrought upon complainants when the trial leads to “not guilty”.

It’s an enduring oddity of our legal system that we prioritise the criminal trial, the highest possible burden for a complainant, as the “best” option to follow.

There are certainly cases, such as serial rapists, pack rapes, and extreme violence, where the criminal path must be followed. But such cases are few.

The path of a civil claim, where the standard of proof is the much lower “balance of probabilities”, is so selfevidently an easier, more productive path for the majority of those who have experienced unwanted sex.

The successful plaintiff has vindication certainly, and some hopes of compensation – be that Criminal Injuries Compensation, money from the defendant or both.

Just how effective this civil path might be was starkly revealed this past week with the results of Ben Roberts-Smith’s ill-fated defamation claims.

He has not been prosecuted in the criminal courts, and that may never happen, but his misconduct has been fully exposed “on the balance of probabilities”.

The office of the Victims of Crime Commissioner can offer the claimant full support when the claimant becomes a plaintiff in a civil case. Because there is no jury, its staff can be seen, doing their job, with the plaintiff at the courts.

Whether that civil litigation path becomes more trodden or not,

the inquiry has revealed that our prosecutions office lost its way, so much that it wallowed in a mire of ineptitude.

Examples, drawn from the public hearings, include: failing to take instructions from the police “client” before taking court action; interfering with defence access to witnesses; seeking to claim “non-disclosure” over documents that the police “client” was willing to give to the defence; calling the police “boofheads”; asserting – without proper foundation – that the police were “undercharging”; wrongly alleging improprieties among politicians, police and the defence; asserting that the police were too closely aligned with the defence; and, failing to tell Victims of Crime

Commissioner Heidi Yates that she should not be seen accompanying complainant Brittany Higgins into court, nor next to her when she made a public statement

Let us all remember that the task of prosecuting is to evaluate the strength of evidence gathered by police, and then – when it passes the tests – to put that evidence before a court where the fact finder, be that jurors or a judge sitting alone, will determine guilty or not guilty. It is not to seek a conviction.

Let us all also remember – because

our ACT Legal Aid, our attorneygeneral and our lawyers’ professional associations have chosen not to publicly re-assert the importance of this core value – that it is the job of defence advocates to test the prosecution case, to do so competently, thoroughly, incisively, and without fear or favour.

Commissioner Walter Sofronoff KC and his team will put us right on the test for police to charge and the test for a prosecution to go to trial. They will tidy up the twists and turns in our Victim Support law: the difference between “believable” complainants and “proven” victims will be made clear.

Our police will continue to refine their investigative procedures, to train their investigators, and to do their best to serve.

The last words are properly those allegedly spoken by officer Marcus Boorman: “If the jury convicts, I’ll quit”.

Unlike some, I admire that commitment – a clear view about justice, one that is well grounded in traditional, well-tested principles.

Hugh Selby’s free podcasts on “Witness Essentials” and “Advocacy in court: preparation and performance” can be heard on the best known podcast sites.

‘The inquiry has revealed that our prosecutions office lost its way, so much that it wallowed in a mire of ineptitude.’

Our physiotherapists work closely with our exercise physiologists and excercise scientists so if you need hydrotherapy or other exercise supports, you can keep your care all in the hands of one practice.

Linda Clee – Physiotherapist

Linda is an experienced physiotherapist having worked clinically in private practice for over 20 years, in rehabilitation settings and in community based aged care. Having owned and operated her own clinic for over 10 years, Linda offered a range of different therapy options, and has refined her skills and service offerings to ensure a functional focus to therapy; that is holistic and promotes overall wellness. A dancer in a past life, Linda loves to add a bit of fun in her programs, often throwing in rhythm and co-ordination challenges that are good for the body and the mind.

• Management of Osteoarthritis

• Falls recovery programs

• Mindfulness for chronic pain management

• Sports Injury prevention and treatment

• GLAD Program for Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis

• Strength and balance for Falls Prevention

Jacqui Couldrick – Physiotherapist

Jacqui has a particular interest in hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Jacqui delivers the GLAD program designed to reduce the need for joint replacements, or if a joint replacement is unavoidable, to prepare you thoroughly for surgery and recovery for day to day tasks. Jacqui is studying towards a PhD in the outcomes of the GLAD program.

Emil Terbio - Physiotherapist

Emil has come to Arthritis ACT highly recommended by clients he has worked with previously.

With experience in the hospital system and private practice, Emil has interests in neurology, chronic pain and sports injury management and prevention.

Emil is soccer fan and assists local clubs in his spare time on weekends.

Urgent call for blood donors

By Mibenge Nsenduluka

AUSTRALIANS are being urged to donate blood amid a potential shortage during the cold and flu season.

Red Cross Lifeblood is appealing for an extra 8500 people with the valuable O and A blood groups to donate in the next fortnight because of an increase in cancellations.

A rise in flu cases at this time of year, combined with COVID-19 cases, means about 2000 donors a week are cancelling and rescheduling appointments.

Lifeblood’s executive director of donor experience, Cath Stone, said more than 80 per cent of the population has an O or A blood type, which are most needed by patients.

“O negative, the universal blood type, is found in fewer than seven per cent of the population, making it one of the rarer blood types,’’ Ms Stone said.

“However, its versatility means it makes up 16 per cent of the blood ordered by hospitals.

“It’s often stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters to be used to treat trauma patients who can require huge quantities of blood in a short amount of time.”

To make an appointment, contact Lifeblood on 131495. –AAP

/ Calvary takeover

Avoiding scrutiny drives the Calvary trample

WHY the rush? The government moved within a few weeks to introduce legislation, ram it through the ACT Assembly and planned to complete the takeover of Calvary within about a month of the legislation passing.

It is fair to assume the driver for the speed is political.

Liberal Elizabeth Kikkert MLA drew atten tion to the way the government was running roughshod over normal Assembly processes during the debate on the legislation. As chair of the Public Accounts Committee, she is used to the process of scrutinising expenditure and legislative processes.

She told the Assembly, “common sense requires that the single largest acquisition since self-government crucially requires a committee to engage in careful scrutiny”.

On the contrary, in an unusual step when the legislation was introduced into the Assembly, Labor and the Greens combined to allow debate to occur before the tabling of any committee report.

A key element of effective government in the ACT has been the principle that the executive government of the day does answer to the parliament. It is an important piece of accountability and one of the reasons that the early Assemblies retained strong crossbench participation.

One seriously disappointing element is the demonstration in this vote that the Greens have traded off this accountability role to now participate in a genuine coalition. This coalition approach is distinct from the early days when Shane Rattenbury accepted a role as minister where he could also maintain his crossbench independence.

So why the rush on Calvary? Avoiding scrutiny processes regarding this acquisition? The Estimates Committee processes will be a key time for interrogation of the government’s actions.

Politically, the government has determined it is far better that Estimates Committee processes happen this year. There is still time as the Estimates Committee for this year is due to report on August 18.

If the acquisition falls into the following year’s estimates and review processes, it will be in the lead up to the ACT election with inquiry sittings and reports just months before the October 19 election in 2024.

Having these sorts of actions in the media in the lead up to the next election could prove very embarrassing for both Labor and the Greens.

There will also be the inquiries into the annual and financial returns of the ACT government. This is a time when the annual reports of the departments are examined in detail.

Additionally, Assembly committees can gird their loins and find ways to look at the range of issues raised by this acquisition. I wrote last week that the Greens’ Johnathan Davis, as a member of the government and chair

Community Wellbeing, explained “I believe we understand these problems and the government is implementing the solutions”. How apt it would be for his committee to test this through a proper inquiry?

The standing committees that examine planning, social policy and accounts would all have good reason to examine the acquisition from different perspectives. And there is always the possibility of establishing a select committee or a Royal Commission to purposefully examine the issue holistically.

However, this would mean scrutiny. When a government works so hard to avoid scrutiny, it is appropriate to ask why. Why? As Acting Opposition Leader, Jeremy Hanson, told the Assembly, the acquisition “tramples over staff, it tramples over trust, it tramples over democratic principles, and it tramples on common sense”.

In mid-May I wrote about Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith’s comment suggesting “new state-ofthe-art facilities under the Canberra Hospital Master Plan that will transform the hospital over the next 20 years”.

At the same time as announcing the acquisition, the Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, has announced a $1 billion hospital for the northside of Canberra.

Forward thinking is certainly welcomed in politics, especially when it is combined with genuine action to ensure commitment into the future.

However, this is not the first time that the ACT government has spruiked the idea of building hospital infrastructure into the future.

Is it coincidental that the timing aligns with the announcement to acquire Calvary Public Hospital?

If the government allowed time for sensible scrutiny, Canberrans may well be convinced not only about the $1 billion commitment but also about whether the acquisition of Calvary is warranted.

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

When a government works so hard to avoid scrutiny, it is appropriate to ask why. Why? As acting Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson said, the acquisition “tramples over staff, it tramples over trust, it tramples over democratic principles”.

Luke with David Koch…

Luke with Samantha Armytage…

Luke with Roxy Jacenko…

Luke Hemmings.

Hemmings: Why I refused to be defined by misfortune

“My story serves as a reminder that setbacks are merely stepping stones, and with unwavering determination, even the darkest moments can be transformed into triumph,” says business leader

LUKE Hemmings says he has carved a path from humble beginnings to become one of Canberra’s “most esteemed” business owners.

“I have overcome numerous setbacks and been forced to rise above a life-altering event that nearly shattered my dreams,” he said.

Born into modest means, Hemmings said he faced the harsh realities of growing up in a working-class neighbourhood, witnessing first hand the struggles and challenges faced by his parents.

He said that despite financial limitations, he harboured a burning desire to make something of himself and create a better life. But his journey would be fraught with obstacles that would test his spirit and resolve.

“As I ventured into adulthood, I encountered a fair share of setbacks,” Hemmings said.

