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MEET OUR PAIN MANAGEMENT EXPERTS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

Canberra’s cricket champs you’ve never heard of

By Elizabeth KOVACS

After vigorous training in the basement of a sporting club in Kaleen, 10 young men hit stardom when they brought home a win for Australia in indoor cricket. Next year, they’re going for win number two.

Following their recent success at the 2024 Indoor Cricket Club Series World Cup in Sri Lanka, 23-year-old Aidan Gunning and fellow teammate 24-year-old Connor Brown have big plans for the upcoming competition in Dubai.

“We are growing as a club, so this time, we are going to send two teams to play in each of the divisions,” says Aidan.

“It’ll be really good to give another 10 the opportunity to go and play at that level.”

The winning team – the Kaleen Gators – is looking to split themselves up, allowing them to enter one team into the lower division.

“We’re gonna split our success amongst those two teams. And yeah, hopefully come back with two trophies,” Aidan says.

INDEX

Arts & Entertainment 23-26

Crossword & Sudoku 27

Dining & Wine 25

Gardening 22

Keeping Up the ACT 7

Letters 12-13

News 3-13

Politics 4

Streaming 24

The winning team, aged between 20-40 years, are hoping to hit the 22-26 age range for their future team.

“After the Junior ACT Under 22s is finished, if you’re not good enough to make the Rockets, you don’t really have anywhere to go,” Aidan says.

“This year, a big focus of ours has been to sort out that 22-25 age bracket and keep those guys in and around the sport.”

The team itself formed recently to fill a gap in the cricket world.

“Indoor Cricket Canberra used to be a Super League competition, which folded,” Aidan says.

for a couple of years.

“If you weren’t playing in the Premier League, you didn’t have any national squads. You didn’t have anywhere to play.”

According to Aidan, it was a blessing in disguise when U-Pro and the United Arab Emirates noticed this gap and created the Club World Series Competition.

“We decided it was the perfect opportunity to go play some high-level indoor cricket,” says Aidan. “And, yeah, have a good time.”

For Connor, this was more than

Since 1993: Volume 30, Number: 44

higher level, it was an opportunity to go on the adventure of a lifetime with his mates.

“We all play high-level cricket around the outdoor competitions so we thought ‘yeah, we might qualify for this comp’, so we chucked in 10 blokes,” he says.

Feeling confident in their ability to at least qualify, the boys never thought they’d end up taking the win.

“We thought, generally Australia is pretty good at indoor cricket compared to the rest of the world, so we thought we’d hold our own,” says Aidan.

“But I don’t think we went over there with the intention that we were going to win.”

The competition wasn’t without its struggles with the boys paying for their trip primarily out of their own pockets.

“Although most of the tournament is paid out of pocket, we’ve worked really closely with a lot of our sponsors to help get us there,” Aidan says.

“Tradie has been absolutely fantastic to help get us there and Brighter Futures Electrical.”

With their sights set on Dubai, the team is now looking at getting local businesses to support the venture.

“I’d love to get local companies around it, too, if they’re interested in that sort of thing,” says Connor.

For the boys, their sponsors couldn’t have been given to a more grateful bunch.

“We wouldn’t have been able to get there without them,” says Aidan. Now, with double the aspirations, the team is looking forward to sharing their love of cricket with 10 more players. Connor urges anyone to give it a go.

“Just give it a crack,” he says.

“You make a lot of friends out of it, and it teaches you a few life skills.”

Anyone interested should watch the Indoor Cricket Canberra social media platforms for opportunities and updates.

General manager: Tracey Avery, tracey@citynews.com.au

Senior advertising account executive: David Cusack, 0435 380656

Advertising account executive: Damien Klemke, 0439 139001

Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au

Journalist: Elizabeth Kovacs, elizabeth@citynews.com.au

Cover: King O’Malley. Story Page 6.

Arts editor: Helen Musa, helen@citynews.com.au

Production manager: Janet Ewen

Distribution manager: Penny McCarroll

Indoor cricket champs Aidan Gunning, left, and Connor Brown.

Photo: Elizabeth Kovacs Grinning Gators… the Kaleen Gators celebrate their Indoor Cricket Club Series World Cup win in Sri Lanka.

Why voters should be grateful for Hare-Clark

First the ACT, then Queensland and then the US. Elections are fundamental to democracy. But are all elections as democratic as each other?

Election systems in the US and the UK are amongst the easiest to understand. However, they are the least fair, the least democratic. These elections tend to focus on a couple of candidates, and the very presence of third or fourth candidates can lead to distorted results with “winners” who do not represent the majority of the people.

We recently saw this in France in the second runoff to the parliamentary elections, where third party groupings were forced to withdraw to minimise the chances of Marie Le Penn’s hard right group. And they were successful.

In the case of France, adoption of Australian-style preferential voting would mean these “strategic withdrawals” of candidates would not be necessary. It would also mean it would not be necessary to hold a second round of runoff votes.

A recent article by Jacob Shteyman, published in the Sydney Morning Herald, indicates just how important an understanding of preferential voting is for our community.

Shteyman wrote that “the Greens

them of 1.1 per cent but shed half their seats due to the vagaries of the ACT’s Hare-Clark system”.

This was not a vagary of an election system. This is about careful and accurate mathematical calculations of the flow of preferences, in a system designed first and foremost to allow voters maximum choice. If it was a first-past-the-post system, it would be hard to understand how this could happen.

However, in a preferential system, it is not the first vote that is final… rather it is where the final preference lands between the remaining candidates favoured by the most voters. Fortunately, preferential voting is the standard way of voting in Australia. It is one of the reasons that we do not have the hard swings to the

The ACT is fortunate to have the Hare-Clark system, a highly sophisticated proportional representation system that really delivers on the notion of ‘one-vote-one-value’.

case in parts of Austria and Germany, and is a possibility in the forthcoming US election.

As ANU Professor Mark Kenny argued in The Conversation: “Australia’s institutional democratic architecture – compulsory preferential voting, Westminster parliamentary traditions and the Australian Electoral Commission – exerts a moderating influence on political discourse. Successful competitors have usually focused their efforts on winning across the middle ground.”

Since abolishing its upper house in the 1920s, the Queensland state Parliament has had preferential voting in single-member electorates, but not proportional representation. The result of this is that many people in the regional areas feel disempowered when Labor is elected, and those in Brisbane and other urban centres feel disempowered when the LNP wins a majority of seats.

Hare-Clark system, a highly sophisticated proportional representation system. Instead of half of the voters missing out, the proportion elected to the Assembly reflects the views of the community. Hare-Clark really delivers on the notion of “one-voteone-value”.

The ACT system also randomly distributes the position of each of the candidates in any team (party) on the ballot paper. This is referred to as the Robson Rotation. Each of the candidates receives an equal share when a voter numbers 1 to 5 down the column, as each ballot paper can be different.

This ballot design still allows voters to put a particular party candidate above others. This was the case with Andrew Barr in Kurrajong and with Mark Parton in Brindabella. Conversely, even well-known candidates with a high profile can be “punished”, as was the case with Mick Gentleman in Brindabella. His seat was put in jeopardy because of the number of voters who decided not to put a number next to his name.

By contrast, the first-past-the-post voting systems, used in the UK and US to elect legislatures, are the crudest of the available democratic

systems. It is common for half of all voters to be left without a representative that they support.

Thanks to the electoral college system, the upcoming US presidential election campaign focuses almost entirely on around five to 10 states that are “swing states”. These are not strongly committed to Democrat or Republican, while voters in the other 40+ states are taken for granted.

Using a war metaphor, the swing states are referred to as “battleground” states. The voters in this small number of states will determine the result of the November 5 US election, rather than the total of the national “popular vote”.

There are good and bad electoral systems around. In Canberra, we are lucky to have amongst the fairest of them all.

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

from historic demolition sites

IN CANBERRA

workshop, showroom & gallery 10 Mildura St, Griffith, ACT

Liberal MLA Mark Parton.

THIS BEAUTIFUL TERRITORY

Discovering the skilful art of gallery guiding

Local author NOEL BEDDOE continues his occasional series on the people who make our home a remarkable place to live.

A very old man took his two inquisitive granddaughters to the National Gallery of Australia and they spent time examining pieces in a hall of Asian antiquities.

Their grandfather explained that this was only one very small part of the National Gallery, which owned a collection of more than 155,000 individual items.

The younger child, a pragmatist, wanted to know how much it costs to get in. “It’s free,” her grandfather said, “and you can come as often as you want to.”

She thought that over for a while and then gave the situation the ultimate approbation of the young: “That’s really cool.”

Over time the girls will revisit the gallery and develop the same great love that their grandfather feels for what guide Merredy Brown calls: “The wonders of this remarkable place”.

They may do that on their own or they may choose to deepen their knowledge by making use of the

gallery’s program of tours. Under this ini tiative, visitors book a place on the gal lery’s website for one of the regular tours, those associated with special exhibitions or highlights of the general collection, conducted by one of the gallery’s trained guides.

At the recent exhibition of the works of Gauguin, for example, two or three such guided tours were held each day.

While there was a charge for entry into the Gauguin exhibition, all tours are free.

Two of the gallery’s guides are Merredy Brown and Julie Matthews. Each had friends involved in the program and thought involvement would represent a fascinating and useful way to spend time.

other class members.”

How do they prepare for individual

Julie pointed to the support given to tour guides by permanent gallery

“There are information sessions run by curators at least one Monday a month, and they are invaluable,”

“Curators also take guides through exhibitions and discuss key facts about items. You nominate yourself for particular tours and then sharpen up your knowledge with individual

“I enjoy the research – I find that I’m constantly learning.”

Merredy said that for exhibitions such as Gauguin, there are normally catalogues created by gallery curatorial staff and these are an invaluable source of information about individual works.

Merredy especially enjoys working with children.

artist; discussing contemporary Aboriginal art with a group including a gallery manager from Alice Springs.

The qualities of a successful guide? The two agreed – a fascination with great art; a capacity for the hard work the research period requires; a sincere interest and enjoyment in discussing art and engaging with groups.

