CityNews 180802

AUGUST 2, 2018

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Well written, well read

Surely, the government wouldn’t do that?

PAUL COSTIGAN The good angels’ flight of mercy ROBERT MACKLIN At home with the power of port RICHARD CALVER Big fruit from small trees CEDRIC BRYANT

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NEWS / the neighbourhood effect

Help for households to fight carbon threat

By Danielle

NOHRA SIXTY per cent of the world’s emissions trace back to households, which is why Lily Dempster, founder of the social enterprise The Neighbourhood Effect, has made it her mission to create an easy way to help households reduce this percentage.

She’s developed an app, which she calls a “FitBit” for carbon and while it’s still in the making (until November), she’s encouraging people to go on to the website, check out the model and give some feedback.

It’s a “test, learn, adapt model” but essentially it offers easy solutions to reduce household emissions, tailored for each person’s lifestyle.

From a young age Lily, 29, of O’Connor, had known she wanted to do something in social justice but it wasn’t until she was studying law when she realised how big of a problem climate change was going to be.

“I grew up in a family where we talked about politics and social justice at the dinner table,” she says.

“Climate change is the biggest social-justice issue facing the planet.

“It’s a really big problem and it needs a lot of people working on it.”

So Lily is taking her background in law, social science, public policy and renewable energy technology, and is using the app and behavioural science to help people shrink their electricity bill or cut down on food waste, in a way that is personally tailored to their lifestyle and household.

“When you trace greenhouse gas emissions back through supply chains, you find households in developed countries like ours are causing a huge chunk of global carbon emissions, through our day-to-day behaviours and our consumer choices,” she says.

“If we act together to make a few small changes in our own lives, we can have a substantial and very rapid impact.”

With an increasing number of people who are mentally overloaded, The Neighbourhood Effect is working with psychology, not against it.

“There’s an idea in psychology called the ‘paradox of choice’,” she says.

“If you put too many ideas in front of people, they tend to not do any.

“People don’t have the energy or time or mental bandwidth, so we’re trying to do that for them.”

The app will also connect Canberrans to local climate-friendly products, services and community initiatives such as solar panels or toilet paper.

Lily Dempster… “Over 60 per cent of global emissions are caused by households through their consumer choices.”

Photo by Danielle Nohra And, Lily says this will be done independently because they don’t take money or commissions from the businesses or groups recommended.

“We want to prove that it’s both achievable and affordable for people in developed countries to reduce emissions collectively,” she says.

“Over 60 per cent of global emissions are caused by households through

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their consumer choices.”

So, she says consumers need to change the way they buy.

“One of the biggest things you can do [to reduce your ecological footprint] is reduce your meat,” she says.

According to Lily, the reason is because of the huge amount of energy, water and land it takes to grow livestock, along with the grain to feed them.

Especially in Australia, which she says is one of the biggest meat-eating countries in the world.

“If everyone ate the Word Health Organization’s recommended daily intake of meat (90 grams a day), then we’d be about a third of the way to staying below 2 degrees of global warming, just from that one change,” she says.

If people want to get a set of tailored suggestions that suit their household type and lifestyle, she says they can on the website.

“There are lots of things people can do,” she says.

“If we are more mindful about the things we buy and take care of them to last, this is actually good for the environment.

“There are a lot of embodied carbon emissions in the products we buy. So if you need to buy clothing or furniture, try buying second-hand.

“If you need something that you’re only going to use a couple of times, see if you can borrow it from a friend or neighbour.

“The other big thing for Canberrans is heating and cooling costs. We lose a lot of heat in our homes when they’re poorly insulated, and you can actually draught-proof your house in a couple of hours.”

More information at theneighbourhoodeffect.com.au

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Since 1993: Volume 24, Number 28

INDEX

Arts & Entertainment Cinema Crossword Dining & Wine Gardening Horoscopes Letters News Politics Socials

18-21 20 23 21 22 23 7 3-9 8 10

Cover: Virginia Gay in the title role of “Calamity Jane”. Photo by Marnya Rothe.

Story Page 18.

Well written, well read

CEO: Greg Jones, 0419 418196, greg@citynews.com.au Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au

Ph 02 6189 0777 Fax 02 6189 0778 9b/189 Flemington Rd, Mitchell 2911

SEVEN DAYS

Draining the press gallery ‘swamp’ AMID the frenzied speculation and ubiquitous “expert” commentary on the Fairfax-Nine merger’s impact, one veteran scribe quickly cut to the chase.

Former Fairfax columnist Mike Carlton has predicted something akin to a “draining of the Canberra swamp” as first order of business. The author, former ABC journalist and commercial radio man speculates a dozen jobs will disappear from the press gallery, tweeting that “the Nine chainsaw will hack first and hard in Canberra. They won’t be keeping separate press gallery bureaux for the SMH, The Age, Nine News and the Macquarie radio network”.

THERE would appear to be two types of “human rights” on offer to humans of the ACT. Despite a government minister assuring me in 2003 that the government applied zero tolerance to human trafficking of sex workers here, the abject misery of sex slavery continues. Raids on two Fyshwick brothels, following many over recent

years, uncovered five sex workers found to be here illegally and possibly, as is often the case, against their will.

WORD from around the traps is, with the spread of outlaw motorcycle gangs across the border comes the demise of small “local” dope dealers. It’s a similar scenario to the supermarket caper where Coles and Woolies snuff out competition from suburban grocers. Little chance the Barr government will do much about the practice. Its “rigid” supermarket competition policy, designed to protect small suburban operators from predatory behaviour of the giants, was Canberra musician Harry “the mosh allowed to quietly die in 2013.

A WEEK in politics is said to be a long time but a weekend as an elected representative at a music festival can be empowering and fun. Canberra musician Harry “the mosh monster” Carman enjoyed three days of “lording it over” around 30,000 punters as Triple J’s Mayor of the Splendour in the Grass festival near Byron Bay. The 21-yearold (also known as “the blonde yahoo from Amaroo”) scored 57.1% of the popular vote to win the right to wear the “red cape”.

Carman said he “enjoyed being recognised” and was also “super proud of the thousands of Canberrans who partied hard” at the annual festival.

monster” Carman… Mayor of the Splendour in the Grass festival.

AT least one locally based, national, male sporting team is enjoying success and doing so with the help of a female coach. AFLW reporter Sarah Black cheekily tweeted: “Canberra is top of the NEAFL ladder for the first time in its history. Had only won 11 games in its previous three seasons. Also happens to be the team AFLW premiership coach Bec Goddard has joined as an assistant coach.” Canberra Demon’s highly respected coach Kade Klemke may also have had a hand in getting the local lads to the top.

STILL in the twittersphere and one of Canberra’s busiest practitioners of the medium has made a splash at the expense of the Prime Minister. Richard Tuffin adroitly

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, 9b/189 Flemington Road, Mitchell.

nudged along a “Guardian” article featuring Malcolm Turnbull masticating a meat pie... with a knife and fork. Tiffin’s post, which has been retweeted 60 times and scored 6000 impressions, also reveals “Mr Harbourside Mansion’s” preference for the popular “struggle street” brew piccolo.

AN update on the recovery from a serious fall by Canberra theatre stalwart Coralie Wood. She is now floating in a rehabilitation pool instead of her favoured foyer. The legendary Wood, subject of Marya Glyn-Daniel’s 2006 biography “Floating in Foyers”, says she is doing “all the things I loathe” including swimming, as part of her rehabilitation at her son’s home in Melbourne. Wood says she is almost back to normal and plans to return to Canberra soon.

AN inner-north, open-air, community library destroyed by vandals has been quickly replenished. The O’Connor/Lyneham “little” library on the grasslands near Miller Street was back in business within 24 hours of fire destroying a small fridge filled with donated books. Locals have donated another fridge and cleaned up the site, which now also boasts a hutch overflowing with donated books.

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4 CityNews August 2-8, 2018

NEWS

Cam’s working at getting ‘ability’ a good job

By Kathryn

VUKOVLJAK CAM Sullings is directing his desire to do good towards securing employment for 10 people with a disability this year, through the Canberra Business Chamber’s (CBC) Inclusion in Employment project.

As the CBC’s business development manager, former broadcaster Cam manages the project and is organising peer-to-peer information sessions to give private-sector businesses the chance to learn more about employing a person with a disability.

The next peer-to-peer session will be held at the Canberra Business Chamber at 8am on Thursday, August 9.

“In the sessions we’re bringing together three groups – employers interested in learning more about employing someone with a disability, employers with experience in doing so and who are willing to share their stories, and the disability employment sector,” says Cam. “The sessions are about storytelling, sharing real experiences, the many positive outcomes and opening up doors for others to consider doing the same.

“We’re connecting these groups so the conversation can start.”

The year-long initiative, created by the Canberra Business Chamber, the ACT Inclusion Council and the ACT government, has already successfully placed one person in a role and has six other conversations currently at various stages of progress, Cam says.

“Hugh MacWilliam has been placed into the team administrator role in the new Michael Page Canberra office by Jim Roy as a direct result of the project,” says Cam. “We need to change the language from disability to ability. It’s a change in culture and in messaging so that people’s abilities are being recognised.”

Cam says that the CBC has heard that a lot of businesses, especially small to medium, say the biggest problem is risk.

“There are intellectual and physical disabilities and every individual story and disability is different, and so every situation is different,” he says.

“People tend to see more risk than the positives and that’s where we want to address any questions employers may have and demonstrate the services and support structures that are in place to make this work.”

