CityNews 230810

KEEPING UP THE ACT

Play spot the difference as Shane and Andrew plot some Sofronoff wriggling

IT’S BEST TO READ THE WHOLE INQUIRIES ACT, MR BARR / HUGH SELBY

Are Greens’ mice starting to roar?

MICHAEL MOORE

WOOD SMOKE GOVERNMENT URGED TO ACT

Lots and lots of letters

Why

I won’t vote to euthanise children

JEREMY HANSON

Director BEEJAY SILCOX previews the Canberra Writers Festival

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A second opinion on hearing loss

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!

Here are some things to do to avoid getting ripped off:

1. A visit to the GP may save you from being ‘sold’ something when your only problem is wax in your ears.

2. Look for someone who is independent and can offer you unbiased advice, not just give you a sales pitch.

3. There are a range of hearing aid prices. Finding the right hearing aid might save you money and it will also give you the best chance of success.

4. Hearing aids can be expensive.

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 free-to-client government hearing aids or if you’d like to top-up to a different hearing aid.

The free-to-client hearing aids are appropriate for many people, however if you have great difficulty hearing background noise (for example in restaurants) then you might trial the top-up hearing aids, but only if you can afford them. There are a range of top up options and prices, if you are disappointed after a trial, you should return them and trial the free-toclient hearing aids.

If you get the feeling the person you’re dealing with is just trying to sell you something, then take a step back and get a second opinion.

“In an unregulated market there is a lot of opportunity to take advantage of people. Yes you have read correctly, there is no licensing of people who sell hearing aids.”

– Dr Vass

– you need professional advice, not a sales pitch

Heater policy wanting, government urged to act

By Lily PASS

environment.

The report – “Can Canberra ‘Burn Right Tonight’ or is there ‘no safe level of air pollution’?” – was released earlier this year by the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Sophie Lewis.

Dr Lewis said it came about through complaints to her office, against wood smoke and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

“Prior to the community complaints we received, I didn’t truly appreciate the extent of air pollution through wood smoke, I didn’t quite get the full scale of the problem,” she says.

“There’s a big knowledge gap, and I understand some people are very passionate about their wood heaters, or they rely on them, but we need to emphasise

the fundamental issues.

“The report lists recommendations, including reducing wood-heater usage over time, as well as raising awareness on best burning practices.”

As part of the investigation, two case studies were undertaken, with Case Study 1, referred to as Mr A, following the story of David Bolton, that “CityNews” published in June.

David, through the eyes of his son, Matthew, suffered from an unsympathetic battle, as he fought the ACT government and the EPA over his neigh-

bour’s wood-smoke pollution.

“At one stage dad was really impacted by the smoke, and he had to go to hospital,” Matthew said.

While it’s now too late to solve the problem for David, Matthew is desperate to see change, and he is not the only one.

Since the commissioner’s report was released, organisations have come together and called on the ACT government for action.

Michele Goldman, CEO of Asthma Australia, says they are throwing their full support

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behind Dr Lewis’ report’s recommendations into the health hazards of wood-heater smoke.

“In 2020, Asthma Australia canvassed the views of 25,000 people on their attitudes to wood heaters and found threequarters of the general population surveyed (77 per cent) agree that wood heaters should not be allowed in urban or built-up areas,” says Michele.

“Over half agree they should be phased out (55 per cent) or banned completely (54 per cent).”

Senior manager for policy,

advocacy and prevention at Lung Foundation Australia, Paige Preston says there is no safe level of air pollution.

“We know exposure to wood smoke has both short-term and long-term impacts for the general public,” says Paige.

“Breathing in particulate matter can cause lung cancer, as well as a range of other conditions including pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, stroke and can worsen asthma, and has even been linked to diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes and neurological diseases.

“Lung Foundation Australia urges the ACT to strengthen legislative requirements, compliance and monitoring of wood-fire heater smoke to protect the health of the community.

“Everyone has the right to breathe clean air and should be supported to do so.”

GP and co-ordinator of Healthy Futures Dr Harry Jennens says they are a national organisation of Australian healthcare workers and community members advocating to reduce pollution and protect health.

“In light of the health im-

pacts of wood smoke pollution, Healthy Futures requests the ACT government support the full adoption of all recommendations in Dr Lewis’ report in order to protect public health.”

As she waits for the ACT government to respond to her report, Dr Lewis says: “I just want to see a healthier environment, for all Canberra residents.”

An ACT government spokesperson says the government will provide a response to the report some time this month.

“The government notes while Canberra’s overall air quality is excellent, it does experience some elevated particulate pollution during winter from woodheater emissions. We know that this particularly impacts community members with respiratory issues,” they say.

“The ACT government encourages anyone who owns a wood heater to replace it with an energy efficient electric alternative.

“All Canberrans using a wood heater can help keep our air clean by burning better this winter through buying wood from a reputable firewood merchant, only using dry seasoned wood and not letting your fire smolder overnight.”

A REPORT into policies, plans and strategies for managing wood heaters in the ACT found they were insufficient to protect human health and the

Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment Dr Sophie Lewis.

Wood-fire smoke… “Prior to the community complaints we received, I didn’t truly appreciate the extent of air pollution through wood smoke,” says Dr Sophie Lewis.

Are Greens’ backbench mice starting to roar?

IT’S not just the Greens in the federal parliament that seek to distinguish themselves from Labor. Greens’ backbenchers in the ACT Legislative Assembly are making their presence felt.

Jo Clay and Johnathan Davis recently issued media releases to challenge the positions taken by their Labor coalition partners.

Over the next 15 months, leading into the next ACT election, the Greens will need to illustrate that they are their own party with a voice distinguishable from their Labor coalition partners.

Clay, for example, has attacked the government over its approach to infill. Apparently, the government has been counting “knockdown and rebuilds” in its infill quotas in order to meet the agreed 75 per cent target.

In her attack, describing the government approach as “creative accounting”, Clay argued the “ACT government has a commitment to build at least 70 per cent of new dwellings within the ACT’s existing urban footprint… this is in the Parliamentary and Government Agreement and the ACT Planning Strategy”.

For the Greens, this policy does not go far enough. Clay points out “we’re calling for at least 80 per cent

of new dwellings to be built within our existing footprint, with a view to

enough additional housing supply in existing urban areas so that less greenfield development is required”.

Perhaps the Labor side of the government has seen the folly of such a strident policy. The benefit of such a policy goes to the surrounding areas of NSW, which will see a boom in free-standing houses. It is already obvious that commuters are taking advantage of building in places such as Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, Googong, Yass and Bungendore.

Many of these homeowners work in Canberra and commute. Some people already travel daily from as far away as Braidwood. How does this help the environment?

The ACT Treasurer and Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, surely recognises the failure of this policy in financial terms. The revenue from land sales and ongoing income from rates goes across the border. The long commutes by people who wish to have a free-standing home will simply consume so much more fossil fuel than if they were able to have a similar home within the ACT.

This Greens policy is socioeconomically regressive. Those who can afford a free-standing home will still be able to make this choice. It is those who struggle to be able to meet mortgage payments that will initially move across the border.

The other Greens MLA seeking to separate his party from the LaborGreens government is Johnathan Davis. He released an exposure draft

of a bill to place significant restrictions on rental properties. Referring to earlier reforms, he said: “Now, the ACT Greens want to address out-ofcontrol rent prices, with a two-year freeze on rent increases and then a 2 per cent cap on rent increases thereafter”.

Davis argues: “Canberra is one of the most expensive places to rent in the country,” and “more than 30 per cent of Canberrans rent, with many Canberrans in severe rental stress”.

This is an appalling situation. However, this sort of strident legislation distracts from the failures of the Labor-Greens government in providing adequate social housing.

“For too long property investors have been prioritised above the needs of renters”, argues Davis. He considers that the Greens’ “proposed legislation will also eliminate a loophole that allows existing rent controls to be overridden by tenancy agreements. It will also prevent landlords from hiking rents between tenancies at the same property”.

This legislation can easily backfire. Many landlords in Canberra are public servants and self-funded retirees who have invested in rental

properties as a supplement to their superannuation. The picture of the voracious, greedy and uncaring landlord does not necessarily apply in the ACT.

For these small investors each increase in the land rates or land taxes imposed by government eats away at the savings they have made to assist in their retirement. Similarly, the most recent hikes in mortgage rates have a direct impact on their retirement income. These pieces of proposed legislation have serious flaws. However, they certainly help raise the profile of Greens’ backbenchers and play a role in separating the Greens from their Labor government partners.

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.

Over the next 15 months, leading into the next ACT election, the Greens will need to illustrate that they are their own party with a voice distinguishable from their Labor coalition partners.

The presentation of this exhibition is a collaboration between the British Museum and the National Museum of Australia. Statue of Venus, Rome, Italy, 100–150 CE; Figure of Guanyin, China, about 1700–1722 CE; Statue of Isis and Osiris, Egypt, 590–530 BCE. ©Trustees of the British Museum, 2023

London takes a shine to Warren’s tale of slavery

By Lily PASS

AUTHOR James Page (aka Canberran Warren Page) is better known in London as the author of “A Slaver’s Tide” than he is locally as a writer from Waramanga.

The idea for the book, his second, came to the former public servant 15 years ago, but work and family kept him away from writing it.

Warren says he was compelled to finish writing “A Slaver’s Tide” after seeing the growth of movements such as Black Lives Matter.

“I just thought, well, here’s a story that is relevant in a way, even though it’s set in 1806,” says Warren.

“It’s the story of a slave boat cap tain, who’s put on trial for the murder of slaves. He throws them overboard during a voyage when everything goes wrong.

“At the time [the British] parliament was really pushing to abolish slavery, and they decided to make an example of the captain, a show trial.”

Warren says he struggled to find a publisher, but found some luck eventu ally through a family friend.

“She had a look and said it’s fantas

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“When they are at school though, I’ll get a coffee, sit down and read the last few paragraphs I wrote. Some days nothing happens and I’m lucky to write a paragraph, but sometimes I’ll spend hours writing, and 1pm rolls around before I realise I haven’t

Warren put his writing on hold after receiving a redundancy package from the public service in 2014, and then subsequently caring for and winding up his late father’s affairs. He is the son of Denis and Denise Page. Denis, an accountant, was a leading business

“My wife is working, and we’re fortunate in terms of our financial position, so we’re not getting crunched at the moment, but the average author makes about $20,000 in a year, so it’s

“If I could get there and then just a little bit more, that would be great.

“When I got back into writing I thought to myself this is my time, and I wanted to get something out of it.

“I learned a huge amount, through a huge amount of research, and when I did my first draft that was part of the

“You have to do plenty of research, but then you have to throw most of it out and just pick one or two little things that will make the story se -

Warren had previously self-pub -

lished a book – “The Chancer’s Corps” – about the 1808 rum rebellion in Sydney.

“Initially, I thought what could go wrong, it was like a classic Hollywood film,” he says.

“You’ve got soldiers behaving badly, larrikinism and all sorts of shenanigans, but there was just no real interest from publishers, so in the end I thought, well, I’ll self-publish.”

Warren says he loves writing, and hopes readers can take something away from his books.

“Hopefully, they are books people can get through relatively quickly, and they can learn a bit of history, too,” he says.

“What’s important when you’re writing is getting people around you who can give you feedback, and listen to them, take their advice on board, because it makes a big difference.

“Generally speaking, my mum reads the early drafts and I keep saying to her she has to be an unbiased reader, but she’s good in that she’ll actually go through and edit, and she does give proper advice, she keeps pushing me.

“I just think if you love it and enjoy it, why not go for it? If somebody, somewhere, reads it and enjoys it, that makes me happy.”

“A Slaver’s Tide”, published by Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

It’s complex, but I won’t vote to euthanise children

The ACT government’s dictatorial and undemocratic compulsory takeover of Calvary hospital and the consequential and inevitable transfer of Clare Holland House shows the lengths it will go to roll out its extreme euthanasia agenda.

MANY Canberrans who are open to the concept of euthanasia may be unaware of how radical the ACT’s version of these laws will be.

The local Greens and Labor government is pushing the most extreme version of euthanasia in Australia. Their plans include the euthanasia of children, euthanasia of people with still years to live, as well as considering the euthanasia of dementia patients.

The Labor minister who is behind these laws, is on the record saying that children “should have the same end-of-life choices as adults”.

She reportedly told “The Australian” newspaper “she was considering allowing minors as young as 14 to be eligible for assisted suicide”. This age could be even lower. Under questioning, she has been evasive about what age children could be euthanised, stating only that “a young person’s decision-making capability would need to be assessed by a health professional”.

This is particularly concerning

given parental rights are constantly being eroded in the ACT. Will parents even have the legal right to stop their own children taking up euthanasia?

The ACT government will also allow people with years to live to be euthanised, which is limited across the rest of Australia to people with six to 12 months to live.

Does that mean a child with years to live could access euthanasia, potentially without parental consent? That’s the direction this government is heading.

