CityNews 210715

PAUL COSTIGAN / TIME THE POLLIES JUMPED IN AND FIXED YERRABI POND JULY 15, 2021

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MICHAEL MOORE STREAMING

Is streaming killing the classics?

NICK OVERALL GARDENING

Get set for a super-duper spring

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NEWS / foster care

Home of love for crisis babies crying out for care

By Belinda

STRAHORN COLLEEN Hill says the house she shares with her husband, Steve, is not a home unless it has kids in it.

Through short-term fostering, the couple – with three biological children of their own – have opened their home and hearts to more than 30 newborn babies.

They are babies born into tumultuous circumstances, with disabilities or fatal diagnoses, and many are addicted to drugs.

But Colleen, 68, a former nurse and Steve, 67, an ex-cop, make it their mission to make sure they know love.

“All these babies need is love, attention and a good routine,” said Colleen.

Known as “Grammy” and “Poppy”, the couple help transition vulnerable children back to their families, into long-term foster care or guardianship.

Some babies arrive in the middle of the night, others – just days old – are collected by Colleen and Steve from the hospital.

Some stay a few months, others have stayed for years, becoming part of the Hill’s large and loving family.

“We want to give these kids a good start in life and that’s what we do,”

INDEX

Colleen said.

The retired couple’s fostering journey began 13 years ago in Mt Gambier, SA. It continued when they moved to Tathra and now, from their home in Canberra it’s their mission to offer care for as many babies that need it.

“At one point, when we were living in SA, we were looking after four babies under 12 months all at once,” said Colleen, who gets by on about fourhours sleep a night.

Just about every baby the couple cares for requires some kind of specialised attention.

Many of the babies need to be weaned off opioid addiction using morphine, which eases withdrawal symptoms, but requires a lot of work.

“If the newborns have drugs in them, it’s not good, it can be horrific,” said Colleen.

“The babies suffer withdrawals and it can take a while for them to come down off the drugs, one baby took a week to bring him down, another baby took three months.”

Nursing infants through opioid withdrawal isn’t for the faint-hearted.

“The babies have tremors all the time, they are in a lot of pain, it really is heart wrenching,” said Colleen.

Despite caring for vulnerable children for more than a decade, Colleen said the system is “broken”.

One of only three foster carers looking after at-risk children in Canberra,

Since 1993: Volume 27, Number 28

Arts & Entertainment 18-21 Canberra Matters 6 Cinema & Streaming 20 Crossword 23 Dining 21 Garden 22 Horoscopes 23 Letters 14 News 3-14 Politics 10 Seven Days 4 Bureaucrats squabble, as the quagmire returns. Letters Page 14.

Well written, well read

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

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

Colleen Hill…“We want to give these kids a good start in life and that’s what we do.”

Photo: Belinda Strahorn the Hills are unsure they can keep caring for kids under a system that treats carers “disrespectfully” and “re-traumatises” vulnerable kids.

“The babies are just numbers to the agencies, it’s not about them any more,” Colleen said.

Colleen argues that improvements need to be made within the ACT government’s Childcare and Youth Protection Services including better communication between agencies and more respect for carers.

“I have 29 years of experience car-

Managing Director: James Anderson, 0404 077605, james@citynews.com.au Director: Kate Meikle, kate@citynews.com.au Senior advertising account executives: David Cusack, 0435 380656 Tracey Avery, 0477 939999 Advertising account executives: Damien Klemke, 0439 139001 Tim Spare, 0423 381691 Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au Digital news editor: Danielle Nohra, danielle@citynews.com.au Journalists: Nick Overall, nick@citynews.com.au Belinda Strahorn, belinda@citynews.com.au; Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au Arts editor: Helen Musa, helen@citynews.com.au Production manager: Janet Ewen Graphic Designer: Douglas Lima Proof reader: Glenda Anderson Accounts: accounts@citynews.com.au

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ing for people with disabilities and nursing care and you come across a social worker straight out of uni who thinks they know everything and tries to tell you what to do, it’s really stressful,” said Colleen.

The Hills could have been emptynesters by now, their adult children are out of the house, and have families of their own, but the need to help vulnerable kids is too great.

Colleen and Steve also foster palliative care babies, nurturing them around the clock.

One of their foster children, a terminally-ill, nine-month-old boy, had been living in the heart ward at Westmead Hospital, since birth.

“No-one wanted him and I was told he would die there if no-one took him,” said Colleen.

“He had a cleft palate, cerebral palsy, was hearing impaired, had to be tube-fed and he weighed just one kilo when he was born.”

The Hills fostered the young boy until he was almost three-years-old, fondly remembering his smile and sweet nature.

“He was so beautiful. I was told he would never walk but I had him up and walking by the time he was two,” said Colleen.

“And he didn’t die. He’s now seven, he has a new family and we still see him.”

Despite being born into difficult circumstances, most of the babies the Hills raise are “smiley” and “happy”.

“It’s hard when they leave but we are in contact with nearly all the families of the babies we’ve had and we send birthday and Christmas presents and we try to see them,” Colleen said.

For the Hills, who invest deeply, and ache terribly when each of their foster children leave, it’s a “privilege” having been a part of the child’s journey.

“If I can get these babies right, in order for them to go to a full-time home, then that’s what makes me happy.”

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SEVEN DAYS

There was nothing like necking with Hummer OLD age at 20 saw off Humbekhali (aka Hummer), the 5.5-metre, 1300-kilogram beloved poster-boy giraffe at the zoo.

They shared the sad news, saying: “As he approached his life expectancy [21], Hummer was in good health for his age and his passing involved no suffering.

“We take heart in the fact that he lived a long, happy life, whilst receiving the best possible care and love from all our dedicated staff, members and visitors.”

One of those dedicated staff was Vanessa Pirotta, in those days a part-time zookeeper.

I remember her because I remember, despite there being way more than 550 front covers since, Hummer and her on our cover on January 21, 2010.

It was inspired by a heartwarming photograph of Hummer giving his keeper a kiss. The photographer was the legendary Silas Brown (“Snapper to the stars,” I’d playfully call him). He swapped the media for horticulture and these days truly knows the meaning of getting one’s hands dirty.

And reporter Kathryn Vukovljak

4 CityNews July 15-21, 2021

in Canberra. I worked with him for many years during my undergrad degree at ANU. I taught many children all about animal biology and African wildlife thanks to him.”

Now Sydney based, her zoological background has taken her around the world for wildlife research.

She’s spoken as an invited marine mammal expert at the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation in Rome and been recognised as one of the “Australian Financial Review’s” top “100 Women of Influence”. Her media appearances include BBC World News, CBS America, ABC, SBS, Al Jazeera and Reuters.

While we all seem to have been touched by Hummer, kissing giraffes has certainly done Dr Pirotta no harm at all.

Hummer kisses keeper Vanessa Pirotta on the front cover of “CityNews” (January 21, 2010)... “Those gummy, slobbery kisses – there’s nothing better!”

Photo: Silas Brown opened her story saying: “Not every girl would be excited about being kissed by a giraffe, but trainee zookeeper and ANU student Vanessa Pirotta says she just loves her charge’s beautiful blue tongue.”

And quoted the keeper as saying: “But those gummy, slobbery kisses –

there’s nothing better!”

These days she’s Dr Vanessa Pirotta, wildlife scientist, science communicator and Superstar of STEM and in a Twitter call out wrote: “Vale Hummer the giraffe. Hummer was a massive part of my zoo journey at the National Zoo and Aquarium

AH, the arrogance of youth.

Greens leader and ACT AttorneyGeneral Shane Rattenbury turns 50 on August 25. At a recent social event, he told one of my snouts he never reads “CityNews”, hilariously calling us “grumpy, old, white men”.

Wrong. Most of our talented journalists are female, including our arts editor and our news editor. Our production manager is female.

We do have some highly experienced commentators, burdened by age, gender and ethnicity, who have life experience and achievement

beyond Mr Rattenbury’s, and write some of the most informed, incisive, authoritative political and social commentary in Canberra.

Maybe it’s that part of the paper thin-skinned Shane can’t stand. Who knows, things might change when he grows into being a quinquagenarian next month.

SPEAKING of age, Deputy PM and Nationals Leader Barnaby Joyce’s eldest daughter Bridgette, 22, is working as a “senior” parliamentary adviser for NSW Nationals Leader and member for Monaro John Barilaro.

It’s understood the university graduate worked for a short time in the office of NSW Mental Health Minister, Bronnie Taylor, another Nationals member, before rising to a more “senior” role in the Deputy Premier’s office.

NOT a dormant pot plant, but pictured is number five in an inventive nine-course, 12-person degustation dinner I went to in a warm hall in Queanbeyan. The “Chef’s Table Experience” was the work of international “Chef on the Move” Juji Rajappen, a Canberra favourite (Hyatt,

Commonwealth Club) who, in un-covid circumstances, would be elsewhere. He should be in Vietnam in the role of executive chef opening a swanky new coastal Sheraton resort.

But he’s not. Their loss, our gain. The illustrated course is duck rillettes and apple jam. If his wife Mara Stroppa can get enough takers, I’m sure she’ll get him to do it again. Give Mara a nudge at marajiju72@hotmail.com Ian Meikle is the editor of “CityNews” and can be heard on the “CityNews Sunday Roast” news and interview program, 2CC, 9am-noon.

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CANBERRA MATTERS / Yerrabi Pond

Time the pollies jumped in and fixed the pond WHEN the government planners used to plan, community facilities were put in place along with town centres.

The people of Gungahlin are lucky to have a fabulous water catchment, Yerrabi Pond, that is surrounded by parklands, a walking trail and other things to keep the family busy – including grassed areas to sit and ponder your past and your future while watching the birds.

Yerrabi Pond was opened in 1999.

It is highly recommended if you want to venture out for the four-kilometre walk and enjoy a variety of views, trees, biodiversity and the enjoyment of what has become a popular community facility. The pond is as big as a medium-size lake – but is called a pond because it is shallow – being technically a water catchment.

Gungahlin residents have joined together to form the Friends of Yerrabi Pond. This enthusiastic and committed band has realised that, despite being a key facility, the pond is not on the government’s radar.

Many agencies that would normally service and care for such a central waterway and parklands do not.

This has been a bureaucratic bungle resulting in arms of government not being required to look after the place.

Meanwhile, the Friends have garnered the attention of the whole of the ACT Assembly as well as one-on-one meetings with politicians of all colours.

Minister Chris Steel is the key to get things unblocked and for services to start happening at Yerrabi Pond. I suspect that things could get ugly if spin is not replaced by actions very soon.