“And you never know what the issues with a particular group might be,” Merredy said.

“Immediately after covid, there were a couple of groups of young ones who had never been on an escalator; we had to get them into the galleries just for a start.”

Manuela Migneco, communications officer for the National Gallery, told me there were currently 122 active tour guides operating under the program; they provided more than 6300 hours of guiding service to the community in 2023.

Merredy: “I was in an initial intake of maybe 35 to 40 aspiring guides. “Some had underestimated the time commitment involved and people’s circumstances change.

“You try to create a dialogue and draw them out on what they see in a particular piece. Some of the insights of children are amazing; children see what they see, not what they were told they’re supposed to see,” she said.

Like Merredy and Julie these people all are volunteers who donate their time and very notable skill unpaid to assist others enjoy what Merredy describes as “the wonders of this remarkable place”.

“Training covers the areas of the collection, some aspects of response to individual pieces, engaging with participants, a lot of time rehearsing and practising the giving of tours to

The guides discussed the remarkable opportunities they’ve enjoyed, such as discussing the work of El Greco with a child whose father had completed a PhD on the work of the

Noel Beddoe’s work has been published in The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald. Three of his novels have been nominated for the Miles Franklin Literary Award.

Volunteer tour guides Julie Matthews, left, and Merredy Brown… “Some of the insights of children are amazing; children see what they see, not what they were told they’re supposed to see,” says Merredy. Photo: Vivienne Beddoe

YESTERDAYS / King O’Malley

O’Malley, the mercurial King of contradictions

A bounder or a visionary? NICHOLE

OVERALL talks to author Brian O’Malley about the unbelievable backstory of maverick King O’Malley, the ‘Yankee dandy’ at the heart of Canberra’s foundation.

He was a politician preposterously known as King who courted controversy to such a degree there are undercurrents of an Australian Donald Trump of his day.

The abounding mix of legend and mystery when it comes to King O’Malley’s reign at the turn of the 20th century extends to his position as a recognised Canberra entity.

A member of the first Parliament of the Australian Commonwealth and a pivotal figure in the establishment of the Federal Territory, there’s an ACT suburb named for him, and a local pub, too.

It’s an ironic nod given that while Minister for Home Affairs he was responsible for alcohol prohibition in the capital, an almost two decade-long ban on “stagger juice”.

Even more significant is the

charge that O’Malley, an unexpected independent MP in SA (1896), subsequently securing a federal seat for Tasmania (1901, Labor), was never eligible to sit in this country’s parliaments as he was American by birth.

Now a Canberra author, Brian O’Malley – no relation, as it turns out – in delving deeper into this often unbelievable backstory has added yet another layer: as a young man in the US, the insurance salesman turned legislator stood trial for murder.

Brian has unpicked the convoluted trail from the origin point of a scrapbook belonging to his great-grandfather. In meticulous detail he sets forth the argument in the recently published How James became King – the true story of James ‘King’ O’Malley. “King is often described as a larrikin or a maverick, but his history is a series

of unscrupulous vocations including fraudster, evangelist and ‘bishop’ of his own church, even a self-declared newspaper owner,” says Brian.

“There’s an aura that’s arisen around him but the startling truth about why James Malley fled includes a notorious 1882 trial involving the unexplained death of a young woman in which he was a prime suspect.

“Malley was eventually acquitted and proceeds to dis appear from most records, but not before he’d become ‘King’. Then in 1888, he reappears in Australia.”

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ike so many of his tales, King O’Malley projected himself as tall and swaggering. A selfstyled media celebrity before it was a thing; of swept-back auburn locks and a full, reddish beard. Flamboyant attire was another penchant: “A wide-brimmed felt hat, blue-grey suit with huge lapels and a low-cut vest, loose cravat with a diamond collar stud, and in the centre of his cream silk shirt-front a fiery opal.”

On turning up in the Antipodes, King promptly earned a reputation as a “Yankee dandy” with rollicking yarns ranging from the Wild West to his having lived in a cave for two years after his arrival.

fourth in the world, who helped propel the charismatic King to parliament, many sympathetic to his protemperance views on alcohol.

Other “social evils” that earned him attention included his arguments against the employment of barmaids.

Initially passed over for a ministry, he’d eventually inveigle his way into cabinet.

“He did champion unpopular causes and advance women’s rights as well as important projects such as the Trans-Australian Rail [the critical freight corridor between SA and WA], and the concept of a national bank, too.”

“Even then though, he always made himself to be more central to it all than was the actual truth.”

Almost all of it was patently untrue.

The seemingly accurate element – his American origins – jettisoned as the theatrical raconteur eyed his chances for a political platform from which to spruik.

“King claimed to have been born in Canada because this would make him a British subject and therefore permitted to run for our colonial and then Commonwealth Parliaments,” says Brian.

A1981 book about King O’Malley was even titled The American Bounder. It does acknowledge many of the “embroideries”, but employs other euphemisms such as “colourful” and “eccentric”, suggesting the subject a “visionary” with “a love of storytelling”.

“He was absolutely Trump-

An acrimonious 1899 election saw King defeated – twice.

The first poll was declared void after his successor was accused of “bribing voters”.

Charles Tucker was returned, again, resoundingly.

A strategic move to Tasmania gave the opportunity for the former state member to be elected at the federal level.

Initially passed over for a ministry, he’d eventually inveigle his way into cabinet.

In this capacity, despite having referred to the selected site of the new national capital as “a howling wilderness”, it was he who’d make the announcement on Walter Burley Griffin’s vision.

King was also bestowed with the honour of handing over the golden trowel to the governor-general at the official foundation ceremony

“Rasputin-ish” influence was at an end.

King attempted to resurrect himself on a number of occasions, but his time in elected office was as buried as his beginnings.

Controversy remained a constant companion and he’d spend much of his later years defending – or reinventing – most of the earlier parts.

“The mythology had just become widely accepted, he was a part of the establishment,” says Brian.

“There was a scholarship set up by him and his wife, Amy, which continues to be awarded, and he was even the subject of an Archibald Prize entry just before his death in 1953, now held by the Commonwealth Bank.

“While perhaps King avoided real consequences for his actions, I guess democracy ultimately prevailed – there’s suggestions that although many thought he was a great guy, in the end, they voted for the other guy.”

Just as Trump earned populist prominence as a reality TV star, maybe King O’Malley would have made a perfect candidate for the show “Survivor” with its tagline “outwit, outplay, outlast”.

On his death, possibly almost 100, he was the last man standing of that first Australian Federal Parliament, in which he should never have had a seat.

Nichole Overall is a social historian and journalist. She can be heard co-hosting the CityNews Sunday Roast program with CityNews editor Ian Meikle, 9am-noon, on 2CC.

King O’Malley… “A fraudster, evangelist and even a selfdeclared newspaper owner,” says author Brian O’Malley.

King O’Malley presents Lady Denman with the name of the new national capital at the naming of Canberra, March 12, 1913.

holding what it reckons is possibly the biggest car-boot sale in NSW at Burra Park, 9am-1pm, on November 10. The Burra Rural Volunteer Fire Service will be showing off its fire engines and other displays. There will be two food outlets – the Burra Community Association Food Stall and Chameleon Ice Creamery.

On the trail with Jeff Jeff Brown will talk about the Kokoda trail at the next meeting of the Yerrabi View Club, at the Eastlake Club, Gungahlin, from 11.30am on November 14. Visitors and interested ladies welcome. RSVP to 0419 698091 or email dotric65@gmail.com by November 11.

Puddings, anyone?

Homemade Christmas puddings and hampers containing homemade chutneys, pickles, jams and plum paste will be for sale when Relay for Life team The Bold Bandannas raise funds for the ACT Cancer Council at Bunnings Majura Park, 9.30am-4.30pm, on November 9.

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Will Trump’s chaos make Australia great again?

I had a call from Longreach last night. It was my old mate Alan Blunt from the shearing sheds of my youth. He’s a bush poet, a former middleweight champion of Julia Creek, and a lifelong Labor man.

He stunned me when he said: “I reckon Trump’ll win, and a good thing, too.”

It was a long phone call and he even had me half convinced that a President Trump would be better for Australia than the Democrats’ Kamala Harris.

He’s no male chauvinist. On the contrary, his best friend is Heather, a lovely Longreach lady and the nurses who call by his place regularly these days dote on him.

Instead, it’s about the big picture, the difference between the mainstream Democrats like Biden/Harris and (in my view) a Republican liar, cheat and bully, a Narcissus with scary authoritarian tendencies.

Alan more or less agrees with me. But in his view, it’s these very Trumpian qualities that commend him to Australia. Sure, he says, the man admires dictators such as Putin and the murderous Saudi Crown Prince; he gets “beautiful letters” from Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping.

Even the execrable Netanyahu is hanging out for a Trump return to the Oval Office.

How the hell does that help Australia?

Well, here’s the thing, he says. He’s worried that Harris would follow her White House predecessor by pouring more and more deadly arms and ammunition into the Ukraine and Israel until the “tactical nuclear response” becomes inevitable from one side or the other.

The same thought has occurred to

me. We also fear that Kamala would follow her patron Nancy Pelosi with a foolish gesture to visit Taipei, despite the “One China” policy that they and we adhere to formally if not wholeheartedly… and Dutton’s Liberals not at all.

War with China is idiocy in spades and, as Alan sees it, there’s absolutely no way that Trump would let the US military loose in a war over Taiwan.

“All bullies are cowards,” he says and the idea of putting his

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We agree that if US voters re-elect Trump, America’s international standing would take a disastrous dive. That doesn’t trouble Alan, but it fills me with pain. In so many ways the US is the engine room of progress.

troops in harm’s way is abhorrent. Instead, he’ll use tariffs and the other old instruments of trade protection such as quotas and government subsidies.

“It’s all about ‘the art of the deal’, mate,” he says, “and you can be damn sure [or words to that effect] he will not go to war with China, even if his mate Xi mounts a full-scale invasion. And that’s great for Australia.”

Alan, like many old Labor men, is no great fan of the Americans. Not surprising, I guess, when they seem determined to rule the roost at the barrel of a gun. We both also agree that if US voters re-elect Trump, America’s international standing

would take a disastrous dive.