Not content with euthanising our children and people with years to live, the minister has also announced the ACT government is to consider euthanasia for dementia sufferers, saying she will “publicly commit our government to considering this issue further”.

People with disabilities have also raised concerns. ACT disability advocate Craig Wallace recently said that “there are widely held concerns among many people with disability and advocates about euthanasia becoming a default option for people

whose lives are made unbearable by poverty, unsuitable housing, healthcare, pain management and isolation”.

Experience from Canada which has similar extreme laws should serve as a warning. As Craig Wallace points out: “Canadians with disability report that governments will fund access to assisted dying, but not the incomes they need to survive.”

Disturbingly, it appears the government does not intend to limit these laws only to ACT residents; this will be open to anyone who can show

a “connection” to the ACT.

It seems inevitable that euthanasia laws will be passed in the ACT before the next election. My great concern is how extreme they will be.

Any assurances and platitudes from the government ministers should not be believed. When warned that any ACT government version of euthanasia laws were likely to be “extreme”, those concerns were attacked and dismissed by Labor and Greens MLAs and described as “scaremongering”. It turns out those concerns were entirely legitimate.

The fact that Calvary was opposed to euthanasia was clearly an impediment to the ACT government’s plans. People who believe that there wasn’t an anti-faith and pro-euthanasia agenda behind that takeover are naïve.

This is a government that has been in power too long and is riding roughshod over the community. Its euthanasia plans are just the latest campaign in implementing its radical agenda without any constraints.

Euthanasia is a complex ethical issue that has caused me considerable personal reflection.

I feel great compassion for people who are in pain at the end of a terminal illness and understand why in these circumstances many people consider euthanasia to be appropriate. However, we should absolutely rule out any consideration of euthanising children and dementia patients, or those with life expectancies of many years still to live.

Euthanasia is a conscience vote for Liberal MLAs and I for one will be voting against what are planned to be the most extreme euthanasia laws in Australia.

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“The ACT government’s dictatorial and undemocratic compulsory takeover of Calvary hospital shows the lengths it will go to roll out its extreme euthanasia agenda,” writes Deputy Opposition Leader JEREMY HANSON

OPINION / Sofronoff Inquiry report

Best to read the whole Inquiries Act, Mr Barr

The Liberal Opposition, roused from its long hibernation, attacked the government for keeping the report “secret”.

AS the witnesses came and went in Commissioner Walter Sofronoff’s livestreamed public hearings the likely findings became obvious.

They were obvious not only to those being questioned, but also to observers with any competent experience of investigations of sexual assault investigations, the preparation of materials to be used by the prosecution and defence at trial, and the proper running of both pre-trial applications and the trial by the parties.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shane Drumgold condemned himself, a succession of police officers performed admirably, the Victims of Crime Commissioner Heidi Yates was superbly presented, and Mr Lehrmann’s barrister showed his mastery of procedure.

The allegations made by the DPP had been the justification for setting up the inquiry. They were allegations without substance; moreover, that lack of substance, when taken together with the various procedural missteps and breaches of professional

conduct rules entailed that the DPP could not keep his job.

All of this was obvious a couple of months ago.

We, the rate paying funders of this inquiry, waited for publication of the Sofronoff Inquiry report, due July 31.

No one, neither the inquiry nor the government, suggested that there would need to be any delay between the report going to the government and its release to us.

The first and only indication of a delay was the late announcement in “The Australian” on Friday, July 28, that Chief Minister Andrew Barr would not be releasing the report on Monday, July 31. We would all have to wait and wait. That announcement was not by way of a press release. It was to one newspaper.

The reasons given for that delay made no sense in practical terms. There was no issue, be that legal, factual or security concerns, requiring any delay.

A look at the Chief Minister’s reported comments on that Friday and the wording of sections 14, 14A and 14B in the Inquiries Act suggests a cobbling together of phrases from these

sections without any thought as to any persuasive reasons for the delay.

The report was given to the government. Apparently, “embargoed copies” were given to selected media. “CityNews” did not receive a copy. Things either rush or get pulled into black holes and this “news vacuum” was an avoidable black hole created by the government.

The broadsheet “Australian”, which has repeatedly claimed to have got its copy of the inquiry report, by a means other than an embargoed copy, rushed into several days of jubilant dismembering of the DPP.

The rest of the inquiry report with its useful recommendations for police and prosecutors was brushed aside.

Stung by the recognition of having scored an own goal the chief minister chose as his best defence to attack his messenger directly.

The ABC reported that in response to questioning, Mr Barr said he had not ruled out seeking the advice of the ACT Integrity Commission on whether Mr Sofronoff had broken the law by giving the report to the media.

“I think there is a degree of objectivity that is required in assessing whether this constitutes a breach,” he said.

“A reasonably straight reading of section 17 of the Act would clearly indicate that it is. The question of whether there are any mitigating circumstances remains to be seen.”

Conspiracy theorists will be beside themselves with joy. What better way, they will think, to protect Mr Barr and his chosen DPP (now resigned) than to attack the evil commissioner for writing nasty words about the DPP.

We can leave the conspiracy people to talk to each other. Mr Barr has erred in his “reasonably straight reading of Section 17”. His keen eyes missed the all important words in that section that prohibit publication “except in the exercise of a function under this Act”.

While the Act requires delivery of

the report to the Chief Minister, there is nothing in the Act that prohibits the commissioner from providing embargoed copies to anyone he likes. But that’s not all. The commissioner has the same protection and immunities as a judge of the Supreme Court in proceedings in that court (Section 16). The chief minister’s advisers had best share with him the sad tale of a Queensland Chief Magistrate who was prosecuted for the manner in which she exercised her powers. She was convicted. The case went all the way to the High Court where the judges asked both parties why no one had noticed that the chief magistrate had immunity. Conviction overturned. If our beloved chief minister wants to ask the Integrity Commission for their opinion on Commissioner Sofronoff’s conduct, that is part of the answer he will receive. I doubt he’ll want to make that public.

Not everyone chooses to read “The Australian”. However, love them or hate them, their many articles forced the ACT government to release the full report on August 7. Let us give thanks where it is due: first to the commissioner and then to the “Oz”.

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

Former barrister and “CityNews” legal columnist HUGH SELBY explains why Andrew Barr’s facesaving efforts to spin the Inquiries Act and threaten Commissioner Sofronoff will take him nowhere.

The cover of the long-awaited Sofronoff Inquiry report.

BRIEFLY New club chief at Southern Cross

MATTHEW Walshe

is the new general manager of the Canberra Southern Cross Club.

Currently the club’s chief operat ing officer, he will replace retiring Ian Mackay in November as only the fourth general manager in the club’s 51-year history. Mr Walshe has worked at the club for more than 30 years.

A word from COTA

CATHERINE Adcock from COTA is the guest speaker at the next meeting of the Yerrabi VIEW Club at the Eastlake Club, Gungahlin, from 11.30am, August 17. Interested ladies and visitors are welcome. RSVP to 0419 698091 or via dotric65@gmail.com by August 14.

Craft materials market

YARRALUMLA craft destash market is a trash-and-treasure of craft materials –fabric, wool, papercraft, buttons, embellishments, ribbons, craft magazines, stamps and more – at Yarralumla Uniting Church Centre, Denman Street, 10am1pm, September 2. Gold coin entry. More at artsandcrafts@yarralumla.org.au

Matthew Walshe… new GM.

What’s wrong with the Voice? Well, everything!

Reader ANTHONY HORDEN has shared years of intimate experience with indigenous people and sees no prospect of the Voice helping anyone beyond its own bureaucracy.

I AM likely the only person in Canberra today to have seen one of the last tribal Aboriginal corroborees at Mataranka in 1957 and to have met the last band of nomadic hunter-gatherers in the Great Victoria Desert in 1963.

I have full-blooded Aboriginal social friends in Katherine, I know indigenous people enabled by their education to become successful businessmen and have visited dozens of settlements and town camps all over the north.

I have smelt petrol fumes from soft-drink cans hung around the necks of teenagers in Borroloola’s main street, seen the trashed homes, workshops and theatre at Coonana and the burnt homes at Cundeelee on the Nullarbor.

I’ve seen the trashed and abandoned “out camps” at Nyinmi near Jupiter Well and Mungilli in the Gibson Desert and observed indigenous people drinking on hotel verandahs at 10am, doing nothing for their health or family budgets.

I have enjoyed a barramundi “hongi” prepared by my friend Sam

in Katherine and visited the well-run clan settlement of Peppimenarti where the Moyle River runs on the road to Wadeye (Port Keats).

These experiences, some no longer existing, give me a unique insight into indigenous lives.

Past and present councils

Indigenous people are represented by two major councils, established by the Commonwealth for decades, the Closing the Gap Commission and the Council of Peaks (representing dozens of local and regional Aboriginal Councils), and by dozens of Aboriginal Community Councils (similar to municipal councils) and by scores of Aboriginal health, welfare, housing and legal services.

Many regional towns have two or three shopfronts of each of those services. The eight Australian states and territories each have ministers and departments of Aboriginal affairs, staffed by thousands of people.

But none of these taxpayer-funded bodies have been able to produce worthwhile results. Indigenous people continue to suffer adverse education, skills, health, welfare, housing and legal outcomes.

Between 1973 and 2005 Parliament established four national Aboriginal advisory councils; all were abolished through bi-partisan resolutions of parliament for failing to produce any outcomes and for nepotism, fraud and embezzlement.

A prominent scientist once said “It is the height of foolishness to do the same thing over and over again, hoping for a different outcome”. Nonetheless in 2021 Voice activists proposed a significantly expanded version of ATSIC, creating mechanisms (further committees) for individuals to pass ideas to about 25 or 35 “elected” regional groups, which in turn would advise the “elected” Voice council, which in turn would advise Parliament.

PM Anthony Albanese has accepted this idea with alacrity. Has he not examined the past?

On the basis of “race” there is a demonstrated need for a Chinese “Voice”, as many more respondents to the 2021 Census indicated they spoke Mandarin than identified in increased numbers as “indigenous”. And maybe even Greek, Italian and Indian “Voices” too!

Activists propose a 22 member Voice council of 10 men and 10 women plus male and female co-chairs. Based on ATSIC’s seven council members’ salaries ($240,000 to $270,000 annually in 2005), inflation

alone brings that to more than $6.45 million in 2023. Adding the “Voice” to the 25 to 35 regional groups, there will be hundreds, possibly thousands, of employees enjoying generous government working conditions, together with office accommodation and travel costing billions every year.

A much smaller ATSIC in its last years had a budget of about $1.1 billion, producing NO worthwhile outcomes for Aboriginal people, leading to its abolition.

Why most Australians don’t know Australia is a nation of urbanites in five major cities around the coast who don’t know or interact with any indigenous people. Most have never been to remote settlements and have no idea how residents are kept on welfare there, housed, fed, clothed and medicated, but with nothing to do all day.

It’s here the devil makes work for idle hands to do. As leader and former Labor party president Warren Mundine has observed, all over the world people on generational welfare, without the dignity of self-supporting employment, fall into violence, sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse and vandalism.

The indigenous hunter-gatherer bands had developed skills that allowed them to survive for thou-

sands of years in one of the harshest environments on earth.

All those skills have been lost since I last observed them in 1953, and no indigenous person today would want to return to that precarious lifestyle without shelter, transport, assured food supply or medical treatment.

What’s the way forward?

The only way for Aboriginals and indigenous people to advance from the welfare and indolence trap is to follow the footsteps of the likes of the indigenous parliamentarians, Warren Mundine, Ernie Dingo, the late Burnum Burnum and the late David Unaipon, getting an education so they can have the dignity of supporting themselves and their families.

None of the Aboriginals I know, while occasionally hunting or fishing for pleasure, have any desire to return to a “traditional” way of life.

None of the indigenous activist city dwellers would be able to cope with that lifestyle, any more than white urbanites. Mr Albanese must spend the billions of Aboriginal budget on schooling and independent skills training, not more boondoggles for an indigenous elite.

“CityNews” welcomes all opinions. Respectful letters to editor@citynews.com.au

‘Sam Kerr? Give her a break… this is one for us’

REGULAR readers might recall a column a couple of months ago when I speculated that someone from our Aboriginal community would become the focus of the great movement to complete our Australian Constitution with the inclusion of our continental forebears… and incidentally, the Voice.

Surely, I thought, cometh the hour, cometh the person. Not the man like, say, the talented but divisive Noel Pearson or Stan Grant. In fact, it seems Stan has made a major sacrifice and left the public scene for the duration; while Noel has traded his critical whiplash for the natural gentility that first brought him to national attention. Well, that’s what good blokes do.

At the time, I thought maybe Ash Barty or Cathy Freeman might come to the fore, perhaps with an elder such as the wonderful Pat Turner and/ or Evonne Goolagong to gather the Boomers to the cause.

It never occurred to me that Sam Kerr might come zooming in from Chelsea to light a fuse under the Matildas in the biggest women’s event the world has yet seen… and to do it in my dear old hometown of Brisbane.

