CityNews 241205

JON

Odd

Hard

KEEPING

GOVERNMENT FURNITURE

SECURITY CABINETS

AUTHENTIC EAMES CHAIRS

MAP CABINETS

Sciatica is caused by nerve pain that originates from the lower back and can cause pain from the point, right down through your bottom and down one leg to your calf.

Not the entire area may be causing you pain at any one time, but what the pain will certainly do is cause you frequent extreme discomfort that is often not relieved by pain medication.

Exercise is a key to dealing with sciatica. People who have lived with sciatica for some time will generally have some weakness of the

muscles, tendons and ligaments surrounding the joints and bones that support the sciatic nerve. This is largely due to not having used their body to the fullest extent due to the sciatic pain.

Sciatic pain will generally respond well to rebuilding the support structures surrounding the sciatic nerve. For some people surgery may be the only solution, but in most cases, even if surgery is required, building up the support structures either prior to or following surgery will still be necessary.

Arthritis ACT has a team of exercise physiologists that can improve your quality of life in relation to your sciatica. Both hydrotherapy and land based exercise techniques are useful, and for those who do not like water exercise, land based exercise is just as effective.

Do you want to solve your sciatica?

Call us today on 1800 011 041 and book your appointment with one of our exercise physiologists and scientists to solve your sciatica.

MEET OUR EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTS

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

Blake Dean Holly Hazlewood

Sophie Bullock

Sarah Solano Jarrod Phillips

Artist Nancy’s enduring brush with Parkinson’s

By Katarina LLOYD JONES

They also use movement and music as a means of getting participants into the right headspace, working with the ANU School of Music and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra to provide musical prompts for participants to

Today, the program has 20 active members with Parkinson’s, along with their carers or family members,

“I can’t underestimate the social side of it. Being in a group where you feel completely comfortable, you don’t have to explain yourself or why you’re behaving strangely, you’re just there to be part of a group that’s going to go into another space for a while, and be totally accepted in whatever condition

“People always say it changes their lives, and they look forward to Friday as the most important day of the week, you can’t get better than that, can you?” Nancy passed the baton of running the program on to John Pratt in 1999, but remains involved as a mentor. Her husband and inspiration for the program, Bob Tingey, passed away in

The group meets at the Botanical Gardens on Friday mornings, and in Greenway on Tuesday mornings. paintingwithparkinsons.org.au

Since 1993: Volume 30, Number: 49

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

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

Production manager: Janet Ewen

Distribution manager: Penny McCarroll

and Residential Conveyancing for ACT & NSW

POLITICS / domestic violence levy audit

Dr Paterson faces tough first test as a minister

The auditor-general’s blistering report on the use of the domestic violence levy presents a baptism of fire for incoming Minister Marisa Paterson.

Dr Paterson was appointed Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence early in November.

The Safer Families Levy (Report No 10 / 2024) was presented to the Speaker of the Assembly around two weeks after her appointment.

The report is a stinging reflection on the handling of this aspect of her portfolio and damning reflection on the ministerial competence of her predecessor.

The audit report explains that the initiative has been undermined by a series of failures of the directorate for which she now has responsibility. The failures include the lack of a “Territory specific strategy”, and a lack of “understanding regarding up-to-date needs of the ACT in responding to domestic and family violence”.

The levy to finance the Safer Families Initiative was originally $30 a household, but is increasing to $50 a household by 2024-25. This will increase further to $70 in 2026-27 with an expectation of raising $49.401 million over the next four years.

Ironically, on November 25, Minister Paterson published a media release

recognising the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the commencement of the annual campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

She called on “all Canberrans to unite against discrimination and violence towards women”.

She added, “the ACT government is unwavering in its commitment to preventing and addressing the serious and pervasive issue of gendered violence and ensuring people who choose to use violence are held responsible for their behaviour.”

The intent is good, but “the way to hell is paved with good intentions”. For effective delivery of the unwavering commitment there, she

The auditor-general’s report is a searing indictment on both the previous minister, Greens MLA Emma Davidson (who lost her seat at the October election), and the directorate officers who have failed so spectacularly.

must ensure appropriate drive and competent administration.

The auditor-general points out: “There is no formal process to call for, or discover, domestic and family violence initiatives to be funded through the Safer Families Initiative”.

There was no information about how new initiatives “would complement or duplicate activities under existing Safer Families initiatives”.

Perhaps the method of distribution was the “squeaky wheel” or “who knows who”! It’s hard to know.

On the plus side, the audit did review five of the Safer Families Initiatives and found that performance outcomes and objectives, the indicators, and reporting along with monitoring and assurance, were carried out appropriately.

However, the reports to the ACT Legislative Assembly by the former minister deteriorated over time. The 2023 statement “was less structured

than in previous years and did not provide information on planned, actual or future expected performance”.

The report is a searing indictment on both the previous minister, Greens MLA Emma Davidson (who lost her seat at the October election), and the directorate officers who have failed so spectacularly.

Dr Paterson will have to consider the best way to proceed. Taking advice from the directorate officers, who have failed her predecessor, will not be enough. This will be a challenge as to her competence as a minister.

The good news for Dr Paterson is that the audit report has made four clear recommendations on how to resolve this serious failure in administration. The recommendations cover strategic planning, consistent performance monitoring, twice yearly reporting on Domestic and Family Violence Review, and improvements to general reporting of the initiative.

Further good news, since Dr Paterson is a minister in a minority government, is the support that she has received from independent Thomas Emerson. He has already supported her announcement that all funds raised through this levy will

now go to frontline services.

Mr Emerson noted, on behalf of Independents for Canberra, that “this was one of three core commitments in our safety for women and children policy package”.

Committing the funds to frontline services is an important step forward. However, it is not enough to resolve the challenges facing the minister. How did it get to this? Who was responsible? What actions will she need to demand from her directorate to ensure that her commitments and the four recommendations are delivered effectively.

Dr Paterson’s response to the auditor-general’s report will be a tough test on her capability as a minister. It is a transparency requirement that responses to auditor-general’s reports be tabled in the Legislative Assembly. It will be available for all to see.

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.

Minister Marisa Paterson… This will be a challenge as to her competence as a minister.

Tyres,

Telling the truth, the whole truth to, well, nobody

Lawyers in NSW are now banned from using AI to create crucial evidence papers and judges cannot use AI to formulate reasons for judgments. Legal columnist HUGH SELBY imagines a different world, where justice is as easy as popping into an AI Justice Hub.

The bus trip was uneventful. At Jolimont I entered the passenger code at the bus door to gain entry, sat down, was immediately restrained by the auto protection

with a lawyer, parties could each enter a small cubicle and use the voice adaptive software (it picks up not only the words but the emotion) to enter their version of the dispute. After What a change from those tiresome

loan there, on the spot.

For complaints about such things as fences and noise between neighbours the orders are clear as to what is to be done, by whom, when and where.

The Hub started off with one centre, the one I visited. It will introduce mobile justice centres that tour the state in the next six months.

I was told that these mimic the mobile libraries (from the age of hardprint books) and the blood donor mobiles. Advance bookings already justify the investment.

I almost forgot to mention that the Hub is available 24/7, including public holidays. AI needs no sleep. Every decision automatically becomes an input into the ever bigger decisionmaking repertoire.

I’d come to observe the hearing of a complaint by the Lawyers’ Club against a well-known litigator who had openly flouted the infamous 2024 Chief Justice’s Edict that the use of AI was banned from litigation documents (including witness statements, document lists, and submissions).

The building that I remembered as full of hustle and bustle was near deserted, dusty and reminiscent of Dickens’ Bleak House.

In the hearing room the defendant lawyer was much better attired than his accusers. The charges were printed on handouts that could be picked up by anyone. I picked one up.

There were obvious typos, as well as strained grammar and arcane language. All of that could have been avoided with the most basic AI.

The bench – they sat three for this hearing – entered. The charges were read. The documents proving his wilful disobedience to the Edict were handed up. The defendant was asked for his response.

His defence relied upon the doctrine of necessity, namely that the only way to survive in legal practice was to embrace AI. Not to do so was suicidal.

He then embroidered that harsh reality with just how useful AI was to the practice of law, giving illustrations drawn from getting information from clients, searching records and past decisions, drafting statements and submissions, even – and I thought he was perilously close to instant professional death – drafting judgments.

The decision was reserved. It had to be written from scratch by human agency.

Outside I learned that the defendant was a founder of the AI Justice Hub. He rode the tide while others drowned.

Hugh Selby, a former barrister, is the CityNews legal affairs commentator. His free podcasts on “Witness Essentials” and “Advocacy in court: preparation and performance” can be heard on the best known podcast sites.

The mysterious MR SHUSH CAPITAL , author/artist of the brilliant weekly comic strip KEEPING UP THE ACT, steps out of the shadows to complain that the local pollies are threatening his future; they’re getting funnier than him!

In 1973, American humorist Tom Lehrer famously gave up satire, stating: “Political satire became obsolete when Henry Kissinger was awarded the Nobel peace prize”. Real life had trumped parody.

Of course, trumping parody is what many comedians are saying now about Donald Trump’s re-election. I get it and am beginning to feel the same about our own “forever government”.

I mean, how can KEEPING UP THE ACT top this glorious statement by Dave Peffer, the long-sufferable CEO of Canberra Health Services: “What I’ve seen in a lot of complaints is comments about how wonderful the nurses are, the Allied Health team members, the doctors; but people feel like the system let them down.”

The guy in charge of “the system” further explained: “I think for a lot of our workforce, they feel exactly the same. They’re working hard and it’s the system, this nebulous concept, that keeps letting them down.” It’s not that nebulous a concept, Dave – it’s you.

This almost rivalled his ministerial boss, Rachel Stephen-Smith and her announcement that, “I’m pleased to see junior doctors standing up for their rights at work. As a Labor minister, I see that as a positive!”

The fact that they were standing up against her department for these rights was a mere

trifling detail. In fact, when I did a strip on this, I just used Stephen-Smith’s words, verbatim. I couldn’t top them for absurdity.

In following this disturbing trend towards stand-up politics, I’ve also been marvelling at Shane Rattenbury’s new comedy schtick that he was never really part of the former Greens/Labor government.

Shane recently took to Facebook to complain about how hopeless the ACT government had been for renters, but took great umbrage when someone pointed out that he was that government, and that it was a Green who was minister for housing services. But at least Shane allows hecklers at his stand-up. Our Chief Jokester, Andrew Barr, curates his audiences in a manner that could give pointers to Kim Jong Un. His large comms team makes sure our dear, very dear, leader gets nothing but warm applause for bringing sunshine, lollipops and rainbow roundabouts into our dreary lives. It’s the political equivalent of canned laughter.

Dave Peffer, the long-sufferable CEO of Canberra Health Services… “I think for a lot of our workforce… they’re working hard and it’s the system, this nebulous concept, that keeps letting them down.”

the ACT Electoral Commission.

Leanne followed up with this further bit of observational humour – “We need to be listening to what Canberrans want from us.” Well, the kids snorted chocolate milk out their nostrils laughing at that one. Leanne is shaping up to be the political saviour Canberra needs to make the bleedin’ obvious great again!

And what of the indie newcomers? Well, the surreal humour of Thomas Emerson is looking promising. Thommo has more than a touch of the Think Gardens to him, with his background running Praksis, a mind/body studio that “explores diverse modes of being”.

But the earnest Emo plans to be more than just a Pilates reformer, he plans to reform the future! Yes, in his biggest stretch yet, Thomas Aspryness wants to introduce the Future Generations Act to our little local council.

The opposition isn’t immune to these

realpolitickles, either. We’ve all enjoyed the slapstick violence of the Libs’ long-running Punch and Judy show, where successive leaders take turns mishandling the baby while they beat themselves up. But now they’re going with the screwball stylings of the chuckler from Charney, Leanne Castley. Leanne started strong in her new role with her opening gag, two weeks after losing the ACT election – “I believe that it wasn’t a win and it’s time to admit that we did lose.” Got big laughs at

This would “carry forward a community-led vision for a Canberra for generations to come and ensure government decisions ultimately align with that vision, including through the establishment of a Future Generations Commissioner”. Quick, ring the Chris Steel batty-phone and see if Chris can wrangle Patrick Hollingworth’s number!