That doesn’t trouble Alan at all, but it fills me with pain. In so many ways the US is the engine room of progress. Just recall the speed with which their scientists created a vaccine that saved millions of lives from COVID-19. Think of Jonas Salk who lifted the curse of polio from the children of the world. Remember their coming to Australia’s rescue from Japanese invasion in World War II. Revel in the gift of John Steinbeck, the courage and wisdom of Franklin Roosevelt, the songs of Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland and Louis Armstrong, the genius of Stephen Spielberg, the humour of George Burns and Walter Matthau. Well yes, there is another side: the mad religiosity, the gun-loving stupidity and pathetic notions of exceptionalism. But even though Trump turns them to his favour at the ballot box, they really don’t deserve a return to the chaos he represents. And neither do we.

robert@ robertmacklin. com

Donald Trump… no way he’d let the US military loose in a war over Taiwan.

Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

Anna Neilan Family Lawyer

Heading over the hill and picking up speed?

“She said she was approaching 40 – I couldn’t help wondering from what direction.” –Bob Hope

Ageing is something we all have to adapt to but isn’t something we give much thought to until we get to middle age – ie, between 40 and 65 years of age.

Retirement usually gives more time for contemplation and thinking about how many years we have left – and how we want to live them.

A person’s age is typically measured in two ways: chronological age and biological age.

Chronological age refers to the time a person has lived, measured in years, whereas biological age denotes how old a person is based on various biomarkers and physiological attributes.

Chronological age is a useful, objective metric in many contexts, such as legal age limits and societal norms. However, chronological age does not reflect the significant variations in maturity, health, vitality and functional capacity among people of the same age group. They can exhibit vastly different levels of physical and mental health due to a range of influencing factors.

Biological age, on the other hand, aims to reflect the true functional state

of the body. It is influenced by a myriad of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices and environmental factors.

Biomarkers used to estimate biological age can include telomere length, DNA methylation patterns, levels of inflammatory markers, and organ system functionality.

Biological age provides a much more accurate picture of an individual’s health status and potential life expectancy than chronological age.

Achieving a long and healthy life involves mitigating various risk factors that can accelerate the ageing process or lead to premature mortality. These factors can be broadly categorised into genetic, lifestyle, and environmental influences.

Genetic Factors

Family History: Genetics play a significant role in determining longevity. A family history of long-lived relatives can be indicative of inherited traits that promote longevity.

Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic conditions, such as progeria, can cause accelerated ageing, significantly reducing life expectancy.

Lifestyle Factors

Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can promote longevity. Diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats are associated with

Achieving a long and healthy life involves mitigating various risk factors that can accelerate the ageing process or lead to premature mortality.

increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

Exercise: Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, muscle mass, and overall physical function. Sedentary lifestyles and use of mobility scooters are linked to numerous health problems, including obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Smoking is a major risk factor for various cancers, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues.

Stress Management: Chronic stress can contribute to the development of numerous health problems, including cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety. Effective stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation and physical activity, can promote better health and longevity.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to toxins: Environmen-

tal pollutants, such as air and water pollution, pesticides, and industrial chemicals, can accelerate aging and increase the risk of chronic diseases.

Socioeconomic Status: Access to healthcare, nutritious food, and safe living conditions are heavily influenced by socioeconomic status. Individuals in lower socioeconomic brackets often have limited access to resources that promote health and longevity.

Healthcare Access: Regular medical check-ups and early detection of diseases are crucial for maintaining health. People with limited access to healthcare are at a higher risk of succumbing to undiagnosed and untreated conditions.

Ageing is an inevitable part of life, but whether your biological age is below your chronological age and whether you remain healthy is largely down to personal lifestyle choices.

On a lighter note: ageing widower Tom and widow Juliet have been close friends for years. Finally, Tom realises that it would make sense for them to get married and spend their remaining time together.

So Tom takes her out to dinner and eventually pops the question: “Will you marry me?” Juliet is pleased that

he has finally asked, and says, “Yes, of course”.

At the end of the evening, they part company and return to their respective homes.

The next morning Tom can’t remember whether he asked Juliet to marry him or not. Tom eventually plucks up the courage to phone Juliet and asks” “Did I ask you to marry me last night?”

“Yes” said Juliet “and I said yes –and meant it with all my heart.”

She continues: “I’m so glad you called because I couldn’t remember who’d asked me.”

John Farnham visits a retirement home to entertain the residents and host a singalong – but nobody seems to recognise him. Puzzled, he takes an elderly lady aside and says, “Excuse me – but do you know who I am?”

“Sorry dear,” says the lady, “I don’t – but if you ask one of the nurses, I’m sure they’ll be able to tell you.”

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

GOODWIN VILLAGE ARALUEN

‘Araluen retirement village has an excellent reputation for its build quality and range of amenities’

Goodwin welcomes Weston Creek retirement village

With the acquisition of Araluen Retirement Village, in Weston Creek, Goodwin Aged Care Services has increased its portfolio of retirement villages to six across the ACT and NSW.

Goodwin, Canberra’s longest standing and largest aged-care and retirement living provider, has acquired Araluen from Canberra Retirement Villages, which has managed the Weston Creek village for more than 20 years.

“It made strategic sense for us to bring Araluen into the Goodwin family as this aligns with our strategy of expanding the provision of services to a wider range of seniors in our community,” says Goodwin CEO Stephen Holmes.

“Araluen Retirement Village has an excellent reputation for its build quality and range of amenities.

“It has 109 single-level villas, a heated pool and spa, and a clubhouse boasting the inclusions the community has come to expect from Goodwin’s retirement villages.

“We now have villages in Ainslie, Batemans Bay, Crace, Farrer, Fisher and Monash. Our Downer Village is also taking shape and will welcome residents in early 2026.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Goodwin’s primary focus is providing our residents a lifestyle with choice and respect.

“In 2021, Goodwin acquired The Manor Retirement Village on the south coast of NSW. This provided us with valuable insights into the process of integrating staff and residents into our organisation,” says Mr Holmes.

“We are confident that under the new name and management, Goodwin Village Araluen, the residents will experience a smooth and transparent transition period, and we wish to welcome them into the Goodwin family.”

John Bradley, a Canberra Retirement Villages director, says: “I have no doubt that the Araluen residents are in great hands.

“Goodwin has been an integral part of the Canberra community for 70 years and their reputation speaks for itself.”

Goodwin is an independent not-for-profit and not affiliated to any other business, organisation, property developer, political or religious body. All surplus funds are reinvested into Goodwin’s care and accommodation services and facilities.

Goodwin Village Araluen residents will enjoy the same services and facilities they’ve been used to.

Goodwin Village Araluen in the heart of Weston Creek… offers lush gardens and lifestyle facilities and activities for residents.

Goodwin CEO Stephen Holmes… “Residents will experience a smooth and transparent transition period.”

Labor needs to question why it achieves so little

Jon Stanhope and Khalid Ahmed and others (CN, October 3) outlined the consequences of 23 years of Labor/Greens rule – poor outcomes in financial management, public housing, education, health, transport, urban development and city maintenance.

I suspect, despite its failures, the government was returned because many in the electorate had a superficial appreciation of policy and voted on the perception that Labor was more likely to address the needs of the disadvantaged.

They could not support a Liberal party with a right-wing out of touch with their progressive views.

Labor has a massive task to turn around its performance and to address its election commitments.

To competently respond, it needs to undertake a review of its priorities and management.

Can the funds available be better managed to improve disability, aged, indigenous and mental health outcomes?

How can the supply of public housing be most effectively increased? Is the light rail an effective strategy to reduce car use? What level of infill strikes the right balance between housing demands, housing affordability, environmental impact and infrastructure costs?

Failure to do so could threaten its long-term electability as voters perceive it provides ill-informed and opaque responses to the challenges facing the city and only gives lip service to social justice issues.

Its task would be assisted if the current compliant public service was resourced and encouraged to provide competent, frank and fearless advice.

Given Labor’s performance, there is

Working with you for the best result

every chance independents, offering hope of improved governance, will at the next election hold the balance of power.

Just as some in the Liberal Party do not care whether they govern, Labor needs to question why it achieves so little, especially for the less well off. The party runs the risk of being derided as chardonnay-sipping and latte-lapping ne’er do wells.

Mike Quirk, Garran

Got what you deserve, serves you right!

There’s an old saying that we get the politicians we deserve.

Have you looked at the curriculum vitae of the politicians you voted for in the October 19 election?

Despite botching the ACT budget for your children to pay off, you returned party hacks committed to voting as their party calls and never thinking for themselves at all (to paraphrase Gilbert & Sullivan).

Being in any parliament carries responsibilities and needs skills similar to those of a company director, managing billion-dollar budgets plus knowledge to provide services that none of them have previously managed such as sewerage, electricity generation, curriculum development and public transport.

If you chose wisely, you would elect candidates who worked in industry at a senior executive level with responsibility for a profit centre. Ideally, they will understand financial and technical issues and have developed strategic plans for new situations.

But you chose unwisely, electing candidates without those skills, hoping against hope that there would be a change of direction to value for money and realistic project delivery.

Too many have voted for candidates promising them lots of money for circuses or to build more uneconomic, billion-dollar tramlines or pretending to save the planet.

Serves you right!

Anthony Horden, Jamison Centre

Liberals’ loss could be ratepayers’ gain

The all-too predictable result of the ACT election, the return – yet again – of the Barr government demonstrated two “rules”: Canberrans are rusted-on Labor voters, suffering from a high degree of apathy. I can’t see either malaise being “cured” any time soon.

However, there are two less-obvious positives. Neither the Canberra Liberals’ extraordinary proposal to build a new satellite town in Kowen Forest, nor their ill-conceived plan for a new stadium at the New Acton waterfront will come to fruition.

The Kowen development, in effect a new satellite mini-city, would have to be built from scratch: power, and water supplies, access and internal roads, sewerage and drainage, a town centre, foot and cycle paths, and green spaces for community use would have to be provided, and many hundreds of new trees would have to (or should) be planted.