Research has shown the positives include increased loyalty to an organisation that values diversity and inclusion, and a workforce that reflects the

Cam Sullings... “While there are complexities, the benefits far outweigh the things you think might go wrong.”

Photo by Kathryn Vukovljak community it operates in, as well as better attendance and higher retention rates than those without a disability, the CBC says.

“Through learning from others and having that conversation, we want to show other Canberra businesses that it can be done, and while there are complexities, the benefits far outweigh the things you think might go wrong,” says Cam.

The CBC and Deloitte Australia business survey from 2017 shows that 61 per cent of businesses who completed the survey are finding it hard to find someone to place in their roles, Cam says.

“Of that group, 42 per cent said they were willing to hire in the next 12 months,” he says.

“So you’ve got the business sector on one side saying, in this area we

can’t get enough people, then a whole range of people with a disability who for whatever reason, and a lot of it is in and around stigma, can’t get jobs, and many of them are highly qualified. Which is why this project is so important.”

One of the things Cam says he misses about his career as a radio presenter is being able to make a difference in people’s lives.

“That can be in a range of ways, but when the Victorian bushfires happened, it was my idea originally to put a shipping container at the radio station and ask people to donate items, which ended up being 14 shipping containers filled with stuff, so seven trucks went from Canberra down to Victoria,” he says.

“For me personally, this project means a lot because it’s changing people’s lives.

“If we’re successful in placing 10 people in roles, we hope to attract more funding and to keep going.”

The third peer-to-peer information session will be held at the Canberra Business Chamber, 216 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, 8am-9am, on Thursday, August 9. No cost, a light breakfast will be served and ample free parking is available.

Registrations to eventbrite.com.au More information at canberrabusiness.com

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CANBERRA MATTERS / chapman green space

Surely, the government wouldn’t do that?

SOMETIMES when reading residentgroup newsletters, you have to re-read what you have read to make sure it says what you think it said (surely, the ACT government wouldn’t do that?).

There were several such statements in a Darwinia Park Action Group email about the government’s moves to plonk government housing on community open space in Chapman.

Here’s one of them: “So, the body responsible for planning, lease administration, land information, development and building regulation, which one would expect to be done at arm’s length and independently, is now a leasee and has approved a DA proposed by itself.”

Another point was that the government used a lesser-known rule under the Districts Act of 2002 (know that one?) to avoid ACAT (Appeals Tribunal) questioning their action as ACAT covers decisions under the Planning and Development Act 2007 (the one too complicated for sane people to understand).

We are

6 CityNews August 2-8, 2018

The Darwinia Park Action Group must wonder how it ended up dealing with what must seem like a foreign power that is at war with it. witnessing the ACT government using trickery and obscure rules to take over community land in Chapman.

Why? Because they completely bungled social housing and are not prepared to use their land banks as these are reserved for developers.

Instead they have devised belligerent and duplicitous methods to deny generations of residents access to precious green spaces.

Such games are also in play to build social housing units on other community sites in Holder, Wright and on the Dickson Parklands site (this while the infamous Dickson land swaps remain under investigation).

The Darwinia Park Action Group must wonder how it ended up dealing with what must seem like a foreign power that is at war with it and is hacking into residents’ lifestyle. Isn’t this an elected government with a charter to work with their electorate? Instead they constantly use tricks and spin against those that elected them, the residents.

Chapman and Rivett residents must ask why this Labor/Greens coalition government forces residents to choose between social housing and the need for community facilities and green spaces. Surely, community-focused politicians could see the simple answer: that we could and should have both. It does not have to be one or the other.

There must be residents out there who thought that in 2016 they had elected a Labor/Greens coalition government that would have social justice, community and environmental values as key issues not to be traded away. It seems that those voters were mistaken. The Greens are part of this government and therefore decisions made by the government in the planning and development arena are owned by the Greens as well as by their Labor partners.

The proposals in Weston and Dickson are being ushered through using a pretence of consultations while the Greens watch from within. It seems that while bold stances are being made in national forums over energy and other important issues (big tick), in their own backyard questionable decisions are made almost daily

Where they’re planning to plonk government housing on community open space in Chapman. by the government they are part of (thumbs down).

Somewhere along the way our local politicians conveniently overlooked that they have local council responsibilities as well as more lofty state government functions. When the going gets tough many of these local politicians perform as just more out-of-touch careerists. But wait, you can guarantee they will become your friends again come election time in 2020. Sadly, by then your suburb will no longer be the one you cherished.

These disrespectful actions in Chapman and elsewhere by the Labor/Greens coalition government cause a lot of disruptions and un-

necessary trauma to residents.

Optimistically residents keep hoping that someone in this coalition government still has humane values and will put a stop to these underhand methods. If not it looks as though we will be going into the next election with our precious green community spaces drastically diminished. That reality and what matters to Canberra residents will inform many on how to vote.

Paul Costigan is an independent commentator and consultant on the visual arts, photography, urban design, environmental issues and everyday matters. He has written on public housing before at the-southern-cross.com/people

LETTERS

Girls not ‘choosing’ the trades?

THE story of apprentice Peggy Stacey (“Apprentice Peggy can’t get enough of carpentry”, CN, July 26) was inspiring, however it still highlights that equality of outcomes rely on girls taking up the opportunities presented.

I don’t think we can still use the excuse of gender stereotyping deterring girls from entering trades.

I remember back in my high-school days of the ‘80s a great push for more girls to take up trades.

Three decades later they still shy away from these industries.

As much as we accept that boys and girls now have equality of opportunity, are we just seeing gender “choices” in action affecting the equality of outcomes?

Problems of mobile pill testing

ONE has to wonder whether One Nation – regardless of who leads it – is there simply because voters became disillusioned with the duopoly that they’ve been saddled with at every election, and began looking for something different.

One Nation is not unlike a small grocery chain competing against two very large conglomerates, trying not only to inject some measure of competition into the market, but also to survive.

Nevertheless, One Nation is a party that, like the Greens, has so far survived despite all efforts to stamp it out as happened, for instance, with the Democrats.

Pauline Hanson is lucky to have been born in the 20th century. Much earlier and she would have been burned at the stake for her efforts.

THE shadow attorney-general Jeremy Hanson and “CityNews” are to be congratulated on the article “Spare the kids, stop pill testing now” (CN, June 21).

Recently, the eminent European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction reported that 110 dangerous new compounds are found annually in illicit drugs. EcstasyData, one of a handful of public drugtesting programs in the world, tested 528 samples of ecstasy in 2015 and found 111 different substances within those samples.

The bad batch of capsules sold as ecstasy in Chapel Street, Melbourne in January, 2017, which killed three and hospitalised more than 20, actually contained a cocktail of illicit substances.

The opinion of authorities was that testing would not have revealed all these adulterations. So without faultless equipment, the returned pill, or part-pill, could be taken with deadly consequences.

An extremely reputable toxicology company has informed me that High Performance Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry is the gold standard for pill testing and such equipment is never going to be practicable in a portable setting.

It requires a very stable surface, constant and nonvariable electrical supply and an operating environment within a certain temperature band.

The best chance you might have would be a purpose-built, air-conditioned shipping container or the like, but that’s a very expensive proposition and was not available at the Canberra pill event.

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POLITICS

THE GADFLY

‘Strongmen’ threaten democracy The good angels’ ELECTION funding and “strongman politics” are seriously threatening the fabric of societies.

The divergent approach to government between neighbours Canada and the US provides an insight into what is happening to democracy. While the Americans have chosen “strongman” politics and the influence of the ultra-wealthy, the Canadians are revisiting their “first-past-the-post” electoral system to examine fairer ways of running elections.

The contrast between Justin Trudeau and Donald Trump could not be starker.

On the one hand, the Canadian Prime Minister extends the hand of warmth to some of the most vulnerable, including genuine refugees. On the other, the American President builds walls, separates families and threatens those with whom he disagrees or does not understand.

The American President takes democracy backwards in psychological association with other international strongmen such as Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey, Xi Jinping in China, Petro Poroshenko in Ukraine, Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines and Vladimir Putin in Russia. The flipside sees an alignment of Canada’s Trudeau with leaders such as President Emmanuel Macron of France, Angela Merkel in Germany and Jacinda Ardern of NZ. The failure of political strongmen to walk in another’s shoes is key to the process of undermining the fundamental freedoms of societies. This inability allows marginalisation on the basis of race, religion or behaviour. History provides a myriad of extreme examples of strong leaders initiating racial war and violence, religious conflicts and persecution of gay and lesbian people.

The bellicose language of strongman Trump in threatening Iran is illustrative.

From the presidential election, Trump was painting Iran (along with North Korea) in the black hat and the US in the white hat.

He now demands denuclearisation of Iran

It is not all gloom and doom. In the ACT, Opposition Leader Alistair Coe came out strongly supporting the Chief Minister in the establishment of the Integrity Commission. and applies trade sanctions. He has not walked in their shoes. He does not offer his own denuclearisation. He does not even demand regional denuclearisation including Israel.

Iran continues to claim that it has not initiated a war for centuries and is not a threat. The same is certainly not true of the US or Israel. If Trump allowed himself to stand in Iranian leadership shoes he might recognise the constant threat of the US as a world power. He might see it was really about oil supplies, the influence of wealthy American supporters of Israel or just different coloured hats.

Again and again strong leaders have taken their people down a narrow path of marginalisation and hate. The majority in these communities are rarely under threat. The challenge for all societies is the protection of minorities. In a strong democracy with appropriate protection of minorities, leadership is contained through the separation of powers with a key role for the Constitution and the judiciary.