The Friends have a long list of things to talk about. Most should have been attended to if the local politicians and agency heads had been paying attention to the recreation and social needs of the growing Gungahlin population.

The Yerrabi Pond is a community facility that has, over time, had some play spaces added and attracts a lot of visitors, particularly on the weekend.

The surprise is what has not been done to bring the site up-to-date to suit the 21st century. The stand-out issues include the shocking state of the two out-of-date toilet blocks that are meant to service the whole site; the lack of toilets on the western side; the complete lack of lights on the western side that has created very dangerous situations for late-evening walkers; the water quality is best described as questionable, and the general low levels of maintenance.

Yerrabi Pond… discussions to improve the Yerrabi Pond have involved politicians who have said the usual positive words – but are yet to deliver anything tangible.

Photo: Paul Costigan The serious nature of the recent neglect has been the catalyst for the formation of the Friends. They have been very busy with an extensive survey and opened up online to put together a long list of things requiring attention.

True to form, rather than actually do something, the government filled in time by conducting one of their Your Say operations to see if they could identify the community views – even though the Friends had collated them. And guess what? The same list of things has been identified.

That’s the good (the Pond exists) and the bad (the government neglect).

Now for the ugly. Or to be more

accurate, what could be ugly.

As anyone in Canberra knows, this Labor/Greens government has a questionable reputation when it comes to being responsive to community groups.

Community facilities and green spaces are not a priority. Make your submissions, provide the data and hold meetings – and more often than not there will be government spin about why they cannot do the right thing –

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their job. They have meetings to go to, so no time to do anything else.

The discussions to improve the Yerrabi Pond have involved politicians who have said the usual positive words – but are yet to deliver anything tangible.

Then there is Chris Steel, minister for something including public toilets, who is the key to get things unblocked and for services to start happening at Yerrabi Pond. I suspect that things could get ugly if spin is not replaced by actions very soon.

Meanwhile, you are urged to meander around Yerrabi Pond. Preferably not on the weekend as it is very busy and there’s very limited parking. To add to your pleasures, the food and coffee is good at Da Nunzio Caffe Bar Ristorante (check the hours, closed Monday and Tuesday).

Paul Costigan is an independent commentator and consultant on the visual arts, photography, urban design, environmental issues and everyday matters.

ADVERTISMENT

A second opinion on hearing loss – you need professional advice, not a sales pitch An elderly woman with hearing loss came to my clinic for a second opinion, after she had recently been to a hearing aid sales person.

I found the cause of her hearing loss was simply the fact that she had build-up of wax in her ears, the salesperson had failed to inspect them. You might be surprised how often this happens!

Recently I was told by two different patients that they were quoted $16,000 for a pair of hearing aids.

This seems a ridiculous amount of money to pay and is most likely not appropriate for the majority of people (or possibly anyone).

5. If you are a pensioner or partpensioner, or a DVA gold or white card holder, you should carefully consider if you want to use the Here are some things to free-to-client government do to avoid getting hearing aids or if you’d ripped off: “In an like to top-up to a unregulated market different hearing aid.

1. A visit to the GP may save you there is a lot of opportunity free-to-client from being ‘sold’ to take advantage of people. The hearing aids are something appropriate for many when your only Yes you have read correctly, people, however problem is wax there is no licensing of people if you have great in your ears. who sell hearing aids.” difficulty hearing background noise (for 2. Look for – Dr Vass example in restaurants) someone who is then you might trial the independent and top-up hearing aids, but only can offer you unbiased if you can afford them. There are advice, not just give you a a range of top up options and prices, sales pitch. if you are disappointed after a trial, you should return them and trial the free-to3. There are a range of hearing aid client hearing aids. prices. Finding the right hearing aid might save you money and it will If you get the feeling the person also give you the best chance of you’re dealing with is just trying to success. sell you something, then take a step back and get a second opinion.

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BRIEFLY

NEWS

Audit reveals millions kept from tendering

Lilli wins the prize CANBERRA-educated fashion designer Lilli McKenzie has won a design competition held by Mazda Australia. The challenge was for students to create fashion items inspired by design techniques and fabrics used in the new Mazda MX hybrid car. She’s won an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan to meet Mazda’s global Design winner Lilli McKenzie. design chief, Ikuo Maeda. Featured in “CityNews” (June 24), her garment was the result of an experiment with traditional weaving techniques involving synthetic leather and cork, AWARD-winning poet Robyn Sykes woven around the body. will entertain the ladies of the Gungahlin Day View Club on its 22nd anniversary to be celebrated at the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, Nicholls, from 11.45am, Wednesday, July 28.

EDWINA Robinson, founder of The Cost is $35 and guests are welcome.

Climate Factory, will talk about RSVP to 0458 012402 before 9pm on building Canberra’s micro-forest Sunday, July 25. movement at a public forum hosted

by Manning Clark House at the Baptist Church Hall, Groom Street, Hughes, 2.30pm, Sunday, July 25. Her projects, to reduce temperatures in the public realm by climate-ready na- BETTER Hearing Australia, a not-forprofit volunteer community organisative planting and landscape design, in several northern Canberra suburbs, tion has started a new term offering local support sessions to help people have recently shared in an ACT government Communities Environment better cope with hearing loss by teaching communication strategies Program grant. MCH members, $10; and tactics, as well as lip reading. concession, $12 and non-members Two sessions are run on Tuesdays $15. Book via trybooking.com

Rhyming time birthday

Talking micro-forests

Help with hearing loss

By Danielle

NOHRA during ACT school terms and cost $20 a term plus an annual membership fee of $20. The evening session is 5.30pm-7pm, Delphi Room, Hellenic Club, Phillip (call 0417 696583) and the afternoon session, 2pm-4pm, Grant Cameron Community Centre, 27 Mulley Street, Holder (call 0410 4637610).

Suzette’s world of wattles DR Suzette Searle, president of the Wattle Day Association, will speak on “Wattle – A Symbol of Australia” at the next lunch meeting of the Weston Creek VIEW Club at the Southern Cross Club, Woden, from 11.30am, Tuesday, August 3. The meeting commences at 11.30am and the cost is $35 for a two-course luncheon. Guests and interested ladies welcome. RSVP to 6286 4626 by 5pm, Thursday, July 29.

KEEPING PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY SAFE. Have a concern about a disability service, disability discrimination, abuse, neglect or exploitation of a family member, friend or client with a disability?

Give us a call for a confidential chat or to make a complaint.

Ph: 6205 2222 Email: human.rights@act.gov.au @ACTHumanRights ACT Human Rights Commission

ABOUT $395 million worth of contracts were awarded without competitive tender by the ACT government in the past three years, an audit report has uncovered.

The 770 contracts exempt from tender — exemptions allow agencies to undertake procurement without seeking three quotes or conducting an open tender — make up more than 20 per cent of contracts in that three-year period, according to the report, titled “Procurement exemptions and value for money”.

However, Dr Jenny Stewart, a professor of public policy at UNSW Canberra, suspects that overall, problems in the management of exemptions in the procurement process are much more widespread than the report suggests, saying the audit reveals significant problems.

The audit follows revelations late last year by “CityNews” (“Directorate keeps million from open tendering”, September 16) that 94 contracts worth almost $190 million were awarded without competitive tender by the ACT Community Services Directorate in the 2018/19 financial year.

The article also revealed that almost 91 per cent of its procurement contract budget, worth more than $208 million, was awarded without the directorate going to the open market for tender.

This year’s audit considered 33 high-value procurements (worth about $119 million) that were exempt (largely due to there being a “limited number of suppliers”) by ACT government entities in 2019 and 2020.

Under legislation, government departments are required to prove that a value-for-money assessment has been done when an exemption takes place. However, this was not always evident.

Only 14 of the 33 procurements (42 per cent) had a “Tender Evaluation Plan”, which is a value-for-money assessment that’s common practice when exemption approvals are granted, only eight had a “Tender Evaluation Report” and only two could provide evidence of an ongoing formalised arrangement that dealt with probity plans and protocols.

The audit also discovered that less than half of the procurements did not have effective risk

assessments in place, there was no evidence that whole-of-life costs were factored into value-for-money assessments, and one third had signed declarations of confidentiality and conflicts of interest.

Regardless of these findings, auditor-general Michael Harris concluded that the ACT government agencies “are complying with the legislative requirements for using an exemption in procurement”.

However, Dr Stewart says it was not possible for the auditor-general to say whether the relevant criteria had been achieved or not, because the information was not available.

“The inference is that the officials concerned had not undertaken the investigations required,” she says.

And even if the information was there, Dr Stewart says high-value procurements (this was the basis used for selecting the 33 cases for study) are more Dr Jenny Stewart. likely to be properly documented than lower-value or more routine ones.

“The main shortcoming is a lack of documentation in relation to value for money, probity, conflict of interest and risk management,” she says.

“Improvement [is] definitely needed!”

Following the audit, the auditor-general made four recommendations including: reviewing and revising procurement policy guidelines to promote the use of value-for-money documentation; improving staff understanding of the importance of integrity when using exemptions by requiring officers to undertake probity training; improving risk assessments when selecting a contract; and, incorporating value for money and whole-of-life cost assessments.

Dr Stewart says: “Implementation of recommendations one and two, which call for improved training and awareness around these issues, will be crucial.

“Given the extensive use of the exemptions mechanism (20 per cent of all procurements over the past three years), there is much work to be done before citizens can have a reasonable degree of confidence in purchasing practices.” https://citynews.com.au/2020/directorate-keepsmillions-from-open-tendering/

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DR OMAR GAILANI / gynaecologist

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‘For me, it’s about constantly learning and growing, and providing new, effective ways to help.’

Doctor offers a laser treatment for women’s issues GYNAECOLOGIST Dr Omar Gailani says he genuinely cares about making a difference in the lives of women dealing with gynaecological issues.

As part of the services he offers at the Deakin-based clinic, Canberra Urology and Gynaecological Centre, Dr Gailani has brought in the “revolutionary” MonaLisa Touch laser treatment.

Dr Gailani says it can help women with vaginal issues such as pain, irritation, itching, burning, dryness, painful intercourse, atrophy or laxity.

“It’s effective, minimally invasive, painless and non-hormonal, with no downtime,” he says.

“I’m very passionate about this treatment and I’m glad to be able to make it available for my patients.

“I want to be able to genuinely help and change lives.”

A laser treatment that stimulates collagen formation and promotes the natural regeneration process of the vagina, Dr Gailani says the MonaLisa Touch can also help with certain types of urinary incontinence and mild prolapse.