Of course, Chris Steel , the ACT’s Mr Bean if Mr Bean were a robot, is perhaps the most hilarious of all of our local stand-up politicians. His Buster-Keaton-like stoneface when the house falls on top of him while explaining why the house won’t fall on top of him, is comedy gold.

But, I despair about my future. How can I keep KEEPING UP THE ACT when our MLAs have funnier material?

Odd choices that are leaving voters perplexed

Choices. You usually have four in life. Yes, no, maybe, abstain. If you are in the Australian men’s cricket team it can be all at the same time.

Right now in Australian politics though we are seeing choices being made that are leaving many per plexed. Why, oh why did you make that choice? Time to delve deeper into some current choices being made.

Let’s start local

The independents, Tom Emerson and Fiona Carrick, said yes to Andrew Barr. So really not so independent. Carrots were offered and the new political bunnies could not resist the lure of taking the prize back to the electorate in return for supply and no-confidence.

Yet if I had been them I would have said no. If things had got to the point where a vote was necessary on supply and no-confidence then things are on fire. And I would rather be seen as the fire brigade than the insurance company. Plus the numbers weren’t necessary, 14-11 without them.

Although the free progressive ad from the chief minister on election night may come in handy.

No to the Minister of the Many How, just how, is democracy being served by ministers handling several

portfolio areas (and throw in their electorate) in a working week? Democracy needs to be strong and it can’t be when those with responsibility for governing are overworked and rarely connecting with us because they just need rest. Even if they may say the ACT Public Service has their backs, we all deserve better representation from those who govern us.

Yes to the former Opposition Leader, Elizabeth Lee, taking a break . It’s been a big year, Elizabeth. Take it easy, feet up, family time, rebuild, reconnect and then… well, whatever the heart and mind say is the thing to do. Respect.

Yes to Castley and Hanson

With ministers of the many, accountability is important. The Liberals can hopefully put the turmoil of this year behind them and do their job as the Alternative Government. The listen-

The independents, Tom Emerson and Fiona Carrick, said yes to Andrew Barr. So really not so independent. Yet if I had been them I would have said no.

ing tour is a good idea, especially if both leaders do it together. There will be hiccups and bumps though. But Castley, the Charnwood native and former dental assistant, is keen to get out there and prove them wrong. Time will tell.

To choices federal

No to the social media ban on 16-year-olds and under. Social media is harming our young. Doing this won’t fix where that harm is sometimes coming from: their peers. All governments need to get serious on bullying and consequences.

After all, it is usually at a younger age where the dark seeds of coercive control are planted. So many parents will tell you of weak consequences on those who bully.

Next, some want to lower the voting age to 16. So wait… you want to ban the primary method our youth use to gather political information? But then have them make a vote on who should

govern them based on a how-to-vote card? And what about the cold turkey method of stopping addiction? How many parents are ready for that?

For mine, it would have been better to have a time restriction of one hour a day, outside 8am-4pm. And maybe we should start by banning those over 18 from social media because just imagine the serenity.

No to changes in political campaign rules. Talk about a stitch up. And caps are more soft than hard. Major parties can still bring in armies of people from multiple friendly allies who aren’t costed. The moment you legislate like this you are entrenching the advantages and power of the incumbent power players. It’s like asking Coles and Woolies to write retailing laws.

If you were keen on stopping a political arms race then everyone gets a cap of ads by number not spend. The donation changes were a move in the right direction, but still needed proper review and committee work. These look and smell dodgy.

There are two significant threats to any Western democracy right now. Information credibility/quality, and algorithms on social media. This

legislation does nothing to address either. It should have.

No to the legislation rush. Come on. I get it. An early March election is now very real. But this rush to avoid distractors in campaigns to run a tightly managed four-week brand and comms election does no one any favours. Some of this legislation, like the aforementioned social media and campaign reforms, needed more scrutiny and time.

Complexity of issues in the modern age mean we deserve political parties to be considered and ensure the best outcomes in the national interest. Not a claim to be doing so. The Coalition assistance is about their belief that if they win the forthcoming election then they don’t want those things hanging around either.

Choices, decisions, consequences. And here you were thinking you had tough ones on who was getting what under the tree.

Dr Andrew Hughes is a lecturer in marketing with the Research School of Manage ment at ANU.

Elizabeth Lee… take it easy, feet up, family time, rebuild and reconnect.

NATIONAL TRUST (ACT) newsletter

Busy year ends, but 2025 promises more to do

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Welcome to our final column for the year on National Trust of Australia (ACT) activities.

ACT elections

Congratulations to the new and re-elected members of the ACT Legislative Assembly. We look forward to working with the new Heritage Minister, Chris Steel. A big thank you to Rebecca Vassarotti, who served as Heritage Minister from 2020 to 2024. She was a great supporter of the Trust and never too busy to attend many of our activities over this period. We wish her well.

Trust AGM

Congratulations to those members of the Trust elected to our governing Council at the Annual General Meeting on October 22.

I was delighted to present this year’s Lifetime achievement award to Dr Michael Pearson AO in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the heritage of the ACT over four decades.

Dr Pearson has worked for more than 40 years in the heritage field in Australia, including his role as deputy executive director of the Australian Heritage Commission. He is a past president of Australia ICOMOS and was chair of the ACT Heritage Council in 2005-2011 (and a member in 2002-2014).

Since 1993 Michael has been involved in hundreds of heritage consulting projects including conservation management plans for the High Court of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, ANZAC Parade and Old Parliament House.

University of Canberra FADX

The Trust was pleased to sponsor the publication of a catalogue for the displays prepared by culture and heritage students for the 2024 University of Canberra Faculty of Arts and Design Student Graduate Exhibition (FADX). FADX provides a wonderful opportunity for the showcasing of the graduate students’ work, and hopefully this publication will make it even more accessible. The Trust has enjoyed a long and productive association

with the university through the provision of annual awards to culture and heritage students and by providing opportunities for practical work on Trust projects.

We recognise the need for highly skilled future professionals to ensure conservation of our priceless heritage assets.

Heritage issues

The Trust continues to work on a range of heritage matters across the ACT. These include:

• Participating in consultation on tree-replanting at Albert Hall.

• The condition of Robertson House at Oaks Estate.

• Heritage issues at Callum Brae in Symonston.

• Attendance at the National Capital Authority community forum.

• Light Rail stage 2B.

• Heritage protections for Cargill’s Cottage in Kingston, Gold Creek Homestead and the Belconnen Transmitting Station.

Trust walks and tours

The Trust’s tour, “A Ramble through Campbell”, on November 24, showcased one of our latest self-guide walk brochures, Campbell-Russell, and was ably led by author Mark Butz.

Campbell has a rich heritage, ranging from old creek lines and gold prospecting to commemorative parks and houses designed by Harry Seidler and Roy Grounds, as well as spies and a workers’ camp.

Our four-day tour of Eden in late October was a great success, with many highlights, including whale-watching and a visit to Kameruka Estate near Candelo.

Centenary of the Kingston shops

The first sale of business and residential leases in the Federal Capital Territory in December 1924 was a significant event in the development of the nation’s capital. The very first leases sold on that day were in the suburb of Eastlake, now Kingston.

To mark the centenary of the Kingston shops, the Kingston and Barton Residents Group, together with the National Trust and the Canberra & District Historical Society (CDHS), will celebrate the event in Green Square, Jardine Street, Kingston, on Saturday, December 7.

The first lease sold in the 1924 auction was purchased by JB Young’s and became the first department store in Canberra. The building is now occupied by Winnings Appliances and an historical display showing the early development of the Kingston shops will be in the windows of Winnings facing Jardine Street.

The display was developed by the Trust and CDHS and supported with ACT Government funding.

Come and learn more about the history of Kingston shops and help celebrate the centenary with entertainment, children’s activities, celebration cake and stalls, 10am-2pm, on Saturday, December 7.

2025 federal election

The Trust is a member of the Australian Council of National Trusts, which has prepared a statement of 2025 Federal Election Heritage Priorities. These include:

• Expanding Australia’s National Heritage List.

• Funding for the establishment of a National Heritage Trails register.

• Funding for the Australian Heritage Festival.

• Establishment of a heritage trades apprenticeship program.

National Trust Christmas Party

The Trust’s Christmas Party will be held at historic Gungahlin Homestead in Crace from 3pm-5pm on Sunday, December 8. Non-Trust members are very welcome to join us, please book at trybooking.com/CWHRB

The homestead will also be open to the public from 10am to 2pm.

Next year

Planning is well advanced for a full program of Trust activities in 2025. These will include visits to Hall, Michelago and Western Victoria.

As usual, the Trust will be conducting a variety of events at the 2025 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival, including the Festival Open Day at the iconic Tuggeranong Homestead.

We will also publish new self-guide brochures in the New Year for Oaks Estate, Reid and Barton, with others in development.

On behalf of the Trust, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Gary Kent – President

The National Trust receives support and funding from the ACT Government.

Supported by:

Dr Mike Pearson, left, receives the Trust’s Lifetime Achievement Award from president Gary Kent.

Trust vice-president Linda Roberts with University of Canberra cultural heritage graduate Michelle Butler at FADX. Michelle is the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material Student of the Year.

Curious walkers enjoy the Trust’s latest tour “A Ramble Through Campbell”.

Gungahlin Homestead… the venue for this year’s National Trust Christmas Party.

I wrote recently to each of the ACT members of the Senate and the House of Representatives about the denial by the Commonwealth of democratic rights to the residents of Norfolk Island.

David Smith, the member for Bean, to whose electorate the residents of Norfolk Island, 2000 kilometres away, have been assigned, responded on behalf of himself and his three Labor colleagues.

Mr Smith provided me with a glow ing appraisal of progress in “restoring local democracy” on Norfolk Island. He modestly advised me that: “The government’s commitment to working closely with the Norfolk Island community to develop a sustainable and appropriate governance model has been commendable”

He further advised: “The new model was informed by the recommendations of the Norfolk Island Governance Committee (NIGC).”

I found Mr Smith’s assessment of the role of the NIGC somewhat surprising in light of the content of the letter of resignation from the NIGC submitted by one of its members, Ms Alma Davidson, to the Minister for Territories, Kristy Mc Bain, following the release by the minister of the government’s anti-democratic and, quite frankly risible, plans for Norfolk Island.

government and you were serious about restoring democracy for Norfolk Island. The disregard of the NIGC Terms of Reference in the final outcome continues Australia’s colonial attitudes!

“It is regrettable that I have no option but to resign from the NIGC as all my advocacy to achieve the best outcome for both Norfolk Island and Australia has been for nought.”

Hardly, Mr Smith, what one would term “commendable”.

Ms Davidson’s resignation from the

What our elected representatives mean when they talk about ‘Territory Rights’ is the rights of some ‘Territories’, namely ours, and so far as other Territories, such as Norfolk Island, are concerned the Devil can take the hindmost.

NIGC was greeted with the following small sample of comments from leading members of the Norfolk Island

They are views at odds with Mr Smith’s understanding and that of his fellow ACT Labor members, of the views of his Norfolk Island

“Many thanks Alma for all your hard work... the process has been an absolute sham, totally ignoring the needs and aspirations of the community.”

“It is a shameful imposition of a clearly unacceptable governance model by Minister McBain….”

“Just leave everything the same but call it the Assembly, they said. That’ll keep them happy.”

Perhaps most damning was the following critique of the announced

changes from the elected representatives, on the NIGC.

“On Wednesday morning, the Australian government announced its decision on the future governance of Norfolk Island. This was the first time the community and the NIGC had seen the proposal.

“Maintaining the current governance framework continues to deny Norfolk Island state or territory-level democratic representation, community voting rights and accountability. It also leaves unelected delegates of the federal minister to act as the island’s de facto state government – a core concern for the community.