The strongmen of Turkey, Cambodia, Russia and China, as just a few examples in recent times, have undermined this separation, and moved closer and closer to authoritarianism. Barack Obama and Madeleine Albright, in her book Facism: A Warning, caution the world of the growing authoritarianism of Donald Trump.

Tony Walker also warned of the spread of authoritarianism recently in “The Conversation”. Walker picked up the term from Gideon Rachman in “The

Economist” and elaborated on the impact of “macho leadership”.

He identifies “fake news” as a descriptor used to dismiss inconvenient truths that challenge “authority” and attack freedom of the press. These leaders enhance their own media (and social media) while restricting others and should provide a warning for Malcolm Turnbull regarding Australia’s concentration of media ownership’s constant undermining of the “inconvenient” ABC. It is not all gloom and doom. In the ACT, Opposition Leader Alistair Coe came out strongly supporting Chief Minister Andrew Barr in the establishment of the Integrity Commission. The legislation might be a long time coming, but will see a watchdog on corruption across the ACT government. It adds another layer of protection to the ombudsman and the human rights commissioner.

American slavery abolitionist Wendell Phillips provided the key warning on January 28, 1852: “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”

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

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flight of mercy IN a world where climate change is spinning out of control, where plastic waste is destroying our oceans and political chaos is breaking out in America, the UK, the EU and elsewhere, it would be understandable if we all went into an emotional decline.

Add to that an American president accused of “treason” by a former chief of his country’s Central Intelligence Agency; India disgracing itself with religious extremism; and the Chinese government destroying the remaining vestiges of its citizens’ freedom of thought, expression and assembly and the decline could become terminal.

Ruination seems just around the corner.

But then, suddenly in Thailand a soccer team of bright young boys gets impossibly stranded in the depths of a cave and the whole tenor of our lives changes.

What a weird mob we are. And not just us Aussies for whom John O’Grady’s wonderful book of that name dubbed us, but the entire species. When word filtered out that the kids had disappeared in that wet, black labyrinth, slowly the world roused itself. The good angels of our collective soul took off on a flight of mercy that somehow transcended all that dreadful stuff that had threatened our faith in humanity.

It was quite extraordinary the way the plight of the innocents grabbed us; and men with arcane skills – people whose hobby was cave-diving for goodness sake – came forward. Men we’d never heard of but who exhibited the highest order of organising ability, medical expertise and raw courage that might otherwise never have been recognised. Blokes such as Dr Richard “Harry” Harris and Perth vet Craig Challen joined a truly international rescue team. British, American, Japanese, Chinese and

especially the Thai people all worked around the clock to bring them out.

And when we saw the boys’ fresh faces on that televised conference talking about their fearful experience, it made our hearts glow.

Suddenly, all that political posturing in Helsinki and Washington took on a new perspective. Dopey Donald’s fantabulous “explanation” for his apparent (and real) preference for Vladimir Putin over his own intelligence chiefs on Russia’s support for his election seemed pathetic. In fact, it so offended reality that the laws of nature rebelled and briefly dimmed the lights in the White House briefing room.

Really, who cares?

Oh sure, his eponymous “base” will still support him. If Vlad the Impaler himself had lent a hand to keep Hillary out of the Oval Office, that was fine by them.

In the UK, Theresa May staggered through the next ridiculous phase of removing her little island from the EU’s clutches.

Here at home Turnbull and Shorten ramped up their shadow-play, pretending that they were really something more than two faces of the same coin. The guilty Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide was tapped on the wrist by the courts since until his appearance he’d been of such good character. And on TV we all pretended that “Masterchef” was a “reality” show where merit triumphed and the producers had barely a hand in who won the big prize.

But what the hell – together we brought those boys out of the cave. We can’t be all bad.

Men we’d never heard of exhibited the highest order of organising ability, medical expertise and raw courage that might otherwise never have been recognised.

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SCENE / around canberra

Photos by ANA STUART

Award for caring Casey

At the Barista v. Machine event, Tuggeranong

Rocky Veneziano, Joe Campagna, Monica Pilo and Luigi Bella

Dakota Howard and Abby Wild

BRIEFLY ST Clare’s College social justice captain, Casey Horan, has been named winner of the Future Leaders, Future Justice Award for 2018. The Future Justice Awards recognise Year 12 students across Australia who have shown Casey Horan receives her award leadership and initiative on with principal Brad Cooney and Trish intergenerational equity. Brown, year 12 co-ordinator.

Milos Kurniawan, Mirko Immerso, Claudia Alghisi and Desy Desy

Cash for best beard THERE’S a $500 cash prize for the best beard at King O’Malley’s Australian Beard & Beer Day celebration on Saturday, August 4. Doors of the Civic pub open at 11am and the entertainment starts at 1pm.

There will be special “Beard Beer” on tap and for the family there’s face painting, outdoor games and giant chess. The day supports Menslink and Karinya House.

Record flu jabs Hany Ezzat and Luan Goria

David Sharp and John Binos

Tim and Suzie Lazzari

Renae and Sue Tonna

A RECORD 90,000 influenza vaccines have been administered in the ACT this year, which is 60 per cent more than the same period last year. Dr Vanessa Johnston, of ACT Health, says: “Vaccination is the best protection we have against Influenza and as we head into August and September, which is normally the peak of the flu season, our community is well prepared.”

Remembering Hiroshima

Carlos Escobar, Gabrielle De Ramos and Zac Young

Benedict Carlile and TJ Phillipson

Dean White, Rebecca Rowe and Harry Medhurst

THE Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin invites all to remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki at a ringing of the Canberra Rotary Peace Bell, Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla, from 9am on Sunday, August 5.

The bell ringing is to send a message to world leaders calling on them to ensure that a nuclear bomb is never used again. For the first time World Peace Bells in Christchurch, Cowra and Canberra will be rung at the exact same time.

Celebrating 50 Years in Phillip Custom made shower screens Mirror and Glass wardrobe doors Kitchen splash backs Mirrors and glass cut to size Glass balustrade Glass replacement residential & commercial Friendly service

sundayROAST Stay in touch with the names making news on Sundays from 10am as 2CC and “CityNews” present Canberra’s only local weekend news and current affairs program.

It’s a revolving panel show that brings to the microphone great “CityNews” commentators and 2CC personalities.

Be part of the conversation and call 6255 1206 between 10am and noon.

For quality workmanship & experience call 6281 6716 Email wodenglass@gmail.com Come & See us at 63 Colbee Court Phillip 10 CityNews August 2-8, 2018

NATIONAL TRADIES HEALTH MONTH advertising feature

EXPERIENCE, EXCELLENCE AND INTEGRITY

Tools get better care than bodies AUGUST is Tradies National Health Month and its aim is to educate Australian tradies, their families, employers and the wider community to keep a check on the safety, health and wellbeing of tradies.

Statistics show almost three in five serious workplace injuries involve a tradie even though they only make up 30 per cent of the workforce.

So, it’s important that tradies’ health becomes everyone’s priority.

According to research by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) 79 per cent of tradies report taking good care of their tools compared to just 47 per cent who took good care of their bodies.

The survey findings come as no surprise to APA national president Phil Calvert who says tradies are prone to a range of injuries as a result of the intensity and repetitive nature of their work, yet many don’t seek help early enough, or at all.

“Many tradies are not seeking treatment or are delaying treatment until their injury becomes a much bigger and more complex issue,” he says.

“We know that lower back pain, knee and shoulder issues are common, yet almost a quarter (22 per cent) of tradies in our survey said they didn’t seek assistance from a health professional for their injury, which led to a longer recovery time or chronic injury.”

Working on prevention and cure WITH a focus on the individual, Campbell Physiotherapy takes its time to figure out what’s wrong and how to prevent it in the future, says physiotherapist Gosia Ible.

“To prevent re-injury, there are usually some exercises to do but a lot of the time it’s changing the way people do things such as lifting,” she says.

For example, Gosia saw a tradesperson recently who had hurt their shoulder from lifting weight on and off their shoulder repeatedly.

“We all should know how to properly squat and lift but tradies especially should know because they do that movement often and they need their bodies for work,” she says.

At Campbell Physiotherapy, Gosia says its about education and prevention.

“If they come in when it’s not as severe they can potentially avoid more significant things like surgery,” she says.

“A lot of tradies come in when they’re in a lot of pain and can’t move.

“They can come when it’s reoccurring or reasonably low pain. They don’t have to wait for it to become a mobility issue.”

Trained in Pilates and physiotherapy, Gosia uses her knowledge to teach people how to do exercises such as chest lifts (crunches) properly so they can strengthen their core and back muscles safely.

• 18 years serving the community • Specialists in Hand Therapy • General Musculoskeletal • Sports Injury management • DVA Patients welcome • Pensioner Discounts

“We pride ourselves in delivering enhanced management care”

Gosia Ible of Campbell Physiotherapy.

Campbell Physiotherapy, Unit 4/24 Blamey Place, Medical Centre Building, Campbell Shops. Call 6156 0468, email office@campbellphysio.com.au or visit campbellphysio.com.au

Phone 6286 6467 Southlands, 1/43 Mawson Place, Mawson ACT admin@hands-onphysiotherapy.com.au www.hands-onphysiotherapy.com.au

Listening, caring and being there TRADIES might get away with having bad form for a while but in the long run it may result in injury, says physiotherapist Erani Fernando of Hands-On Physiotherapy.