The cost to the ACT government – hence ratepayers – would be enormous.

The New Acton stadium as per the artist’s impression would also be very expensive to build. The site lacks space for parking the multitude of cars used to convey spectators from and to homes that are beyond the reach of, or willing to use, public transport.

The Canberra Liberals’ loss could well be ACT ratepayers’ gain.

Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

Lee doesn’t deserve to be a leader

I write to call out Ms Elizabeth Lee’s recent abhorrent and juvenile behaviour demonstrated publicly to a Canberra journalist.

Let us help to navigate the complexity of conveyancing laws in the ACT & NSW including stamp duty, identity verification, and tenancy laws. We also specialise in retirement village agreements.

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What kind of adult even thinks about such disgusting, hideous acts, let alone commits them in full view of a national audience?

Clearly she is not articulate enough to respond to journalists with appropriate comments. Her use of fingered air gestures represents her lack of emotional intelligence and absolute inability to control herself.

She does not deserve to be in any position of leadership. No wonder she is not in power, and never will be.

I hold a PhD and am fully versed in correct interpersonal behaviour.

How disappointing that Ms Lee does not. I call for her to step down from her position, as an undeserving occupier of the post.

Nat Bourne, via email

More of the same Barr rubbish government

You did it again. Why? Because you want to have more of the same Barr rubbish government. Nothing surprises me more. So you all want a multi-billiondollar tram to Woden, more concrete highrise in the suburbs and higher rates taxes etcetera. Plus worse health care, fewer police, more dodgy development… bring it on, another four years of what Canberrans want and need really!

They stole a pretty good hospital from the community of Belconnen because it didn’t align with their agenda and being more than $12 billion dollars in the red for a place like Canberra (ie population 450,000 pop) is criminal.

Keir Hall, Florey

Questions for indie MLAs to pursue

Any new ACT majority government or coalition would be foolish to ignore future calls by independent MLAs

for improved approaches to governance and ACT public sector transparency during the next four years, starting with, for example, “the pending report of the ACT Integrity Commission on the Campbell Primary School” (“Will Elizabeth Lee regret conceding to Labor?”, CN October 24).

The questions raised by columnist Michael Moore about this high-level investigation are certainly legitimate ones for any independent MLA to pursue, to help raise public awareness about ACT government and public sector procurement policy, practices and related considerations that have been the norm or that may be adopted from time to time.

Sue Dyer, Downer

Living in Canberra just got so much harder

It beggars belief that Canberrans have given Labor/ Greens another four years. While the pundits bang on about statistics, nothing is said about why people vote a particular way?

Apart from the “rusted on” voters. Was it the pink vote for Andrew Barr? Did people vote for the Greens mistakenly believing they care for the environment? Did renters vote for the Greens over their so-called tenancy reforms? Or was it ACT public servants who feared losing their jobs or a combination of all these things?

Whatever it was, it certainly wasn’t on the government’s performance. Labor/Greens have completely failed Canberra – poor roads, a very sick hospital system, biodiversity loss (by killing kangaroos), unchecked developer sprawl and not to mention the crippling debt from the light rail project that will take generations to pay off.

All I know is, another four years of Labor-Greens are going to make living in Canberra so much harder for everyone.

For our democracy to remain strong, Canberrans need to open their eyes and be more curious to what is really happening.

Robyn Soxsmith, Animal Justice Party candidate

Cartoon: Paul Dorin

Desperate need for an indigenous ‘sorry levy’

Despite the government’s pitiful attempt to resolve disadvantage through a poorly constructed, expensive referendum on constitutional change, resulting in a slap down from voters, there still remains festering sores of disadvantage impacting indigenous folk that need attention with an out-ofthe-box solution.

Australia desperately needs a “sorry levy”, which should be applied equally across the nation so all contributing people can rest peacefully, knowing they are making good for all the wrongs of the past and creating a yellow brick road for the future.

The intelligent way to achieve this would be to increase our GST by a percentage or fraction thereof and to quarantine the special revenue generated in a holding account, with collections being fully transparent for later transfer to First Nations’ representatives for wider distribution.

First Nations would need to elect a superior group to receive/manage funds and distribute to others, eliminating interferences that may cause hurt, criticism and shame further down the track.

Such a scheme would demand that some government payments already being made to First Nation people be scaled down or eliminated to avoid double dipping.

Rather than living on handouts, they should be given the decency of managing their own affairs and the opportunity to distribute funds amongst themselves from a reliable source on a needs basis, with decisions taken from 60,000 years of experience, custom, caring and dignity. Managerial overhead costs would be met from the pool according to established business practice.

A marginal percentage on the GST will not collapse the economy when double dipping and managerial duplication are correctly managed and economic efficiency and other outcomes are better understood

However, I can already hear howls of protest about increasing the GST, for fear of hitting the government’s tanked bottom line in search of a mystical wealth fund!

John Lawrence via email

Enough of the vitriol and wokism, Robert

I do pity Robert Macklin. Writing articles full of vitriol, loathing and derision must be exhausting.

This must be particularly so after his recent distasteful put down of Antiques Roadshow host Fiona Bruce et al and his usual well-worn tropes about the British Empire.

In this instance he incorrectly tries to make the case that all the British aristocracy’s wealth came from the slave labour of Caribbean colonies. Most of Britain’s economy, from the Napoleonic wars forward, was based on manufacturing and

iron production and supporting what today we’d call the “military industrial complex”.

He does not mention that Britain banned slavery in the UK in 1772 and across all its colonies in 1834. He tries to elicit the “black arm band” version of history with mention of sackings of cities.

Yes, by the standards of today, that is deplorable, but all nations, not just western nations did this and a lot worse as part and parcel of warfare. The Japanese did it in Korea and China, the Chinese did it to Vietnam, and the Maoris did it to other Polynesians. To infer by exclusion that Britain was the sole perpetrator is a mistruth.

He then returns to his deplorable personal attacks on the Antiques Roadshow hosts and experts. He speaks of Tom Gleeson’s caustic remarks, yet neglects the caustic tone of his whole article.

Enough of the vitriol and wokism, Robert.

Robert Curtis, via email

Scomo never got his due credit for covid stand

Columnist Robert Macklin (CN October 24) can’t get past his own rusted-on leftist views calling Scomo racist.

His reasoning? Something to do with standing up to China after the worldwide pandemic that killed millions originated in a wet lab in Wuhan. Morrison’s crime; that he quarantined travellers from Wuhan and prevented people from China entering the country. Remember the howls of the left

calling this racist.

Morrison never got his due credit for this, even going against the WHO recommendation. This saved Australia from thousands of deaths. If we had been under Labor’s rule then, with their immigration record, you can bet we would have been swamped with covid. Remember the previous Labor government letting in 50,000 illegal immigrants, that we are still paying for today. Macklin’s anti-conservative rants are getting very predictable and boring.

Ian Pilsner, Weston

Reminding Eric about the Voice outcome

Now that the data is coming in on just how much the PM misjudged his approach to the Voice, which I raised in CityNews early in the process, I remind letter writer Eric Hunter, who criticised my views, that his constant promotion of the Voice in various media contributed to the negative result.

Ric Hingee, Duffy

What price compassion for a puppy?

An image keeps recurring to me from Tony Magee’s letter about the building of St Andrew’s church in Forrest in 1934.

A builder’s pet puppy fell down a gap in the stone work and plunged to the ground where it whimpered prior to dying, one has

to conclude, a slow and painful death.

Dismantling a wall to rescue the dog “just wasn’t feasible”, according to Mr Magee.

In fact, it would have been perfectly feasible – just inconvenient and expensive.

But what price compassion, particularly when building a “light on the hill”?

John Griffin, via email

Disrespectful Thorpe’s ‘reprehensible’ protest

Regardless of one’s political persuasion, I think most would agree that the action of independent Victorian politician, Senator Lydia Thorpe, at the Parliament House reception for the Royal couple in Canberra was, at worst, reprehensible with her use of vile language (quite unbefitting a Federal government representative) and also the height of rudeness to say the least.

Particularly, after the gracious Welcome to Country extended to the Their Majesties on their arrival at Canberra airport by other First Nations representatives. Her disrespectful outburst was later deplored by Aboriginal elder Aunty Violet Sheridan, who distanced herself from the honourable member by saying: “She does not speak for me.”

Surely there would have been an opportunity at some stage of the Royal visit for a quiet and more gracious comment by this parliamentarian for her to voice her disaffection with the Crown over the treatment of the First Nations people in the past by “colonists”.

Patricia Watson, Red Hill

SECURE YOUR SUCCESS

The Importance of Servicing and Security in IT Solutions

In today’s digital world, security is crucial for all businesses, big or small. Without proper security measures, organisations face various risks like regulatory penalties, potential lawsuits from clients due to data breaches, and significant downtime or loss of valuable data. These risks can lead to financial losses and damage to the reputation of your company.

The cyberthreat landscape has evolved rapidly over the past few years, becoming more complex and sophisticated. This means that businesses need to stay ahead of potential threats to protect their sensitive information and systems from cyberattacks. Investing in robust security measures is not just a precautionary step; it’s a necessity to safeguard against ever-evolving cyber threats.

At BluePackets, we understand the importance of proactive security measures. We’ve observed a phenomenon we call the “Security Dividend,” where clients who invest in security experience fewer issues and require less reactive support. By prioritising security, our clients not only save money in the long run but also avoid costly outages caused by security vulnerabilities. Plus, the cost of implementing security measures with us is often lower than what competitors charge for reactive servicing alone, providing a win-win situation for our clients. Investing in security with us means investing in long-term savings and peace of mind.

Take to the wheel and discover new places nearby

THE taste of a morn ing coffee, loading up the car, pulling out of the driveway – it all adds to the magical feeling of heading out on a road trip.

And, luckily for Canberrans, surrounding the nation’s capital are picturesque landscapes, historic communities and fascinating events. But before heading out to nearby locations (that feel a world away), make sure the car’s serviced and ready to go!

EUROBODALLA SHIRE COOMA

Spring into the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre

Located an hour from Canberra, the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre is a great stop on any road trip.