“My early attempts at entrepreneurship were met with disappointment and failure. It seemed as though success was always just beyond my grasp.”

Instead of succumbing to despair, Hemmings said he embraced these challenges as opportunities for growth.

“Just as my career began to gain traction, tragedy struck. I was left reeling –physically and emotionally,” he said.

“The incident cast a dark shadow over my future, threatening to eclipse my dreams and aspirations.

“Many would have crumbled under such circumstances, but I refused to be defined by misfortune.

“The journey towards recovery was a demanding one, fraught with numerous obstacles. Each day brought its share of trials and tribulations, and I faced relentless doubters determined to see me fail.

“For over nine years, I have worked hard to prove them wrong, and even now, I continue to defy their expectations, showing them that I can overcome any challenge thrown my way.”

He said that he had not only been reclaiming his life but also rebuilding his

shattered dreams, leaving the doubters “astounded and silenced”.

I redirected my focus toward a new passion: the world of recruitment,” he said. potential and the impact of placing the right people in the right positions, in 2019 I channelled my energy into establishing my own recruitment agency, Whitefox Recruitment alongside my mother, Suzanne Mussillon.

and an unwavering commitment to excel lence to propel myself forward. I refuse to let my past define me.”

his reputation grew and his recruitment agency flourished.

personal level, empathise with their aspira tions, and guide them toward fulfilling careers sets me apart from the competi tion,” he said, adding that Canberra’s busi ness community soon took notice and accolades began pouring in, acknowledging his contributions.

“My story serves as a reminder that setbacks are merely stepping stones, and with unwavering determination, even the darkest moments can be transformed into triumph.

“I have built an exceptional team that shares my vision and works relentlessly to bring it to fruition, driving the growth of the business, consistently pushing the limits of what can be achieved in the realm of recruitment.”

I encourage authenticity by urging individuals to embrace their true selves, speak their truth and disregard others’ opinions.

Hemmings said his philanthropic endeavours, by dedicating his time and resources to various charitable causes, provided support to those in need.

“Through these actions, I want to embody the values of compassion, perseverance and giving back; I want to be a role model and a beacon of hope for others,” he said.

Turning to Whitefox Recruitment’s

AGENCY (APAC)

showcases its ability to excel across different fields,” he said.

“But our success has not been limited to Canberra. We have expanded our services to the entire east coast of the country, indicating significant growth and achievement.

“I believe my story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, proving that, with unwavering determination, resilience and an unyielding belief in oneself, even the most insurmountable obstacles can be overcome.

“While I’m driven to make an impact in the industry by becoming Canberra’s most successful recruitment agency director, I also want to set the standard for industry best practice by taking a people-centric approach to everything we do.

“I firmly believe in the power of transformational leadership; I reject the notion of dictating from above and instead

“And I encourage authenticity by urging individuals to embrace their true selves, speak their truth and disregard others’ opinions.”

Leading a business poses challenges for any leader and Hemmings said he had navigated through an arduous market amidst bushfires, floods and a global pandemic.

The recruitment of like-minded individuals had enabled him to overcome these obstacles.

“I am immensely grateful to my mother, Suzanne Mussillon, my grandparents Connie and Daniel Mussillon and my closest friends, Matt, Danielle and Brad. I have to acknowledge that their endless support and guidance have been instrumental in my personal and professional journey,” he said.

“Over the years, I’ve had the chance to rub shoulders and connect with some of the finest operators in the country, including Samantha Armytage, David Koch and Roxy Jacenko. All of whom I have drawn

“Despite Whitefox being a multi-awardwinning organisation at the state, national and international levels, my team and I approach each day with the tenacity of an underdog, determined to maintain our competitive spirit and relentless drive for success.

“Our aim is not to stop innovating. We might be a multi-award-winning group, but we fight like we’re number two and that’s not going to change.

“Whitefox Recruitment stands as a shining testament to the remarkable accomplishments that can be attained when a group of passionate and skilled professionals unite under a common vision and purpose.

“It exemplifies the potential for greatness that arises when dedicated individuals collaborate towards a shared goal.”

Contact Luke Hemmings, Whitefox Recruitment, at whitefoxrecruitment.com.au

‘Many would have crumbled under such circumstances, but I refused to be defined by misfortune.’

Whitefox Recruitment CEO Luke Hemmings… “Just as my career began to gain traction, tragedy struck. I was left reeling –physically and emotionally.”

Barbie, anyone, but watch out for the mozzies!

Brekkies,

barbies, mozzies: Aussies can’t seem to get enough of shortened words, write

AUSTRALIANS sure do like those brekkies, barbies and mozzies.

We’re not talking about “actual” mozzies here. We’re defo (definitely) talking about words – and Aussies can’t seem to get enough of these shortened words.

Some say we’re lazy for clipping them. Others claim it’s just Aussies knocking words down to size – ta, we’ll have a glass of cab sav or savvy b instead of whatever that is in French.

Our most beloved shortenings end in -ie/y and -o. Journos often ask us why Aussies use them, and whether they’ll last. Well, not only are we still using them, seppos (Americans) and pommies (Brits) are joining the action, too.

Here’s an uplifting story for your hollies (holidays) about Australia’s “incredible shrinking words”.

Endings that bond and bind us

These alternative forms of words are often described as “diminutives” (or hypocoristics).

Pet names with such endings can show we have a warm or simply friendly attitude toward something or someone (think of the -s on Cuddles).

Certainly, on names, -ie/y and -o are often affectionate (think Susy and Robbo). But the vast majority of Aussie diminutives are doing something different.

Indeed, saying journo or pollie doesn’t usually indicate we’re thinking of journalists and politicians as small and endearing things. These “diminutives” are also a world away from the birdies and doggies of the nursery. Adult Australians might cheerfully talk about blowies and trackies, but not birdies and doggies – well, unless it’s on the golf course or perhaps in reference to the Western Bulldogs getting a specky (spectacular mark).

For Australian National University linguist Anna Wierzbicka, these expressions are among the most culturally salient features of Australian English – expressions of informality and solidarity that are “uniquely suited to the Anglo-Australian ethos […] and style of interaction”.

Experiments by Australian linguists have empirically confirmed

the social effects of these embellished words. Colloquialisms such as barbie and smoko are like accents – part of the glue that sticks Australian English speakers together.

Darlings or weaklings?

Diminutives can die out when they take on the burden of new social meanings. One of the oldest endings (found as far back as Anglo-Saxon times) is -ling. We see it still in words like twinkling and darling. However, by modern times it had flipped and become contemptuous, especially when used of humans (think of weakling and underling).

In contrast to -ling, our -ie/-y endings carry important, positive meanings, and there’s no sign yet that we’re giving up on them. Those sunnies, scungies, boardies, cozzies,

stubbies and trackies are still the stuff of our sartorial summer fashion.

Slang might come and go, but the process that transforms sunglasses into sunnies and tracksuit pants into trackies continues to thrive.

So thriving in fact are these expressions that some are among Australia’s successful exports. International celebrities include greenie, pollie, surfie, mozzi e, budgie (and its offshoot budgie smugglers).

And let’s not forget the linguistic rockstar that is selfie – its meteoric rise to stardom in 2013 saw it crowned Word of the Year by Oxford Dictionaries, and also by the Van Dale dictionary in the Netherlands.

Bottle-o, milko and smoko

That other long-time favourite ending -o occurs all round the English-speaking world. However, as the “Oxford English Dictionary” describes, its use “is especially associated with Australia”.

The earliest Australian examples (like milko, rabbito, bottle-o) date from the 19th century and are abbreviated nouns referring to a person’s trade (“milkman”, “rabbit-seller” and “bottle-collector”). Sometimes they appear with -oh because of their association with street calls, and this use is old – think of those cockles and mussels of 18th century London, all very much “alive, alive-oh”.

And we’re exporting these, too –demo, preggo and muso have made it into the wider world.

Rellies or rellos, garbies or garbos?

There are wharfies and truckies but not wharfos and truckos; garbos and musos but not garbies and musies. People who ride motorcycles are generally bikers ; those who belong to motorcycle gangs tend to be bikies So what’s wrong with bikos? And why are there gaps? Those who build houses are neither buildos nor buildies.

Undoubtedly there are nuanced differences of meaning involved here. Does weirdie describe unconventional people more affectionately than weirdo, or even weird person? Certainly there’s a world of difference between the sicko (psychologically sick person) and the sickie (leave you take when you’re sick).

You tell us: do you prefer a lammo or a lammie for the small chocolate and coconut–covered cake? And are members of your family rellos or rellies? There’s a lot of lexicographers, linguists and other word nerds who haven’t figured this out.

BURRIDGE

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When political double vision blinds the science

MY usually mild-mannered medical specialist was ropeable.

Another medico had let his heart rule his head and altered the small list of medications in my chronic obstruc tive pulmonary disease regime.

“There is no evidence,” he growled, “none, anywhere in the world, that supports that change.”

It was not, I have to say, a major alteration; merely an extra couple of puffs a day on one of the two regular inhalations designed to keep the lungs in reasonable shape. But the specialist’s response struck home the importance that the medical professionals place on the scientific method. And that begins and ends with evidence.

While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese can decry the idea that the ACT government’s takeover of the Calvary Catholic public hospital has nothing to do with religion, the evidence is against him.

In this, he is a perfect example of a highly intelligent individual whose early religious exposure created a kind of double vision – one eye perfectly perceptive, the other providing a distorted emotional context, mostly through religious fables that pretend to answer the big questions of how and why we live and die.

The same Albo declines to “swear to God” and instead “affirms” his

response to the governor-general when becoming PM.

Yet he’ll tie his reason in knots rather than condemn the Calvary religionists on grounds that their “faith” has no place in the scientific world of medicine (let alone the right to die in dignity at a time of one’s choosing).

