JON
The Chief shows off his factional puppet
The commission that needs to be squeaky clean
MICHAEL MOORE
VOTING
Diverse
GARDENING
The sweet lemon that’s a local star JACKIE WARBURTON
GOVERNMENT FURNITURE
A second opinion on hearing loss – you need professional advice, not a sales pitch
A woman came into my clinic for a consultation about her hearing aids, telling me her hearing aids were 4 years old and she had never found them to be of much help. She said the salesperson quoted her $14,000 for a pair of hearing aids, however, the monthly special of 20% discount meant they cost her $11,200. So, she ‘only’ paid $11,200 for hearing aids that did not help her. Sadly, I hear this all too often.
Here are some things to do to avoid this type of problem:
1. Visit your GP. If you or someone you know has a problem with their hearing, visiting your GP to check for wax in the ears, and to get advice is a starting point.
2. Qualifications. Always check the qualifications of the person you are dealing with. A person without professional qualifications has no business advising you about your hearing. They need to belong to a professional association with a Code of Conduct, so you know they are acting in your best interests, not their own.
years. If you are not sure about their advice, then seek a second opinion. The wrong hearing aids can be an expensive waste and could lead you to stop wearing them. You should always have a trial of hearing aids to ensure that they are right for you.
6 Pensioners and eligible DVA card holders often have entitlement to free services. If you are covered by a government concession, then let the clinician know (even though your clinician should ask). Eligible clients may obtain free hearing tests, consultations, and free hearing aids (referred to as fully subsidized hearing aids).
“A person without professional qualifications has no business advising you about your hearing. They need to belong to a professional association with a Code of Conduct, so you know they are acting in your best interests, not their own.”
– Dr Vass
These hearing aids are appropriate for many people, however if you have great difficulty hearing in background noise (for example a restaurant), then you may want to consider partially subsidized hearing aids. This is when the government pays a certain amount, and you pay for additional features and benefits. Your decision should be based on the following:
you are dealing with a qualified clinician, then they belong to a professional association. The best contact is an independent complaints body referred to as Ethics Review Committee. You can email ethics@auderc.org.au and view the website www.auderc.org.au. You can make an anonymous complaint and your complaint will be handled in a confidential and professional manner. If you are in the ACT, contact the ACT Human Rights Commission email human rights@act.gov au and the website www.hrc.act.gov.au
3. Independent advice. You should get independent, professional advice.
4. There are a wide range of hearing aids out there. Finding the right hearing aids for your communication needs can be challenging. Hearing aids vary in price and performance. Bluetooth® connectivity and rechargeable hearing aids are available on most hearing aids, along with apps that allow you to control your hearing aids from your mobile device. Be aware that just because a hearing aid is more expensive, that doesn’t mean they are the best hearing aid for you.
5. Just as hearing aids vary in performance, clinicians may also vary in performance due to training, experience, and skills. Make sure that you are comfortable and confident in their advice. You are likely to be with this clinician for the life of your new hearing aids, typically 4 to 5
(a) Can you afford the more expensive hearing aids? Don’t go into financial stress if you can’t afford them. (b) Are you clear on the free vs partially subsidized features & benefits? Never believe someone who tells you the free hearings are not good or of poor performance, this is simply not true. (c) If you try the partially subsidized hearing aids and are not happy, then return them. Do not keep hearing aids because you think the failure is yours or that you will improve over time. If the hearing aids are not working for you in the trial period, then they will not work for you in a year or two.
7. If you have a complaint, then seek help. Your clinician should be able to help you through most of your needs. Sometimes, a problem may be beyond the expertise of even the best clinician. However, if you have a complaint there are things you can do. If
Author reveals the family ways of peculiar parents
“It’s a great way to get kids interested,” she says.
“We are raising our next generation of zoologists.”
“Kids love weird and wonderful things… one of the things that really struck me when researching is how similar many of them are to us.
“Many mate for life and when they are mating, they try to impress one
Although Dr Owen Reeder is an illustrator herself, she confessed that animals weren’t a talent of hers.
“It’s the most wonderful feeling when you see your words brought to life on the page by the illustrator and also by the book designer.”
Using an Australian landscape palette, full of greens, oranges and blues, Peculiar Parents has been illustrated by Brisbane watercolour artist, Ingrid Bartkowiak.
“They’re absolutely beautiful,” says Dr Owen Reeder.
With 60 portraits and a further 60 images scattered throughout the book, she says it has been an incredible labour of love.