Which is why, she says, tradies should look after themselves from the start of their career.

She says things such as correct manual handling techniques and good posture can help avoid lower back and neck injuries, muscle strains and overuse injuries.

Occupational therapist Elissa Moss says trades are often physically

demanding jobs, requiring strength and co-ordination at times, and precision work at others.

“We see people from many different trades in the practice,” she says.

“Some come for treatment of muscle strains or tendonitis from overdoing a repetitive task. Shoulder injuries from repetitive overhead movements and lower back injuries from falling or repetitive heavy lifting are common.”

Hands-On Physiotherapy also sees a lot of tradies with problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis

Fix the injury quickly, says Walter WITH many tradespeople working for themselves it’s important to nip an injury in the bud early so they’re not having a lot of time off, says Stride Physiotherapy’s principal Walter McIntyre.

“Often people ignore things until it gets to the point where they have to take time off,” he says.

“So it’s always best if people have any queries on injuries or aches and pains to get advice on management and how to look after themselves.”

If tradies, or anyone, see a physiotherapist early on Walter says the problem’s a lot easier to manage.

He sees many tradies injured on the job and many with back injuries.

“We certainly try to settle the pain initially and gain movement back that they had prior,” he says.

“From there we try to improve their strength and resilience of the injured area or body part.”

Located in the Ochre Health Centre in Tuggeranong, with another clinic in Calwell, Stride Physiotherapy is a multidisciplinary practice helping people with injuries, pre and post-surgical rehabilitation, mobility limitations and chronic pain.

Stride Physiotherapy, ​​corner of Athllon Drive and Cowlishaw Street, Greenway and 5​​ /7 Webber Crescent, Calwell. Visit stridephysio.com.au

elbows or others who have had serious hand injuries from falls or accidents with heavy machinery.

But no matter what the injury, Erani says: “We listen, we care and we promise to stay with you on your whole journey.”

Hands-On Physiotherapy, 1/43 Mawson Place, Mawson. Call 6286 6467, email admin@handsonphysiotherapy.com.au or visit hands-onphysiotherapy.com.au

NDIS APPROVED

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FAST NEWS FIRST

“From old niggling pains to new sprains and strains” CENTRALLY LOCATED AT THE CAMPBELL SHOPS Total joint and muscle therapy for your body, from the neck to the feet: • Orthopaedic & Sports Injuries • Back and Neck Problems • Work and Motor Vehicle Injuries • Pre and Post – Operative Rehabilitation • Manual “Hands On” Therapy

Our physiotherapy clinic will help you learn to work with your body to restore mobility.

Our clients typically find their movement is vastly improved, without the need for surgery.

• Hydrotherapy • Exercise Therapy • Work Cover approved

Phone 6291 0045 or 6293 3413 Email stride@stridephysio.com.au • stridephysio.com.au Two locations Ochre Medical Centre – Calwell Shopping Centre Tuggeranong Indoor Sports Centre at The Southern Cross Club

To get your body back on track call No need for a doctor’s referral Free parking, disabled parking, wheelchair accessible Physiotherapists: Gosia Ible BAppSc Physiotherapy 1995 Hamish van der Hoek BPhty 2016 (Wed. afternoons)

Phone: 6156 0468 Email: office@campbellphysio.com.au 4/24 Blamey Place, Campbell CityNews August 2-8, 2018 11

NATIONAL TRADIES HEALTH MONTH

Keeping healthy and safe in the workplace We all have a responsibility to support health, wellbeing and safety on our worksites and in our workplaces.

It can be as simple as reporting any hazards you see or asking a colleague if they are OK. A good time to do this is at toolbox talks on worksites or as part of team meetings in workplaces.

Check out these tips below: Keep an eye out for your colleagues and ask if they are OK. Ensure teams know how, where and who to report any concerns to.

Include time at each team meeting to focus on health, wellbeing and safety.

Know who your Health and Safety Representatives and Health and Safety Committee are.

Let’s all work together to make our work safe.

Safety gear from the boots up FOR high-vis workwear, safety equipment and boots, Seears Workwear has the lot, says a Seears spokesman.

Seears Workwear is family owned and operated, run by Pat Seears and his son Shane.

The 1400 square-metre store sells clothing and safety gear for pretty much every kind of industry and worker, he says – from building labourers, chefs, blue and white-collar workers to hospitals, major companies, and government departments such as Defence.

“We also have a corporate section, where we

provide a free measure-and-quote and free delivery service,” he says.

“We are a very competitively priced business and are always negotiable on large bulk orders.

“We offer a full embroidery and screen-printing service, too.”

Seears keeps a huge range of stock on the premises and sells online at seearsworkwear.com.au Seears Workwear, 60 Barrier Street, Fyshwick.

Call 6280 4111 or visit seearsworkwear.com.au

Commissioner keeps a close eye on worker safety WHEN it comes to work health and safety, work safety commissioner Greg Jones says employers and individuals are responsible and have an obligation to prevent injuries in the workplace, too.

Access Canberra, WorkSafe ACT’s primary function is to regulate work health and safety in the ACT but Greg says individuals and businesses need to take on responsibility.

“If an individual thinks or feels that a task or their workplace is unsafe, then they should speak up and alert their supervisor,” he says.

Access Canberra, WorkSafe ACT has resources to assist and protect the health of tradespeople, such as newsletters, a large selection of safety videos and safety alerts.

“We make sure that all businesses protect their workers from harm during the conduct of their business,” Greg says.

“We do this by firstly assisting businesses to understand and meet their legislative obligations.

“We also have a regulatory role in enforcing those legislative provisions.”

But before injuries occur, Access Canberra, WorkSafe ACT focuses on prevention through its education program through the Access Canberra website.

Access Canberra, WorkSafe ACT. Call 6207 3000, email worksafe@act.gov.au or visit accesscanberra.act.gov.au

Work safety commissioner Greg Jones.

IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE Greg Jones ACT Work Safety Commissioner

Easier. Simpler. Here to Help.

12 CityNews August 2-8, 2018

Maureen Bailey & Associates Physiotherapists have the experience and knowledge to help you live your best life • Back and neck problems • Joint and muscle problems • Sports Injuries • Sacroiliac joint and pelvic pain • Post-surgical rehabilitation • Continence assessments – Women & Men • Women’s Health • Workplace assessments • Ultrasound guided muscle retraining

“We are skilled to treat those of all ages in the community” Find us at the Griffith Shops Phone 6295 7563 or 0412 195 023 (AH) Email: admin@maureenbailey.com.au Unit 2, 12 Barker St Griffith ACT

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EXPERTS OF HUME

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The industrial suburb that’s worth exploring 2/86 SHEPPARD STREET, HUME ACT Your friendly and knowledgeable ACT supplier of Mobility products.

• Beds • Mattresses • Power Wheelchairs

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• Lifting aids • Pressure cushions • Scooters

PU R AN CHA D S SE, ER HIR VIC E E

GAZETTED in 1982, the industrial suburb of Hume was named after the explorer Hamilton Hume.

Its streets are named after Australian industrialists and businessmen, which suits the light-industrial suburb.

Come and see our friendly staff at 3/21 Raws Crescent, Hume 2620 or contact us on 6260 1003 or infoact@totalmobility.com.au

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Steve believes in regular services WITH “extra competitive” prices, D&S Service and Mechanical’s owner Steve Smith wants to make it cheaper for people to get their car serviced regularly to avoid mechanical problems.

“Most people get their car repaired when something goes wrong but if you get your car serviced, it won’t break down and it will be safe,” he says.

“The pricing is extra competitive and helps promote people to maintain their vehicle.”

Steve describes D&S Service and Mechanical as a one-stop-shop for all mechanical needs such as log book servicing, all mechanical repairs, tyres, brakes, electrical services, air conditioning and performance engines.

The team of hot rod enthusiasts have a combined experience of about 30 years and all love working in Hume saying it’s easy to access and is a great area.

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Call 02 62601403 E: peter@packitchens.com.au Online: packitchens.com.au It will be the best decision you will make!!

NO matter who the customer is, Total it allows them to lead a better quality Mobility proudly treats each of them of life. as if they were a member of their own “If there’s something that’s broken family, says ACT branch manager Tim or someone who needs a new product Kapustin. it could potentially change their quality “It’s really important to ask: ‘what of life,” he says. would I do if this was my grandfather or So, the advantage of dealing with mum?’” he says.

Total Mobility is the locality and Selling a big variety of products, ability for them to come out quickly (if Total Mobility has anything from possible) and ultimately help provide basic items such as wheelchairs and better support. walkers to more complex products “People like dealing with us because such as customised power and manual we’re locals who provide good support wheelchairs. and we have a lot of industry experiTotal Mobility ACT branch “We even have beds and mattresses manager Tim Kapustin. ence,” he says. for aged-care facilities,” he says.

“One of the things that really sets us “We do paediatric products as well such as children’s apart is our customer service and really understanding wheelchairs and strollers for kids with a disability or the needs of the customer.” special needs.”

Tim was drawn towards the industry after having Total Mobility, 3/21 Raws Crescent, Hume. Call 6260 1003, two children with special needs and says everything email infoact@totalmobility.com.au or visit they sell changes the quality of someone’s life because totalmobility.com.au

Canberra Business Chamber in partnership with the Hyatt Hotel Canberra and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry are delighted to invite you to our Diplomatic Business Connections Dinner on Thursday 30 August 2018.