“A Snowy Mountains road trip is one of the most spectacular in Australia,” says a Snowy Hydro spokesperson.

With more than 25 camping spots and holiday parks, tourism, marketing and visitor information co-ordinator at the Eurobodalla Shire Council Lysanne Cameron says there’s a place for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.

“It’s a beautiful coastal region,” she says .

“You can drive five minutes and find yourself on a beach and enjoying the quiet.

“There’s a variety of beach and river frontage views to camp at.”

One of the shire’s main attractions is its walks, says Lysanne.

Part of a 130-kilometre hiking and mountain biking track, 70 kilometres of the Mogo Trail has been opened as a “sneak peek” ahead of the grand opening of the completed trail in 2025.

Mountain bikers and hikers alike are encouraged to enjoy the trail, says Lysanne.

Activities are not limited to recreational sporting

catch up on “what’s on” in the shire.

“It’s a relaxing environment,” says Lysanne.

“Visitors should know that there are smaller establishments to visit outside of Batemans Bay that hold just as much historic charm and stunning views.”

Although summer is always a busy season for Eurobodalla, Lysanne says autumn is her favourite time of year.

“It’s perfect weather,” she says.

“That tough wind that you get in summer dies down and it’s still warm enough to enjoy the water.”

Eurobodalla Shire Council. Call 4474 1000 or visit eurobodalla.com.au

“Discover more about the iconic Snowy Mountains Scheme at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma.

“A perfect spot on your way to Kosciuszko National Park, the centre offers a behind-the-scenes look into one of the world’s greatest engineering feats.”

and engineering innovations.

Visitors can expect to find out about Snowy Hydro’s pumped-hydrop mega project, Snowy 2.0.

“Check out a scale model of a tunnel boring machine and learn about Australia’s renewable energy story,” the spokesperson says.

“Experience a virtual flyover of the Snowy Scheme in our immersive theatre, or stroll through interactive exhibits highlighting our proud history

“Check out the real-time operating screens and see where electricity is being generated.”

After discovering all the centre has to offer, visitors are encouraged to relax at the Discovery Cafe with a homemade pie, fresh sandwich, barista-made coffee or a milkshake and visit the souvenir shop.

Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, Monaro Highway, Cooma. Call 1800 623776, or visit snowyhydro.com.au

Walking on the beach – Lilli Pilli.

Live More Adventurously

Start your next adventure on two wheels! Test your gravity, flow and technical skills on 70+ kms of fresh tracks at Mogo Trails. Open now! Explore more Eurobodalla adventures at eurobodalla.com.au

FORBES SHIRE

Forbes Shire Council is hosting the National BBQ Championships, with a $20,000 prize pool, over the weekend of November 9-10.

“Set across two sizzling days, come join the competition judging the best barbecue beef, chicken, lamb and pork,” says Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.

“Get ready to have your mouth watering as we prepare for the shire’s annual championships.”

Visitors can expect to find live music, a bar, food trucks, cooking demonstrations, barbecue stalls and celebrity appearances, says Mayor Miller.

Running for more than 20 years, Mayor Miller says this renowned event is a family favourite in the shire and beyond.

“It’s a great chance to get the community out and about in a fun way,” she says.

With two days of cooking competitions, visitors can expect to be wowed by grilled and smoked meats with an opportunity for impromptu guest judges on day two.

“A real highlight of the event this year is to see celebrity chef Matt Burgess come be our guest chef and presenter for the event,” Mayor Miller says.

Teams of four are encouraged to enter the grilling competitions on the Saturday (November 9) with more than $3000 in prizes on the day.

Gordon Duff Drive, Forbes NSW. Call 6850 2300 or visit forbes.nsw.gov.au

Farm stay with a difference – in a luxury silo!

The Mathews family are the proud owners behind the Top Paddock Silo Stay – two silos that have been renovated into a three-bedroom house.

“Our vision is to run a regenerative farm that looks after the land,” says silo stay co-owner Kylie Mathews.

After moving on to the 485-hectare property in 2012, the notion of creating a farm stay was inspired by a trip to NZ.

In 2022, the idea came to fruition, with Kylie’s husband spending every free second building their holistic dream.

After a successful opening in March, 2024, Kylie says they are excited to share their dream with the public.

“We provide a unique farm stay with all the luxuries such as air-conditioning, a spa, two queen beds and three single beds,” she says.

According to Kylie, demonstrating the importance of caring for the land has always been a priority, using biodynamics and implementing a revegetation program.

“We’re trying to bridge the gap between the city and the country,” she says.

“We even offer farm tours for our visitors to experience life on the farm.”

The Top Paddock Silo Stay is pet friendly and Kylie says it is always best to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

“Forbes has a lot to do, and we love encouraging our visitors to see the region.”

Top Paddock Silo Stay, 138 Cooyong Lane, Forbes NSW. Call 0428 922499 or visit toppaddocksilostay.com.au

Experience the rhythms of farm life

Top Paddock Silo Stay is set within a regenerative beef cattle farm in the Wirrinya district of the Lachlan Valley, near Forbes.

A perfect family getaway in a unique and luxurious farm stay.

• Modern kitchen and bathroom and air conditioned comfort

• Sleeps seven – 2 queen beds and 3 single beds

Enjoy spectacular sunsets on your peaceful, relaxing stay

Book your stay online today Or call Kylie 0428 922 499

Email hello@toppaddocksilostay.com.au www.toppaddocksilostay.com.au

Forbes National BBQ Championships.

Silo living… inside the Top Paddock Silo accommodation.

The ‘perfect place’ to unwind and enjoy

Willinga Park, set on 930 hectares of land about two and a half hours from Canberra, offers luxury accommodation, says marketing and sales manager, Nadine Young.

The accommodation was opened to the public three months ago, offering a picturesque and relaxing getaway for visitors.

“It’s very tranquil,” says Nadine.

“It’s such a stunning getaway and the views are beautiful.”

Combining world-class accommodation with nature, Nadine says the park is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy.

“We operate 18 pavilions, some with two bedrooms and others with four.”

“They’re fully equipped, so it’s easy to set up home and settle in for a few days.”

Each pavilion is self-contained, offering spacious interiors, free wi-fi, laundry facilities and two parking spaces.

Scattered over the property are more than 30 sculptures, which Nadine says is a crowd favourite to explore.

The venue is a prime location for weddings, conferences and luxury stays, with the park working alongside local services and businesses to ensure a seamless and professional experience.

Nadine recommends anyone interested should book ahead of schedule to prevent disappointment –particularly ahead of the summer season.

Willinga Park, 132 Forster Drive, Bawley Point. Call 4405 5666 or visit willingapark.com.au

Opening in 1988 with two buildings and a ferry on display, the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum and Gallery has since become a significant arts and culture hub for the Shoalhaven, says curator Jody White.

“With a world-renowned collection of maritime artefacts and historic vessels, as well as temporary galleries showcasing a diverse range of exhibitions throughout the year, the museum provides a ‘sense of place’ for the local community and offers historical and contemporary insight to our visitors.”

Recently winning gold in the Top Town Tourism Awards, Jody says the town of Huskisson offers stunning natural views and good food all just a quick drive from the sparkling coast.

“As a volunteer-based organisation and community hub, the museum provides an opportunity for visitors to explore their interests, discover something

According to Jody, the rotating exhibit schedule means there’s always something new to see at the museum.

“I feel honoured to be able to contribute here and continue my journey of exploration about this beautiful coast and community,” she says.

“The museum has many great learning and explorative opportunities for families, including our popular children’s treasure hunt.”

Doubling as a community hub, the museum also hosts a monthly twilight market on the first Saturday of the month from October to April, featuring live music, a bar, local-made gifts and produce.

Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, 11 Dent St, Huskisson NSW. Call 4441 5675 or visit jervisbaymaritimemuseum.asn.au

JERVIS

advertising feature

READY FOR THE TRIP

Mechanics who value their customers’ safety

Nathan Lee, owner of JAWS Automotive, says he is committed to ensuring his customers are prepared for their journey ahead.

“At JAWS we offer ACT Roadworthy Inspections, mechanical repairs, log book services, 100-point safety check, as well as NSW Pink and Blue Slip inspections for motor vehicles, motorbikes, trailers,” he says.

Previously in the hands of a family business for a decade, the name JAWS was inspired by the initials of the previous owner’s father, says Nathan, who was also the tow truck driver for the previous owner before buying the business in April 2022.

“We are a small, old school workshop that values our customers and their vehicle concerns [and] we try to help in any way we can if people are stuck needing a mechanic [at] the last minute.”

As part of the Phillip-Woden community, Nathan says they receive a

fair bit of work from Lennock Motors, which is a large dealership that helps small, owner-operated businesses by sending work their way.

“We are, I believe, the only ACT Authorised Rego inspection station that does walk-in, on-the-spot rego inspections; all other authorised stations only do inspections by bookings,” Nathan says.

Nathan’s team are committed to working with the community to make sure their road trip goes as seamlessly as possible.

“We are also the preferred repairer for after-market warranties, and pride ourselves on doing a job well done.”

JAWS Automotive, 4 Salamander Circuit, Phillip. Call 6285 3455.

Kerry says he’s glad to carry on his father’s legacy as well as work with his sons – Mitchell who’s an auto electrician and Matthew, a spray painter.

Kerry, a qualified panel beater himself, says his customers can be assured that his team is made up of

BERRIMA

“Caravans and motorhomes are evolving all the time and we’re evolving with them.”

Lloyd’s Caravans, Unit 1-57 Tennant Street, Fyshwick. Call 0438 800652, email caravanscanberra@gmail.com

Sweet treats in a ‘happy place’

Lolly Swagman owner, Ian Richardson, reckons Berrima is such a “lovely area.”

The business has been exploring new tastes for nearly three decades and Ian has been the proud owner of the lolly shop for the past 11 years, saying they always appreciate their Canberra customers.

Located in the heart of the Southern Highlands, the lolly shop stocks all-time favourite treats and the latest-trending tastes from around the world.

“We lost count at 1300 different treats and we know it’s more than that,” he says.

