CityNews 231012

28 JAN 9 JUN

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

Endangered skills teeter on the brink of being lost

that were on offer.

By Lily PASS

ESSENTIAL

trade professionals are becoming endangered and, if there’s no action soon, their knowledge, experience and insights will be lost forever.

So says Andrew Pearce, senior con servator of Endangered Heritage.

“If we’re not careful, we’re not going to realise what we’ve lost until it’s too late.”

Andrew says these precious, re quired trades include, but are not lim ited to, barrel makers, stone carvers, sewing machine repairers, gilders and scientific glass blowers.

“They are not these sort of quaint, disposable skills,” he says.

“We actually still need them. While there are a few people that have started self-teaching off what they can find on YouTube, but in many cases you’re being taught by somebody who taught themselves by just figuring it out.

“So many of these industries have been around for hundreds of years, and the professionals know the paths you don’t go down, the mistakes and all of the wrong turns, from learning by experimentation.

“To sit down and try and do it again

point of view, Andrew says it would be more than ideal to preserve the skills that we have and not lose them in the first place.

Conservation experts, Endangered Heritage was established just after the 2003 bushfires. Founder Victoria Pearce, a trained textiles conservator, lived in Duffy at the time.

Andrew says the people in her suburb, in many cases, lost almost everything.

“Victoria helped them to care appropriately for the few possessions

National Endangered Skills and Trade Show (NESTS) at the Old Bus Depot Markets, Kingston, October 13-15.

“NESTS is primarily about getting public awareness, and then being able to lobby the government for support, to show these skills need to be saved,” says Andrew.

“In many instances, there is a financial barrier. In 1996, I think it was, they changed the apprenticeship structure in Australia, to drastically reduce the number of apprenticeships

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“Apprentices get paid a very, very low wage that recognises that you’re not producing any output for your employer that they can sell to a customer, and they’re also putting a lot of their time into training.

“As soon as you remove the apprenticeship structure from an industry, it means that FairWork says you have to pay them ‘X’ dollars an hour, without recognising the fact they’re being

“This puts many employers in a position where they simply can’t afford to do the necessary training.

“There are options, but it’s not as simple as setting up a new CIT course for training. Blacksmithing, for example, can become a niche in a whole different set of pathways, so you don’t want everybody trained the same.”

Andrew says children and adults have also stopped aspiring to actually use hand skills in the first place.

“I think there’s a lot of people who’ve spent much of the last two decades living a virtual life,” he says.

“There’s a lot of people out there who I don’t think have ever made anything outside of Minecraft. The days of sitting down and carving a model boat from scratch, or sewing their own doll clothes, knitting their own jumpers, building kites or billy carts, it has just stopped, no one does that any more.

“But, in saying that, I think there’s

a growth in interest re-emerging now, as people become more aware.

“Picking up a trade like this is not going to lead to a dead end, low-paying career. There are people in these particularly niche fields that are now in very, very high demand because there are so few practitioners in Australia, or the world, so they can pretty much name their price. So I think it’s something that people really can and should start aspiring to do.”

Endangered Heritage wants to be the fence at the top of the cliff, not the ambulance down in the valley, says Andrew.

“I got into this because we care about heritage, we really need to start growing that mindset to see that these skills are important to save and that actually we should be trying to build up our stash of national living treasures,” he says.

“Our long-term hope is that actually NESTS would become somewhere that was almost like a matchmaking service for trades. A business who wanted to get a trainee could come along and display, and people who were looking at starting a trade or going into a new role or specialist vocation could come along to see what’s available, potentially finding themselves an employer.”

NESTS 2023, Old Bus Depot Markets, Kingston, October 13-15. Visit endangeredskills.com.au

Conservator Andrew Pearce… “If we’re not careful, we’re not going to realise what we’ve lost until it’s too late.”

Vegan dogs could help save the planet

The food energy savings involved from avoid ing the mass consumption of ground-up animal meat and bone would also mean billions more people could be fed, according to a major study released by Griffith University professor Andrew Knight.

The research shows vegan humans and their pets would emit fewer greenhouse gases, save precious fresh water and use less land.

Many studies have pointed to current and projected future livestock consumption as a potent source of global methane as well as being unsustainable because of agriculture’s reliance on fossil fuels, fertilisers and pesticides.

“We’ve long known that plant-based diets are better for the planet but have not seriously con sidered the impacts of pet food,” Prof Knight said.

A higher proportion of dog and cat diets (34 per cent and 30.9 per cent of calories respectively) are supplied by animal sources than the average hu man diet.

He said pet food has profound environmental impacts, which means very large environmental benefits can be achieved by using nutritionallysound vegan pet food.

Many new vegan pet foods are using plantbased ingredients supplemented with vitamins, amino acids and minerals, to ensure the alternative diet is healthy for the household cat or pooch.

Prof Knight calculated that the world’s domes ticated cats and dogs consume around seven billion animals or nine per cent of all land animals killed every year for food, as well as billions of fish and aquatic animals.

If dogs went vegan, it would save more emissions than all those emitted by the UK and the savings could feed Europe.

If all the world’s domestic cats went vegan, it

Canny find reaps thousands in profit

A MID-century dining suite bought for $50 at a second-hand store has been sold at auction for almost $7000.

The circular, ‘60s teak round table and chairs by Hans Olsen for Frem Røjle was bought from the Green Shed at the Mugga Lane tip earlier this year.

General manager of auction website EHVA (ehva.com.au) said: “This was a fantastic find by the vendor, in very good shape, and it was hotly contested by a range of potential buyers before closing at $6676,” Mr McDonald said.

It attracted 10 different bidders over the 11 days of the online auction with 34 bids being placed in the last 20 minutes. The sale was part of EHVA’s quarterly Retro and 20th Century Design auction.

Dennis is driven by success

the study found.

“Large-scale studies have also shown that health outcomes for both dogs and cats are as good or better,” Prof Knight said.

“And studies of feeding behaviour have demonstrated that average dogs and cats enjoy vegan pet foods as much as those made from meat.”

The research has been published in the scientific journal “Plos One”. –AAP

DENNIS Harding, of JSC Concrete Canberra in Mitchell, has been named the National Road Transport Associa tion’s Professional Driver of the Year. He was nominated for his devotion to safety, integrity and performance on the job. “Dennis is a company man who puts in long hours despite juggling commitments with a young family,” said NatRoad chair Paul Fellows.

MARION RAE reports that research by a veterinary professor shows feeding cats and dogs a nutritionally-sound vegan diet could unlock significant environmental and food energy savings.

Adam McDonald with the table setting.

Mammals shine bright in the right light

Australian researchers have shown that for the air-breathing, milkproducing, live-birthing mammals of the world, glowing under ultraviolet light is common, reports TRACEY

FROM glowing wombats to dazzling dolphins and polar bears that really pop – it seems mammals the world over are a very bright bunch.

Australian researchers have shown that for the air-breathing, milk-producing, live-birthing creatures of the world, glowing under ultraviolet light is so common it’s almost mundane.

Tests show a whole bunch of Aussie animals do it from wombats and Tasmanian devils to bandicoots and bilbies. So, too, do exotic species including zebras, leopards, armadillos and bears.

But what’s less clear, after the world’s broadest study to investigate the glowing propensity of mammals, is why.

Dr Kenny Travouillon is the curator of mammalogy at the Western Australian Museum and as such he cares for its vast collection of stuffed and preserved animals.

A couple of years ago, when news first broke that scientists in the US had accidentally discovered that platypuses glow under UV light, he grabbed a light and made a beeline for museums’ taxidermy shelves.

FERRIER

.

Lo and behold, they lit up like the billboards in Times Square. Well, al most.

When Dr Travouillon shared his light-bulb moment on Twitter, scien tists were soon beating down his door saying it was time for a closer look.

In total, they found 125 species of mammal glow to varying degrees under UV light, via their fur and skin. The lighter the fur and skin, the more it tends to glow.

The results covered all 27 orders of mammals – suggesting it is a wide spread ability.

Scientists also looked for patterns that might explain why it’s a thing and why some animals glow from the stomach, for example, or the ears and feet, or all over, like wombats do.

“We took all that information about which part of the animal was glowing and looked for any correlation with things like diet, whether the animals were diurnal or nocturnal or tree dwellers, ground dwellers or aquatic,”

Dr Travouillon said.

While glowing was detected in animals that are active during the day and others that are active at night, slightly more nocturnal animals glowed.

That suggests it may play a role in

visual signalling for nocturnal species, helping them to hook up or avoid each other.

But what about blind moles that live solitary lives, buried under the ground? Why would they bother with the whole glowing thing?

Dr Travouillon said the theory was that it might not be worth expending the calories needed to create skin pigment to lessen the glowing phenomenon.

“They don’t care that they glow. They are buried underground, nobody can see them,” he said.

As for the wombat’s all-over radi-

ance, he noted they don’t have many predators and reckoned they might not care either.

Now that it’s been established that many mammals glow – and that includes humans, something established some time ago – Dr Travouillon said it was time to move on to studies in living animals.

The peer-reviewed research by the Western Australian Museum, Curtin University and the Queensland University of Technology has been published in the journal “Royal Society Open Science”. –AAP

some income for the club, but to also get people out more on bikes, riding, doing healthy things,” she says.

“Previous events have shown that bikes sell in the range between $200 to $800, so that means there are some great bikes available for all riders and budgets.”

BuyCycle funds will go to the Rotary’s “community fund,” to support future projects in the local community or internationally.

More from canberrabuycycle.com.au

Australian researchers have discovered that many local mammals, like wombats, glow under UV light.

Photo: WA Museum

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Why did Rattenbury turn his back on troubled TJ?

Indigenous

WHILE it is often said that the factors that shape our lives and determine our fate exist or are present at the time of our birth, I have long believed that for most Aboriginal people the course of our lives is settled at conception.

This is something I have reflected on in the weeks since the tragic death of Tian-Jarrah (“TJ”) Dennis in Silverwater prison in NSW.

TJ was a young Aboriginal man whom I had known for years as a client of Winnunga Nimmityjah, but for whom I had also developed a deep affection. TJ’s death, in a prison far away in NSW, by his own hand, alone and sad has caused me unutterable distress.

Upon hearing of TJ’s death, I commented publicly that his death was both predictable and preventable.

I also said that the ACT government must accept responsibility for his death following its refusal, at the time it took the decision to transfer him to a prison in NSW, to respond to the advice and entreaties of TJ’s medical team, which included a psychiatrist, to place him in Dulwah, Canberra’s forensic mental health facility.

Following the decision by ACT

Corrections to ignore the medical advice, I met with the then Minister for Corrections, Shane Rattenbury, and implored him to intervene and direct that TJ be housed in a facility where he could get the health care he so desperately needed.

I also insisted that if the ACT government was determined, against medical advice, to transfer TJ to NSW, then it was imperative that he be placed in the forensic mental health hospital at Long Bay prison. My entreaties went unheeded, and TJ is now dead.

There are a range of issues about TJ’s incarceration in both NSW and the Alexander Maconochie Centre and the treatment he was forced to endure, that I believe warrant an independent inquiry into his incarceration and death.

While I accept that the NSW coroner will inquire into the circumstances of TJ’s death, I think it is imperative that his care and treatment while at the AMC be separately and independently investigated in the ACT.

It is also relevant that the backlog

in the NSW Coroner’s Court is as long as four years. No family should be expected to wait that long for answers to the causes and circumstances of a loved one’s death.

An independent and clinical inquiry into TJ’s treatment at the AMC would obviously include an examination of the racist and deeply disturbing drawing of TJ hanging from a noose, which had pride of place in an AMC staff room.