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14 CityNews August 2-8, 2018

D&S Service and Mechanical, 2/86 Sheppard Street, Hume. Call 0457 023749 or email dasmech7@gmail.com

Total commitment to helping with mobility

Breathe new life into your home.

Everything is custom made to suit your desires....your needs.....your wants.....your ‘got to haves’ To find out what great things Peter and his team can do with your building/renovating budget

Steve says they deliver a customised service and they’re always happy to talk to the customer.

“And customers can speak directly to whoever is working on their car,” he says.

We welcome your attendance on this special occasion, which aims to build connections between businesses in the Canberra region and the diplomatic community. As trade relations continue to grow and prosper, it is increasingly important to explore export and inward investment opportunities across the region and with international markets.

DYING TO KNOW DAY / August 8

advertising feature

Death and dying: why we need to talk about it SEVENTY-FIVE per cent of people have not had an end-of-life discussion, which is why Dying to Know Day is encouraging people to have active conversations around death and build their death literacy.

Inspired by the charity Igniting Change and the book “Dying to Know”, August 8 was declared Dying to Know Day, a national day of conversation and action about death, dying and bereavement, with people from communities around Australia running events and activities.

Dying to Know Day is about promoting people to make their end-of-life plans such as a will and advance-care plans and sharing these wishes with their families.

Dying to Know Day facts: • 75 per cent of people have not had end of life discussions • 60 per cent think people don’t talk about death enough • Over 70 per cent of people die in hospital though most of them would prefer to die at home • Very few die with an advance-care plan (less than 10 per cent) • The number of Australians aged 65 and over will double by 2050 increasing their need to plan while well and share their wishes with their loved ones

The importance of planning ONE of the things inevitable in life is death, so it’s important to plan for it, just like anything else in life, says the director of Campbell & Co. Lawyers Paul Salinas.

“I’ve seen scenarios where people haven’t left a will and it leaves a nightmare for the family to deal with because they haven’t left a plan,” he says.

“A will drafted by a lawyer is far superior than, say, a will from a newsagency because it’s tailored to the individual and their personal circumstances.

“It’s important for the will to meet the needs of the person and the needs of their family.”

It’s especially important to take into account things such as if there are family members they don’t get along with, or family members who have a disability or greater needs.

“The benefit means your estate will be divided in accordance of where you want it to go,” he says.

But, Paul says, the will is only one document and although it’s an important one there are also many documents that make up an estate plan such as an enduring power of attorney and a binding death benefit nomination.

Paul Salinas of Campbell && Co Lawyers.

Campbell & Co Lawyers, Suite 1, 1 Phipps Close, Deakin. Call 6288 8852, email mail@campbellco.com.au or visit campbellco.com.au

Are you in a dispute with your former partner about property or parenting?

Do you want to try settling without going to court?

Family Law • Wills & Estate Law • Dispute Resolution

Do you have an up-to-date Will and Enduring Power of Attorney?

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“As You Travel Through The Seasons Of Life – Our Professional Team Will Look After Your Family’s Legal Needs”

If so, we can help you

6288 8852 • www.campbellco.com.au • mail@campbellco.com.au CityNews August 2-8, 2018 15

“ Who will benefit from your Will?”

DYING TO KNOW DAY / August 8 Look after loved ones IT’s important to ensure people’s wills and estate are in order so the benefits pass down to the person they intended it to go to, says the wills and estate planning lawyer of Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators, Ashilpa Khanna.

“If one dies without a will, it means that they have died ‘intestate’,” she says.

“When this happens, the intestacy laws of the state where you reside will determine how your estate is distributed upon your death.

“This may include any property, bank accounts, securities, real estate and other assets you own at the time of death.”

Often by default, Ashilpa says, these may go to people the deceased may not have intended them to go to.

“Getting your wills and estate planning sorted ensures that their loved ones are looked after once they have passed away,” she says.

Which is why Capon and Hubert provides a personalised service, so clients not only get what they want out of a will but also any other service available at the firm.

“Capon & Hubert staff genuinely like and believe in what they do each day and we hope that it shows,” Ashilpa says.

“A large part of our client base comes to us by way of referral, which is a measure of our success and the confidence our clients and other professionals have in our experienced, friendly and family orientated team.”

Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators, First Floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Email enquiries@ chsol.com.au, call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

At Capon and Hubert Lawyers we ensure that your estate goes to family or friends of your choice.

Having a valid and up-to-date Will can help reduce stress for your family and friends, limit administration costs, and lessen the possibility for dispute over your estate.

We understand your situation is different and may require a unique specialist approach.

For the best outcome when it matters how it’s done call Capon & Hubert on 6152 9203

Capon & Hubert Lawyer & Mediators First Floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip ACT 2606 t. 02 6152 9203 f. 02 6290 1105 e. enquiries@chsol.com.au www.chsol.com.au 16 CityNews August 2-8, 2018

Lawyer Ashilpa Khanna of Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators.

For the finest quality in all your monumental work We ensure that the monument created will be visible to family members for generations.

Our speciality is providing the best possible design, with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship.

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For an obligation free quote phone 6299 7711 or 0414 940 836 or email oskarmemorials@netspeed.com.au 34 Waterloo Street, Queanbeyan

advertising feature Respectful funerals come with experience WITH about 128 years of experience in arranging funerals in the Canberra and Queanbeyan area, MH O’Rourke branch manager Jason Codey says they “always strive for simple, respectful and honest ways to honour the individual”.

Established in 1890 by Cornelius O’Rourke and relocated in 1929 to its current Queanbeyan location, MH O’Rourke Funeral Services has maintained the traditional values of service and caring for families in times of need.

MH O’Rourke provides pre-paid, pre-arranged and at-need funerals, offering full mortuary care, transport for the deceased and the family on the day of the funeral and liaision with government departments, venues, the crematorium, members of clergy and officiators.

“Our pre-paid funerals ensure that everything is arranged exactly to your personal choice and takes the burden off your family. It’s peace of mind knowing that it’s all paid for and your wishes will be carried out,” says Jason.

Not only do they connect families with all the people involved in arranging a funeral, depending on the person’s background, they can also arrange cultural services that include religious and cultural customs, rituals, extra services and viewings.

MH O’Rourke Funeral Services has a resident manager on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide quality after-hours support and assistance.

MH O’Rourke Funeral Services, 113 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6297 1052 or visit orourkefunerals.com.au

Emma Strand and Jason Codey, of MH O’Rourke Funerals… always striving for simple, respectful and honest ways to honour the individuals, says Jason.

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www.orourkefunerals.com.au CityNews August 2-8, 2018 17

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

At home with the power of port RICHARD CALVER

Left: Virginia Gay, as Calamity Jane, has drawn accolades and awards in the broader theatre world. Photo by Marnya Rothe. Right: “Calamity Jane” with the audience on stage. Photo Jeff Busby

‘Calamity Jane’ comes out firing

By Helen Musa

THERE’LL be whip cracking and wisecracking, too, when the Hayes Theatre production of the musical “Calamity Jane” rolls into town this month.

It began as a tiny production in Sydney’s tiniest (111 seats) theatre, but star Virginia Gay as the Wild West heroine Calamity has drawn accolades and awards in the broader theatre world.

It was made into a movie in 1953 by Warner Bros, who hoped to repeat the success of the musical “Annie Get Your Gun” and many readers will remember Doris Day and Howard Keel as Calamity and her other half, Wild Bill Hickok, both real-life characters from history.

Now the stage musical is coming to The Playhouse, where some of the audience will be sitting on stage. Patrons have been clamouring to become part of the crowd at

the Golden Garter Saloon of the musical, but for most people the real excitement is going to be hearing those fabulous songs such as “Deadwood Stage”, “Windy City”, “The Black Hills of Dakota” and, of course, the romantic Sammy Fain/Paul Francis Webster song, “Secret Love”, which won an Oscar.

Musical director Nigel Ubrihien should and does know all about it. He’s played keyboard in everything from “Aladdin” to The Wharf Revue and Eric Idle’s “Not the Messiah”, is a legendary cabaret director/performer and was musical director/conductor of “Sweet Charity”, another hit the Canberra Theatre borrowed from the Hayes Theatre in 2015.

Ubrihien points out how unusual the genesis of the musical is. First came the 1953 movie and then followed the Broadway musical, which included many songs never seen on screen.

“In the show there’ll be a good half of the act one songs that you won’t know,” he tells “CityNews” but at least the opening number, “Deadwood Stage” (“Whip crack away, whip crack away, whip crack away”) is from the movie.

The structure for a film, Ubrihien says, is not

the same as the structure of a musical. Some songs were taken out, such as “Lucky Me,” which turned up in another Doris Day film.

“In those days people wrote songs on spec,” he says.

“It wasn’t important to them and they thought, ‘a good song is a good song’.

“Ninety per cent of our show is played on a clapped-out, honky-tonk piano,” he says.

“I asked myself, how would it be if a genuine frontier town happened to be doing a performance of ‘Calamity Jane’?”

Ubrihien himself will perform most of the accompaniment on the piano, but says: “There are other instruments, there is an accordion for a bit of colour and also the ‘banjolele’, as authentic as we can possibly get. There are no trumpets nor drums.”

With authenticity in mind, he figured there were some scenes where the piano just didn’t fit in, such as “Take me Back to the Black Hills”, so he used banjolele, guitar and accordion.

“We tried to create a more focused sound, we listened to Appalachian folk music as we wanted to get the outdoor feel,” he says.