Based in Canberra for 11 years, Dr Gailani works closely with urologist Dr Ahmad AlSameraaii in their multi-disciplinary clinic.

“It has always been my dream to work with a urologist and set up a clinic together.

It works well as a collaboration,” he says.

Both surgeons have established their private practices over the past decade, and Dr Gailani, who operates out of Calvary John James private hospital, also has a dedicated theatre anaesthetist Dr Jayamanne, surgical assistant Diana Kirk, and in-clinic nurse, Cheryl Guthrie.

The centre offers investigations for urinary incontinence and prolapse, with management options such as medications, tibial nerve stimulation and outpatient Botox bladder procedures.

When it comes to surgery, Dr Gailani says he takes the time to provide advanced laparoscopic operations for conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids, as well as laparoscopic hysterectomy.

He also offers non-mesh solutions for urinary incontinence and vaginal prolapse.

Dr Gailani comes from a medical background; his father was a well-known general surgeon and his mother a public health doctor who lives in the US, near his brother who’s also a physician there.

He says it’s important to him to keep his skills up-to-date in the field of gynaecology.

“Until travel restrictions hit, I would regularly travel to Europe and the US to attend conferences or workshops, and I still study online whenever possible,” he says.

Dr Omar Gailani... “I’m very passionate about MonaLisa Touch laser treatment and I’m glad to be able to make it available for my patients,” Dr Gailani says.

“For me, it’s about constantly learning and growing, and providing new, effective ways to help.”

Born in Baghdad, Dr Gailani left home

after the first Gulf War and emigrated to NZ, where he spent nine years working at hospitals around the country.

He then moved to Australia, where

he worked for the Flying Doctor Service, dealing with limited resources to perform surgeries.

“That was one of the best jobs I’ve ever done. It was a specific Flying Doctor service for gynaecology, based in Roma in Queensland,” he says.

“I did more than 300 operations in six months in the outback, covering 22 hospitals.

“They would fly our team in. We’d land on dirt runways in rural airports – one day we almost crashed – then I’d operate all day. The pilot would stay there with us, then fly us back later that day.”

Dr Gailani also worked in many locations such as Adelaide, Melbourne, Launceston and with the Aboriginal communities of Gove and Broken Hill, a role he says was personally very rewarding.

In 2010 Dr Gailani joined the Canberra Hospital and says he immediately fell in love with the bush capital.

“I’m glad my career brought me to Canberra,” he says.

“While living here, I got married and had two sons, now aged three and one, so my life has changed dramatically. Parenthood is challenging in a different way!”

Dr Omar Gailani, Canberra Urology and Gynaecological Centre, suite 2, level 2, Equinox 1, 70 Kent Street, Deakin.

Call 6285 1813 or visit omargailani.com.au

The MonaLisa Touch is a comfortable, nonhormonal, minimally invasive and painless 5-minute treatment with zero downtime Creating longer-lasting relief, the MonaLisa Touch is for women experiencing vaginal itching/burning, vaginal dryness, loss of lubrication, vaginal laxity, incontinence symptoms, or painful sexual intercourse.

Key benefits of The MonaLisa Touch:

Dr Omar Gailani offers treatment for Gynecological conditions

Low risk – suitable for most women Pelvic Floor

Menopause

Achieves long lasting improvements

including Fibroids

Immediate return to normal daily activities

Prolapse

Suitable for women who are not able to undergo hormone replacement therapy eg. Breast Cancer Patients

Abdominal pain

Incontinence

including Botox for overactive bladder

High success rates after treatment Minimal maintenance after initial procedure

A referral is necessary for an appointment with Dr Gailani Canberra Urology and Gynaecology Centre Suite 2, Level 2, Equinox 1, 70 Kent Street, Deakin ACT | Phone 6285 1813

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CityNews July 15-21, 2021 9

AXIS HAIRDRESSING

advertising feature

POLITICS / housing

Cutting short hair with How much gilding precision and confidence on the hand-out lily?

GOVERNMENT hand-outs make great political mileage. However, it is taxpayers’ money that’s being distributed and such generosity always needs careful examination.

SPECIALISING in short haircuts, Anthony Paragalli is offering his unique blend of old-school barbering and hairdressing expertise in his role at Axis Hairdressing in Braddon.

And he couldn’t be happier to be part of the team.

With more than 30 years’ experience and fully qualified in both trades, Anthony is offering traditional specialist barber services under the “Barba” brand within the salon.

But he’s also a skilled short haircut specialist, not just for men but anyone looking for a well-suited, short hairstyle.

“I like that cutting short hair requires more precision, and there’s no room for mistakes. It takes confidence and experience,” he says.

“I go straight into it, no hesitation. It’s changing the old ‘short back and sides’ into something more creative.”

Anthony says he always talks openly with his clients about what they want, whether they’ve asked for an edgy, contemporary cut but have a conservative job, or for a style that might not suit them.

“I never tell anyone what they should have. I ask, ‘what do you feel like you want?’ and we’ll work with that,” he says.

“I love getting the green light to get creative. A person can’t hide behind short hair. It has to be right.

“My skill is that I can look at someone and create a cut that will suit their face, hair, body, everything.

“It’s not just about the cut either, it’s also about educating the client on how to style their hair themselves.”

Straight out of school in 1989, Anthony started his career in haircutting with one of Canberra’s hairdressing dynasties, Franco’s of Canberra, though he says he’d never planned to go into the industry.

“I was working as a mechanic in year 12, and although I was good with my hands and liked woodwork and art, it never crossed my mind to go into hairdressing,” he says.

“I was lucky to get my start in such a successful salon, with good teachers who were passionate about what they did. I’m where I am today because of them.”

Having completed his apprenticeship under Franco himself, Anthony also learned barber skills there, with a focus on beard trims, cut-throat shaving, men’s cuts and fades.

“Franco taught me how to do a cut-throat shave on a balloon covered in shaving foam. The balloon would pop easily and the foam went everywhere, then we’d have to clean it up. I reckon I popped about 20 balloons before I got it!” he says.

“He was an amazing mentor and I really liked working in a family business. It’s a very similar environment here.”

Established in 1991, Axis Hairdressing’s management team includes award-winning stylist Adam Ciaccia, with wife, colourist Michelle, and Adam’s sister, Nicole Dwight.

“With it being a family unit, there’s a lot of passion for the business, and everyone works well together,”

Anthony Paragalli… “I like that cutting short hair requires more precision, and there’s no room for mistakes. It takes confidence and experience.”

Anthony says.

“I really like that, and we’re all Italian so there’s a strong connection there. Everyone here is supportive and encouraging.

“I’m so happy to come to work every day and it feels like I’ve been here for years.”

Anthony, who’s married with one child, a seven-year-old daughter, started working at Axis in February, and says he was keen to join to expand his career and be a part of the “luxury experience” the salon offers.

“It’s not just a service and a transaction. We take our time, offering longer booking allocations,” he says.

“We’re finding that men want the expertise of a barber, combined with the flair, finishing touches and level of service that a hair salon provides. “They want the total experience – shampoo, head massage, a beer or a nice coffee, not to be rushed in and rushed out.”

Anthony ran his own hairdressing salon at Narrabundah shops for 24 years, then decided to follow his passion for cutting short hair and established one of Canberra’s most well-known barber shops, as well as completing a local “Master Barber” course in 2017.

Anthony says his years of experience have given him a natural confidence and a genuine love for his craft and the industry.

“I’ve always done well at my job and I’ve never not liked it, from day one,” he says.

“There are challenges but I like that, and now I can use both my trades and bring it all together.

“It feels like a full circle now. I started at the best and I’m back with the best.”

Axis Hairdressing, 131/24 Lonsdale Street, Braddon.

Call 6247 1833.

AXIS HAIRDRESSING 131/24 Lonsdale Street Braddon | 6247 1833 axis_hairdressing | barba_canberra axishairdressingcanberra www.axishair.com.au 10 CityNews July 15-21, 2021

Who are the winners? Who are the losers?

What are the conditions? Who pays? How much is the lily being gilded?

Abolishing stamp duty for the purchase of homes is part of the long-term tax reform of the ACT government. Rates are increasing rapidly, but stamp-duty concessions are moving at a snail’s pace. It is a 20-year program begun in 2012.

The July edition of “Our CBR” features a front-page picture of a young couple and their dog with the headline “Stamp duty abolished for all off-the-plan units up to $500,000”. Then “first home buyers and Canberrans looking to downsize” will save up to $11,400 off the up-front costs of a home purchase.

Why only “off-the-plan” units with a value of up to $500,000? Why just off-the-plan? Where can you buy developments for below $500,000?

What about units that are already built? Does this suit investors? What about struggling families who are seeking to buy a home with a garden?

The government argues that this is just the next phase “in the ACT government’s ongoing tax reform program and reflects our commitment to improving housing affordability”.

So much for families! According to Allhomes listings there are only two developments that meet the half-million dollar criteria. They are both in the suburb of Taylor and, elsewhere, I discovered a possibility at Founders Lane in Civic.

The ACT revenue site clarifies that this offer is available to people who do not own another property.

At least the taxpayer is not subsidising investors.

So who is really going to benefit?

Young couples, as featured in the picture, are certainly better off – for the moment, provided they are happy living in Taylor!

Developers who are planning on building this style of cheaper units are also winners.

There is no restriction on the location or size of the development in which the apartments are constructed – just a purchase off-the-plan. Developers will have much more certainty about how many units they can build. Their financial situation will be much more favourable.

Who are the losers?

This targeted approach omits those who would build homes with gardens. The approach exacerbates the already skyrocketing value of homes on single blocks of land.

Perhaps COVID-19 and lockdowns have modified community views on apartment living compared to the traditional home and garden.

Singles or couples who do not have a family or are not intending to have one may be looked after. Those who are hoping to have a family will have to wait.

Dr Nicola Powell… predicted that the mean price for Canberra houses would be around a million dollars.

“The next phase of the stamp duty reductions,” the newsletter tells us, “will be targeted at the lowest property value thresholds for owner-occupier purchases”.

The government recognises the barrier for many people to enter the housing market that is created by excessive stamp duty: “That’s why the next phase of reform will be targeted at increasing the benefit most for people buying lower-value property to live in”.

The term lower-value property will have to be considered very carefully if the government is serious about getting lower-income families into housing.

The current government cut off is $500,000.

However, the median house price in Canberra for the March quarter was $927,577.

And all indications are that the current quarter has seen another rise.