But as they prepared to square off against Ireland, the idea began to take root. After all, she’s probably the best striker in the world, a hero in the making.

But then suddenly she was blasted out of the match by her strained calf muscle…at training, for goodness sake. Is coach Gustavsson crazy? If they hadn’t trained enough to beat the colleens the day before the match, he’s not worth a Swedish sausage,

let alone the small fortune they’re paying him to get them all on the field in tiptop form.

Anyway, we beat them with a penalty; only learn that Sam’s calf was so crook that she wouldn’t be lining up against the Nigerians. Oh well, I thought, they’re a good way below our world rating, so Sam’s ripper little understudy, Mary Fowler, will take us through to the next round.

Enter Mr Gustavsson stage left

with another Swedish training session and Mary’s out, the team is unbalanced and down we went. But not for long. Those four goals against the Canadians sent us straight to the round of 16, where Sam was going to star.

And then… well, I guess it’s up to the “Yes” case organisers to recruit her to their team.

In fact, that was my earnest suggestion when I met up with a group of six local ladies spreading the “Yes” word at the entrance to the Moruya Markets.

They looked at me as though I’d gone nuts. “Sam Kerr?” said their pleasant spokesperson. “She’s got a life too, you know. She’ll be back in Chelsea earning a living.”

“Yes, but…”

“Give the girl a break. We really don’t need her anyway. This is one for us.”

That’s when I noticed that none of them looked even slightly of Aboriginal ancestry; and, neither, of course, is Sam whose dad came from India, her mum from Fremantle.

The Moruya ladies were friends and neighbours who had responded to a general call from the “Yes” folk and they were loving it. They had a bunch of pamphlets, some regulation clipboards, and biros for signing your name.

The organisers had given them some broad guidelines, but basically they just spread the word, and already they were optimistic about the result. “We can do this, you know,” they said.

“Sure,” I thought. “Give the girl a break. This is one for us.”

Just a tick in the box and our constitution is complete. Absolutely no training session required.

robert@

robertmacklin. com

The ladies looked at me as though I’d gone nuts. “Sam Kerr?” said their pleasant spokesperson.

“She’s got a life too, you know. She’ll be back in Chelsea earning a living.”

Sam Kerr…”She’s got a life too, you know. She’ll be back in Chelsea earning a living.” Photo: Tertius Pickard/AP

When the counting of heads can’t be counted on OPINION

ACT Projection are defensible, the same cannot be said for the District Projection, which projects all of Canberra’s population growth between 2022 and 2060 will be accommodated in the existing districts.

EARLIER this year the government released the “ACT Population Projections 2022 to 2060”.

They were prepared at the ACT and district levels to inform strategic, infrastructure and services planning and were based on expectations about fertility, mortality and migration.

By influencing when and where infrastructure is provided, they affect the wellbeing of the community. As identified by the Treasury, they are indicative and should be used cautiously. They are susceptible to social and economic change and unforeseen events, as the recent pandemic highlights.

Comparing past projections with actual population growth demonstrates the risk. The 2003 projection, prepared at a time of low growth expectations, projected the 2021 population of Canberra to be 370,700. The 2021 population of Canberra was 453,600.

The low-growth expectations contributed to the decision to close schools. If the high-growth future in the 2022 ACT Projection (it projects a 2060 population of 784,000) is not

realised, there could be an unnecessary and wasteful provision of infrastructure.

The level of future migration to the ACT will be strongly influenced by the level of overseas migration. Nationally, net overseas migration (NOM) is expected to be a historically high 1.5 million over the next five years, predominantly from the return of international students and an increase in skilled migration to overcome labour shortages.

The increase will exacerbate the major undersupply of housing and infrastructure. A substantial reduction in NOM to address these problems would lower migration to the ACT, which could also be reduced by an increase in remote working, high housing costs and an undersupply of detached blocks.

Fertility levels also influence population growth. The 2022 Projection assumes the TFR (total fertility rate – the average number of children a woman would have over her childbearing years based on current birth trends) will fall from 1.6 in 2019/20 to 1.5 by 2030.

Fertility rates could be considerably lower if trends in some European (Italy, 1.25, Portugal, 1.23, Spain, 1.19) and Asian (South Korea, 0.81 and Japan, 1.3) countries eventuate.

The decline could reflect women deciding to avoid the lifetime loss of earnings typically experienced by women with children. High housing costs could also reduce future fertility.

Lower migration and lower fertility would affect the age structure of the population, will impact on infrastructure programs and increase the dependency ratio (the number of nonworking age persons in a community dependent on working age persons).

The uncertainty highlights the need for caution, flexibility and regular review of projections.

While the assumptions behind the

Do you have a concern or want to make a complaint about a service for older people, a health service or a retirement village?

The underlying assumptions have not been stated and it has been prepared without assessment of the infrastructure, housing choice, housing affordability, travel and environmental costs and benefits of alternative population and employment distributions.

What are the redevelopment, land release, inter-suburb migration and housing choice assumptions behind the large population increases projected in Molonglo, Gungahlin, Belconnen, North and South Canberra?

How is the limited growth projected for Tuggeranong and Weston Creek consistent with the modest increases in population currently occurring within these areas? Why was it assumed that no additional greenfield area would be developed?

How the District Projection assists in the delivery of good outcomes is hard to fathom. It does not have a sound empirical base as reasonable information of where dwellings are likely to be occupied is only available for around seven years.

Unless the government believes the analysis of alternative urban futures is unnecessary and decisions should

be based on untested opinion, the District Projection beyond 2029 should be withdrawn to allow the necessary assessments to be undertaken.

The cavalier approach to the District Projection is consistent with the Barr-Rattenbury government’s approach to urban policy.

While its strategy of increasing population along major transport corridors and at centres is sound, its implementation has been deeply flawed.

It has mismanaged redevelopment (where is the gentle urbanism?), not considered housing preferences, has undersupplied detached dwellings, failed to investigate possible greenfield settlement areas or supply sufficient social housing.

Its development of light rail has not been supported by evidence and it has failed to evaluate potentially more cost effective and, possibly more sustainable, bus-based solutions. Similar inadequacies are apparent in health and education policy. Despite widespread concern, the government’s response to criticism is obfuscation, spin or silence. Will the community’s tolerance of the government’s opaqueness and evidence-free decision making continue at the next election?

Mike Quirk is a retired NCDC and ACT government planner.

The cavalier approach to the District Projection is consistent with the BarrRattenbury government’s approach to urban policy,” writes former planner MIKE QUIRK .

Parkway kangaroo fencing falls into sad disrepair

I AM writing to register my utter disgust at the state of rubbish strewn on William Hovell Drive and the Tuggeranong Parkway. A disgrace to all authorities concerned.

Our major freeway system connecting respective satellite townships and the city transversed by thousands per day is not only littered with rubbish, the $2.1 million kangaroo fencing along the Tuggeranong Parkway has been allowed to fall in disrepair at several points leading to a high animal road cull over the last few months, with damage and stress to drivers and vehicles no doubt.

This asset maintenance/management failure reflects a worsening trend with other municipal-type services, which is something that reflects a weakness in our city/state model of self-government.

We deserve a more transparent administrative system whereby the 25 members of the Legislative Assembly are held to account for the most basic of services financed from general rates levied on each household. Alas, without any review of the model on the horizon, Canberrans might examine the benefits of electing worthy independents to the next 2024 Assembly, ie new members prepared to commence discussion for change and not restricted to party lines.

John D Purcell, Kambah

The tram – governments do run out of money

THE published information in “Light Rail 2A” is clear on only one point. It is proposed that the rail will proceed to a point stopping short of the bridge at Commonwealth Park. The rail is planned to proceed around west London Circuit, and then climb up to Commonwealth Avenue. (Trams do not climb slopes well).

What is not clear is whether the line will go along the Commonwealth Avenue median strip, and then continue over a bridge between the two road bridges or, as stories I have heard, continue along the right hand side of Commonwealth Avenue, and then over a separately built bridge. As I have said in previous letters, a tram bridge built between the road bridges would be madness.

But what is more immediate are the financial issues. Recently, it was in the news that the Victorian government ran out of

credit (not just money). The ACT government is in the same position.

Will the Commonwealth government come to the rescue? No. It is becoming clear that there are limits to its borrowing and money-printing capabilities.

It looks as if the light rail will end up like the many uncompleted vainglorious government projects around the world. Governments do run out of money - it happened to the Australian government in 1975.

Tim Walshaw, Watson

Time to rethink markets parking

JOHN Bone’s complaint (CN Letters, August 1) about diesel fumes from a reverse-parked vehicle seems to misunderstand the reason the Fyshwick Markets wants people to park front-in.

It’s not to do with fumes, as frankly any vehicle that blasts that much out will be smellable regardless of parking direction, but rather due to the car park layout making it necessary for front-in parking so that people loading their purchases into their vehicles don’t need to block footpaths or squeeze in between vehicles.

It might be wise for Fyshwick Markets to re-think this though, as many of today’s larger vehicles are more safely manoeuvred via reverse-parking than front-in parking.

But really, what’s Mr Bone’s objection to diesel fumes? I’ve always considered it to be a very pleasant and comforting odour. Maybe this means I spent too much of my youth inhaling fumes at bus interchanges.

Samuel Gordon-Stewart, Reid

How’s the power-plant recycling going?

KEN Murtagh (Letters, CN July 27) wrongly assumes that Australian taxpayers will pay for “between $7 and $9 trillion of capital commitments by 2060” to achieve net zero as reported in the recent Net Zero Australia report.

The report itself makes it clear that: “Most of those funds will come from business, and some from households. Exports will be paid for mostly by overseas customers.”

Like most naysayers opposed to renewables, Mr Murtagh overlooks Australia’s general recycling problem and singles out wind turbine blades.

How’s the recycling of coal-fired power

plants and their toxic sludge going, I wonder? Recyclable wind turbine blades were made in Denmark two years ago.

Ray Peck, Hawthorn, Victoria

So many morons not wanting to be seen!

I WAS out on the roads in the heavy fog that surrounded our part of Canberra the other morning, and I was thinking, no wonder we can’t get rid of the useless ACT Labor/ Greens government when I saw how many brain-dead motorists were driving with no lights on.

It was beyond belief that so many morons are out there on our roads not wanting to be seen. Do they think the price of energy also includes their headlights?

By the way, you lot that have so called “day lights” on, they don’t switch on your taillights, so no one can see you in front of them.

Athol O’Hare, via email

The birds being killed don’t breed quickly

THERE has been much debate regarding renewables and the land they are taking up and whether they are renewable, what are the restrictions etcetera.

Nick Cater, a senior fellow at the Menzies Research Centre went to check out the possible construction by Ark Energy of an industrial wind turbine development at Chalumbin in far north Queensland.

Great swathes of tropical forest will have to be cut down to accommodate the 86 mega pylons. These are eucalyptus trees that would take carbon out of the atmosphere.

What he discovered nearby was several dozen turbine blades that had been decommissioned from a previous turbine site at Windy Hill and dumped at Kidner Quarry, 15 kilometres to the north.

The original towers were there for 15 years and had been taken down. The blades have just been left in a pile in the forest for eight years, rotting and decomposing leaving toxins (by-product of silica and other toxins) to drain into the soil.

Is this going to happen every time towers are decommissioned? What makes things worse is the blades left rotting are only 20 metres and the new blades are 86 metres, substantially bigger.

New turbines have to be situated away from trees, as while it is not common, they

sometimes catch fire and start a bushfire. Some also leak oil, which can contaminate the ground below.

What about the cost: Nick Cater’s article states: “Construction on such a steep and inaccessible site is a major operation. It requires constructing more than 100km of new roads five to seven metres wide, carved through pristine native forests. It requires dynamite and rock drilling to take the sides off hills to construct roads with a shallow gradient so that 86-metre-long turbine blades can be double-hauled up the hillside by two trucks.”

Last but not least, Cater says: “The forest is home to vulnerable native species, including the Greater Glider and the Magnificent Brood Frog. It is the hunting ground for the Red Goshawk, one of Australia’s rarest raptors. Their flight paths and unfortunate habit of flying towards hills to gain greater uplift make them peculiarly vulnerable to turbine strikes”. Many will claim that given the population of birds in Australia the few killed will not be significant – trouble is the ones being killed are the apex-predators –big birds that don’t breed quickly.

Vi Evans via email

What benefits will arise if a ‘no’ vote prevails?

MARIO Stivala (Letters, CN July 3) has often shown concern for the welfare of his less fortunate fellow Australians. Therefore, I can’t understand his apparent lack of consideration for the longest continuing and consistently disadvantaged minority in our nation – our indigenous Australians.

He shows repeated concern though about the comparatively piddling cost of a referendum while ignoring the billions that have been spent and wasted over decades on indigenous programs designed by mainly white governments and bureaucrats; facts revealed in a Productivity Commission report that also emphasises the value of listening to those most affected by such programs.