It would also investigate not just the legality of the literally hundreds of days that TJ was placed into solitary confinement in the AMC Management Unit and denied access to fresh air or exercise, but the impact which such draconian and medieval treatment had on his health and wellbeing.

Coincidentally, TJ had initiated legal action against the ACT government in respect of both the hangman drawing and the lawfulness of his extended solitary confinement. One question I would also welcome a response to, through an independent inquiry, is whether the decision to transfer TJ to NSW was made before or after he began legal proceedings against the government for its

disgraceful treatment of him in the AMC.

A concerning question is also raised by the events that, in effect, precipitated TJ’s extended period of incarceration in the AMC and NSW prisons. I have read the transcript of the court proceedings, in 2018, which resulted in the initial or head sentence that led to TJs incarceration.

The offence was aggravated robbery. The offence occurred on a day that TJ, who was on remand in the AMC, had been granted conditional release, for a day, to make accommodation arrangements that were a precondition to his release from the AMC to attend a rehabilitation program.

TJ had a long history of serious drug and other substance use, which began when he was only 14.

TJ was released from the AMC on his own. He was unaccompanied and it was presumably expected by the AMC that he would simply wander into the city, identify accommodation suited to his needs and wander happily back to jail.

Regrettably, he did no such thing. He did what people with a serious substance use issue do. Especially those with serious mental health issues. He contacted an associate, obtained heroin and while high, committed a robbery in order, it is understood, to obtain the wherewithal to buy more drugs.

I cannot help wondering what

those at the AMC who facilitated his release on that day thought TJ, with his known substance use issues and challenging mental health conditions, would do when released alone, for the day, from custody.

TJ was ultimately sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, ie to March 2021. However, because of the failure of the AMC to either successfully treat his severe mental health issues or effectively manage him, he was prone, when under stress, to lighting fires in his cell at the AMC and consequently faced, over the years, serial charges of arson that led to his term of imprisonment being extended for a further five years – a sentence that proved ultimately to be one of death.

Which brings me back to my opening reflection. TJ was born in 1990 in country NSW. His life path was one painfully familiar to the Aboriginal community. Each of us is either related to or knows someone whose life trajectory and experience is virtually the same as that of TJ. It was a life that was shaped and a destiny determined not by the challenges he faced as an individual but by his Aboriginality. A fate that was settled at conception.

Julie Tongs is the CEO of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services.

leader JULIE TONGS says the death of a young Aboriginal man in a prison far away in NSW, by his own hand, alone and sad has caused her ‘unutterable distress’ because it could have been prevented.

TJ Dennis… “His death was both predictable

and

preventable”.

And, once again, you’re welcome, Canberra!

“YES, Queanbeyan has been mother to the national capital since its inception. She has nurtured [it] like any loving parent and now that the child has come of age it would have been just to receive expressions of gratitude – not ridicule.”

A few weeks back, ABC Canberra posted on socials a 1967 “Four Corners” episode on the NSW-ACT divide that caused quite the stir – both then and now.

Perhaps not so much poking the bear as taunting the tenacious terrier, it was called “Struggletown”. In further provocations locals were asked if they felt like “second-class citizens” given Canberra’s growing stature.

Cutting between patrons at the Queanbeyan Leagues Club and a rugby match against Duntroon RMC (interspersed with shots of a horse and sulky trotting down Monaro Street), the reporter conceded the town took its sport “very seriously, particularly when they have to play any Canberra club”.

The clincher came with him asking the very proper, tie-wearing Queanbeyan Whites coach: “Do you think there’s a bit of class distinction here? The gentlemen versus the workers?”

Sure enough, the morning after its

original screening the gloves were off. “A damned insult” was the heated opinion offered by former mayor of nine years, Arthur Lambert. “The Queanbeyan Age” made the above indignant assertion on giving credit where due, also demanding an apology from our national broadcaster.

The Canberra v Queanbeyan rivalry has more or less been going on since the beginning of time for the nation’s capital – which, after all, it was only 1913 when 910 square miles of NSW was given up for it to spring from an architect’s page to materialise on a vast floodplain.

And therein lies the nub of the newspaper’s editorial criticism and potentially the smaller city’s touchiest sore point when it comes to border relations: it’s a respect thing.

September 28, 2023, marked 185 years since Queanbeyan, with a recorded population of 50 (just the one woman), “arrived” – cementing it as one of the

That date was also the tenth anniversary of the publication of my awardwinning book “Queanbeyan: City of Champions”, a title richly deserved. The town (elevated to city status in 1975) had been blossoming for threequarters of a century by the time Canberra became more than a mere twinkle in a politician’s eye.

The nation’s new centrepiece suffered a faltering start, heavily reliant on the neighbour it wasn’t much bigger than. Whether it was construction materials or late-night shopping – Tom Donoghoe’s Electrical the only place to buy TVs – going to the movies (three cinemas at one point), to the popularity of the pubs, never more so than the 17 years you couldn’t get a drink in Canberra thanks to Prohibition (1910 to 1927).

From 1956 it was the glittering allure of the pokies, not permitted in the ACT for another 20 years, seeing

St John Vianney’s Primary School

swell to more than the population of the entire town.

From caterpillar to butterfly, Canberra’s rapid change from “essentially two suburbs divided by a rickety bridge over a lacklustre river” followed the 1957 capital appointment of an architect and war hero to run the new National Capital Development Commission, Sir John Overall (connection alert).

Buildings of national significance appeared as did a “controversial” lake, while in a decade the population more than tripled from its previous standing of 30,000.

Next door, as pointed out to the ABC audience that 1967 evening, life was becoming increasingly “complex”

for Queanbeyan compared to other country towns – to a degree “suffering from someone else’s growing pains”. As the “wealthiest district in the colony” prior to the turn of the 20th century, in 1911 a firm vote to reject the township being enfolded into the Federal Territory required the boundaries to be redrawn (spare a thought though for long-suffering Oaks Estate).

The last word then, goes to one young female interviewee asked about her feelings on the relationship between Queanbeyan and the Australian capital: “they should be honoured to have us”.

So on that note, happy birthday to our Cinderella City – less the wicked stepmother, more the unassuming little sister who upstages as the belle of the ball – and, once again, you’re welcome, Canberra!

For more by social historian and journalist

Nichole

Overall, see anoverallview. wixsite.com/ blog

A panorama of Queanbeyan circa 1920s/30s by local Theo Cooper.

Image: Queanbeyan Museum

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Who’s for a long Italian lunch?

THE Trish Multiple Sclerosis Research Foundation, totally staffed by volunteers with every dollar raised going to research projects, is hosting a fundraising long Italian premium lunch at the East Hotel, Kingston, 12.30pm-5pm, on November 4. Tickets are $125. Book at trishmsresearch.org.au

Compassionate volunteers

VICTIM Support ACT is recruiting volunteers who can offer practical and emotional support to victims involved in the justice system. Volunteers help people apply for family violence or personal protection orders, accompany people to criminal hearings and trials, help people write victim impact statements and more. Training for new volunteers will be held in October. Call 6205 2222 or via vsact.volunteerprogram@act.gov.au

Church has good books for sale

THERE’S a weekend book sale at St Ninian’s, Lyneham, 9am-1pm, October 13 and 14. On offer will be fiction and nonfiction, a new range of poetry, cookery, gardening and manuals. Plus there’s books for children and magazines. Morning tea and lunch will be available, with irresistible freshly baked scones.

How reducing drug harm beats law enforcement

Canberra’s drug decriminalisation laws come into effect at month’s end to the chagrin of the federal opposition leader. Here campaigner BILL BUSH says the lived experience elsewhere tells a different story.

THE reaction to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s announcement that he would overturn the ACT’s drug decriminalisation laws, due to come into effect on October 28, has focused on its significance for ACT selfgovernment and democracy.

That said, the very serious claims of the federal opposition deserve attention. Beneath the strident political bombast, Dutton is asserting that decriminalisation will make dangerous drugs more available in the ACT; that it will produce more drug use and more crime. Let’s look at each of these claims.

Availability of drugs and level of use

The prohibition of existing illicit substances that the opposition insists on perpetuating has produced a flood of illicit drugs, gifting its supply to organised crime.

On the eve of the banning by the Menzies government of the import of heroin in 1953, Australia was consuming 5.25kg of the drug for every million of the population. By the end of the century the National Crime

Authority estimated Australian consumption had increased 70 times over, to 350kg per million.

In 1953 doctors declared that “heroin addiction is not a problem in Australia”. The drug was used in the preparation of cough mixtures and as a superior analgesic to its chemical cousin, morphine.

One of our members, who was a pharmacist at the time, remembers dispensing those cough mixtures and another member, at her midwifery training at the Queen Victoria Hospital in Melbourne in the ‘60s, recalls that the hospital retained a precious supply of the drug for use for intractable pain in childbirth.

The story of the stimulant crystal methamphetamine has parallels. It was very rare in Australia in the mid’90s when Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform got going. Criminal intelligence feared it would reach Australia from south-east Asia.

The first reference to it was in the 1996/97 annual illicit drug report.

From the onset of the heroin drought in December 2000 it rapidly displaced the far less potent existing forms of powdered methamphetamine so that by 2001, 3.4 per cent of the Australian population had used meth/amphetamines in the previous 12 months.

Then-AFP Commissioner Mick Keelty revealed that organised crime had switched from heroin to crystal meth because the latter was more profitable.

Now to cocaine. The 1993 household survey reported that just 0.5 per cent had used the drug recently. By 2019 recent consumption had skyrocketed ninefold to 4.5 per cent.

Data like this demonstrates that prohibition stimulates supply. Monitored market indicators of price, purity and

Do you have a concern or want to make a complaint about a service for older people, a health service or a retirement village?

availability confirm that drug law enforcement does not reduce supply.

Despite large border seizures, retail prices remain stable, purity levels rise and users report availability is stable or easy.

If law enforcement were effective we would see increasing prices and reduced availability. Alas, that real heroin shortage was brought about by a market decision of the same organised crime cartels that flooded the country with crystal meth.

Level of drug use

The harm reduction path on which the ACT is embarking has been far more effective in reducing the supply of illicit drugs.

Heroin-assisted treatment, such as was championed by the ACT Carnell Liberal government but vetoed by the Howard government in 1997, produced in Switzerland a 76 per cent reduction in the selling of “soft” drugs by those on the trial compared to before they were admitted to it and a whopping 92 per cent reduction in the selling of “hard” drugs.

The net result has been a large decline in regular heroin use, summarised in “The Lancet” as an 82 per cent reduction in regular heroin use in Zürich.

According to a Californian Rand study of cocaine, treatment achieves seven times as much consumption

reduction as domestic law enforcement.

The overly cautious ACT decriminalisation will hopefully have the more modest but substantial impact that Portugal, in its 22 years of drug decriminalisation, has seen with no overall increase in drug use and reduction in use by vulnerable young people.

Level of crime

What about crime generally?

Suffice it to say that the Swiss heroin trial found that “heroin treatment constitutes without doubt one of the most effective measures ever tried in the area of crime prevention” and that the reduction in property crime was in the region of 90 per cent.

These manifest benefits of heroinassisted treatment were obvious to the 2018 Victorian inquiry into drug law reform and the 2019 Queensland Productivity Commission inquiry into the reduction of recidivism.

Fewer drugs, less drug use and less crime are thus the likely consequences of the ACT’s harm reduction course; a far cry from more drug law enforcement, which serves as a form of retail price maintenance to the benefit of organised crime and police budgets.

Bill Bush is president of the Families & Friends for Drug Law Reform (www.ffdlr.org.au)

Seized drugs in AFP evidence bags… “Fewer drugs, less drug use and less crime are the likely consequences of the ACT’s harm reduction course.”

