What’s On …………….... 18 to

What’s on—cinema Li le Tornadoes at Narooma Kinema May 22nd

Introverted Leo is a metalworker at his small town’s local plant. A er his wife vanishes, leaving him to care for their two young children, he is bere – barely able to cook a decent meal or keep the household running. So when a recently-arrived Italian colleague suggests that his sister, Maria, act as surrogate homemaker, Leo reluctantly accepts. But can one woman’s warm, nurturing presence fill the void le by another, and can Leo yield to the winds of change? The film dis ls the many upheavals of 1970s Australia – from immigra on and post-war rese lement, to urbanisa on, an –Vietnam War protests and the women’s libera on movement – into a narra ve about one man’s struggle to adapt. LITTLE TORNADOES is a portrait of a country at a turning point and the human desire for connec on.

AARON WILSON DIRECTOR / WRITER / PRODUCER Aaron was born in rural Australia and has lived and worked in and around his neighbouring South-East Asian region. He works as a director and writer across film, VR, mul -pla orm and installa on. He is drawn to narra ves that explore human vulnerability, and connec on between peoples across neighbouring country and cultural divides. In 2006, he was selected to take part in a filmmaker residency program with The Objec fs Centre for Filmmaking and Photography in Singapore where he developed the script for his debut feature, CANOPY (TIFF 2013). LITTLE TORNADOES is his second feature. Aaron is represented by Jennifer Naughton (RGM, Sydney) and Dave Brown (Echo Lake Entertainment, LA). CO-WRITER Christos Tsiolkas is one of Australia’s preeminent novellists. LOADED, was made into the feature film HEAD ON, and DEAD EUROPE won the 2006 Age Fic on Prize and 2006 Melbourne Best Wri ng Award. He won Overall Best Book in the Commonwealth Writers' Prize 2009, was shortlisted for the 2009 Miles Franklin Literary Award, longlisted for the 2010 Man Booker Prize and won the Australian Literary Society Gold Medal for his novel, THE SLAP (adapted for TV in 2011). MERCILESS GODS was adapted for the stage in 2019. His recent novels include BARRACUDA (adapted for TV in 2017) and DAMASCUS (released in 2019). Christos is also a playwright, essayist and screenwriter.

Gadfly 231 By Robert Macklin An air of lunacy has developed around the agreement between the Solomon Islands and our biggest and most lucrative trading partner during this surreal election campaign. At the outset, the Morrison/Dutton duumvirate made it very plain that they wanted a khaki election that played on the militarist-racist underpinnings of a former Anglo-Australia. The one that invented the White Australia policy that ended officially in the 1970s but lives on as the ‘Yellow Peril’ like a dormant cancer of the blood. It's reappeared against Indonesia, in the year of living dangerously and the ‘Domino Theory’ of Vietnam. Today it’s China and come what may, Morrison/Dutton were going to ramp it up. It didn’t matter that China was single-handedly keeping our trading balance of payments in the black; or that Chinese tourists and students could return post-Covid to rescue our failing hospitality and tertiary industries. It was all about the election. Morrison played a long game. He double-crossed the French on the Submarine deal which they saw as an opportunity to project a third, moderating force in the region. He went for the Anglo-American AUKUS with no Sub at all for twenty years. He took the lead in implying – without any evidence - that Covid escaped from a Chinese chemical lab in Wuhan. And once the deeply offended Chinese government responded with a few trade sanctions, he doubled down. He even pretended that a list of grievances secured by a journalist from a Chinese diplomat was some kind of demand for Australia abandon its “values”, whatever they might be. And when he learned – belatedly – of the friendship agreement between China and the Solomons it was like all his Christmases had come at once. Dutton played the supporting role in this ‘Dumb and Dumber’ movie. He banged the drums in the background until Anzac Day when he finally declared ‘We must prepare for war.’ And this against a foe who has never shown the slightest interest in breaching Australia’s territorial sovereignty. As it happens, in the last five years I have been commissioned by our Defence Department (though ASPI) to undertake three Case Studies of major defence procurements – two Naval, one Air Force – and have written a yet-to-bepublished book on a Canberra defence contractor which has put Australia at least five years ahead of the rest of the world in radar development for all three services. The work has provided a valuable insight into our defence capability. And I have to tell you – if it wasn’t already blindingly obvious to everyone with a grasp on reality - that it is utterly insane to be provoking a war against China. Just as important, behind the scenes, China has deliberately sent a new Ambassador to get the relationship back on an even keel. Ambassador Xiao Qian is one of their star performers. His earlier posts have been in India, the Philippines, Indonesia and the United States. In Beijing he’s been Director-General of Asian Affairs and he came to Australia in January with a potential roadmap for dealing with the problems between the two countries. Indeed, he publicly offered to meet with Morrison and begin the process to ‘meet halfway’. The response was an oafish refusal. Nothing, in Morrison’s obsession with an election win, must deviate from the rage and fear of the Yellow hordes of his perfervid imagination. Or maybe it’s just another marketing ploy. Either way, it’s nuts. robert@robertmacklin.com