Domain Senior Research Analyst Dr Nicola Powell pointed out in late April that the “persistent lack of stock coupled with unrelenting high buyer demand and record-low interest rates has continued to fuel this “extremely rare rate of growth”.

At the time Dr Powell predicted that the mean price for Canberra houses would be around a million dollars by the end of June. This presents serious challenges to would-be home owners.

The government is able to provide some support. However, if the mean price of housing jumps around $70,000 in a matter of three months, the impact of abolishing $11,400 of stamp duty may be better than a kick in the pants, but it is much less significant than at the start of the year.

It is time to see much more support with the other levers of government, and the first should be land supply.

Abolishing stamp duty for the purchase of homes is part of the long-term tax reform of the ACT government.

Rates are increasing rapidly, but stamp-duty concessions are moving at a snail’s pace. It is a 20-year program begun in 2012.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health.

He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.

THE GADFLY

Beyond the madness, Bob’s paintings founder THE recent sale of a painting – for $US93 million – by JeanMichel Basquiat of a disgustinglooking skull titled “In This Case”, is only the latest example of the madness that is the art world in this third decade of the 21st century.

It went at a New York auction peopled by billionaires and their trophy wives in a flagrant display of the obscene inequality that infects American society today. And not just America – it’s a worldwide trend and we’re by no means immune from its nastier consequences.

But I was particularly struck by the horrible skull – and the even more horrible price – through a close involvement with the work of an artist whom I grew very close to in the 15 years before his death in 2018. His name is Bob Baker and his work, which covers an extraordinary

The late artist Bob Baker with some of his paintings. range of subjects, is really quite wonderful.

Bob was born in England and aside from a couple of years of mandatory military service, he had always been an artist. Indeed, he won his first art prize at only 10 years of age. He married his sweetheart Pat and they set out on his motorbike around Scandinavia and Europe, painting along the way till they came to that part of rural France where Vincent

Van Gogh spent his most productive years. And there Bob fell totally under his spell.

“In the end I just had to leave,” he told me. “I had to get as far away as possible, otherwise I’d have been there forever.”

Australia filled the bill. He and Pat settled in the Camden area where Bob established and managed an art society, taught a small group and painted himself, becoming well known among the Sydney cognoscenti, hung in the Wynne and Sulman competitions and selling his own works in the $4000$6000 bracket.

But then in the late 1980s he

suffered a heart attack because of the pollution drifting in from Sydney. A major heart operation followed and they escaped to Bodalla on the south coast. I was arts editor of the daily paper then and, from our Tuross bolthole, I got to know Bob and Pat. For months he couldn’t stretch his arms wide so turned his hand to miniatures. His small paintings of magpies overlooking coastal communities verged on genius.

When he recovered, he discovered a new fascination – the world of physics – and in time he was able to render such concepts as E= mc2 and Schrodinger’s Cat into the most graceful

and charming paintings. He became so engrossed that he abandoned the art market almost entirely. And when I organised an exhibition at the CSIRO’s Discovery Centre he refused all offers to buy individual works.

By the time he died, the art world had moved on. When Pat authorised me to sell the remaining works – a treasure trove of almost 100 paintings – neither agents nor galleries, national, state and regional – had either the funds, the space, or the interest, to take them.

Just weeks ago, Pat followed Bob to the grave with the studio/garage still packed with paintings. And last week a small group of us – Pat’s wonderful carer-soon-to-be-administrator of the estate, a local gallery owner and a brilliant former curator who has done a stunning job of cataloguing – gathered to try and decide what next.

Our ideas ranged from offering to donate a group to the Camden Art Society to splitting them up somehow… all very tentative until the formalities can be completed. That’s when I decided to make one last effort – via my friendly “Gadfly” column – to see if there was a reader out there who cares to preserve genuine artistic quality.

For I promise, there’s not a single disgusting skull amongst them. robert@robertmacklin.com

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ferst.com.au CityNews July 15-21, 2021 11

WHIMSY / how not to be caught on the hop

Living with the ups and the downs of kangaroos KANGAROOS are a contentious topic in Canberra. Some see our national symbol as a threat to their vehicles, while others see them as unfortunate victims of Canberra’s expansion.

Kangaroos are the largest species in the family “macropodidae” (macropod meaning large foot). Intermediate size macropods are called “wallaroos”, and smaller ones “wallabies”.

There are about 70 macropod species, with many of the smallest species in danger of extinction.

The largest kangaroos are the red kangaroo, eastern grey kangaroo, western grey kangaroo and antilopine kangaroo. The eastern grey is the most common kangaroo in Canberra.

Canberra is also home to common wallaroos (the males are black and females pale grey). Kangaroos have adapted much better than their smaller cousins to human landclearing and other habitat changes.

Kangaroos are the only large animals to use hopping as a means of locomotion. Comfortable hopping speed for a kangaroo is about 20–25 km/h. They can accelerate up to 70 km/h over short distances, and hop at 40 km/h for two kilometres – but they can’t go backwards.

Kangaroos are shot throughout

Eastern grey kangaroos… the most common kangaroo in Canberra.

Australia for meat, hides, to keep them off grazing land and roads, and in Canberra to reduce their numbers.

Kangaroo meat has perceived health benefits for human consumption compared to traditional meats due to its low-fat content.

Because of its grazing habits, the kangaroo has developed specialised teeth. Silica in grass is abrasive, so kangaroo molars are ground down and move forward in the mouth

before they eventually fall out and are replaced by new teeth that grow from the back. Among mammals, only kangaroos, elephants and manatees have this capability.

Unlike cattle and sheep, kangaroos release almost no methane. Scientists are interested in the possibility of transferring the bacteria responsible for this process from kangaroos to cattle, since the greenhouse gas effect of methane is 23 times greater than that of carbon dioxide. There’s also interest in crossing sheep with kangaroos; the aim of course is to produce woolly jumpers.

Kangaroos are shy and retiring by nature, and in normal circumstances present no threat to humans.

In 2003, Lulu, an eastern grey that had been hand-reared, saved a farmer’s life by alerting family members to his location when he was injured by a falling tree branch. On May 19, 2004, it received the RSPCA Australia National Animal Valour Award.

Some causes for erratic or dangerous kangaroo behaviour include panic, injury, illness, extreme thirst, and hunger. The only reliably documented case of a human fatality from a kangaroo attack occurred in NSW in 1936. A hunter was killed when he tried to retrieve his two dogs that had attacked a large kangaroo.

Nine out of 10 vehicle/animal colli-

sions in Australia involve kangaroos.

Kangaroos grazing by the roadside at night can be dazzled by headlights or startled by engine noise and leap in front of vehicles. Since kangaroos can weigh up to 90 kilograms, the impact can be severe, killing the kangaroo, badly damaging the vehicle, and potentially injuring the occupants.

The female kangaroo is permanently pregnant, except on the day she gives birth. She can “freeze” the development of an embryo in times of drought and in areas with poor food sources. During a dry period, males will not produce sperm, and females will conceive only if green vegetation is plentiful.

Large kangaroos have no natural predators, but younger ones and smaller species may be killed by dingoes, foxes, feral cats, and dogs – domestic and feral.

Whether culling is necessary in Canberra to control kangaroo numbers is questionable. Kangaroos control their numbers themselves relative to the availability of food.

Much of the kangaroo/vehicle problem in Canberra is due to suburban encroachment into areas where kangaroos have always existed.

How best then to reduce collisions with kangaroos when they’re most active at night?

The range of vehicle headlights on low beam is around 40 metres and on high beam around 100 metres. If you’re travelling at 80 km/h with a fast reaction time of one second, the average stopping distance is 60 metres (but for two seconds it’s 80 metres). It’s therefore prudent to drive well below the speed limit on some of Canberra’s roads at night, particularly where there are kangaroos visible, dead kangaroos by the roadside, or nature reserves bordering the road.

Note that vehicle-mounted “kangaroo whistles” are ineffective for preventing collisions with kangaroos.

Tests have shown that kangaroos don’t react to the high frequency sound they emit.

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

usic, M e r o M un...

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THE CLASSIC BREAKFAST with Holmsey & Jen

5.30AM TO 9AM WEEKDAYS How to listen: 1053 AM DAB Radio • www.2ca.com.au Smart speakers (just say “Play 2CA”) 12 CityNews July 15-21, 2021

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LETTERS

Bureaucrats squabble, as the quagmire returns THE walking, cycling and sightseeing fire trail immediately behind Marrakai Street, Hawker, and parts of Weetangera has become its annual impassable quagmire.

We must remove the nuclear moratorium clauses from the appropriate legislation and join with the rest of the world in producing cheap, clean, emission free base-load electricity asap.

Congratulations, Peter, on a great letter!

This is due to water running down off The Pinnacle and no longer being drained away by the now overgrown main ditch, half filled with soil and no longer distinguishable. Dug before 2000, the main ditch allowed water to flow away to the west by gravity down the slope behind 8 Marrakai Street and some houses in Ambalindum Street, doing no damage.

The problem is that there are two ditches, a secondary one five metres behind the houses and the main overgrown and blocked ditch, 10 metres south up the hill from the track and hard to recognise.

Representation to a local MLA, admittedly in summer when dry, resulted in a squabble about which ACT government service was actually responsible for the road and ditch.

Parks rangers, even though part of the Pinnacle Reserve, decided it was a fire-track road and so the responsibility of Roads.

I strongly suspect that Roads looked at the wrong, secondary ditch as they could not find the main, overgrown ditch, not realising there were two ditches.

Also, constructed so many years ago, I doubt any current staff are aware of the reason for and workings of the main, blocked ditch.

Damage is occurring also to house footings and drives from water seeping down the hill.

Paul O’Connor, Hawker

…he’s got to be joking

Thank you to public servants IT is more useful than not for these columns to publish letters critical of our public servants, but we wish to single out some from Urban Treescapes and thank them.

Our son Joe was killed on January 2, 2018, on Yamba Drive and some of his mates erected a cross and planted a tree in the median strip just near the Hughes playing fields to commemorate him.

Several months ago Rachael Dawes, of Urban Treescapes, contacted us to tell us that the department needed to relocate the cross and tree as the median strip was in the middle of the proposed tram corridor to Woden.

About a month ago she again contacted

“Buckley’s Chance” and would rate it as 3.5 stars.

And I loved the important first 20 minutes of the film that Mr Macdonald missed seeing.

Tony Falla, Ngunnawal

Paul Myers, Karabar

PETER Mitchell must be trying on a massive tease in this letter (CN July 8) to get a rise from all the “greenies”. No other reason for his “Leave carbon emissions alone” letter makes sense. He can only be joking.