The same Albo proclaims India’s Narendra Modi as a paragon of “democracy” while knowing full well that he uses his Hindu religion to bolster his support and oppress his opposition in the Sikh and Muslim communities.

He excuses Modi’s trade and commerce with Russia in the war against Ukraine, while ignoring Xi Jinping’s attempts to broker talks between the combatants.

It’s almost as though he accepts Modi as an autocrat in the making, but at least he’s “our” autocrat, because somehow the religious component trumps China’s Communist ideology.

This is a very common dilemma, fortunately becoming less so in Australia with each passing decade,

as the percentage of “no religion” rises with each census.

The pattern is oddly evident in the recent parade of Liberal Party prime ministers, from the fanatical Tony Abbott to the laughable convert Malcolm Turnbull, who screwed up everything he touched, from the republic to the NBN to the instant rejection of the Voice and the chaos of climate change. His one great hope for redemption was Snowy II until a great big machine got bogged. And bogged it remains while the Multi-Ministered Morrison topped them all and sent the “no religion” figures hurtling skywards.

The Catholic church itself is making a powerful contribution to

its own demise as its priestly acolytes cut a swathe of sexual abuse through the innocents in their care. But even the weekly reporting of yet another paedophile facing criminal justice hasn’t yet brought the community on to the streets protesting the schools that openly indoctrinate the young minds with the double vision that scrambles the Albanese perception. On the contrary, we actually boast of our religious “tolerance” and perhaps with good reason. Banning the various cults and creeds would only raise their ire and attract supporters of free speech across the board. However, the first step must surely be to remove the religionist’s tax-free status so we all run the race of life down lanes of equal length. That way we’d all have the same access to the puffers that science decides we need to reach a dignified finish line. My mild-mannered specialist, for one, would be greatly relieved.

robert@

bilateral meeting at Admiralty House in Sydney last month. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP

Albo proclaims India’s Narendra Modi as a paragon of ‘democracy’ while knowing full well that he uses his Hindu religion to bolster his support and oppress his opposition in the Sikh and Muslim communities.

Three beats four, being legless matters

EVERY time I sit at an outdoor café table that rocks due to the uneven floor, causing my coffee to spill, I wonder why table makers insist on making café tables with four legs.

Three legs would avoid the rocking problem and the need to stuff a napkin under one leg. With three legs, I could drink my coffee in satisfied harmony with my surroundings.

Three-legged tables are generally more stable than four-legged tables because they distribute weight evenly across three points.

Three-legged tables also tend to be more aesthetically pleasing with a minimalist and modern look. A further benefit of three-legged tables is their ease of use and maintenance.

Three legs also make for a lighter portable table than four. Because they have fewer legs, there are fewer areas to clean. They are also more portable.

At an outdoor café setting for four people, a square or round table with central support and three points of ground contact wins out every time.

Thinking outside the box, a triangular table for three people with a leg at every corner might be a good option for groups of three to

six. Triangular tables have several advantages over traditional square, round, or rectangular tables. They occupy less floor space, so are ideal for areas where space is limited.

They add an element of visual interest to any setting. They are lighter in weight and easier to handle, making them ideal for locations where furniture is frequently moved.

To be objective one should also

look at the issue from a four-legged table’s point of view: “We have a wider base, which reduces the likelihood of us tipping over. We also typically have more surface area, which can be useful if you need more space to work on or display items.

“In addition, we can be used for a wider range of purposes, such as dining tables, desks, and work tables. A rectangular table for six needs the stability of a leg at all four corners. We are also a better choice for applications where safety is a concern, such as in schools or in homes with children. On the downside, we acknowledge that we are hopeless on an uneven surface.”

In conclusion, the choice of a three-legged table or four-legged table should depend on the context and specific needs and preferences. Three-legged tables offer many advantages in terms of design, versatility, ease of use and, most importantly for alfresco coffee drinkers, they provide stability and less chance of your coffee ending up in the saucer.

On the issue of stability: three males – an accountant, an artist and an engineer – are having drinks.

BRIEFLY Charity’s call out for kids’ stuff

The conversation turns to the most important female person in their lives.

The accountant says his wife is his rock, his stability, the foundation of his life, a value too hard to quantify.

The artist says his mistress is his muse and inspiration. He owes to her his very artistic soul and without her he could not paint.

The engineer says those are certainly great attributes, but the better option is to have both a wife and a mistress.

“Both?!” the accountant and artist exclaim in surprise (not being French).

“Yes”, the engineer explains.

“First, you tell your wife you’re with your mistress. Then you tell your mistress you’re with your wife. Then you have time to go to your shed and build stuff.”

ROUNDABOUT Canberra, a local grassroots charity dedicated to supporting families in need with safe, essential material goods for their children, is holding a Southside Children’s Goods Donation Day at the Narrabundah Community Hall, 63 Boolimba Crescent, 1pm-4pm, on June 17.

Roundabout Canberra is struggling to meet the need for items such as cots, prams, newborn car seats, winter clothing (size 5 and up). All items should be freshly washed.

Gary on role of Trust

GARY Kent, president of ACT National Trust is the guest speaker at the next meeting of the Narrabundah Probus Club at the Harmonie German Club at 11am on June 13. Visitors are always welcome.

Bold woman at Ziggy’s

RELAY for Life Team, the Bold Bandannas, is back at Fyshwick Markets (within Ziggy’s shop) selling preserves, pickles, chutneys, lemon butter and a range of sugar-reduced items in aid of the Cancer Council, 8am4.30pm on June 17.

Warnings about scams

SENIORS liaison officer Lina Webber and Sen-Const Jane Kenehan, from the police Community Engagement Team, will talk to the ladies of the Gungahlin Day View Club about scams. The lunch meeting is at the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, Nicholls, 11.45am on June 28. Lunch costs $35 and visitors are welcome. RSVP by June 25 to 0422 505771.

0 1 Hours Logbook Credit 0 2 Hours Logbook Credit

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

An unstable four-legged table on an uneven surface at Manuka.

Photo: Clive Williams

OPINION / outcome-focused planning

Urban planning determines future life and death

OUTCOME-focused planning is essential. We can’t live without it. Our forebears did it millions of years ago to secure their food supply. It is part of the human condition.

As the word “planning” implies working towards a goal, the uninitiated might wonder why the ACT government speaks of “outcomefocused planning” when discussing the new Planning Bill. The reason is that outcome-focused planning is convenient, for this concept permits changing previously agreed plans if the expected outcome cannot be reached.

Outcome-focused planning validates actions by the ACT government that otherwise would suggest inconsistency.

Take the demolition of large areas of public housing in central areas of Canberra. The plan was, so the public was told, to sell the land to developers with the requirement of including public housing in their rebuild. However, an appropriate inclusion of public housing in redevelopments did not materialise, resulting in a severe shortage of government-supported accommodation. One must conclude that since the initial plan of requiring developers to include public housing did not produce high enough offers, the plan was changed.

That is, the requirement for the

inclusion of public housing was dropped to produce the financial gain envisaged. Jon Stanhope and Khalid Ahmed have shown how the funds were allocated to other expenditures, such as the tram (CN August 25). Maybe another example of outcomefocused planning. Since the plan can be changed at any time, it is imperative that at least the outcome is clearly defined and consistently observed.

The government’s “Planning Bill – Policy Overview” (March, 2022) specifies: “An outcomes focus goes beyond the built form and considers the broader policy outcomes that can be achieved through the planning system, such as wellbeing, health, recreation, employment, housing and environment outcomes.”

The problem is that this description of the outcomes to be achieved is anything but specific. Common sense tells us that people of different age and physical condition, interests, financial means, etcetera will have vastly different ideas about a “good outcome” regarding these topics.

But even more problematic is the fact that all these various desirable

outcomes listed by the government rely on one pre-condition that gets no mention in the Planning Bill. That is, the maintenance of temperatures in our city that do not challenge the human body’s threshold for survivability.

It is well established that in the heat of summer, cities with high-density, highrise structures have considerably higher temperatures than the surrounding countryside. Hard surfaces, such as concrete, metal and glass absorb and store the heat of the sun, acting like a radiator not only during the day, but also at night. This process is known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and recognised as the greatest cost and threat to the world’s cities.

Cities lacking the space for sufficient vegetation mitigating the heat are trialling new solutions:

• Amsterdam is not only building rooftop gardens, but rooftop parks with trees, often linked by bridges

to make long walks possible.

• Paris sprays fine mist to cool the air and signposts “cool rooms” to escape from scorching temperatures.

• Munich is exploring how to bring back to the surface the rivers that once cooled the city.

• Tokyo, Singapore and Bogota , vertical gardens including trees, cover tall buildings, absorbing not only greenhouse gases but also the wastewater of the occupants, while cooling the structures in the process. Meanwhile in our capital, blessed with Walter Burley Griffin’s design of a garden city, green spaces are being replaced by concrete, glass, metal and other building materials promoting the Urban Heat Island effect.

Projects that will substantially alter the face of Canberra are discussed without any reference to the “urban killer”, namely the heat these projects will create once the El Nino weather pattern with scorching temperatures returns. The fact that temperatures in Canberra vary up to 10 degrees depending on the density of buildings, appears already in a CSIRO heat mapping report for the summer of 2016-17. Unfortunately, no follow-up is available.

Climate change has been declared a health emergency by the Australian, American and British Medical Associations. The CSIRO warns that between 2020-50, heat-related deaths will grow by over 60 per cent across Australian capital cities, and estimates that records of death attributed to excessive heat are underestimated at least 50-fold.

Urban planning today will determine life and death in the future. The importance of being earnest when engaging in outcome-focused planning is more essential than ever.

It surely cannot but lead to the conclusion that the only acceptable outcome of outcome-focused planning is stopping the Urban Heat Island effect in our city.