“This decision fails to reflect the will of the Norfolk Island community. Instead, it ensures that all significant decisions regarding Norfolk Island’s future will remain under the control of the Australian government.”

Hardly, Mr Smith, what one would term “working closely with the Norfolk Island community”.

The outcome of this latest one-sided review of governance arrangements on Norfolk Island is to continue to deny its residents a genuine say in the laws to which they are subject or the appointment or selection of

those by whom they are governed is un-Australian and unacceptable.

As for the sanguine indifference that Mr Smith and his ACT Labor colleagues have shown for the democratic rights of the residents of Norfolk Island, I am genuinely surprised.

My surprise is heightened by the fact that I recently read the impassioned speeches each delivered in response to the motion in the federal parliament to restore to the ACT the right to legislate for euthanasia.

What is clear, of course, is that what we Canberrans, notably our elected representatives, mean when we talk about “Territory Rights” is the rights of some “Territories”, namely ours, and so far as other Territories, such as Norfolk Island, are concerned the Devil can take the hindmost.

Jon Stanhope was ACT chief minister from 2001 to 2011 and the only chief minister to have governed with a majority in the Assembly.

• Extensive range of shoes for Runners, Joggers, Walkers and Gym enthusiasts of all ages

• Brands include Asics, Brooks, Nike, New Balance, Mizuno, Saucony, Hoka and On

• Great range of technical running apparel which breathes (wicks moisture) all year round

• Extensive range of nutrition products from Endura, GU, Hammer and Tailwind

• Come in and speak to our staff of Runners, Triathletes and Orienteers with a passion and a first-hand knowledge of our entire product range!

THE GADFLY / the Botanic Age BRIEFLY

Toothpick clue to Botanic Age ‘haystack’

The colonists seeking to denigrate our Aboriginal forebears would refer to them as creatures of the “Stone Age”. It turns out they were only half right.

The latest discovery by some British scientists suggests that their culture in 1788 was even older, an era they’ve dubbed the “Botanic Age”!

In fact, while the Aboriginal people then and now exploited the amazing ca pacity of plants to spread their benefits to their community, we sophisticated whitefellas – who have all but wrecked the planet via climate change – are only now rediscovering what the Aboriginal people never forgot.

We sophisticated whitefellas – who have all but wrecked the planet via climate change – are only now rediscovering what the Aboriginal people never forgot. In so many ways we are returning to the botany that is our only hope to survive and prosper in the decades ahead.

of woven organic slings and baskets in Far North Queensland in the 1920s and ‘30s. However, the benefits of living in a Botanic Age go far beyond the carriage of goods and chattels (and babies).

A book just out “Good Nature” by Kathy Willis tells us interacting with nature improves our smell, sound and touch. Our heart rate and blood pressure fall, stress hormones such as adrenalin settle down and our brainwave activity reveals that we’re calmer and more clear-minded. Most important, perhaps, are the trees that populate country scenes.

Author Greg’s got murder on his mind

Local author Greg Cornwell has published his third book of crime stories Four Canberra Crimes, featuring DI Maria Lech, an east European policewoman, now relocated to Canberra. As Cornwell, a former speaker in the Legislative Assembly, says people possibly see Canberra for the federal parliament and “boring politics”, but in his new book all is not perfect in this planned city when murder is involved. Available through Amazon.

In so many ways we are returning to the botany that is our only hope to survive and prosper in the decades ahead. And the guidepost pointing the way is a tiny trinket – a wooden toothpick.

Its discovery in 2016 is reported in a recent edition of the New Scientist and its implications are only now beginning to be understood. Leader of the team to find and appreciate its importance was one Prof Karen Hardy, from Scotland’s University of Glasgow.

The toothpick – of non-edible wood –was found in the fossilised tooth plaque of a 1.2 million-year-old hominin from Atapuerka in Spain. The fragment, she reported, was “next to characteristic straight scratches on the teeth called

interproximal grooves, which indicate repeated use of pre-historic toothpicks”.

One of the reasons it took so long to find this metaphorical needle in a haystack is that the botanical remnants – unlike the stone of its “Age” – have largely rotted away. There is no obvious haystack to search. According to the New Scientist’s Sophie Berdugo: “There is an undeniable logic behind the idea of a Botanic Age. The use of tools made from plants is universal across non-industrialised societies, so it seems inconceivable that ancient hominins overlooked these versatile resources.”

Other researchers have drawn attention to a much earlier use of plants for carrying and storing gathered food and water. Ms Berdugo says: “This extends to something else that would have been equally important to carry – babies.”

This need stemmed from a uniquely

Christmas Memorial Service

Fri 6 Dec, 5pm

Norwood Park

65 Sandford St, Mitchell

Join us for a tribute slideshow during the service, followed by refreshments.

Enjoy a visit from Santa, along with entertainment and treats for the kids.

Photos of your loved one may be sent to: memorials@norwoodpark.com.au

The service will be live streamed from

Partnered with

human transition that started more than six million years ago – well before the Stone Age – the move to walking on two legs.

Coming down from the trees caused changes to our feet and, together with the loss of body hair, meant that babies could no longer cling to their mothers. The alternative was to make slings for carrying babies. Berdugo again: “Baby slings are widespread among contemporary hunter-gatherer populations, with caregivers using organic materials such as plants, animal skins and fabrics to secure infants to their chests or backs.”

In fact Australia’s first anthropologist, collected and photographed hundreds

It’s almost as though she’s describing Canberra and our surrounds. Those three million trees and shrubs planted by the great arborist Charles Weston –and refreshed by the brilliant Lindsay Pryor – are at last coming into their own.

It certainly explains why our Aboriginal compatriots, despite our rejection, keep on keeping on in the land they love. It returns the favour; it loves them back.

robert@robertmacklin.com

Christmas market

Kangara Waters Retirement Village is holding its annual Christmas Market, 8.30am-12.30am, on Saturday, December 7. Stalls will feature handmade gifts, homemade cakes and biscuits as well as other Christmas treats. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. At Joy Cummings Place, Belconnen.

Centre closes

After more than 40 years, the Deafness Resource Centre is closing permanently on January 31. The centre has stopped taking orders and anyone with an outstanding order should contact hearinghelp@actdrc.org.au to organise pick up.

Prof Karen Hardy… found a toothpick in the fossilised tooth plaque of a 1.2 millionyear-old hominin from Atapuerka in Spain.

A good case of a solution waiting for a problem!

Upgrades to Sulwood Drive and the ongoing speed restrictions are taking an eternity and one might ask for what purpose and benefit?

I have driven regularly along that road over the last four years and infrequently was there more than one car waiting at the Mannheim Street T junction.

I have never seen an accident, yet the government has spent a lot of money on a set of lights (between $500,000 and $1 million) that simply were not needed.

There still remains only one lane in each direction, so why all the expensive road upgrade?

A very experienced traffic engineer told me that traffic lights increase the incidence of tail-end collisions, which is quite understandable as motorists brake suddenly and unexpectedly.

Furthermore, a small fortune has been spent on a “Rolls Royce” bike path, which is also taking months to complete.

This substantial investment could have been far better spent on maintaining our parks and gardens, footpaths and upgrades to more suburban shopping centres.

Maybe the government could even have reduced the punitive level of taxes and charges in Canberra if this massive spending had not been incurred.

Of course, the grand-daddy waste of money of them all is the perseverance with light rail, despite the availability of much

cheaper public transport options that can be delivered far quicker and to the entire city.

This unwarranted set of traffic lights is a good case of a solution waiting for a problem!

Colin Lyons, Weetangera

Could you boast about the state of Canberra?

A recent letter was boasting about how a majority of Canberrans voted for the Voice in opposition to the rest of the country.

I wonder if this person would boast about Canberrans voting for a government that has lost its AAA rating, seen its hospital and education system go from one of the best in the country to one of the worst, CIT and HRMIS failure, failure to maintain and protect outdoor community facilities such as Phillip Pool, increase of heat-seeking high rises apartments while pretending to care for the environment, lies about the ACT being powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, cosy dealings with unions and no transparency in its spending of our tax dollars.

Then we have another writer with a bit more sense outlining how Barr has transformed Canberra from an open, tree-lined city with much green space to a suburban concrete jungle of houses and units crammed in with little space to go outside and cool down in the heat rather than use a community facility like an open, fresh air Olympic-sized pool, with the most likely outcome to sit inside a unit using air conditioning which the neighbouring state of NSW is telling its residents to limit the use of.

As for the trivial issue of flying the flag, I wonder how this person would handle it if the Aboriginal flag that represents three per cent of the total population was removed from all government buildings?

Ian Pilsner, Weston

Increase housing land is the only solution

In my letter describing Henry George’s method to reduce house prices by providing low cost land (CN November 14), I have been approached by people concerned by the effect of falling house prices causing them to make a loss on their mortgages.

The solution to that problem is simple. Since the government has been the major gainer from increased property prices, through land sales and increased land taxes, it would just guarantee to pay any financial losses on a mortgage during a resale. Nobody would be worse off. As all property prices will be going down in value at the

same rate, property owners will remain relatively well off.

Ideas to subsidise house buyers will not work, as it will increase demand. To solve the housing crisis, you have to increase supply, and reduce supply prices. Increasing the supply of housing land is the only solution, not increasing demand.

Tim Walshaw, Watson

Where is the Australian food?

Where is the Australian food? We’ve got the choice of Pakistani rice, Chinese beetroot, Indian peanut butter and Turkish dried fruit. Then there’s American cherries, Chilean frozen blueberries and tuna from all over the place.

Help. I want to support Australian farmers!

Sue Pittman, via email

Electronic transfer avoids the card fees

Gerdina Byant has complained about the Australian Taxation Office charging her for paying with a debit card (“ATO charged me for paying my tax bill!”. letters, CN November 21).

There is a form of electronic payment to the ATO that doesn’t attract any fee: electronic transfer (without a debit card).

John Burge, Curtin

Will Donald test Barron’s

In his opinion piece, Lessons in how to win an (American) election (CN November 21) Andrew Hughes rightly attributes Trump’s appearances on podcasts such as Joe Rogan, as a major factor in his victory.

These appearances provided Trump with opportunities to speak directly to young, white, non-college educated males, who felt Trump was speaking directly to them, understood their fears, and had the answers to their concerns.

Clips from these podcasts were subsequently watched many millions of times on other social media channels also frequented by young men.

As a result, Trump was successful in garnering 56 per cent of this 18-29 cohort, compared to 41 per cent in 2020, and many were voting for the first time. A huge bonus for Trump.

What is less well known, is the significant role Barron, Trump’s youngest son, and his “bestie” Bo Loudon, played in the development and implementation of this strategy.

Like many, I always wondered how Barron regards his father. Particularly after watching him walk awkwardly down Pennsylvania Avenue to the first inauguration, and more latterly, seeing him on stage on the night of his father’s re-election, appearing to be quite emotionless.

Given the assistance he gave his father’s campaign, there seems to be no doubt that Barron is indeed a “true believer”.

It will be interesting to see if he remains so when the implementation of his father’s policies inevitably fails to provide the outcomes this cohort is hoping for.

Ian De Landelles, Murrays Beach, NSW

belief?

Another year of turmoil for council

The government-funded Conservation Council held its annual general meeting on November 21. The meeting capped another year of turmoil for its board.

The board had summarily expelled me, a longstanding member of its Transport Working Group, because I had argued for bus rapid transport. The Magistrates Court rejected its application for a court order to prohibit me from contacting the council or writing about it in the media.

The council’s executive director, treasurer, climate campaigner and vice president subsequently resigned. None of the remaining office-bearers stood for re-election to their positions.

Candidates were asked to state their positions on light rail. One candidate referred to the ACT government’s submission to Infrastructure Australia, which found that bus rapid transit would be twice as cost-effective as light rail.

Damien Haas, of the Public Transport Association, responded with the bizarrely incorrect claim that the government’s submission concluded that light rail would be the better option.

Haas was elected in preference to the other candidate.

Stephanie Booker, who had not previously served on the board, was elected as the council’s new president.