Putting some thought into getting off to sleep

What do people think about when they go to sleep?

MELINDA

YOU’RE lying in bed, trying to fall asleep but the racing thoughts won’t stop.

Instead, your brain is busy making detailed plans for the next day, replaying embarrassing moments (“why did I say that?”), or producing seemingly random thoughts (“where is my birth certificate?”).

Many social media users have shared videos on how to fall asleep faster by conjuring up “fake scenarios”, such as a romance storyline where you’re the main character.

But does what we think about before bed influence how we sleep?

It turns out people who sleep well and those who sleep poorly have different kinds of thoughts before bed.

Good sleepers report experiencing mostly visual sensory images as they drift to sleep – seeing people and objects, and having dream-like experiences.

They may have less ordered thoughts and more hallucinatory experiences, such as imagining you’re participating in events in the real world.

For people with insomnia, pre-sleep thoughts tend to be less visual and

more focused on planning and problem-solving. These thoughts are also generally more unpleasant and less random than those of good sleepers.

People with insomnia are also more likely to stress about sleep as they’re trying to sleep, leading to a vicious cycle; putting effort into sleep actually wakes you up more.

People with insomnia often report worrying, planning or thinking about important things at bedtime, or focusing on problems or noises in the environment and having a general preoccupation with not sleeping.

Unfortunately, all this pre-sleep mental activity can prevent you drifting off.

One study found even people who are normally good sleepers can have sleep problems if they’re stressed about something at bedtime (such as the prospect of having to give a speech when they wake up). Even moderate levels of stress at bedtime could affect sleep that night.

Another study of 400 young adults looked at how binge viewing might

affect sleep. The researchers found higher levels of binge viewing were associated with poorer sleep quality, more fatigue, and increased insomnia symptoms. “Cognitive arousal”, or mental activation, caused by an interesting narrative and identifying with characters, could play a role. The good news is there are techniques you can use to change the style and content of your pre-sleep thoughts. They could help reduce nighttime cognitive arousal or to replace unwanted thoughts with more pleasant ones. These techniques are called “cognitive refocusing”.

What is cognitive refocusing?

Cognitive refocusing, developed

by US psychology researcher Les Gellis, involves distracting yourself with pleasant thoughts before bed. It’s like the “fake scenarios” social media users post about – but the trick is to think of a scenario that’s not too interesting.

Decide before you go to bed what you’ll focus on as you lie there waiting for sleep to come.

Pick an engaging cognitive task with enough scope and breadth to maintain your interest and attention – without causing emotional or physical arousal. So, nothing too scary, thrilling or stressful.

For example, if you like interior decorating, you might imagine redesigning a room in your house.

If you’re a football fan, you might mentally replay a passage of play or imagine a game plan.

A music fan might mentally recite lyrics from their favourite album. A knitter might imagine knitting a blanket.

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s suited to you and your interests. The task needs to feel pleasant, without being overstimulating.

Cognitive refocusing is not a silver bullet, but it can help.

One study of people with insomnia found those who tried cognitive refocusing had significant improvements in insomnia symptoms compared to a control group.

What can help ease pre-sleep thoughts?

Good sleep starts the moment you wake up. To give yourself your best shot at a good night’s sleep, start by getting up at the same time each day and getting some morning light exposure (regardless of how much sleep you had the night before).

Have a consistent bedtime, reduce technology use in the evening, and do regular exercise during the day.

If your mind is busy at bedtime, try cognitive refocusing. Pick a “fake scenario” that will hold your attention but not be too scary or exciting. Rehearse this scenario in your mind at bedtime and enjoy the experience.

You might also like to try:

• keeping a consistent bedtime routine, so your brain can wind down

• writing down worries earlier in the day (so you don’t think about them at bedtime)

• adopting a more self-compassionate mindset (don’t beat yourself up at bedtime over your imagined shortcomings!).

Melinda Jackson, associate professor at Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University and Hailey Meaklim, sleep psychologist and researcher, The University of Melbourne. This article is republished from The Conversation.

CARPET | TIMBER | HYBRID | LAMINATE | VINYL | CURTAINS | BLINDS

JACKSON & HAILEY MEAKLIM argue that it’s what you think about that gets you off to a good night’s kip.

Good sleep starts the moment you wake up.

LETTERS

Government scours the streets for parking fines

IN a further plunge to the depths of fiscal depravity, on August 18 while an estimated crowd of nearly 3000 was attending the Long Tan Day ceremony and 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of Australian troops from Vietnam, the ACT government had its number-plate recognition vehicle furtively scour the surrounding streets seeking the merest of parking offences.

Vehicle owners, including scores from interstate, began receiving their fines in mid-September, many passionately commenting with disgust that they believed their families had already paid enough and that while they arrived to pay respect, the memory of those who served was treated with petty contempt.

John Murray, via email

Is there a Machiavellian twist to more fines?

After reading the articles “Tram petition preys on government disquiet” by Michael Moore, and “More fines boost Barr’s ‘miraculous’ budget” by Jon Stanhope and Khalid Ahmed (CN September 28) it got me thinking about what may be the meaning of two apparently unconnected events.

Lately, I have noticed an increase in the number of speed camera vans parked in cunning strategic locations, a surge in the number of mobile phone-detection cameras, and the installation of new traffic lights with red-light and/or speed cameras. The revenue earned, fair or foul, from these cameras is a drop in the ocean compared to the possible final cost of Light Rail Stage 2B, let alone future extensions into a network. I therefore suspect that the real reason for all this fining is to scare – or force – more people out of their cars and into a light rail carriage. How Machiavellian if that were true!

Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

E-scooter ban? Don’t hold your breath

The socialist Mayoress of Paris has recently banned the 15,000 electric scooters in Paris as “nuisances on the streets and footpaths”

of the city. Perhaps Chairman Barr could follow suit, but I will not hold my breath.

Max Flint, Erindale

Cheers to the wine writer for the memories

THANK you, wine columnist Richard Calver (CN September 28), for springing back memories.

I was introduced to Bull’s Blood wine by my cousin, who lived in the UK. As an academic’s partner, she was always seeking a “good drop”. Until decent full, Australian reds became easily accessible, Bull’s Blood did the job nicely.

Diane Wright, via email

FOI reveals butchering of kangaroos at cull site

A RECENT FOI request submitted by Save Canberra Kangaroos revealed shocking new information about the Greens/Labor government’s annual kangaroo cull, which has been taking place for 15 years now.

The FOI request revealed that after the shooting has ceased at the cull sites, the kangaroos are butchered on site for the purpose of being used as bait to kill dingoes, as well as cultural reasons.

Butchering the kangaroos at the cull site means that any kangaroos and joeys who

have managed to escape the shooters are then terrorised by smelling the blood of their family members, or even worse, seeing what terrible things are being done to their loved ones.

It is simply unacceptable for the Greens/ Labor government to use taxpayer funds to inflict trauma, injury and death on these gentle sentient beings who are known for their close family bonds and long-term relationships with other kangaroos.

Minister Vassarotti, the cruelty must stop NOW!

Jo Kirwan, via email

Killing isn’t enough, now it’s poisoned baits

KILLING more than 40,000 healthy kangaroos and bludgeoning their joeys to death is apparently not enough for the ACT government.

Some 3400 dingoes, dogs and foxes are now to be subjected to the indescribably agonising death caused by 1080 poison. This will achieve nothing, of course, because these animals breed much faster than anyone can kill them.

Sadly, this is not the case for kangaroos who have only one baby a year, most of which are taken by dogs, dingoes and foxes.

A release under Freedom of Information has revealed the government’s use of a professional butcher during this year’s

annual kangaroo slaughter. This has fuelled long-standing rumours that the government is making money from its alleged “conservation cull”. It is hard to imagine what could be done with 3400 poison baits, other than sell them to other landholders.

A commercial motive would certainly explain why the government is undertaking the kangaroo slaughter.

The “conservation cull” excuse was debunked in 2017 when an earlier release under Freedom of Information included a critical report by CSIRO.

The CSIRO’s analysis of the ACT government’s own data showed: that vegetation on all Canberra Nature Park reserves where kangaroos were present was richer and more diverse than where no kangaroos were present; that this richness and diversity did not decline where a higher density of kangaroos was present; and that no more than three kangaroos per hectare were present on any reserve where data was collected.

Frankie Seymour, Queanbeyan

We’re living in a state of emergency

A STATE of emergency exists in the ACT. Can you really conclude otherwise after reading Jon Stanhope and Khalid Ahmed’s brilliant assessments of the billions of dollars’ debt being imposed upon us which will become generational, written so well for readers of “CityNews”.

The excellent letter “Sunk by Canberra’s Titanic debt” by Tim Walshaw (CN September 28) adds further weight to this “Yes Minister” nightmare. Andrew Barr and his government no longer have the confidence of the citizens of the ACT and must defend themselves by going to the polls on economic management and any other issues they feel relevant. Opposition members need to answer for allowing this to occur when they are supposed to be our failsafe gatekeeper.

The Legislative Assembly of the ACT has become questionable and needs to immediately face the voters before we terminally crash.

John Lawrence via email

The answer every male over 50 needs to know

THERE has been a major breakthrough in the accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer.

It is now possible to diagnose prostate

cancer from a simple blood test with 94 per cent accuracy. This is a major advance and brings the diagnosis of prostate cancer out of the ‘50s and into the 21st century. Previously, the diagnosis of prostate cancer has been hit and miss and unreliable. The PSA (prostatic surface antigen) test can give false negatives and false positives. Meaning it can miss a cancer that’s there or can say there is a cancer when there isn’t. Accuracy of the PSA is guestimated to be about 30 per cent or less.

Various combinations of blood tests, manual examination and MRI have been tried to accurately diagnose prostate cancer, but none have been very impressive.

The treatments include wait and see, have a repeat blood test, surgery or irradiation. Some men opt to have the prostate removed rather than take the risk of it having cancer. One in eight men will get prostate cancer.

In Oxford in 2007 a group of scientists collaborated on advances in genomics and subsequently raised more than 50 million pounds, and produced the first reliable 3D denomics test for prostate cancer.

It is a game changer. When will it be available in Australia? Who knows. That’s the answer every male over 50 needs to know… now.

Paul Crowhurst, Hawker

Not for us to worry about South Jerrabomberra

SOUTH Jerrabomberra is fully ensconced inside New South Wales. All the economic benefits of the land sales and future rates stay in NSW. I’m at a loss as to why Robert Curtis (Letters, CN September 28) thinks it is a failing or responsibility of the ACT government to provide services to those residents.

Next thing he will be blaming the ACT for the chaos that John Howard perpetrated upon us when he sold off the airport and let private developers destroy the town centre concept, leaving the ACT to provide millions of dollars for road and other infrastructure that was not of its making.

P Paulson, Canberra

Puke, Ugley and Boring… what’s in a name?

A TOPONYM is the name of a place; Boston, Montreal and Sydney are all toponyms.

Words beginning with “topo” usually have to do with places, as with a topological map; words ending in “nym” usually relate to a name or word. Examples of nym endings include eponym (a person after whom a discovery, invention, place, etcetera is named) and pseudonym (a fictitious name, especially one used by an author).

For the statistically-minded, there are 25 English words beginning with topo and 47 ending in nym.

Anyway, toponymy is the study of place names – and there are some unusual ones: Puke is a real place in Albania. Ugley can be found in Essex. Boring is in Oregon. Slack Bottom is near Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire. Fleatown is in Ohio. Middle Wallop is a small town in Hampshire. Hell is in the Cayman Islands – I know because I’ve been there. And you should probably avoid Piles in Spain.