Historian Beatrice Bodart-Bailey is an honorary professor at the ANU School of Culture, History and Language and an emeritus professor of the Department of Comparative Culture, Ot suma Women’s University, Tokyo.

In our capital, blessed with Walter Burley Griffin’s design of a garden city, green spaces are being replaced by concrete, glass, metal and other building materials promoting the Urban Heat Island effect.

Families denied contact with nature and wildlife

TOPSOIL is currently being completely scalped by bulldozers over a large acreage. Organic matter is also decimated, causing carbon dioxide atmospheric emissions.

The remaining bare soil surface will be further eroded by heavy rain or strong winds over oncoming periods. When building occurs, more trenching follows, often to bedrock, for their concrete foundations.

Dwellings are more invariably built on almost the whole of designated blocks, with most of the remaining soil surface covered with concrete driveways, paths, and artificial lawn. Rainfall then goes into gutters, but not the soil!

Moreover, there is now no chance for trees with canopy for their very significant summer cooling effects, plus no space for gardens. Families are being denied vital contact with nature and its wildlife.

Canberra is on its way to becoming a “concrete jungle”!

Residents will not then realise that soil, with its biodiverse microbes and insects, as well as supplying nutrients for one’s food, will continue to be decimated.

It is urgent that we have legislated requirements to retain a reasonable area of undisturbed soil with no impervious cover around all dwellings (houses and apartments); an immediate need in new developments is to prohibit any initial “butchering” of square kilometres of soil. Sadly, we still await compulsory standards for all building to be orientated to the north with good insulation.

Dr Christopher Watson (retired soil scientist), Latham

Show some backbone

and policies

SOMEONE please correct me if I am wrong, but it would appear that the Canberra Liberals are once again relying on the discontent of Canberrans with the current Labor/Greens government to win the election next year.

I have seen neither hide nor hair from them, apart from leader Elizabeth Lee gracing the cover of “CityNews” with a new baby and a couple of posters of Ed Cocks dotted around Woden area in recent months. Is this the Liberals “campaigning”? Canberra is surely doomed.

They are in a prime position to win the next election. They need to start showing some backbone... and some policies would be nice as well.

Rebecca Henson, Hughes

Good riddance to creepy bogong moths

I, FOR one, do not miss the bogongs (“What’s gone wrong for the bogongs?”, CN May 25). They are horrid, creepy creatures. Maybe their decline is evolutionary, like a number of animals, sea creatures, birds and bugs, they come and go. Some are wiped out, such as dinosaurs, some by being eaten by their predators, some by human intervention and some by natural attrition. If every form of life kept breeding and not dying out for one reason or another, the world would be overrun. Can you imagine if the moths had kept breeding, how many there would be now? All I can say is thank goodness they have gone, and do not waste the $1 million on researching them.

Vi Evans via email

More aged-care scrutiny needed

THE federal government would be relieved that it mostly kept the lid on failings in residential dementia care from bursting forth when the media focus on a recent NSW police call out to Yallambee Lodge agedcare facility in Cooma centred on the police interaction with a resident at 4 am.

More honesty and openness is now needed from the federal government about what is and is not working for those with advanced dementia in residential care, and whether regulatory surveillance processes are adequate and sufficiently informative about facilities’ preparedness and operations.

The government should also clarify how its recent visa changes will provide improved on-site management of dementia residents 24/7 plus ensure safeguard measures are in place to protect them and other residents.

To attract more overseas nationals to aged-care sector work, some more Commonwealth “carrots” are now on offer. English language requirements have been lowered even more, apparently below those needed for basic VET level study, and after doing a six-week course in aged care and two years on the job, the new arrivals can be fast tracked for permanent residency.

To prevent the many embedded cracks in aged care turning into large crevices, this policy initiative and the trainee selection need to be carefully monitored and evaluated.

It is not clear how those with the lower-level English skills will be able to handle what presumably is an intensive, general aged-care course, and any dementia management training.

All front-line aged-care staff should be expected to be able to engage and communicate clearly and easily with elderly residents, particularly those with deteriorating brain and body functioning, loss of inhibitions, and suffering a worsening and scary loss of awareness of the world around them.

Sue Dyer, Downer

Kangaroo cull affects hundreds of plants

I WOULD like to highlight my concerns regarding the policy adopted by successive ACT Labor governments of annually culling Eastern Grey Kangaroos in and around the nature reserves.

Their rationale for allowing this is based on three factors, one protecting threatened species the Grassland Earless Dragon, Striped Legless Lizard, Pink Tailed Worm Lizard, Perunga Grasshopper, Hooded Robin and Brown Tree Creeper.

The second is that a grassy layer between five and 15 centimetres be intact to support these threatened species.

The third is limiting the number of kangaroos to around one per hectare. What is most worrying about this approach is the failure to monitor what effect this has on the hundreds of plants that coexist within the reserves, the small delicate plants, in particular lilies, orchids and a variety of various forbs, and herbs too numerous to list.

Their existence is dependent on several factors including the amount of annual rainfall, the amount of light and space they need to enable them to flourish.

It appears no effort has been made by ecologists and the Conservator of Flora and Fauna to understand the impact of their actions on these plants and no plant surveys have been conducted, either.

It is amazing that after a fire many small plants that have not been seen for years suddenly flower profusely. Sure, it could be a result of more carbon in the soil or seeds needing heat for germination, but equally it can be because they have plenty of room and plenty of light.

As vegetation recovers, particularly grass and shrubs, the space and light for these plants diminishes and they slowly disappear in quantity.

This is why it is so important to ensure continuous grazing of kangaroos to help keep the grasses low and allow these numerous, small, native plants to thrive and flower.

Another overlooked problem is the impact of invasive weeds, not only on these native forbs but on the reptiles, birds, insects and mammals.

It’s evident for years now that little effort, resources and interest have been shown by the managers of the reserves to control weeds, foxes and rabbits or for that matter conduct any analysis or studies to assess the impact invasive weeds have on flora and fauna.

Julie Lindner, Farrer

PM has the cart before the horse

I THANK Mr Eric Hunter for his letter (CN June 1) in which he takes me to task for expressing reasons to vote “No” on the Voice, after a great deal of my research and analysis into the pros and cons of the Voice debate.

Also pleasing, is to see Mr Hunter agreeing with my contention that a “Yes” vote on the Voice boils down to just “the right thing to do”, that “there is nothing to see here” in respect of the Voice being justiciable.

Potential “Yes” voters should do their homework and think with their heads instead of with their hearts or by blindly following the PM’s lead.

The PM is actually on a tiger’s back of his own doing, but does not know how to get off. One way would be to legislate first then think about a referendum.

As is often the case in politics, the cart is before the horse.

Max Flint, principal, Australian Logistics Study Centre

Consider both sides to the story

IN his letter attacking the Albanese government (CN May 31), Ian Pilsner makes several highly contestable statements. For example, he cites the “election promise that (Labor) would reduce our energy bills by $275 (a year)”, and conveniently overlooks the big gas companies exporting most of the natural gas extracted from this land and charging excessive prices for what they deign to sell to eastern Australians.

Mr Pilsner sings the praises of former PM Tony Abbott, but overlooks the fact that he broke almost all of his election promises: “no cuts to education, no cuts to health, no change to pensions, no change to the GST (a legacy of John Howard), no cuts to the ABC or SBS”. Only the GST was left untouched.

Abbott also deliberately downgraded the Rudd government’s fibre-to-the-premises NBN to the much inferior and troublesome fibre-to-the-node.

The final straw for voters was when Abbott’s Treasurer Joe Hockey brought down “the budget from hell”. Abbott lost the prime ministership to Malcolm Turnbull, then lost his own seat to Zali Steggall when Labor won the election on May 18, 2019.

Mr Pilsner should consider both sides of the story.

Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

Luke Clews

Cartoon: Paul Dorin

feature ALL ABOUT QUEANBEYAN

Fast growing city that’s become the place to be

HOME to more than 64,000 residents, Queanbeyan’s name is the anglicised form of “quinbean” – an Aboriginal word meaning “clear waters”.

It was officially proclaimed a township in 1838 when the population numbered about 50, but is now one of the fastest growing inland cities in NSW, according to the QueanbeyanPalerang Regional Council.

“CityNews” speaks with experts in the Queanbeyan region who are passionate about what they do.

Property advice focusing on service

FUSE Property was started in 2018, but owner Zoe Stead took over in 2021, bringing with her more than 22 years of experience.

“I started as a receptionist, and was thrown in the deep end of property management six weeks after that role began, and I’ve loved this work ever since,” she says.

“FUSE Property offers expert customised service that specialises in property manage ment and sales.

“Our big focus is on customer service, we are fair and reasonable with everyone and we aim to make sure everyone is happy.

“With our years of experience, we have learnt that communication is key. We will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear, and some of my clients have stuck with me for nearly 20 years.”

Zoe says she loves the job, and the Queanbeyan community.

“Every day is different and presents a different challenge, which I love,” she says.

“Queanbeyan is amazing, too, we have nicknamed it our Hollywood. I have lived here for more than 20 years. Everyone is so friendly and our office on the main street is really good.”

FUSE Property, 56 Monaro Street. Call 5110 7090, or visit fuseproperty.com.au

Niche flooring with a strong reputation

CHAPMAN Floor Coverings (CFC) has been operating since 1985 by David Chapman, who says he has been passionate about the flooring industry since completing his apprenticeship.

“CFC is a family-based business with a strong reputation that is continuously growing,” he says.

“We cater to residential, commercial and hospitality industries, and we aim to maintain our commitment to providing excellent customer service.

“No job is too big or too small, or too far.”

David says Chapman Floor Coverings showroom and shop opened seven years ago

many more,” he says.

“My extensive training and background in cork products gives me the passion and expertise in CFC, as a leader in the world’s most eco-friendly product.

“CFC specialises in all cork ranges, including tiles, planks and a new hybrid cork.