Leon Arundell, Downer

dose of dorin

Experts in making renovations look top notch

Home is where the heart is, so why not take the best care of it as possible. But it can be hard to know where to start; so in this feature CityNews talks with local experts in home improvements.

Don’t

delay when it comes to building defects

Owners of newly-constructed homes shouldn’t delay if they’re concerned about defects in the building, as time limitations apply to making claims against the builders, says building and construction law expert Ben Kuzman, of RMB Gil-Jones Barker Lawyers.

“Building a home is likely to be one of the most significant financial investments of your lifetime,” he says.

The Building Act 2004 (ACT) ensures builders comply with construction standards and codes when carrying out residential building work. Ben says when these standards aren’t met, homeowners have the ability to make a claim for the repair of works.

“Warranties apply to residential building work that protects homeowners against defective works,” he says.

“When considering how these protections apply, it’s important to determine whether a building element impacted by a defect is a ‘structural’ or ‘non-structural’.”

Ben advises homeowners to be aware of limitation deadlines to defect claims, making the assessment of whether an element of a building is “structural” or “non-structural” is important when considering a claim for rectification.

“It is best practice for homeowners to promptly seek legal advice in relation to defective building work as commencing a claim out of time, or after the limita tion periods have passed, can mean that the claim is unsuccessful, and a builder will not be required to rectify defects.”

RMB Gil-Jones Barker Lawyers, Unit 6, level 2/97 Northborne Avenue, Turner. Call Freecall at 1800 681211 for a consulta tion or visit rmblawyers.com.au

Affordable storage, just over the border

For Canberrans looking to downsize, storing years’ worth of belongings can often be expensive and complicated, but Self Storage Solutions provides customers with storage options that are convenient, secure and affordable, says manager Lewis Jones.

A family-run business for more than 30 years, Lewis says Self Storage Solutions is proud to provide cost-effective storage options for people living in regional and metro communities, and can help get quotes from trusted local removalists.

“Our monthly storage costs are easily half the price of a storage unit in Canberra,” he says.

“People generally like a single garagesized unit, and in Canberra and Sydney that can easily be $800-900, whereas we charge $299 a month.

“We have customers from the Snowy Mountains all the way to the northern beaches of Sydney and operate in a location that’s really convenient for customers and removalists.”

“We’ve recently installed automatic gates that are phone operated. Customers can call from their phone and go right through,” he says.

“We’ve installed 24/7 security cameras and have cloud-based storage of everyone entering and exiting to make sure customers know what they’re storing is safe.

“We take pride in providing excellent customer service and looking after your property while it’s in our care.”

Self Storage Solutions, Marulan, call 9986 3618 or visit selfstoragesolutions.com.au

Lewis says the business is always striving to make things as easy as possible for their customers.

Construction law expert Ben Kuzman.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

In the lead-up to the New Year, Andrew Hooper says it’s the perfect time to start planning and engaging with Class Constructions for renovations.

“If you sign up by December 25th, you’ll receive complimentary floor and wall tiles with your bathroom renovation,” the director says.

“With our on-time guarantee, if we don’t complete the project by the agreed date, you won’t pay the final instalment.

“In today’s world, finding a construction partner you can genuinely trust is essential.”

Recognised for its client-first approach, Andrew says it is the company’s transparent communication philosophy and meticulous attention to detail that brings every renovation vision to life.

Class Constructions has recently welcomed in-house designer Ramir Araneta who, Andrew says, brings local ex-

pertise and a deep understanding of regulatory standards.

“Ramir works closely with clients to create designs that capture their vision while keeping budgetary needs front and centre,” he says.

“With high-quality 3D renderings, clients can preview their renovation before construction begins, allowing them to adjust layouts, materials or finishes with confidence, avoiding costly changes later on.”

Andrew says transparency and open communication are at the core of Class Construction’s approach.

“Projects are managed with regular updates and budget checks, so clients know exactly what to expect at each stage, making the journey from concept to completion smooth and worry-free,” he says.

Class Constructions, call 0489 953410 or visit classconstructions.com.au

reimagined habitat

Designing Passive Houses for Australia

Canberra based, we have a team of five Certified Passive House Designers and Consultants to help you realise a more energy efficient, comfortable, healthy and well built home, without compromising on design. We work with new home builders and renovators either directly or with their builders or designer. We can do the whole design, or assist your team in helping optimise current designs.

0419 391 282

reimaginedhabitat.com.au michael@reimaginedhabitat.com.au 18 Creswell Street, Campbell ACT

Home designs that make a difference

Reimagined Habitat was established to increase the standard and energy efficiency of buildings, through combining building science with the designs and aesthetics clients desired.

“Our aim is to help people live in healthier, energy efficient, sustainable homes,” said owner Michael Drage.

“By incorporating all of the building science and really understanding what works in Canberra and the regions, we help our clients make really informed choices about not only the design, but how they build and what this means to them in terms of how the house works.

“We have found that helping people understand this creates great outcomes, as people really understand how their house will feel and perform given their choices.”

Michael said his research showed the two biggest drivers for real performance to a home were the airtightness, and the quality and performance of the windows.

This led him to a global search for the best products and eventually he established Net Zero Plus, which imports European, high-efficiency windows and prefabricated building systems.

“Our research drove this thinking. We now have access to triple-glazed windows at around the same price of even the better double-glazed units,” he said.

“An example recently was a client whose windows were eight per cent more costly through us, but reduced their heating and cooling costs by half. An unbelievable outcome.”

Reimagined Habitat, 18 Creswell Street, Campbell. Call 0419 391282, or visit reimaginedhabitat.com.au Net Zero Plus, call 0439 924660.

Net Zero Plus European triple glazed windows

Our research showed that windows were the key to comfort and energy efficiency for homes, so we sourced the best we could to bring to the market in Canberra.

Triple glazed windows are surprisingly affordable, and can halve the energy used for heating and cooling the home.

For new builds, renovations or just upgrading your existing home, the change these windows bring to how your home will feel and work is transformational.

Call us for a quote – you might be surprised at the price for this quality.

Call Douglas on 0439 924 660 netzeroplus.com.au

Class Constructions: Crafting

Your Dream Renovation with Precision & Transparency

Transform your home with Class Constructions, Canberra’s trusted renovation partner. Known for exceptional craftsmanship and open, honest communication, we bring your dream projects to life with precision and care.

Our in-house designer, Ramir Araneta, combines expertise and creativity to craft designs that perfectly align with your vision. Using advanced 3D renders, we provide a crystal-clear preview of your project before construction begins. This means you can confidently fine-tune every detail –saving time, money, and stress.

Guided by Director Andrew Hooper, we’re committed to transparent project management. Regular updates and clear budgeting ensure no surprises, keeping your renovation journey smooth and worry-free.

Discover how Class Constructions turns visions into stunning realities. Call 0489 953 410 or visit classconstructions.com.au to start your journey today.

Class Constructions – where trust, craftsmanship, and your dream renovation come together.

SPECIAL OFFER

Kickstart 2025 with a home you’ll love. Sign up by December 25th and enjoy complimentary floor and wall tiles with your bathroom renovation. Plus, with our on-time guarantee, if we don’t meet the agreed deadline, your final instalment is on us!

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Joinery breaks through with flat timber doors

Creating practical, beautiful and sustainable furniture has been a passion for Robyn and her husband Gino Monteleone for more than 20 years.

“Select Custom Joinery creates bespoke solutions for people looking for beautiful additions to your home,” she says.

Opening in 2000, Robyn says the business started specialising in timber and hard woods in 2008.

“It’s a natural product, so it feels like you’re bringing a piece of nature to your homes,” she says.

“It’s like you’re creating a soul in the furniture.

“You’re making a house a home.”

Robyn says they are particularly excited about their new range of flat timber doors.

“Flat timber doors goes against the way that timber should be built – with movement,” she says.

“We’ve found a way that satisfies the timbers’ need while also meeting the demand for flat panels.”

The doors are flat on the outside and busy on the inside, something that Robyn says was a genius innovation by her husband.

“Timber doors are supposed to be built as a frame and panel to allow for timber movement, but it’s been exciting working our way around this problem to meet demand.”

Select Custom Joinery. 1182 Wallaroo Road, Hall. Call 6230 9414 or visit selectcustomjoinery.com.au

LOOKING FOR A SUSTAINABLE KITCHEN?

Boutique firm with a big impact

Filardo Ercan Architects is a boutique architectural firm based in Griffith, established by awardwinning architects Maria Filardo and Can Ercan.

The firm specialises in residential architecture, interior design, commercial and hospitality fit-outs, and heritage projects.

Together, Maria said, they brought a wealth of expertise in architecture, interior design, and heritage conservation, enabling them to offer a comprehensive approach to each project.

“We intentionally keep our firm small to maintain close client relationships and deliver personalised service,” she said.

Maria, with more than 20 years of experience, lectures in building and interior design at CIT and has also been a judge for the HIA awards for the past six years, and recently joined the HIA National Judging.

Can has more than 25 years of experience in heritage conservation, having worked with the NSW Heritage Office, ACT Heritage Unit and leading firms in Canberra and Sydney.

Maria said Can recently qualified as an Access Consult, which allowed the firm to provide assistance to projects requiring accessibility compliance.

Can said: “We strive to offer something unique and exceptional in every project.”

Maria said: “Our mutual respect and shared vision drive our business forward, ensuring we consistently meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.

“Our passion for architecture and the strong relationships we build with our clients are evident in the outstanding results we achieve.”

Filardo Ercan Architects, visit feas.com.au or call Maria on 0421 342625 and Can on 0415 550801.

Award-winning architects Can Ercan and Maria Filardo.

Top timber that doesn’t cost the planet

After 30 years of salvaging and recycling timber, Thor Diesendorf, founder and owner of Thor’s Hammer, says he’s seen a surge in demand for high-quality, recycled, Australian hardwood timber that doesn’t cost the planet.

“We’ve seen people’s approach to home improvement and renovation shift dramatically as people become more aware of the creative possibilities of recycled timbers and wanting to source sustainable materials for their homes.” Thor said.

“It’s great for us because that’s exactly what we live and breathe!

“Our customers love that we source our timber from old buildings, factories, bridges and warehouses, because each piece has a unique history and story to tell.

“At Thor’s Hammer, we value the history and

provenance of the timber and we build to last a lifetime – the longer a piece of timber’s life, the longer it stays out of landfill.”

Thor said the business had an experienced team of designers, recyclers and joiners, skilled in working with recycled, Australian timber and passionate about their mission to divert demolition timber from landfill.

“We provide personalised solutions for DIY home improvement and renovation projects, whether that’s supplying recycled floorboards, cladding or posts, helping to match and patch existing floorboards with similar species, or custom-milling timber to your desired profile and finish,” said Thor.

Thor’s Hammer, 10 Mildura Street, Griffith. Call 6282 9900, or visit thors.com.au

Enough space for a family home’s contents, your office/business needs, or your car.

• Forget the corporates – our family run business has 50 years of experience

• Stored securely out of town and returned to you by professionals when you need it!

Yes we have Caravan, Boat, Trailer & Car storage available!

• We can assist you with booking of a trusted removalist TO REDEEM THIS SPECIAL CALL TODAY 02 9986 3618 Email: office@selfstoragesolutions.com.au

Thor’s Hammer owner Thor Diesendorf and workshop supervisor Ziggy.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING

Not sure what to give? Here’s oodles of gift ideas

With only a few weeks left, time’s running short to get all that Christmas shopping done. Here we feature some inspired gift ideas.

ingredients with absolutely no preservatives added,” she says.

According to Kristen, the festive gifts don’t stop there with Christmas hampers and CSCC gift cards available.

“Whether you’re indulging in a festive treat for yourself, hosting loved ones, or looking for the perfect fit, our hampers have something for everyone,” she says.

Alternatively, a CSCC gift card can be enjoyed at all four venues for dinners and drinks.