Turning to the changing of placenames, no doubt some people will resist referring to Turkey as Turkiye, and say that if we are going to adopt foreign language names, we should be consistent and refer to Germany as Deutschland etcetera. In fact, most countries have changed their names over time.

It has been “Bulgaria” for more than 1300 years.

Another long-lived country name is “England”. The country consisted of various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms until 927 when it was united as the Kingdom of England by King Æthelstan (927-939). Before that it was known as Engla land, meaning the land of the Angles, people from continental Germany, who began to invade Britain in the late 5th century along with the Saxons and Jutes. Here are some examples of modern country name changes:

• Burkina Faso was Upper Volta until 1984.

• Congo changed from being Zaire in 1997.

• Czech Republic was known as Czechoslovakia before its peaceful split into two parts in 1993. (Slovakia became the other

separate country.) Eswatini was renamed from Swaziland in 2018 by King Mswati III. Iran was known as Persia until 1935. The decision to change the name was made to emphasise the nation’s connection to its Aryan heritage. changed its name from was South-West Africa before gaining independence from South Africa in 1990.

• North Macedonia was formerly known as Macedonia ; the country changed its name in 2019 to resolve a long-standing dispute with Greece.

• Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon until 1972.

• Tanzania is a blend of Tanganyika and Zanzibar from when the two countries united in 1964.

• Thailand changed its name from Siam in 1939 then briefly became Siam again from 1945 to 1949, and then reverted back to Thailand.

• Timor-Leste was East Timor before gaining independence from Indonesia in 2002.

• Zimbabwe was known as Rhodesia until April 18 1980. This change

marked the end of white minority rule and the establishment of an independent republic.

• Cities have also changed their names, usually to recognise the original or native language name:

• Beijing formerly known as Peking

– China

• Chennai formerly known as Madras – India

• Ho Chi Minh City formerly known as Saigon – Vietnam. (Ho Chi Minh international airport identifier is still SGN.)

• Istanbul formerly known as Constantinople – Turkey

• Kolkata formerly known as Calcutta – India

• Kyiv formerly known as Kiev –Ukraine

• Minsk formerly known as Mensk

– Belarus

• Mumbai formerly known as Bombay – India

• Munich formerly known as München – Germany

• Saint Petersburg formerly known as Leningrad – Russia

• Volgograd was formerly known as Stalingrad – Russia

In Australia, we now acknowledge native names that predated the

colonial names, as with Ayers Rock and Uluru. The feature was called Uluru a long time before Europeans arrived in Australia.

The word is a proper noun from the Pitjantjatjara language and doesn’t have an English translation.

In 1873, the explorer William Gosse became the first non-Aboriginal person to see Uluru. He named it Ayers Rock after Sir Henry Ayers, the Chief Secretary of South Australia. Ayers Rock was the most widely used name until 1993, when the rock was officially renamed Ayers Rock/Uluru – the first feature in the Northern Territory to be given dual names. In 2002 the names were reversed at the request of the Regional Tourism Association in Alice Springs, and the rock became Uluru/Ayers Rock. It seems therefore that if you continue to use Turkey instead of Turkiye you could be accused of being one.

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

There’s no place like… Slack Bottom.

‘Magic

Development founders on a rhetorical swamp

By Mike QUIRK

THE rationale behind Canberra’s compact and polycentric city strategy is sound.

It calls for widening of housing choice, infrastructure cost savings, reduced travel, lower environmental and ecological impact and reduced travel.

However, the implementation of the strategy based on privately initiated redevelopment and accommodating growth within the existing urban footprint is deficient.

The District Population Projections 2022-2060, prepared in the context of the strategy, projects a 326,000 increase in the ACT population. Most growth is projected to occur in north Canberra (78,954), Molonglo (74,046), Belconnen (69,850); Gungahlin (58,416), south Canberra (26,223) and Woden (17,405). No growth is projected in Tuggeranong and minimal growth in Weston Creek (1356).

This approach assumes the identified growth areas can accommodate, like a magic pudding, ever increasing levels of housing.

To evaluate the desirability and feasibility of the approach, alterna -

tive scenarios of population and employment should be prepared. Considerations include:

Housing choice and affordability

A long-standing majority preference has been for a detached dwelling with households trading-off longer journeys to work to achieve the dream of a new house in a family-friendly suburb. Such preferences are changing with increasing numbers of single and couple households, increasing concentration of employment and services in inner areas and choice constrained by lower housing affordability.

The recently released District Strategies identified a substantially lower population with a 2050 housing supply of 14,500 to 25,500 dwellings in the inner north, 5500 to 6500 dwellings in Gungahlin and 20,000-24,000 dwellings in Molonglo.

Unless policies are adopted to increase the dispersal of employment and to improve transport connections to Tuggeranong and the western and northern areas of Belconnen and Gungahlin, inner areas prices will

Awards for UnderRepresented MEN IN LEADERSHIP

infrastructure upgrades in existing areas.

Environment

transport network (the analysis of Stage 1 of light rail indicated BRT would be substantially cheaper while providing a similar level of benefit).

Two winners will benefit from a life-changing opportunity:

• $10,000 scholarship in the areas of leadership and governance

• Mentoring for almost one year

• Personally tailored networking and introductions

continue to increase and result in inner areas being affordable primarily to high-income households. Increased employment dispersal would also increase the demand for dwellings in middle and outer suburbs, lower car use, increase walking and cycling and support public transport. Canberra’s multicentred urban structure maximises the benefits of dispersal by enabling the concentration of higher-density housing at centres, well-connected by frequent transport services.

Infrastructure

The areas identified for high growth will require substantial upgrading or replacement of infrastructure as any spare capacity will well and truly have been utilised well before the estimated populations are reached.

If the aim is to contain growth to the existing urban footprint, ways to increase the demand for dwellings in Tuggeranong and Weston Creek should be explored. The infrastructure and travel costs of potential greenfield areas need to be documented, to enable comparison with

Protecting biodiversity is a key argument for containing the development of Canberra within the existing urban footprint.

The ecological value of potential greenfield areas needs to be documented to establish the scope for development. The environmental impacts of a denser city – reduced travel, the loss of vegetation, the development of heat islands, increased stormwater run-off from the increase in hard surfaces and increased car-dependent detached housing development in the region – need to be evaluated. The relative water and energy consumption of higherdensity dwellings and detached housing should also be evaluated.

Transport

As well as increasing housing in areas of high accessibility, other strategies to reduce car use including investment in cycleways, bus priority measures, increasing the coverage and frequency of an increasingly electrified bus network, should be assessed. To ensure the best use of limited funds, an evaluation is needed on whether light rail and bus rapid transport (BRT) is the better technology to use on the inter-town public

Implementation

The government’s “Hail Mary” approach to redevelopment, relying on privately initiated, largely singleblock redevelopment, has produced too many poor-quality redevelopments and insufficient “missing middle” medium-density dwellings.

Block amalgamation guidelines are needed to improve outcomes and deliver community and environmental benefits. Consideration should be given to the government purchase of blocks particularly adjacent to existing government dwellings to facilitate the provision of social housing and for the government to act as a land developer to demonstrate best practice infill housing (as happened in the 1970s in Swinger Hill). The co-operation and support of the Commonwealth is needed to maximise the benefits of employment dispersal. Such analysis would define the most appropriate distribution of population and employment and place Canberra’s development on firm foundations rather than the current superficial, rhetorical swamp.

The awards are open to Canberran men from a wide range of groups, including: Indigenous, cultural/ethnic backgrounds, young men aspiring to senior leadership, various types of economic and social disadvantage, disabled, and others.

for selection criteria, and details

Mike Quirk is a former NCA and ACT government planner.

The government’s ‘Hail Mary’ approach to redevelopment relying on privately initiated, largely single-block redevelopment, has produced too many poor-quality redevelopments.

As a Queenslander, I don’t like footy. I love it!

THANK goodness the footy season’s over.

It’s not that I’m opposed to the games. On the contrary, I’m a voracious viewer; and in that awful period between the end of the footy season and the start of the first cricket match on home soil, life seems somehow directionless, like sailing a trainee on the Brisbane River without a keel.

The key word in that previous sentence – as I’m sure you’ve guessed – was “Brisbane”. Yep, the old hometown that helped produce the two most exciting footy grand finals in living memory… and we lost them both!

I say “we” but, of course, I wasn’t actually on the field in either contest… not physically anyway. But like so many Queenslander viewers on those fateful days, I had once actu ally been chosen to play in the state Aussie rules team – to run on to the field in that maroon jersey with the white Q embossed on the left breast, maroon socks with mum’s elastic bands keeping them neatly knee-high above shiny black boots and Kiwiwhite laces.

I was 14. The field was the famous Adelaide Oval with its distinctive cricket scoreboard and the game was the final of the state carnival where we played the South Australians who, like us, had beaten NSW. Victoria, WA

and Tasmania played each other – and Victoria won easily. We were basically the second-raters but that’s because the pool from which we were chosen was only 1600 talents deep; everyone else played rugby.

Anyway, we thought we were pretty damn good and in that final we had a nice win and, at left half-forward, I kicked a goal. Next day, there it was in the Adelaide “Advertiser”: immortality in newsprint.

So whenever the Brisbane Lions play – and especially at the Adelaide Oval – it’s just like I’m running on to

Except that I’m married now; and my dear wife wants to watch one of the “Antiques Roadshow” programs she has been recording throughout the season while I’ve been engrossed together. And once the AFLW comp got underway she did glance at it as she passed through the lounge room. But somehow it didn’t click with her. “They have very long legs,” she said. “Really,” I replied. “I hadn’t noticed.” very selfish with the TV viewing; so in the days leading up to the grand finals, I made the supreme gesture: “How about we watch an ‘Antiques She glowed. “And you won’t make sweat of the black slaves in the sugar and cotton fields?”

“Cross my heart.” And I was true to my word till she said: “Who are

you texting?”

“Just a little historical question on Wikipedia about the family who owned that great Manor House.”

“Not slavery?”

“Actually, it’s about Captain Bligh. When ‘The Bounty’ pulled into Tahiti, it was to collect breadfruit… they thought it would be cheaper to feed the workers on the sugar farms in the Caribbean than bread from wheat.”

Happily, that’s when Fiona Bruce did her thing about which of three oddities was “good, better, best” by “AR” values. I picked the ugliest as most valuable and on this occasion I won. Dear wife was graciousness itself. In response, she would join me in watching both grand finals! Someone should have told the Lions and the Broncos. From that very moment they were history.

robert@robertmacklin.com

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Fiona Bruce of “Antiques Roadshow”... Macklin’s strategic precursor to watching the footy grand finals.

functions

And they’re racing… straight off to lunch!

AUSTRALIA’s most prestigious annual thoroughbred horse race, the Melbourne Cup, will “stop the nation” yet again at 3pm on Tuesday, November 7. Each year the stakes get higher, with the first Melbourne Cup winner receiving a gold watch in 1861, which has since increased to about $8 million in prize money.

The 3200-metre race started, and continues, on the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne.

Canberrans who can’t make the trip can still enjoy the race, the fashion, entertainment and food at locations in the ACT. Here is some inspiration…

Celebrate Melbourne Cup in tranquility and sophistication

THE Hyatt Hotel’s “The Garden Party” Melbourne Cup Day celebration will include a glass of Taittinger Champagne on arrival, says director of sales and marketing, Michael Sarino.

“It also includes three hours of unlimited beverages by The Canberra Distillery and BentSpoke Brewing Company,” he says.

“And a gourmet selection of Australian grazing and food stations, from 12pm to 3.30pm, for $170 per person.