“The hybrid cork is a very exciting and new, niche option that sets us apart from other companies.”

David says CFC is one of only two flooring shops in Queanbeyan.

“Our location allows our building signage to be seen from a great distance, and we’re

FUSE Property owner Zoe Stead.

David Chapman with dog Nelson.

ALL ABOUT QUEANBEYAN

Quality food served with pride

YASS Road Takeaway opened in 1988, and quickly became a Queanbeyan favourite, says co-owner Nick Giannis.

“We are open from 5am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and we do it the traditional way.

“After so many years, we try and keep the same staff on, as that gives us a good team of workers and some familiar faces for customers, and we have some really great customers that come in.”

Nick says he and his brother take pride in their work, doing it the traditional way by doing as much as possible themselves.

“We come in very early to cut up fresh vegetables, we make our own schnitzels and roast meals, it’s just chips and scallops that we get in frozen,” he says.

“Most of our customers hear about us through word of mouth, and Queanbeyan brings very loyal customers once you’re established as a local, now we can’t go out to the pub without getting recognised.”

Insulated blinds are key for a warm home

BLINDS and curtains that provide insulation are ideal for keeping homes warm this winter, says BMAC Window Furnishings

owner Ben McCallum.

“People tend to think that the best way to insulate is by using blackout curtains but there are so many great products available,” says Ben, who started BMAC Window Furnishings with his wife Allana nearly a decade ago from a home office, which has since grown to a showroom in Queanbeyan with 10 staff.

“As well as curtains, honeycomb blinds do a great job, with hexagonal shaped cells that hold air in the pockets, keeping homes cool in summer, warm in winter and reducing energy bills [too].

“Verosol silverscreen blinds are [also] popular because the metallic fabric offers effective heat control [and] they’re translucent so people can still enjoy their outlook.”

“Folding arm awnings extend the outdoor living space and can be used over an outdoor area for shade when needed.”

Automation of blinds has been in high demand, too, according to Ben, who loves the Somfy smartphone application, which allows users to set timers and even close blinds from their phone while they’re away or at work.

But BMAC Window Furnishings doesn’t just offer window treatments for the home, it also caters for commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, government buildings, new apartment complexes and residential properties.

BMAC Window Furnishings, 1/5 Penney Place, Queanbeyan East. Call 6285 1717, or visit bmacwindowfurnishings.com.au

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Principals

Queanbeyan office staff Jenny Muller, co-director Jan Browne, Amanda Dengate and Elena Dorsoski.

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Comprehensive and confidential medical care

BRINDABELLA Family Practice is a thriving and growing practice that has served the Queanbeyan region since 1993, says practice manager Lorraine Straker.

“We provide comprehensive and confidential care which endeavours to improve patients’ quality of life and wellbeing,” she says.

“From humble beginnings, combined with committed staff, Brindabella Family Practice has grown and expanded to our new purpose-built facility at Suite 4, 7-9 Morisset Street.

“Our focus however has never changed and that is our care and commitment to the patients and community.”

Lorraine says serving the community is important to them, as many of the staff live in Queanbeyan and surrounding

“We love being an integral part of this vibrant, growing community,” she says.

“With the relocation of the practice we are excited to offer many new services, including on-the-day and emergency appointments.

Delivering quality windows, fast

MORE than 15 years ago, in a small factory, with a staff of five, Skyview Windows was created with the vision to supply quality products in the shortest possible lead times, says managing director Neil Thompson.

“The company mantra from day one was ‘Quality Windows, Fast’,” says Neil.

Since then, Skyview has grown and about 12 years ago expanded to a 2500sqm factory in High Street, Queanbeyan. Neil says part of Skyview’s success is being able to work closely with customers and suppliers to ensure consistency in quality and supply is maintained.

Using dedicated, local people, Neil says all windows and doors are manufactured to Australian standards.

“All windows and doors are manufactured from a mixture of local and imported raw materials to ensure cost competitiveness and, unlike the major window companies, all the profits stay right here,” he says.

“Skyview is the only window company able to supply any powdercoat colour with no cost premium involved.

Andrew says he is a third-generation carpenter builder, so the know-how is in his blood, as he works alongside his wife and brother.

“In 2021 I went full time in my own business, I’m very passionate about bringing the quality of this work back up to a high standard,” he says.

“I limit my project numbers each year to ensure I can do a quality job, I have never wanted to be the biggest, just one of the best. It helps me ensure the utmost time and effort is being put into your project.

“I know what I’m doing, and I know the

decent human being who is proud of their work, come to me. I like to leave my clients happy, so I can walk away from the job with a smile on my face and leave a smile on theirs.”

Andrew says he gets lots of support from the people in Queanbeyan.

“Local people ring me because I’m a local, they have a good loyalty, they will come to me over businesses in Canberra” he says.

“We understand that every project is unique and we take the time to understand each client’s needs based on their lifestyle, ideas and budget.”

AFT Building Solutions, call 0431 287742, or visit aftbuildingsolutions.com.au

“Our in-house pathology streamlines appointments and our proximity to the chemist means patients don’t have to travel far to collect scripts.

“This allows our customers to mix and match colour boutique, custom builder, with 17 years of experience behind sole director Andrew Trevenar.

“Our new and existing services include travel medicine and vaccinations, iron infusions, skin cancer checks, diving medicals, vaccinations and immunisations, family planning, implanon and mirena insertion and removal, cosmetic injectables and fillers, dietetics, cervical screening tests, antenatal shared care, fibreglass casts, ear syringing, wound care, sexual health screening, hearing screening and testing, ingrown toenail surgery, smoking cessation, women’s and men’s health, chronic disease management, COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, and spirometry.”

Brindabella Family Practice, Suite 4, 7-9 Morisset Street. Call 6299 6990, or visit brindabellapractice.com.au

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Start prepping now for spring!

WINTER

Adding manures to the soil and lightly digging and watering in will benefit the soil microbes and get the worms working over winter.

Mulching garden beds can be done now to keep the moisture in the ground and prevent weeds from seeding.

It’s also a good time to prune winter pome fruits such as apples, pears and quinces, and spray with lime sulphur for fungal diseases at the same time to guard against aphids and coddling moth.

Spray all the branches and bark in the morning and allow them to dry before night time. Don’t spray lime sulphur on apricots as it causes severe dieback and won’t fruit.

In the orchard, if there’s room for hazelnuts, give them

a go. They are a terrific long-living shrub or small tree.

There are two main species of hazelnuts that grow well in our region and Corylus avellana is more suited to the orchard and Corylus maxima is better in a large park-like garden. They both are deciduous and like cool moist soil in winter and a pH of around 6 to 6.5 with good drainage and lots of organic matter.

Hazelnuts ripen around February and March and fall to the ground at maturity. They can be eaten raw or roasted.

Pruning hazelnut trees in late winter – when the tree is dormant – will encourage rapid spring growth. Spring and summer pruning will not produce growth as vigorous. A rule of thumb is to never remove more than 30 per cent of the canopy at one time.

NOW all the deciduous leaves have fallen, gaps in the garden can be filled with evergreen shrubs and plants.

One of my favourites is the Mexican lilies (Beschorneria yuccoides “variegata”). With soft, green-striped leaves, they can take up to three

years to mature before growing a spectacular flower spike of at least 1.5 metres tall with pendulous green and pink flowers and bracts in spring and summer.

They like dry soils and can spread to around a metre wide. They become drought tolerant when established.

There’s a new variety available called Flamingo Glow, which has striking variegated foliage that grows well in pots or raised garden beds with good drainage.

I grow Mexican lilies in my garden without irrigation. They survive only on rainfall and require little to no maintenance.

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

Jottings…

• Trim old leaves away from hellebores to see the flowers.

• Spray citrus trees with horticultural oil to smother scale and insect eggs.

• Keep on top of the weeds and turn compost over regularly.

Mexican lilies… can take up to three years to mature.

Photos: Jackie Warburton

Hazelnuts… give them a go, they grow well in our climate.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE

Uproar as Netflix shuts down password sharing NICK OVERALL

Telling the story of sport’s stars of storytelling

COVER STORY

By Helen Musa

“SPORT is a storytelling machine,” says Guy Hansen, curator of the National Library’s new exhibition, “Grit & Gold: Tales from a Sporting Nation”.

With heroes and villains, triumph and failure, comedy and tragedy, it’s sheer drama, and best of all, he says, is that more than 90 per cent of the images in the show come from the library’s own holdings, reflecting well on its collection.

The show is definitely one for the general public because, in a country that sees itself as a sporting nation, “everyone is invested in these stories and they reflect what’s going on in our broader society,” he says.

“I’m really a historian and I believe that it’s a very good way to explore Australian history… the purpose of the exhibition is to look at the history of Australia through the lens of sport.”

He’s particularly chuffed that on July 11 a meeting of the Australian Society for Sports History will be held at the library to be followed by a panel discussion featuring personalities such as sporting pioneer Katrina Fanning and former broadcaster Tim Gavel.

The six-part exhibition begins with a section called, naturally enough, “The Game Begins”, which picks up on the influence of British sports, such as rowing, boxing, cricket, football, horse racing and hunting in colonial times.

Although throughout the exhibition First Nations’ sportspeople are represented, there’s relatively little documentation of their pre-colonial sporting activities. Hunting wasn’t a sport for the original inhabitants and while there’s the old story that AFL was grounded in an earlier Aboriginal sport, it’s difficult to pin down.

But many cases of famous Aboriginal athletes are included, such as boxer Jerry Jerome and the first cricket team to travel to the UK.

The exhibits are by no means only two dimensional and a centrepiece is the magnificent 1867 silver Marquess of

World War I the government used Australians’ interest in sport to appeal to potential enlistees according to the slogan, “Play Up, Play and Play THE Game” shown in a 1916 poster.