Peter Tait, O’Connor

The annual winter quagmire that is the Hawker fire trail. Photo: Paul O’Connor us to work out the details as to where the tree and cross should go. We all agreed they should go to the Curtin side of the road and this duly occurred several weeks ago when Peter Brammall and his crew of tree-planting field officers successfully transplanted tree and cross to a great new position on the Curtin side of the road.

Our family could not be happier and we thank Rachael, Peter and staff from the bottom of our hearts for their consideration and thoughtfulness. Joe would be delighted.

Shirley and Bill Stefaniak, Narrabundah

Letter writer is spot on...

I WRITE in 100 per cent agreement with Peter Mitchell (Letters, CN July 8) in his letter (“Leave carbon emissions alone”), in particular the comments in his final paragraph on nuclear.

This may be controversial, but I am no “NIMBY” and would be more than happy to have one of the new hi-tech 250-350MW (aka small modular reactors, SMR) factory constructed units that can be moved to their destination on the back of a heavy mover near to where I live.

The fuel cells in these SMRs can have a fuel-replacement cycle of 2-25 years or so and are currently among the safest zero emission baseload power sources available in the world.

An appropriate Google search can be quite informative on this subject.

Nothing like a quick ‘announceable’ THE PM’s vague plan for getting through covid and the ACT government’s failure to provide information about the looming loss of well over 200 car parks at the Dickson group centre (“You’ve got to wonder about the state of planning but there again...” citynews.com.au) have much in common.

They are examples of how our politicians’ love of a quick “announceable” overrides attention to necessary detail and reassurance. Marketing a notion in a fog of words or appearing to cover up an embarrassing gap in government and developer action with directions to an information-free website link, does little to engender confidence and optimism about the competent and continuous delivery of the relevant public services and support that will be needed by very large numbers of people over extended periods of time.

Sue Dyer, Downer

Reviewer got it ‘wrong’ I AM an avid movie buff and I generally agree with the cinema reviews of Dougal Macdonald. However, I was astonished that Mr Macdonald gave the Aussie film “Buckley’s Chance” only one star. And more astonished that Mr MacDonald missed the first 20 minutes of the film for “weatherconnected reasons” but still reviewed the film as a whole.

I loved “Buckley’s Chance” and was totally engaged with it. Great cinematography, a compelling story line and great performances from the actors.

Unlike Mr Macdonald I highly recommend

Thurber nailed it FURTHER to Clive Williams’ “Whimsy” (CN July 1), the classic derision of pretentious wine snobbery was by James Thurber in “The New York Times” – “It’s a naive domestic Burgundy without any breeding, but I think you’ll be amused by its presumption.”

Jack Palmer, Watson

Voucher scheme was ‘horribly wrong’ I QUESTION the method by which the vouchers for the ChooseCBR scheme were given out.

It is very obvious that the system of downloading vouchers is open to rorting. People could download any number of vouchers.

Given $2 million worth were supposedly downloaded in less than 24 hours between midnight and 6am, I smell a rat.

I would not for one minute say that Business Minister Tara Cheyne was castigated because the system worked too well, I would say she was castigated because it was very poorly run resulting in customers and vendors missing out.

How on earth could anyone get this so horribly wrong?

Vi Evans, Macgregor

More than individual preservation NO reasonable or meaningful discussion can take place on health policies unless all parties understand the three levels of prevention in public health principles when dealing with epidemics/pandemics

– be they, for example, influenza, measles, smallpox, zika virus, cholera, dengue fever, ebola, COVID-19 etcetera or drugs. The three levels of prevention are Primary, Secondary and Tertiary.

Primary prevention, by definition, seeks to prevent the initial onset of morbidity at any level and the individual’s return to full health.

Today’s examples of primary prevention include vaccines, masks, travel and health restrictions and, unfortunately, lockdowns.

The remaining principles involve treatments – again with the aim of returning to full health.

Given that the so-called Spanish Flu, which started in 1918 and killed an estimated 20-40 million because of the absence of virtually all of the aforementioned primary preventions, especially vaccines, Australians are entitled to contemplate the planet-wide morbidity and mortality horror which would beset us if the same primary preventions, although less than 100 per cent effective, were not applied or enforced.

The domino effect of the virus would spread inexorably to wipe out tens of millions. So, all thinking persons can realise the situation is more than individual preservation.

Colliss Parrett, Barton

Get your finger out, minister WHAT will it take to make the federal government finally realise that granting the Murugappan family permission to stay (and return to Biloela) is a win-win situation?

The family, after a couple of years of detention, gets back to normality; the Bilo community will rejoice and welcome them back with open arms and, lastly, by showing some empathy and relenting to public sentiment, the coalition increases its chances of retaining office at the upcoming election.

The granting of a temporary, three-month visa to the parents and the eldest child, but excluding the youngest one is as cruel as it is stupid. Under Section 195A, a minister can intervene and grant a person a visa by the stroke of a pen, if it is deemed to be in the public interest to do so. As the Murugappan family has overwhelming support within the community at large, what else is Immigration Minister Alex Hawke waiting for? Come on, Minister, get your finger, as well as your pen out, and bring this costly and inhumane saga to an end.

Mario Stivala, Belconnen

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49 Jardine Street, Kingston | kingstonnaturaltherapies.com.au | Phone 6295 6660 14 CityNews July 15-21, 2021

NATIONAL PAIN WEEK / July 26-August 1

advertising feature

Campaign encourages people to face their pain CHRONIC pain is the country’s fastest growing medical condition with about 3.2 million sufferers in 2007, which is expected to rise to 5 million by 2050, according to Chronic Pain Australia.

Chronic pain is considered to be pain lasting longer than three months, and although it can be a symptom of a known illness or injury, it can also exist without a clear reason at all.

Today one in five people in Australia live with chronic pain, including one in three people over the age of 65.

National Pain Week 2021, running from July 26 to August 1, aims to shine a light on the condition and help those suffering.

This year’s theme is “connection”, encouraging people to connect with their bodies and to acknowledge their pain.

The week is also encouraging people to seek support and advice from others rather than ignoring it and suffering in silence.

Programs help make daily living easier

Practice focuses on optimal patient outcomes

ARTHRITIS ACT can support people no matter what type of chronic pain condition they have, says CEO Rebecca Davey.

“Whether it’s musculoskeletal pain, endometriosis, headaches or whatever it may be, we have programs in place to help make everyday lives easier,” she says.

Arthritis ACT CEO From July 23 and throughout NaRebecca Davey. tional Pain Week, Rebecca says Arthritis ACT will be hosting a series of consumer information talks highlighting how their dedicated team can help treat and manage pain.

“All people have to do is call us so they can join in or if they wish to get a recording,” she says.

Rebecca says chronic pain differs from person-to-person and Arthritis ACT focuses on each individual to help with their own personal needs.

“We run courses and support groups for people living with chronic conditions that help them break down the tasks of daily living so that they don’t exhaust themselves or make their pain worse,” she says.

“Exercise and weight management is incredibly important in getting those good hormones going again that are lost when pain is high or consistent.

“It’s great for social interaction as well, which is also key in beating the anxiety and depression lots of chronic pain sufferers [can] go through.”

OPTIMISING outcomes for patients has always been the focus for orthopaedic surgeon Dr Damian Smith, whose orthopaedic practice, in.motion, is based in Belconnen and Woden.

Dr Smith, who specialises in lower-limb surgery with interests in hip and knee replacement surgery, sports injury and knee reconstruction, has always been of the belief that surgical outcomes and treatment plans can be optimised with allied-health involvement and exercise programs.

This was the driving philosophy when Dr Smith opened in.motion orthopaedics in 2019, at Francis Chambers in Woden before expanding to the northside of Canberra with rooms at Cameron Avenue, Belconnen.

Physiotherapist Kristen Steele joined the team in October and Dr Smith says the practice model has been successful because he and Ms Steele share the same vision for their patients.

“Having in.motion physiotherapy means that for those patients that do not already have a physiotherapist, we can offer that service in-house,” he says.

If surgery is required, Dr Smith and Ms Steele work together to develop a pre and post-surgery treatment plan.

Ms Steele says in.motion physiotherapy

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

A PASSION FOR ACHIEVING LIFE CHANGING RESULTS

Physiotherapist Kristen Steele and orthopaedic surgeon Dr Damian Smith. can treat all types of ailments from arthritis to sports injuries, neck and back pain. Injury prevention is also important and in.motion offers physio-led Pilates classes, aquatic physiotherapy and group strengthening classes.

“The benefits of physiotherapy and exercise in the treatment of, say, arthritis are well established,” she says.

“Programs such as the ‘Good Living with Arthritis – Denmark’ (GLAD) have potentially made a meaningful difference in the quality of life of patients with arthritis.” in.motion orthopaedics, Francis Chambers, suite 4, level 2, 40-42 Corinna Street, Woden (call 6221 9321), and ground floor, 40 Cameron Avenue, Belconnen (call 6190 1040); co-located with I-Med Radiology. Email admin@inmotionortho.com.au or visit inmotionortho.com.au

Orthopaedics and Physiotherapy services

Our integrated approach is designed to optimise your long-term mobility outcomes.

Dr Damian Smith’s services:

Physiotherapist Kristen Steele’s services:

Hip Replacement

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Clinical Pilates Aquatic Physiotherapy Group Exercise Classes

For specialist orthopaedic care, with integrated physiotherapy call 6221 9321 Woden | 6190 1040 Belconnen | email admin@inmotionortho.com.au Francis Chambers, Suite 4, Level 2/40-42 Corinna Street, Woden Ground Floor, 40 Cameron Avenue, Belconnen (co-located with I-Med Radiology) CityNews July 15-21, 2021 15

Looking for relief for your acute or chronic pain?

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Enquire TODAY 6260 4774 info@worldofwellbeing.com.au located within World of Wellbeing Level2, Suite 9 16 Wilbow street, Phillip ACT

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NATIONAL PAIN WEEK Passionate about laser light therapy GABRIELLA Monus, a low-level laser light therapist at World of Wellbeing, has personally experienced the benefits the treatment can have for people living with pain.

Low-level laser therapy, a therapy where light particles, or photons, penetrate deeply into body tissues to generate a therapeutic effect on the cells, originated in Hungary where Gabriella was born, and made a “big difference” in her own life, she says.

“I was quite a sick child, I had lots of sinus infections and ongoing issues and was on lots of antibiotics,” she says.