“Ease up ya bastards…..ease up! Talk about kick a bloke when he’s down……bloody hell, give him a break!” Mick spilt some of the schooners, in his haste to get away from the rabble at the bar. Mick landed the remainder of the schooners on the bar table, as the call “Get the Big Bloke down here, Mick”, echoed across the bar. Bazza stood up to stretch and Mick’s eyes widened. “Bloody hell, Bazza you’re not deserting me?” “Nah….. not when it’s your shout……well, what’s left of it. The mob has turned on you, Mick.” They both took decent drinks. “Well you wouldn’t credit it, Bazza. No bloody loyalty these days. It’s a pile on. ScoMo has got us through the last few years. A few months ago they were all on board. He’s just thrown a ton of money at them and listen to the gratitude.” Mick waved an arm at the bar, shook his head and adjusted his collar as the sun surrendered to the distant hills. “Part of the problem might be it’s their money being thrown at them, Mick……on top of a run of stuff ups.” Mick’s eyes shot skywards. “You mean a couple of missteps, Bazza? Sure…..some problems with the bushfires, women issues, the pandemic and Foreign Affairs with the French, Chinese and the Solomon Islands.” “Now, I want to be fair here, Mick. With the bushfires, ScoMo holding an extra hose would not have made much difference; the helicopters were flat out making an impact. With women’s issues he consulted Jen and the girls, and it was a sensible decision to not shoot protesters at the March4Justice. I reckon up to that point, he was holding his own.” “Agreed, Bazza….but…… the pandemic.” Bazza took a sip and his hand concealed a slight grin. “Ahhhh…..the pandemic…..ScoMo was never going to win with the vaccination roll out. If you check with the Clive Palmer United Australia Party Website, one of the little known side effects of the Covid 19 vaccinations is a heightening of human awareness. It increases human perceptiveness by 9.052 percent. That explains Clive’s support amongst the anti vaccinators. Obviously, delaying the roll out was to ScoMo’s advantage but with ninety five percent of our population now vaccinated, it’s caught up with him. Most people are now more aware.” Mick squinted and scratched his head. “I’ll be fact checking that one, Bazza but that leaves Foreign Affairs. We have upset the French and we now have the Chinese on our doorstep with the Solomon Islands and Port of Darwin developments.” Bazza took a long drink. “Least of our worries, Mick.” Mick’s schooner froze mid air and he eyeballed Bazza. “It’s all a clever distraction by the Russians, Mick.” Mick blinked repeatedly. “What? That bloody Putin, Bazza?” “I’m afraid so, Mick. The reference to a ‘red line’ by our Prime Minister gave it all away. I think Putin is either a poor speller or, more likely, he’s cleverly dropped the letter ‘w’ from ‘ScoMo’ to trick us. Either way, I’ll leave it to you to figure out the anagram. Deep undercover, Mick……deep undercover.”