“Highlights include live entertainment, sweepstakes and incredible best-dressed prizes including overnight stays at Park Hyatt Sydney, Park Hyatt Melbourne, Grand Hyatt Melbourne and Hyatt Centric Melbourne.”

Michael says Hyatt Hotel Canberra is a blend of 1920s mystique and contemporary Art Deco design.

“Hyatt Hotel Canberra was established to

Race day with a relaxed touch

MELBOURNE Cup at THE Lounge Bar at Rydges Canberra is a more relaxed affair than the traditional cup-day soiree, says area director of sales and marketing Natalie Graham.

“For us, the focus is on incredible food, delicious drinks and the race, of course,” she says.

“We know that not everyone wants to take the entire day off for the event, so we’re having more of a long lunch.

Natalie says the lounge bar opened in 2022 after an extensive refurbishment of the entire hotel.

“It was designed to present a sophisticated and relaxed bar for guests and external patrons alike, with a large outdoor terrace to enjoy the afternoon sun in the warmer months,” she says.

“Hospitality is our business, our team thrives on providing the best service to our guests.

provide luxury accommodation in the heart of the nation’s capital, and it continues to uphold this tradition with its exceptional service and facilities,” he says.

“As you explore its tranquil gardens, luxurious accommodation and elegant dining options, you’ll be surrounded by nearly a century of history. From our early days as Hostel No. 1 to our current status as one of Canberra’s premier hotels, the Hyatt Hotel Canberra has always been a place of sophistication and relaxation.

“The common thread that binds our team is a love of the industry, and a unified goal to care for each other and our guests, so they can all be their best.”

Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra. Call 6269 8901, or visit parkhyattcanberra.com.au

“Kicking off at 1pm we are offering 2.5 hours of chef-engineered canapes and a 2.5-hour beverage package. We’ll have screens across the venue showing all of the race-day action.”

“Our Melbourne Cup tickets are available via Eventbrite.”

Rydges Canberra, 17 Canberra Avenue, Forrest. Call 6295 3144, or visit rydges.com

Fashion, dance and over-the-top after party fun

QT Canberra is celebrating a racing renaissance where it’s all about OTT fun, says marketing and communications manager Beck Jones.

“At QT Canberra, you’re invited to express yourself however you see fit,” she says.

“Offering one-of-a-kind and award-winning dining and accommodation, QT Canberra is for those who have a keen eye for the finer things.”

For the Melbourne Cup, Beck says QT will be running QT Fashions on the Field, with three awards up for grabs.

“Prizes include designer Kevin Murphy products and accommodation in Sydney’s favourite boutique hotel, QT Sydney,” she says.

“The celebration will be in full swing at Capitol Bar & Grill from 11.30am, we’re talking drinks at the ready and

the Baker Boys live on deck.

“The QT Canberra team are driven by their genuine passion and love for what they do.

“Whether it is the front-of-house team or brigade in the kitchen, everyone brings a dedication and desire to be their best, and provide an incredible experience for guests.”

Beck says QT Canberra is the home of the unofficial ACT Melbourne Cup after party.

“From 3pm guests will be invited to sashay their way to the L15 QT Lounge, for sunset sips and to dance the night away,” she says.

QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Canberra. Call 6247 6244, or visit qthotels.com.au

MELBOURNE CUP?

IT’S THE RACE ROYALE.

Taking a trip to Canberra’s first satellite city

LOCATED 10 minutes

from the centre of Canberra, the development of Woden Valley began in 1962, before its first residents arrived in 1963.

Separate from Civic, Woden Valley was the ACT’s first satellite city to be built, with its own shopping centre, employment opportunities and suburbs located around the town centre.

More than half a century later, Woden has become one of Canberra’s premier destinations for shopping, community events and recreation.

Leading lawyer with a ‘can-do’ attitude Michelle helps others to put their best foot forward

PRINCIPAL podiatrist at Canberra

Podiatry Michelle Prophet says she has the expertise and passion for helping others to put their best foot forward.

“My journey began long before I opened my own business in 1997,” she says.

“Prior to that milestone, I worked alongside my father, Stephen Prophet, a renowned orthopedic appliance consultant, and together we crafted orthotics and shoes, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving podiatry practice and eventually inclusive of a physiotherapist, David Kennard.”

Michelle says her business is a hub for all aspects of podiatry and physiotherapy, where she and her team offer a wide range of services.

“My own special interests within the field are biomechanics, with a particular focus on gait and posture analysis, as well as podopediatrics (the assessment of children), sports podiatry, and a dedicated emphasis on dance and ballet,” she says.

“We’re proud to highlight the unique strengths and passions of our dedicated team members.

“Jake, our senior podiatrist, is a true enthusiast in all aspects of podiatry. Mai comes highly recommended for her proficiency in wound care, laser therapy, and providing comprehensive treatments, our remarkable practitioner Mia is our youngest

podiatrist, based at our Queanbeyan clinic, and our friendly reception staff Eva at Canberra Podiatry and Chrissie at Qcity Podiatry, are always ready to help.”

Canberra Podiatry, 4 Chifley Place. Call 6281 1200, or visit canberrapodiatry.com.au

KEN Hubert, of Capon and Hubert, began his career as an articled clerk with Romano and Verducci, and spent some time as an associate as sisting Justice Kelly, says finance director Rhonda Hubert.

“He has spent his working life in legal practices in Canberra,” she says.

“He then worked with William G Pierce, eventually buying out the practice, which then merged with that of Geoff Capon, and became what is now known as Capon and Hubert.”

Rhonda says Ken’s legal career spans nearly 40 years.

“Ken’s main area of expertise revolves around family matters, where he listens to clients to define issues and determines possible options, before he then handles negotiations and court proceedings,” she says.

“Ken aims to define what is most important to his clients, walking through the process with them to achieve an outcome they can live with.

property, and he also sometimes deals with criminal and traffic infringement matters.”

Ken helps people with their legal issues with confidence and compassion, says Rhonda.

“Ken is a people person and always leads with a ‘can-do’ attitude.”

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

Principal podiatrist Michelle Prophet.

Rhonda and Ken Hubert.

Refocusing on service and life

SIGNUS Legal opened on October 3, and director Brendan Goodger is excited to offer his services to new and existing clients.

“I am a business and commercial transactional lawyer, who can help through the entire life of your company,” he says.

“But, we also offer estate planning services, property and conveyancing and notarial services.

“I have been in the legal industry since mid-2009, and have spent my entire career in Woden.

“My customer base has been largely in this area, there is no big parking struggle, it’s the perfect mix of being accessible without being in the centre of the

city,” he says.

“I am dedicated to providing a highly personalised level of service and helping clients achieve their objectives by taking the time to understand each deal and its specific nuances.

“My previous firm had reached the point where everyone was working long hours and not able to take leave, so I started Signus Legal to refocus my work-life balance on family and pets and the other important things in life.”

Signus Legal, 48 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 5133 5664, or visit signus.legal

At Signus Legal our primary focus is YOU

WILLS & ESTATES

We provide comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific circumstances. We take the time to understand your needs to ensure your estate plan aligns with your exact intentions.

PROPERTY & CONVEYANCING

Looking to make your property dreams a reality? Whether you’re buying or selling residential or commercial property, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL

We work collaboratively with trusted advisors including accountants, financial planners, and insurance brokers to ensure your interests are safeguarded throughout the legal process.

NOTARIAL SERVICES

We offer efficient and expert assistance for all your notarising and witnessing needs. Our appointed Notary Public, Brendan Goodger, holds internationallyrecognised authority to witness signatures and notarise documents for overseas use.

Your legal issues are dynamic and ever-changing, our goal is to deliver exceptional legal services in an efficient and flexible way.

Signus Legal director Brendan Goodger.

Pain support with a personal touch

ARTHRITIS ACT can support people no matter what type of chronic pain condition they have, says CEO, Rebecca Davey.

“It’s important to remain active at all ages, to condition muscles that protect against injury”, and Arthritis ACT has solutions for people of varying abilities.

Rebecca says Arthritis, Pain Support & ME/ CFS have staff who are not only experts in their fields, but many are peers in that they also live with the conditions that bring our clients to us.

“This means we really understand where you are coming from, your fears, your hopes, and what you can do,” she says.

“We are hosting a mindfulness for chronic pain workshop beginning with a physiothera pist who has 30 years of experience, so she really knows her stuff.

“Mindfulness is a critical part of managing chronic pain, so the workshop is beginning mid-October and will be delivered over eight weeks.

“It is a one hour session once a week over Zoom at lunch time, but in future we will have other options and other times available.”

And that’s only the start, Rebecca says, with Arthritis ACT also offering services such as exercise physiology, disability support and meal planning to help people in managing their pain.

“No task or question is too big or small for us.”

Arthritis ACT, Pain Support & ME/CFS ACT, Building 1, Collett Place, Pearce. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

Making access to eyewear easy

CURTIN Optical stocks a wide range of eyewear and accessories, says owner Corey Nicholls.

Having been a part of the Curtin community for 23 years, he says Curtin Optical has three experienced optometrists available for appointments from Mondays to Fridays.

“We cater to all tastes – from budget to well-known brands,” says Corey.

Curtin Optical also offers mobile optical dispensing services – spectacle selections and deliveries to the elderly or people unable to come into the store due to disability, he says.

“This includes spectacle repairs and adjustments, and an after-hours service,” says Corey.

“In addition, Curtin Optical offers an express service for those who have lost or broken their spectacles (Rx dependent).

“Curtin Optical’s in-store services can offer a same-day turnaround and its mobile jobs have a 24-hour turnaround.”

Corey says its independence from large chains gives customers a more personalised service.

He says they are also providers to the ACT pension scheme and DVA, with Curtin Optical offering a 10 per cent discount to ACT Seniors Card holders on complete spectacles, when their Seniors Card is presented at ordering.

Curtin Optical. Shop 1B, Curtin Place, Curtin. Call 6281 1220 or visit curtinoptical.com.au

One-stop-shop for a complete printing service

BRINDABELLA Print specialises in books, magazines and educational material, says owner Sean Finn.

“The business has been running for 10 years now, but I’ve been in the industry for more than 40 years,” he says.

“We’re in the highquality side of printing, so we need to be on the top of our game at all times.

“And there’s only three of us, my eldest son and a graphic designer who are full time.”

Brindabella Print prints books and magazines, brochures, flyers and pamphlets, business cards, labels and stickers and signage.

Sean says it’s a great fun job and he loves supporting local teams such as Cricket ACT and Tuggeranong Valley AFL.

“We have the best equipment. We print the year books for Marist and St Francis Xavier, and we print art books and photography books, too,” he says.

“Woden is where we’ve always lived. I’ve had a press there since 1977. Our customers love us. They know I’m always available and they often say we’re the best kept secret in Canberra.”

Brindabella Print, 19 Givens Street, Pearce. Call 1300 886965, or visit brindabellaprint.com.au

Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey.

Brindabella Print owner Sean Finn.

Corey Nicholls.

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.

Sophie Bullock – Exercise Physiologist

Sophie has post graduate qualifications in hydrotherapy, and as a non-sports centred Exercise Physiologist, helps clients who struggle with engaging in exercise due to a lack of sports participation. Sophie’s goal is to improve clients health via our hydrotherapy program, gym instruction and in-home visits. Sophie also is known for her passion for working with children.

Emil Terbio – Exercise Physiotherapist

Physiotherapist Emil comes to us with a wealth of physiotherapy experience and knowledge from the public hospital system and also private practice. Emil works closely with our team of Exercise Physiologists on a coordinated approach to improving your pain and overall wellbeing. Emil has a special interest in neurology and improving the lives of people living with neurological conditions. He’s also mad keen on soccer and will support you with all sports related injuries and injury prevention.