Kristen says the club’s limited-edition,

The Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, Tuggeranong, Jamison and the Yacht Club. Purchase at shop.cscc.com.au

Ana de la Vega encourages every one to “go beyond the ordinary” and give the gift of an unforget table concert experience.

The artistic director of the Snow Concert Hall says its just revealed third season has “a bold and vibrant selection of international artists, with a program that offers a wonderful range of fine classical music from around the globe.”

“Our 2025 season brings together six unforgettable performances featuring Nordic influences and beloved classical masterpieces,” she says.

“A gift subscription is more than just a present; it’s a year-long journey through the magic of music, featuring six extraordinary concerts by world-renowned international artists,” she says.

James Crabb and a special performance from Ana, herself an internationally acclaimed flautist, from her album My Paris.

“Whether your loved one is a lifelong music enthusiast or someone ready to explore the transformative power of live performances, this is the perfect gift to create lasting memories.”

The season includes performances from the Balanas Sisters, the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, Kristian Bezuidenhout, Sjaella, Benjamin Grosvenor, Anthony Marwood &

Ana says they provide an online giftwrapping, postal and delivery service online to make the gift of music as magical as it can be.

“This is your chance to immerse yourself in unforgettable performances that celebrate the very best in classical music,” she says.

Snow Concert Hall, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill. Call 6260 9700 or visit snowconcerthall.com

CANBERRA SOUTHERN CROSS CLUB

Balanas Sisters… here in February.

Karen has gifts that keep on growing

Karen Brien, owner of Pialligo’s Cool Country Natives, says her plants and gift certificates make ideal Christmas presents.

“We also have a lovely line of locally produced cards from a local, well-known botanical artist Cheryl Hodges featuring native plants and insects, as well as new Christmas ones,” she says.

Cool Country Natives is dedicated to only selling Australian plants and is Canberra’s only retail nursery to propagate 90 per cent of its tubestock and some of its potted stock.

“Ninety-five per cent of our plants are frost hardy and heat tolerant, but we do have some special plants for your garden that require a special place,” she says.

and collect and propagate from local populations.”

Open seven days a week, except for some public holidays, Karen says the nursery has the largest range of Australian plants suitable for growing in Canberra’s difficult climate and helps customers to have a great success rate with their plants.

“Our plants have been selected for local conditions, however because we propagate our own plants, we can source many local species and have a large range of threatened species.

“We choose our suppliers carefully to ensure plants are hardened to our local conditions.”

Being selective in the nursery’s stock is important to Karen to ensure that it provides the best quality plants, potting mix and fertiliser.

Proudly stocking the largest range of Australian native plants in Canberra and surrounds

We specialise in local native plant varieties:

• Hardy, cold and frost tolerant natives

• A large range of tubestock to advanced

COME IN & GRAB A GIFT VOUCHER!

Let our expert staff show you a range of plants suitable for your garden soil type, to grow and enjoy an abundance of Australian native plants. Come out today and see us at Pialligo!

Phone: 02 6257 6666

5A Beltana Road, Pialligo, ACT www.coolcountrynatives.com.au

Gifts help keep the tradition of hand-blown glass alive

In the lead up to Christmas, Canberra Glassworks is holding some special Christmas-themed classes.

“We are hosting Christmas glass classes to blow your own glass bauble in the Hotshop or craft handmade ornaments with friends and family,” says artistic director, Aimee Frodsham.

Outside of the workshop, Aimee says the Glassworks’ Gallery Shop has recently expanded online and this is the perfect place for people to buy works and support artists.

“Supporting Canberra Glassworks means supporting local artists and keeping the tradition of hand-made glass alive,” she says.

“It’s a gift that reflects Canberra’s vibrant arts community.”

Kingston’s Canberra Glassworks is the largest glassmaking facility dedicated to studio glass in the southern hemisphere.

“Being the largest facility makes both Canberra and our organisation truly unique!” says Aimee.

“Our glassmaking facilities attract artists and makers not only from across the country, but also internationally to work with the best in glass blowing, neon bending, casting and more.

“Many of their artworks and glassware are then available in our Gallery Shop for visitors to gift, collect and use in their homes.”

Visitors can access a public viewing platform to watch the artists at work in the Hotshop, Cold Shop, kiln forming and flame-working studios and, Aimee says, visitors can book a class to learn how to make their glass art, take a guided tour or take part in group activities.

Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston. Call 6260 7005 or visit canberraglassworks.com

CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING

Folk festival has festive gift idea with a bonus

Preparations for the 2025 National Folk Festival are well underway with an expected 350 events over the Easter long weekend in April.

But for Christmas, co-artistic director Michael Sollis offers the idea of giving the gift of experience of connection and creativity.

“For every day ticket purchased, receive a free ticket to the Thursday opening night,” he says.

“With a vibrant mix of music, dance, workshops and food, there’s something for all ages and interests.

“Attendees can enjoy captivating performances from iconic Australian singer-songwriter Josh Pyke, First Nation artists like Stuart Joel Nuggett and Canadian storyteller David Francey.”

Michael’s co-artistic director Holly Downes says the festival will have a selection of interactive and participa tory experiences.

“Get involved in daily Irish dancing sessions with Margaret and Bill Winnett, step into the elegance of the Bridgerton Ball or join the Yankadi African Dance party with Super Mande Percussion,” she says.

Michael says the festival will have a diverse array of food from around the world.

“It’s a feast for the senses,” he says.

According to Holly, this event is for all ages, with something for everyone.

“Families will love the daily dances, including tarantella, bush dances and swing sessions,” she says.

“Children and adults alike can enjoy interactive workshops and creative activities.

“With vibrant cabarets, a Latin fiesta and a late-night trad rave, the festival is a perfect outing for those look ing to share fun experiences with friends or partners.”

National Folk Festival April 17-21, Exhibition Park in Canberra. Tickets now available at folkfestival.org.au/ citynews

Gift shop ready for an Aussie Christmas

Wombat Cards and Gifts is a small family business started by Monica and John Rolls in 2015.

“We began as a small market stall selling homemade greeting cards that I started making when I retired,” says Monica.

The business is now located in Belconnen, although Monica still attends markets around Canberra and surrounds.

Monica says she loves what she’s doing and loves that she’s achieving something by introducing people to Australian animals.

“It’s a nice way to talk about country and the animals living in it,” she says.

“I love the Australian animals… and I love expressing my joy through the store.”

Monica says Wombat Cards and Gifts will be open on Christmas Eve until 3pm and will open on Boxing

Day with a sale from 9am to noon.

Monica manages the shop alongside her two casual employees – both family members – and emphasises the importance of shopping local and supporting small businesses.

“When you support a local business, you’re supporting people in your region, not a multi-million-dollar company,” she says.

Not only does Monika sell her handmade cards, her shop now supports and stocks other local artisans and creators.

Wombat Cards and Gifts will also have a market stall at Summernats 2025.

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

Wombat Cards and Gifts owner Monica Rolls.

Holiday Season Gift Guide

Bespoke and handmade gifts that support Australian artists.

Shop online or in centre. shop.belcoarts.com.au

CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING

Take the guesswork out of giving by going handmade

Take the guesswork out of giving with a handmade and bespoke piece of art from Belco Arts.

“A gift from The Shop at Belco Arts comes from a carefully curated collection of wearable and usable art selected for quality, artistic innovation and excellence,” says marketing manager Shan Crosbie.

“Shoppers can explore our range online or head into the centre where our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect gift for all tastes,” she says.

Talking

“If you’re after the perfect ‘experi ence’ gift and still want to support artists this Christmas, tickets to our upcoming 2025 Smith’s@Belco gigs with Alex Lloyd and Emily Wurramara are sure to be a hit!” she says.

“We are the multi-arts centre at the heart of Belconnen and offer opportunities to be creative and to connect through exhibitions, live music, theatre, workshops and events.”

The Shop will be open until 4pm on Sunday, December 22 and the online cut-off date is Friday, December 13.

Outside of the centre’s selection of art and handmade pieces, Shan recommends the gift of music for Christmas.

Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen. Call 6173 3300 or visit belcoarts.com.au

Trevor’s flight simulator takes gift giving to new heights

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra is a one-of-a-kind experience, says owner Trevor Vickers.

“We provide the opportunity to experience what it’s like to captain the world’s most popular commercial aircraft, using our replica 737 flight simulator,” he says.

No experience is necessary to fly in the simulator, based on the Boeing 737-800NG, as every “flight” is assisted by an

experienced instructor to ensure the budding pilot gets the most out of the session.

“It’s a gift that’s out of the ordinary. People love the experience. Some say: ‘It’s reignited my passion for aviation’.

“Lots of people dream of flying a plane as a kid, and put those dreams aside.”

Gift certificates are available online and Trevor says participants can bring up to four passengers for free.

With more than 24,000 airports around the world to choose from, each session is tailored to the interests of the guest pilot. Some like to fly over cities such as New York or Paris, or visit the Egyptian pyramids, while others prefer trying barrel rolls and flying under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or being challenged by a difficult approach in the Himalayas.

Details of two other activities – paraglider simulator and Icaro’s active virtual reality – can be found on the website.

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra, 4 Montford Cr, Lyneham. Visit jetflightsimulatorcanberra.com.au or call 0438 834 026.

Punch Bowl by Ruth Allen.

South Pacific Hemp goes to great lengths to source only the best hemp products, says store manager Sue Booth.

“We get to know the story and origin behind each wholesaler, we pride ourselves on knowing these individual companies’ stories and telling our customers exactly where the products originated,” she says.

“The global market for hemp is predicted to nearly quadruple in value between 2020 and 2027.

“This is because of hemp’s hardiness across a wide range of climates, its ability to grow in and improve poor soil, as well as absorb more carbon dioxide than any other crop, and that every part of the plant is useful.”

Sue says she also takes pride in having vast knowl -

edge about the different hemp products and uses.

“Hemp protects your skin by naturally filtering UV light. It also resists bacterial growth and breathes excellently, preventing odours and has four times the strength of cotton and it won’t weaken when washed.”

Sue says hemp gives years of wear, while its breathing ability, antibacterial and antiviral properties help promote good sleep.

In store, Sue is offering $15 off most clothing in store and online for the months of December and January, 5 per cent off for Seniors Card holders in store and free shipping for orders over $50 across Australia.

South Pacific Hemp, 84 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0431 318898 or visit southpacifichemp.com.au

QUALITY AUSTRALIAN HEMP PRODUCTS

Giving someone the gift of live performance is giving them an experience that is unique because no performance is the same and no person experiences a performance in the same way, says Jordan Best.

“Live performance is about connection,” says The Q’s artistic director.

“We are a home for everyone who loves the arts, whether you’re an artist or audience member, we create space for you.”

According to Jordan, The Q’s tickets are affordable, with some performances offered on the “pay-what-you-feel” model.

“We believe that the arts are for everyone, regardless of your financial situation,” she says.

“We have gift vouchers available that can be redeemed to any show in our venue.

“We also offer memberships to The Q, so that you can save on every ticket to our season shows, as well as receiving a discount at our bars.”

Jordan says The Q programs performances for every person in the community.

“We’ve got comedy, dance, musical theatre, drama, classical music, tribute bands, opera and everything in between,” she says.

“We are one of the only performing arts centres’ in Australia that are producing work to tour.”

The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 251 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6285 6290 or visit theq.net.au

The Q’s artistic director Jordan Best.

Top holiday spots keen to keep kids entertained SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

From educational tours to funky art classes, CityNews lists some of the best places to keep children – big and small – entertained and having fun these summer school holidays.

Parrots, finches, doves and quail are among the birds ready to interact at the Canberra Walk-in Aviary, says owner and manager Mick Logan.

The aviary is great fun for all ages.

Now is the best time to get up close and personal with a range of friendly, free-flying birds, he says.

“While not all birds will interact with you, visitors get the chance to observe, up close, species of birds that otherwise would be hard to see in the wild,” Mick says.

“We provide a small plate of food and a tub of mealworms and you can wander around and feed the birds.

“Provided the weather is fine, you can have a

observing our feathered friends.”

