CityNews 240822

Scathing Harris doesn’t spare the public trustee

MICHAEL MOORE

When the screw propellor went out for a spin

CLIVE WILLIAMS

Frustrated by a tired health system

LETTERS

That garden vine on the toxic weeds list

JACKIE WARBURTON

MARCIA SHINES

’It’s great to be on the road, performing again.’

HELEN MUSA catches up with singer Marcia Hines

WINNUNGA NIMMITYJAH ABORIGINAL HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Winnunga Nimmityjah AHCS is an Aboriginal community controlled primary health care service operated by the Aboriginal community of the ACT.

In Wiradjuri language, Winnunga Nimmityjah means Strong Health. The service logo is the Corroboree Frog which is significant to Aboriginal people in the ACT.

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

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• Hearing Health

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• Dietician (Nutrition)

• Counselling

• Diabetes Clinic

• Quit Smoking Services / No More Boondah

• Needle Syringe Program

• Mental Health Support

• Healthy Weight Program

• Healthy Cooking Group

• Mums and Bubs Group / Child Health

• Optometry Service

• Psychology and Psychiatrist

• Community Events

• Groups

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

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Teen Hunter throws everything into his black belt

By Katarina LLOYD JONES

Jerrabomberra teen Hunter Howard is one of the youngest Australians to have been awarded the 1st dan black belt in hapkido, a Korean self-defence martial art.

Hunter’s hapkido master Tom Adams, of Canberra Martial Arts & Fitness, says the August event was intense, with a group of students travelling to Seoul to be graded by the Global hapkido Association.

Despite the 37C heatwave and hundreds of pairs of eyes on him, the 15-year-old remained focused, and went on to impress the 10 grand masters present and get his black belt.

Hunter says he began attending hapkido classes in 2011, at just three years old, following his mother Melanie’s desperate search for something that would keep her tacklingobsessed toddler occupied.

She says: “He was always tackling everyone, and everybody said ‘he’s going to do rugby’ and we just wanted to get him into something that would get rid of some of his energy.

“We did a search, and we found the Tiger classes, which was for babies,

INDEX

Arts & Entertainment 27-30

Crossword & Sudoku 31

Dining & Wine 29

Gardening 26

Keeping Up the ACT 10

Letters 14-15

News 3-15

Politics 4, 11

and we never looked back.

“Hunter just loved it, and it was him that went back, and back, and back again.

“And, of course, he made great mates, and that’s who he was graded with over there [in South Korea].”

After often training three to four days a week, Hunter says he has avoided becoming burnt out by keeping a diverse range of hobbies, including rugby and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

He says he also scales back the intensity of his hapkido training seasonally, turning his focus more on to rugby during winter and picking up other variations of martial arts, such as Kumbo, which features a sword.

Hunter says: “I think another part of why I kept coming back was Tom.

“All the drive he gave me and all the instructors and the community, and Tom made it fun.”

Hunter’s mum says the sport has also given Hunter confidence in how to handle himself, which has come in handy when dealing with “hotheads” during rugby games.

“So it’s a real confidence booster for young men as well,” she says.

Master Tom says: “Ninety per cent of self-defence is self-confidence, just believing that you can.”

“You just have to believe you can, because a lot of people don’t think they can, and he believes he can now.”

While the rank of black belt is a

monumental achievement, Master Tom explains that it is just the beginning, with a further nine dans to go. He says: “Your black belt test is not

a final exam, it’s an entrance exam.”

“You’re not even recognised in the International Association until you get your black belt, you’re just regis -

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tered locally.

“There is more learning you have to start, there’s a thing called bridging techniques that you do, you have to demonstrate those as your commitment towards second dan, that’s generally when you get your embroidered belt.

“And then [when] you’ve got the second dan, you start to learn variations on the techniques that you’ve already learnt, so that you understand that you can apply them in different ways.

“And then you start learning cool stuff like knife defence and short stick and medium stick, and as you go higher up, there’s multiple person attackers [...] and you learn how to defend yourself with your belt and a fan.”

While travelling to South Korea for the grading was not a requirement, Hunter says he is happy he took the opportunity, and is already counting down the days until he can return.

He says: “The main part of the city was really interesting, and the culture was pretty cool.”

“I could definitely live in South Korea.”

Back in Canberra for now, Hunter says he has no intention of resting, instead turning his focus on mentoring the students who will be graded for their 1st dan at the end of the year, whilst also training for his 2nd dan.

Hunter Howard, 15, with his hapkido master, Tom Adams, shows off his certificate of achievement of 1st dan black belt.

Photo Katarina Lloyd Jones

Scathing Harris doesn’t spare the public trustee

The title “Public Trustee and Guardian” should say it all. Their vision is the “protection and support of rights, choices, security and justice for all persons in the ACT Community”.

Unfortunately, a very different picture is painted by the ACT Auditor-General, Michael Harris.

The Public Trustee and Guardian in the ACT is Andrew Taylor. His organisation supports some of the most vulnerable members of the ACT community who require assistance in managing their lives.

However, a scathing auditor-general’s report reveals an unfortunate waste of money by the organisation.

Mr Taylor, as Public Trustee, argues that the auditor-general should have been looking for outcomes for clients, rather than focusing on internal administrative issues. Even so, the administrative issues are certainly telling.

The Public Trustee and Guardian acts as financial manager of last resort for people assessed by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal. It also undertakes an annual examination of the accounts maintained by private managers on behalf of people with impaired decision-making ability.

To be in this position of trust requires a squeaky clean approach

to all financial matters. However, since the transfer of the guardianship functions of the Public Advocate to the Public Trustee and Guardian on April 1 2016, there have been serious administrative problems. This column just touches the surface of the problems identified by the audit.

Auditor-General Harris has identified huge cost blowouts and poor outcomes for money spent in a customer management system that has been deployed by the Public Trustee and Guardian since the time of the merger.

Mr Harris argued: “Financial management services to protected persons and to examine accounts submitted by private managers have been poor”.

In commenting at the release of the report, he argued: “Shortcomings have been identified across a range

The audit says, “actual expenditure cannot be identified with certainty, but it is likely to exceed $1.46 million…”. How ironic for an organisation that has a homepage banner saying its clients “can learn about financial management”!

of governance, administrative and service delivery arrangements”.

The integrity, quality and care of the work and reports of the auditorgeneral are in marked contrast to that of the Public Trustee and Guardian.

Fraud management ought to be a very high priority for an organisation such as the Public Trustee and Guardian. Instead, the audit finds “fraud control and fraud risk management arrangements are poor”.

As if this is not enough, the “Fraud, Corruption and Risk Mitigation Strategy is ineffective in providing a framework for the management of fraud risks in the organisation”.

The audit explained: “The strategy contains old and incorrect references and does not represent contemporary ACT Public Sector practices” and “the risk register, which identifies 11 fraud-related risks, is similarly

ineffective in providing a framework for the management of fraud risks”.

The 137-page report details specifically the failures of the customer management system that was under implementation from 2017. Although the system was a prime focus of the Information and Communications Technology system, the audit found it “has been a failure”.

Despite the costs it is not widely used in the organisation and is “irrelevant to most of the staff” and to “large areas of the organisation’s activities”.

The audit suggested that “actual expenditure cannot be identified with certainty, but it is likely to exceed $1.46 million between 2017 and 2023”.

How ironic for an organisation that has a banner on its home page stating that its clients “can learn about financial management”!

Is this simply incompetence or poor management? And who should be held accountable? The buck stops with the minister. In this case the Attorney-General, Shane Rattenbury.

But what about the Director-General of the Justice and Community Safety Directorate, Kathy Leigh? Or will the blame be sheeted home to Andrew

Taylor?

Blame is not the real issue. An auditor-general’s report of this kind should be a demand for urgent action and transparency. The question is, who is it that will stand up and explain what changes are being implemented, when and how things are going to be improved.

The system is broken. Action needs to be taken urgently. There is a legislative requirement for the government to table responses to reports of the auditor-general in the ACT Assembly.

However, considering the previous performance of the Labor-Greens government, and despite the urgency, it will be very surprising if there is a substantive response before the election in October.

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

“One of the greatest pianistic talents of our times” Stuttgart Zeitung

INTERNATIONAL SERIES

September, 7pm

Public Trustee and Guardian Andrew Taylor, left, and Auditor-General Michael Harris.

Sore knees: more exercise, less surgery

As the understanding of a common degenerative joint disease shifts, doctors are calling for a rethink of how the condition is treated and discussed, reports ADRIAN BLACK .

Surgery might not be the answer for more than one million Australians suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee.

Most people can reduce pain and boost mobility with tailored exercise and avoid the potential complications, costs and recovery times of surgery, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care says.

Phoebe Holdenson Kimura, general practitioner and medical adviser to the commission, said tailored exercise was safe and effective despite common misconceptions.

“Our understanding of osteoarthritis and the pathology of the knee joint and soft tissues has changed,” Dr Holdenson Kimura said.

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease categorised by a breakdown of joint tissue that can cause pain and make tasks such as walking or climbing stairs difficult.

The condition affects more than 1.2 million Australians and, along with osteoarthritis of the hand and of the hip, costs Australia’s health-care system $4.3 billion a year.

Osteoarthritis is more common in

people aged older than 45 and those who are overweight have double the risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee.

The commission, a government agency, has released a new standard on clinical care to reduce impairment, update treatment practices and improve clinician communication.

“Let’s avoid language that catastrophises osteoarthritis including phrases like ‘bone on bone’ and ‘wear and tear’, which suggest we will damage our joints by moving them,”

Dr Holdenson Kimura said.

“That’s simply not true.”

More than 53,000 knee replacements are performed on osteoarthritis patients a year – a figure expected to more than double by the end of the decade.

“Non-operative approaches such as physical activity, exercise and weight management are proven to make a big difference to quality of life for most people with knee osteoarthritis,” Dr Holdenson Kimura said.

Orthopaedic surgeon Christopher Vertullo said spontaneous knee pain often led to unwarranted scans and investigations.

“For most middle-age and older

Working with you for the best result

patients… the pain is likely to settle down, and immediate investigations with imaging is not usually required,” Prof Vertullo said.

He said about a third of his patients were unnecessarily referred to him and almost two in three had received inappropriate scans or investigations.

“Patients and health-care practitioners need to rethink investigations and referrals for knee pain unless they are clinically

appropriate,” he said.

Prof Vertullo said patients should only be considered for joint replacement after exhausting non-operative approaches and or if they faced unbearable or unmanageable pain.

“No one should enter surgery lightly,” he said.

“It is fantastic for end-stage osteoarthritis of the knee when someone has severe pain, but for an occasional ache, you are likely to be dissatisfied with the outcome.” –AAP

Brief reprieve for 3G phones

The shutdown of the 3G network has been delayed after Australia’s telcos came under fire over public safety risks.

Telstra and Optus jointly announced the companies would delay the 3G closure until October 28.

Both telcos had been preparing to switch off from the end of August, but a Senate inquiry revealed thousands of handsets would not be able to make triple-zero calls after the shutdown.

The inquiry was also told critical medical equipment, fire alarms, EFTPOS machines and waste and water infrastructure could be cut off in the shutdown.

There were still 77,000 affected handsets in early August.

These devices – often bought overseas or second-hand – use 4G data for regular calls and texts, but bump triple-zero calls to 3G because they are not enabled with a technology called Voice over LTE.

Users might not realise their phone is configured this way by the manufacturer until the 3G network is switched off.

All telcos have a service for customers to check the status of their device by texting “3” to the number 3498. –AAP

The best of Best

Jordan Best, the ebullient artistic director from The Q Theatre, will entertain the ladies of the Weston Creek VIEW Club at their next lunch meeting at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, from 11.30am on September 3. RSVP to 0408 864616 by August 29. Visitors welcome.

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Ukraine Crisis Appeal Fundraising Luncheon

Join His Excellency Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia, and his wife, for a 3-course luncheon to raise funds for this charity.