Dorothy Johnston – Exercise Physiologist

Dorothy is a dynamic Exercise Physiologist with specialist training in pilates and tai chi. She has experience is working with young people with disability, with sporting teams (her passion being AFL) and with the elderly. Dorothy has an indepth understanding of chronic pain and disability and will work with you to find those daily wins that make your life easier.

Blake Dean – Exercise Physiologist

Blake has expertise in improving clients mobility and decreasing their pain through appropriate exercise. Blake delivers our ‘My Exercise’ program, targeting the relief of lower back and sciatic pain, shoulder and upper body concerns as well as leg, hip and ankle interventions – for those who do not qualify for physiotherapy-led GLAD programs.

Blake provides individual & group exercise for younger people with a disability. Blake treats clients in-clinic or via our hydrotherapy program as well as attending your gym with you.

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.

Holly Hazelwood – Exercise Physiologist

Holly is a former sports journalist who believed so strongly in the power of exercise to heal and nurture that she undertook her 4 year degree in Exercise Physiology. Holly is be able to work with people directly to support them through their pain journey and regain independence and a joy for living again. Holly provides one on one and group exercise classes both on land and at our hydrotherapy centres to support people to gain freedom from chronic pain.

Mind your pain

MINDFULNESS FOR CHRONIC PAIN

An 8 week course via zoom designed to help you mangage your chronic pain hosted by Linda Clee – Physiotherapist. Linda has helped people with chronic pain for 25 years. Enquire today 1800 011 041 Email info@arthritisact.org.au

DON’T FORGET ABOUT ACCESSING OUR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS WHO HELP MAKE YOUR EVERY DAY TASKS EASIER

• Occupational Therapy – Assistance with the planning and modification of your home, workplace or car. Applications for NDIS, the Disability and Housing Support Pension, and also driving assessments.

• Physiotherapy – including the GLAD program for knee and hip osteoarthritis, sports injury prevention and rehabilitation, and pain condition support.

• Exercise Physiology – Individual exercise prescriptions, small group classes to increase strength and improve rehabilitation, strength and balance classes, hydrotherapy support.

• Dietetics – meal planning, weight management support, food intolerance support.

“You do not need to have any particular condition to utilise our services, just a desire to ‘Build a Better You.’

AWARDS

Big awards for the best bright sparks in town

THE National Electrical and Communications Associa tion (NECA) has recognised the industry’s best with the 2023 NECA ACT Awards.

“Congratulations to our winners, who have not only showcased outstanding examples of the best our industry has to offer, but have also shown what is possible for the future of our industry,” the associa tion’s CEO Oliver Judd says in a media statement.

“Our NECA members should be proud of the sector’s success and what these finalists have achieved throughout some very diffi cult periods. The standard of work has been incredible.”

“CityNews” spoke with some of the local winners.

boom gates and LED upgrades,” he says.

“This project has given the Canberra Centre a vibrant uplift to attract more customers, whilst providing cost savings from energy efficient initiatives. Winning the award was fantastic as it was great to have our hard work recognised in what was such a competitive field.”

Zac says Phase 4 Electrical & Data was started by Tony

utmost pride in our work, this is proven by our latest award.

“I am coming into my eighth year at Phase 4, and I envision many more with them.”

Phase 4 Electrical & Data, 13 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick. Call 6262 3500, or visit phase4.com.au

CANBERRA’S AWARD WINNING ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING COMPANY

We are an energetic and innovative business in the construction industry with a passion for delivering the best outcomes for our clients.

For over 20 years Phase 4 Electrical & Data have serviced Canberra and the surrounding regions with a reputation for honest advice, innovative solutions, and exceptional service.

Our expertise extends to managing large-scale construction projects, executing office fit-outs and refurbishments, as well as delivering comprehensive maintenance and repair services for both commercial and residential properties.

CONTACT US

Phase 4 Electrical & Data team with their NECA Excellence Award.

‘Exceptional performance’ from top apprentice

ZACH Watson was honoured with the ACT NECA Apprentice of the Year Award in recognition of his exceptional performance throughout his apprenticeship training, says Robert King, Power Protect general manager.

“Throughout his four-year tenure as an apprentice at Power Protect, Zach demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mastering the electrical trade, supported by the expertise of the ACT technical trade team,” he says.

Power Protect, a division of BGIS, is one of Australia’s leading providers of Critical Power solutions, says Robert.

“The company specialises in offering a comprehensive range of equipment essential for ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of clean electrical power to critical systems,” he says.

“Power Protect boasts an extensive client base spanning various sectors, including government and the public sector, data centres and telecommunications, healthcare providers, utilities companies, industrial and mining operations, among others.

“Their product portfolio covers all potential requirements for critical power solutions and includes top-tier global brands in key equipment categories: uninterruptible power supplies, batteries, racks and cabinets, generators, and harmonic filter and power factor correction solutions.”

Furthermore, Robert says Power Protect consistently keeps pace with technological advancements and emerg ing trends in the field, ensuring its product range remains at the forefront of innovation.

“Our dedicated projects team collaborates with you throughout the entire process, engaging with IT, facilities, network and security experts to deliver a tailored solution that guarantees reliability and performance,” he says.

Power Protect, 23 Whyalla Street, Fyshwick. Call 1300 877626, or visit apac.bgis.com

Inviting Lighting’s award-winning apprentice Alex Henderson.

Tomatoes, answer lies in the soil

plants back, so prevention is better than a cure in this case.

When tomatoes are growing well, use a fertiliser that’s low in nitrogen and specific for vegetable growing. Adding seaweed solution fortnightly will also help keep them growing strong.

There are a tremendous number of pest and disease issues that can destroy a yield of tomatoes in a short amount of time.

Getting the soil conditions right first will go a long way to having a successful crop. Prepare the soil with lots of compost and get its pH to about 6.5. That and at least five to six hours of sunlight should get them growing well.

One of the most common issues in growing tomatoes is brown markings at the bottom of the fruit. It’s commonly called blossom end rot. In severe cases, the tomato base is blackened and all the fruit is spoiled and inedible.

There are many reasons this happens. First would be irregular or insufficient watering, which inhibits the plant from extracting calcium from the soil.

The soil or potting mix used to grow tomatoes needs a high pH for the plant to have access to minerals that it needs for the fruit and to be sweet, full of flavour and grow fast.

To prevent blossom end rot, add dolomite lime a few weeks before planting. The dolomite lime has added magnesium that helps grow larger fruit and prevents yellowing between the veins of the

Adding a sprinkle of dolomite lime after planting may help, but will take several weeks and set the

Companion plants to grow them with are parsley, basil, calendulas and chives. They all attract bees to pollinate the flowers and also attract beneficial insects that eat insects that harm tomatoes.

FLOWERING now with a sweet scent is the wonga wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana) which grows well in our climate. It’s a fast- growing evergreen that likes part shade and can tolerate dry conditions when established.

It is an ideal choice to clothe a fence, wall or an archway and the more sun, the more flowers, so keeping the roots cool and the growth in the sun will encourage more flowers.

The twining stems will need to be trained on to its support when young and a light prune after flowering maintains a tidy shape. It can grow up to five metres or more and, for something a little unusual, there’s a yellow variety called Pandorea pandorana “Golden Showers” with smaller trumpet flowers and is just as spectacular.

Unfortunately, wonga wonga vines have a short flowering time but Pandorea jasminoides is a different variety that flowers for many months throughout spring and summer, longer lived and is available in many shades of pinks and whites. It has a much larger flower than its counterpart and needs more space to grow.

CANBERRA’S surrounding region has many garden clubs, which are a great way to enjoy

A wonga wonga vine… a fast- growing evergreen that likes part shade and can tolerate dry conditions.

the company of like-minded friends. National gardening week, October 15-21, is celebrated by all garden enthusiasts, organisations, business and local community garden clubs. It is used to celebrate the joy of gardens and activities for all ages. There’s more at gardenclubs.org.au

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

Jottings…

• Spray for bindi in lawns when plants are small and before prickles develop.

• Fertilise all garden beds now the soil has warmed.

Photos: Jackie Warburton

are probably the most common vegetable to grow in summer, but they don’t come without their problems.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

When weird meets bizarre, the result is a treat NICK OVERALL

Wharfies taking pride in their ‘Prejudice’ revue

By Helen MUSA

“I DON’T know if I have to wear a dress,” the musical director of this year’s Wharf Revue, Andrew Worboys, says. “But I’d be quite willing to do that.”

It’s quite probable, because just when you thought you’d had about as much Jane Austen as you could take, the Wharf’s scriptwriters Jonathan Biggins and Drew Forsythe have come up with “Pride in Prejudice” as the title of their satirical revue for 2023.

They’ll be here on the show’s first outing during October, but with a couple of differences, as founding member and musical director, Phillip Scott – who was not above eloping from the keyboard to the stage to impersonate Kevin Rudd – has made good his threat to retire.

He’ll be replaced by Worboys, a vocalist, pianist and musical director from Orange, now very famous in Sydney as musical director of shows such as “Sweet Charity”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “High Fidelity” and “Rent”.

He’s by no means a Wharf virgin, having been musical director and actor with them three times before.

is usually, I’m going non-stop on the keyboard,” he says. “But this time because I have to be on the national tour of the musical ‘Rent’ from January they’ll replace me with Michael Tyack from then, so I’m only doing half the season.”

As the musical director, Warboys says he has to create a musical story, then create the arrangements to harmonise with the feel. And he has to be very patient.

“You have to fit in with the concept of the writers, even though it’s supposed to be a

democracy.”

Although he’ll be playing for the entire evening, he won’t be alone. Biggins is a mean bass guitarist and takes to the ukulele too, while the other “newcomer”, actor David Whitney (he’s done The Wharf before, too) can play drums. “We use all those skills wherever we can,” Worboys says.

As usual, there’s scope for the musical director to have fun, so this time they’re “having a bit of a crack at ‘South Pacific’ and a bit of ‘Avenue Q’, ‘Oklahoma’ and some Rodgers and Hart,” although in truth Worboys isn’t quite sure exactly who will be doing what, as they’re just towards the end of their first week rehearsing the music.

As to the “Pride in Prejudice” motif, it’s an obvious approach, considering the Wharfies’ predilection for spoofing Australian politics, both human qualities being abundant on the national political stage.

But it won’t necessarily permeate the whole review because the “Pride In Prejudice” segment is just their big show music theatre send up and not the whole show – last year it was “The Wizard of Oz”.

Considering the general hilarity of The Wharf Revue, it always comes as a surprise to newcomers that every year there’s a rather serious centrepiece, usually scripted by Forsythe, think his monologue by the late Queen or his “Sounds of Silence” script in response to Covid.

This year, the coincidence of the revue opening the week after The Voice referendum means that they’ve had to prepare two different versions of the outcome with different lyrics, set to “Bad Moon Rising”, performed to video imagery.

“I wrote the original script in May assuming the Voice wouldn’t get up and then wrote an alternative in case it succeeded,” Forsythe tells me.

“It’s very poignant and it’s serious,” Worboys says.

But the rest of the night, you’ll be laughing.

“The Wharf Revue: Pride in Prejudice”, The Playhouse, October 24-November 5.

“Pride in Prejudice”... the Wharf Revue’s big show music theatre send up this year.

Music director Andrew Worboys.

New opera brings composer Chris a full circle

indigenous Samoan. As well, it’s directed by Noongar artist Isaac Drandic, from WA.

After Harrison created a set of songs and recitative, Sainsbury read it through.