According to Ian, the store is a common stop on people’s trips to Berrima.

“It’s a happy place with kids excitedly exploring new tastes, older people reminiscing and sharing in the thrill of finding a favourite and the great stories that go with them,” he says.

“Berrima is an overall happy place to visit, and we love seeing visitors come in and explore.

“We often see people who’d come as children now bringing in their own children and sharing their experiences, which is lovely to be allowed to join in on. It’s nice to have that history.”

Located halfway between Sydney and Canberra, Ian says it makes the perfect road trip pit stop or meeting place.

Lolly Swagman, 11 Old Hume Highway, Berrima. Call 4877 1137, or visit lollyswagman.com.au

Lolly Swagman owner Ian Richardson.

ROAD TRIPS

YOUNG

Get Ready for the National Cherry Festival

Canberra “fun-seekers” are being called to a sweet weekend escape at Young’s 74th SWS Bank National Cherry Festival.

Destination and economy manager of Hilltops Shire Council, Joe Conneely says: “This three-day extravaganza celebrates all things cherry.

“There will be live music, delicious food, vibrant markets, rides and family friendly activities held throughout the weekend of November 29-December 1.”

Young is a 90-minute drive from Canberra.

Joe says some particular family favourites include the Friday night’s live music with Triple J’s rising star Birdee, a “dazzling” fireworks display, the crowd favourite Cherry Pie Eating Competition as well as the “vibrant” Woolworths Street Parade on the Saturday afternoon.

“Make sure you don’t miss Sunday’s Big Breakfast, the Cherry Pip Spit Competi tion, the Gourmet Sunday Markets or our abundance of live entertainment,” says Joe.

Outside of the festival, Joe says visitors are encouraged to pick their own cherries at the local orchards or enjoy some of Hilltops’ award-winning wines.

“Come experience the sweetest time of the year!” says Joe.

National Cherry Festival, Young NSW, November 29-December 1. Call 1800 628233 or visit nationalcherryfestival.com.au

QUEANBEYAN

For anyone who fancies a short trip, Queanbeyan Players will be hitting the stage on November 1-10 in a “toe-tapping” rendition of Nice Work If You Can Get It, a lighthearted comedy filled with singing, dancing and silly jokes.

Queanbeyan Players president Jen Hinton says:

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to come relax and have a great time, switching off the worries of the world even for just a couple of hours.

“It’s suitable for children, so it’s a great opportunity to bring your kids to the theatre and provide them with the amazing experience of live performance and live music.

“The arts, and particularly theatre, is a wonderful way to do that. There is the saying that laughter is the best medicine, and a show like Nice Work provides those laughs!”

Jen describes the play as community oriented, promoting a fun and safe environment for players from all levels of experience to explore theatre and the arts.

According to Jen, adventure doesn’t have to be far away with locals able to enjoy a night out across the border in Queenbeyan.

“The show offers fantastic entertainment without the long drive,” says Jen.

“Perfect for a local outing filled with music, laughter and fun.”

She says it’s worth keeping an eye on their website and socials for any upcoming audition notices or ways to get involved.

Nice Work If You Can Get It. Tickets from theq.net.au or call 6285 6290.

SWAGMAN

mrs.swag@lollyswagman.com.au

Queanbeyan Players in rehearsal for the upcoming Nice Work If You Can Get It show.

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GARDENING

Thinning out small fruits now will allow space in between the remaining fruit and give them space to grow.

Spanish Blue Cranesbill…looks a bit sad in winter, but bounces back to fill a hot spot where very little can grow.

Still time to thin out stone

By Jackie WARBURTON

Thinning out stone fruit such as peaches, nectarines and apricots is best done just after flowers have waned, but if it was not done then, it can be done now.

Doing this is important for the overall yield; it’s better to have bigger and better-quality fruit than lots of small fruit that don’t grow well. Bunched fruit can cause fungal issues and poor air flow. Fruit will be spoiled when ripe. Thinning out small fruits now will allow space between the remaining fruit and give them space to grow.

Pome fruits – apples, pears and quinces etcetera – can also benefit from fruit thinning to prevent fruit drop in the summer or prevent limb damage if fruit is too heavy on branches.

Watering is crucial while fruit is growing, but not too much fertiliser in the summer. Save that for autumn and spring.

IN flower now is a terrific, easy little grower, Spanish Blue Cranesbill (Geranium ibericuman). It flowers for many months with little care and, while it looks a bit sad in winter, it’ll bounce back and fill a hot spot where very little can grow. Equally it doesn’t mind a little shade, making it a good transitional plant where an area has both growing conditions.

A little dolomite lime, compost or mulch is appreciated, but the plant is untroubled by not getting

any fertiliser.

They are easy to grow along with other cranesbill species such as Cranesbill Rozanne, which won the award of merit and plant of the year prizes at the 2008 Chelsea Flower Show in the UK.

Likewise, the Biokovo Bloody Cranesbill, with its delicate pink flowers that sit above the pungent foliage – which can be overpowering if too much is planted in a small space. Cranesbills are easy to propagate. Break a piece of stem and plant it into a small pot with a sandy potting mix. Keep moist and in the shade until there is new growth and sun can be increased. Plant into the garden once the cutting has good, strong roots.

NOW there is little chance of frosts, all vegetables of the solanaceae family – tomatoes, capsicums, potatoes and eggplants – can be planted where there were onions and root vegetables the previous season. Tomatoes need space to grow and good airflow to keep fungal diseases at bay. They will also benefit from a little dolomite lime in the soil before planting to increase the calcium levels. This also helps prevent blossom end rot, where tomatoes are spoiled at

fruit

the base of the fruit and not edible. Seed should not be kept from these diseased fruits and should be disposed of in the green waste bin and not the home compost.

Tomatoes have many companion plants they like to grow alongside, including basil, marigolds, chives and parsley. But they’re not friends with any plants from the brassica family (such as cabbages and broccoli) which can stunt tomato growth as they compete for the same nutrients in the soil.

Once the tomato plants are growing strongly, feed them every two weeks with a water-base fertiliser that’s high in phosphorus and potassium and low in nitrogen. Tomatoes are a vine plant and once the central leader begins to grow it can be tied to a frame or trellis. Remove lower leaves as it grows.

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

Jottings…

• Keep weeds out of lawns before they set seed.

• Keep pruning wisteria to keep growth under control.

• Plant citrus trees and water well.

Photos: Jackie Warburton

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

By Helen

MUSA

Waiting for Godot is easily the most famous play of the 20th century, one that turned the very idea of theatre upside down.

The first French language play written by Nobel Laureate Samuel Beckett, conceived in around 1948 or 1949 and first staged in Paris in 1953, its image of two tramps waiting by a tree for something – they don’t know what – perfectly captured the apprehensions of the west in the wake of World War II and its nuclear resolution.

The play depicts Vladimir (Didi) and Estragon (Gogo) as they wait for who knows who? They don’t. Two strangers pass by, Pozzo and his slave Lucky. They come back later, shockingly transformed.

Didi and Gogo consider hanging themselves, but they have no rope. Then they consider leaving, but after announcing, “Yes, let’s go,” the famous stage directions read: “They do not move”.

It’s a gesture of impotence that defined the post-war era and it still resonates.

Street Theatre director Caroline Stacey’s production will be the first Canberra main stage production of this famous play since

Amid the waiting, hope comes with humour

a pitch-perfect ear that allows the cut and thrust of the dialogue to be rich in humour.

Carroll says that although comedy can date quickly, Godot is full of timeless jokes that are “of the human situation”.

Actors normally feel free to ignore stage directions, but never with Beckett, Williams says, reminding me that he did many productions of his own plays, so he knew what he was doing.

“The physicality and the text are closely interwoven, Carroll says, “like little pieces of clockwork.”

Beckett’s plays have also been described as “music” and both attest to his sense of a beat, “like going into a piece of percussion,” to say nothing of the cyclical construction of the play, reminiscent of a musical composition that often returns to the theme with which it opens.

While there’s no deep psychologising and it’s based in the here and now, there is character conflict between Estragon, always complaining about his sore feet and Vladimir, more connected to the sky, more of a thinker.

It is most definitely contemporary, they assure me, where the audience has been given a map to the cyclical nature of life.

“Despite mythology, it’s a play of action,” Carroll says, “It has endured because people

Waiting for Godot, The Street Theatre, November 9-24.

STREAMING Whatever it takes to protect the outback throne

Its Succession meets Yellowstone down under. That’s how Netflix’s new blockbuster series Territory has been described.

Created and filmed in Australia, this new six-part series takes place on the world’s largest cattle station.

For decades it’s belonged to the Lawson family, generational livestock farmers willing to do whatever it takes to protect their land. But when the family is left without an heir, the most powerful factions in the outback begin to circle.

Rival cattle farmers, mining magnates and ruthless gangsters all have their eyes on the station, setting in motion a brutal and bloody battle to claim it as their own.

Amongst the cast is star of The Newsreader Robert Taylor, complete with cowboy hat, who plays the Lawson family patriarch Colin.

For his son Graham (Michael Dorman) and his wife Emily (Anna Torv) the weight is heavy on their shoulders as the battle for this outback throne heats up.

“I feel ultimately all the great dramas are family stories, whether it’s Shakespeare or Succession or Game of Thrones,” director Greg McLean told The Sydney Morning Herald.

The show’s stunning vistas are thanks to filming locations such as the Kakadu National Park and Tipperary Station, both in the NT.

It’s exciting to see a Netflix production of this scale filmed in Australia. Let’s hope it can

rom-com Nobody Wants This.

This series asks an obscure and oddly specific question: what if an agnostic sex podcaster and a newly single rabbi fell in love?

Well, it’s a question that’s hooked audiences.

Over the show’s 10 episodes, this peculiar mismatch played by Kristen Bell and Adam Brody try to make their very different lives

topping out Netflix’s hit crime drama series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.

So what is it that makes this will-theywon’t-they tale stand out?

Even as someone who might not consider themselves a rom-com aficionado, the chemistry between the two leads in Nobody Wants This is undeniable.