When: Sunday 8 September 2024, 12-3pm

Where: Otis Dining Hall, 29 Jardine St, Kingston

Booking: www.ukrainecrisisappeal.org/events

Event Highlights: Address by the Ambassador and a charity auction

All funds raised from this lunch will go directly to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

Together we can change the lives of innocent war-stricken children!

More than 53,000 knee replacements are performed on osteoarthritis patients a year – a figure expected to more than double by the end of the decade.

A second opinion on hearing loss – you need professional advice, not a sales pitch

A woman came into my clinic for a consultation about her hearing aids, telling me her hearing aids were 4 years old and she had never found them to be of much help. She said the salesperson quoted her $14,000 for a pair of hearing aids, however, the monthly special of 20% discount meant they cost her $11,200. So, she ‘only’ paid $11,200 for hearing aids that did not help her. Sadly, I hear this all too often.

Here are some things to do to avoid this type of problem:

1. Visit your GP. If you or someone you know has a problem with their hearing, visiting your GP to check for wax in the ears, and to get advice is a starting point.

2. Qualifications. Always check the qualifications of the person you are dealing with. A person without professional qualifications has no business advising you about your hearing. They need to belong to a professional association with a Code of Conduct, so you know they are acting in your best interests, not their own.

years. If you are not sure about their advice, then seek a second opinion. The wrong hearing aids can be an expensive waste and could lead you to stop wearing them. You should always have a trial of hearing aids to ensure that they are right for you.

6 Pensioners and eligible DVA card holders often have entitlement to free services. If you are covered by a government concession, then let the clinician know (even though your clinician should ask). Eligible clients may obtain free hearing tests, consultations, and free hearing aids (referred to as fully subsidized hearing aids).

“A person without professional qualifications has no business advising you about your hearing. They need to belong to a professional association with a Code of Conduct, so you know they are acting in your best interests, not their own.”

– Dr Vass

These hearing aids are appropriate for many people, however if you have great difficulty hearing in background noise (for example a restaurant), then you may want to consider partially subsidized hearing aids. This is when the government pays a certain amount, and you pay for additional features and benefits. Your decision should be based on the following:

you are dealing with a qualified clinician, then they belong to a professional association. The best contact is an independent complaints body referred to as Ethics Review Committee. You can email ethics@auderc.org.au and view the website www.auderc.org.au. You can make an anonymous complaint and your complaint will be handled in a confidential and professional manner. If you are in the ACT, contact the ACT Human Rights Commission email human rights@act.gov au and the website www.hrc.act.gov.au

3. Independent advice. You should get independent, professional advice.

4. There are a wide range of hearing aids out there. Finding the right hearing aids for your communication needs can be challenging. Hearing aids vary in price and performance. Bluetooth® connectivity and rechargeable hearing aids are available on most hearing aids, along with apps that allow you to control your hearing aids from your mobile device. Be aware that just because a hearing aid is more expensive, that doesn’t mean they are the best hearing aid for you.

5. Just as hearing aids vary in performance, clinicians may also vary in performance due to training, experience, and skills. Make sure that you are comfortable and confident in their advice. You are likely to be with this clinician for the life of your new hearing aids, typically 4 to 5

(a) Can you afford the more expensive hearing aids? Don’t go into financial stress if you can’t afford them. (b) Are you clear on the free vs partially subsidized features & benefits? Never believe someone who tells you the free hearings are not good or of poor performance, this is simply not true. (c) If you try the partially subsidized hearing aids and are not happy, then return them. Do not keep hearing aids because you think the failure is yours or that you will improve over time. If the hearing aids are not working for you in the trial period, then they will not work for you in a year or two.

7. If you have a complaint, then seek help. Your clinician should be able to help you through most of your needs. Sometimes, a problem may be beyond the expertise of even the best clinician. However, if you have a complaint there are things you can do. If

Maths question proving hard to answer

Grandchildren are amazing, they do such clever things. For example, they grow older at the speed of light.

Or so it seems.

Our four are scattered over Sydney and Canberra, and we mostly interact with the two Canberra girls, Aria and Allegra, 14 and 13 respectively. Both are quite beautiful and though they have very different personalities each rejoices in a delightful sense of humour. Aria was beautiful from the moment of birth; Allegra took a while (five minutes in grandchild time) to graduate from cute to stunning and is already taller than her tall sister.

Both are very bright but unlike Allegra, Aria was uncomfortable at her Steiner School and didn’t really flower academically until she joined her old primary school friends at Melrose High.

That’s where she shot to the top of the maths class and to the general astonishment of even her doting grandparents, scored 100 per cent in a tough test. She actually beat the perennial winner, the boy who only managed a paltry 98!

Amazing. Not least because the genes she inherited from our side were pretty much innumerate. However, in recent months I have stumbled across a question that has kept me awake at

Pythagoras… did abstract mathematics, such as his famous theorem, exist before the big bang?”

nights. I’m sharing it with her, but all readers are welcome to join the hunt for an answer.

Here ‘tis: Is mathematics a human invention or a discovery of something that was always there? Aria’s first response was, “a discovery”, but after a while she seemed much less certain.

For example, prime numbers –those that can only be divided by one and themselves – reveal no discernible pattern.

On the other hand, my instinctive response was “an invention” but if so, how come it’s so useful in all branches of science (except, perhaps,

quantum mechanics).

Google is not much help. It simply ranges over the possibilities without reaching any conclusion. And some scientists duck the question by saying it’s both. I guess that works – more or less – if you see it as a function of our evolving consciousness; the patterns we divine in our surroundings become increasingly complex until we can only express them through the “language” of mathematics.

But then in one of those coincidences that become increasingly common as you grow older, I happened upon a New Scientist article that asked the same question in a different form in its brain-teasing back pages: “Did abstract mathematics, such as Pythagoras’s theorem, exist before the big bang?”

That elicited lots of answers, most of which said there were two schools of thought – the religious believers said, “yes” and the others “no”. There was even one that said there’s no such thing as “before” the big bang.

Another said: “There are those mathematicians who believe mathematics is invented, for whom the answer is ‘no’ because there was nobody to write it down, and those

who believe it is discovered the answer is ‘yes’, because we can prove a solution exists.”

I was attracted to the contribution from one Simon McLeish, from Gloucestershire, who raised the possibility that “pure mathematics doesn’t really exist at all – never has and never will – mathematics is about abstract objects that ignore reality.”

He wrote: “For example, a line without width couldn’t exist in the real world, but that is a property of a line in geometry. The numbers that are used to measure the sides of a right-angled triangle have a mathematical precision far finer than could be obtained from a real-life triangle.

“Perfection is the soul of mathematical thinking, but it never existed in the real world.”

But of course, neither did the “soul”.

robert@robertmacklin.com

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Simon cycles on to a new job

Simon Copland, pictured, is the new executive director of the Conservation Council ACT Region. He has a long history in the climate movement, most recently leading Pedal Power ACT. Simon has a PhD through the Australian National University.

Market of craft materials

The Yarralumla Craft Destash Market is an opportunity for anyone looking to buy craft materials such as fabric, wool, papercraft, buttons, embellishments, ribbons, craft magazines, stamps and more. At the Yarralumla Uniting Church Centre, Denman Street, 10am-1pm, September 14. Gold coin entry. More from yarracrafts@ gmail.com

Calling all employers

Employers with the goal of supporting NDIS participants to shape their own lives through employment opportunities are invited to share an information session and barbecue at Employment in the Park with NDIS providers, employment services providers and community organisations.

www.mfamilylawyers.com.au

When the screw propellor went out for a spin

The last Whimsy column pondered why some aeroplanes use propellers, while others use jet engines. Ships have been the other major form of transportation using propellers since the early part of the 19th century.

The SS Archimedes, built in Britain in 1839, was the first commercial steamship to demonstrate the viability of a screw propeller in practical maritime use.

The propeller proved much more efficient than sail or traditional paddlewheels and soon became the standard maritime propulsion system.

Most ship propellers have three or four blades. The largest ship propeller was made by German company, Mecklenburger Metallguss GmbH at 133 tonnes weight.

Ship propellers are usually made from aluminium bronze. The largest props are typically aluminium bronze with nickel or manganese added.

For the technically minded, a ship’s propeller converts rotational motion into forward thrust, enabling the ship to move through water. The propeller’s rotating blades create a pressure difference causing thrust. This function is primarily based on Bernoulli’s principle and Newton’s third law of motion.

Ships’ propellers have been refined over the years, as have the means of driving them – including nuclear power.

Most of the underwater noise emitted from ships comes from propeller cavitation, which is related to inefficient water flow over the propeller blades and can result in significant noise and a loss in fuel efficiency.

The design of submarine propellers is usually security-classified because they’re specifically designed for silent running, so they’re supposed to be shrouded when out of the water.

I was surprised when I visited the Australian Submarine Corporation in 1999 (then headed by Hans Ohff, I

kid you not) to conduct a leak investigation, to see a Collins Class submarine out of the water with no attempt to cover the propellers. It wasn’t a leak in the submarine that was a concern, but human leaks about problems with the vessel’s design that were causing Defence to have security concerns.

Anyway, there are several reasons why propellers remain the preferred method of ship propulsion:

• Efficiency: Propellers are more efficient at converting engine power into thrust in the water, compared to jet-propulsion systems.

• Cost: Propeller systems are generally less expensive to manufacture, install and maintain, compared to jet-propulsion systems.

• Reliability: Propellers have a simple design with few moving parts, which translates to higher reliability and easier maintenance.

• Manoeuvrability: Propeller-driven ships typically have better manoeuvrability, especially at low speeds, allowing for easier docking and navigation in confined spaces.

• Flexibility: Propellers can be easily

adapted to different types of ships and propulsion systems, providing more flexibility in design and operation.

While jet-propulsion systems offer advantages in certain maritime applications, such as high-speed vessels (like hydrofoils or some military ships) propellers remain the preferred choice for most maritime transportation due to their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, reliability, and manoeuvrability.

Well, there you have it in a nutshell. There aren’t many interesting anecdotes about propellers, but I turned up this one:

During World War II, a Royal Navy ship was navigating through dangerous waters, and the crew was on high alert for any signs of enemy submarines. One day, while they were patrolling, the sonar operator picked up an unusual sound coming from behind the ship. It sounded like a propeller, but it was irregular and not like anything they had heard before.

The captain, concerned that it might be a new type of enemy submarine, ordered the ship to take evasive manoeuvres. The crew was tense, ready for a potential encounter.

They zig-zagged through the water, dropped depth charges, and listened intently, but the strange propeller noise continued to follow them. After hours of this high-stress situation, the crew was exhausted and perplexed. The captain finally ordered the ship to slow down to try to pinpoint the source of the noise more precisely. As they reduced speed and the waters calmed, a diver was sent down to inspect the ship’s propeller. To everyone’s surprise, it turned out that the propeller had caught an old, discarded fishing net, and the noise they’d been hearing was the net flapping and dragging behind them.

In closing: A cruise ship sinks, and the passengers and crew manage to escape on lifeboats.

A woman asks the captain: “How far is the nearest land?”

“Three miles,” he answers. “That’s not too bad” she says, somewhat relieved, “in which direction?” The captain replies: “Down”.

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

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The Archimedes, fitted with Mr FP Smith’s Patent Screw Propeller on her trip from Gravesend to Portsmouth, May 14 1839.

BRIEFLY

Chief urged to cede Treasury

Independents for Canberra will seek to formally prevent the same person from being both chief minister and treasurer concurrently in the next Legislative Assembly.

Party leader Thomas Emerson said the group was responding to community concerns about the concentration of power in the Chief Minister’s office and would seek to make the change if it held the balance of power after the October ACT election.

“Allowing the leader to also hold the purse strings risks threatening the integrity of our democracy.

“Canberrans want to be participants in a living democracy, not spectators to a perpetual power-sharing arrangement.”

A highland fling

The Canberra-based Joy Reiher Highland Dancing School is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a reunion of past and present students, members and families at the Ainslie Football Club, from 7pm on Saturday, September 21. The evening’s activities will include a highland dancing demonstration and a pipe band display by JRSSD dancers and Canberra City Pipes & Drums. RSVP to kjreiher@tpg.com.au

Tom Emerson.