The aviary is a 1000sqm planted walk-in enclosure that has more than 500 birds from about 65 different species from Australia and the world, Mick says.

“We accept student and senior concession cards,” he says.

The aviary is open every day, 10am-5pm, with last admissions at 4.30pm.

Canberra Walk-in Aviary, unit 13, Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls. Call 6230 2044 or visit canberrawalkinaviary.com.au

THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

the

Lavender Art Studios in Canberra is celebrating 25 years of art classes and workshops.

“For a quarter of a century, the studio has been a creative cornerstone in the community, thriving as a hub where artistry blossoms,” says owner Elita Mackay.

“It’s a pleasure to see familiar faces still gracing our space while welcoming new students into our ever-growing Lavender circle.

“Our principles remain unchanged: offering genuine service, fostering every artist’s growth with dedication and cultivating a spirit of artistic kindness throughout.”

Whether it’s a child exploring paint for the first time, a teenager finding their creative voice or an adult reigniting their artistic passion, Elita says her studio is committed to providing a nurturing and inspiring environment.

“This month we welcome the festive season with special workshops for young artists,” she says.

quality materials and a warm atmosphere, Elita says every artist can feel at home at the studio.

“As we reflect on 25 years of creative memories, our gratitude goes out to all who have supported Lavender Art Studios,” she says.

“In January, we’re introducing an exciting line-up of teenage art workshops, featuring the engaging Octopus Sea Garden series to inspire and refine artistic talents.”

With professional guidance, high-

“Together, let’s continue this remarkable journey, one brushstroke at a time.”

Lavender Art Studios, 42 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 0412 649770 or visit lavenderartstudios.com.au

Classes at Lavender Art Studios.

Free school holiday program and activities

Finding activities to keep children engaged and having fun can be difficult, which is where Northside Community Services can help.

“Northside is a profit-for-purpose community organisation supporting children, young people, families, older people and communities in Canberra since 1976,” says youth engagement officer, Kimberley Duignan.

“During the school holidays, Northside provides diverse programs and activities, from skill building programs like first aid and pre-learner license courses, to sports competitions, movies and more.”

Kimberley says all of these programs are free, but require registration, which can be done on the Northside Community Services website.

“Families and young people can expect high-quality programs and facilitators,” she says.

“We often collaborate with other youth services in Canberra, so you will be sure to meet new people and make new friends.

“Those attending our school holiday activities will be met with fun and engaging activities that cater to a range of interests.

“Our activities and events are a combination of qualification-building, skill-building and good old-fashioned fun!”

Limited spots are available to each activity and Kimberley urges anyone interested to register as soon as possible.

Northside Community Service, Dickson, Turner and Harrison. Call 6171 8000, email engagement@northside. asn.au or visit northside.asn.au

A ‘fun stop’ for a sweet adventure

Lolly Swagman owner Ian Richardson reckons Berrima is such a “fun stop for passersby to stretch their legs and grab a few lollies for the next leg of your roadtrip”.

The business has been exploring new tastes for nearly three decades and Ian has been the owner 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.

“With Christmas coming up, we’ve got lots of Christmas lollies and chocolate in store, perfect for stocking stuffers.”

According to Ian, the store is a com mon 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.

“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.”

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

A fresh take on aviation history

Located on what used to be Australia’s largest World War II aviation training school, the Temora Aviation Museum provides invaluable insight on the men and women who once called the base home.

“We’re not a static museum,” says CEO Peter Harper.

“We have a selection of informative and interactive displays in addition to our guided tours and audiovisual tours.”

Two thousand six hundred pilots graduated on the site and, although there isn’t much left in relation to buildings or structures, Peter says their self-guided audiovisual tours provide a special look at the historical significance of the site.

“We’re breathing new life into the story,” he says.

“It’s about telling that story and showing our aviation history.

“Our self-guided audio tours are complimentary after paying for entry.”

Recently opening an in-house cafe, Peter says it’s the perfect place to have a bite to eat or a coffee, making a day out of visiting the museum.

Visitors can also experience motion aircraft simulators, seeing what it would have felt like to sit in a Spitfire, Mustang or Kittyhawk for their choice of a 30-minute or 60-minute session.

“It’s very popular for kids and… bigger kids alike,” says Peter.

“I’d recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.”

Temora Aviation Museum, 1 Tom Moon Avenue, Temora. Visit aviationmuseum.com.au or call 6977 1088.

Home to a collection of 83,000 Australian plants from more than 4300 species, communication and events co-ordinator Candy Yan says the Australian National Botanic Gardens are worth a visit any time of the year.

“Highlights include the Red Centre Garden, the Rainforest Gully, the Rock Garden and the Paperbark Treehouse,” she says.

Candy recommends visitors bring a picnic to enjoy the Eucalypt Lawn or join the gardens’ free daily guided walks.

“We also do a 45-minute guided Flora Exploror tour of the gardens in the electric bus,” she says.

“There’s always something new and exciting to see and do.”

Candy says the gardens are home to the world’s most diverse collection of Australian plants.

“We’ve got more than 4300 different species growing in a stunning bushland setting,” says Candy.

“It’s a place where locals and visitors to our nation’s capital can come to explore, learn, relax and enjoy time with friends or family in a tranquil and natural environment.

“Our calendar of events is changing all the time. Be sure to check out our list of current and upcoming events on our website.”

The Australian National Botanic Gardens are open from 8.30am to 5pm every day, except Christmas Day.

Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton. Call 6250 9540 or visit Anbg.gov.au

Join us for live displays, feeding and handling of snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles and more this summer.

Mon 13 Jan to Sun 19 Jan 2025

Mornings: 10am to 11am | 11.30am to 12.30pm Afternoons: 1pm to 2pm | 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Tickets: Adult $9, Concession $8, Child $7

Visit parksaustralia.gov.au/botanic-gardens for booking and details

Live displays for Snakes Alive! at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

History of Australia through correctional eyes

Opened in 2005, the Cooma Correctional Museum offers the history of Australia through correctional eyes, says statewide museum manager Andrew Weglarz.

“We show the history of corrections in Australia starting from the First Fleet, up until today,” he says.

“On November 1 2023, we celebrated our 150th anniversary, we’re the oldest working jail in Australia.”

Andrew says people should think of them as a big-city museum in a rural setting.

“We have a working gallows, people can use a real trap-door, but we also have fire trucks and tractors from history,” he says.

Andrew says they have serving, minimum-

security prisoners working as guides.

“We have done risk assessments with them, and they are coming to the end of serving their time,” he says.

“In 1957, a minister put all offenders who identified as homosexual into Cooma Jail, until reforms in 1984, so we have that history, too.

“We also have a show of Aboriginal history.”

He says the museum has been named the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award Winner for 2024, and has previously received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, alongside some fantastic reviews.

Andrew has been doing this work for eight years, having previously worked as a senior prison officer in the UK and in Canberra.

Fostering a love of theatre and performance

Running three drama theatre production programs in 2025, Child Players ACT is busy preparing for its upcoming production of Doctor Dolittle – an Original Musical.

“Child Players ACT is a family-run, children’s community theatre company in Canberra, dedicated to providing positive and inclusive theatre experiences for young people,” says production manager Angela Fewtrell.

Founded in 2005 by mother-and-daughter team Kathy Thomas and BJ Anyos the organisation will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.

“Child Players ACT was created to provide an opportunity for young people to grow creatively in a positive, nurturing, inclusive and supportive environment,” says Angela.

“[It’s] a place where children feel supported,

“I also set up displays in the reception areas of some other correctional facilities, too.”

Cooma Correctional Museum, 2 Vagg Street, Cooma. Open every day, 8.30am-3.15pm. Call 6452 5974 or visit correctiveservices.dcj.nsw.gov.au

safe, confident and comfortable to express themselves and develop a life-long enjoyment and appreciation of theatre.”

Audition-free, Angela says they are committed to providing safe, fun and inclusive programs for their participants.

Although spots are full to join their drama school holiday program in January, tickets are available for Doctor Dolittle, with other theatre productions available later in the year.

“All of our theatre educators share a philosophy of equity and access to theatre and the arts for all children,” says Angela.

“We believe the most important thing for a child is to have a positive educational and performance experience.

“We believe the process should be given as

are dedicated to giving all children, no matter their age, level of experience or ability, the opportunity to develop their theatre skills, build their confidence and create theatre together.”

Child Players ACT. Visit childplayersact.net or email contact@childplayersact.net

on the

by Hugh

twinstitch.upholstery

GARDENING

•

•

The yellow blooms of the Graham Thomas rose in the Old Parliament Rose Gardens, which were planted between 1932 and 1938.

Society garlic... its short-stemmed blooms will flower for many months over summer and still retain most of its growth throughout winter.

Good time to check out roses

By Jackie WARBURTON

With roses in full bloom, now’s a good time to look at the shapes and sizes of any you like and make orders for winter planting.

In our climate, we usually plant roses when they are dormant in winter. Planting roses at this time of the year will need a lot of TLC to get them established through the summer heat.

The choices of roses are endless from climbers, thornless, pillar, David Austins and hybrid teas, just to name a few.

When choosing climbing roses look for fragrant, repeat-flowering varieties such as the popular Zephirine Drouhin, which is a large rose that grows up to four metres with the bonus of a strong damask fragrance.

In my garden, I have a Pierre De Ronsard, with pale pink blooms, that was taken from a cutting. It grows just as well as a grafted rose.

I also have a beautiful soft rose called a Red Pierre, which is a pillar or climbing rose and

pruned differently to hybrid teas, bush or David Austin roses.

If space is limited, then a pillar rose can be grown on low fences, verandah posts or walls. It grows to about two metres tall.

If there’s space, I’d grow a David Austin Rose – English-bred with a shrub habit and repeat flowering. They can be used as a hedge or border, or mixed in with the perennial garden. The colours range from whites, pinks, reds and yellows.

My favourite is the popular Graham Thomas, with its rich yellow blooms. It comes as a large shrub or a climber. It was named after a legendary horticulturist in England.

This rose, and many others, can be seen in the Old Parliament Rose Gardens, which were planted between 1932 and 1938. The gardens are open to the public and worth a look at all the different types of roses that grow well in our climate. Fortunately, the roses have name plaques to guide any interest for winter planting.

A TERRIFIC little border plant that’s putting on a show at the moment is Society garlic, (Tulbaghia violacea). Its short-stemmed blooms will flower for many months over summer and still retain most of its growth throughout winter.

It can be planted in the full sun and will flower best where it is hot and dry.

The flowers and leaves are edible and have a peppery taste.

Society garlic is also available in a variegated form that does better in the shade. While mauve is the more popular, it’s also available in white blooms. Propagating them is as easy as dividing the rhizomes in winter and replanting.

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

Jottings…

• Keep watering hedges and trees at the dripline. Once there is dieback in large trees and plants it can often be too late to revive them in the summer heat. Don’t let the soil dry out.

• The last of the dahlias should be in the ground by Christmas.

• Water in the cool of the day.

• Continue to pick citrus to encourage new flowering.

Photos: Jackie Warburton

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Before Rent, Larson went Tick, Tick... BOOM!

By Helen MUSA

So famous is Jonathan Larson’s musical, Rent, seen at the Canberra Theatre in June, that many people have forgotten it’s not his only work for the stage.

ACT Hub’s end-of-year production of Tick, Tick… BOOM! will put paid to that view in a Canberra premiere directed by Nikki Fitzgerald, and featuring three top local sing ers, Taylor Paliaga, Alex Unikowski and Dave Collins, with musical direction by Callum Tolhurst-Close.

It’s a part of Broadway legend now that Larson, on the eve of Rent’s off-Broadway preview, died suddenly from an incorrectly diagnosed aortic dissection. He never knew of his success.

I caught up with director Anderson and actor/singer/keyboard whizkid Unikowski to discuss the show.

Unikowski gets to play, well, Jonathan Larson, for Tick, Tick… BOOM! is plainly autobiographical, a kind of prequel to Rent, as it shows an obsessive, young struggling musical theatre writer, Jonathan, in the process of creation.