Mario then asks why are we having the referendum first and working out the operational details of the Voice advisory later? Apart from being the intention of the Uluru Statement it also demonstrates that those at Uluru were better informed about the constitution and parliamentary processes than many anti-Voicers.

With constitutional backing, any subsequent legislation may be amended with additional knowledge, but the principles can’t be abolished simply at the

whim of government – a not infrequent and politically motivated occurrence throughout our political history.

Will Mario now explain exactly what benefits we will all realise if a No vote prevails?

Eric Hunter, Cook

I can’t wait to see the letters to the editor

ERIC Hunter, a regular correspondent to this publication and “The Canberra Times” (CT), was recently extolling the virtues of the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, and promoting the “yes” vote for the Voice in a letter to the CT.

Well after Burney’s incompetent and abysmal performance in parliament on August 1, where she refused to answer a simple straightforward question from the coalition, Mr Hunter might like to review his opinion of her.

Hunter and the Voice “yes” brigade must now be getting nervous as it is looking more than likely it won’t get up. I can’t wait to see their letters to the editors if this happens!

Linda Burney has a good mate in the Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen, who wants to cover the landscape with windmills, solar panels and transmission lines, rather than keep coal and gas going for reliable base-load power and seriously promote adopting the nuclear option.

I thought this might make sense, given we are committed to acquiring nuclearpowered submarines. His virtue signalling will ruin our economy, and have practically zero effect on the world’s climate.

Again, I can’t wait to see the letters to the editors when we start having blackouts/ power rationing by following Bowen’s policy.

Bob McDonald, Weetangera

Well, Scott would say that, wouldnt he?

SCOTT Morrison’s emphatic rejection of the robodebt royal commission’s findings about him brought to mind the slightly misquoted yet immortalised statement made by Mandy Rice-Davies in the UK’s “Profumo Affair” court hearings, concerning a Conservative Party politician who denied having had an extra-marital affair with her: “He would say that, wouldn’t he”. (“Morrison rejects robodebt royal commission findings”, citynews.com.au July 31).

Sue Dyer, Downer

Given the economy, Barr should stop the tram

GIVEN the state of the economy and the increased costs of providing transport infrastructure, Chief Minister Andrew Barr should pause and review the timing of and need for major transport infrastructure, including light rail.

Concerns about infrastructure costs blow-outs led the Victorian government to delay by up to four years construction of a rail link to Melbourne Airport. In NSW, the multi-billion dollar Beaches Link motorway has been put on hold indefinitely, the second stage of the Parramatta light rail line is delayed by about five years and the estimated cost of the Sydney Metro West has blown out by $12 billion to more than $25 billion.

In response, the NSW Premier Chris Minns initiated an independent review of transport infrastructure projects. The findings will be made public in October. As the Premier stated: “We want transport infrastructure… but we want to make sure that it’s done with a view to the costs of the NSW budget, and it’s done efficiently”.

Andrew Barr should follow the responsible action of Premier Minns and commission an independent review of ACT transport infrastructure projects and commit to publicly releasing the findings.

The review would assess the need for the projects; inform their timing and whether the funds would be better spent on other

dose of dorin

projects. The government could receive an election boost for undertaking a review. Failure to undertake the review would highlight the government’s opaqueness and increase concerns about whether the projects are justified.

Mike Quirk, Garran

Heartbreaking face of an emergency care doctor

I HOPE columnist Robert Macklin and the lady he named Estelle are feeling much better.

The article he wrote “Chaos as Canberra Hospital laughs in our faces” (CN July 27) was very disrespectful to the hard-working medical staff at the Canberra Hospital Emergency Department who are doing their very best with limited staff numbers and faulty equipment.

We spent nine hours in ED and then my husband had an overnight stay in the Emergency Department short-stay ward and, yes, the ECG machine alarms were going off all day and night in all cubicles, which were all full of patients and people were coughing or crying out in pain. The alarm was indicating

my husband wasn’t breathing when I could see he was, and it went off all the time and, yes, it was annoying, but I’d prefer he was hooked up to it in case something really went wrong. When I ventured out of the acute area to get a drink, I noticed there were only two nurses and two doctors in our section of the ED.

I asked a doctor how long he had been working in the very tough, stressful environment and he explained he was nearing the end of his four-year Emergency Department Specialist training. I asked what comes next and I’m still stunned by his answer. He said in another month he would not have a job because there wasn’t funding.

In view of all the media releases by our Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith about the 2024 opening of the new Canberra Hospital Critical Services Building (a federally funded project) I found what he said heartbreaking.

Lyn McNeil, Isabella Plains

When will the ‘Times’ tell us Grishin’s gone?

SINCE the recent publication in “CityNews” of the article by Sasha Grishin “No watch, biro or even a cup of tea, just goodbye” (July 13) I have waited for “The Canberra Times” to announce that Prof Grishin will no longer be writing critiques of art and art events in the region – and perhaps nominate his replacement. I am waiting in vain, since his arbitrary dismissal on May 15.

RECENTLY, I read about a deputy principal of a school, Scott Wanstall, who was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison for attempting to solicit a 14-year-old teenage girl for sexual gratification. Fortunately, it was actually an undercover police officer who was simulating a 14-year-old girl.

In another matter, a soldier, Matthew Collins, tried to solicit a nine-year-old girl for sex, by sending a series of “emphatic” messages to an undercover police officer, believing the recipient of the messages to be the mother of the nine-year-old girl. Collins received a three-year intensive corrections order after spending just 4.5 months in custody.

The perception of these two offenders was their reality, so why the leniency in sentencing?

In April, Canberra rapist Thomas Earle avoided jail time, sentenced to 300 hours of community service and 20 hours (yes, 20 hours) of counselling, leaving his victim “devastated”, her world changed forever.

The judge pointed to evidence of Earle’s “good character” having read several character references. She also noted he was from a “loving and supportive family” and had little to no chance of re-offending.

So, does that mean if you do not come from a loving and supportive family, you should be prejudiced when being sentenced?

The old saying, “the law is an ass” is resonating strongly through my exasperated mind.

It seems you get more for stealing a car, than seriously damaging or ruining a victim’s life. Go figure.

Janine Haskins, Cook

Centrelink recipients’ income the lowest

FORMER deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce had a brain explosion on TV regarding the Albanese government’s proposal to increase the rate of JobSeeker payments by $56 a week.

He said unequivocally that the increase would only encourage people receiving the benefit to not go out and get a job.

The ACT has the highest cultural participation rate (45 per cent) in the country and is well served by a wide range of excellent private galleries and national cultural institutions.

While “The Canberra Times” continues to deteriorate rapidly with regard to writing, spelling, grammar, typography and the inclusion of page after page of paid advertisements, I am on the verge of cancelling my daily subscription of many years standing.

Comments within the local arts community are full of praise for the years of outstanding contribution by Prof Grishin and dismay at the loss of arts reviews in the only local daily newspaper.

David Nolan, Holder

I’m with Mario on legislating the Voice

I DON’T often agree with Mario Stivala (Letters, CN August 3), but I agree wholeheartedly with his suggestion that the Albanese government should simply legislate the Voice to parliament.

Such legislation would surely be passed in a majority vote, with only die-hard naysayers such as Peter Dutton voting ‘no’. Should the trial run cause too much dissent or confusion, the legislation could (relatively) easily be amended to keep both sides of the debate satisfied that they have been treated fairly. Surely, a win-win?

Dr Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin

The hypocrisy of this is ridiculous. Not a day goes by without the coalition belly-aching with their confected moral outrage about the cost of living and demanding to know what the government intends to do about it.

In case you haven’t realised Barnaby, Centrelink recipients are the lowest of the low when it comes to incomes in this country, and of all the people that deserve a very modest pay rise, people receiving Centrelink payments are surely deserving.

In case you haven’t realised Barnaby, many, many people on Centrelink benefits have to make some very hard choices about how they spend what little money they receive.

So before you bemoan people at the very bottom receiving a little bit more money to have a little bit more dignity, why don’t you take a moment to think about how you would feel having to make some of the hard choices people on Centrelink payments have to make. Oops, I forgot. You can’t think about how you would feel in that situation. You’re comfortable on $220,000 a year. More money than people on Centrelink payments would receive over the course of many years.

Joel Pearce, Queanbeyan

If only we’d gone nuclear in 1970

GLAD to report at least agreement with Dr Douglas Mackenzie’s revelation in Letters, CN July 27, that our tram plans are pure folly.

An additional bridge on Commonwealth Avenue will be an insult to its minimalist form, worthy of the capital.

More disturbing, however, is his reference to a heated northern hemisphere, which is occupied by 88 per cent of the world population.

Mackenzie’s consistent support for unachievable renewables for electricity generation by 2050 could only come from a rusted-on government disciple, incapable of considering what we could have had if the Jervis Bay nuclear plant had been completed in 1970.

Ken Murtagh, Hughes

Wildlife corridors ‘save money’

Canberra’s Kangaroos “folks”.

What people who oppose the “cull” have always known is that killing Canberra’s urban kangaroos is all about mass-developer sprawl.

As far back as 2004, Googong’s population of kangaroos was decimated to make way for the suburb of Googong. In 2007, Canberra’s kangaroos were slaughtered to make way for the suburb of Lawson and on it goes. In Red Hill, the killing of Canberra’s kangaroos is to make way for a 152-unit development around the Federal Golf Course.

It is impossible to reconcile the ACT government’s position for killing kangaroos with the facts. Its alleged science was exposed as nonsense during the 2009, 2013 and 2014 ACAT hearings, and in numerous well-researched submissions made during “public consultations” on the 2010 and 2017 “Kangaroo Management Plans”.

The CSIRO Plant Industries Report in 2014 confirms the expert opinion expressed at those hearings; that is – the government’s use of grass mass as the indicator for diversity is patently absurd. It is the number and variety of plants and animals, not mass of vegetation that gives all species the best chance to live and thrive.

Instead of wasting hundreds of thousands of public money every year on killing kangaroos, Andrew Barr (Chief Minister) and Rebecca Vassarotti (Environment Minister) are deliberately ignoring the humane and viable alternative.

That is to build a series of wildlife corridors to connect Canberra’s Nature Reserve system and allow wildlife and people to move around the city safely without being hit by speeding vehicles.

Currently the ACT Labor/Greens Coalition’s poor road infrastructure is pushing the cost (and inconvenience) of vehicle repair back to Canberrans. Wildlife corridors will save Canberrans money.

Robyn Soxsmith, Kambah

Then there’s ignoring the code of practice

LEAVING aside the issue of joeys being (by law) bludgeoned to death, how does Environment Minister Rebecca Vassarotti reconcile her claim that the ACT government’s annual kangaroo slaughter is humane when it is conducted in 35 kph winds?

The Code of Practice for the killing of kangaroos is next to useless, but one small thing it does do is try to reduce wounding rates by prohibiting shooting in adverse environmental conditions.

On numerous occasions throughout the killing of more than 40,000 kangaroos over the last 14 years, Canberrans who live near the reserves have been forced to endure the sound of animals being shot, often during high winds, rain, fog and moonless dark.

Most recently, on June 26, the public received the most staggering confirmation of government incompetence, and complete indifference to animal suffering.

A ranger was stationed on Red Hill Nature Reserve during the shooting that night, presumably with a duty to ensure the law was observed. When a gusty, blustery gale blew up, a member of the public approached the ranger and reminded her that the Code of Practice prohibits shooting during such adverse weather conditions.

The ranger had never even heard of the Code of Practice, so how could that govern -

ment official have been entrusted to enforce it? So much for Vassarotti’s commitment to a humane slaughter – as if that wasn’t an oxymoron, anyway.

Frankie Seymour, Queanbeyan

Terry’s argument for exterminating kangaroos

TERRY Mowie, of Bruce (Letters, CN July 27), says: “Yes, kangaroos are cute and a national icon, but not when in the headlights on a busy, high speed, two-lane road... the cull does alleviate the daily carnage on Canberra’s roads. We must take action to prevent the trauma caused by these accidents and the significant associated expenses.”

This is an argument for total extermination of the kangaroo nationwide, because only that will ensure that Terry will be able to drive at whatever speed he likes on whatever road, remembering that his next collision with a kangaroo could well be his last.

Terry’s only way of minimising risk is to switch to defensive driving: assume every other user of the road is a total mug; slow right down when driving past thick scrub; be ready for a roo to jump out suddenly in front of his Maserati; stuff like that.

I have been practising defensive driving (on the advice of an experienced Sydney taxi driver) since the day after I got my licence way back in 1956, and have never hit a roo, cyclist, drunk staggering home from his local pub or anything else.

Ian MacDougall, Farrer

Shame this ‘cruel’ program continues

AS an animal defender and campaigner against the kangaroo massacre, I welcome Terry Mowle’s assertion (Letters, CN July 27) that Canberrans do love our kangaroos.