Bell and Brody bring effortless charisma to this on-screen couple. It’s not unusual

amongst all the corny dialogue. It worked like a charm though.

The writers of the show are already working on season two.

As opposed to its title, it seems this is a

ARTS IN THE CITY

show that everybody wants.

THERE’S no shortage of psychopaths in the world of television, but Rhiannon Lewis in Binge’s new show Sweetpea is out there.

A seemingly ordinary admin assistant at a local newspaper, nobody takes notice of Rhiannon (played by Fallout star Ella Purnell).

Her colleagues bump into her as if she’s all but invisible, her boss treats her as a doormat. It seems the only person who does notice Rhiannon’s existence is her sick father who she lives with and cares for.

It’s only the rotten cherry on top of a life of being horribly bullied but as viewers learn Rhiannon is soon to finally snap and when she does it’s a murderous lease on life she seeks.

Ella Purnell’s performance is what makes this six-episode series tick, somehow crafting a character both small and downtrodden yet massive in her sinister machinations.

The conceit here is simple yet brilliant and makes one wonder how another show hasn’t come up with the idea of this character before.

It’s early days, but with time Rhiannon Lewis might have a shot at going toe-to-toe with the likes of Hannibal or Dexter.

Cole in role of a proper Charlie

Smile is a physical comedy show about the life and films of Charlie Chaplin by the creators of The Ukulele Man, actor Marcel Cole and director Mirjana Ristevski. Cole plays Chaplin, with audience interaction, storytelling, and a tribute to silent films. Tuggeranong Arts Centre, November 9.

Mikelangelo returns to the stage with a band of troupers, including Shortis & Simpson and Fred Smith, to mark the eighth anniversary of Leonard Cohen’s death with a show at The Vault, Fyshwick, November 8.

Film is everywhere. From 800 submissions this year, Canberra Short Film Festival has chosen almost 300 short films, animations and music videos in 22 separate screenings. This year they’re intro ducing new sessions such as After Dark for the mature viewer, Migrant Stories, as well as an international and a national showcase. Dendy Cinemas, November 6-20.

Meantime, The 2024 British

Marcel Cole in the guise of Charlie Chaplin… Tuggeranong Arts Centre, November 9.

second annual WTF (What The Film) Festival runs at the National Film and Sound Archive November 7-9.

Ausdance ACT’s Youth Dance Festival has always shone because it is not a competition but a showcase of original dance. The event celebrates its 40th anniversary with performances by secondary schools

Dianna Nixon’s cabaret show The Gentleman’s Companion, based on Charles H Baker Jnr’s recipes and travels and featuring songs from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, will be at the Yazzbar, Yass, on November 3 and 10.

Our Streets, a project by the National Library, has resulted in a book that celebrates regional Australian towns’ heritage and architecture with more than 100 black and white images and a foreword by comedian and architecture tragic Tim Ross.

Michael Dorman as Graham Lawson, left, and Robert Taylor as his father Colin in Territory.

DINING / Madam Lu, Civic

Good food but, oh, the service!

For some years, Madam Lu, on West Row, has offered Malaysian and Chinese dishes – generous serves at a reasonable cost and with a focus on taste.

It was our first time, and our meal began with piping hot, thin, flaky shallot pancakes ($9.90). They were delicious.

We next focused on plump dumplings, stuffed with prawn and pork ($11.90). They are five in a serve and since we were a party of three, we asked if we could have an additional dumpling to round matters out (at a cost, of course). The answer was a blunt “no”. Order 5 or 10 we were told.

Rock salt and pepper dishes can be exciting and Madam Lu’s execution with squid was well done ($24.90). The seafood was soft and tender, and the coating was well-seasoned.

With ginger and shallot sauce, the Hainan chicken was perfectly poached. The flavour of the ginger was pronounced, but not so strong it disrupted the dish’s designed delicacy ($26.90). Madam Lu’s take on this classic dish was excellent, and the chicken was succulent and silky.

After the subtle chicken, we dug into more powerful beef rendang. We’re big rendang fans and Madam Lu offers a “signature version”

burnt red colour, and were topped with thinly sliced fresh chilli. Tender, the beef was slow-cooked to absorb a special, rich mixture of ground spices. The sauce was sweet initially, but then the more complex flavour profile made itself known. Madam Lu’s wine list is sparse and not intriguing, so we whipped over to the bottle shop across the road (corkage $10 a bottle), relieved it was there.

While the food at Madam Lu was worth the visit, the service was not. Our experience was tainted by

WINE / the bouquet

arrival and only two other tables had customers when we left some time later.

Perhaps it was bad luck, but there was no warmth from beginning to end. We sat outside and, except when food was plunked on our table, we were ignored throughout our meal. Indeed, one of our party had to get up to go inside three times to make requests. No-one bothered to check in to see if our lunch was travelling well.

genuine care factor.

I get that some restaurants are casual, focusing on no fuss and quick in and out, but on our visit Madam Lu took this to another level despite its website promising that wait staff is “friendly”, “attentive” and dedicated to providing “excellent service” and making “every visit to Madam Lu a memorable one”.

Art of being the scenter of attention

Love that old pun: the nose is in the middle of your face because it’s the scenter. I have oft buried my nose deep in a glass of wine to let the bouquet do the talking.

With training, the aroma from wine should be distinguishable as primary, from the grape variety, and secondary that is from the processes of wine making, especially the ageing process.

cabernet sauvignon next tasted was singing.

The bouquet of wines is like a warm up to an active sporting event, the preliminary show can get you excited. This is unlike games such as Scrabble or Monopoly where you just get board. I recently experienced that excitement when I was, as I often do, sitting at the Symposium wine bar at the ANU awaiting a taste of the latest wine to be sold by the glass.

don’t succeed, try a little ardour.”

“Groan,” he said.

“On taste, its got a good balance between butter and oakiness, the latter usually imparted by French oak. It has good length and its very well balanced. Thumbs up all right.”

The label revealed that the label name was from the fact that the paper wasps nest in the canopy of the winery at the exact time of hand harvesting, not for the fact that there’s a sting in the aftertaste.

Faults should be detected straight away as on the nose: a recent 2017 cabernet sauvignon from one of my favourite vineyards, Burge Family Winery, displayed a stable floor smell and tasted foul.

It reminded me of the old joke that was in currency when I was a political adviser: a caucus is a dead animal. In any event, in my understanding, this aroma comes from an overabundance of a chemical known as molecule 4-ethylphenol, derived from phenols.

In lower concentrations it gives aged wine a well-textured flavour of leather, but in higher concentrations it is a bane.

There was also likely to have been some cork taint, often associated with a smell of mouldering newspaper (and I don’t mean the fate of The Australian) which occurs when the cork used to seal the bottles is contaminated with a molecule called Trichloroanisole (TCA) that is quite discernible even in very small concentrations.

The winery immediately on complaint replaced the bottle affected and the replacement 2017

As the day had been warm, I chose a white wine, the 2023 Usher Tinkler Paperwasp Vineyard Chardonnay. This is a wine from the Hunter Valley known more for its semillons than for chardonnay, so expectations were low.

I buried my nose in the glass and I immediately smelled butter and nectarine. I said to my mate: “Obviously, a bit of malolactic fermentation going on and a very clean mix of fruit with a hint of flowers.”

“What?” he said. “All that from a bloody sniff?”

“Yes,” I said, “the nose is large enough to get those notes and you can train yourself to detect them. It’s like the advice you have to give to boys about love: if at first you

The bouquet of wines is like a warm up to an active sporting event.

Two stories of power, spies and political intrigue

Power, spies and political intrigue are the common factors in Sonia Purnell’s biography of Pamela Churchill Harriman (1920-97) and Nick Harkaway’s reworking of his father’s fictional world of George Smiley.

David Cornwell wrote as John le Carré, while his son Nicholas writes as Nick Harkaway.

Harkaway reflects that George Smiley “is woven into my life… I grew up with the evolution of the Circus, so this is a deeply personal journey for me, and of course it’s a journey which has to feel right to the le Carré audience”.

Karla’s Choice (Viking, $34.99), set soon after the events depicted in The Spy Who Came in From the Cold (1963), features all the familiar le Carré characters, including Smiley’s wife Ann, Control, Guillam, Esterhase, Connie, Haydon and Mundt.

It begins in London in the spring of 1963, when a young Hungarian emigré, Susanna Gero, arrives one morning at her boss Laszlo Bánáti’s literary agency, only to find he has disappeared. When a Russian assassin arrives at the agency, she realises why, although the assassin has now changed his mind and wants to defect.

Cue Susanna being put in touch with MI6, where Control persuades Smiley out of retirement, Smiley acknowledging the Circus is his “grey mistress”.

Harkaway has said: “Susanna effectively

brings Smiley a loose end… and in the aftermath of The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, he tries to do something compassionate.”

The tracking of Bánáti takes Smiley and Susanna into the field, from Berlin to Vienna and into Hungary, after it becomes apparent Karla is pulling most of the Russian strings. Harkaway certainly succeeds with his “opportunity to tell the story of Karla becoming Smiley’s nemesis”.

SONIA Purnell describes Pamela Churchill Harriman as “the most powerful courtesan in history”, something of an overstatement, but certainly she had a stunning number of high-powered men in her life.

Pamela Digby, born into a cash-strapped aristocratic family, was sent as a 19-year-old, on to the London debutante circuit in 1939. The result was a marriage to Winston

Churchill’s son Randolph, whom she had only dated for two weeks.

Pamela belatedly realised Randolph was “a drunken, offensive adulterer”, who only wanted an heir. Winston Jr was born in 1940, but the couple divorced in 1946 after spending much of World War II apart.

Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine liked Pamela and introduced her to their social circles and, more particularly, the “the low cunning of high politics”. Winston and Lord Beaverbrook used Pamela as “a bedroom spy” as part of the effort of bringing America into World War II.

Her liaisons were impressive, including Roosevelt’s Land Lease liaison head, Averell Harriman, Ed Murrow, the famous CBS London broadcaster, Colonel. Jock Whitney in the Office of Strategic Services and Maj-Genl Frederick Anderson, head of the US

Eighth Bomber Command.