Income estimates for land supply make no sense

“If the government is not willing to adjust land prices downwards, the budget forecasts of land supply are little more than wishful thinking.” JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED say revenue estimates for land supply make no sense.

If there are barriers to entry to the housing market, or if it becomes unaffordable, there will be a greater need for social housing.

It falls to governments to ensure the market is operating as efficiently as possible.

Of fundamental importance is a land-supply system that delivers land suitable for a range of housing options at affordable prices and which is responsive to demand.

For example, it may be the case that, prima facie, there are sufficient developments to meet unmet demand, but the developer (in this case the ACT government) is deliberately drip feeding the market to drive up land prices.

In other words, supply is being constrained even though dwelling sites are available to be released and any suggestion by members of the ACT government that house prices are not dependent on supply should be ignored.

We were encouraged by the announcement, in the 2024-25 Budget, that the government intended to increase land supply. Regrettably, on a closer reading, it transpires that the commitment is not supported by either the financial estimates or the reality of the supply system.

The 2024-25 Indicative Land Release Program (ILRP) sets a target of 5107 dwelling sites for 2024-25.

While the estimate of land supply achieved in 2023-24 is not available in the Budget Papers, the 2023-24 ILRP set a meagre target of 1883 dwelling sites. We assume that this risibly low target was achieved.

However, the 2024-25 target is more than 170 per cent higher than the 2023-24 target. While this increase is commendable, we have no expectation, based on this government’s record, that it will be achieved or sustained.

The last time land supply in the ACT exceeded 5000 dwelling sites was in 2010-11. Not once since then has the government gone anywhere near achieving that level of supply.

Table 1 includes the supply targets for dwelling sites as well as mixed-use and commercial land over the budget and forward estimates. For comparative purposes, we have included in Table 1 the target and actual average

annual supply for these categories over the four-year period from 2019-20 to 2022-23.

The 2024-25 Budget sets an annual average target of 4136 dwelling sites in each of the next four years. This represents an increase of 30 per cent above the 3173 sites a year delivered over the past four years. Similarly, the annualised target for mixed use land is increased by 29 per cent (from the actual average of 37,698 m2 to 48,508 m2).

In addition, the budget foreshadows an increase of 119 per cent in the amount of commercial land (25,980 m2 to 56,869 m2) to be released in the next four years. Needless to say, the proposed increases are far greater than the 2023-24 estimates.

This begs the question of how one gauges the adequacy of the mooted increase in land supply?

The answer depends on whether we measure it against actual delivery in the recent past, over a longer time frame, or against underlying demand.

For example, the four-year target of land for 16,545 dwellings is substantially lower than the four-year targets in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 Budgets, of 18,500 and 19,500 dwellings, respectively. In 2010-11, when the Canberra population was 368,000 the government released 5,048 dwelling sites.

Again we ask, will the average of 4136 dwelling sites, which the ACT government proposes to release over the next four years, be enough to meet demand, noting that, in the interim, Canberra’s population has increased by more than 100,000? The answer is clearly, no.

Will the Government be able to sell 4136 dwelling sites annually, on average, over the next four years?

The answer to this question critically depends on two factors: (a) the ability of the land supply system to deliver well above what it has been delivering, and (b) the price the government sets for land. Unfortunately, the past performance as well as the financial information, comments and notes (in fine print) in the Budget Papers suggest otherwise.

It is clear, from Table 1 that the ACT government’s land-supply system has fallen short of the targets quite significantly. Notably, the targets

in the recent past for mixed-use and commercial land were even higher than the 2024-25 ILRP targets, but the shortfall averaged 45 per cent and 59 per cent respectively.

The preparedness of the supply system is in fact revealed in a strategic indicator in the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate’s Budget Statement. The indicator Proportion of sites identified in the Indicative Land Release Program with completed investigation studies has a target of 80 per cent.

One would expect that if the ILRP has any chance of being delivered, all of the sites identified in it have at least the necessary studies completed.

In relation to price, while the ACT government may pretend it’s a passive

player in the market, and is selling land at market price, the reality is different.

It is a monopoly supplier, and its policy has been extractive, achieving supernormal profits. If that policy is maintained, it can be guaranteed that the supply targets and revenue forecasts will not be achieved.

Table 2 provides the dwelling sites in the ILRP, and revenue and gross profit margin forecasts in the Suburban Land Agency’s Budget Statements.

This table is drawn from the SLA’s Budget Statement (Table 4: Key Performance Indicators – Financial Measures). For reference, we have included residential land supply targets from the ILRP, which, surprisingly, are not included in the SLA’s statement.

The target of 5107 dwellings for 2024-25 is, as we noted, unlikely to be achieved, especially if the gross profit margin is to be maintained at the approximate 2023-24 estimated level of 57 per cent. Note 1 in the SLA’s Budget Statement referred to above advises that “the decrease in the budgeted revenue from contracts with customers in 2024-25 is due to a decrease in expected land sales”.

Further, the target for the following year, that is the 2025-26 financial

year, drops to 2972 dwelling sites. To put this in perspective, this is below the annual average of 3568 in the years 2011-12 to 2022-23 and, bizarrely, even lower than the previous four years’ average of 3173. Despite this, the revenue from sales is forecast to more than double to $582 million. In 2026-27, revenue is forecast to increase even further along with an increase in the profit margin to almost 60 per cent. Notably, gross profit averaged 31 per cent in the period 2008-09 to 2010-11, ie about half that currently forecast, despite 4555 sites, on average, being sold at that time.

The market clearing price, that is what customers are willing to pay for this volume of land, is likely to be lower than prices in the recent past.

This is due to broad economic conditions and the outlook on interest rates. A further reason, structural rather than cyclical, is the potential capitalisation of increased taxes (general rates, land tax and land-based levies) into the capital values.

The former cyclical factors are recognised, albeit, as a risk to revenue, in the Statement of Risks in Budget Paper 3, while the latter appear to receive no consideration. Put simply, the above revenue estimates make no sense, and if the government is not willing to adjust land prices downwards, the budget forecasts of land supply and associated revenue estimates are little more than wishful thinking.

Jon Stanhope is a former chief minister of the ACT and Dr Khalid Ahmed a former senior ACT Treasury official.

Table 1: Indicative land release program targets in 2024-25 Budget and past performance

Table 2: Residential land supply; revenue and gross profit margin targets in the 2024-25 Budget

Source: 2024-25 Indicative land release program; and Suburban Land Agency Annual Reports.

Source: 2024-25 Indicative land release program; and Suburban Land Agency budget statement; page 113.

The last time land supply in the ACT exceeded 5000 dwelling sites was in 2010-11. Not once since then has the government gone anywhere near achieving that level of supply.

‘Like sherpas, we help ‘We specialise in personal care because that’s

DTC Care director Prakash Bhattarai says he and his wife, Yamuna Karki, who is also the general manager, are both originally from Nepal, home of the brave sherpas who lead climbers up Mount Everest.

“If you want to climb Mount Everest, first there is base camp, then second base camp, then the top of Mount Everest, and a sherpa is assigned to you from base camp one,” he says.

“The sherpa, in the morning, he wakes up at 1am, and makes a way, and puts up the ropes so that you can walk and climb to base two.

“Then, again, he makes a way around, and makes the ropes for you so that you can have that climbing certificate.

Standing for “Dignity, Trust and Compassion”, Prakash says DTC always strives to achieve the best outcomes for its clients.

After observing the impactful shortages in his wife’s sector of aged care during covid, Prakash says he wanted to provide a service that could directly help the community.

They offer services ranging from simple outings, such as transportation to appointments or assistance with shopping, to specialised hygiene assistance such as urinal management, catheter management, or end-of-life social support.

We focus more on personalised support plans, we listen to them, and we prepare their plans, and we get their feedback as well.

“We have these kinds of roots, and like the sherpas of Mount Everest, we give our life to help others complete their goals.”

For nearly two years, DTC Care has been providing client-informed, one-on-one home support across the ACT and NSW.

Importantly, all staff, including those in administration, are certified to work as support workers, Prakash says, so if there ever is a day where they are short-staffed, clients do not have to miss appointments or worry if they will receive the care they need.

“In Nepal, we live in a group, we live with our grandparents. We have that caring nature in our blood,” says Prakash.

“We specialise in personal care because that’s our nature, we are compassionate and caring people.

“We focus more on personalised support

DTC Care general manager Yamuna Karki and director Prakash Bhattarai with their son Sohamshree Bhattarai... “In Nepal, we live in a group, we live with our grandparents. We have that caring nature in our blood,” says Prakash.

our nature, we are compassionate and caring people’ others complete their goals’

plans, we listen to them, and we prepare their plans, and we get their feedback as well.”

Prakash also has a background in teaching meditation, which he says helps him to bring a sense of calm to clients and staff.

“Most people are looking for some kind of peace, and with that strength, we can handle that stress when a client is having high intensity of anger or something similar” he says.

To ensure they provide the best home support services they can, Prakash says DTC Care is dedicated to arranging frequent in-house and online training for all their support workers.

ple sclerosis, and is an above-knee amputee with an additional pressure wound that has massively limited her movements.

I can’t fault them in any shape or form, Prakash himself provides me with advice and understanding as well.

This commitment to providing the best support for their workers means they can provide the best care for their clients, says Prakash, and it is part of what makes them such a reliable source of support.

Robert Ryan has been a client of DTC Care for the last year and a half, and he says it is this reliability that is their stand-out quality.

Robert says: “They’re very positive in a certain way of trying to get people motivated to get out into the community, to socialise.

“They’re very good people.”

Another client of DTC Care, Patrizia Nash, says that DTC Care “saved her life”.

Patrizia helps to look after her niece, who has very complex needs, including primary progressive multi -

They have been clients of DTC Care for just over a year now, says Patrizia.

She says: “One of the main things is trust and honesty, and if you don’t have that in a support worker, you’re fighting a losing battle.

“I can’t fault them in any shape or form, Prakash himself provides me with advice and understanding as well, [...] so it’s not just centred on the client, it’s a holistic thing.”

“Their caring nature is so profound that you could compare it to a mother looking after their own child.”

Prakash says receiving positive feedback like this is what keeps them motivated.

He says: “Last year, we helped one family, who, one of the relatives was going to be in palliative care, so the family were already exhausted, and we came in, and they were so relieved, and they are still in contact.

“We looked after them for just like three or four days, but they are still sending us messages, and they left so much feedback to support co-ordinators that most of our clients came from them.”

DTC Care. Call 0426 803524, or visit dtccare.com.au for more information and to access a referral form.

“Prakash and his team of beautiful, kind carers looked after a releative of ours... They were beyond kind and helpful and she trusted them and felt safe in their presence. They did things above and beyond what we would have expected... They are truly kind and beautiful people and we can’t recommend them highly enough. 5 Stars!”

– Melanie W

DTC Care director, Prakash Bhattarai.

Frustrated by a tired, dysfunctional health system

During a Saturday afternoon walk around the block, my wife tripped on a nature strip and cut her chin on the gutter.

Thanks to good Samaritans, who were driving by, some first aid assistance was rendered and they also took me home to get our car and stayed with my wife until I returned to get her to medical assistance. We immediately thought of the Walk In Centre at Weston Creek. Although very helpful they said they were not allowed to administer the three stitches required and referred us to the Emergency Department at Canberra Hospital while also advising it would be at least a four to five-hour wait depending on whether more urgent cases moved ahead of us.

My wife’s injury was not one that required the expert services of an emergency department. Happy to pay for the urgent attention, we rang around all the usual medical centres, but all were either booked out or just about to close.

Luckily, one recommended the Queanbeyan Medicare Urgent Care Centre, which has a doctor on duty at all times, unlike the Canberra Walk In Centres.

Within two hours my wife’s cut had been stitched and followed by a tetanus shot, she was on the mend. To our surprise it was also bulk billed.