It’s early 1990. Jonathan works at a diner

Taylor plays his girlfriend, Susan, who represents a juxtaposition to the Bohemian life, La Vie Bohème, as his Rent song goes.

Unikowski assures me there is a throughline in the story, which is not just isolated bits, as it tells us about his climb up the ladder. There are plenty of twists and turns before – spoiler alert – it becomes clear that Superbia is going nowhere fast and he decides to work on an old project, one that

Jon’s about to turn 30 and, considering the notorious 27 Club, which included Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse, (who all died at 27) he has good reason to worry so he’s reconsidering his life dream.

Larson actually died at 35, Fitzgerald reminds me and he hadn’t yet made it.

Unikowski and Fitzgerald aren’t exactly living La Vie Bohème. Unikowski is a public servant who teaches a school choir and performs by night, but says he quite likes the separation of work life and artistic life.

Fitzgerald, who has been a public servant while spending much of her spare time working backstage for Everyman Theatre, says she’s now thinking of taking stock of her life and would like to do more theatre. That’s the kind of decision this show

Tick, tick... Boom!, ACT Hub, Kingston,

MUSIC / Luminescence Children’s

Choir’s Christmas song cycle rolls over the world

By Helen Musa

It’s time to enjoy Christmas music, whether carols, pop songs playing in the shopping malls or deeply reflective classical music.

Canberra’s Luminescence Children’s Choir will be at the forefront, presenting a completely new song cycle as part of the annual season, A Luminous Christmas.

And in a Canberra-conceived international venture, the cycle, commissioned from composer and ABC Music Show host Andrew Ford, will be performed by the Canberra choir here, in Antwerp Cathedral between its two large Rubens paintings, in Tallin, Estonia and in Perth.

With funding from all quarters, including Canberra’s Helen Moore and the APRA AMCOS Art Music Fund 2023, the Flanders Boys Choir, Estonian Girls’ TV and Radio Choir, and the Schola Cantorum of St Aquinas College in Perth, it’s a formidable project.

Artistic director of Luminescence AJ America and its music advisor, Roland Peel man, tell me it started with a performance by the choir of Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols in 2020.

daughter and a track record of composing to nursery rhymes, Ford would clearly be able to respond to the imagination of children.

“I’ve always been wondering why is that no one since Britten has written a piece like that, half an hour long and of a quality that can stay in the repertoire,” Peelman says. He and America agreed to commission such a work from a composer with capacity and understanding, and after canvassing

Then the idea of a more international flavour came when they reflected that “children are children”, whether they grow up in China or Peru or Belgium or wherever.

“We were looking for Christmas music and as it comes around once a year, Roland and I got thinking [that] our new songs could have a life all around the world,” America says.

The end result is a significant collabora tion involving four choirs from around the world, all of whom will perform the work on the same day.

Peelman had been spending a lot of time in his native Belgium recently helping to care for his ageing parents and remembered his old school choir, In Dulci Jubilo, where he’d sung treble.

He found that the choir was now renamed the Flanders Boys Choir, operating in the

contacted the director, Dieter van Handen hoven, who thought it was a terrific idea.

By chance, America was visiting Europe and, in Sint-Niklaas’ Australia-themed coffee house Skippy’s, also met van Handenhoven.

America had also made connections with the Estonian choir from when they were on tour in Australia in 2019 and with Aquinas College in Perth, which boasts a choir of 52 choristers made up of boys between years 4-12.

Back in Canberra, she had specific reasons

for pursuing the commission. She’d noticed that a lot of music written for children is quite challenging, especially for those newcomers, some of whom only joined three months ago and whose sight-reading skills are only just being developed.

She’s particularly happy that Ford was the choice, saying: “Andrew does have the passion to write music that is incredibly sophisticated, but also tunes that are very simple, he understands kids and writes very singable music for them… also Andrew has great skill with text.”

On that front, Ford has been inspired by the great tradition of Christmas carols such as In The Bleak Midwinter, a William Dunbar poem, Thomas Hardy’s poem The Oxen and poetry by Australian writers Mark Tredinnick and Judith Crispin.

So far it’s all gone smoothly, except for their need to give a bit of cultural context to words such as “huntsman”, which in Europe has one meaning but in Australia mostly definitely refers to a spider.

One unusual feature, America says, is that Ford has chosen electric guitar for the backing, to be performed by Melbourne musician Theo Carbo. Britten had opted for harp for A Ceremony of Carols but Ford was looking for a more contemporary feel.

“The way the guitar interacts with the singers will bring a new sound,” America says.

“But it does sound like Christmas.”

I Sing the Birth, Wesley Uniting Church, December 14, part of A Luminous Christmas, December 13-15.

The Luminescence Children’s Choir… presenting a completely new song cycle as part of the annual season, A Luminous Christmas.

Photo: Fernanda Pedroso

Grocery bills, interest rates and Christmas – just around the corner – are taking dining out off the table for many. For others, heading out for a meal is now only reserved for special occasions.

However, an option is to head to a café that prides itself on quality ingredients, freshly baked goods, friendly service and price points that work. And if you land at a café with a special view, better still.

That takes us to Caffé al Lago, Yerrabi Pond, Gungahlin.

Open for just under six months, this super comforting café was the perfect place to perch after an hour walk around the water saying hello to swans, cygnets and ducks.

Specialising in scrumptious Italian sandwiches, Caffé al Lago is serious about ingredients. It bakes its bread daily – both schiacciata and focaccia panini – and sources quality goodies to stuff inside each sandwich, at breakfast and lunch.

The menu is compact but both our sandwiches, served on thin slices of bread baked with wonderful herbs on top, scored big.

Caffé al Lago’s Diavolo ($18.90) was bursting with ingredients and flavour. Slices of thick, spicy, hot salami were stuffed inside the flatbread, as were artichokes, salty olives, smoky provolone cheese, fresh basil pesto and extra virgin olive oil.

WINE

The Pistachio Mortadelle ($18.90) was jam-packed with rich and flavourful meat, combined with basil pesto, arugula, stracciatella cheese (lots of it!) and crunchy pistachios. I wouldn’t hesitate to order the La Speciale sandwich because I’m passionate about prosciutto ($19.90). Caffé al Lago offers a breakfast sandwich ($16.90) which would be a great start to the day with eggs, roasted bell pepper sauce, marinated goat cheese and fresh tomato. Or enjoy a cuppa with a buttery croissant. Although we didn’t, you can add extra ingredients for $3 or $5.

We shared each sandwich so we could try both types. My friend did well to finish off both halves. Caffé al Lago was happy to provide a paper bag for me to cart my half-Diavolo home.

We also shared sweets, including a tangy lemon tart ($6.90) and a not-too-sweet-but-sweet-enough Biscoff cheesecake ($7.90). It was super creamy and on a lovely biscuit base.

We also shared a Royal Dubai pistachio chocolate bar ($10.90), also made daily on site. It was beautifully decorated and had a filling that was crispy, nutty and decadent. Recipes

for this treat vary but most feature a Middle Eastern shredded string pastry.

The ONA coffee was good (both hot and iced) and Caffé al Lago offers a range of teas, milkshakes and other cold drinks.

The glass display at the front on our visit also displayed an impressive line-up of carrot cake ($7.90), baked ricotta ($7.90), caramel walnut tart ($6.90), and gluten-free chocolate brownie ($6.50).

Indulgence, but in the printed vintage

I agree with the old Oscar Wilde quotation: “Work is the curse of the drinking classes”.

Amongst other things, semi-retirement means more time for reading, especially about food and wine; it’s immersion absent indulgence.

In late September, I received a media release about a three-volume work on the history of Australian wine called The Australian Ark: The Story of Australian Wine – 1788 to the Modern Era, by Andrew Caillard, Master of Wine.

The release said that this work had won the International Organisation of Vine and Wine Award in its encyclopedia category and the President’s Award.

After inquiring with the publicist, I was kindly sent a review copy of this magnum opus. But alas, other reading priorities have overtaken my reading of this three-volume set: I’m stuck in volume one.

Reading priorities are somewhat set by the public library system, which gives a particular time for reading books and which doesn’t allow you to renew where a book is reserved by someone else. Very fair, but that sets the reading schedule when compared with books that are sitting there on my desk summoned by no one

UK

else. In time, I will write a review of the Australian Ark but, in the meantime, I want to talk about a book that was both lively and funny: Nights Out at Home by Jay Rayner, an English restaurant critic. I had placed a request at the library for this 2024 book because his critiques of restaurants are world renowned and his humour honed.

I was hoping there would be a discussion of the wine that he would serve with the dishes he has adapted for home cooking from restaurants that he has visited for over 25 years as a food critic. But alas, the drinks he discusses are cocktails, particularly his favourite, the daiquiri.

In advancing his arguments for this cocktail, he is extraordinarily effusive: “It is sweet and sour. It is boozy and light. It is the beginning of my night. It is everything.” Hmmm, no and no, I thought.

Give me a classic Kir Royale to start any fine-dining occasion. This is a French champagne cocktail. It’s light, a little bit sweet and pretty. You just chill the glass, a champagne flute, add a glug of crème de cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur, and then top with your champagne (or high-quality Australian sparkling wine). If you’re being extra indulgent garnish with fresh raspberries.

There was a consonance between the critic and me though in the beginnings of our drinking history. He recalls his young days when as “a youth, sodden with bad taste, my drink of choice was vodka and lime: a cheap, blunt white spirit drowning in sugary lime cordial.” Snap, I thought.

As a young barman at the Sheraton Lounge in Auckland in 1970 (I lied about my age to get the job) my drink of choice was exactly the same, or sometimes I’d add orange juice to the vodka to be healthier.

There were other parts of this book that resonated. His view of being called a snob about food matched mine in the context of wine: “Not that I necessarily disapprove of snobbery. After all, isn’t one person’s snobbery just another person’s informed discernment?”

And in relation to the role of the critic, he is bang-on: “My job is not merely to reach a judgement, but to argue it in such a compelling, authoritative readable way that you believe me; that what I say makes sense.” I agree, even when I’m critiquing books!

restaurant critic Jay Rayner… “Isn’t one person’s snobbery just another person’s informed discernment?”

Photo: Jonathan Stewart

STREAMING Movie imagines America going to war with itself

A NEW film that imagines what would happen if modern America fell into civil war has been released at a very intriguing time.

Only weeks after a US election that split the country in half, this epic thriller arrives on Amazon Prime Video following a run in cinemas earlier this year.

Starring Kirsten Dunst as a worn-down photojournalist, Civil War depicts an America ravaged by violent political conflict.

Walmart carparks are filled with helicopter debris while iconic monuments such as the Statue of Liberty are reduced to rubble.

Amidst the chaos a team of reporters travel across the country trying to capture the insanity in unflinching detail for the world to see. Tensions flare when one of the entourage allows an aspiring and far-tooyoung photographer to join the group. Some of them try to protect her innocence while others say its time for her to see the full extent of this brutal new world.

puzzle pieces for the audience to put together but for the most part it’s left to the viewer’s own interpretation.

The film comes from Alex Garland, a director who’s no stranger to post-apocalyptic settings.

He’s best known for writing the script to the 2002 horror movie hit 28 Days Later.

More than 20 years later and Garland has tried to tap into a very different type of horror, trading zombies for zealots.

Civil War never signposts who started this war, but there are certainly hints.

Strewn throughout the script are political

For some critics this was a big negative. They believe Civil War should have been clearer in its political commentary, but the film isn’t interested in shoving its own view in your face.

Instead, it wants to frighten its audience by showing that regardless of the politics, the divide itself may be enough to spark catastrophe.

Also amongst the compelling cast here is Nick Offerman who plays the president of the country as it falls into ruin.

It’s quite a turn for the deadpan funny-

man, who many will recognise from the sitcom Parks and Recreation.

Here Offerman is entirely different though, taking on a far more serious tone.

It’s a shame that he only has a few minutes in total on screen, but each makes for fascinating viewing.