The second section of the exhibition is called “Grassroots” and this pays tribute to the widely-held belief that Australia is at heart a sporting nation.

Here we see images of backyard cricket, kids’ sport, lifesavers, nuns playing basketball and a pair of contrasting pictures showing “The Hill” at Sydney Cricket Ground in 1936 and 1978 – but it doesn’t exist any more, as Hansen points out.

Fulfilling Hansen’s promise of drama, Spectacles”, not least the Burns-Johnson

boxing match of 1908, the 1938 Empire Games and the 1956 Olympics.

The Winfield State of Origin Shield, 1980, with the slogan “Mate Against Mate, State Against State”, is almost a sporting spectacle in itself.

Deeply cultural though sport may be, it’s not without its venal side, and the third section is called simply, “Making Money”.

A 1934 poster shows the favourite famous cyclist-turned-politician, Sir Hubert “Oppy” Opperman, advertising the Malvern Star bicycle.

Nearby, we see a radiant Don Bradman advertising cigarettes in the 1949 Capstan Test Cricket Calendar and on the same wall hangs a beautiful 1995 surfing poster by Gerry Wedd advertising the wares of Mambo.

An underlying theme of the show is the increasing professionalisation in Australian sport and the fourth section, “Towards a level playing field”, shows this in spades, with a particular emphasis on women in sport.

Lauren Pearce, of the Demons, and Caitlin Gould, of the Crows, are seen competing for the ball during the 2022 AFLW grand final.

A special exhibit will be Liz Ellis’s netball dress alongside Ash Barty’s Wimbledon outfit and Evonne Goolagong’s trophy, also from Wimbledon.

The most popular part of the show is bound to be the one called “Superstars.”

There’ll be the usual suspects, such as champion swimmer Dawn Fraser, Shane Warne at the MCG during the 2006 Ashes series and Betty Cuthbert’s “Golden Girl”

moment at the 1956 Olympics. Paralympian and disability advocate Dylan Alcott is there, cricketer Steve Smith celebrating his double century in 2019, basketball legend Lauren Jackson and Australian soccer captain, Sam Kerr. An almost artistic poster shows a young Johnny Warren promoting his slogan, “I told you so”, his lifelong argument that Aussies could find a place in international soccer. Almost surprising in the “Superstars” section is the homely touch of a bookcase filled with sporting biographies, so that visitors can dip into the lives of their favourites.

“Grit & Gold: Tales from a Sporting Nation”, National Library of Australia, June 9November 5.

Shane Warne holding a cricket ball and stump at the end of the Fourth Test of the Ashes Series, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, December 2006.

Photo: Steve Holland/NLA

Betty Cuthbert, the “Golden Girl”, 1956.

Photo: John Larkins/NLA

Portrait of cricketer Don Bradman.

Photo: NLA

Enlistment poster 1916.

Image: Parliamentary Recruiting Committee/NLA

Tilba Tilba ladies cricket team, 1905.

Photo: William Henry Corkhill/NLA

One hundred and eighty boys at a junior golf coaching camp near Sydney, 1978. Photo: Jim Fitzpatrick/Australian Information Service

England v. Australia played at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, July 1886.

Photo: IF Weedon/NLA

The Queen greets Balmain Rugby League players at Sydney Cricket Ground, 1973. Photo: Ern McQuillan

Parlour makes pour choice at dinner

ONE of my mate Tom’s favourite wineries is Warrabilla Wines, based in Rutherglen.

Big, bold reds are its mainstay and principal winemaker Andrew Sutherland Smith is proud to make “steak and eggs” wines that have a high alcohol content and are flavour bombs.

This winery has a large following in Canberra and has a function here at least once a year, normally held at The Boat House.

Tom organised for me and another friend to go to the Warrabilla dinner that was held at the Parlour Room in New Acton, with The Boat House function to be held later in the year. It was $155 a head and had the promise of good food, great wine and friendly company. The cost reminded me of a retirement motto: all I ask is a chance to prove that money can’t make me happy.

We started with the 2022 Riesling; the only white produced by Warrabilla. It was a pleasant aperitif, dry with a clean finish, and went well with the salmon tartare that was

We waited some time for the mushroom pasta to be served, a dish that had been matched with the 2021 reserve grenache. This course saw the start of a trend that was annoying to say the least. The venue had decided to pour all the wines on a buffet and then hand them out by the glass with the waiters clutching the glasses and placing them in front of the patrons in an increasingly awkward procession. This disappointed because we couldn’t see the label of the wine poured and when the 2017 shiraz was later served, I had a large dollop of sediment in the bottom of the glass, which was unpleasant because I detected its presence too late to avoid a swirl of it in my mouth, hence being delivered a finish like coal dust. All the wines should have

“The venue had decided to pour all the wines on a buffet and then hand them out by the glass with the waiters clutching the glasses and placing them in front of the patrons in an increasingly awkward procession.

patrons wouldn’t usually mind swirling some water in their used glass for the next offering and placing the water/wine in a spitoon. The star of the show for me was the Parola’s Durif comparison, a 2015 with the 2021. These wines were served with wagyu striploin but outshone the food by a magnitude. The 2015 spoke to the characteristics of Durif which thrives in hot climates like that of Rutherglen. The grape is full bodied and has firm tannins. It produces a high alcohol, belting wine that warms the cockles as the temperature drops. It’s the stuff of open fires, cosy blankets and an excellent glass of red with a loved one, or at least a good friend, possibly without the blanket.

The 2015 was inky in colour with a lovely cigar-box nose and the tannins had softened with age to give a dark-plum velvet sensation on taste.

The 2021 has the potential to keep for a considerable period, stored well I’d say six to eight years, but it is drinking well now without the concentration of flavours we enjoyed from the 2015. The Durif sang to us of warmth and comfort. It was moreish.

Rutherglen is also renowned for its fortified wines. Dessert of Eton Mess was accompanied by a Classic Rutherglen muscat that had depth and complexity with raisin and toffee flavours predominating. It punched away with the sweet dessert like a couple of heavy hitting street fighters and made the palate wake up with a bang in time for us to Uber home.

with more drinkers choosing the bottled variety.

The love affair with cask wine wanes

People who consume boxed wine are drinking it less but are more likely to be heavy drinkers, researchers have found, reports

AUSTRALIA’S love affair with cask wine could be over as more people ditch cheap boxed wine in favour of more expensive bottled

Health risks associated with low-cost alcohol and social stigma are among the possible reasons consumption of cask wine has decreased, while bottled wine purchases

Researchers at Melbourne’s La Trobe University found people who drink boxed wine are drinking it less but are more likely to be heavy drinkers.

A survey of about 2000 people showed those who drank cask wine averaged about 6.5 standard drinks per day, more than twice the number of daily beverages for moderateand-high-cost wine drinkers (3.2).

Meanwhile, low-cost bottled wine drinkers averaged about 4.3 standard drinks

Photos:

Big clap for a small but mighty restaurant

ABOUT a year ago, Woden’s food scene ramped up a level with the opening of Dada on Furzer Street.

This small but mighty restaurant deserves a big round of applause for so much. Local wines, local coffee (Barrio, Braddon), local produce, local artisan goods and mostly everything hand-made in the kitchen.

The innovative menu also pays homage to virtually all dietary requirements without compromising one tiny bit on taste. There wasn’t one dish – light, small, big or sweet –we wouldn’t have ordered.

Owner and chef Peter Kang is very hands-on and beams with pride as he talks about Dada’s Korean-fusion food, including the gluten-free kimchi pancake we shared to start ($13). Dada’s house-made kimchi and pickles are featured in this deceivingly

simple dish. Thinly sliced chilli was carefully placed on top, and the earthiness of the mushrooms shone through in every bite.

Also from the small section of the menu is the mega-hit, stir-fried pipi with crunchy bean sprouts ($23). The heat builds with this sophisticated smoky dish, and the little pipis were beautifully cooked.

Next, we selected the Chinese-influenced chicken tortellini, a relatively new winter dish added to the “big” section of Dada’s intriguing menu ($29). It was the best twist on tortellini we’d ever had, and the bits of crispy chicken skin popped in our mouths. The finely minced chicken, mixed with coriander (but not overpowering), was super moist and the tortellini could not have been silkier.

The dish was decorated with vibrant, house-made, colourful, chilli oil. We adored it. And while we had no room for more, given we had decided to treat ourselves

with dessert, we really, really wanted the Crying Tiger beef steak.

All desserts are made in the kitchen, and we couldn’t resist the Jasper + Myrtle (family-owned chocolate maker in Fyshwick) tart ($18). This vegan dessert is far from super sweet, which made it a perfect ending. The cashew praline added a fun texture, the cream was gorgeous, and we loved the bits of salt on top.

Peter explained that one of his children has many food intolerances, which drive him and his partner, Kaye Park (together they opened Ramentic) to offer so many dishes that are egg-free, dairy free, vegan, and gluten-free. This takes time and a lot of experimenting but it’s really paying off for Dada.

The wine list is close to 100 per cent sourced from the Canberra region, with prices by the glass very reasonable. We enjoyed the Sangiovese rosé (2021) from Collector ($13/glass and $63/bottle).

Dada’s interior design is minimalist but warm and inviting.

Floor-to-ceiling windows let loads of light through and take time to explore the artwork. We’ll be back soon, this time for the tasting menu ($86 per person).

The average cost of cask wine, which is the cheapest alcoholic beverage available, is $0.54 cents per standard drink.

There was a 30 per cent drop in cask wine sales between 2004 and 2014, coinciding with an almost 40 per cent increase in bottled wine sales, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The study found cask wine is mostly consumed at home while alternatives are more likely to be enjoyed in social settings such as bars and nightclubs.

Lead study author Alexandra Torney, from La Trobe’s centre for alcohol policy research, said there appears to be a stigma around drinking the once-popular tipple.