Is it any wonder that our emergency departments in Canberra are overrun when

even relatively minor cases cannot be attended to at the Walk In Centres because there is no doctor on duty?

ACT government Walk In Centres cannot even prescribe mild pain killers, they can only suggest Disprin or Panadol. They also cannot prescribe any antibiotic treatments that may be necessary for infected wounds etcetera. What a waste of trained staff and facilities.

The NSW Government has managed to provide these Medicare Urgent Care Centres to relieve their stretched EDs so why on earth can’t we?

All that would be required is a doctor on duty at each of the five ACT Walk In Centres.

Canberra has a tired, dysfunctional, underfunded health system and its time for a change of government.

Alex Courage, Yarralumla

Failure to evaluate bus rapid transport

I am struck by the similarities in the arguments used by the proponents of light rail and nuclear power.

Nuclear power advocates point to its use in a number of countries overseas, ignoring such decisions were made decades ago when the choice of low cost, reliable solar and wind power was not available; that many of the countries do not possess our solar and wind resources and that nuclear power in Australia has been assessed as the

more expensive option.

Light rail advocates point to the use of light rail in a large number of cities. Most decisions to adopt light rail were made before improvements in electric bus technology (including the trackless tram) and the increase in working from home, both of which increase the competitiveness of buses.

The ACT government has failed to evaluate bus rapid transport despite its potential to be a more cost effective option for Canberra. The extension of light rail could well be at the expense of improvements in social housing, to the bus network and health, aged and disability services.

The government has failed to justify its expenditure priorities. For its credibility and accountability it should do so before the October election.

Mike Quirk, Garran

Why are ’roos killed for land development?

Every year, for the last 16 years, the ACT Labor/Greens government has slaughtered kangaroos claiming they were pests and needed to be slaughtered because they are suddenly destroying their environment and causing the extinction of grasses and small lizards.

For the last three of these years an enormous number of roos have been killed on Red Hill and then, strangely, a vast development of housing is being built where they once peacefully lived.

The ACT government will shortly be building a new suburb called Kenny and, surprise, this year 271 adults were shot and 111 joeys clubbed to death on Goorooyarroo, the adjacent reserve.

Why won’t this government tell the truth about why it slaughters so many of our iconic native wildlife each year?

The truth being they are being killed for land development and not that the kangaroo, which has shaped this continent for millions of years and lived in harmony with other native wildlife, has suddenly started to destroy its own environment.

Jo Kirwan, via email

Don’t put a flea in Barr’s ear

Re Richard Johnston’s letter (CN August 1) about building on hilltops: Please don’t put a flea in Barr’s ears.

They’ve ruined what is meant to be a bush capital already with all the infill and high-rise units all over the place, at least save the hills around us from the concrete jungle that Canberra is becoming.

Monica Beran, Farrer

As a Christian, I took great umbrage

Robert Macklin’s The Gadfly column (CN July 25) reeks of anti-religion bigotry. I am surprised that such a biassed article

appeared in your usually fine publication. To compare the average person with religious beliefs to supposed Christian sects, and to ridicule other people’s creeds is the religious equivalent of racism.

As a practising Christian – who goes about his religion quietly and privately, as do 99 per cent of all such peoples of belief, whatever religion – I took great umbrage to this article. I wonder how many other of your readers are of the same view.

Dave Jeffrey, Farrer

A severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome

Declan McGrath (Letter, CN August 8) must be suffering a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome if he thinks the Republicans have encouraged violence without mentioning the Democrats did nothing to denounce the violence that resulted in at least 20 innocent deaths and many more injuries and the destruction of hundreds of innocent businesses by Black Lives Matter supporters who are typically Democrat voters.

In fact, the left-wing US media, who are big supporters of the Democrats, were seen reporting live in front of burning buildings claiming the BLM were peaceful protests. Whereas, there was no rioting from the “violent” Republican supporters after Trump got shot recently due to the unprofessional and lax Secret Service.

Ian

Pilsner, Weston

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LETTERS / 2

Time to get rid of the Assembly’s low-hanging fruit

With the upcoming ACT election, things seem to be heating up in the kitchen, as the sitting members try and retain their seats, or the new kids on the block, seek a look in attempt to secure a position in the Assembly; perhaps even some independents!

I, for one, believe we need some fresh blood in the Assembly to tackle several long-standing issues with the ACT community.

Some of these issues stand out more than others; however, how about we start with some fundamental needs and improvements our community needs and deserves?

These include, but are not limited to, affordable housing, improved physical and mental health services, decent alcohol and drug services, improved homelessness services, human rights for marginalised groups of people, improvements within ACT policing, the criminal justice system (both youth and adult), the coronial system, our city’s infrastructure, toxic workplace cultures, environmental sustainability; the list goes on.

Further, I strongly believe that transparency and honesty are key words we should be acknowledging and practising.

As a horticulturist in a previous life, I suggest we start with getting rid of the low-

hanging fruit, followed by a harsh pruning to get rid of the deadwood, so to speak.

If you are a gardener, you will know that a decent prune will generally leave a plant to flourish with new buds and healthy and vigorous growth.

If we are going to maintain Canberra’s city as being restorative and progressive in nature, we need to get pruning!

I have my secateurs and pruning saw at the ready; come join me.

Janine Haskins, Cook

There certainly was an invasion

I was staggered by the denialist letter from Vi Evans (“Invasion? What Invasion of Australia? CN August 18) claiming that there was no invasion.

According to Oxford Languages the simple definition of “invasion” is:

noun

1. an instance of invading a country or region with an armed force.

2. an incursion by many people or things into a place or sphere of activity.

3. an unwelcome intrusion into another’s domain.

The uninvited arrival of about 1400 people aboard 11 ships, many of those ships and people armed, to a land mass occupied by other people with no knowledge of who those arriving were, can certainly be considered an invasion.

That is especially so as those arriving

hoisted their flag and claimed that land mass as their own, with no consultation of the existing inhabitants. Over the next 200 years, similar people continued to arrive on that land mass, constantly driving those original inhabitants from their traditional lands.

Many Japanese today have no knowledge of what happened in the Pacific during World War II. Not because it didn’t happen, but because the books they read in schools contain no references to those horrors. Perhaps Vi Evans should read different books.

Henry Moulds, via email

This is why this nation needs ‘truth telling’

Vi Evans is right. None of the Australian history books she has read “contain claims about violent invasion” (Letters, CN August 8). That’s the problem. That’s why this nation needs “truth telling”.

Australian school textbooks in the 1900s expunged the truth. All we got was explorer stories.

Vi would be wary of alternative views. Maybe John Connor’s, The Australian Frontier Wars 1788-1838, published by the University of NSW Press would be acceptable. Brad Manera, a historian at the Australian War Memorial, favourably reviewed it and concluded: “John Connor’s work is a significant contribution to the historiography of colonial Australia.”

Val may find the map of massacres from

1788 to 1930 at tinyurl.com/MassacresMap too confronting. It is interactive and by clicking on each site, a pop-up window gives the brief story. There is also an interactive variable timeline. Every Australian should view it.

Ray Peck, Hawthorn, Victoria

Letters such as Vi’s spread ‘misinformation’

Letter writer Vi Evans (CN August 8) claims there was no invasion of Australia by British colonialists. This is remarkable given a definition of invasion is “the act of entering a place in an attempt to take control of it”.

Likewise, Vi claims there was no violent occupation. This evidence comes from all of the history books that Vi has read about the early settlement of Australia.

Vi clearly read the same text book that I received on entering first form in 1970 – that which depicts Australia’s history starting in 1770.

The remainder of Vi’s correspondence displays similar ignorance of ecology. But my gripe is not with Vi but with CityNews. Letters such as Vi’s simply spread misinformation. None of us have the right to express an opinion unless we have expertise in a subject. We earn this right through considerable scholarship.

Ian Wallis, Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics Research School of Biology, ANU

Offended by depiction of Kamala Harris

I was offended by the racist “blackface” depiction of Kamala Harris in a cartoon by Paul Dorin (CN August 8).

While Ms Harris had parents of African and Indian heritage, she clearly does not have a dark complexion as depicted by Paul Dorin, where he seems to be deliberately emphasising her African heritage. It reminds me of the minstrel shows of the past in America where white actors and cartoon characters were depicted wearing “blackface” for the purpose of comically portraying racial stereotypes of African Americans.

CityNews needs to apologise for allowing the publication of that cartoon.

Tony Falla, Ngunnawa

Wishing

for resources the government enjoys

Re Michelle Grattan’s column about the Albanese government’s immediate challenges (“So much housework, so little time”, citynews.com.au August 9): many living beyond Capital Hill would be wishing they had access to an army of skilled and already well-paid professionals who could just get stuck into jobs piling up on “to-do” lists.

Sue Dyer, Downer

Canberrans with skills that span generations

There’s something special about a family business, where skills and legacy are passed between generations.

Canberra has no shortage of family businesses, with experience that spans generations and still growing today.

This week “CityNews” speaks to some of the family businesses and family-friendly businesses who proudly share their expertise with the Canberra community.

Family-run cafe serving up the ‘classics’

Owner and cafe all-rounder, Rosemary McVilly, and her husband, Gerard McVilly, purchased Cap’n Joe Cafe in mid-March.

She says together with their barista grandson, they have completely revolutionised the space, creating an environment that encourages people to spend a few hours enjoying the neighbourhood.

“We’re all about hospitality here,” she says.

“Most of the cafes in Canberra are ultra-modern and really clinical, and we’ve gone the other way.

“We still have the old-fashioned newspapers and magazines for people to read, we have our community book library, we also have the Phillip Support Local Businesses wall, where everyone can come in and put their business cards up there.”

“For the price of a coffee, they can grab a book off the shelf and sit down for an hour or two on our

comfy sofas,” she says.

“We have a community jigsaw puzzle on the table, we have chess, we have backgammon.

“It’s a really nice feel, and we’re very familyoriented.”

They are also in the process of creating a pet-friendly area.

Rosemary says their most popular dishes are the cafe classics, such as the bacon and egg roll, eggs benedict and pancakes.

“It’s all cooked fresh,” she says.

“And we keep our prices down, I refuse to put my food prices up. People can still come here and get a coffee and a decent meal for under $20.”

Cap’n Joe Cafe, 22-24 Colbee Court, Phillip. Call 0448 064959 or visit Cap’n Joe Cafe on Facebook.

Stepping confidently in to dance

Dancing in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking, but Dale Harris, owner of Dale’s Ballroom, says she can help even the most timid of dancers.

Dale is an expert in many styles of dance, including tango, foxtrot, quickstep, Viennese waltz, cha cha, samba, jive, rumba and paso doble, and has more than 25 years’ experience teaching dance.

Dale says dance classes are a great opportunity to keep children entertained, but are also perfect for adults looking to engage in a new social activity this winter.

The seven-week dance course for adults is open again, and Dale encourages anyone to come and learn, regardless of age or experience.

“We have people of all ages coming in for the classes,” she says, with adult classes on Wednesdays, starting at 7pm, and junior classes every Thursday from 5pm.

She says classes cover Latin, New Vogue and standard dances.

“It is also a great time to enrol in the medal classes, as competitions begin in November, allowing a solid semester to

practise and prepare,” says Dale. For those preparing for a wedding, or special event, Dale says private classes are also available.

“We do private classes by appointment and we can accommodate choreographing a dance for your own routine, to the music you have chosen,” she says.

Dale’s Ballroom Dancing, 6/38 Reed Street North, Greenway. Call 0407 066110 or visit dalesballroomdancing.com

Welcome to Cap’n Joe Cafe

The perfect place for a mid week meeting or to catch up with friends for a bite to eat.

Whether it be for breakfast, lunch, or for our amazing coffee, at a great price –Cap’n Joe’s is the place to go.

Ask about our catering.

Proudly supporting the Red Rose Foundation.

Cap’n Joe Cafe owners Gerard McVilly, left, and Rosemary McVilly with barista Tyler Page, centre.