It is a shame that this cruel and senseless program continues to be undertaken every year since 2009. Save Canberra’s Kangaroos is to be applauded for its media campaign in bringing it to a wider audience.

There are several actions that conservation officers and contract killers are permitted to do to our kangaroos. These include a heavy blow to the base of the skull with sufficient force to destroy the brain or stunning, immediately followed by decapitation by rapidly severing the head from the body with a sharp blade.

That is not emotive, inflammatory language nor hyperbole; that is simply the truth as outlined under a national code of practice for the shooting of kangaroos and wallabies for non-commercial purposes.

Instead of destroying kangaroos for eating grass, how about a series of wildlife corridors between the reserves to re-connect the defragmented Canberra Nature Park. An overpass over Hindmarsh Drive would be perfect connecting Red Hill to Isaacs Ridge, which would reduce the incidents on Canberra’s roads while protecting our much-loved kangaroos as well.

Chris Doyle, Gordon

Stuck with an arrogant, uncaring government

DR Douglas Mackenzie (Letters, CN July 27) is very concerned about global heating because of record heatwaves in Europe and North America, but not of the record cold temperatures and rainfall in Australia in the last few years.

He doesn’t approve of the Liberals’ proposals to reverse the cessation of Canberra’s gas supply introduced by Labor, but does not explain how we are going to replace that reliable fuel source we get from NSW. Maybe he is another one of

those gullible Labor lovers that thinks ACT gets all its energy from renewable sources, if you believe our laughable government.

Maybe he is proposing we build a nuclear power plant so ACT can get clean, safe, instant and reliable energy. As he has the abbreviation Dr before his name, maybe he is joining the long list of scientists that are realising that we can’t meet any net zero goals without nuclear energy.

Dr Mackenzie reveals all in his last paragraph when he says he has been a lifelong Labor voter because his father was.

This is the problem, especially in Canberra, where we have these voters that just vote Labor because their family did or because they are rusted on Labor voters. If this is the attitude we will be stuck with an arrogant, incompetent, uncaring and smug government for the rest of our lives.

Ian Pilsner, Weston

Worries of a world without cash

WITH banks closing branches, removing ATMs from shopping centres and reducing the number of branches that will accept cash, I wonder if their management have thought seriously about the repercussions if, or when, there is another major world conflict.

The allies are worried about China’s posturing and Putin’s Russia making nuclear noises. If – heaven forbid – another conflict commences in our area – the first action by the protagonists would be to switch off all their satellites providing the internet and all business transactions.

This would result in all international and electronic banking ceasing immediately. Where would everyone, who has relied on their plastic, stand then?

I believe it is very short-sighted to reduce the amount of cash available and push the use of plastic cards as the normal way of conducting business. Thankfully, there are still businesses that like our legal tender.

Dave Jeffrey, Farrer

Hunter’s misguided letter could change my vote

I HAD to think hard as to whether it was worth responding to Eric Hunter’s letter on the Voice (CN July 27) because of all the errors in it. First of all I did not “complain”, but simply made observations.

Second, it was Albanese who took the running on promoting the Voice in a way that politicised it and Dutton simply responded in a way that most of us knew he would.

Third, I did not suggest that politicians, big business and sporting bodies should not comment, but said that this is more an issue for the people to determine, and finally, why mention the Murdoch press at all?

The Murdoch press is not worth reading, let alone taking any notice of, but those who do are not worth pursuing to change their views.

I am not the only one who thinks the government has messed things up, with many senior journalists saying much the same thing as me. And I had the advantage of attending many ATSIC meetings over a number of years as a delegate for a Commonwealth mega department and saw at first hand the internal working arrangements of our First-Nations representatives.

The bullying tactics of some politicians are likely to derail the process just as Hunter’s misguided letter could possibly change my own vote.

Ric Hingee, Duffy

TRIPLE-GLAZED WINDOWS FOR THE PRICE OF DOUBLE

MICHAEL DRAGE, founder of Reimagined Habitat says: “Thank you to all who contacted me regarding last month’s topic on Passive House. It is not a building standard here in Australia yet, but using the science behind it provides the key to building for the future. Keep your questions coming in, we love helping people upgrade or build better homes!”

Passive House – part 2

High performance windows and doors

One of the key ideals from last month was highperformance windows and doors. I have touched on windows previously, but think it’s worth spending some more time on them.

Windows and airtightness are the two key drivers in the performance of a home.

Why? Airtightness will determine the volume of air that needs to be thermally maintained, and the windows and doors are the weakest points of the building from an insulation point of view. A house is only as good as the weakest points.

The best way I can illustrate this is a recent comparison of window quotes for a new home.

We were able to get triple-glazed windows at more than twice the energy efficiency compared to the specified thermally broken aluminium windows. The prices were virtually identical.

The modelling shows that the house will use around half the energy for heating and cooling throughout the year. We were stunned that we were able to source this at virtually the same price. Triple-glazed windows for the price of double glazed is an amazing outcome for the clients for ongoing cost, health and energy usage.

Tips, traps and a little science

TIPS: Check around as to what is available at what price. Companies such as Net Zero Plus are now offering triple-glazed windows at similar prices to double-glazed, at much higher performance levels.

TRAPS: Talk to your builders about options. Many have used the same companies for years and use them due to personal and business connections. Nothing wrong with this, but there are more options available now than ever before. Make sure you get the best quality window for your budget.

For more details on the triple-glazed windows go to the Net Zero Plus website netzeroplus.com.au

We have four certified Passive House designers in our team, making us one of the largest cohorts in Australia.

If you’d like to discuss, call me any time on 0419 391282. For questions, comments or queries, email us at info@reimaginedhabitat.com.au

THE letter “Why culling seems the best fit” (CN July 27) demonstrates why we need the Save

Historic suburb that became a commercial hub

TAKE Fysh, the surname of former Tasmanian premier Philip Fysh, and “wick”, an Old English suffix for “dwelling place”, and one gets the name of one of Canberra’s most recognised suburbs.

First built in the early 1900s, Fyshwick has today become home to a diverse selection of businesses, from second hand office furniture suppliers to floor coverings.

This week “CityNews” takes a tour of the suburb’s bustling business scene and speaks with some of its proudest retailers.

Experienced in keeping Canberra warm Eager to deliver a stand out home

VAMOS Group was established in 2018, and specialises in commercial, residential and fit-out property development and construction, says founder and CEO Phil Ma.

“Our culture is to change the landscape, we are a little bit out of the box,” he says.

“I’ve been in the industry since 2007, I started as a cadet and my training ground was on the New Acton projects, and this has molded who I am now, who Vamos Group is.

“We use a lot of marble, stone and glass to promote natural light, and we make sure to deliver something unique and special that stands out in the landscape.”

Phil says Vamos Group is an awardwinning builder through the Master Builders Association, and has been featured in Open Homes Australia.

“Our penthouse project in New Acton made its television debut in November 2019,” he says.

“This is the first project in Canberra to ever be featured on Open Homes Australia, and we were thrilled to showcase this high-end development.”

Client Project Spots have just become available for 2023, says Phil.

new clients seeking to design and construct their dream homes. Our commitment to maintaining a close relationship with our clients throughout the entire process, from conception to completion, is unwavering, and we are eager to begin planning with you for your dream home.”

Vamos Group. Call 0409 909595, or visit vamosgroup.com.au

Wood fire brands include:

• Nectre • Jindara • La Nordica • Blaze • Eureka

• Maison • Masport

Warehouse stock of electric fireplaces reduced from:

• Ambe • Dimplex • Gazco

Numbers are strictly limited so be quick!

FAMILY-run and owned for 40 years, Fyshwick Home & Heating is backed with quality products, a large range and extensive knowledge, says owner

Since opening four decades ago, Mike says the range of products has changed but heating has remained a constant in their growth.

After four shop moves all in Wollongong Street, Mike is proud of their large showroom with an attached

“We have over 80 wood heaters on display in our showroom along with 25 working models of gas log fires,”

“Given electric fires popularity is on the rise, we offer a large range of those and have more than 15 working models

“We’re also currently conducting our end-of-season sale, and it’s a great time to install as the pressure is easing for installers.”

Mike says Canberrans never think of their air conditioning in the winter, and never think of the heating in summer, often leaving it too late.

He says they also stock Hark smokers in both gas and wood, Green Mountain

parts, flues and accessories.

Fyshwick Home & Heating, 88 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 5522 or visit homeheating.com.au

One of the Vamos Group’s designs ‘The Pool House’.

Fyshwick Home and Heating owner Mike Bresnik.

Store celebrates the benefits of hemp

SOUTH Pacific Hemp, Canberra’s first all-hemp shop, is run by Darren Steinhardt and Brett Walker, who also own South Pacific Hydroponics next door, a family business in Canberra for more than 30 years.

Manager Sue Booth says the store celebrates the versatile benefits of the plant.

Located in Fyshwick, she says the store supports Australian small businesses and producers who work with hemp, an eco-friendly, sustainable material that can be used in a myriad of products.

“Our clothing is designed for wearability and versatility, is breathable, natural and easy to care for,” she says.

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

“Our selection of products extends to a unique collection of hemp foods, hemp seed oils, with gorgeous balms and skin creams, babycare, homewares, bags and accessories,

repairs covered

“WHEN it comes to specialised auto repair and maintenance services, no one does it better than Latin Motors,” says owner Damian Jones.

“We’re a European car service and repair centre. We specialise in Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda and Saab but do service all other European makes and models.”

Having moved from Townsville Street to a repair centre in Gladstone Street last year, Damian says no matter how minor or major car repair needs are, he has it covered.

Being both factory-trained in Audi and SAAB and having 18 years of experience in all European vehicles, he says he prides himself on providing reliable, honest and efficient customer service and information.

“I notify of any additional work required prior to it being carried out. You will be liaising directly with the mechanic who is working on your vehicle,” he says.

“I use premium German made and manufacturer approved Ravenol lubricants. When you come to me, you can rest assured that I can provide auto services in accordance with your car’s manufacturer requirements that do not affect new car warranties.”

Latin Motors, Unit 6, 106 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 5586 or visit latinmotors.com.au

Charlotte and Adam Batley of The Kitchen Company.

But, he says it’s going quickly to those who are prepared.

“Spring is just around the corner so we have some lovely outdoor furniture available, including a big picnic table,” says James.

“We also, in the lead up to summer, have some fire-proof safes available, and there are more enquiries coming in.

“There are only a limited number of them in stock, so we are urging people to get in quick and not leave it too late. The most prepared are getting ready now before the peak of summer hits.”

James says the business, which has been operating for more than three decades, has become a well recognised

And, for those looking to do some spring cleaning, James says Ex-Government Furniture has ample storage solutions.

“We’ve just received a huge amount of metal shelving and storage units,” he says.

“With ongoing shipments, we are inundated with new items every week, and they are one-off, unique pieces of high-end furniture.

“We provide furniture and accessories to help personalise any space. There’s a huge range and we can work with customers to their budget.”

Ex-Government Furniture, 6 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture.com

Carpet sale to keep the home cosy

ENDEAVOUR Carpets is offering a “never before seen sale running until the end of August, offering $10 to $50 per lineal metre off selected suppliers,” says co-owner Taylor O’Brien.

“Endeavour offers the largest range of top-quality floor coverings in Canberra and Queanbeyan, with options that will help keep the home warm this winter,” she says.

“Established in 1970, Endeavour is a family-run business and is proud of its personalised service.”

send their customers to view our huge range of top-quality floor coverings,” she says.

As a member of the Independent Carpets group, Taylor says Endeavour Carpets can offer customers greater choice and the best available prices.

“As a family business, Endeavour Carpets appreciates that customers are spoilt for choice in a competitive market place, and so maintains an objective to offer the best service and products available and for the best possible price,” she says.

Outdoor furniture available.

Knowing the importance of safety and security

AS phones, computers and technology have a significant role in day-to-day life, it has never been more important to have some protection in place. Whether for personal or professional use, from computer systems to home surveillance, this week “CityNews” spoke with the businesses with a focus on keeping everything safe and secure.

Fully-funded training in security services

MSS Security is a national provider of security services, operating in Australia for more than 100 years, says national talent acquisition manager Rebecca Edwards.

“With our skilled workforce of over 6000 nationally, we provide services across a range of industries including arts, events and recreation, aviation, commercial property, data and communication, education, energy and resources, financial services, government, health, industrial and manufacturing, and maritime and logistics,” she says.

“MSS Security is a multi-awarding winning employer of choice. Our employees enjoy working with us because we have a high people and culture focus, offer extensive development and progression opportunities, provide stability and certainty in a role, work collaboratively together and are high achievement focused; and because we know how to have a good time whilst getting the job done.”

Rebecca says that for anyone wanting to commence a career as a security officer, MSS Security is offering a fully funded trainingto-employment pathway into the security industry.

“This includes the cost of a nationally recognised qualification and cost associated with obtaining an ACT Security Licence”, she says.