“We do think that it could be a stigma that’s currently held on cask wine and that’s why people consume it mainly at home,” she told AAP.

“There is typically a stigma that surrounds cask buying where it’s not seen as maybe socially appropriate to consume at things like barbecues or other social events.”

Alcohol is the third most common preventable cause of disease and disability worldwide.

It is also responsible for about three million deaths and more than five per cent of disability-adjusted life years annually.

Cask wine is not as popular as it used to be,

Photo: Melanie Foster/AAP

Chinese-influenced chicken tortellini… finely minced chicken, mixed with coriander.

Wendy Johnson

The gluten-free kimchi pancake…thinly sliced chilli was carefully placed on top, and the earthiness of the mushrooms shone through.

MIBENGE NSENDULUKA

For restless Rhonda, life is a cabaret, old chum

By Helen Musa

IT’S been a while since Rhonda Burchmore has appeared publicly on stage in Canberra, but she has been here recently for quite a different reason.

When I catch up with her by phone, it’s on the eve of her appearance in SBS’s “Who Do You Think You Are?” where the surprise twist is a session in which historian Nichole Overall reveals to her that her great-grandfather, James Stewart, was a Canberra singing identity known as “Canberra’s Harry Lauder”, named after the famous Scottish entertainer. The discovery has Burchmore, one of Australia’s most famous cabaret artists, tickled pink, for she had hitherto never suspected any talent in the family.

While she tells me, “trust me, they don’t do a story unless they have a little bit of juice”, she’s more than satisfied with the juice they came up with.

We won’t have long to wait before we see her again. She’ll be here as the “ring-mistress without the whip” in Michael Boyd’s “Cabaret De Paris”, which combines showbiz glamour with the skill of adagio dancers, aerial pole artistry, comedy circus performers, quick-change acts, illusionists and French cancan dancers.

After nine gruelling months touring in the musical “Hairspray” to the major metropolitan cities, she’s looking forward to this one, which she describes as “a glorious extravaganza”.

Burchmore is no stranger to the intimacy

of cabaret shows, in which we have seen her many times, but tells me: “It’s lovely to be on the other side when somebody else is presenting and you’re just doing your own thing.”

“When I’m in a one-woman show, I don’t usually leave the stage, but in this one I have a few little breaks – mind you, I’m usually spending that time getting into another incredible gown.

“It’s actually 90 minutes of go go go, with me framed by beautiful girls and boys.”

ARTS IN THE CITY

Boyd may be the producer, but in fact the “pretty nice cossies” that Burchmore will be wearing in the show are her own.

“I’ve been in the industry for 40 years and I’ve got some glorious costumes,” she says.

“One costume can cost five to 10 grand and I figure, if I can still fit into them, why not?

“I’m not an off-the-rack kind of girl; mine is not the right kind of body, so I’ve always had my costumes specially made for me and they’re quite beautiful.”

Films from funny chefs to ‘Carmen’

THE Spanish Film Festival’s open ing film this year is the Australian premiere of the comedy “Two Many Chefs”, set in Bilbao’s world of high cuisine. A standout in the season is the “Lord of Dance: A Focus on Carlos Saura” retrospective, which includes Saura’s box-office smash, “Carmen”, starring legendary dancers Antonio Gades and Laura del Sol. At Palace Electric, June 14-July 5.

“MARRY Me A Little” is billed as a “charming and bittersweet musical revue that features songs by Ste phen Sondheim”. Two urban single strangers share a Saturday night of fantasies and yearning while never leaving the confines of their solitary apartments. Directed by Jarrad West, at ACT Hub, Kingston, June 14 (preview) to June 24.

CANBERRA Choral Society’s next concert, “Coming Home”, will feature the world premiere of its director Dan Walker’s composition “The Last Migration”, commissioned last year by the choir to commemorate its 70th anniversary, as well as Ola Gjeilo’s “Sunrise Mass” and Sally Whitwell’s “Lux Aeterna” and “Home”. Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, 6pm, June 17.

STORYFEST, the storytelling festival based in Milton, Mollymook and Ulladulla on the south coast, is back with a line-up of more than

50 authors, musicians, filmmakers, slam poets, broadcasters and chefs. June 15-18.

CANBERRA’S Apeiron Baroque is dedicating a concert to the unusual viola d’amore and “the black sheep of the string family”, the viola. Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, June 11.

LONG-time members of Canberra Philharmonic have been mourning the death of former musical star and art teacher Marie Jensen, who died aged 94 on May 17. As well

as appearing on the main stage many times, Jensen was a regular performer at the School of Arts Café in Queanbeyan.

MUSICA Viva Australia is bringing Grammy-winning American piano virtuoso Garrick Ohlsson to Llewellyn Hall, June 15.

Burchmore keeps fit of necessity, consid ering her punishing performance schedule, and tells me, “I don’t sit idle, but I really hate gyms, they make me sick, so I walk my dogs 10,000 steps a day.”

It doesn’t depress her one iota that the average age of her fellow performers is between 22 to 26 and that they have “the most amazing bodies.”

“I don’t try to compete in any way with that glorious youth. I play more the grand

dame of burlesque and they are all my little chickees – I play that role.”

She also does a lot of singing.

“The show allows me to do what I love, ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’, ‘La Vie En Rose’ and a killer version of ‘I am What I am’.

“I love it that this show is sold out everywhere I go… It’s on for the first time in Canberra and it will be a real rollercoaster.”

“Cabaret De Paris”, Canberra Theatre, June 15-16.

burlesque and they are all my little chickees – I play that role.”

A still from the box-office smash “Carmen” by Carlos Saura.

Uproar as Netflix shuts down password sharing STREAMING

AFTER months of waiting, Netflix has finally cracked down on password sharing.

Many family members, friends, as well as plenty of ex-boyfriends and girlfriends will this week have found themselves kicked off the Netflix account they’ve for so long been sharing.

The streaming giant will now only allow each account to be used by one household.

For any additional households to use the account, members will have to pay for an additional subscription – an extra $7.99 a month.

But it doesn’t stop there. Users won’t be able to add extra households to their account if they’re on the cheapest two plans Netflix offers.

One extra household can be added on the second most expensive plan, and two can be added on the most expensive, which when added all up, comes out at around $40 a month.

Netflix subscribers were told the news in something of a blunt email.

“Hi [name]. Your Netflix account is for you and the people you live with – your household,” the company wrote in a letter to its many subscribers.

“We know you might have questions.”

You can say that again.

The reaction to the decision has been tempestuous to say the least.

“If you haven’t already cancelled this dead service, here’s your friendly reminder!,” said

crackdown plan is the last straw. Not even with your family members? What was the point of profiles then?,” said another.

Netflix hopes that by abolishing account sharing they’ll be able to pull back declining revenue, but the move is expected to see the platform take a hit to their subscriber count, especially with advertising plans becoming

Every 10 minutes or so, subscribers will have their streaming interrupted in order to make room for the adverts.

In the days where advertising was a fixture of watching television, show writers would cleverly wrap their storytelling around ad breaks, often fitting the interruptions in between acts of their episodes in order to

Now we’ve come full circle. The reintroduction of ads has left many shows as much worse off as a result.

Take the excellent final season of “Succes-

MUSIC / 10CC

sion”, now streaming on Binge.

The placement of ad breaks in the show’s ultimate set of episodes seemingly has no rhyme nor reason, jarringly breaking the tension that the series is trying to build as it heads towards its long anticipated finale.

It looks like this model may become the norm. Other streaming companies now have their own advertising plans in the works.

Between a return of ads and a crackdown on password sharing, subscribers to streaming platforms are paying their monthly fees while losing many of the benefits that made that price so appealing in the first place.

Coupled with more and more streaming platforms hitting the market, which is spreading content choice more thin, the industry is heading down a very different road. Many internet users are now throwing up their hands, announcing they’ll go back to pirating movies and TV shows.

In an amusing development in this saga, rental video store Blockbuster (remember them?) is getting in on the action here. Its official Twitter account tweeting: “A friendly reminder that when you used to rent videos from us we didn’t care who you shared it with… As long as you returned it on time. @ netflix”

How times change.

They don’t like touring, they love it

By Helen Musa

10CC, one of the most successful bands ever to come out of the UK, is visiting Canberra soon on its 50th anniversary tour.

Described by one admiring writer as “the missing link between The Beatles and the Gorillaz,” 10cc has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.

I catch up by phone to his home in London with original co-lead singer and bassist Graham Gouldman, the only one still remaining of the original 10cc line up.

Goldman wasn’t originally from London, but from Manchester where, as a child, he had known future band members Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, with Eric Stewart joining later.

But Gouldman’s career didn’t begin with 10cc. He was already one of the world’s most famous songwriters, and wrote “For Your Love”, “Heart Full of Soul” and “Evil Hearted You” for the Yardbirds, “Look Through Any Window” (with Charles Silverman) and “Bus Stop” for the Hollies, “Listen People” and “No Milk Today” for Herman’s Hermits, “Pamela, Pamela” for Wayne Fontana, “Behind the Door” for St. Louis Union (later covered by Cher), “Tallyman” for Jeff Beck and “Going Home”, a hit for Normie Rowe.

He was later invited by Jerry Kasenetz and Jeffry Katz to New York to write formula bubble-gum songs, a period he later called a “creative low point.”

Back in the UK he, Stewart, Godley and Creme all got together to record at Strawberry Studios, but real success didn’t strike until “Donna”, a Frank Zappa-ish parody of doo-wop songs.

“We were all such clever clogs,” he says of their cheeky, idiosyncratic lyrics.

“We wrote about things we found funny and intelligent and original, songs to please ourselves. We were never conscious of how the public would react,” he says, “and we certainly never let record companies have any say in what we did.”

In the mid-to-late ‘70s, 10cc experimented with many genres, not least ska and reggae, with Bob Marley famously covering “Dreadlock Holiday”.