Dale’s Ballroom owner Dale Harris, centre, with daughters Brooke and Grace.jpg

Helping families build dream homes

Arkitex is a family-run architecture firm that Massimo D’Ambrosio, son of the director, Alessandro (Alex) D’Ambrosio, says takes particular joy in helping people design their dream homes.

Massimo, who holds a variety of responsibilities including drafting, planning, liaising with clients and making design changes, says designing and building a house is a significant process, and often holds a lot of sentimental value for clients.

“Building a house from start to finish, it’s a very big, monumental task and people spend years and years saving up to get that deposit to go to the bank,” he says.

“As an architect, you play a special part in their life, because you’re crafting this house for the family to

prosper and grow in and to live in for the coming years or decades.”

Massimo says because Arkitex is a smaller, family business, they look at each client as more than a number, as can be the case with bigger corporations.

“It doesn’t matter how significant or how minute our involvement is, it all plays a role in our business and we value that customers come to us and put their faith in us,” he says.

“I like to think about it as when you pass on, as an architect, you leave a piece of yourself behind.”

Arkitex, Shop 5, 24 Torrens Place, Torrens. Call 0413 570599, email info@arkitex.com.au or search Arkitex on Facebook.

Action Plumbing is a local, multi-generational family business that has been operating for 40 years, says director Simon Read, and includes wife Sally, who is the business manager, brother Daniel and his father Mark, who founded the business.

From the beginning, Simon says Action Plumbing has prioritised building trusted relationships, with the vast majority of work coming from loyal clients, some for more than 30 years.

“We are known for our commitment to personal and professional service, arriving on time and delivering quality plumbing solutions every time,” he says.

“Our honest approach to renovation and commercial and residential plumbing means we have built an impeccable reputation in the Canberra community for delivering quality services at the right price and in the right time frame.”

He says Action Plumbing offers the full range of plumbing services and start-to-finish bathroom renovations.

As a family business, Action Plumbing has strong values and priorities in communication, efficiency, respect and trust.

“Our commitment to quality means you get the best results. It has always been in our best interests to set our standard of work above the rest,” he says.

“This includes being responsive, communicating clearly, arriving on time and cleaning up after ourselves.

“We treat your home like our own, your time as valuable and we treat you like family. We understand cost is a major factor, so we provide transparency in all our quotes.

“We’re not out to trick or overcharge clients. Knowing a good plumber is like having a family GP, that’s why trust and respect in our client relationships are essential.”

Action Plumbing, call 0438 630508 or visit actionplumbing.net.au

Arkitex director Alessandro (Alex) D’Ambrosio, left, with son Massimo D’Ambrosio at his graduation.

Action Plumbing from left, Daniel (senior apprentice), Simon (director), Sally (business manager) and their Dad, Mark (founder).

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Pat’s got more workwear than ever before

With more than 30 years of providing quality work clothes to the Canberra region and a team that’s backed with more than 90 years’ combined industry experience, Seears Workwear knows what working people are after, says owner Pat Seears, who runs the business with his son Shane.

Seears Workwear has its largest range of workwear stock ever – the biggest in the region, says Pat.

The store also has workwear for chefs, paramedics and firefighters, says Pat, who knows the needs of local businesses and supplies many Fyshwick businesses with their work uniforms.

Get car-ready for summer road trips

Now the colder months are behind us, Car Service Canberra’s owner Jake Hickenbotham recommends drivers get in early to have their car serviced, especially the air conditioning.

“A lot of people aren’t thinking of servicing their car until the last minute and there’s a rush before they go away on holidays,” he says.

“Having regular services prevents mechanical problems that might arise with your vehicle. With our servicing, you can drive away on your holiday feeling safe and confident that your car is running efficiently.”

Together, Jake and his wife Monique own the Repco-authorised service centre that does new-car and logbook car servicing, light vehicle repairs,

vehicle

services and NSW and ACT registration inspections. Jake says they also offer automotive airconditioning services.

Monique is in charge of the administration, bookings and front desk, and together with Jake, they say they’re providing excellent service, and reasonable prices.

Jake says customers have been very positive about the service they receive from Car Service Canberra.

“Communication and honesty is the biggest thing, we try to make it as simple as we can for clients,” he says.

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Located on Barrier Street, he says their stock includes safety work boots, leather shoes and steel-toed canvas shoes, from brands such as Puma, Rockport and Dunlop.

Seears Workwear can also assist companies through their corporate uniform services, which provide customised embroidery services for promotional clothing and business uniforms.

Stocking work apparel such as high-vis workwear, jackets, jeans, shoes and hats, he says: “Everything is the best quality from the best manufacturers.”

Seears Workwear, 60 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 4111 or visit seearsworkwear.com.au

Seears Workwear owners Pat Seears, right, with son Shane.

Car Service Canberra’s owner Jake Hickenbotham.

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Dedicated support for people with disabilities

Living with a disability, ageing or recovering from an injury can be a challenge.

There are many passionate experts based in the ACT region who offer services that can make daily life a little easier, whether it’s at home, or beyond.

CityNews talks to the services who are here to offer support and guidance.

Expo showcases latest in disability support

The Canberra Disability Expo is taking place on September 6 and 7, 9am-3pm, and will involve more than 85 exhibitors, says marketing manager Yvette Thomson.

She says exhibitors include a range of allied health, government, advocacy, employment, housing, and some assistive technology products.

The event is free, and Yvette says it is not just for those with NDIS funding, it is open to anyone who is living with a disability, their carers, family and friends.

“It’s an inclusive venue, it’s an accessible venue, we have Auslan and live captioning, we have a quiet hour from 9am to 10am on the Saturday

morning for people that have sensory sensitivities, and then we also have water stations and toilet areas for those with service animals,” she says.

On Friday, the expo ambassador, Tim Murdoch, will perform at 11am, and will also do an interview on stage, along with many other speakers and entertainment throughout the two days.

“We just want to provide an inclusive environment for anyone in the Canberra area to come along and find out what’s sort of new and happening at the Expo,” Yvette says.

Canberra Disability Expo, September 6 and 7, Exhibition Park. Visit canberradisabilityexpo.com.au

Creating inclusive work environments

Jigsaw is a social enterprise founded on the idea that the best way to prepare people for work is through the real-world experience of work.

“People with disability first gain skills and training, then are employed at award wage in our commercial business,” says CEO Paul Brown.

“After that, we support them in their transition to open employment in the right role with the right employer.”

In Canberra, the Jigsaw hub will provide more than 100 traineeships at any one time.

With a focus on school leavers, those aged between 16-29 years old, Paul says Jigsaw is giving people with disability a chance at a financially stable and socially inclusive future.

Paul says meaningful employment is about more than having a job.

“Jigsaw graduates also experience improved well-being due to the sense of contribution, purpose and identity that employment brings,” he says.

Jigsaw’s commercial business, which provides work experience opportunities and paid employment for its trainees, offers digitisation and information

management services to corporate and government clients.

“Jigsaw’s vision is a simple one: an Australia in which people with disability are fully included in the workforce,” he says.

“We know our pathway to mainstream employment is getting results, and we are so proud to have expanded our reach to Australia’s capital city.”

With traineeships currently available, Paul says to drop by for a chat at the Canberra Disability Expo, Exhibition Park, September 6-7 or book a tour of the hub. Jigsaw, call 1300 166734 or visit jigsawaustralia.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2024 Fri 6TH & Sat 7TH THE EXPO INCLUDES

EXHIBITION PARK IN CANBERRA 9AM - 3PM

80 disability providers, products, aids & equipment and technology organisations exhibiting FREE ENTRY

Live all-ability performances on stage and a variety of all-age entertainment

A variety of guest speakers covering a range of accessible topics & sharing valuable information

Accessible facilities. All abilities, all inclusive

DISABILITY SERVICES advertising feature

Experts at enhancing workplace diversity

Koomarri is the longest serving, specialist provider of support to people with intellectual disability in the Canberra and surrounding region, says CEO Nadine Stephen.

“We specialise in supporting people gain and maintain meaningful employment through our customised employment program,” she says.

“This approach matches the right employee with the right business so everyone gets the positive outcome they are looking for.”

Nadine says that, disappointingly, Australia has one of the lowest employment participation rates for people with disability in the OECD, and that the rate is even lower for people with an intellectual disability.

“People with an intellectual disability want to work for the same reasons as other people; to learn skills and get job satisfaction, to have a sense of belonging and purpose, and to earn a wage,” she says.

The benefits to business are also significant, and Nadine says research, and Koomarri’s experiences, indicate improved profitability for business, lower employee turnover and high rates of employee reliability, punctuality and loyalty.

“We need more local businesses to sign up and support the skilled people we have seeking jobs,” she says.

“As a local business partner we can explore developing either work trials or paid positions depending on your needs and interest.”

Nadine says Koomarri provides a fully funded career coach for all work trials, and can also provide education and ongoing, on the job support from a Koomarri support worker, as required.

“We do all the hard work in the background, making it easy for businesses to enhance the diversity of their workplace,” she says.

Koomarri, 24 Launceston Street, Phillip. Call 6280 6143, or visit koomarri.com.au

Services focusing on the child and supporting the family

Sanctuary Aus is a not-for-profit family support service based in Holder that is purpose-built for Canberra, says Kim Hefren-Webb, executive director.

“Our major focus is in providing behaviour support services to children and young people up to the age of 25 years,” says Kim.

“We provide holistic services, focusing on the child and including the family in our work.

“We have been providing behaviour support to Canberra’s children and young people for over five years and are proud of the individualised and personal service we provide, rather than producing high turnovers of one-size-fitsall services and assessments.

“At Sanctuary Aus, we have two goals, the first is to provide professional child and family services for vulnerable families. The second is to build community.”

A lot of families parent in isolation in Canberra and have difficulty building community because it is such a mobile city, says Kim, which is why Sanctuary Aus aims to help build connected communities.

“We provide Circle of Security training, which is an attachment-based training program for families,” she says.

Kim says Sanctuary Aus tries to help the families who can’t access the current support programs in Canberra, as many of them take place during business hours.

She says they instead go to families and provide support at people’s homes.

Kim says they also run two children’s support groups: one is Cool Kids with ASD, which supports children with autism to manage their anxiety and learn coping skills.

They also have Club Mojo, which teaches children between seven and 11 how to understand their emotions or others’ emotions.

Sanctuary Aus. Call 0431 449 822, email info@ sanctuaryaus.org.au or visit sanctuaryaus.org.au or

CREATING A STRONG, CARING & SAFE COMMUNITY FOR CHILDREN

“As a charity we work with families on how we can create long-term positive change”

Local charity ‘Sanctuary Aus’ is a child and family service, custom-built for the Canberra community by professionals with decades of therapeutic and management experience.

OUR PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

• Positive Behaviour Support Services: Holistic and attachment focused services for young people with disabilities, who are displaying challenging behaviours.

• Cool Kids with Autism: Specialist anxiety management program for children 7 - 12 yr/o. Accredited by Macquarie Uni.

• Club Mojo: For 7 - 12 yr/o kids who are struggling to manage their emotions and social skills.

• Circle of Security: Internationally recognised attachment focused program for parents/carers: flexible home or web based delivery.

• Counselling: Attachment based counselling for young people and parents.

• Women's Carer Support Group: Come along and meet some new people, do an activity and share lunch with us! Free to attend.

I have witnessed the positive growth that my son has been displaying since working with Sanctuary Aus -Canberra

mum

Clockwise from top left, Nick Kamarul, Santosh Subedi, Veronica Lovell and Caitlin Milne.

Sanctuary Aus executive director Kim Hefren-Webb.

DISABILITY SERVICES advertising feature

Services lead to healthier, happier lives

Arthritis ACT can help people with physical and mental disabilities find the pathways they need to lead happier and healthier lives, says CEO Rebecca Davey.

“We are an NDIS provider, but we can support anyone with their disability whether the NDIS is for them or not.” she says.

“We specialise in helping people with invisible disabilities.”

Rebecca says Arthritis ACT has an occupational therapist who can assist people particularly with their assistive technology needs.