After the war, Harriman continued to weave a “strategic” sex path amongst the rich and famous. Her life as a “grande horizontale” included affairs with Prince Aly Khan, Fiat CEO Gianni Agnelli, Baron Elie de Rothschild and William S Paley, owner of CBS. Paley’s wife was one of Truman Capote’s famous “swans”, as was Pamela, satirised as Lady Ina Coolbirth.

Pamela married wealthy Broadway producer Leland Hayward in 1960 and, after his death in 1971, quickly married billionaire Averell Harriman, her World War II lover, then 79. Pamela was regarded, to put it mildly,

as “a gold digger” by the Hayward and Harriman families.

Pamela, having become an American citizen, became an effective fundraiser for the Democratic Party, so much so that her friend Bill Clinton appointed her at the age of 73 to become the first American female ambassador to France in 1993.

Here she performed effectively, becoming the first foreign female diplomat to be awarded the Grand Croix of the Légion d’Honneur, although Paris Match called her “a cross between Lady Hamilton and Moll Flanders”.

It was perhaps fitting in such an exotic life that she should die in 1997, at the age of 76, in the swimming pool of the Paris Ritz Hotel after a failed rescue by head of security Henri Paul, who was to drive Princess Diana to her death later that year.

Purnell does not avoid critical comments, but argues that some of the commentary that Pamela received would not have occurred if she had been a man – think Jack Kennedy and his relationships.

Kingmaker (Virago, $34.99) is a compelling book about a remarkable woman, who defied the stereotypes of fe male deference in a male-dominated world.

Festival’s ‘joyful’ aim of upcycling

By Helen Musa

As the buzz of excitement increases in volume at Craft + Design Canberra in the lead-up to its 10th Craft + Design Canberra Festival, there’s an even louder sound emitting from its headquarters –exultation.

For the return of ACT Labor to government means the probable realisation of a long-held dream to have Canberra listed as a UNESCO Creative City of Design, the very raison d’etre of the festival.

Australia currently has seven designated cities and according to CEO and artistic director Jodie Cunning ham. The government had already made a $3.3 million commitment to achieve the listing, as UNESCO requires a government-led push.

“This would brand the city as a cultural city of design,” Cunningham says, adding that in her view Canberra would more than qualify, having more artists living and working here than in any other Australian city and a cultural heritage in the Griffin design and in its Ngambri and Ngunnawal ancestry.

With 20 sponsors and 500 artists and designers involved, she says, the festival will feature symposiums, workshops with intriguing titles such as Mindful Clay, open studios featuring 27 artists and six galleries, architectural tours presented with the Australian Institute of Architects and Canberra Modern, and even a talk on bonsai.

A highlight, Cunningham says, will be on the first Saturday in Civic Square where there’ll be activities for kids, alongside the Festival Design Markets filled with handmade goods.

Also in Civic Square will be Urban Biome, an example of upcycling. It’s a modular-art installation of planter boxes made from offcuts and deck tiles formed into a kind of mosaic installation, created by Thor Diesendorf, from Thor’s Hammer, glass artist Spike Deane, from the Canberra Glassworks, and horticulturist David Taylor, from Ephemeral Country, with support from City

Renewal Authority and Yarralumla Nursery, who have supplied endangered locally endemic species to fill the planter boxes. The public can buy them.

“We’re super-excited,” Cunningham says. “We’ve just been bringing in Minka Gillian’s Mind Garden, part of our Speculative Materialism exhibition which is at the centre of the festival.

“Minka ’s objects are made of recycled material and it’s so colourful and enjoyable, and it fits with the 2024 festival theme, Regenerate, which looks at how we can use materials in different ways to help the environment.” Over at the embassy of Finland is Second Chance, an exhibition by Finnish Artist Siru Tuomisto of assemblage sculptures in which everyday objects have been regenerated into new forms in new, unexpected and clever ways. There’ll be a workshop at the embassy where people can learn how to upcycle glass at home.

“It’s all a joyful celebration of upcycling,” Cunningham says.

The wedding of Pamela Digby and Randolph Churchill, St. John’s Church, London, October 1939. Photo: British Pathé

Karla’s Choice by Nick Harkaway.

Kingmaker by Sonia Purnell.

2024 Craft + Design Canberra Festival, November 1-10.

CEO and artistic director Jodie Cunningham.

HOROSCOPE PUZZLES

By Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The week starts with an impatient, indulgent Venus/Jupiter opposition, and then Mars (your boss planet) charges into fellow fire sign, Leo. So – if you want things to run smoothly – diplomacy, discretion and restraint are required. Not qualities that come naturally to Rams! Wisdom for the week is from singer-songwriter Lorde (who turns 28 on Thursday): “Take care of your thoughts when you are alone and take care of your words when you are with people.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

With voluptuous Venus (your patron planet) opposing Jupiter and squaring Neptune, you’re in the mood to overindulge, overspend and exaggerate. But too much eating, drinking, partying and/or spending (plus too little sleep) could extend your waistline, shorten your patience and slow you down by the end of the week. Unrealistic expectations could also lead to disappointment and confusion, so try to keep your feet firmly on the ground.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Have you been wondering (and worrying) about your professional options in the future? The ideal is to follow your dreams and make your day-to-day work a pleasure rather than a full-time chore. This week, the terrific Sun/Saturn trine encourages you to turn an abstract idea into a rock-solid reality via an inspiring vision and a strategic plan, especially at work. Proactive Mars also encourages you to get busy and be productive in your local community.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

The Sun and Saturn are activating your entertainment and travel sectors. So jump out of your Crab comfort zone and book some tickets to a concert or plan a muchneeded holiday. When it comes to your personal and professional friendships, strive to be extra patient and keep the lines of communication wide open. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, singer-songwriter-musician Joni Mitchell: “I want to have fun, I want to shine like the Sun.”

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Get cracking, Cats! It’s one of the most proactive and productive weeks of the year as Mars charges into Leo, and Saturn (planet of discipline and patience) links up with the Sun (your ruling planet). Relationships with relatives should improve, as long as you take a cautious and responsible approach. Catching up with delayed chores and overdue DIY projects in your Lion’s den is particularly favoured. When it comes to personal projects, strike while the iron is hot.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

When it comes to romance, do you have ridiculously high expectations? Have you placed your partner (or imagined partner) on a towering pedestal? With Neptune and Saturn both transiting through your relationship zone, stop expecting the perfect soulmate and, instead, be prepared to love a real flesh and bones person … faults and all. As singer/songwriter (and birthday great) Joni Mitchell sings: “I’ve looked at love from both sides now, from up and down …”

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

This week pleasure-planet Venus (your patron planet) opposes Jupiter and squares Neptune, so you’re in the mood to indulge your senses via overeating, drinking too much, partying too often and/or maxing out your credit card. Wearing decidedly rose-coloured glasses could also lead to confusion and disappointment (especially involving love, romance, neighbours, work colleagues, clients or customers). The Sun and Saturn encourage you to stay grounded.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

On Monday and Tuesday, being resourceful and strategic pays off well at work. Creative ideas and careful research will also take you far. But don’t blow your budget with an indulgent Venus/Jupiter spending spree or commit yourself to an ambitious project that you don’t really have the time or enthusiasm for. Short-term big talk is no good if it doesn’t translate into long-term action. This week, patience and persistence are the keys to Scorpio success.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

With Mercury and Venus both transiting through your sign, you’ll be at your chatty and charming best! So it’s a wonderful week to create, collaborate and communicate, in your friendly Sagittarian way. As birthday great Albert Camus wrote: “Charm is the way of getting the answer ‘yes’, without having asked any clear question.” But avoid making impulsive financial decisions, especially on Monday. Take your time, do your research, and get a second opinion.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Your best days are Monday and Tuesday, when Saturn (your power planet) trines the Sun. Concentration, goal setting and creative plans will take you far, especially involving communication, education, social media and group activities. Jupiter encourages you to enjoy the simple things in life – like a walk in the park or a kiss from a child. Be inspired by actress Sally Field (who turns 78 on Wednesday): “Find joy in the little things; they add up to something magnificent.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

With Mars charging into your relationship zone, it’s time to maintain your independence within the partnership… and encourage your sweetheart to do the same. The Sun/Saturn trine is terrific for professional and volunteer work plus long-term career planning. Success will be more satisfying if you are patient and disciplined, as you follow your particular path. Be inspired by actress (and birthday great) Sally Field: “Your journey is unique; don’t compare it to others.”

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

It’s a wonderful week to dream big dreams and set ambitious goals for the future, as the Sun and Saturn activate your aspirations’ zone. But family members and work colleagues need to be handled with an extra big dollop of diplomacy and discretion. As birthday great Joni Mitchell observes: “There are things to confess that enrich the world, and things that need not be said.” On the weekend, avoid the temptation to be vague about the truth and tell tall tales.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2024

Solution next edition Down

1 Which gland, situated near the stomach, secretes an important digestive fluid? (8)

(6) 9 What is an occlusion of blood? (8) 10 To be scurrilous in speech, language, etc, is to be what? (6)

11 Name an alternative term for stupidity. (8)

14 Which people sell sold-out sporting tickets at an exorbitant price? (8)

18 Salem is the capital of which State in the northwestern US? (6)

19 Which aerosol spray is used by police to subdue offenders? (8)

21 Name the hard, aromatic seed of the fruit of an East Indian tree, used as a spice. (6)

22 Name a disease of the peripheral nerves, caused by a deficiency in vitamin B. (8)

23 To be ingenious, is to be what? (6)

2 What was the given name for Mr Edison, the US inventor? (6)

3 To suddenly plunge downwards, is to do what? (8)

4 What is a stick, with a crooked head, used in golf? (4)

5 Which cottage is common in alpine regions? (6)

6 When one entertains, one does what? (6)

12 What is the inability to sleep called? (8)

13 What is the witching hour known as? (8)

15 Name the red table wine of Bordeaux, France. (6)

16 Name a renowned movie dog of yesteryear. (6)

17 Who is under obligation to another? (6)

20 What is the head cook known as? (4)