“I was treated with the laser therapy and afterwards I was not in as much pain, I recovered quicker, and had to take a lot less antibiotics.”

Now living in Australia, Gabriella is passionate about seeing the way laser therapy can help others, especially those living with chronic pain.

“Most people will notice a difference in the first session. Some of the pain will be eased, a level of relaxation is experienced around the joints and their muscles will be softer,” she says.

“Some of the treatment possibilities include neck and back pain, arthritic pain and joint pain, frozen shoulder, fibromyalgia, muscle sprains and strains, chronic fatigue and more.”

World of Wellbeing, level 2, suite 9, 16 Wilbow Street, Phillip. Call 6260 4774 or visit worldofwellbeing.com.au

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E-Mail: capitalrehabilitationsupplies@gmail.com 16 CityNews July 15-21, 2021

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Treatment depends on the type of pain WHEN treating chronic pain, Dr Alexander Burns from Orthopaedics ACT says it’s key to note that pain differs from person-to-person.

“It’s important to determine whether the pain is mechanical, which can be managed operatively by Dr Alexander either fixing or replacing Burns. a joint, or related to other causes such as the spine or nerves, which often need medications, injections or other treatment methods,” he says.

Most commonly, Dr Burns says Orthopaedics ACT sees patients with osteoarthritis pain, a condition he describes as “very debilitating”.

“It can negatively affect quality of life, sleep and makes it hard to function normally,” he says.

“In general this sort of pain responds very well [to treatment], even if it’s been going for a long time.”

But Orthopaedics ACT’s experienced team can help with other types of chronic pain, too, Dr Burns says.

“Some people can have pain, which is not mechanical, but is related to nerve injuries and can become something called a complex regional pain syndrome,” says Dr Burns.

“This is a different type of pain, which is generally not amenable to surgical treatment but needs a multidisciplinary team approach to pain.

“Assoc Prof Tillman Boesel, who is a visiting pain management specialist with Orthopaedics ACT, sees people with this variant of pain.”

Orthopaedics ACT, Woden Specialist Medical Centre, level 2, 90 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 6221 9320 or visit orthoact.com.au

Support aids that focus on comfort CAPITAL Rehabilitation Supplies has support aids to help people living with chronic pain conditions, says manager and owner Tim Robinson.

“We have a range of products available for purchase or hire that help people be more comfortable in their day-to-day life,” he says.

“Some of these products include arthritis gloves, walking sticks, knee and joint supports, electric lift chairs, height-adjustable chairs, pressure care cushions and mattresses, electric hospital beds and home care beds, and mobility aids such as walkers, rollators, and crutches.”

A family-owned business with more than 40 years’ experience in the industry, Tim says Capital Rehabilitation Supplies tries to create a comfort-

able environment for all their customers.

“We know that some of these issues are sensitive and can be uncomfortable to deal with, so we try to be as delicate and helpful as possible,” he says.

“If we do not stock a certain item we will always do everything in our power to locate the product.

“We pride ourselves on our patience and helpful attitude. People can come and discuss what they require with us and we can find what works for them.”

Capital Rehabilitation Supplies, 3/66 Heffernan Street, Mitchell. Visit capitalrehabilitationsupplies. com.au or call 6174 4813.

MEET OUR PAIN MANAGEMENT EXPERTS Gwen Estigoy - Exercise

Physiologist

Gwen instructs Tai Chi for our Falls Prevention program and also supports people to meet their exercise goals within our gym or hydrotherapy program.

Gwen works with individuals, groups, and also leads our LGBTI program.

Gwen has a four-year degree as well as extensive industry experience working with people with chronic pain conditions.

Sophie Bullock - Exercise

Physiologist

Blake Dean - Exercise

Physiologist

Blake has expertise in improving clients mobility and decreasing their pain through appropriate exercise. Blake delivers our ‘My Exercise’ program, targeting the relief of lower back and sciatic pain, shoulder and upper body concerns as well as leg, hip and and ankle interventions – for those who do not qualify for physiotherapy-led GLAD programs.

Blake provides individual & group exercise for younger people with a disability. Blake treats clients in-clinic or via our hydrotherapy program as well as attending your gym with you.

Jacqui Couldrick - Physiotherapist

Sophie has post graduate qualifications in hydrotherapy, and as a non-sports centred Exercise Physiologist-helps clients who struggle with engaging in exercise due to a lack of sports participation. Sophies goal is to improve clients health via our hydrotherapy program, gym instruction and in-home visits.

Sophie also is known for her passion for working with children.

Jacqui has a particular interest in hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Richard Costin - Physiotherapist

Kwong yan Cheung - Physiotherapist

At Build a Better Me we see many people who are struggling to manage their chronic conditions. Richard is passionate about helping people to live better and more comfortable lives achieving their goals through exercise, education and manual therapies.

Kwong is trained as a GLAD instructor, his focus is in treating sports injuries early to avoid arthritis forming later. Kwong is a passionate sportsman, playing both Aussie Rules and Soccer.

Richard is fully trained in the GLAD program.

Jacqui delivers the GLAD program designed to reduce the need for joint replacements, or if a joint replacement is unavoidable, to prepare you thoroughly for surgery and recovery for day to day tasks. Jacqui is studying towards a PhD in the outcomes of the GLAD program.

Kwong will assist you with maintenance of your sports injuries, back pain and all general musculoskeletal issues.

CALL FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT – 1800 011 041 • Physiotherapy – including the GLAD program for knee and hip osteoarthritis, sports injury prevention and rehabilitation, and pain condition support.

• Exercise Physiology – Individual exercise prescriptions, small group classes to increase strength and improve rehabilitation, strength and balance classes, hydrotherapy support.

• Occupational Therapy – access reports for NDIS and Disability Support Pensions, home modifications, equipment prescriptions.

• Dietetics – meal planning, weight management support, food intolerance support.

www.arthritisact.org.au | e: info@arthritisact.org.au

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE

There’s only one catch

WENDY JOHNSON

Tenor’s task of being sweet, famous and violent

By Helen

MUSA WHEN I catch up with tenor Yonghoon Lee, soon to perform the title role in Verdi’s “Otello” at Sydney Opera House, he’s in quarantine and pacing around his hotel room like a caged tiger.

By now he’s out, but the effects of the Sydney lockdown will undoubtedly be exacerbating the problems of rehearsing the role, even though Opera Australia feels confident the production will run until the end of July as planned.

Whatever happens, to opera and theatre lovers alike, the casting of Lee in the role of the great Moorish general, first immortalised by Shakespeare and then by Verdi in his operatic version, is of considerable interest. For while colour-blind casting is almost de rigueur across the theatrical spectrum, it is not so for Othello.

Clearly depicted by Shakespeare as a black man, here in Australia we’ve seen Shakespeare’s Othello played by Aboriginal and Pacific Islander actors, but it is unusual to find an Asian performer playing the role.

However, to Yonghoon Lee it’s a natural mix.

There’s another matter, his voice register.

Shakespeare’s “Othello” is often performed by a deep-voiced actor, Paul Robeson comes to mind.

Even Laurence Olivier had to deepen his voice to play the role, but Verdi’s “Otello” is written for a tenor, in this case a very special tenor, since Lee has often been singled out by critics for praise because of his full voice.

“It’s the first time I’ve performed Otello,” he tells me.

“It’s a big part and the composer pitched the tone needed to represent his character, which is full of darkness and light.”

To those not in the know, the tragedy of Otello – a black hero in a white world – is that he is naïve and easily duped into believing that his innocent wife, Desdemona, has been unfaithful and takes a horrible, jealous revenge.

So, Lee explains, on the one hand Otello has to be seen in a positive light as a lover, on the other hand he’s a famous general who has fought many battles.

“He’s sweet, he’s a famous general and then he’s violent,” says Lee. The question is whether a singer will have a low enough voice to encompass all these things.

“Verdi was looking for a tenor with a tone like a baritone – that’s the key,” he concludes.

“When I opened this role to study it, I was able to fully empathise with Otello’s situation.

“It reminded me of my debut days, coming into western opera as an Asian singer and being treated not well.”

“From my first competition on the world stage as an Asian singer, it was never easy and so Otello’s situation was one I totally emphasised with.

“Racism still exists in the operatic world and

there are limited roles in western opera for an Asian to appear, but I strongly believe that art and music are a special situation that allows us to overcome limitations and discrimination and I firmly believe that sound cannot be limited by cultural appearance.

“I have to play every detail of the role and it gives extra energy to it.”

While he is full-voiced, he needs to be contrasted to the villainous Iago (the main antagonist), who has to signal sheer evil.

“I have to play a lot of different colours, Otello has psychological problems… conflict and anxieties show up in the varying colour of the voice, which should be heard clearly so that the audience can understand, even in one short phrase.”

At 49, Lee is coming into his own as an artist, and Otello is a dream role for him, even with the obstacles caused by covid.

He’s met his opposite number, Karah Son, making her debut as Desdemona, when they were both performing in Bologna in 2012, but not since.

“I rarely perform with a Korean singer, and now I can sing with her as a colleague,” he says, with some pleasure.

As for the baritone playing the sinister character of Iago, that’s Italian baritone Marco Vratogna.

He’s already played opposite him in “Tosca” and says they love working together, “he’s very strong in his character,” he adds.

Verdi’s “Otello”, Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House, until July 29. Book at opera.org.au or 9318 8200.

Tenor Yonghoon Lee… “When I opened this role to study it, I was able to fully empathise with Otello’s situation.”

Photo: Saskia Wilson

CHRISTMAS is already here...

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Christmas Inspired Food Gourmet Treats

Handmade Christmas Gifts Santa Photos

Christmas Fashion Parade Kids Play Area Regional Wines 18 CityNews July 15-21, 2021

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Caroloke Competition

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Mon – Sat 10am to 5pm CMAG Cafe : Mon – Friday 8.30am–3pm Cnr London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City w: cmag.com.au | p: 6207 3968

Presented in partnership with The Australiana Fund.

Ruth Lane-Poole’s articles on interior decoration in popular magazines in the mid-1920s introduced many homemakers to her ideas on good taste and practical design. When the Federal Capital Commission was faced with the challenge of furnishing Canberra’s two official residences – Government House and ‘The Lodge’ – in time for the opening of Parliament House in 1927, Ruth Lane-Poole was engaged to work with the architects on matters relating to interior furnishing.

This exhibition brings together items never exhibited outside the official residences, and which explore the inspiration for her design philosophy and the rich legacy of her Irish family associations.