It is Ubrihien’s view that the musical is “incredibly forward-thinking and there’s

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18 CityNews August 2-8, 2018

even a bit about indigenous culture” and something that would have been progressive for 1953, is the way it takes up the world of women and what it means to be a woman.

Wild Bill Hickok represents the world of men. Both Annie Oakley and Calamity were historical and so was Wild Bill.

“Calamity claimed she had a child by him but she tended to overblow things somewhat” Ubrihien says.

“Not maliciously, she got carried away, but it’s true that they did meet.

“I grew up with it as a rainy Sunday afternoon movie, then I watched it as an adult and consider it a much better film than people give it credit for, so in some ways we keep close to the movie.”

But some things, he notes, just don’t gel on stage, like the fact that some characters disappear and never return.

“In Act I of the stage show there’s a lot of door-slamming and mistaken identity, it’s just farcical, but while Act II is funny there’s more focus on the four lovers at the heart of the show, [Calamity, Bill, Katie and the dishy Lt Danny Gilmartin] so in the second part some of the lines of dialogue make for a

Musical director Nigel Ubrihien…

“Ninety per cent of our show is played on a clapped-out, honky-tonk piano.” lump in the throat.”

“Our approach is stripped away,” Ubrihien says, with just piano for “Secret Love” and “The Black Hills” played very simply.

“Virginia does those beautifully and there won’t be a dry eye in the house.”

“Calamity Jane”, The Playhouse, August 15-19.

2018

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MUSIC

Group recognised for service to young players

By Helen Musa

CANBERRA’S Young Music Society is on a roll.

Hot on the heels of its zippy Winter Music School and “Wild Strings” workshops with Holly Downes, Rachel Johnston and Chris Stone, comes news that the Young Music Society is a finalist in the national 2018 Art Music Awards, to be presented on August 21 at Melbourne’s Plaza Ballroom.

The category is Award for Excellence in Music Education and it recognises 50 years of community youth music activity from a proud, self-funded, not-for-profit, community-based society that has been inspiring young people for 50 years, especially through its holiday programs and music-instrument hire.

YMS artistic director and general manager, composer Stephen Leek, has been no slouch himself in picking up Art Music Awards in the past, though not for his Canberra work and is, unsurprisingly, convinced that they deserve to get up.

But there’s more good news. In a first for the society, they’re soon hosting and billeting a group of top-class young Austrian singers from the choir Hohes C – High C which will, under the baton of Salzburg conductor Moritz Guttmann, perform everything from early Renaissance songs to pop a cappella arrangements.

Awarded as World Choir Champion in Latvia the ensemble, a mix of vocal timbres with the lower registers dominating, is well-known to audiences in Mozart’s home town Salzburg and has toured in Canada, South Africa, the Baltic Countries, Finland, Germany and Italy.

Leek has used his contacts to help the choir organise concerts in Sydney and Melbourne, too, and says that although it’s away from the normal instrumental focus of the YMS, he was able to argue to his board that it was consistent with the emphasis on offering ACT children the best sort of musical experiences and they said, “let’s do it”.

Young Music Society participants at its “zippy” Winter Music School.

Leek says: “The reason we got nominated is that we continue to offer the best sort of musical experiences.”

He is well aware that the competition in the Art Music Awards will be stiff, saying: “It’s a great honour to be in the finals for education… we’ll be celebrating our 50th anniversary next year in a big way and if we did win, it would be great.”

The unique contribution to music education in Australia, he believes, is in the “first

experiences” in music and the arts they offer.

“We put instruments in the hands of young people and let them explore their range with some of the best teachers possible,” he says.

“We have classes in jazz, rock, folk, pop and classical. I believe our contribution is now quite famous and has contributed to the Canberra music community.”

Leek points with some pride to the distinguished YMS alumni. He is one of them, having begun with them at age 15. Another

Photos by Stephen Leek from the old days is the tenor Christopher Lincoln Bogg.

Recent visiting music teachers have included Larry Sitsky, Barbara Jane Gilby, Ken Lampl from ANU, virtuosic pianist Sally Greenaway and teachers, Lisa Gill and Christina Refshauge.

He has observed with enormous pleasure that many present-day parents and grandparents first got to discover music with the YMS, which still tries to offer affordable

ARTS IN THE CITY

‘Creatures’ tour heads north and beyond

By Helen Musa CANBERRA’S Pigeonhole Theatre troupe is taking its production of “Playhouse Creatures”, remounted for touring company HIT Productions, with three new local actresses and a new set by Christian Nowak.

The tour begins in Port Macquarie and Brisbane during August, with more venues to follow across Victoria and NSW next year. Karen Vickery reprises her role as 18th century actress Mrs Betterton.

CHRIS Latham’s music project “Flowers of War” is coming to an end with its penultimate performance, “The Lost Jewels”, arranged by Latham for soprano Louise Page, pianist Edward Neeman, the Sculthorpe String Quartet and Luminescence Chamber Choir. Music by composers lost to war or disease is combined with the projected images of paintings by artists who died during World War I. At James O Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, 7.30pm, August 10

of Love” for its coming concert of music on that subject by Caldara, Steffani, Clari and Marcello. Clara Teniswood will perform on baroque cello. At St Paul’s Anglican Church, Manuka, 3pm, Sunday, August 5. Exit donations will be welcomed.

“Playhouse Creatures”... hitting the road. and 2pm, August 11. Bookings to theflowersofwar.org THE M16 Drawing Prize for “all kinds of drawing that extends understanding of what drawing could be” is now open to entries.

The judges are Alison Alder, head of Print Media and Drawing, Australian National University, and Christopher Chapman, from the National Portrait Gallery. Entries and details to m16artspace.com.au ADHOC Baroque has chosen the dramatic title “The Cruel Game

FORMER Canberrans continue to prosper in the arts. Soprano Lorina Gore won a Helpmann for her performance in Brett Dean’s opera “Hamlet”, while in the US actor Laurence Fuller plays an aspiring classical pianist in director Henry Quilici’s “Echoes of You”, screening at the Oscar-qualifying LA International Shorts Film Festival.

JACQUI Malins’ next Mother Tongue Multilingual Poetry Night will be, she says, “a great opportunity to meet other writers who are interested in the power of words beyond the limits of English”. At Smith’s Alternative, 7pm-9pm, Monday, August 13. Tickets at the door.

SALUT! Baroque presents “Corelli & Friends”, music by Locatelli,

Vivaldi, Bach, Telemann, Geminiani and Handel, and of course the enormously popular violinist and composer Arcangelo Corelli. At Albert Hall, 7.30pm, Friday, August 10. Bookings to trybooking.com THE Australian Dance Awards are coming up in September and the good news is that the creative program officer at Belconnen Arts Centre, Philip Piggin, long-time Canberra dance critic and former national joint co-ordinator of Ausdance, Hilary Trotter, and Quantum Leap’s “This Poisoned Sea” have all been nominated in the top categories.

VETERAN Canberra artist Val Johnson, whose practice runs from wicked entries in The Bald Archys to refined townscapes, travelled to Cornwall in 2016. The result is “Colours of Cornwall”, picturing whitewashed houses, blue waters, yellow sand and colourful boats.

At Strathnairn, Stockdill Drive, Holt, until August 19.

programs for young people.

But there is a dark cloud looming on the horizon in the form of the new childcare subsidy arrangements, which are expected to hit them ‘fairly dramatically.’

“We need to find new ways to do what we do,” Leek says.

“Hohes C – High C”, All Saints Anglican Church, Ainslie, 7pm, Wednesday, August 15. Bookings to 6258 0200 or tickets at the door.

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CINEMA

‘Funny Cow’s’ painfully unfunny face of comedy “Funny Cow” (MA) THE theme of the clown who lives by making people laugh but whose own life is filled with personal grief is well enough known – think “Pagliacci”.

Adrian Shergold’s film offers a 20th century view of a clown who defies the mould. We never know the registered name of the waif from a working-class Leeds neighbourhood. In childhood, she must learn to fend for herself. As an adult, she suffers outrageous fortune’s slings and arrows not always without complaint, understanding that a life full of nothing to rejoice about can only get better, but there are no guarantees.

“Funny Cow” the movie, written by Tony Pitts, offers a tour de force performance from Maxine Peake. To Australian audiences, her long filmography may be mainly TV series and short films. She has played in films written by Shakespeare, from “Hamlet” to “Titania”. She’s perhaps best known here as Martha Costello QC in the BBC’s excellent legal series “Silk”. Her command of nuances that need a camera’s closeness to exploit to best advantage is profound.

The men in Funny Cow’s life don’t come out all that well – an abusive father, a domineering, selfish husband, even Angus whose educated cultural preferences are beyond her comprehension. Stand-up comedian Lenny (Alun Armstrong), whose understanding of life’s realities is a burden hard to bear, lacks the inner strength to survive in the harsh craft of amusing a pub

In 1789, the framers of the US Constitution could never have imagined the court’s influence on daily life today in a country where the rule of law encompasses modern attitudes and procedures.

RBG, as she is affectionately known, is a physically diminutive legal powerhouse.

The film examines several of the landmark cases on which she sat. She has championed the rights of minorities unable to speak for themselves. Her judgements come directly to the point of the cases before the court.

Directed by Julie Cohen and Betsy West, “RBG” delivers a family portrait and professional CV of an unexpected pop culture icon, documenting her life and achievements with care, affection and forthright energy. It’s entertaining at every step, often amusing, always respectful not merely for the judicial office she occupies. She is not a woman to mess about with.

full of working-class men with jokes that are less than funny.