“That includes wheelchairs, scooters, home modification and he can also do private driving assessments for people with disabilities who need them,” she says.

Rebecca says it’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference Arthritis ACT’s services can provide.

“People may have heard that we’ve recently suffered a serious flooding event in the building we usually operate out of,” she adds.

“We want to ensure that everyone is aware that we are up and running with all our exercise classes being delivered out of the University of Canberra Health Hub, so it’s business as usual!”

Arthritis ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041, or visit arthritisact.org.au

Fostering independence through empowerment

The colour yellow evokes feelings of hope and prosperity, while the word bridge represents the shortcut towards greater independence, says Yellow Bridge founder and director, Muhammad Rahman.

He says the registered NDIS provider aims to foster independence through empowerment, and provides coordination services, psychosocial recovery coaching, mentoring services, social work and disability support programs.

“We aim to offer a positive environment where individuals are given the tools and resources they need to become more independent, as well as more active participants in the local community,” he says.

Muhammad began working as a disability support worker in 2010, while also working with dementia patients, before transitioning to a position as a support co-ordinator in 2014.

He says that many of the Yellow Bridge team have lived experience of disability, and understand how helpful it is to have assistance in accessing the NDIS, smoothing out the oftentimes complicated process.

“We envision a world where every individual has the ability to live a meaningful life through strong connections,” he says.

“We aim for every Yellow Bridge participant to ultimately have the confidence and support they need to both live independently, and as active contributors within their communities.”

Yellow Bridge was recently honoured with a Commendation, at the 2023 Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards, for Excellence in Inclusive Services and Disability Support, and Muhammad was awarded the Excellence in Making Inclusion Happen award.

Yellow Bridge was also a finalist in the 2023 Local Business Awards.

Yellow Bridge, Level 1, 1/25 Dickson Place, Dickson. Call 5135 6685 or visit ybridge.com.au

Trauma programs build confidence in water

WaterWombats is not just a swim school, says founder Carol Jennings, it is an allied health organisation offering therapy services and adapted swim programs that use water as a therapeutic tool.

WaterWombats offers programs that specifically aim to help children and young people living with a disability to develop physical and emotional literacy skills for the water and in life.

However, Carole says they also offer programs targeting pain management, such as the new aquatic bodywork program, a water shiatsu relaxation therapy for adults.

Aquatic therapies with WaterWombats include hydrotherapy, explicit water safety instruction, adapted learn-to-swim programs, aquatic sensory and motor integration therapy, aqua aerobics and aqua yoga.

But, WaterWombats also has land-based activities running, including drama therapy and expressive arts therapies that Carole says are going very well.

“Additionally to that, we’re now able to offer some capacity assessments for NDIS, so reporting assessments to support NDIS applications and things like that,” says Carol.

“The other thing is a program called PACT, which is: Pediatric, Autism Communication Therapy.

“It’s for parents of children that are struggling with communication and connection.”

She says the program is designed to support parents build connections with their child and foster communication lines and strategies.

The WaterWombats will be at the community table at the Canberra Disability Expo, Exhibition Park, September 6-7, and Carol encourages people to come and ask questions, or just have a chat.

WaterWombats. Call 0413 139018, or visit waterwombats.com

“Every

At Yellow Bridge, our dedicated team of NDIS Support Coordinators are passionate about supporting those with disabilities. They provide individuals with the tools they need to maximise opportunities for greater independence, and empower them to become more active members of the community.

• Coordination Services

• Specialist Support Coordination

• Psychosocial Recovery Coaching

• Social Work

“Fostering independence through empowerment”

Enquire TODAY 02 5135 6685 Email admin@ybridge.com.au Suite F5, Level 1, 25 Dickson Place, Dickson ybridge.com.au

Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey.

MEET OUR PAIN MANAGEMENT EXPERTS

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.

Sarah Solano – Exercise Physiologist

Sarah believes that exercise is the best medicine. She is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with her degree in exercise physiology and rehabilitation. Previously Sarah was a swim teacher, personal trainer and an allied health assistant in the hydrotherapy field.

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.

Jarrod Phillips – Exercise Physiologist

Jarrod is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who graduated from the University of Canberra in 2024. He has a passion for wanting to help those in need and aims to provide the best possible treatment and advice to each and every one of his clients.

• 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.

Monarch Window Cleaning

GARDENING

Garden vine on toxic weeds list

The moth vine or Kapok vine is a perennial, long-lived, fast-growing plant that I see around some Canberra gardens, but these days it’s viewed as a toxic weed.

In summer, it’s pretty, small, white flowers grow large fruit the size of an avocado that looks similar to the edible choko fruit, but Kapok is not edible.

The fruit splits and self-seeds causing a menace in bushland and neighbouring gardens with the fluffy seed head carried by the wind.

SUNDAY ROAST

This particular plant (araujia sericifera) should be cut to the ground and removed, but for complete eradication, the roots need to be manually removed or poisoned.

A toxic weed, it’s on the government weed list and if seen in bushland it should be reported to the government for removal.

When stems are cut, they exude a sticky sap that can be an irritant if it comes in contact with skin. Use gloves and covered clothing to remove it and dispose of it in the green bin, not the home compost.

COMING into flower now is a ter-

rific little plant called Osmanthus Heaven Scent, a hardy member of the olive family.

Even if you can’t see the flowers, your nose will find it in no time and a small bush can fill a small courtyard or outdoor area with a rich fragrant scent.

Hardy once established, they don’t mind shade or full sun and make a terrific small hedge to suit both of those conditions in one spot.

There are many other varieties of Osmanthus that grow in our conditions such as the evergreen Osmanthus fragrans Aurantiacus with gorgeous tangerine flowers in autumn to winter.

Generally all osmanthus should be pruned after flowering depending on the variety.

IN the next month all the last of winter pruning needs to be done before new growth begins.

Many jobs are spraying fungicides on all fruit trees and keeping an eye out for black aphids on the bark of trees that affects all stone fruit, citrus and ornamental trees such as maples.

It’s also the last chance to get winter oils on to fruit trees for insect damage in spring.

Add a little lime sulphur, especially this time of year, because lime sulphur also acts as an insecticide and can be used on deciduous branches for any fungal disease. In summer, switch to a gentler fungicide such as copper when there is growth. Keep watering fruit trees as they begin to put on growth and flower.

There are still frosts around that can kill flower buds and damage fruit set in the spring.

If you are looking to grow your own fruit trees, I recommend varieties that are mid-to-late flowering that will suit our growing conditions and overall will have better growth.

Dig a hole bigger than the pot and add a bucket of homemade compost and plant the tree and add water. Keep an eye on it, only watering if soil is dry.

Once there’s new growth, fertilise with an organic slow-release fertiliser.

Now’s a good time to see what’s flowering in the garden to attract bees when fruit trees are flowering. To encourage more bees, plant blueflowering plants such as rosemary or lavender to attract bees.

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

Jottings…

• Hedges can have a light tidy now before spring growth.

• Foliar feed any greens in the vegetable patch to keep them growing.

• Keep watering winter-flowering natives such as wattles and grevilleas.

• Last chance to get berries planted for this season’s cropping.

The moth vine or Kapok vine… a toxic weed, it’s on the government list and if seen in bushland should be reported for removal. Photos: Jackie Warburton

Osmanthus Heaven Scent… a small bush can fill a small courtyard or outdoor area with a rich fragrant scent.

MEIKLE NICHOLE OVERALL &

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Marcia Hines still shines after all these years

By Helen Musa

When Marcia Hines first hit Australia in 1970, she was, famously, just 16 years old and as she tells me by phone from Perth, “bullet-proof, as all 16-year-olds should be.”

Now at 71, she’s coming to Canberra in a show based on her 2023 album, Still Shining: The 50th Anniversary Ultimate Collection.

A household name through stage shows such as Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, years of touring with the Daly-Wilson Big Band and a number two in the singles charts in Australia 1977, she was voted “Queen of Pop” from 1976 to 1978 and inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2007. These are just a few of her achievements since she decided to call Australia home.

Hines was initially “discovered” in her home town, Boston, by entrepreneur Harry M Miller and director Jim Sharman while they were looking for African-American singers to perform in a new season of the tribal rock love musical, Hair.

A singer in her church choir from age nine, for her, coming here was initially supposed to be part of the learning curve of a young

singer. Her mum, whom she says “taught me all the good things, so I knew what was wrong and what was right,” asked: “Do you want to go for six months?”

We know how that turned out. Miller became her legal guardian until she was 21, she became a star on stage and a successful recording artist so as she says: “In the end, it worked out all right.”

When Hines arrived in Australia it was a time when finding a black singer here was a tall order, but, as the daughter of Jamaican parents, she was no ordinary black singer.

“I brought my Jamaican heritage with me,” she says and that, she believes, has gifted her her a laid-back quality, though not so laid-back that she can’t react when she hears terrible stories coming out of the US recently.

“I still have both my passports, you know,” she says, “I just can’t believe what’s going on over there, I’m speechless.”

If she’s back in the US nowadays, people think she sounds totally Australian, but Hines tells me she never had a typical American accent, because she was taught how to speak English by a Jamaican woman. Hines’ easy talking style is familiar to most

Australians from her times as a judge on Australian Idol, where she has had the reputation of being exceptionally diplomatic.

“I was a kid once, I understand what these kids want to do so I want to be a constructive critic and give them something that they can take and work on,” she says.

Hines has enjoyed several periods of extensive touring, as with this stint, which takes in WA, Queensland, SA, Victoria and NSW and although she’s slated to play the role of Teen Angel in the new John Frost/ Crossroads production of Grease, life on the road still holds its attractions.

“It’s great to be on the road, performing again,” she says.

“And it’s great to see people mouthing the words to your songs – it opens up experiences to people and gives them something to believe in.

“Yes, Still Shining is a huge tour, but this is part of my creativity. Back in the day with Russell Morris and Col Joye, we used to do rural gigs and we lived on the road, it’s part of the entertainment industry.”

But there’s plenty more to life for Hines.

“Something I’m loving is that I’ve become a great mate of Patti Newton. Now Patti and I go shopping together and get into a lot of trouble – and she knows the best showbiz goss.”

Marcia Hines, Still Shining: The 50th Anniversary Concert Tour, Canberra Theatre, August 30.

“A refreshingly honest and funny musical about making real connections in the city that never sleeps...”

Marcia Hines… “It’s great to be on the road, performing again.”

Photo: Robert Catto

COVER STORY

Beauty & brains – story of an unexpected genius

By Helen Musa

One of Hollywood’s great enigmas was – and still is – the screen idol, Hedy Lamarr.

Born in Austria, she was brought to Hollywood by the head of MGM, Louis B Mayer, who had her change her name from Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler to Hedy Lamarr and promoted her successfully as “the world’s most beautiful woman”.

Success followed in films such as Algiers and the epic, Samson and Delilah, and she was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.

The enigma is that as well as being drop-dead gorgeous, Lamarr was drop-dead intelligent. Together with avant-garde musician George Antheil, she co-invented a radio guidance system for Allied torpedoes that used spread spectrum and “frequencyhopping” technology to counter radio jamming by the Axis powers.

No matter that the technology was not used until after World War II, her record as the genius film star remains unchallenged.

Now in a partnership with National Science Week 2024, The Fulbright Foundation and Australian Science Communicators, The Street Theatre is bringing New York theatre-maker Heather Massie to town with her one-woman tribute, Hedy! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr.

“I was a scientist before I was an actor,” Massie tells me. “I was studying astrophysics with a dream of being an astronaut, but

Heather Massie as Hedy Lamarr… “Hedy was such an unexpected genius and that’s why her story is intriguing.”

ended up at the University of Virginia where I took acting classes and finished at the Virginia Tech School of Performing Arts.

“Hedy was such an unexpected genius and that’s why her story is intriguing.

“It’s also close to my heart because the story mixes science and the arts.

“Also, you’re not allowed to have both beauty and brains and people can’t believe you can.