“The MSS Security Scholarship Program

JOIN MSS SECURITY

began in September 2021, with 160+ graduates commencing employment.

“MSS Security is passionate about growing our team and providing long-term employment opportunities for anyone wishing to join the security industry.”

MSS Security, visit msssecurity.com.au/ employments/scholarships

Personalised and flexible learning for students

TRAINING program manager of Kirra Ser vices Trish Young says in recent years there has been a growing recognition of the need to break down traditional education barriers that have long hindered students from achieving their full potential.

“This is particularly true in rural areas and within indigenous communities,” she says.

“Kirra Services Cyber Career Starter Program seeks to provide students with a more personalised and flexible learning experience, tailored to individual needs and learning styles.”

The program aims to address the short age of cybersecurity specialists in Australia by facilitating increased participation of indigenous and regional individuals in the information and communications technology and cybersecurity industry, says Trish.

“At Kirra Services, we understand the need for community and the importance of the connections it brings. Part of our aim is to ensure that the needs of community members are kept first in mind,” she says.

“Boasting partnerships with both (ISC)2 and Cisco Networking Academy, the program is backed up with tailored learning support services, mentoring, optional vendor training and an intern program, designed to build practical skills

MSS Security needs capable people to fill diverse security roles in Canberra

Who are we looking for?

People from all walks of life:

• School leavers & jobseekers

• Seeking a career change

• Parents wanting to re-enter the workforce

• Females and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

People with transferable skills:

• Good written and verbal communication

• Professional presentation

• Excellent customer service skills

People who hold or can obtain the following:

• Security licence

• Drivers licence

• First Aid Certificate

• Birth certificate or passport

• Citizenship Certificate (if not Australian-born)

• National Police check

If you don’t have a security licence, join our scholarship program.

Ask us about the perks!

How to apply

Visit our website msssecurity.com.au or use the QR code to view our current opportunities.

“The program specifically targets regional areas and emphasises the inclusion of indigenous participants, women and neuro-diverse individuals.

“By providing practical training, career coaching, mentoring and internship programs, the program aims to empower indigenous and regional individuals to pursue successful careers in cybersecurity, contributing to the growth of the industry in Australia.”

Kirra Services, Unit 1/19 Barry Drive, Turner. Call 0455 780555, or visit kirraservicesacademy.com.au

KIRRA SERVICES LAUNCHES CYBER CAREER STARTER PROGRAM

The pathway program developed by Kirra Services aims to address the shortage of cybersecurity specialists in Australia by facilitating increased participation of Indigenous and regional individuals in the ICT and cybersecurity industry.

Boasting partnerships with both (ISC)2 and Cisco Networking Academy, the program is backed up with tailored learning support services, mentoring, optional vendor training and an Intern program, designed to build practical skills within the workplace.

The Cyber Career Starter Program is designed to provide culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to overcome barriers to gaining and maintaining ICT Cyber Employment.

The 24-week program includes:

• Workplace skills training

• ICT Security and Networking Fundamentals – cybersecurity

• Learning support and mentoring from industry experts

• Access to Career Coaching & Professional development, including recruitment services.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST AT CYBER@KIRRASERVICES.COM.AU

• 8 Week intern program – with leading industry professionals

• Ongoing access to industry & Vendor training

• COST: $2200

SCAN FOR MORE PROGRAM DETAILS

Cyber Career Starter Program – Kirra Services Academy START YOUR CAREER IN CYBER NOW!

MSS Security national talent acquisition manager Rebecca Edwards.

Program manager Trish Young.

New software counters digital risks to business

ANDREW Donehue, managing director of Canberra IT support company BluePackets, says its revolutionary CatchBefore software addresses the evolving risks faced by organisations relying on Microsoft 360 for data storage and day-to-day operations.

“After more than 15 years serving Canberra businesses’ IT needs, BluePackets knows that ensuring robust IT security is more crucial than ever before,” he says.

“In response, we have developed CatchBefore, an advanced security software designed to address the pressing security concerns of modern businesses.

“IT security has always been important, but it has now become even more critical due to the significant risks associated with neglecting proactive measures.

“The transition to cloud computing has revo lutionised the way businesses operate, providing flexibility and accessibility like never before. However, the ease of cloud storage also comes with potential vulnerabilities. Default configurations often prioritise convenience over optimal security, leaving organisa tions susceptible to misconfigurations and sub-optimal settings.”

Andrew says even with security enhancements such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), organisations must remain vigilant against sophisticated attack methods.

“CatchBefore assists in managing the risks faced in the modern environment by continuously monitoring potential vulnerabilities,” he says.

“At present, CatchBefore offers more than 29 checks, each designed to address specific security concerns.

“CatchBefore also emphasises the importance of regular reviews. Good is good, but it can always be better.

“By staying ahead of emerging risks, CatchBefore ensures that organisations can maintain a strong security posture in the face of new challenges.”

BluePackets. Call 1300 CATCH1 (1300 228241), or visit catchbefore.com.au or bluepackets.com.au

Enhance 365 Security: Introducing CatchBefore

Elevate your 365 Security, protect your data, and safeguard employee accounts with CatchBefore – a revolutionary monitoring solution exclusively by BluePackets!

• Experience seamless, continuous proactive security monitoring tailored for your Microsoft 365 environment

• Gain access to clear, easily understandable reports on your 365 environment on a regular basis

• Ensure full tenancy control while minimising risks through ongoing security alerts of potential threats

• Embrace ongoing monitoring for an affordable price, setting the benchmark for unparalleled value and holistic protection.

Experience, expertise and peace of mind

WHEN it comes to securing your property, only the best will do, says ASR Security Services owner Enzo Vargas.

“I opened ASR Security Services nine years ago, we offer supply and installation of alarm systems, CCTV, access control and intercom systems to homeown ers, businesses and organisations in Canberra and beyond,” he says.

“With years of experience and a passion for provid ing top-notch security solutions, ASR Security Services is designed to meet your unique security needs and budget.

“At ASR Security Services, we believe that a great se curity system is one that is tailored to meet your specific needs. That’s why we take a customized approach to every project, working closely with you to understand your requirements and preferences. Whether you need to secure a single building or multiple locations, our team has the expertise and resources to design and install a system that works for you.”

Enzo says in addition to expert installation, ASR Security Services also provides ongoing support and maintenance services to keep your system functioning at its best.

“Our dedicated team is always available to assist with any questions or concerns, and we’re committed to providing fast and effective solutions whenever you need us,” he says.

“Don’t settle for less when it comes to your property’s security. Choose ASR Security Services for peace of mind and the confidence that comes from knowing your property is protected by the best”

ASR Security Services. Call 1300 136672, or visit asrsecurityservices.com.au

Don’t wait! Delaying security improvements only increases your risk of being compromised. Act now to fortify your 365 environment with CatchBefore.

ASR Security Services. Our team of experts specialises in the installation, service, and monitoring of high-quality security alarm systems that are designed to keep your premises safe and secure, 24 hours a day.

Whether you have a small domestic property or a complex commercial premises, our team will work with you to find the best solution to meet your security needs. We utilise state-of-the-art technology, including a grade A1 control room, to ensure rapid response and maximum protection for your property.

BluePackets managing director Andrew Donehue.

ASR Security Services owner Enzo Vargas.

Love is… lots of lovely lichen

LICHEN is a combination of fungi and photosynthesising algae that we commonly see growing on trees.

Having lichen in the garden is a good thing, and growing it on trees, rocks and outdoor surfaces is a benefit to the garden by showing the air quality is good and air pollutants are low. Once lichen is growing well it helps purify the air by trapping particulate matter such as dust. It also provides shelter and food for insects.

There’s also convincing evidence over many centuries that people have eaten lichen, but it’s not recorded as a continuing staple to the human diet so it’s probably best left in the garden.

Lichen, which can live for decades, doesn’t harm the host on which it is growing, but it can be slippery on paths, so it’s not a great idea to grow lichen on walkways or steps.

It’s slow growing because it doesn’t have its own roots or vascular tissue to take up nutrients and uses the atmosphere to get its nutrients and water.

Moss and lichen grow well together and can be used in terrariums, miniature rock

gardens or as a decorative plant covering rocks.

While moss needs water and sunlight to get established, lichen needs nothing. Further amazing bryophytes to try and grow are liverworts and hornworts. All have nonvascular systems and rely on clean air.

A terrific reference to name lichen, moss liverwort or hornwort growing in your garden is a Canberra citizen science website called naturemapr.org

CHRISTMAS Bells (Blandfordia grandiflora) is a good addition to a damp area in the native garden.

A native of eastern Australia, it can be a “wowfactor” plant. It’s a tufted perennial that grows 50 centimetres tall with evergreen, narrow leaves. In the warmer months, the majestic scarlet and gold bell flowers come into bloom on the tall stems.

Christmas Bells can be grown in smaller spaces such as courtyards and patios. They are a magnet for nectar-feeding birds. After flowering, the seeds are ripe after about three months and ready for propagating.

The flowers are self-fertile, but will have better pollination if there are more flowers around and the birds do the job for you.

Anyone with the patience to grow Christmas Bells from seed should use a seed-arising tray

with potting mixture of 50 per cent coir peat and 50 per cent sand which with a little lime will get things started.

Sprinkle the seed across the potting media as evenly as possible, top dress with more mix and water in. Don’t let the seed dry out at any stage. Give the seed trays plenty of air space to prevent fungal disease growing.

Other boggy natives that complement Christmas Bells are sedges, native violets or club rush. All cope with soggy soils and drier soils when it is needed.

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

Jottings…

• Finish all pome fruit pruning before spring.

• Continue to feed garlic with high-nitrogen fertilisers until spring.

• Sharpen blades on all garden tools including the lawn mower.

• Turn over compost and ground for growing summer vegetables.

Lichen… growing well, it helps purify the air and provides shelter and food for insects.

Christmas Bells…a good addition to a damp area in the native garden. Photos: Jackie Warburton

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE Of deadly diaries and different lives COLIN STEELE

Beejay’s planning a festival love letter to Canberra

By Helen MUSA

“THERE are too many gatekeepers and not enough locksmiths opening doors,” director of the Canberra Writers Festival Beejay Silcox says as she surveys the current writing scene in Australia.

After the last few years of pandemic gloom, she’s aiming for what she calls a “joyful restart”.

Silcox, a prominent writer and critic, a judge for the 2023 Stella Prize and this year’s Calibre Essay Prize, sees herself as very much part of the locksmithing trade as she plans to open up hitherto unexplored vistas of Australian writing rarely taken seriously before.

“I apply a broad brush. I look at all kinds of writing,” she says.

With this in mind, she’ll be in conversation with the creator of “Bluey”, Joe Brumm, on August 19, but there’s a caution to parents of children that “The Joyful Genius of Bluey” is a “craft focused conversation” and the famous blue-heeler won’t actually be there.

Writers will be at the centre of every event Silcox expects and, effectively answering the

By spreading the event around town to the National Museum, Marie Reay Teaching Centre, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, National Press Club and Muse Café, she has a good chance of doing that.

While the official ongoing festival theme is always “Power Politics Passion”, she has applied herself “differently” to the theme.

“There’s a tendency to conflate Canberra with the place up on The Hill, so I have also applied a broad brush to the question of politics and power. There will be no political memoirs. There will be no military memoirs. There’ll be humane discussions which will prove that this city is not beholden to the whims of Parliament House.”

Two such thoughtful discussions will be “Time For A Reckoning”, with Stan Grant in conversation with Louise Milligan, and “Flawed Hero” Chris Masters in conversation with Laura Tingle. But certainly, politics and world affairs are there, and there’ll be “Whither The Liberal Party?” with Barrie Cassidy, Niki Savva, Dave Sharma and Amy Remeikis, “Putin’s War”, with Peter Tesch, Mark Edele and Gorana Grgic, and “After The Fall” with Virginia Haussegger, Ahmad Shuja Jamal, William Maley and ambassador of Afghanistan Wahidullah Waissi.

“I’ve made a point of having Canberrans, I live in the city, I write in the city… only part of it is to do with political boffins and we have so many beautiful writers,” Silcox says.

For instance, she got wind that Jono Lineen, one of the lead curators in the development of the National Antarctic Heritage Collection at the National Museum, was also a bestselling author, so she’s got an Antarctic focus, “Ice Dreaming” with Kaya Wilson, Lineen and Dennis Glover. Not to disappoint literary fans, there’ll be writing royals, such as Kate Grenville in conversation with Nicole Abadee and Thomas Keneally in conversation with Stephen Romei.

A fun part is the inaugural “Canberra’s Biggest Book Club,” focusing on “Bad Art Mother”, by Edwina Preston, who will appear at Muse Café as living proof that one can be a mother and an artist at the same time.

As for the charge that poetry has been neglected, there will, Silcox says, be 12 different events devoted to that literary form.