In final analysis, “Funny Cow” is a film about comedy that’s not funny. It has moments that bring gales of laughter but it delves into its heroine’s psyche hoping eventually to find emotional comfort that its social environment cannot provide.

It’s a great film.

At Capitol 6, Palace Electric and Dendy

At all cinemas

“RBG” (PG)

“The Breaker Upperers” (M)

THIS acronymic title announces Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to become an associate justice in the US Supreme Court.

A dry subject for a movie? It depends on your point of view of the rights of the common man and woman.

IN recent years, NZ filmmakers have made some great comedies. Belonging among them only for the accents of its characters, “The Breaker Upperers” written by, directed

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20 CityNews August 2-8, 2018

At Palace Electric and Dendy

Maxine Peake in “Funny Cow”... her command of nuances that need a camera’s closeness to exploit to best advantage is profound.

by and featuring Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek is not one of them.

It purports to tell a story about two women providing a service to couples of whom one is fed up with the relationship and wishes to break the union. There could be worse themes for a comedy. But theme alone cannot cut it in the real world. This one certainly doesn’t.

Leaving the cinema, my eye caught a big lobby sheet proclaiming its benefits on which the word “Hilarious” stood out, six times. Methinks, I thought, those ladies protest too much. A couple of rows behind me, one bloke had roared with laughter several times. The rest was silence. Hilarious needs more audience response than that.

I left “The Breaker Upperers” wishing I’d selected the actioner “Beirut” starring delectable Rosamund Pike to be the third and final film of my day watching movies.

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DINING / banana leaf, kingston

WINE

Turning over a whole new Leaf

The Douro Valley… a steep and dauntingly beautiful place with vines and buildings hanging high above the glorious river.

At home with the power of port

By Richard

CALVER PORT is named after a town in Northern Portugal called Porto, which crowds around the banks of the Douro River.

It was a drizzly two days in May when I was there with my daughter. We were on a food and wine tour of Portugal.

A visit to the Douro Valley, the home of port, was de rigueur. It is a steep and dauntingly beautiful place with vines and buildings hanging high above the glorious river. It’s World Heritage listed. The boat guide told us that the British had invested in the valley since the late 17th century and today still owned around 70 per cent of the vineyards.

Port is, of course, the preferred drink of clubby English gentlemen and deros who live near a river bank and want a quick, cheap fix. That dichotomy tells you a lot about the quality range of this fortified wine. On the one hand, there are fine, aged, vintage ports that might have been put away for 30 years and, on the other, the stuff you can buy in flagons (McWilliams Royal Reserve Tawny is $10 for a two-litre flagon).

The Portuguese port we tasted was of a high quality, generally sweet, mouth filling and very pleasingly alcoholic (about 20 per cent). Quality and wine-making rigours are closely guarded by the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto. The real stuff is recognisable by a white seal (not the one with flippers!) that will read: “Vinho de porto garantia”.

The wine is basically made by mixing in a brandy or grappa spirit (aguardente) with, usually, red wine. The spirit stops the fermentation process, which means the grapes retain their sweetness. The spirit also gives it an alcohol heft and helps to preserve the wine.

One day in the Douro had been preceded by a tour of the town on foot. On the less-than-arduous walk around Porto tasting salted cod in various forms and tasting local table wines as well as port, I asked our guide (who strangely kept his dark glasses on even in the dark of a

wine cellar we visited – occupational hazards?) about the origins of this delightful tipple. Thinking myself a history buff (thinking of the final school year history prize), I asked: “Wasn’t this a British invention?

I thought when the Brits had an argument about duty with France in the late 1600s Charles II told the French that they could keep their wine on that side of the channel. So merchants started buying up the wine here but until they added spirit it didn’t last the arduous journey through the Atlantic.”

“Yes,” he said. “Many people say that the British didn’t want the wine from this country to be affected by the long journey at sea. The story goes, to protect the wine, grape spirit was added and it did not spoil.

That story is told but no one really knows.”

And with a lowered voice, he said: “You know, I have visited many of these farmers who live in the valley. It is very cold in winter, below freezing. I think that they want to get as drunk as quickly as they can and that they mixed brandy with their wine to do just that. They found something they like and kept it. The British also liked it and took over the Douro and sent it back to England with ownership that was not theirs.”

This seemed plausible. One of the women on the tour who had been sitting listening to this exchange and having her fair share of the beverage turned to me and said: “How can you be sure it wasn’t the monks?” The power of port.

CONTEMPORARY cuisine from the “Pearl of the East”, or Sri Lanka, is now a feature of the food scene in the inner-south, with the move of Banana Leaf from the city to its new location in the heart of Kingston.

Banana Leaf has taken over the space that housed Figaro for many moons. No doubt loyal fans will be happy to head to the new location and, when they do, they’ll discover the menu now offers a stronger Sri Lankan theme that Banana Leaf describes as “tempered with the characteristics of Indian, Arab, Malay, Moor, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences”.

Don’t hesitate to talk to staff about selecting, remembering some dishes are complete meals that come with rice so be careful you don’t double up with an extra order.

Our Sri Lankan culinary journey began with potato and pea crispy patties ($14.90). This vegetarian dish features intriguing spices and the potato, green peas, carrot and leek are all tucked into lightly fried patty pastry. It got our taste buds dancing.

Just as satisfying was the dairyfree chicken pan rolls ($15.90). The mild-curried mince was combined with potato and rolled in a crepe, finely crumbed and lightly fried. We dipped them into the traditional tomato sauce.

The prawn curry ($32.90) was created with more sensational Sri Lankan spices. The prawns were plump, the vegetable pilau rice fluffy and the strips of pappadum crunchy. We loved the coconut and chilli sambol that came with this dairy-free and gluten-free dish.

Goat is a Sri Lankan fave and the meat was slow cooked in a red spiced curry. While the flavours didn’t disappoint, some pieces of meat were a bit chewy (others s-o-o-o-o tender). The goat was a hit with coconut and tomato (and more vegetable pilau rice, $33.90).

You won’t go wrong with

Prawn curry… created with sensational Sri Lankan spices, the prawns were plump, the vegetable pilau rice fluffy and the strips of pappadum crunchy.

Photo by Ana Stuart the Biryani ($28.90 and can choose chicken, beef or fish). It’s such an amazing creation; oven-baked basmati rice and curried meat cooked in a fabulous ginger and turmeric stock with spices and herbs. We loved combining the meat with boiled egg wedges, chilli paste, and sweet chutney, digging in with soft roti.

Banana Leaf’s interior has been

overhauled. A wall knocked out makes the place more spacious. It’s an elegant fitout with white tablecloths, stunning bamboo wallpaper and plants perched strategically down the middle forming a bit of a divide. We sat fairly close to the front door and shivered slightly each time a customer entered or exited, the cold gusts of winter air made sure of that.

Banana Leaf, 17 Kennedy Street, Kingston, open for lunch WednesdaySaturday, noon-2pm and dinner, Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm until late.

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PATI S • Extensions • Patios • Decks

GARDENING

Big fruit from small trees A LACK of space is no impediment to enjoying fruit from one’s own trees.

There is a range of miniature fruit trees that can be grown in tubs in the ever-so-small garden or on a balcony, providing it gets plenty of sun.

To be clear, the word “miniature” refers only to the size of the tree, not the fruit, which is full size.

These miniatures share the overall name of Trixzie and come from from Flemings Nurseries in Victoria. They are available from most garden centres.

Trixzie nectarine “Nectazee” grows to just 1.5m x 1.5m with fullsize, very sweet fruit. Trixzie peach “Pixzee” is a similar size, as is Trixzie pear “Pyrvert”, with its bright-green fruit. All are self-pollinating and require only one variety.

Trixzie “Gala” and “Pink Lady” apples grow to 2.5m x 2.5m, however they need one of each grown near each other for cross-pollination.

The cherry trees also grow to 2.5m x 2.5m and are possibly more suited to the small townhouse or courtyard garden rather than a balcony.

There is also Trixzie “Black Cherree” with dark red fruit or Trixzie “White Cherree” with sweet, white cherries.

The apples and cherries may require a small prune every year to keep the trees neat and trim.

The pears, nectarines and peaches require no pruning.

“SLOW Down and Grow Something” is the intriguing title of a new book by Byron Smith and Tess Robinson (Murdoch Books,

Dwarf apples... for the small garden.

RRP $39.99).

Subtitled “The Urban Grower’s Recipe for the Good Life”, the book starts with how to establish a miniature garden and progresses on to what to grow. There is also a wonderful range of recipes listed.

It’s amazing what and how much can be grown on a sunny balcony, as shown with the fruit trees listed above.

FOLLOWING my recent column about growing strawberries, the Queensland Strawberry Growers Association emailed to say: “With winter well and truly underway, now is the perfect time to get your hands on some immunity boosting Vitamin C. “But before you reach for oranges, you might want to consider grabbing a cup (125g) of fresh Queensland strawberries

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instead. They contain more Vitamin C, gram for gram, when compared to a Valencia orange! Strawberries contain nutrients that strengthen the skin’s protective barrier against environmental factors like UVB damage and Vitamin C, in particular, shortens the healing time of wounds and helps our bodies fight inflammation. “Dispelling a myth, strawberries do not continue to ripen after being picked, so always look for an overall rich red colour.”

GARDENING books by the internationally acclaimed garden designer and lecturer John Brookes have always been popular here and I have reviewed many over the years.

I studied garden design with Brookes in England in 1988, which led me to establish my garden design consultancy in Canberra.