“On the first day I sketched three tunes, and on the second day I marked out what could be ensemble pieces, arias and recita -

Sainsbury says the work is full of Aboriginal humour and it’s mostly fun, but there are “a few salient points here and there”, especially when the local Eora people watching “the visitors” arriving in tall ships remember how other “visitors” arrived 18 years before with Captain Cook and a gun was fired.

Harrison was able to find some common words shared through NSW Aboriginal languages, but also put in Dharug words, such as the onomatopoeic “gooraberra” for gun and the repeated “winima” for coming.

In the music itself, one theme that echoes between the cello and violin links to the sandstone of the Sydney region, while elsewhere the music draws on the song of the pied butcher bird.

“All the songs using birdsong move towards a voting point or stream from them and give a great deal of structure,”

Sainsbury says.

us what it is.

With the recitative, Sainsbury relied on his own knowledge of traditional Aboriginal melodies, leaving the orchestration “light and elemental”, performed by a chamber orchestra of around 12 with strings, guitar, percussion, woodwind and brass.

The fact that the elders would all have been male in 1788 gave him a limited tonal spectrum of voices, so they brought in female voices. After all, that there would’ve been women in leadership positions in their own domain.

This is an opera, and makes demands on its performers, but Sainsbury found he could draw on his own interest in jazz, modernism and impressionism, as well as birdsong, so that, given the limited pool of opera singers available, it was possible to use soul and rock singers.

Even so, there are some trained stand-outs, such as Biripi tenor Elias Wilson, Canberra folk singer Lillian Fromhyr who has Yuin ancestry, and well-known operatic bass Eddie Muliaumaseali’I.

“All the voices seem to blend well,” Sainsbury says, and considering that he has Eora/Dharug ancestors who were there during first arrival, he says “it’s a full circle for me and it has some meaning”.

finish”.

Above all, he told Sainsbury, he wanted what the punters wanted – “give us tunes”.

on-sold to festivals.

He’d seen Harrison’s play at the Sydney Festival in 2020 and she eventually agreed

tions creators, insisted on an all-indigenous cast of singers, so they ended up with six Australian Aboriginal singers and one

The opera is structured around three different votes by the elders. First, they won’t let the “visitors” in. In the second vote, people change sides, considering the traditional protocol of welcoming strangers, then in the third vote they achieve consensus, but Sainsbury won’t tell

THEATRE

“The Visitors”, Victorian Opera at the Arts Centre, Melbourne, October 18-21. A Sydney Theatre Company and Moogahlin Performing Arts production of the stage play (on which the libretto is based) is at The Playhouse, November 8-11.

Bell’s ‘Succession’ plan fit for a king

Bell Shakespeare is staging its first production of the Bard’s classic play “King Lear” in 13 years, as part of its 2024 season, reports LIZ HOBDAY.

BEFORE there was Logan Roy on streaming devices, there was King Lear on stage.

Bell Shakespeare is staging the Bard’s 400-year-old play for the first time in 13 years as part of its 2024 season.

The production, starring acclaimed actor Robert Menzies, may even be part of a global moment for “Lear”, with Kenneth Branagh set to star in London and New York stage productions, and reports that Al Pacino is working on a film adaptation.

Bell Shakespeare’s artistic director Peter Evans says “King Lear” is the original “Succession”, with Lear, the king of Britain, deciding to abdicate and divide up his kingdom between his daughters Goneril, Regan and Cordelia.

The first two profess their love in florid terms, but Cordelia, his favourite, cannot.

“How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is/To have a thankless child!” says Act One, Scene Four. Indeed.

Succession – the concept, not the streaming series – was a lifelong

fascination for Shakespeare, said Evans, who rates it in the Bard’s top three obsessions.

Several of his plays from the late 1500s rest on the idea of who will inherit what, but “King Lear” was written almost two decades later about the death of Queen Elizabeth I, who had no children.

“It was a real issue,” Evans said.

“Part of the national anxiety was about succession and what it may mean – and so it appears throughout the plays.”

Bell Shakespeare last staged “King Lear” in 2010 for the company’s 20th anniversary. Australian versions of “King Lear” have almost always been epic productions in big theatres, but Evans wants to do the play in a different and more intimate way.

A 2024 production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will play in 23 venues across NSW, WA, Victoria and the ACT, completing a national tour that was interrupted by covid border closures.

To round out the season, there is an exploration of Shakespeare’s depictions of violence with “In A Nutshell: The Poetry of Violence”. Evans will narrate, taking a crack team of actors each playing a dozen parts through key scenes and speeches, from “Macbeth” to “Much Ado About Nothing”, “Romeo and Juliet” to “Richard III”.

Bell Shakespeare’s 2024 season opens with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Sydney Opera House, March 6-30.

Canberra composer Chris Sainsbury… “The Visitors” is full of Aboriginal humour and it’s mostly fun, but there are “a few salient points here and there”. Photo: ANU

Robert Menzies will star as the title character in Bell Shakespeare’s 2024 production of King Lear.

STREAMING

When weird meets bizarre, the result is a treat

COMBINE the wonderfully weird writing of Roald Dahl with the bizarrely brilliant directing of Wes Anderson and Netflix subscribers have a streaming treat on their hands.

The famed filmmaker known for his work on “The Grand Budapest Hotel”, “Isle of Dogs”, “Moonrise Kingdom”, “Rushmore” and many more has lent his eccentric talents to four short films based on the lesser-known short stories of Dahl.

This quirky quartet is now streaming on Netflix and includes an all-star line up of acting prowess.

Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley and Richard Ayoade all play an intriguing assortment of characters across these four flicks which run at about 15 minutes a piece.

While Dahl may be famous for his beloved children’s books (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, “Matilda” and “The BFG” to just list a few) Netflix’s new short films are geared towards a more mature audience.

One of these curious tales, titled “Poison”, is set in colonial India and opens with a servant finding his master frozen solid and with a snake strewn across his stomach. The plot doesn’t delay thickening, with a doctor rushing to treat the seemingly comatose man only to discover no evidence of any snake at all.

Another, titled “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”, follows an uber-wealthy socialite who becomes obsessed with a reclusive guru

who claims he can “see without his eyes”. It turns out the titular Henry Sugar wants to master this power so he can cheat at gambling.

true story and could be considered Wes Anderson’s first foray into the horror genre.

“The Swan” is adapted from Dahl’s 1976 short story of the same name, was inspired by a newspaper article the author encountered years earlier and which he kept in his collection of ideas.

It follows Peter Watson, a man who recounts the traumatic day he was bullied by two older boys who managed to get

ARTS IN THE CITY

Anderson was also behind 2009’s charming animated feature “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, also available to stream on Netflix and well worth the time of kids and adults alike.

The new short films, widely being dubbed “The Henry Sugar Collection”, are a landmark success for Netflix after its purchase of the Roald Dahl Story Company for one billion dollars two years ago.

That pricey handshake gave the platform access to an extensive catalogue of Dahl’s stories, including upcoming adaptations of “The Twits” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.

That’s not to be confused with the upcoming “Wonka” prequel starring Timothée Chalamet as the top-hat-wearing chocolate maker, which movie goers might have encountered the trailer for recently.

The “Wonka” film, releasing in December, is certainly not a Netflix production, but rather a prequel to Dahl’s book secured by Warner Bros.

a meaningful exploration of trauma and fascinating experiment in film making. The fourth and final short is “The Rat Catcher”, starring Ralph Fiennes as an exterminator who uses his curiously rodentlike personality to win the trust of his targets before taking them out. If one of these premises sparks your interest more than others, each can be watched

Dancing for young... and everyone

“BREAD and Circuses”, the theme inspired by the Ro man Empire’s strategy to distract its people with food and entertainment, has been adopted by Ausdance ACT for its annual Youth Dance Festival, with 28 schools and colleges on stage. Running since 1985, it now boasts an alumni cohort of more than 45,000. Canberra Theatre, October 18-19.

AS part of its extended 45th birthday celebrations, Canberra Dance Theatre is inviting all Canberrans to join in “Communities Dancing Together”, a free, celebratory dance event in Civic Square on October 15, accompanied by Tanamasi, one of Canberra’s most popular drumming ensembles.

TWO of Canberra’s leading Big Bands, Connexion and In Full Swing, will combine for a swinging evening ranging from classic tunes to modern at the Croatian Club in O’Connor, October 21.

AS we predicted, the recently performed show “The Hello Girls” by Canberra’s Heart Strings Theatre, has secured a January season at the Hayes Theatre in Sydney, similar to its sellout season for “Urinetown” this year. Just as predictably, there’s not a mention of Canberra or producer Ylaria Rogers anywhere in the publicity.

NO Canberrans are among the finalists for Canberra Youth Theatre’s Emerging Playwright Commission for 2023. Finalists are Sonia Dodd, from NSW, and Victorians Gabriel Fallen and Madelaine Nunn. It offers a professional commission of $16,800 to develop a full-length script for young performers.

AN exhibition celebrating 100 years of the Archibald Prize arrives at the National Portrait Gallery on October 20, where it will run until January 28. This is its final destination in a three-year tour around Australia.

COMPRISING songs about the mysteries of nature, Art Song Canberra’s next concert, “The Mysterious Forest”, will be given by soprano Susannah Lawergren with Bernadette Harvey on piano. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, October 15.

for a truly unique streaming offering that will

tion, Anderson pulls out all the stops that have made his cinematic style one of a kind. Of course, it’s not the first time he’s adapted one of Dahl’s works.

In the age where brand recognition sells tickets like hotcakes, it’s clear interest in Dahl’s works is at a renewed high.

With Netflix set to adapt another 12 of the author’s stories, the streaming giant thinks it has a golden ticket on its hands indeed.

Benedict Cumberbatch in “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”.

Ausdance ACT’s annual Youth Dance Festival… Canberra Theatre, October 18-19.

Photo: Andrew Sikorkski

DINING / Koto, King George Terrace, Parkes Every Koto dish is art on a plate

By Wendy JOHNSON

KOTO offers an exquisite and sophisticated dining experience on every level – the Zen gardens, the dramatic interior, the beautiful (and comfortable) furniture and the professional staff.

And, of course, the artistic food creations by executive chef and fifth-generation Sushi Master Shinya Nakano who has been awarded two hats from the “Good Food Guide”.

We walked through the magnificent wooden doors and were impressed by a stunning flower arrangement and a front-of-house staff member who warmly welcomed us to Koto.

Located in The Lobby Building, on King George Terrace, Parkes, Koto has done everything to protect and respect the legacy of the 50-yearold building. It’s truly admirable.

Koto’s menu is divided into starters, vegetarian, salads, sushi and sashimi, maki rolls, “kitche”’ sections, robata and desserts. The extensive wine list is a masterpiece in and of itself, with full respect for some of the best this region produces (bottles from $80 to $480). Check out the sake list (bottles from $60 to $1180).

We worshipped every dish, starting with the Yaki Edamame and were thrilled we took

The soybeans were grilled and created with wonderful leek oil. The sansho pepper added an addicting burst of flavour.

Absolutely gorgeous was the Saikyo miso eggplant ($18), slightly crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside and augmented with sweet basil leaves, macadamia and pistachio for crunch, and black sesame.

Also from the vegetarian section, was purple cauliflower with blue cheese, pepper berry shichimi and cubes of fresh pear ($18). This is a superb combination of flavours.

Every Koto dish is Japanese art on a plate. That certainly includes the Gyu No Tataki ($29) which showcased the kitchen’s superior skills with the knife and ability to arrange food with delicate precision. The Black Angus beef tataki was sensational, the tomato yuzu ponzu full of flavour and the crispy sweet potato delightful.