DONNELY BROS. slaughtered a prime cow last week end, fa ened in Luck’s paddock. She turned the scales at 596 lbs, and is described as one of the best local beasts slaughtered for a long me. BROULEE. – Last week end a number of Isaac Walton’s disciples including Messrs A. H. Fox, M. J. Kea ng, Barty Turner, J. Honan and a representa ve of this paper, journeyed to the reputed good fishing grounds of the picturesque Broulee to try their luck amongst the finny tribe of what should long ere this have been the port of this district. A er nego a ng the road which leads thereto, which is in the most deplorable condi on through mberge er’s jinkers, only a few hours were allowed for the sportsmen to enjoy themselves. Several large blue gropers and some leather jackets were landed, and the fishermen got their appe tes whe ed for a return in the near future. Mr. P. J. Mylo , of the Queen St. bakery, contemplates pu ng on a motor lorry for car ng and delivery purposes in connec on with his business. The costs associated with horse team are such that P. J. expects to find motor transport more reasonable. What may have resulted in a very serious conflagra on took place at Central Tilba last week. Young George Hare, in the absence of the caretaker, essayed to make the acetylene gas, taking with him a hurricane lamp. A big explosion was the result. The lamp was smashed, and young Hare burned about the hands and arms. No other damage was done, but it was a narrow escape. On Friday evening of last week a very successful social was held at Turlinjah in aid of the Hall Piano Fund, a right royal me being spent. Visitors were present from Moruya, Bodalla, and Bateman’s Bay. Mr. J Donnelly ably officiated as M.C. and Miss Kurz and Messrs. d’Esclen and Hawdon supplied the music. The ladies of the district provided an excellent supper. As will be seen by our business columns Mr. Darcy Douglas has opened up-to-date tea-rooms in Vulcan St. Our enterprising young townsman is also supplying the public with a long felt want by delivering thrice weekly hot pies, fresh tartlets and cakes, which may be obtained at his café. In the summer months Mr. Douglas proposes adding fruit pies to his list of small goods, as well as so drinks. Personal and Otherwise. – The following gentlemen have been appointed Trustees for Narooma Common, viz.: Messrs. J. McMillan (chairman); J.P. Hyland, J. Davidson, J. Brennan, J. O’Connor.

Narooma some me back

Extracted from the Moruya Examiner by the Moruya and District Historical Society Inc. h ps:// www.mdhs.org.au

Reading Mayor’s Wri ng Compe on entries open

Eurobodalla students are invited to weave some magic with words for the annual Mayor’s Wri ng Compe on – and this year expert advice is at hand to help students hone their cra . Entries are now open for the Eurobodalla Council compe on, which has celebrated and encouraged the literary talents of the shire’s youth for the past 13 years. It offers great prizes and shortlisted entries are published in an annual Mayor’s Wri ng Compe on Anthology. Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher has chosen this year’s theme and it’s “magic”. “This is my first Mayor’s Wri ng Compe on and I’m really looking forward to seeing what our budding young authors, poets, journalists and crea ve writers come up with,” he said. “Entries can be any piece of wri ng, as long it’s original, and based on the ‘magic’ theme. The judges will be looking for the most imagina ve and unique plots.” Wri ng workshops will be held at local libraries, where entrants can learn how to turn their ideas into words on a page, ps and tricks on how to structure wri ng and how to make a good story into a great story. Compe on categories will this year be grouped according to school year rather than age: Kindergarten, years 1-2, years 3-4, years 5-6, years 7-8, years 9-10, and years 11-12. The overall winner receives The Syd Hayes Crea ve Wri ng Award, which this year includes a one-on-one feedback and wri ng ps workshop with award-winning journalist Kathryn McCarthy, a beau ful, handcra ed pen by local ar st Richard Turvey and the Mayor’s Wri ng Compe on perpetual shield to display at their school for a year. The winner and runner-up in each category will receive book vouchers and all finalists will receive a copy of the Mayor’s Wri ng Compe on Anthology 2022, which will include their work. Entries for the Eurobodalla Mayor’s Wri ng Compe on are open now and close on Friday 1 July 2022 at 5pm. For more informa on, including the condi ons of entry, visit h ps://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/ whats-on/mayors-wri ng-compe on For more informa on on the Mayor’s Wri ng Compe on workshops head to h ps://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/ community/libraries/whats-on Above: Eurobodalla Mayor’s Writing Competition Syd Hayes Creative Writing Award 2021 recipient Sam Bath, of Carroll College.