Advertising account executives: Damien Klemke, 0439 139001 Ashika Nambiar, 0425 149860
Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au
Journalist: Elizabeth Kovacs, elizabeth@citynews.com.au
Arts editor: Helen Musa, helen@citynews.com.au
Production manager: Janet Ewen
Distribution manager: Penny McCarroll
The book will be launched at the National Library of Australia at 10.30am on July 5. It is a free event with guest appearances from Dr Owen Reeder, Ingrid Bartkowiak and animals from Canberra Reptile Zoo. Book at library.gov.au
Prolific author Dr Stephanie Owen Reeder… “When something really catches my imagination, I sometimes end up writing a whole book.”
The commission that needs to be squeaky clean
It is time to look critically at the ACT Integrity Commission.
It has recently come under fire from the Commission’s Inspector, the outcome of Operation Kingfisher is still months away, and there are concerns about the level of funding provided for the Commission.
The most significant of these criti cisms by the Commission’s Inspector is in the report titled Investigation into procurement by the ACT Integrity Commission. This report examines procurement processes and a possible conflict of interest regard ing the reappointment of the retiring Integrity Commission’s former CEO in a position as a consultant.
The Inspector of the Integrity Commission, Iain Anderson, is also the ACT Ombudsman. Like the Integrity Commission, the ACT Ombudsman largely operates at arm’s length from the government. Reports of both are tabled by the Speaker in the Legislative Assembly.
The Integrity Commission was not found to be in breach of any statutory obligations. “Rather, the central and repeated issue identified in the investigation is that there is insufficient documentation of the reasons for, and consideration of, the procurement decision”. The Inspector explained that concerns could have been avoided, “by seeking independent advice”.
pendent advice” was rejected by the Integrity Commissioner, Michael Adams KC, as was a recommendation to develop a procurement policy that was considered as “imposing additional standards”.
However, the ACT Integrity Commission did accept to “develop and maintain a register of mandatory staff training, to include training on conflicts of interest and bias and procurement training”.
The response of the Commission was strident, denying any breach with “of the applicable procurement legislation or regulations occurred in relation to the procurement examined in this report”.
The driving concern of this report is expressed in the concluding remarks: “Even the perception of bias,
Of the Integrity Commission performing its role, what has happened to Operation Kingfisher?... Damocles’ sword has been hanging over the head of Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry for much too long.
conflicts of interest or impropriety can erode public trust and impact the Commission’s ability to perform its role effectively”.
Speaking of performing its role, what has happened to Operation Kingfisher? This is the investigation examining whether public officials within the ACT Education Directorate failed to exercise their official functions honestly and/or impartially when making recommendations and decisions regarding the Campbell Primary School Modernisation Project. Damocles’ sword has been hanging over the head of Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry for much too long. The investigation is looking at actions that occurred between 2019 and 2020. The latest public hearings were in August and December of 2023, and at that time the Commission outlined the intention to receive public submissions. It is true that the Integrity Com-
mission has been focused on other issues. While Operation Kingfisher seems to wallow in limbo, this year the Commission has presented to the Legislative Assembly a series of reports including on Operations Athena, Juno, Luna and Falcon. Why have these reports been given priority over Operation Kingfisher? Is it that there is inadequate funding for the Integrity Commission to do its work? Is it a deliberate ploy of the government? Is something else at play?
In 2023 the head of the Education Directorate, Katy Haire, attempted to shut down or delay Operation Kingfisher through a Supreme Court challenge. The matter was due to be recommenced in November 2024. However, following withdrawal of the challenge by Ms Haire, a final judgment was delivered in March 2025, with no findings against the Commission and no orders regarding costs. This Supreme Court challenge certainly delayed the process for months, including well beyond the ACT election. Even though such challenges can be used to deliberately delay proceedings, a key consideration for the Commission remains procedural fairness. Procedural fairness includes
providing a minimum of six weeks for interested parties to provide submissions on a draft. This provides an opportunity for some to take legal action. For others, to put their perspectives and attempt to persuade the Commission that a concept, or even a detail, needs to be corrected. This final step may force even more delay. When asked about when the Kingfisher report is to be tabled, the Commission responded explaining some of these procedural and fairness factors and stating: “Suffice to say, we estimate that the final report required to be provided to the Speaker is some months away”. We won’t hold our breath.
The Integrity Commission is an important part of ensuring accountability of government. The Commission needs to be squeaky clean in reality and perception, and have enough funds to operate efficiently.
Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legisla tive Assembly and an independent minister for health.
Yvette Berry.
But this time...