It’s a pretty diverse program, with a celebration of the first edition of “First Nations Classics” involving writers Debra Dank, Evelyn Araluen, Ellen van Neerven and Yasmin Smith, a serious look at sustainability, “Seizing the Moment” with Polly Hemming, Alan Finkel, Joëlle Gergis and Murrawah Johnson and, bringing the festival squarely into the 21st century, “Frankenstein’s Monster: Grappling with AI,” with Michelle Ryan, Tracey Spicer and Clinton Fernandes.

Canberra Writers Festival, August 16-20.

Local composer hardly known at home Making music tracks to tramline festival

By Helen Musa

A CANBERRA composer scarcelyknown here has been named as one of the frontrunners in Australia’s foremost classical music awards this year.

Heather Percy has been nominated for an Art Music Award for her choral composition “Three Night Songs”, performed on June 24 in collaboration with Sydney Chamber Choir and its director, Sam Allchurch.

“Three Night Songs” was written in isolation in NZ, where she was stranded during the pandemic.

Presented annually by APRA AMCOS and the Australian Music Centre, the awards, to be announced on August 15, acknowledge the achievements of composers, performers, educators and leaders in contemporary classical music, jazz, improvisation, sound art and experimental music. Last year the electroacoustic/sound art prize was awarded to Canberra experimental music artist Shoeb Ahmed.

As long-time head of music at Canberra Grammar junior school, it was mostly through working with boys that she became a composer.

Her first composition was for U3A Canberra and her first major instrumental work was composed for former ANU flautist Virginia Taylor, recorded in 2019 with Daniel de Borah on piano and broadcast on ABC Classic FM.

As well, on the request of the Young Music Society’s Stephen Leek she started a children’s choir for YMS in 2016 and has recently composed a work for cello and guitar, which is being recorded by guitarist Steve Allen and cellist David Pereira.

Having now left teaching, she is determined to increase her musical output – the surprise nomination for an Art Music Award helps.

Hers is a musical family. Husband Jack is a sax player with the Blamey Street Big Band

Australian Chopin Festival

used to boys and their voices, and found she liked it and, after marrying, settled here.

Heavily influenced by the Carl Orff Approach, which engages children’s minds and bodies through singing, dancing, acting and percussion, she soon felt that it was better to turn the musical classroom into a more creative space for the boys.

“It was like a snowball; my improvisation became better and better, I enjoyed teaching the boys, I enjoyed being engaged,” she says.

She taught and rehearsed choirs, sometimes doing 11-to-12-hour days but all the while gaining confidence as a musician, while winning a swag of awards with her choirs, including the Australasian Open Choral Championship. One choir performed a commemoration service at the Somme.

In 2005, she won a Churchill Fellowship to study elite choral programs at Cambridge and St Paul’s Cathedral, cementing her love of sacred music.

By

LIZ HOBDAY in Melbourne

THE upcoming Eighty-Six Festival will feature international and grassroots acts, with gigs at music venues along Melbourne’s 86 tram line.

The line runs from Bundoora to Docklands, along the way taking in many high street music venues in Westgarth, Northcote, Preston and Thornbury.

A wave of new venues in the inner north sparked the idea of a grassroots festival named for the tram line, according to artistic director Woody McDonald.

“We started to realise we must have more music venues than any other street in the world,” he said.

The Eighty-Six program features a free “Super Saturday” – 24 hours of music with 200 performances across about 40 venues, with gigs at bowls clubs and bocce courts.

and also chairperson of The Song Company in Sydney, while their son Edward, 11, is a member of the Luminescence Chamber Choir and a budding classical guitarist.

Percy began life as “a diehard music person”, singing in choirs such as the Sydney Conservatorium Chamber Choir studying piano at The Con under Igor Hmelnitsky then, after graduating, moving from being a chorister to holding the baton.

She originally came to Canberra to teach at Grammar, spent a few months getting

“I still handwrite all my manuscripts, but to a composer, the computer is your friend,” she says, describing the back-and-forth communication throughout lockdown with the ABC and Sam Allchurch, who’d been engaged to record works for her masters of music composition portfolio.

As a teenager, her first experience of listening to Renaissance polyphonic music saw her “mesmerised by the modality and the seamless quality”. But she says she also takes her bearings from modern composers such as Britten, Holst and Paul Stanhope, who became her supervisor for her masters.

The slate is not entirely grassroots though – international acts include US indie rock legends Built To Spill, Kyoto punk band Otoboke Beaver and surf-disco outfit Los Bitchos.

The inaugural event hasn’t even happened yet but there are hopes it will become an annual fixture for music lovers.

“Our aim is to make The Eighty-Six one of the country’s marquee music events,” said McDonald.

The Eighty-Six Festival runs from October 23-31. –AAP

Penfolds’ made-in-China ‘trial’ wine

By Richard CALVER

LET’S recap: in 2021, Australia lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization against China. It was the second complaint lodged, the first being about Australian barley import restrictions.

The second complaint was because of the imposition of anti-dumping and proposed countervailing duties on Australian wine. The final determination was duties from 116.2 per cent to 218.4 per cent on wine from Australia as of March 28, 2021 imported into China. These measures killed off Australian wine exports to China, which remain stultified: those exports fell by 92 per cent to $A21 million in the year ended September 30, 2022.

In mid-July, it was reported that Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong raised the trade issues, the detention of Australian citizens, Hong Kong arrest warrants and Pacific security during a meeting with China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, in Jakarta.

The hoped-for thawing of China’s attitude to Australian barley has arrived but wine is not yet manifest and, in my view, will not be on the table in the immediate future given the attitude Australia has taken on issues involving human rights.

premium wine, I found that it is the second made-in-China wine released by Penfolds. The first was last year and released only into the Chinese market: One by Penfolds 2020, a red blend grown in the Ningxia region that costs locally for RMB 228 ($A47.10). However, the so-called “trial” wine will be available in other countries.

Chief Penfolds winemaker Peter Gago explained the notion of “trial” wines at the launch of the wine in China, disclosing that the now famous Grange was once such a wine:

“For almost two centuries, experimentation and trial continue to be a key driver of the creation of many Penfolds ‘trial’ wines including Grange (experimental 1951), Yattarna Bin 144, Red Winemaking Trial 798 (RWT) Barossa Valley Shiraz, and now the CWT 521,” he said.

The Chinese trial wine combines cabernet sauvignon Shangri-la and marselan from Ningxia, China. This is a blend I’ve never tried as the marselan grape, to my knowledge, is not grown in Australia.

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So, against this background, I recently read a media release by Penfolds that said it will soon be releasing a Chinese-made wine: if you can’t beat them, join them! This month Penfolds released wines from four countries around the world, including a Chinese Penfolds Winemaking Trial 521 cabernet sauvignon marselan 2021. It will sell for $150 a bottle.

In background reading about the release of this

A 2021 “Decanter” article tells me that the grape variety was created 60 years ago by a French wine academic who made a cross between cabernet sauvignon and grenache. The original aim was to reed a variety for languedoc that has the same delicacy as cabernet and is as heat-resistant as grenache.

It was first introduced to Chinese vineyards in 2001, along with 15 other French grape varieties to Domaine Franco Chinois, a winemaking collaboration initiated by the two governments, in the Huailai region in Hebei. Collaboration seems to be the main ingredient in growing China’s grape-growing and wine-making efforts, and I dip my lid to Penfolds for embracing the local.

Composer Heather Percy… “I still handwrite all my manuscripts, but to a composer, the computer is your friend.”

Photo: Jack Percy

Chinese Penfolds Winemaking Trial 521… a premium wine that will sell for $150 a bottle.

Oppenheimer doco a telling postscript to movie

IT’S no secret that Chris Nolan’s epic new biopic “Oppenheimer” has been dominating the box office.

That is, of course, second only to its plastic fantastic competitor “Barbie” (now tipped by some to gross more than a billion dollars worldwide).

But for those who indeed found themselves compelled by the story of the man called “the father of the atomic bomb”, a new documentary is now streaming on Binge which dives deeper into the famous physicist’s complex life.

Titled “To End All Wars”, it’s been released specifically to tie in with the film and even features an interview with Nolan himself, who refers to Oppenheimer as “the most important man to ever live”.

On top of that, there’s discussions with the authors of the book the movie was based on, as well as a fascinating roster of experts on all things war, physics and nuclear energy who break down just how much one man was able to change the world as we know it.

The documentary also reveals how accurate “Oppenheimer” is in its retelling of the titular scientist’s life. Many details from the movie are so incredible you’d think they were the work of creative liberty, but indeed

cast as Oppenheimer in the film, looks like the real man. A credit to his performance.

While “To End All Wars” can be watched before seeing the blockbuster movie, I’d recommend checking it out afterwards.

It makes for a captivating breakdown of a landmark piece of art that’s sure to entrench itself in the annals of film history.

Was disappointed that Ken didn’t make a

cameo though.

LAST year Aussie film icon Cate Blanchett generated a heap of Hollywood buzz and scored herself an Oscar nomination with her performance in “Tár”.

In it, she’s Lydia Tár, a world-renowned and psychologically disturbed conductor who is

The hype is deserved. Blanchett delivers an impeccably committed performance in this dark and offbeat character study that is finally available to stream on Binge.

In “Tár”, the audience watches as this musical genius slowly unravels, sinking ever deeper into her creative reverie that she puts above all else.

A success of the script is that despite featuring so much technical language, those without a musical vocabulary will still be able to glean the rich subtext and meaning laced throughout the film’s politically charged dialogue. “Tár” makes for an enthralling exploration of the age-old question “can art be separated from the artist?”

MEANWHILE, Netflix’s newest political comedy flick “Long Shot” has glued together the stardom of Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron in a bid to get subscribers watching.

Rogen is Fred Flarsky, a zany, free-spirited journalist who scores a gig writing speeches for Charlotte Field – one of America’s most accomplished and respected politicians who’s about to launch a campaign for the presidency.

It turns out the two have quite the past, Charlotte being both Fred’s former babysitter and the apple of his eye.

It all makes for an enjoyable, if surfacelevel comedy affair that will easily kill a few

DINING / The Civic Pub, Braddon There’s more to pub grub at The Civic

AT The Civic Pub, in Braddon, it’s all about the zones, with distinct dining area options for every personality and occasion.

The main bar is true pub-style with sports events on massive TVs and gleaming, mega-sized Carlton Draught beer tanks. The dining room is less raucous and features a gorgeous fireplace.

The lounge is laidback, also with a charming atmosphere and fireplace. A private dining area is comfy for eight to 12 guests. And last, but not least, there’s the large outdoor area, complete with afternoon sun, which is where we landed on a rather cool day.

One of the oldest in Canberra, the pub opened in the early 1920s. To this day, it offers that quintes-

sential pub experience that stands apart from the trendy establishments in this part of town – a welcome relief in some ways for so many.

The menu is fairly stable and we kickstarted our lunch with delish duck breast bao buns ($24.90), a departure from typical pub grub but it’s great to see dishes like this being served. The duck breast was enhanced with five spices, soy sauce, coriander, carrot and eschalots. Moist and tender, the duck was perfectly grilled and topped with fresh, crunchy spring onions and a hit of chilli.

Next up, we shared crab croquettes, also from the bar snacks section of the menu, which married well with our Long Rail Gully Pinot Gris (Murrumbateman and reasonably priced at $37.90 a bottle). The crab meat was sweet and mixed with vegetables and a well-executed bechamel sauce (four for $17.90).

We were intrigued by the flathead toasties and weren’t sure how they would be prepared, but not enamoured by the result. The fish was in

chunks on top of smashed avo and a bit awkward to organise. The “toasties” (white bread) weren’t very toasted.

Divine was the mussels, although we wanted a full serve ($33.90) only to discover the kitchen had enough left for a half serve ($22.90). They were absolutely yum and the mussels, sauteed in onion, tomato and garlic, were topped off with a splash of Chinese wine. We soaked our pieces of sourdough in the broth, not wanting to waste a drop.

Traditional pub dishes feature “The Civic Pub Burger” ($23.90) and a house-made chicken and mushroom puff pastry pie, sure to hit the spot at $22.90.

Those with hearty appetites can sink their teeth into the Black Angus scotch fillet (300 grams for $29.90). Kids are welcome and well taken care of (dishes all $16.90). Doggies welcome too, for steak and veg or a bit of steak tartare (both $6.50).

The Civic Pub has been tarted up and is in pretty good nick. The bright (very) red tartan curtains are a stand-out feature, and the place is all the more cosy with plenty of wood and a warm colour palette. Open seven days.

hours on a Saturday night. This one’s a step up for Rogan, but perhaps a step down for Theron.

AND in one more interesting tidbit of streaming news this week, Netflix didn’t delay in capitalising on all this UFO craze that’s going on.

In the hours that followed a former intelligence official telling US congress that the government had been covering up a “multi-decade” program that studied aliens, the streaming giant took to Twitter to plug one of its shows:

“Have aliens visited earth – and has the government covered it up? ‘Top Secret UFO Projects: Declassified’ is now on Netflix.”