Dear Editor, We keep being astonished by the con nuous roll-out of contradic ons between our NSW Health Minister and his own Department. The prospect of giving the South Coast community easier access to Radiotherapy is definitely ge ng on his nerves. The latest episode was published in the Bay Post on Monday: here the Minister tes ly harangued the Federal Member for Gilmore about her clear commitment to fund a local radiotherapy centre for the Eurobodalla region. Why would a Federal Labor MP step in in this way? Well this is what Ms Phillips said: ‘We know cancer pa ents in rural and regional Australia, including in Gilmore, have a lower chance of surviving cancer than metropolitan Australians. And we know that’s because of unequal access to quality, vital cancer treatment facili es close to home. I am commi ed to addressing this inequality." (Bay Post May 9, 2022). Now guess what? Incredibly, the (Labor) MP for Gilmore is in be er alignment with the (Liberal) NSW Health Minister’s own 2022-27 Cancer Plan than the Minister and his own team at SNSWLHD, who in 2020 refused to even apply for the funds commi ed by the (Liberal) Federal Health Minister. Yet on the very same day Minister Hazzard insulted the Opposi on, the SNSWLHD enthusias cally announced the publica on of the NSW Cancer Plan 2022-2027 from the Cancer Ins tute (NSW Cancer Plan | Cancer Ins tute NSW). They would want to adopt this plan, as the Cancer Ins tute is one of the 5 “PILLARS” of the NSW Health Department. The Minister would no doubt have read and supported the new NSW Cancer Plan: An impressive plan founded on “three overriding principles”, the first of which is… … EQUITY of outcomes! Minister Hazzard, please take a moment to think about this principle, and be honest and admit that providing radiotherapy centres across Rural and regional NSW will enable NSW Health (including SNSWLHD) to deliver on your stated policy, i.e. the NSW Cancer Plan. And please stop calling those who support our community in figh ng for that equity “liars” and “lacking integrity”. As you head towards re rement you do yourself no honour by this behaviour. And it is important to know what the Liberal candidate has to say about all this, his silence is deafening. Mylene and Fitzroy Boul ng, ONE New L4 Eurobodalla Hospital Advocates

Reading—le er to the editor "Don't hold a hose" Morrison Government has ignored the Bushfire Royal Commission

The Beagle Editor, "I've been through three fires in my shire. I made a submission to the Royal Commission and I a ended Parliament on the day the Royal Commission findings were handed down. It's four years since I lost my home and I'm s ll wai ng for Morrison to act on the recommenda ons!" - Jan, Bega Valley Shire At least nine of the ten main recommenda ons of the Royal Commission have not been implemented. according to the Emergency Leaders for Climate Ac on. ELCA warned the Morrison Government in April and May of 2019 that we were about to have unprecedented bushfires and asked the government to get big water bombing planes. Recommenda on 8.1 for a sovereign aerial firefigh ng capability recommenda on was only “noted” by the Morrison Government. The Bushfire Royal Commission said Australia should have “an Australian-based and registered na onal aerial firefigh ng capability” including a large or very large air tanker and helicopter capability. Recommenda on 14.1 for na onally consistent air quality informa on, health advice and interven ons has been “supported in principle”, but not accepted or implemented. There were over 400 people who died as a result of bushfire smoke in 2019-2020. Recommenda on 15.3 for priori sing mental health during and a er natural disasters has been accepted but not implemented. Many people are s ll struggling with trauma from the fires, made worse for those who are s ll without a proper home. Worse s ll, for those who've been hit by mul ple climate disasters, psychiatrists are observing that there is a mul plier effect on mental health. The environmental data recommenda on has been supported, but only in principle so far. The same neglect occurs with Leadership of First Na ons people in their land and fire management. The recommenda on to create simpler disaster recovery funding has been accepted, but not implemented. Accountability mechanisms at the Australian Government level have been accepted, but this cri cal recommenda on has not been implemented. Many of the recommenda ons need state governments to be part of the implementa on, but the main responsibility for failure is with the Commonwealth. What was the purpose of this Royal Commission? Was it to protect our future, or was it for the Morrison Government to defuse cri cism of its failures during the fires? It’s been 562 days since the Royal Commission handed its report to the government. My partner and I made a submission to the Commission. But we are despairing that there is so li le ac on on climate change which the Royal Commission said was the fundamental driver of these tragic fires and other catastrophes. Why is there so li le leadership from the federal government to stop such widespread destruc on and tragedy happening again … and again?