Hedy Lamarr… “Hedy once described her face as a curse, a mask she couldn’t remove, but of course it gave her a career in Hollywood,” says Heather Massie.

“Hedy once described her face as a curse, a mask she couldn’t remove, but of course it gave her a career in Hollywood.”

It was clear she was destined for great things when, as a child, she took her music box apart and put it together again. Her father showed her how a streetcar worked and encouraged her to study chemistry, but oddly, she left school at age 16, so was self-taught from after that.

Her knowledge of munitions came from her first of six husbands, Austrian military arms merchant Friedrich Mandl, reputedly the third-richest man in Austria and close to both Hitler and Mussolini.

This meant that she was privy to many ideas of how munitions worked and was in a good place to support the allies against Hitler with her inside knowledge.

But Mandl didn’t approve of her acting career, especially her role in the erotic Czech film called Ecstasy, so in 1937 she escaped to Paris then London, where she met the Mayers. By the time she landed in New York on the same boat as them, she had a Hollywood contract and a new name.

“I looked her up and took all the interesting bits to make a play,” Massie says.

“She understood how systems worked and then there were all the challenges she faced in Hollywood, so I wove them all into a story.”

“In my play I wanted to play with Hedy’s sense of humour and strong wit, but also I love to play multiple characters, so I get to play 36 characters, including Jimmy Stewart, Bette Davis and Louis B Mayer… I was going to play Hitler and Mussolini, but they got cut.”

The most important relationship in the show, Massie says, is the relationship with the audience, as Hedy helps the audience realise how somebody so unexpected could do what she did.

Knowing that audiences will be fascinated by the mixture of genius and beauty, Massie also fills in the gaps, so that we learn that Antheil was, like Hedy, a German speaker. Together, in the pre-computer era, they used a code stored on a punched paper tape just as with a pianola, where holes were punched in the paper to hop radio frequencies.

They gave the invention in 1942 to the US Navy but it wasn’t used in the war and they made no money from it. Eventually it was used in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Three years before she died Hedy (and George, posthumously) received the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s Pioneer Award. She became the first woman to receive the Invention Convention’s Bulbie Gnass Spirit of Achievement Award and in 2014 the pair were inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

In the play, Massie believes the truth has been heard and Hedy has answered the questions about her.

“And, yes, I do spend a good time transforming myself into the most beautiful woman in the world,” Massie says.

Hedy! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr, The Street Theatre, August 31, followed by a post-show conversation chaired by Bobby Cerini from Questacon.

MUSIC VIVID

In tune for Larry’s big birthday

By Helen Musa

Canberra’s music community is gearing up for a 90th birthday celebration for our most famous composer, Larry Sitsky, who moved to Canberra in late 1965 to become head of keyboard studies at the ANU’s School of Music and made his home here.

A highlight of the evening will be a new biography of Sitsky by Jeanell Carrigan and Rita Crews, at which Sitsky will speak.

Pianist Edward “Teddy” Neeman is organising the concert, to be held, naturally, in the Larry Sitsky Recital Room at the School of Music.

After an introduction by head of school Adrian Walter, Neeman will be joined by many

other musicians, including fellow pianists, Aaron Chew, Alistair Noble, Vivienne Tran and Joy Lee.

In a pre-recorded “appearance”, star pianist Michael Kieran Harvey, will play Sitsky’s The Witch of Endor.

Oboist David Nuttall, bassoonist Ben Hoadley and clarinettist Jason Noble will join the pianists to perform a mixed repertoire of works by Sitsky himself, arrangements of Russian miniatures by Vladimir Rebikov and Leff Pouishnoff.

In tribute to the Armenian influences on Sitsky, they’ll play his works Maherq: fantasia no. 6 and Zuqerq for clarinet and bongos.

Larry Sitsky

ANU School of Music, August 26.

Vivid’s allure dims as numbers drop

Visitor numbers for Sydney’s flagship winter festival Vivid have dropped, prompting calls for fewer ticketed events at the annual fixture as families battle high living costs.

Some 2.42 million people attended the annual festival of light and entertainment in 2024, down more than 35 per cent from the record 3.28 million who attended the previous year.

The result was the weakest since 2019, when 2.4 million people attended the festival, figures released to parliament show.

Organisers conceded in the leadup to the event that it would be hard to beat 2023’s record turnout. But the NSW government defended the latest numbers, saying they were the third best in the festival’s history and included the largest opening night crowd.

Liberal MP Susan Carter said making the festival cheaper to attend would boost crowds.

In 2024, more than 60 per cent of the program was free, according to the government.

Each year, Vivid transforms the harbour city with public light installations, music, food stalls and drone shows.

The latest event, which ran for 23 nights from May 24, was marred by bad weather and security flaws that caused a dangerous crowd bottleneck at a drone show. –AAP

birthday concert,

Edward Neeman and Larry Sitsky. Photo: Peter Hislop

STREAMING

Heart-warming Holdovers spares the spectacle

EVERY year there seems to be one exceptional yet underrated Oscar nominee that slips under the radar of many moviegoers.

In 2023 it was The Holdovers, a film that has only just hit Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Binge.

This unconventional Christmas flick stars Paul Giamatti as a curmudgeonly classics teacher at an American prep school who becomes even more disgruntled than usual when he has to stay on campus over the holiday break to look out for students without anywhere or anyone to go home to.

Over those chilly weeks, he comes to form an unlikely bond with a brainy troublemaker and a school cook who just lost her son in Vietnam.

This mid-budget winter warmer is a throwback to the ‘70s in more than just its set decoration and costumes.

In our era filled to the brim with big fran -

chise blockbusters, flicks on the more quaint side of things often get pushed out in favour of bombastic cinematic spectacle.

The Holdovers is incredibly refreshing in this respect, a scaled-down, surprisingly wholesome experience in comparison to a lot of things on streaming that are all moody thriller this and serial-killer that.

The film’s unconventional approach scored it five Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor for Giamatti.

A hidden gem well worth a watch.

IF you haven’t quite been Olympics-ed out yet, Netflix is sporting a sleek new documentary series about one of the games’ biggest stars.

DINING / Café Sosta,

Healthy,

There’s been no shortage of those in Paris, whether it was France’s infamous pole vaulter or Australia’s own bewildering breakdancer.

But no, this doco focuses on the one and only Simone Biles, the 11-time Olympic medal-winning gymnast who has become an icon not just in the US but around the world.

Her 30 world championships make her the most decorated gymnast in history, with many calling her the greatest gymnast of all time.

This doco goes as far back as prep for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and charts Biles’ relentless quest for a spot in the 2024 Paris team.

More than that though, it offers a close look at the personal life of a world-famous Olympic athlete away from their sport, how they balance their incredible training with just being a normal human.

That makes for a fascinating watch away from the cameras of the arena.

I reckon audiences could also do with a doco about the Turkish competitive shooter

Black Mountain Peninsula

inviting food with a view

In a beautiful location on the edge of the lake on Black Mountain Peninsula is the new and casual Café Sosta.

Italian-inspired, Café Sosta invites customers to stop, breathe and take a break. It’s easy to do with such stunning views (from indoors and from the large, outdoor terrace).

The food and drink menu has been designed by culinary director and chef Francesco Balestrieri, a familiar face at Joe’s Bar, Agostini’s and Occasioni by Agostinis in Kingston. The food is healthy. It’s simple. It’s inviting.

At Café Sosta, you order at the cash register and meals are brought to your table. We arrived for brunch on a sunny, warmish day with the place buzzing from early breakfast.

It’s great to see the menu listing the café’s special supplier. Flour is from Italy, for example, goats’ cheese and yoghurt from Meredith Dairy (Victoria), bacon from Schultz Butchers (SA) and cannoli shells by famous local Cannoli Brothers. Pasta

and some other items are made fresh at Agostinis.

Quality coffees ($5) were first up, followed by juices. The vibrant and healthy carrot, celery and apple juice was delicious and refreshing ($9) and we added ginger for an additional $2 (other extras are turmeric for an extra $2 and mint for $1). Chinotto, limonata and aranciata rossa by San Pellegrino are $6.

We selected the fried chicken, which proved to be a delightful brunch dish ($27). The moist chicken was perfectly fried and served in a soft, chewy potato brioche bun. We applauded the combo of fresh apple, crunchy fennel and creamy mustard mayonnaise. The thin slices of fresh red chilli perked matters up even further.

Two pastas are on the menu, and we ordered the orecchiette with pork and fennel sausage ($30). The menu promised that the dish featured chilli, but we saw no evidence of the ingredient. The pasta, however, was perfectly cooked, the

Yusuf Dikec, who went viral after scoring silver with his pistol by eyeballing his target without the help of any gear, unlike his many competitors.

Hell, give the man his own Netflix action original at this rate. That’d hit the bullseye for sure.

IT’D be remiss not to mention that trending over on Binge this month is the newest season of Fboy Island.

This reality series follows a group of women who have to weed out the supposed “nice guys” versus the self-proclaimed “Fboys” on an island.

Doesn’t take atom-splitting intelligence to nail down what the “F” stands for.

More of a conundrum – why is it always an island?

The show was originally a US import but generated enough viewing to get its own Australian version now in its second season. It’s even proven popular enough to cross the ditch, with NZ wrangling up their own group of Fboys for their spin-off.

Love it or loathe it, Fboy Island does have a smidge more self-awareness than the average reality show, happily poking fun at itself and just how vapid the dating app culture can be.

But this is a series dedicated to only the most hardcore of reality dating show fans.

For anyone who doesn’t usually enjoy the sub-genre, this is an island getaway they’ll want to getaway from indeed.

WINE / National Vintage Report

Winemakers have

a new crush on whites

Last month the National Vintage Report 2024 was released by Wine Australia, the government statutory corporation that promotes and regulates the Australian wine industry.

The headline news is that, as set out in the summary of the report, “the white winegrape share of the crush increased to 51 per cent –the first time since 2014 that the white crush has been higher than the red crush.”

This trend was contributed to by chardonnay. It had the largest crush with 332,643 tonnes and overtook shiraz to be the top variety by crush size, a status that it last held in 2013.

sausage tasty and the meal a hearty size.

Café Sosta has three intriguing main-meal size insalata (around $24). The winter version, which would have been my pick, features a great combo of roasted beetroot, baby carrots, radicchio and fresh ruby grapefruit.

The panini line-up ($19 to $25) is about building your own. Select your style of bread (one piece or two) and then a topping (seven combinations). Vegetarians are well taken care of.

The short but considered wine list includes by the glass from $11 to $18 and bottles from $55 to $80. Italian wines shine and Café Sosta celebrates a couple of options from local Clonakilla (a riesling and a shiraz). Sparkling water is free.

Café Sosta forms part of the multimillion-dollar The Red Shed, a community rowing facility with a mission to enable rowing for all.

Overall, the 2024 crush showed a nine per cent increase on 2023. But that was not a reason to pop a cork as the 2024 crush of 1.43 million tonnes was well below the 10-year average of 1.73 million tonnes.

The overall fall in the share of red wine was reported by Wine Australia as entirely driven by shiraz, which decreased by nearly 48,000 tonnes while most other red varieties increased.

A spokesman for Wine Australia said the significant reduction in the red crush can be largely attributed to decisions made by grape growers and wine businesses to reduce production.

These decisions were being driven by low grape prices, significant red wine stock overhangs and reduced global demand for wine.

SA accounted for the largest share of the national crush tonnes at 49 per cent of the total, but lost 6 percentage points of share to the other states, particularly Victoria. All states increased in crush size except SA and WA. The second-largest state by crush size was NSW, into which most of the ACT region’s grape growing falls, with an estimated 417,965 tonnes. This was up 18 per cent compared to

the previous year, but still 21 per cent below its 10-year average. It accounted for 29 per cent of the national crush compared with 27 per cent in 2023.

In my view, Tasmanian wines shine in quality and now investment in that state is growing, but its grape production is still only one per cent of the total. Tasmania is estimated to have crushed a record 16,702 tonnes, 42 per cent above the 2023 crush and 57 per cent above its 10-year average of 10,614 tonnes, as a result of improved yields after four low-yielding years, combined with continued new plantings.