DINING / The Dock Dining Dome, Kingston Foreshore

There’s no place like Dome down by the lake WHEN in the Dock Dining Dome, you’re in a Canberra bubble, but not the political kind.

Passers-by regularly stop and are perplexed at the large, clear plexiglass igloo that now forms part of The Dock, Kingston Foreshore, wondering what it’s all about.

Well, the Dock Dining Dome is a unique experience for 10 to 12 people. Diners gather around a large, round, custom-made table, sitting on seats adorned with sheepskin covers (fake) and enjoying fabulous views of the lake. It’s a set menu so life is easy.

You chill and watch the world watching you having fun. The dome is brilliantly heated, so plummeting winter temps aren’t a problem.

Acoustics are A-1 so it’s easy to hear everyone talk. Even play your own music on the dome’s bluetooth sound system.

We kicked off with yum grazing boards, loaded with quality Jensen’s aged-cheddar and Manchego cheese. Other tasty items included a creamy pumpkin hummus, and an intriguing carrot and coconut dip. Piles of cured meats and olives kept us happy as we

Inside the Dock’s dining dome… it’s a set menu, so life is easy; Grazing boards… loaded with Jensen’s aged-cheddar, you chill and watch the world watching you having fun.

Manchego cheese, a creamy pumpkin hummus and a carrot

Photos: Wendy Johnson and coconut dip. sipped champagne.

The star of the shared mains was the braised Wagyu brisket with Dijon and chimichurri. It was absolutely sensational and melted in the mouth. What a winner.

We also indulged in a soba noodle main with wakame, Asian greens, chilli (nice hit) and decadent miso dressing. I wasn’t sure how it would fit into the overall menu, but it

turned out to be a spunky dish.

The main that didn’t get a big thumbs up was the organic Atlantic salmon. The flesh was perfectly cooked, but the skin wasn’t crispy and we felt the dish overall was a tad bland. It was also served on top of the polenta that, sadly, made it soggy.

Sides include heavenly roasted chat potatoes, with confit garlic and rosemary,

gorgeous charred broccolini and a roasted pumpkin salad with pomegranate. Mains and sides are all gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan.

The sensational selection of desserts

featured a pucker-power lemon tart (which I devoured, since it’s a passionate love of mine).

Staff were exceptionally keen to please and we take our hats off to them for asking if there’s anything they could do differently to enhance the dining experience. We gave a couple of suggestions, including providing forks with desserts. They could also rearrange the order of some dishes, serving the salads and salmon and noodles before the beef (which would be better with the hot potatoes and broccolini).

The Dock Dining Dome is part of the ACT government’s covid-safe tourism initiative.

It’s $75 per person and a 50 per cent deposit is needed to confirm your booking (based on minimum spend of 10 people).

ARTS IN THE CITY AND

Canberra Choral Society National Capital Orchestra

Puppy puppet show made in Japan

By Helen Musa

work.” Wesley Church, Forrest, 3pm, July 25.

Book at trybooking.com

IN a tale told through the eyes of a puppet puppy, “New Owner” was created by Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, who developed the play at the Kinosaki International Arts Centre in Japan.

It uses puppetry, animation, live performance and a soundtrack of original music to tell the story of Bart, a puppy from the pound adopted

by Mabel. The Street Theatre, July 23-24. Book at thestreet.org.au CONDUCTOR CHORUS MASTER SOPRANO BARITONE

Tickets $22 to $47 + booking fee

ACT

ART Song Canberra’s Season of Song presents “Love and Other Traps”, featuring Victorian soprano Piera Dennerstein and Lucus Allerton on piano exploring the throes of love and life in four languages, over four centuries. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 3pm and 4.15pm, Sunday, July 18.

Book at trybooking.com

DESIGN Canberra has announced artist and educator Lucy Irvine as Designer in Residence for its three-week event running from November 8-28. Irvine has been commissioned to create a new sculptural installation, “The Stills”, inspired by this year’s festival theme of “transformation”.

THE Scandinavian Film Festival is up and running at Palace Electric until July 28 and represents Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland. Closing night will feature the classic 1971 movie “The Emigrants’, starring Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann. Book at scandinavianfilmfestival.com CANBERRA Strings present Tchaikovsky’s

SOCIAL SQUARE DANCING

RECORDER virtuoso Genevieve Lacey and harpist Marshall McGuire will bring the unusual combination of their instruments to “Bower”, 15 short pieces from 13 composers, described

by Lacey as “a musical sanctuary… a poetic, contemplative world.” Llewellyn Hall, July 20.

Book at musicaviva.com.au

Soprano Piera Dennerstein… Wesley Music Centre, July 18.

“Souvenir de Florence”, Tchaikovsky’s first attempt to break away from the string quartet form. Known for its soaring melodies and lush harmonies, it prompted the composer to write: “It is terrible how thrilled I am with my own

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WATCH IT! / streaming and stuff

Is streaming killing the classics?

EARLIER this year a tweet from “New York Times” journalist Rick Rojas erupted when he said: “I broke a long-standing rule of mine to not watch movies made before 1975 so I could finally see ‘Citizen Kane’.

It taught me a valuable lesson: the rule exists for a reason.”

Rojas was lambasted by other users, flaming his “ignorance” and insulting him, his opinion and his intelligence. And on Twitter of all places, who would have thought?

His commentary reflects something interesting though, and something a lot of people might be afraid to admit.

A majority of modern movie watchers, especially of my generation, aren’t interested in older films.

In the face of modern streaming, where there is a seemingly infinite amount of new movies and TV popping up, the next modern blockbuster is just a scroll away.

It begs the question, is streaming killing the classics?

To answer, we have to rewind a bit.

In 1975 “Jaws” terrified people into staying away from beaches, stirring up buzz about a sea monster that had to be seen to be believed.

Two years later, “Star Wars” launched viewers into a bombastic space adventure, offering an experience never seen before.

Following that, Ridley Scott did some sly mental arithmetic and figured out “Jaws” plus space would equal big success and released “Alien” in 1979 to a huge reception.

These films spawned the age of the blockbuster, a new era where the visual spectacle of the silver screen became the main draw card for audiences and that new era of filmmaking got one group of viewers particularly excited: teenagers.

Today the blockbuster continues to be the winner, with cashed up streaming services able to produce high-budget content that can tick the box of almost any user.

“But what about the classics that the youth are going to miss out on?” one often hears, what about “Casablanca” or “Gone with the Wind”?

Anne Bancroft and Dustin Hoffman in “The Graduate” (1967)... remains one of the most raw, relatable and hilarious coming-of-age films ever made.

Rojas’ tweet brought such questions to the fore, leading to many articles bemoaning the loss of older films in favou r of the endless modern ones being generated.

When looking a little closer though, I don’t think all hope is lost for the classics.

As much as the new stuff is always the most popular, at the same time, streaming platforms have made classic films more accessible to a modern audience than ever before.

Most streaming sites include a “classics” section for people browsing by genre which contain dozens of great titles.

They also often have “collections” of classic films that users can come across in their scrolling.

It’ll be something like “films to see before you die” or “must-watch classics” or some hoo-ha like that.

Also take Mubi, certainly one of the more obscure streaming sites, but one that’s built on the premise of “film discovery”, handpicking classic films and more artful cinema for those interested.

The question shouldn’t be “why don’t people watch the classics?” but rather “why should

people watch the classics?”

“The Graduate” (1967) on Binge remains one of the most raw, relatable and hilarious coming-ofage films ever made.

“12 Angry Men” (1957) may be all black and white and take place in a single room, but the biting legal thriller offers political commentary of remarkable relevance today.

It’s available on Stan as well as “Jaws” and on Disney+ is the original “Star Wars” along with “Alien” which all hold up today, if you can push past wonky special effects here and there.

For me and many of my millennial friends, who admittedly can take a bit of roping into watching some of these older flicks, we’ve taken as much enjoyment from movies such as these as we would from one released today.

Although I can’t exactly see us in 40 years’ time lamenting why the next generation isn’t experiencing the profundity of “Fast and Furious 9”.

‘Widow’ fantasy tells the same old story MACDONALD “Black Widow” (M) “BLACK Widow” is the most recent in that cohort of fantasy movies that venture into location and period to tell what is generally the same story, in which a bad guy is hell-bent on ruling the world and good guys rescue humankind from mass destruction or worse in the last reel.

In director Cate Shortland’s film of a screenplay by Eric Pearson and a small team of associate writers, no dark-skinned wife mourns the passing of a beloved husband.

Nor does it feature venomous spiders of genus Latrodectus, which have a notorious place in popular imagination as inconspicuous venomous creatures that can kill a person with one bite. We call them redbacks.

According to a 2019 comic, “Avengers” founding member Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson’s ninth appearance in the role; she also has a credit in the list of executive producers) earns the sobriquet “Black Widow” because

Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) as Black Widow. she works “like the deadliest of spiders, easily escaping notice until it is far too late”.

That skerrick of information is all that sci-fi fantasy aficionados will need to confirm their suspicions about the film’s intentions.

As well as Johansson, the female cast includes Florence Pugh playing Natasha’s younger sister

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Yelena and Rachel Weisz as their mother Melina.

William Hurt plays chief villain Ross, Ray Winstone plays his right-hand nasty guy. Playing good guy Alexei (the Russian super-soldier counterpart to Captain America; ye gods, what next?) David Harbour growls through a super-luxuriant and super-unkempt beard. An ensemble of attractive young women of mixed race and colour play “widows” who move about the screen but say little.

Punch-ups are frequent and heavier-than-air machines defy many basic laws of nature such as gravity and principles of fixed-wing aviation, such as lift.

I discerned faint touches of feminist dialogue that went directly to reproductive anatomical matters in both genders.

The film’s reputed budget was $US200 million.

The closing credits list some 2700 people and corporate entities. For me, the best moment came after all their names rolled across the screen. In a brief envoi, Yelena and Melina visit Natasha’s gravestone. What’s the betting that she might get resurrected in a sequel?

At all cinemas

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Rhododendrons... brighten any spring garden.

Magnolias... to complement rhododendrons.

Get set for a super-duper spring WINTER is a good time to start thinking about spring planting and, with all the regular rain soaking deep into the soil in recent months, it promises to be one of the best springs ever.

Some gardeners suggest planting only native plants for their drought tolerance, but not all native plants will go for extended periods of drought. A healthy mixture is the ideal for year-round interest.

Rhododendrons and azaleas grow very well in our part of the world and provide a wonderful display for spring gardens.

They complement all the bulb planting and other spring flowering plants whether they are exotic or native. Certainly, they blend in perfectly with magnolias, camellias and daphne.