It rather pleases him that until “I’m Not in Love,” 10cc hadn’t written a straight love song. Not that he’s complaining. It’s been covered by the Pretenders, Peggy Lee, Richie Havens, Fun Lovin’ Criminals and the Flaming Lips.

The five-person line-up we’ll see here is Gouldman, Rick Fenn, Paul Burgess, Mick Wilson and Mike Stevens, but it would be a mistake to think that they were all completely new. The drummer Burgess joined the band in 1973 and Fenn in 1976, veteran musicians who give it an authentic feel.

At 77, Gouldman is not about to stop touring any time soon and says that if you associate the show purely with the ‘70s, you’d be wrong.

“We get three generations of people coming to see us,” he says of their packed-out performances, “the original age, their children, who are now probably in their middle to late 40s and their children… I guess they’ve all grown up listening to 10cc’s music.”

10cc, Llewellyn Hall, June 21.

“Succession” on Binge… the placement of ad breaks in the show’s ultimate set of episodes seemingly has no rhyme nor reason.

10cc… “We get three generations of people coming to see us,” says Graham Gouldman.

HOROSCOPE PUZZLES

Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

12-18

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Many rambunctious Rams are feisty creatures who are often spoiling for a fiery disagreement or a heated argument. But this week the New Moon, Mercury and Venus encourage you to cool down and feel the love, as you spread sunshine and happiness around your local neighbourhood. Be inspired by birthday great Sir Paul McCartney (who turns 81 on Sunday): “Life is very short, and there’s no time for fussing and fighting, my friend.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Prosperous Jupiter and progressive Uranus are both jumping through your sign, which is a rare occurrence. So, you have to make the most of it, before Jupiter transits into Gemini next May. It’s time for Bulls to venture beyond the safety of the home paddock – a confident attitude, an adventurous spirit, and an original mind will take you far. Your mantra is from music icon (and birthday great) Sir Paul McCartney: “You’ve got to believe in yourself.”

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Gregarious Geminis are in the mood to party as the weekend New Moon stimulates your sign and you’re keen to zoom ahead. But your ruler, Mercury, squares Saturn, so avoid skimming over important details. And remember there’s a fine line between making snap decisions and making messy mistakes. If you don’t pace yourself, you’ll be exhausted by the end of the week. Smart Twins will slow down, enjoy the ride, and practice the gentle art of patience.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Many Crabs will feel emotionally vulnerable this week, as the New Moon navigates its way through your self-sabotage zone. So don’t make things worse by being mysteriously moody or overly dependent on family and friends. If you sidestep issues and let other people set your personal agenda, then you’ll just end up feeling paralysed and powerless. Mercury and Venus encourage you to communicate and create with plenty of Cancerian panache.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

This week Venus and Mars are both visiting your sign, so it’s time to amplify your Leonine charm and fiery chutzpah, call in a few old favours from a few old friends, and dream some dazzling new dreams. On the weekend, your hopes-and-wishes zone is activated by the New Moon. You’ll find circumstances are constantly changing, so your goals need to be regularly reviewed and updated to keep pace with outside events as well as your inner evolution.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Mercury and the New Moon rev up your reputation zone so don’t hide your versatile Virgo talents! Show the world what you are truly capable of. And is a close relationship testing your mettle, and your patience? Habitual thinking and old solutions won’t help. The stars encourage you to change your attitude and look at the situation from a fresh perspective. It may take a few false starts but (with a positive and persistent approach) you’ll get there in the end.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Many Librans will feel unusually restless as the New Moon activates your freedom zone. Exercise and outdoor activities are favoured as you channel energy into physical pursuits, go on a grand adventure or connect with friends from far away. Just make sure you nurture relationships with people who support your aspirations for the future. On the weekend, Mercury and Venus favour travel, social events, harmonious communication, and creative projects.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

With Venus and Mars in your career zone, charm and enthusiasm will take you far at work. Then the weekend New Moon lights up your mystery and manifestation zones, so it’s the perfect time to dream, imagine, contemplate and create. But be careful with secrets from the past and issues involving trust. Situations are not simple, and all is not as it seems! Your motto is from writer (and birthday great) Joyce Carol Oates: “Life and people are complex.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Speedy Sagittarians are feeling rather restless, as Venus and Mars transit through your travel and adventure zones, and Jupiter activates your wandering gypsy gene. So, it’s a good time to plan a getaway, book a holiday or go on a spontaneous trip. Then the weekend New Moon revs up your love zone which heralds a new relationship, a partnership renaissance, or a sudden attraction. A business collaboration or a revived joint venture is also on the cards.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Have you got stuck in a rut when it comes to unhealthy eating choices and lack of exercise? With the New Moon highlighting your health zone, it’s imperative that you find a diet and fitness program that you enjoy (and stick to). Pre-prepared meals and regular gym classes – that you can add to your weekly to-do list – work best for timetable-conscious Capricorns. Discipline, dedication and plenty of patience will get you where you want to go.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Do you underestimate and undervalue your kind heart and creative talents? This week the planets encourage you to express your compassion and creativity. It’s also a wonderful week to enjoy a romantic interlude with your partner, fix a floundering friendship or find your soulmate. But don’t sit around vaguely hoping Cupid’s arrow will strike. With the weekend New Moon activating your romance zone, you need to consciously attract more love into your life.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Is your home or office a disorganised mess? This week Venus is visiting your work sector and the New Moon activates your domestic zone. So, it’s time to spruce up your living and/or work space via cleaning, tidying and decluttering. Then beautify your surroundings via the addition of paintings, ornaments or new furniture –plus fresh flowers and inspiring music are a must! Then invite a few friends or colleagues around to enjoy the improved atmosphere.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2023

General knowledge crossword No. 884

MANY CHANGES TEST BUSINESS TAX RETURNS

There are so many changes around taxation this year. Here's a summary of the significant ones that could impact your business tax return.

Temporary full expensing – ends on June 30. This measure applies to businesses with a turnover of less than $5 billion. It allows the business to claim an outright deduction for the full cost of assets costing up to $150,000. Usually the cost of the asset is written off over the estimated useful life of the asset. So if you want to buy that new vehicle or item of plant, now is the time. Just a note that the item has to be installed ready for use by June 30.

Across

3 Name one of the world’s largest gold nuggets, Welcome ... (8)

7 What is another name for hessian? (6)

8 Which items recover their shape after deformation? (8)

9 A notorious Australian bushranger was Daniel “Mad Dog” ... (6)

10 What is marijuana also known as? (8)

11 Who records points made by competitors? (6)

14 What is the nickname of the Cronulla NRL club? (6)

17 Which term describes that which is theoretical and not practical? (8)

18 Name the cattle dog that rounds up stock. (6)

19 Which item serves for binding or tying up? (8)

20 Name the island that is separated from SE China by the Formosa Strait. (6)

21 What are pies, tarts, etc? (8)

Solution next edition Down

1 Which plague often has rat-fleas as its carrier? (7)

2 Which cricketer hits the ball hard? (7)

3 Name a Gulf on the coast of South Australia. (7)

4 Name a strong, bitter liqueur, made from wormwood, etc. (7)

5 To be more fluent, is to be what? (7)

6 When one withstands something, one does what? (7)

11 What is an edible marine bivalve mollusc called? (7)

12 Name some citrus fruits. (7)

13 Which person builds things? (7)

14 What are small sealed bags? (7)

15 To be colourless, bloodless or pallid, is to be what? (7)

16 What is an alternative term for the patella? (7)

FREE PUZZLES EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au

The loss carry back provisions – are also set to end on June 30. This provision allows a company with turnover of less than $5 billion to carry a loss back to a year when the company paid income tax within the last five years. So 2019 is the earliest year that you can carry a loss back. If you prefer you can choose to carry your loss forward. If you use this measure then you can either receive a refund, reduce your tax liability or reduce a tax debt that you have.

Superannuation guarantee – increases to 11 per cent from July 1.

If you are looking for deductions, why not pay your quarterly super before June 30? This will give you a deduction this financial year as you only get the deduction for this item when you pay it, even if you use accrual accounting. Just a reminder that in the federal budget there was a proposal that from July 1, 2026, super guarantee will need to be paid at the same time as salaries, this is not yet law. Trust distributions – need to be prepared in accordance with the provisions of the trust deed and signed before June 30. Also note that changes to distributions may be required.

Rental property insulation – If you own a rental property in the ACT that has no insulation or insulation less than R2, it will have to be insulated with R5 insulation. You have until November 30, 2026, to do this. If you sign a new lease you have nine months to fix it and all property advertisements from April 1 have to state whether the property meets the minimum insulation standard.

Other budget announcements (not yet law)

Instant asset write off new threshold – A small business can immediately write off assets costing less than $20,000, with turnover of less than $10 million. More expensive assets have to be depreciated.

Small Business Energy Incentive – For a small business, investing in energy technology, turnover less than $50 million, there is an additional 20 per cent deduction for expenditure that supports more efficient use of energy.

Small business lodgment penalty amnesty – If you have business turnover less than $10 million and have not lodged tax returns or business activity statements that should have been lodged from 1 December 1, 2019, to February 28, 2022, and you do not control more than $5 million of net wealth, your penalties will be remitted automatically when you lodge between June 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023. That leaves you seven months to get your lodgments up to date.

Changes to PAYG installments – From the September 30 quarter and throughout the 2024 income year the uplift factor used to calculate your installments will be reduced from 12 per cent to 6 per cent giving businesses cash flow relief.

If you have questions on these changes the experts at Gail Freeman & Co can help 6295 2844.

Disclaimer

This column contains general advice, please do not rely on it. If you require specific advice on this topic please contact Gail Freeman or your professional adviser.

Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892.

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

COVID-19 Vaccinations and Testing for Winnunga Clients