Described as both a cautionary tale for our times and an over-the-top mess, Civil War, just like its subject matter, has split its audience. This seems to be the point though. Civil War wants to ask its viewers: what do you think?

TURNING to a different kind of war drama

that’s generating talk this week, Blitz has just released on Apple TV Plus.

This film is set in the aftermath of the bombing of London and follows a nine-yearold boy named George (Elliott Heffernan), who is evacuated to the countryside.

In the wake of the devastation George embarks on a journey to get back home while his mother also desperately searches for him.

Blitz is visually stunning, boasting immaculate cinematography and acting. That’s particularly thanks to a standout performance from Saoirse Ronan (Ladybird, Little Women), who plays George’s mother.

Blitz can however fall into a frustrating

It feels like the film is more interested in creating a sense of atmosphere and feeling rather than taking audiences down a

That’s not to say the film isn’t worth

It represents yet another strong addition to the Apple TV Plus’ growing drama canon. The platform continues to humbly pump out prestige drama and TV with some of the finest directors and actors around.

This time it’s director of 12 Years A Slave Steve McQueen bringing subscribers this new period piece of Oscar bait.

It is an interesting tactic from Apple. Its streaming platform seems determined to sell itself as a quiet achiever, offering an alternative to big hitters such as Netflix and Binge by shelling out big bucks for some of the most lauded screen talent around.

Will it work?

Apple is clearly playing the long game.

ARTS IN THE CITY Music and magic and more

Master magician Michael Boyd joins guest Prinnie Stevens and “the absolute crème de la crème of Australia’s showgirls” to present The Christmas Spectacular, billed as an extravaganza of music, circus, dance and magic. Canberra Theatre, December 9-10.

This has long been my hottest tip for seasonal presents – local artisans and ceramicists showcase a curated selection of handcrafted gift items at the Canberra Potters Christmas Fair, Watson Arts Centre, December 6-15.

A newly-launched space for staff and students of ANU’s School of Art & Design, is the Dye & Fibre Garden. Located between the Baldessin Building and the carparks, it holds both native and non-native plants, specially cultivated for use in textile dyeing and fibre production.

Rebecca Duke and Thea Jade from NSW and Sarah Matthews

from Victoria, have been selected as finalists for Canberra Youth Theatre’s national Emerging Playwright Commission. It offers $17,100 to develop a full-length script suitable to be performed by actors aged anywhere between seven and 25.

Inspired by the true story of Chris, the Merino ram who was lost for five years in the bush near Canberra and set the record for the world’s heaviest fleece, author Jackie Hosking has written a new children’s book called A Woolly Tale. Chris’ fleece is on display at

As the CEO of Cheek Media Co, co-host of the Big Small Talk Podcast, and the best-selling author of Bite Back, Hannah Ferguson is a rising media star. In Canberra, she’s joined by Big Small Talk co-host Sarah-Jane Adams in a fun-serious talk show where, she says, she’ll talk about “everything from the US election to sex and pleasure”. Canberra Theatre, December 11. Advent Singen is the Austrian Harmonie Choir’s most joyful event of the year, and will feature Austrian and Australian Christmas carols, the Young Austrian Children’s Choir and a visit from Santa. Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, December 8.

Kirsten Dunst as a worn-down photojournalist in the thriller Civil War.

George (Elliott Heffernan) and his mum (Saoirse Ronan) in Blitz.

the National Museum.

The Christmas Spectacular, an extravaganza of music, circus, dance and magic, at Canberra Theatre, December 9-10.

HOROSCOPE PUZZLES

By Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Your ruler Mars (planet of energy and action) is retrograde until February 24. So it’s not a suitable time to initiate challenging projects and plans that require heaps of energy, enthusiasm and pioneering enterprise. Which is frustrating news for everyone… but especially for fiery Aries folk. Smart Rams will slow down, rewind, relax, recharge, research, rehearse and revise projects and plans that can then be put into dynamic practise from late February on.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

The Full Moon urges you to shine a spotlight on financial matters and personal values. Do you need to let go of certain people, possessions or attitudes that have passed their used-by-date? With the Sun, Moon, Jupiter and retro Mercury activating your money zones, be careful your main form of entertainment isn’t shopping. Your bank balance (and budget) won’t appreciate a shop-till-you-drop kind of week. Friday night favours socialising with colleagues.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

Expect a week crammed full of crazy shenanigans, Gemini! Mercury (your ruling planet) is reversing through your partnership zone, and mighty Mars is reversing through your communication zone. Plus Sunday’s Full Moon lights up your sign. So close relationships will be tricky, as messages get mixed up and conversations become very confusing. Smart Twins will think (carefully) before speaking and consider (carefully) before making any major moves.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Mighty Mars is reversing through your self-esteem zone until February 24, and there’s a Full Moon in your self-sabotage zone. Which could dent your Crab confidence, dampen your enthusiasm, and make you doubt your intuition. Don’t dwell on the negatives! Hold your head high and trust your inner judgement. Be inspired by fellow Cancerian, Princess Diana: “I work on instinct. It’s my best advisor.” Friday favours catching up with work colleagues and friends.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

Fiery Mars is reversing through fire sign Leo for the next ten weeks, so Lions will lack enthusiasm and general mojo during this retrograde period. It’s time to hit the pause button, which will stymie motivation and increase impatience, especially involving personal projects and close relationships. Jumping to conclusions is definitely not recommended! Hasty words and ambiguous comments will only lead to dramas (especially on Thursday).

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Mars is reversing through your seclusion and karma zone until February 24. So it’s time to help those around you (especially friends and family members) in a quiet, low-key, behind-the-scenes kind of way. On Friday you’ll find compromise and praise will get you a lot further than criticism – no matter how ‘constructive’ it is! With Sunday’s Full Moon activating your career zone, think big when it comes to your job, work contacts and professional plans.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Many talented Librans have ambitious aspirations for the future. But a cherished goal or a longed-for dream could be delayed, as Mars reverses through your hopes and wishes zone for the next ten weeks. Try to be extra patient! Good things will eventually come to those who wait. Thursday looks challenging, as Mars opposes your ruler Venus. Charm and cooperation will help you steer your way through problems with maximum diplomacy and minimum stress.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Mars is reversing through your professional zone until February 24, so it’s not an ideal time to look for employment, apply for a job or start a challenging work project. You’ll require plenty of diplomacy, discretion, patience and persistence, as you navigate a bumpy career path over the next couple of months. Your motto is from actor (and fellow Scorpio) Ethan Hawke: “Success isn’t measured by what you achieve, it’s measured by the obstacles you overcome.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Resist the overwhelming urge to be extra impulsive and impetuous! There’s a Full Moon on Sunday and Mars is retrograde (until February 24) so you need to apply the brakes and think before you speak, act and post. Otherwise, you could upset others with your hasty words and reckless actions. When it comes to your Sagittarian aspirations for the future, the main quality you need to cultivate at the moment is patience, as you slow your motor and cool your heels.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Are you worrying about something or someone? (Of course you are – you’re a Capricorn!) If you are patient and have the confidence to listen to your wise inner voice, then it will point you in the right direction. Sunday’s Full Moon stimulates your wellbeing zone, so jump off the comfy couch and get moving. Nutritious meals are also on the celestial menu, as you take more interest in your health and more pride in your appearance.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Don’t expect close relationships to run like clockwork this week, as Mars reverses through your partnership zone (until February 24). If you respond to problems deftly and diplomatically, then things will soon be back on an even keel. But there could be sudden disruptions or hidden surprises as Sunday’s Full Moon stirs up plans involving romance, children or friends. If you keep your Aquarian adaptability muscles well-flexed, then you’ll manage just fine.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Expect some challenges and setbacks over the next ten weeks, as Mars reverses through your daily routine and job zone. Retro Mars and retro Mercury remind you to reboot your work schedule and exercise routine, so they are more enjoyable and sustainable. Keep on keeping on Pisces! Then Sunday’s Full Moon shines a bright spotlight on home, family, and the long list of domestic chores and DIY projects waiting to be done. Don’t hesitate to ask others for help.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2024

4 To be bold or intrepid, is to be what? (6)

7 To be reluctant to give, is to do what? (8)

8 Name the short, thick inner digits of the human hands. (6)

9 What is a deep cleft in the ice of a glacier? (8)

11 When one walks laboriously, one does what? (7)

13 Which blue mineral is a gem of moderate value? (7)

15 Name an earlier Australian painter and sculptor, George Washington ... (7)

17 To be the least rapid, is to be the what? (7)

20 Which device controls the amount of fuel being fed to an engine? (8)

23 What is a chest in which to stow things? (6)

24 Which portable shade is used for protection from rain? (8)

25 What is a young swan called? (6)

1 Which term describes an inheritor? (4) 2 To be more courageous, is to be what? (6)

3 What are bookmakers’ prices known as? (4)

4 To discourage from acting, is to do what? (5)

5 What are boxing matches split into? (6)

6 To be imposing in appearance, is to be what? (5)

9 Which devices are used for fastening objects together? (6)

10 What is surreptitious procedure? (7)

12 Name an agricultural implement for mowing grass, etc. (6)

14 To rouse from sleep, is to do what? (6)

16 Who is the head male servant of a household? (6)

18 To be extremely foolish, is to be what (coll)? (5)

19 To walk pompously, is to walk how? (5)

21 Name a red variety of corundum, highly prized as a gem. (4)

22 To which plant group does the fleur-de-lis belong? (4)

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Chelsea discovers home work comes with tax homework

Chelsea has a new job. It requires her to work from home and she's come to see me about the record-keeping rules.

I congratulated her on the new appointment and for checking the working-from-home rules before she started.

In February 2023 the ATO issued a Practical Compliance Guideline setting out the rules for claiming additional running expenses for working from home.

I told Chelsea there were two methods of claiming working-fromhome costs, namely actual costs or the fixed-rate method, which is currently set at 67 cents an hour.

"The important things to know are that the fixed rate covers energy costs, internet costs, phone costs and stationery costs," I said.

"It does not cover depreciation on electronic devices or office furniture. Unlike previous ATO requirements you do not need to have an area set aside as an office.

“Not being able to claim your phone and data usage reduces your record keeping. However, if you only work one day a week from home and use your phone a lot, it may be preferable to claim the phone and use the actual rate.

"We can make that decision when we prepare your tax return next year."

I told her that other than the claims restrictions, if she elected to use the fixed rate, the record-keeping rules were the same.

“You have to keep records which show the total number of hours that you worked from home and you need an invoice which shows that you have a responsibility to pay the energy costs," I said.

"You have to keep records for the entire year that show the number of hours that you actually worked from home. An estimate is not acceptable.

"Records include time sheets, rosters, time logs for accessing your employer’s online systems, a time-tracking app or a diary record showing each day that you worked from home and the starting and finishing times.”

Chelsea said that seemed like a lot of work.

“Yes it is but it can be a significant deduction for you," I assured her.

"I also want to tell you about the records you need to keep if you depreciate a computer or printer that you use for work and which is not provided by your employer.

"The tax invoice for purchase must contain the name and address of the supplier, the cost of the item, a description of the item, the date that you acquired the item and the date that the record was completed.

"It must also be in English. You need to keep a log for at least one month that shows all your computer usage split up as to business and personal.

"Once you have a percentage for each, for example 60 per cent for work and 40 per cent personal, you depreciate the cost of the computer at the rate of 50 per cent then apportion 60 per cent of that to claim your deduction.

"You should check the percentage each year, so you will need to keep the records for at least one month each year and then extrapolate that across the year.

"I should also remind you that you need to keep records of expenses for five years. However, in the case of depreciable items, the five years runs from when you stop depreciating the item.”

Chelsea left saying she now felt confident of what records she needs to keep.

If you need help with record keeping or any other tax matter, contact the experts at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 02 6295 2844.

Disclaimer

This column contains general advice, please do not rely on it. If you require specific advice on this topic

Locally sourced, 100% recycled Australian timber for renovations, repairs & new builds. Drop into our workshop & showroom 10 Mildura St, Griffith, ACT

30 Years of Recycling & Design