It’s rich but the lime garlic helped cut through – three pieces sashimi for $24 or you can choose sushi (two pieces for $16).

We opted for two tempura dishes and neither disappointed. Indeed, the baby king prawn tempura is the best I’ve ever had ($18). The batter was perfection and we dipped the prawns in a creamy yuzu kosho. The vegetable tempura was also fabulous ($19).

Our group of six agreed that the 2022 Primitivo Rosata (Italian) was delightful ($80 a bottle).

Koto has platters available (eight pieces $79 through to 21 pieces $148) and a tasting menu $160 per person (minimum two people for 11 dishes).

Staff are knowledgeable, professional and determined to up the ante on service. We were encouraged to take our time and enjoy a long, leisurely Saturday lunch and taken care of at every turn.

WINE / stress Tree-loss stress takes a toll in a bottle

By Richard CALVER

THE heartrending news was sent via a social media chat group that’s made up of the hikers who walked Hadrian’s Wall with my son and me in June. The news was bad.

The iconic sycamore tree at Sycamore Gap along the Wall had been vandalised, felled.

There was a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach, stress induced by the thoughts of the mindless destruction of this epitome of symmetry and beauty that stood for nearly 300 years.

Albeit ensconced in retirement, the day had already been stressful and I’d planned to have a glass of rosé with my smoked-chicken dinner, eaten solo. Instead, I broke the rule of having no more than two glasses of wine when drinking alone.

One factor was the easy drinking wine I’d chosen: the Wild Oats rosé that is made by Robert Oatley Vineyards from grapes grown in the Mudgee, NSW region.

At under $20 a bottle, it is good value with a bouquet filled with strawberries and raspberries. While there is also a strong mixed-berry flavour on taste it has a good, crisp finish.

It’s not disclosed on the label, but

I’d reckon that the varietal used is shiraz; that would explain the depth of flavour.

But three glasses drinking alone, even as a means to reduce stress, was too many.

Plus, it got me to thinking about whether the consumption of wine was in fact a de-stressor given that I know alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant, because it slows down brain functioning and neural activity. The website (addictioncenter.com) that confirmed this knowledge had some sobering comments: “Alcohol can depress the central nervous

system so much that it results in impairment such as slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions, and an inability to react quickly.

“Alcohol reduces an individual’s ability to think rationally, lessens inhibitions, and distorts judgment. If an individual consumes too much alcohol too rapidly, they can depress the central nervous system to a point of respiratory failure, coma, or death.”

The alcohol by volume in the rosé is 12 per cent so the latter effects described were remote. But that is not an excuse for excess; in

Australian culture it’s a given that we drink alcohol as a way to try and relieve everyday stress.

In the past, I’ve been in many situations where stress levels are elevated; on many issues I care too much, including about the destruction I spoke of in opening this piece.

But it is timely, as the clock ticks on, to remind myself that having a drink to forget might appear to work.

However, the reality is that we are often fooling ourselves because the consumption of alcohol doesn’t in fact make your mental state calmer. It can have the opposite effect. Here’s what another worthy website, sanalake.com, tells us:

“While you might think drinking is relieving your stress it is putting extra, unwanted stress on both your brain and your body.

“It is also slowly changing the chemical makeup of the brain, which can cause the development of mental health conditions that can, in turn, exacerbate your stress and anxiety levels to a point where you require professional treatment.”

It still irritates me and makes me angry at my fellow man that someone could be so stupid, so low, as to chop down the Sycamore tree at Sycamore Gap.

But maybe I should just do an extra hard session in the gym, punching the bag, rather than reaching for another glass of wine.

“The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits.”

–Anon

Colbee Crt, Phillip | 0468

Saikyo miso eggplant. Aburi salmon belly. Photos: Wendy Johnson

HOROSCOPE PUZZLES

Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Saturday night’s Libran Solar Eclipse (in your relationship zone) is all about love, harmony and compromise. But this week – with Mars square Pluto and Venus opposite Saturn – balance, moderation and cooperation could be difficult to find. So do your best to calm down and keep the peace. Friday’s terrific Mars/Saturn trine increases your enthusiasm, motivation and capacity to get things done. Passion and patience are a winning combination!

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Does it feel as if your dreams are on hold or a relationship is going backwards? This week Saturn slows things down and increases frustrations. But then lucky Venus and proactive Mars encourage you to pair up with a loved one and make your combined dreams come true. You’ll need to be patient though! Your motto for the moment is from birthday great John Lennon: “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Mercury (your patron planet), Mars and the Solar Eclipse are all energising your creativity and peer group zones. So it’s a wonderful week to create, inspire, socialise and fraternise. An exciting new romance or friendship could be just around the corner! Are you single and looking for love? You could be introduced to your future partner via a housemate, relative or family friend. Friday is the best day to tick the to-do list and get things done at work.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

If you are crabby with friends and family members this week, then they will be in the mood to fight back! So do your best to be more compassionate and generous towards loved ones. Plus, try to view a troubled close relationship from a much more philosophical perspective. As birthday great John Lennon observed: “We’ve got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You’ve got to keep watering it. You’ve got to really look after it and nurture it.”

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

You’re determined to complete a project with creative panache and loads of Leo style. But there are some frustrating planetary patterns, so expect power plays, disruptions and delays. Patience and compromise are required, otherwise it will be a long and challenging week. When it comes to your daily routine, the big lesson to learn is how to delegate. No one (not even a super capable Leo) is indispensable! The Solar Eclipse signals a fresh start in your neighbourhood.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Long-term partnerships – of the romantic, platonic and business variety – are highlighted this week. Saturn tests dedication and loyalty; Venus, calm cooperation; and Neptune, emotional maturity. But don’t get bogged down in gossip and criticism – keep the conversation inspiring and uplifting! Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Eleanor Roosevelt: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Saturn and Pluto stymie motivation and slow progress (especially involving a close relationship, joint venture, domestic project or work matter). You could also disappoint yourself, as you find it difficult to stick to your chosen diet, daily exercise program or usual beauty routine. Perhaps it would be better to moderate your perfectionist streak and learn to accept your perceived imperfections? Saturday night’s Solar Eclipse emphasises self-awareness and self-love.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Venus transits into your networking zone on Monday, which bodes well for connecting with friends, colleagues and your extended peer group in beneficial ways. Then the Solar Eclipse lights up your solitude/soul zone. So it’s time to slow down and look within as you contemplate, ruminate and meditate about where you’re going and where you’ve been. Your motto is from birthday great, John Lennon: “Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Lucky Venus is transiting through your exploration and education zones (from Monday until November 8) so it’s a fortuitous time to travel, start a course of study or make some new interstate or international friends. Then the weekend Solar Eclipse is the perfect time to revise, reassess and reboot your goals and dreams for the future. Think of creative ways you can navigate the unpredictable economic landscape, adapt professionally and pivot personally.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Mars, Mercury and the Solar Eclipse light up your career zone, so utilise your ambition, communication skills and natural charisma to attract opportunities into your world. Then use your can-do Capricorn attitude to take action. The terrific Mars/Saturn trine reminds you to be proactive and practical. Preparation is the key. As Libran singer/actress Julie Andrews observes: “Work hard, apply yourself and be ready. Then, when an opportunity comes, you can grab it.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

With Mars visiting your professional/life direction zone, be more proactive about where you are heading. Don’t just hope that things will magically change. Saturday night’s Solar Eclipse is the ideal time to set intentions and make wishes involving holidays, education and aspirations. Most of all … be yourself! Draw inspiration from birthday great Eleanor Roosevelt: “You not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.”

PISCES (Feb 20

– Mar 20)

Tuesday’s Venus/Saturn opposition revs up your relationship zone. So be very careful what you say to a loved one who is tired, sick, stressed or just plain grumpy! Saturday night’s Solar Eclipse spotlights close partnerships and trust issues. And have you been feeling frustrated about a dream or goal? It’s time to minimise your disappointment and maximise your motivation. With hard work and a positive, proactive attitude, you can turn things around.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2023

General knowledge crossword No. 902

Across

1 Which term describes journeying, as a medieval knight in quest of adventure? (6)

7 What is a small car used to make short trips? (8)

8 Name the green film on the surface of old bronze, caused by oxidisation. (6)

9 Name the jurisdictions of popes. (8)

10 To have made a loud noise, is to have done what? (6)

11 Who, in Greek legend, was responsible for the blinding of the Cyclops? (8)

14 Name one of a class of medieval musicians. (8)

18 To join up, is to do what? (6)

19 What, colloquially, is an eccentric person? (8)

21 Name a large lizard of tropical America. (6)

22 To have closed a cricket innings voluntarily before all wickets had fallen, is to have done what? (8)

23 Which term implies that which has followed in order? (6)

Solution next edition Down

1 What is a large store selling a great variety of articles? (8)

2 Name a place in which bees are kept? (6)

3 Name a particular burrowing spider. (8)

4 To break suddenly, is to do what? (4)

5 What is a contrivance for calculating? (6)

6 Which term describes a division of a government department? (6)

12 What is Christmas also known as? (8)

13 Edinburgh is found in which country? (8)

15 Jerusalem is the capital of which republic? (6)

16 What is an implement for cutting grass? (6)

17 Which books are used for the insertion of photographs, stamps, etc? (6)

20 Name a fingerling salmon or trout (4)

Nat's a lucky woman. She and partner Ben have won a large amount in the lottery.

"We've done our sums and reckon we’ve got about $800,000 left after paying off the mortgage and we were thinking of using this money to contribute to superannuation. What do you think, a good move?" she asked me.

"Also, we've been advised not to make our children beneficiaries of our super on our death, but we're not quite sure why because, of course, they are the beneficiaries of our wills. Can you help us with this as well?”

In congratulating them, I said it was generally preferable to have a spouse as the beneficiary of a superannuation account.

"You may not be aware that your super is outside your will," I said.

"It is only the beneficiary nominations that give the trustees an indication of your wishes in the case of a dispute. If your superannuation is left to your spouse then there is no tax to pay.

"However, if your superannuation is left to your non-dependent children there is generally 17 per cent tax to pay, but it can be as high as 32 per cent.

"Clearly, it's preferable to pay zero tax than 17 per cent or 32 per cent. After the death of one of you, then the other has no option but to leave their superannuation balance to other people. There are other strategies you could put in place to minimise the tax after your deaths, but I'll cover those another day.”

I then turned to their first question: how much could they usefully pay into their superannuation accounts.

“You can each make a contribution this financial year which when added to the amount your employer has contributed totals a maximum of $27,500," I said.

"This amount is deductible and you will get the tax benefit when you lodge your tax return. It is important to note that when you make this or any other contribution for which you want a tax deduction that you complete a form called ‘notice of intent to claim or vary a deduction for personal super contributions’ and you must have received an acknowledgement of receipt from your super fund."

I noted that Ben had a super balance of $275,000 while Nat's balance was $620,000.

"You can also make catch-up contributions if your balance is less than $500,000," I told them.

"Ben you are able to contribute a further $67,200 as catch-up contributions. You may prefer to pay half this year and half next year. Nat you are unable to do this.

"In addition, you can both make a non-deductible contribution known as a non-concessional contribution of $110,000 a year and you can also bring forward two years so under current legislation your maximum contribution is $330,000 each.

"One of the benefits of making this contribution is that when it is drawn out of the fund there will be no tax to pay. Due to indexation this amount will probably increase soon so you may be able to make further contributions once the new rates are known.”

Nat was pleased. "That's amazing, Gail. We are so lucky and it looks like this will assist us further to get a better pension when we finally retire,” she said.

If you want information about your super, pension or super planning contact the experts at Gail Freeman and Co Pty Ltd on 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.