Jack Egan Bushfire Survivors for Climate Ac on Coordinator South East Climate Alliance

Increasing electricity prices and our Liberal candidate for Gilmore The Beagle Editor, On Wednesday, 11 May I went to vote early at the Batemans Bay Community Centre. The Liberal candidate for Gilmore, Andrew Constance, was there handling out how to vote material. I approached him for an explana on on why electricity prices were rising so high, so quickly. BACKGROUND TO ELECTRICITY PRICE RISES On Monday, 9 May 2022 my electricity retailer, ReAmped, emailed me to detail rises in the wholesale price of electricity and warn about a pending increase in the retail price of electricity. The following is reproduced from that email.

…this change is unavoidable due to the extremely elevated wholesale rates now being seen in Australia. This is a challenge we expect all retailers to face in the weeks and months ahead. Your prices are shown below (including GST):

Exis ng From 24 May 2022 Peak: $0.3236/kWh Shoulder: $0.3088/kWh Off-Peak: $0.1813/kWh Ctrl Load 1: $0.1439/kWh Supply Charge: $1.3771/day

* An increase of 22.4% ** An increase of 62%

Why are energy prices going up in Australia? Demand for coal, gas and oil has increased across the globe as the COVID recovery con nues, while Australia's own energy market has been suffering reliability issues. Together with the conflict in Ukraine as well as the impacts of infla on, this has created the perfect storm for a higher wholesale energy environment that is ul mately out of our control.

(See also this recent ar cle in The Conversa on - h ps://theconversa on.com/electricity-prices-arespiking-ten- mes-as-much-as-normal-here-are-some-educated-guesses-as-to-why-182849) These price rises are extraordinary. Note that the price rise is due to costs incurred with fossil fuels. The increasing supply of electricity from renewable sources has not yet been able to offset these fossil fuel factors. BACK TO MY QUICK DISCUSSION WITH ANDREW CONSTANCE I began our quick chat by showing Andrew the email from ReAmped and asking him what a Liberal/ Na onals coali on government would do to address these substan al rises. Ini ally, Andrew was quite polite and suggested that the price rises were "retail" - the implica on being that ReAmped was price gouging. I was able to show him that the price rises were "wholesale" and thus would impact all electricity users. Andrew seemed unable to offer any help. Instead he asked what I thought was the reason for these price rises. Con nues…... From 24 May 2022 Peak: $0.396/kWh * Shoulder: $0.2365/kWh Off-Peak: $0.2937/kWh ** Ctrl Load 1: $0.1481/kWh Supply Charge: $1.4334/day

Con nues... I explained that the underlying reason, in my view, was the lack of a coherent and viable renewable energy policy by successive Coali on governments going back to Tony Abbo . I pointed out the progress made in South Australia and the early progress being made in New South Wales (not enough yet to significantly impact on the whole electricity market). I pointed out that, again in my opinion, consumers were now paying the price for ideological intransigence by successive LNP governments. Andrew looked dumbfounded and offered no counter view. Instead he asked me to move on! I'd had my turn and was taking up too much of his valuable me. I was le with the feeling that the Liberal candidate had no understanding of the issues around climate change and renewable energy and had li le interest in the effects on voters.

Is this an example of a career poli cian seeking elec on because he's "en tled" to be in parliament not because he has something in par cular to offer voters? Needless to say, Andrew did not get my vote! Regards, Peter Anderson