The doco dropped two years ago but is now seeing a resurgence of interest in the wake of all the buzz around UFOs.

But for those who really want to go down the extra-terrestrial rabbit hole, it’s Disney Plus where the classic “X Files” can be found, a show that is also seeing renewed fanfare in wake of the bizarre claims currently coming out of the US. The truth is out there.

4PM MUSIC & STALLS

Trent Dalton Scott Brennan

Tracey Gillard

Gretel Burgess

Welcome to Country –Aunty Dr Matilda House-Williams

Brenda Matthews

Sister Brigid Arthur

Parker

Will and Annie INTERMISSION MUSIC, FOOD & STALLS

For ticket information visit dirrumfestival.org/cbr23

Cate Blanchett in “Tár”... playing a psychologically disturbed conductor who is facing mounting allegations of misconduct.

Duck breast bao buns… enhanced with five spices, soy sauce, coriander, carrot and eschalots.

Mussels… sauteed in onion, tomato and garlic, topped off with a splash of Chinese wine. Photos: Wendy Johnson

Of Alan’s deadly diaries and Noël’s different lives

SIMONE de Beauvoir once wrote “what an odd thing a diary is: the things you omitted are more important than those you put in”.

This occasionally appears to be the case in “Madly, Deeply: the diaries of Alan Rickman”

Editor Alan Taylor, in his introduction, writes: “Why Rickman kept a diary is unclear”. However, many readers will be grateful that we have them, covering the years from 1993 until just before Rickman’s death in January 2016.

Alan Rickman is best remembered for his roles as Hans Gruber in “Die Hard”; the Sheriff of Nottingham in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”; Harry in “Love Actually” and Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” series. He clearly developed a disdain for interviewers who constantly asked about these films, comparing them to “tired dogs with a very old slipper”.

Rickman’s diary entries are often short, at times being almost bullet points. He lists having a May 2002 meeting with Daniel Day-Lewis but does not recount any detail from it. There are many lunches and dinners, which has led one reviewer to suggest that the book should be retitled “Dine Hard”.

Nonetheless, there are many interesting and humorous entries, particularly those revealing the foibles and inner workings of the movie industry. Rickman wrote in 1994: “To work or to hang around for five hours is the question”.

Rickman was a lifelong member of the

Labour Party. He undoubtedly took pleasure in July 2001 at Wimbledon when he met former British Prime Minister John Major. Major said: “You have given us so much enjoyment”, to which Rickman replied: “I wish I could say the same of you”.

Rickman had a 46-year relationship with academic and Labour politician Rima Horton, whom he married in 2012. Although he does confess to Emma Thompson, “there but for the grace…” when he learns of Hugh Grant’s arrest with a sex worker in Hollywood.

Rima was with him at the end when he was dying with pancreatic cancer and the diary becomes full of hospital appointments and re-watching his favourite TV programs.

Rickman as an actor has been termed “sardonic, aloof, witty and withering, yet with undercurrents of warmth that could surface when needed”. The Rickman diaries definitely reaffirm that image.

“THE New York Times” wrote in 2002 of Rickman, when he appeared in a revival of Coward’s “Private Lives”: “No man, at least not since Noël Coward, wore a dressing gown with more slippery ease or dangerous intent.”

The indisputable image of Noel Coward (1899-1973), writer, actor, singer, songwriter and occasional World War II spy, is of a figure in an elegant dressing gown, with a cigarette holder, effortlessly delivering a stream of witticisms.

Noel Coward’s diaries, reissued in 2022 with a new introduction by Stephen Fry, never fully revealed the inner Noel Coward. The latest, and undoubtedly best biographer of Coward, Oliver Soden, deliberately titles his book “Masquerade: The Lives of Noël Coward” and comes closest to removing Coward’s public masks.

There are constant revivals of Coward’s most famous plays “Private Lives”, “Hay Fever” and “Blithe Spirit”, while songs such as “Mad About The Boy”, “Someday I’ll Find You” and “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” are instantly recognisable. Frank Sinatra once said: “If you want to hear how songs should

be sung, listen to Mr Coward.”

Overall, Noel Coward wrote some 50 plays, nine musicals, 675 songs as well as novels, short stories and screenplays. His last film performance was in the 1969 film “The Italian Job” in which he played the gangster Mr Bridger. Coward’s 1940s films “In Which

ARTS IN THE CITY

Laughs

We Serve” and “Brief Encounter” are classics to this day.

Soden, with extensive use of new archival material including unexpurgated diary material, breaks up his biographical analysis of Coward into nine segments of Coward’s life, each of which begins with a vignette in imitation of Coward’s style.

Coward was eminently suited to the 1920s, a decade which Soden describes as “cat’s cradles of laissez-faire sexuality and carefree infidelity”.

His 1924 play “The Vortex” rocked London society with its study of a decadent hostess with a young lover and a drug-addicted son. The rampant drug use that nearly had the play banned, now feels the most dated element of its still vibrant structure. By 1925 Coward had become the highest-paid writer in the world.

Soden superbly documents Coward’s personal “zig-zag” throughout the “alternately permissive and intolerant” decades of the 20th century when homosexuality was a criminal offence, in a sympathetic and revealing biography.

in three languages

MICHELLE Law’s glitzy comedy, “Miss Peony”, will be performed in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, with surtitles in all three languages, when it comes to town. Billed as “comedy of beauty pageants”, it sees Lily’s maternal grandmother, a beauty queen back in Hong Kong, pushing 21st century Lily into enter ing the highly competitive Miss Peony beauty pageant. And, oh, yes, Grandma (Poh-Poh) is a ghost. At The Playhouse, August 23-26.

CANBERRA Symphony Orchestra’s third Llewellyn Series concert, “Winter Dreams”, features Korngold’s “Der Schneeman” (The Snowman), written when he was just 11 years old; Annie Hui-Hsin Hsieh’s “Icy Disintegration”; Frank Martin’s “Concerto for Seven Winds, Percussion and Strings” and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1. At Llewellyn Hall, August 16.

CANBERRA Glassworks has awarded a four-week residency at

“Miss Peony”... The Playhouse, August 23-26.

AUSTRALIAN Haydn Ensemble returns to Canberra to perform masterworks in chamber form. Wesley Music Centre, August 17.

MARK Cottle, from the UK, will give an illustrated talk on the weaponry, gold coins and exquisitely crafted jewellery revealed in the discovery of the “Sutton Hoo”, a

August 22.

APEIRON Baroque’s next concert will focus on the sounds of the viola da gamba and the intricacies of Baroque dance. Highlights include music for a mistuned violin and gamba, a dance of madness and dances from the French court opera. Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, August 13.

The cover of “Madly, Deeply: the diaries of Alan Rickman”.

The cover of “Masquerade: The Lives of Noël Coward”.

HOROSCOPE PUZZLES

Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

14-20 August, 2023

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Have you been waiting in the wings or sulking on the sidelines? This week there’s a fiery New Moon in your creativity zone, and a terrific trine between gung-ho Mars (your power planet) and adventurous Uranus. So, spring into action – wake up, explore, experiment, take a calculated risk and make some noise! Be inspired by original celebrity chef – and birthday great – Julia Child: “Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

This week the stars activate home and hearth, as the New Moon highlights your domestic zone. It’s a good time to clean and declutter your living space or tackle an overdue DIY project. But Venus (your ruling planet) is in retrograde mode until September 4, so Bulls can expect a busy and bamboozling time. Prepare for some very short timelines. You don’t work well when other people try to hurry you. Have the confidence to cruise at your own preferred pace.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

The New Moon activates your communication and education zones. So, it’s a good time to exercise your brain cells via study, debate, teaching, reading, writing, public speaking and generally expanding your mind in all sorts of exciting new directions. But remember, Venus (planet of diplomacy) is retrograde, so watch what you say! Your motto for the moment is from Leo writer Dorothy Parker: “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Expect a rather disruptive week with a friendship surprise or a financial setback. The New Moon focus is firmly on money matters. Crabs have a good business brain, so make sure you are using it. If you can get the balance right between being canny with cash and entrepreneurial with your ideas, then you could really go places. Venus is reversing through your $$$ zone (until September 4) but that’s no excuse. It’s time to improve your financial literacy ASAP!

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

With the Sun, New Moon and retrograde Venus visiting your sign, you’ll go to extremes this week as the planets press your ‘Let’s overdo everything’ button. So, your motto for the moment is from music icon Mick Jagger (who has four planets in Leo): “Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.” But resist the temptation to be a right royal bossy-boots. Especially when you don’t get your way. Rather than being pushy, try being charmingly persuasive instead!

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Mercury (your ruler) and Mars (the proactive planet) are transiting through your sign. So, it’s the perfect time to be your confident, authentic self! If you don’t accept yourself (warts and all) then why should anyone else? If you don’t develop your talents and follow your dreams, then others won’t do it for you. As birthday great, fashion designer and style icon Coco Chanel observed: “How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.”

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

The fiery New Moon reignites a special hope, dream or wish that’s been languishing on the sidelines. But remember that Venus (your patron planet) is retrograde until September 4. So – if you are stuck in a professional slump or a relationship rut – don’t dwell on the negatives. It’s time to reassess and re-calibrate. Be inspired by actress (and fellow Libran) Kate Winslet: “The good and bad things are what form us as people. Change makes us grow.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Wednesday’s Mars/Uranus trine brings a rush of fiery energy and a fresh perspective to a stale romance or a floundering friendship. There’s no denying you’re a smart Scorpion but are you making the most of your professional talents?

The New Moon activates your career zone, so it’s time to don your thinking cap, connect with colleagues and keep them up to date with your work plans. Venus is retrograde, though, so check and re-check everything twice!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

With this week’s fiery New Moon activating your adventure zone, you’re keen to head off on an overseas trip, an interstate holiday or a weekend getaway. But remember, Venus is reversing through your travel zone (until September 4), so be careful your spontaneous Sagittarian spirit doesn’t land you in unexpected trouble! Slow down and take the time to plan and book (and save for) an exciting dream escapade sometime from September 5 onwards.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Venus (planet of self-love and self-worth) is still retrograde. So, it’s time for active and ambitious Capricorns to pace themselves, as some plans backfire and confidence levels are lower than usual. You could also question your current trajectory and look to others for feedback and approval. Don’t overdo it! Madonna (who celebrates her birthday on Wednesday) observes: “If your joy is derived from what others think of you, then you’re going to be disappointed.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Love, loyalty, cooperation and compromise are the New Moon buzzwords. But this week you’ll be reliably unpredictable and consistently inconsistent! One half of you wants to snuggle up close with someone special, while the other half longs to be footloose, fancy-free, and spontaneously solo. Try to find the sweet spot between cosy companionship and invigorating independence. And resist the urge to be an Aquarian provocateur who is deliberately controversial.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

New Moon week is the ideal time to ditch bad daily habits and start afresh. Work, health, fitness and food choices are the main areas where you need to make some long-overdue changes and adjustments. The sooner the better. Try to release pent-up Piscean frustrations via a chat with a close confidante or a trusted family member. Spending some quality time with your favourite four-legged friend (in the great outdoors) will also help to lift your spirits.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2023

General knowledge crossword No. 893

TREASURE YOUR FAMILY MEMORIES

Across

4 Name the Michigan city, once the centre of the US car industry. (7)

8 What was the family name of the royal family of Britain and Ireland 1714-1917? (7)

9 To have adjusted to a new situation, is to have done what? (7)

10 What supports a rider’s foot in mounting and riding a horse? (7)

11 Name a particular brightly coloured butterfly. (7)

12 What is a private of the Royal Engineers? (6)

14 Who are employed to take care of horses? (6)

18 Name a member of the upper house of parliament. (7)

21 To have multiplied by three, is to have done what? (7)

22 Name a system of writing and printing for the blind. (7)

23 What is a system of therapy? (7)

24 On which day is the Melbourne Cup run. (7)

Solution next edition Down

1 What is the steel frame that holds the body and engine of a motor vehicle? (7)

2 Name the heavy metal block on which metals are shaped by hammering. (5)

3 What is an extreme desire to amass wealth? (7)

4 Who deals in clothing and haberdashery? (6)

5 Name an alternative term for a vagrant. (5)

6 Name the smallest of the Great Lakes. (7)

7 What was the family name of the English royal family from Henry VII to Elizabeth I? (5)

13 Name another term for a flapjack. (7)

15 Who introduced tobacco and the potato to Europe, Sir Walter ...? (7)

16 Which small edible fish is frequently canned in oil? (7)

17 Which tube carries blood away from the heart? (6)

18 What is a shoe carved from a single piece of wood? (5)

19 To be covered in thin flat slabs of baked clay, is to be what? (5)

20 What are edible burrowing marine bivalve molluscs? (5)

Sudoku medium No. 348

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Our aim is to provide a culturally safe, holistic health care service for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of the ACT and surrounding regions. The holistic health care provided by Winnunga AHCS includes not only medical care, but a range of programs to promote good health and healthy lifestyles.

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