Brookes died recently, aged 84, leaving behind a rich legacy of garden designs and advice. His latest book covers just that with the title of “A Landscape Legacy” (Pimpernel Press), which was published a few weeks after he died.

Sedum “Autumn Joy”... time to dig and divide.

Jottings...

• Plant seed potatoes.

• Hard prune deciduous Hibiscus syriacus now as they flower on the new season’s wood.

• Divide Sedum “Autumn Joy”... you may need a tomahawk to do this!

• Cut back perennial Salvias to ground level and divide.

• Check soil moisture by digging a hole. In the absence of rain it may be necessary to water as frosts draw moisture from the soil.

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PUZZLES PAGE Joanne Madeline Moore

General knowledge crossword No. 650

Your week in the stars – August 6-12, 2018

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Rams usually love to rush! But with Mars and Mercury both retrograde, your need for speed is curtailed and everything seems to move at a snail’s pace. Creative projects and exciting hobbies are favoured, but your patience will wear thin with pedantic people, frustrating family members and confusing communication. You prefer a spontaneous approach but you’ll find some sort of daily routine will help you tackle projects in a more sustainable and satisfying way.

Vic wants facts before taking the package

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Expect some domestic dramas, as the Solar Eclipse and retrograde Mercury stir up old family grievances. Use your diplomatic talents to help find solutions but, if you just sit back and let others make decisions, then you’ll feel paralysed and powerless. So strive to be more self-sufficient, especially at home and work. Getting the ratio right between your public and private lives is challenging. However, if anyone can juggle conflicting commitments, it’s a well-balanced Bull!

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

This week, with Mercury Retrograde, Mars Retrograde, Jupiter and the Solar Eclipse all stirring things up, expect some frustrating disruptions and delays involving commerce, cars, computers, travel, holidays and/or phones. And make sure you are especially careful with what you put on social media, as it will be very easy for others to completely misinterpret your true meaning. If you are a smart Twin, then you’ll check and re-check everything before you post.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

You’ll be walking on a financial and communication tightrope this week Crabs!

With Mercury retro, Mars retro and the Solar Eclipse all stirring up your money zones, you’re primed for a spontaneous spending spree. But can your bank balance support what your heart desires? In order to avoid problems you must think before you spend… and think before you speak. It doesn’t take long to blurt something out but it takes a lot longer to repair the damage afterwards.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

The Solar Eclipse (in your sign) highlights your inclination to jealous, possessive or overbearing behaviour. It’s time to loosen your intense grip on a loved one Leo! Otherwise you’ll drive them away with your Drama Queen antics and demanding demeanour. You’re in the mood to text and tweet; socialise and circulate. But are you sending mixed messages? And are others happy to hear what you’ve got to say? Strive to be much more discriminating and diplomatic.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

With Mercury retrograde and the Solar Eclipse activating your karma zone, be careful how you treat other people (in person and online). Selfish behaviour, unrealistic expectations or unfair criticism will just boomerang back on you! So your mantra is from birthday babe, Leo model and actress Cara Delevingne: “The energy you give off is the energy you receive.” Some quiet meditation or soulful contemplation will help you get through the week in a more relaxed state.

Solution next edition

Across

Down

3 Who won the 2008 Allan Border medal? (5,3) 7 Name the Australian police officer commissioned to search for Burke and Wills, Frederick ... (6) 8 What is a right held by one person to make use of the land of another? (8) 9 Name a plant widely cultivated for its showy, variously coloured flowers. (6) 10 Name a member of the Japanese WWII air force whose mission was to crash their aircraft loaded with explosives into an enemy target. (8) 11 What is another term for a vicar? (6) 14 What do we call actors’ undertones? (6) 17 To be misled by a false appearance or statement, is to be what? (8) 18 What are surviving memorials of things past? (6) 19 Which term suggests that one is friendly? (8) 20 In which Queensland town was “Waltzing Matilda”, first played in 1895? (6) 21 Those who construct buildings may be called what?

(6)

1 What is a short allegorical story, designed to convey a moral lesson? (7) 2 What is another name for a frying pan? (7) 3 Harry Harbord Morant was more commonly known as what? (7) 4 What are clips for holding neckwear halves together? (7) 5 Which term describes the side that is sheltered from the wind? (7) 6 What are dishes served at dinner before the main course? (7) 11 What is another term for official procedures?

(3,4) 12 Which bitter alkaloid was formerly used as a local anaesthetic? (7) 13 What is an agent that supplies oxygen? (7) 14 Name the star of the movie Mary Poppins, Dame Julie ... (7) 15 Reykjavik is the capital of which Arctic island republic? (7) 16 What do we call a person who casts a vote? (7)

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Your power planet Venus vamps into your sign on Monday (where it stays until September 9). So you’ll be at your charming, charismatic and cooperative best. But you could still experience problems with a family member, friend, colleague or acquaintance who is envious of your numerous talents and achievements. Don’t waste precious time feeling disheartened and disappointed. Just flash them a lovely Libran smile and encourage them to follow their dreams!

Sudoku medium No. 225

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

With the Solar Eclipse and retrograde Mercury activating your career zone, proceed carefully with a complicated professional project. If you are too hasty (or too stubborn) then you’ll experience communication problems with a work colleague, client or customer. Strong feelings could resurface in close relationships, as loved ones push your emotional buttons. Simmer down and settle down, otherwise you run the risk of turning a minor matter into a major obsession.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Be careful your spontaneous Sagittarian spirit doesn’t land you in unexpected trouble! You’re keen to communicate but, if you rush in and say the first thing on your mind, then you could find yourself regretting your haste. Many adventurous Archers are keen to head off on an overseas trip, interstate interlude or weekend getaway. But remember Mercury and Mars are both reversing through your travel zones. So double-check your itinerary (carefully) before you go.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Has your strict inner parent taken over? Don’t be too hard on yourself – or others.

And don’t overdo the criticism (no matter how ‘constructive’ it is). Striving for perfection will be fraught with frustrations (especially on Thursday and Friday) so relax and try to take things as they come. If you’re feeling worried or stressed then turn to a wise friend or mentor for some sensible advice and words of wisdom. But car or money problems do need to be attended to as soon as possible.

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Sudoku hard No. 224

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2018

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Crossword No. 649

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Retrograde Mercury and the Solar Eclipse stimulate your job and daily routine zone. So expect communication chaos, relationship rumbles or work frustrations this week. It’s also a time when (courtesy of retrograde Mars) unresolved issues from the past could be dredged up all over again. So try to release pent up Piscean frustrations via a chat with a trusted family member or close friend. Spending quality time with your favourite four-legged friend will also lift your spirits.

Vic’s been offered an early retirement package from his job and came to see me worried that he didn’t understand how the new superannuation rules worked.

“The first question I have is can I claim the amount that I pay into superannuation, which is compulsory, as a tax deduction under the new rules?” he asked.

“And the other thing that concerns me is that my superannuation balance has now increased to $1,590,000 as advised by the fund. Previously it had a value of about $600,000 and I had been salary sacrificing as well so I have about $400,000 in another superannuation fund and I am not sure if I can leave that there if I accept this package.”

On his first question, I said: “Since July 1 last year, people have been able to claim tax deductions for their personal contributions to superannuation, which are not salary sacrificed. So I can see how your confusion has arisen.

“However, when these measures to allow tax deductions were legislated another piece of legislation was also passed which clearly states that personal contributions made to a Commonwealth Public Sector Super Scheme cannot be claimed as a tax deduction. So you can’t claim the superannuation contributions you pay personally.”

I told Vic that his second question was more complex and that I would deal with it in two parts.

“If you do not accept this offer, your cap value may well be different so my advice presumes that you will accept the offer,” I said.

“As you exceed the $1,600,000 cap once you start receiving the pension you will not be able to make any personal, nonconcessional contributions, these are contributions which are not tax deductible going forward. However, you will be able to receive concessional contributions made by your employer either as required under the superannuation guarantee legislation or by salary sacrifice. These are subject to a cap of $25,000. If the employer contributions are less than $25,000 then you could make top up contributions provided that they do not exceed $25,000.”

The other part of Vic’s question dealt with the second fund, which is called an accumulation fund.

“You can retain this fund but just not pay a pension from it,” I told him.

“You did mention that you still have a mortgage and children at high school so you are unlikely to want to maximise your superannuation contributions at this stage.

“As your mortgage is low and your pension will be close to $100,000 it would be a good idea to look at your cash flow to determine whether you are better to pay off the remaining mortgage or whether to leave the money in your accumulation fund.

“Just remember that you are currently paying 4.2 per cent on your mortgage and last year your superannuation fund earned 10.6 per cent so clearly your money is better in superannuation at present.

“Also, if you take the money out of superannuation you will not be able to recontribute it as a non-concessional contribution so drawing it out of the fund does have other ramifications.”

Vic was grateful for the advice said he now felt confident to discuss the options with his wife Jayne before they came to any final decisions.

If you need advice on you retirement and retirement options contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

With Mars reversing through Aquarius, everything feels as if it’s one step forwards and two steps back! You can also expect some communication mayhem this week, as Mercury continues reversing through your relationship zone. Loved ones will certainly test your tolerance and self-restraint. If you are firm and flexible (which is a tricky balance) then you’ll be able to navigate your way through the constantly changing landscape. Patience and persistence are the keys.

Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd

Listen to our tax tips on 2CA and 2CC (Chartered accountant, SMSF specialist advisor and Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892)

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