A few centuries back, rhododendrons and azaleas were favourites of the European aristocracy, with their huge country houses and estates.

They sponsored plant-hunting expeditions with British, French and Dutch botanists scouring the world, including names such as botanist Joseph Banks, who introduced Australian plants to such places as London’s Kew Gardens.

Plants from the Far East were especially in demand and can still be seen today at the

world-famous, 500-hectare Exbury Gardens in Hampshire, England, which contains an amazing collection of rhododendrons and azaleas.

Quoting the famous Hillier’s “Manual of Trees and Shrubs”: “Rhododendrons, of which azaleas are part of the same species, number over 1000 species. They are one of the most important and diverse groups of ornamental plants in cultivation with one of the largest range of the most spectacular flowering trees and shrubs in existence in the world.

“For landscaping, these are unsurpassed, when massed no other shrub gives such a wealth of colour”.

What more is there to say? They range from dwarf and miniatures perfect for the smallest garden or container growing to giants many metres high. They are remarkably sun tolerant with up to six hours full sun a day although do equally well in open shade.

If you want to rival your neighbouring balcony gardens for a colourful spring display, dwarf rhododendrons and azaleas will do the job perfectly.

Looking around some of our local garden

outlets I have named just a few of the possibly hundreds to choose from. I love the tantalising names for these dwarf rhodos growing to about one metre tall. Keep in mind, they take to a light trim after flowering.

Certainly, I would recommend a container no less than 40cm across for rhododendrons such as “Winsome”, “Lemon Mist”, “Snowlady” and “Grace Seabrook”.

One of the best sources of information on rhododendrons and azaleas is Peter Valder’s “The Garden Plants of China’’. These wonderful plants grow throughout the Chinese region and just one comment from this book to illustrate how long they have been in cultivation in the west: “Rhododendron indicum (Indian azalea) had been introduced into Holland about 1680 from the East Indies; although most certainly it originally came from Nagasaki”.

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General knowledge crossword No. 790

By Joanne Madeline Moore

July 19-25, 2021

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Are you procrastinating about which project to pursue? A bored and unengaged Ram is a recipe for trouble. With the Full Moon activating your aspirations zone, focus on your goals for the future. However – with your ruler Mars racing through fellow fire sign Leo – too much haste could land you in hot water. So do your best to get the balance right between thinking things through and taking action. On the weekend, be extra understanding towards a family member.

TIPS TO HELP YOUR TAX RETURN SAIL THROUGH

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

The focus is on Home Sweet Home as the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars visit your domestic and neighbourhood zones. So it’s a good week to patch up problems with a family member, spruce up your living space or make improvements in your local community. The Full Moon also urges you to display your true capabilities, as you discover your individual groove and assert your independence at work. Avoid being too stubborn though.

The 2021 tax season has started and, from interviews with some of her clients, chartered accountant GAIL FREEMAN has noticed consistent mistakes. Here she offers hints to ensure your tax return doesn’t get held up at the Australian Taxation Office.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

During a global pandemic times are tough, travel is limited and many places around the world have imposed restrictions or are in lockdown. This week the Full Moon encourages you to explore and experiment as you study, travel locally or venture into brave new personal territory. It’s also important to capitalise on your current international contacts. With careful nurturing, who knows where they will lead in the future? On the weekend, tap into your creative side.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Full Moons usually activate your moody side. And this week’s fulsome moonbeams are in the unpredictable sign of Aquarius. Prepare to be at your stupendous best and your tempestuous worst! If life becomes too hectic, then you’re likely to withdraw into your Crab shell so you can rest, recuperate and rejuvenate. It’s also a week when mysteries abound and someone could tell you something in strict confidence. The question is… can you keep a secret?

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

This week the Sun, Venus and Mars gallop through Leo, so your dynamic nature is on display for all to see. But the Venus-Jupiter opposition and the Full Moon turbocharge your tendency to overdo things. So there’s a predilection to promise the Moon and then under-deliver or blow your budget with a spontaneous spending spree. Clever Cats will rein in extravagance with a healthy dose of discipline. The weekend is wonderful for daydreams and romantic reveries.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Prepare for a colourful and chaotic week! Venus shifts into your sign mid-week, which boosts your natural charm and Virgo va-voom. Creative ideas and persuasive arguments will keep your mercurial mind well stimulated. But Friday night’s Full Moon looks rather disruptive, as your usual routine is turned upside down. Plus avoid the tendency to criticise yourself… and others. With a flexible attitude, you’ll navigate your way through any temporary turbulence.

Down

4 What is a small object of curiosity, beauty, or rarity? (7) 8 Name a more common term for a pollywog.

(7) 9 Which sea lies between PNG, Indonesia, and the North Coast of Australia? (7) 10 What do we call a regular winter swimmer? (7) 11 Name another term for boarders. (7) 12 Who was the good friend of Huckleberry Finn, Tom ...? (6) 14 What are appointments, especially between lovers? (6) 18 What might we call a person who misleads one’s judgement? (7) 21 Which people deliver highly regarded pronouncements? (7) 22 What is a special quality of a rubber band? (7) 23 What, in TV or radio, etc is any of the separate programs constituting a seria?l (7) 24 Which term describes a stargazer? (7)

1 When one withdraws one’s labour, one does what? (7) 2 Name a less familiar term for goodbye. (5) 3 What is a group of persons who associate closely, especially for social purposes? (7) 4 Charles Darwin was the official scientist in which British ship? (6) 5 What is an official body of people who direct some activity? (5) 6 To be content with present achievements, one might rest on one’s what? (7) 7 What are terrestrial, tailless amphibians? (5) 13 Name a well-known English crime novelist, Edgar ... (7) 15 What are the decorations or insignia of any office or order? (7) 16 What, colloquially, is a lawyer who uses questionable methods? (7) 17 Who, perhaps, runs the corner shop? (6) 18 To fear greatly, is to do what? (5) 19 What is an item of information? (5) 20 The musical “Cats” is based on a book by T S ... (5)

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

The planets push you to dream a dream, wish upon a star and set an ambitious new goal. And Venus encourages you to forgive transgressions from the past and stop worrying about the future. Old solutions won’t work – you need to keep up-to-date with fresh ways of solving problems. So try to take each day at a time as you focus on enjoying the here and now! Be inspired by birthday great, guitar guru Carlos Santana: “The present is where everything begins.”

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Across

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Sudoku hard No. 295

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

You have ambitious professional goals for the future but sometimes you hold yourself back for fear of looking foolish. This week’s stars encourage you to be confident and proactive as you reach for the stars! You’re in the mood to fix something around the house or repair a problematic relationship with a stressed relative. A family member could also turn to you for some insightful words of wisdom. If you listen to your intuition, you’ll know what to say.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Your travel zones are being activated by the Sun, Venus, Mars, Saturn and the Full Moon. So you’re feeling restless but foreign adventures will be thin on the ground in 2021. Don’t despair! Find creative mini-escapades that are closer to home and plan to explore further afield in 2022. Be inspired by birthday great, aviator Amelia Earhart: “Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” When it comes to work or family, don’t promise more than you can deliver.

Good luck with preparing your tax returns and if you need any help contact the friendly team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 6295 2844.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

This week it’s all about money honey, as the Full Moon stirs up trouble and you need to find an innovative solution to a cash-flow problem. If you’re a clever Capricorn, then you’ll pal up with a financially astute person who helps you find ways to develop a second stream of income. The more proactive, creative and collaborative you are, the more positive your financial future will be! It’s also a good time to get closer to loved ones who you can really rely on.

Disclaimer This column contains general advice, please do not rely on it. If you require specific advice on this topic please contact Gail Freeman or your professional adviser.

Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2021

Solutions – July 8 edition

02 6295 2844 Unit 9, 71 Leichhardt Street, Kingston ABN 57 008 653 683

Sudoku medium No. 295

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

This week you’ll feel compelled to connect with your inner world or help someone in need, as the Full Moon fires up your spiritual and humanitarian zone. With the Sun, Mars and Venus visiting your job zone, creative and decisive action is required at work. But don’t waste your numerous talents with unproductive daydreaming that leads nowhere! If you procrastinate and dither around, then promising opportunities and important connections will pass you by.

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Crossword No. 789

Expect a roller-coaster ride! Tuesday’s Mercury/Uranus link lights up your quirky and creative mind. Friday night’s Full Moon (in Aquarius) lights up your bohemian nature and your restless heart, but it will also stimulate your reckless side. So proceed carefully (especially with financial matters) otherwise you could provoke a fiery response from a cranky ex, a hidden enemy or a known frenemy. The weekend favours creative ideas and work projects.

Everyone, it seems, wants to claim 80 cents an hour for working at home this year. However, there are a few requirements to making this claim.

Firstly, 80 cents an hour is all that can be claimed; no phone, no internet, no equipment. So it's pointless providing receipts for other items if claiming the 80 cents an hour for working from home.

The most important thing is producing a record of hours worked.

We recommend providing a diary showing the hours worked allowing for holidays and public holidays.

Anyone preferring to claim for other costs, such as the phone, can do that, but the hourly rate drops to 52 cents an hour for homeoffice costs. In many cases, having this additional expenditure might mean a bigger claim, but the calculations need to be done to confirm which gives the better result.

To make a phone claim you'll need to produce a log showing all calls and identifying those that are business related so that a percentage can be arrived at for one month of the year. This can then be extrapolated for a full year. If you are unable to do this, your claim is limited to $50 for the year.

Likewise for data, you'll need to keep a log of usage for a one month that can also be extrapolated over the full year. If you can't do this then any claim is limited to $50 for the year. You also have to have the diary for the period from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021; records from a previous or subsequent year cannot be used.

If you bundle phone and data then any claim will have to be based on the percentage that the phone would be of the bundled cost. These can be quite messy calculations.

I am noticing that on MyGov taxpayers who are provided with a novated leased car may have a message which says: “As an employee you are unable to claim a deduction for car expenses relating to vehicles under a novated lease.” You can claim for car expenses you incur if you use your family car.

The ATO has advised that all information is unlikely to be loaded onto MyGov until mid-July so there is no point lodging returns early. The ATO has also requested that we not lodge returns until the end of July to ensure that all data has been processed correctly.

Lastly, I still get calls from clients telling me that they can’t get their payment summaries or their health fund details directly.

These days these items are electronic and I can obtain them from the ATO website for tax agents. I cannot access MyGov accounts.

(Chartered accountant, SMSF specialist advisor and Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892)

info@gailfreeman.com.au | www.gailfreeman.com.au Follow us on Facebook

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