I contacted Ken Helm, of Helm Wines Murrumbateman, who said the local crush was poor as grapes had been destroyed by frost in October.

He said he was hoping, along with other growers, for more production here which is, as usual, at odds with national trends: people want more of the district’s wines.

He said: “The trend to white wine is because the major companies have their tanks full of red wine. which they can’t sell especially following the stuff up of relations with China, only just settled.

“But they can sell white wines so there’s a big shift in the wine industry, the biggest shift in the last 20 years that sees white wine more popular and getting better sales.

“On August 8 Halliday’s book came out and it showed that four local rieslings were included in the top wines across Australia, including our premium Helm Riesling. It shows that white wines from Canberra, riesling as the specialty, are still there with the best and that demand for our whites will continue to grow.”

“Success is simply a matter of luck. Ask any failure.” –Anon

The lake view from Café Sosta on the Black Mountain Peninsula.

Fried chicken served in a soft, chewy potato brioche bun. Photos: Wendy Johnson

Paul Giamatti in The Holdovers.

BOOKS / review

Clever fiction of a family torn apart by tragedy

THE best of this selection of crime novels is Nicci French’s latest, Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter?, which begins at Christmas 1990 with the 50th birthday party of Alec Salter.

It’s quickly apparent that all is not well in the Salter family. The children, 15-year-old Etty and her three older brothers are wary of their father, but adore their mother, Charlotte.

Charlotte is universally admired. “She loves life. She loves people. Above all she loves her four children”. But she fails to arrive for her husband’s birthday party and her children frantically search for her for days. Charlotte Salter has vanished without a trace.

Thirty years later, Etty returns to her family home, because her father, now in his eighties, has dementia and is moving into residential care.

Etty has changed. The “eager creature” she had been is now a lawyer, “brisk and cool and hard”. Etty has joined her brothers to clear and arrange for the sale of their father’s house.

However, their childhood friends, Greg and Morgan Ackerly decide to start a podcast about Charlotte’s disappearance, with the aim of solving the mystery. Inevitably there’s a murder and the arrival of the astute Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor from London. This is clever crime fiction, beautifully written, about a family and a community torn apart by tragedy.

and students this is blood money from a repressive regime.

AWARD-winning crime writer Louise Welsh is Professor of Creative Writing at Glasgow University and it’s therefore not surprising that the university at the centre of her latest novel To the Dogs feels totally authentic.

Although the son of a criminal “hardman”, Professor Jeff Brennan is a successful academic. The principal of his university has indicated that Brennan is his preferred choice to succeed him.

Brennan already chairs the powerful building procurement committee where decisions have to be made about the design and financing of the new Learning and Teaching Hub. But problems arise when a wealthy Saudi alumni offers a generous donation to fund the building. For some staff

Brennan also has personal problems. His wayward son is arrested for drug dealing and when he breaks his bail conditions he is remanded in custody.

Eliot confesses to his father that he owes a lot of money to dangerous people and he fears for his life. After an attack in prison puts Eliot in intensive care, Brennan realises he is his father’s son “prepared to kill for his family. He would die for them too, if that was what it took to keep them safe”.

As a result, To the Dogs is a tense exploration of a decent man’s battle to protect his family from organised crime and his reputation from opposing forces within academia.

MARK Billingham has been writing

acclaimed, award winning crime novels since 2001, when he first introduced his detective, Inspector Tom Thorne in Sleepyhead. Eighteen more novels in the series have followed, while David Morrisey starred as Thorne in a TV series.

However, in 2023, in The Last Dance, Billingham introduced a new detective in DS Declan Miller in the first of a series set in Blackpool. The Wrong Hands is the second.

Billingham has said that he had “become convinced… that humour and seriousness are not mutually exclusive and was itching to write something more tragi-comic in tone

ARTS IN THE CITY

than anything I had written before”. He also says DS Miller is “enormous fun to write about” and that although crime novels are about violent death and its aftermath “that’s not all there is to life or even to death. That’s never all there is, so there are also jokes”.

DS Miller is clever and unusual. He owns pet rats, his hobby is ballroom dancing and then there are the dad jokes. His colleagues tolerate him because he’s a genius at solving crime.

However, there’s been tragedy in Miller’s life too as his wife was killed during an undercover police operation and he’s desperate to find her murderer.

When a terrified young man brings him a briefcase containing a pair of severed hands, Miller knows that this is evidence of a contract killing by a local crime boss Wayne Cutler. Miller suspects Cutler ordered his wife’s death.

As Miller pursues Cutler’s hit-man, Desmond Draper, the hit-man, is searching for his briefcase so he can be paid by Cutler. Be warned, beneath the humour The Wrong Hands is as violent and brutal as most noir crime novels.

Billingham will make you laugh as you shudder.

Here’s a hot-shot blues guitarist

US blues player Chris Cain, described by The Washington Post as “a hot-shot guitarist and a singer with the maturity of old blues masters like Bobby Bland and BB King”, will be at the Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, August 29.

Gorman House turns 100 this year. Now rebranded as just Gorman Arts Centre (what was wrong with the word “house”?) and partnered with Ainslie Arts centre, it was built in 1924 as housing for Canberra’s first public servants, later becoming a women-only hostel, then a home for resettled migrants, post World War II. In 1981 Tamie Fraser, wife of then federal minister for the capital territory, Malcolm Fraser, opened it as a community arts centre, and now in 2024, massive centenary renovations begin.

The Korean Film Festival in Australia is presenting a curated selection of four free films – a mystery, two dramas and a heart-warming drama, Dog Days, which explores

the intertwined lives of people and their dogs. Palace Electric Cinemas, August 31-September 1.

Selby & Friends present Triple Treat: Celebrating the Genius of Ludwig van Beethoven, featuring pianist Kathyrn Selby with violinist Susie Park and cellist Timo-Veikko Valve. Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery, August 30.

Greenaway Studio at Chapman is hosting a concert in partnership with the Orange Chamber Music

Festival, the highlight of which will be a solo cello recital by festival artist Noah Oshiro, who began playing the cello when he was three years old.

Composer and saxophonist Jeremy Rose, who won the Aria Award for Best Jazz Album for his album Nightjar, will perform with his quartet at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre, August 31.

Super Rats will be back with a blend of “super fun” Romanian traditional songs and dances, inspired by extensive travel and research in Romania. Smith’s Alternative, Civic, August 31.

Blues player Chris Cain… Harmonie German Club, August 29.

Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter? by Nicci French. To the Dogs by Louise Welsh.

The Wrong Hands by Mark Billingham.

Nicci French… the pseudonym of English husband-and-wife team Nicci Gerrard and Sean French, who write psychological thrillers together.

HOROSCOPE PUZZLES

By Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Mercury is still retrograde until Wednesday, so there could be a misunderstanding with a child, teenager or friend. Choose your words carefully and look to your trusted circle of loved ones for support. With Neptune stimulating your seclusion zone, you’ll find rest, relaxation, meditation, contemplation and/or daydreaming are essential. So your motto is from birthday great, singer/songwriter Florence Welch: “I try to maintain a healthy dose of daydreaming, to remain sane.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

This week vibrant Venus (your ruling planet) connects with Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. So it’s time to be the practical and productive Taurus you were born to be - but don’t just focus on facts and figures. The planets push you to expand your horizons in creative new directions as you strive to make the world a better and more beautiful place. Be inspired by birthday great, Mother Teresa: “The world is hungry not only for food, but also for beauty.”

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

After three weeks of confusion, chaos, delays and/or dramas, Mercury (your patron planet) finally turns direct midweek – yeah! It starts moving forwards in your travel, education and communication zones, which encourages you to explore exciting new horizons, physically and mentally. The wider your circle of friends and acquaintances, the more influence you will have in the big world outside your door. Being curious and confident are the keys.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Courtesy of the Sun, Venus, Uranus and Neptune the buzz word is communication. Your Crab curiosity is piqued, and you’re keen to connect and converse with a wide range of stimulating people, especially within your local community. But remember Mercury is retrograde until Wednesday (and Neptune opposes Venus), so relationships will be complicated, and communication could be confusing. Smart Crabs will slow down, shut up, listen and learn!

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Mercury has been reversing through your sign, which can lead to misunderstandings, mistakes, setbacks and self-doubt. Thank goodness Mercury finally moves forwards midweek and – hopefully – you have learned a thing or two over the last few weeks. So your motto for the moment is from Virgo actress and birthday great, Lily Tomlin: “The road to success is always under construction.” When it comes to money matters, take off your rose-coloured glasses!

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Your ruling planet Mercury finally moves forwards midweek, which boosts your confidence, energy levels, and personal magnetism. But Neptune opposes Venus (in your sign) so, if you indulge in gossip or make vague pronouncements, you could end up in a confusing mess. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that you’re not aware of. Clever Virgos will do some detective work (and check the facts thoroughly) before you proceed with your plans.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

What a week! Venus (your ruling planet) links up with Uranus, Neptune and Pluto – and shifts into your sign (until September 23). So, many Librans will alternate between feeling restless and focused; charismatic and confused. Unrealistic expectations or conflicting interests could lead to disappointment, so try to see things in a creative but clear-headed way. Coupled Librans – pump up the romance factor. For some lucky singles – love is in the air.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

This week you’ll find life’s complicated, partnerships are unpredictable, and the rules are constantly changing, as unresolved relationship difficulties or unresolved work issues come back to test you. Maybe you need to simplify your life, cull some of your commitments, or finally give a fair-weather friend the flick. Plus find time to spruce up your living space so Casa Scorpio is more comfortable and beautiful. Fresh flowers and relaxing music are a must!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Revisit your career goals and take steps to make them more creative and innovative. When it comes to close relationships, keep your cool and avoid the temptation to over-talk and overreact. You can’t control what other people say but you can control your responses. There could also be some tension (or confusion) between domestic duties and professional responsibilities. If anyone can juggle, multitask and have fun, it’s a versatile and humorous Sagittarius.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Pluto transits back into your sign (until October 12) which amplifies your ambition and boosts your drive to get things done. It could also mean revisiting a relationship or project that had been put on the backburner. But remember Mercury is still retrograde until Wednesday, so progress will be slow. You could also feel frustrated when other people don’t do what you want them to do. Just remember, Capricorn – the only person you can control is yourself!

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

The week starts with a wild, freedom-loving Venus/Uranus link, so you need to find appropriate ways to let off steam and choose challenging projects to channel your electric energy into. It’s also time to embrace and celebrate your contrary, quirky Aquarian side and do something a bit risky. Your motto is from singer/songwriter Florence Welch (who turns 38 on Wednesday): “Do something you’ll regret this weekend. Go forth! You have my blessing.”

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

The Venus/Neptune opposition (on Wednesday and Thursday) could drain your energy and sap confidence, so pace yourself and prioritise projects. Don’t make commitments unless you have the time and motivation to follow through on your well-meant intentions. If something can be put off until another week, then do so. Communicating with loved ones and work colleagues also looks confusing and frustrating, but things should improve from Friday onwards.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2024

2 Name an Italian dish of rice, fried in butter, with steamed onion, etc. (7)

3 What is the thick-shelled edible nut of certain cultivated varieties of hazel? (7)

4 To send back into custody, is to do what? (6)

5 Which term describes an arithmetical mean? (7)

6 What are figurines also known as? (7)

7 What, colloquially, is an item provided without charge? (7)

13 Name a massive stone structure with a square base and sloping sides meeting at an apex. (7)

14 Colloquially, to board a goods train illegally, is to jump the what? (7)

(6)

22 Name a chain of islands in the West Indies. (8)

23 What are words spoken in undertones? (6)

24 To recognise something, is to do what? (8)

25 What is an orderly manner of procedure? (6)

15 When one produces a cut-out item of fine art, one does what? (7)

17 What are children’s nurses called? (7)

18 What is a small guitar-like musical instrument? (7)

20 Name another term for compositions. (6)

SUNDAY

Pat a shark!