5 0 % Selected Outdoor Plants
2 0 % Indoor Plants
1 0 % Storewide
Teddy Bear Magnolia + Little Gem
Cycas
Bonsai Japanese Maples
Devil's Ivy
Indoor Palms
Peace Lilies
Zanzibar Gem Plus plenty more........
Water Features
Outdoor Furniture
Indoor & Outdoor
Pots
Wall Art & Mirrors It’s on again....
1 0 B e lt a n a r o a d , P ia llig o P H - 6 2 4 9 1 5 5 2
COVER STORY / Queanbeyan Players’ 60th anniversary
Players turn back to the Pirates for birthday buzz
By Helen MUSA
Three silly sisters singing in close harmony and a major-general with a 21st century patter routine are just the beginning of what audiences can expect from Queanbeyan Players’ 60th anniversary production of The Pirates of Penzance.
The ever-spritely players, reinvented in recent years with edgy modern productions such as American Idiot, Bubble Boy and Next to Normal, are taking a sentimental journey back to their year of incorporation, 1975, when they first staged Pirates in Queanbeyan High School auditorium.
This time, they’ll be performing the socalled Essgee adaptation by Simon Gallaher, whose wild performances with Jon English trod the Australian stages for years.
But Queanbeyan Players’ history reaches back much further.
They were founded by the late Norma Roach, who came from England with her doctor husband Trevor and settled in Quean beyan, where she organised nativity plays at her local Methodist Church. That graduated to melodramas then finally “straight” plays, done with a group of like-minded people. Beginning in 1965 with the comedy, Run
presenter at Questacon, “doing anything weird and crazy and blowing things up”.
One of the best-known personalities on local musical stages, he’s been joining in some of Queanbeyan Players’ newer productions, where, he says, “I was 25 to 30 years older than the next person.”
A Gilbert and Sullivan tragic, he has done the G&S lap of honour with the big three –Pirates, Pinafore and The Mikado.
He’s especially mastered many of the patter routines, including When I was a Lad I Served a Term by Sir Joseph Porter in HMS Pinafore.
“I love patters,” Cannell tells me. “ I love not just the fast numbers, but making them relevant.” So he’s made “a few minor upgrades” to the Major General’s dialogue and has completely rewritten his encore, although he doesn’t guarantee it will see the light of day.
One new line he’s toying with is: “In affairs of foreign nature, Let us make Britannia great again.”
In contrast to Sir Joseph, who may be seen as a bumbling fool, the Major General is a cunning fox, too clever by half at times.
“It’s a classic comic role,” says Cannell. “I’ve played him before, and I thought I needed a break, but then I got a phone call from Queanbeyan Players asking me to do it again.”
Cannell loved the part so much that he replied: “A pleasure, yes please!”
The Pirates of Penzance,Queanbeyan Players, The Q, July 3-13.
10am - 2pm • Sat 28 June • 1 Bindel St
Open Day
Photo: Ben Appleton
Productive meeting with the heritage minister
HERITAGE SYMPOSIUM –AUGUST 2
Have something to offer to our theme a “future for the past”? Send your abstract by July 2 to info@nationaltrustact.org.au
Bookings to attend the symposium will open on July 5 via Trybooking.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The Trust had a very productive meeting with the ACT Heritage Minister, Chris Steel, last week.
Our discussions covered a range of matters, including the heritage implications of Light Rail Stage 2B, current planning reforms, mid-century modernist housing and current government and National Trust heritage priorities. We look forward to regular dialogue with the minister.
Planning reforms
The Trust is engaging with the ACT Government in the “Missing Middle Housing Reforms” consultation. However, this should not be seen as an excuse for unwarranted and ugly densification and overdevelop -
ment. You only have to drive around some of Canberra’s inner suburbs to see that there is no “Missing Middle”. Most of Kingston, for example, is now units and apartments. Calls for multi-storey residential development on the century-old Kingston shops, which would destroy this historical streetscape, are just ludicrous.
Early Kingston shops exhibition
Do take the opportunity to look at the display of historic Kingston shops photographs currently on display at the Kingston Post Office organised by the National Trust, the Kingston and Barton Residents Group and the Canberra & District Historical Society.
Digitisation
Thanks to an ACT Government grant, the Trust is digitising some of our precious historical files, so we can make these available on the internet. Further details to come.
Gary Kent, President
UPCOMING EVENTS
• Queanbeyan’s Priceless Treasures: Visit the new Frank Pangello Heritage Library in the repurposed old Council Chambers Building and the Museum. 10am on Friday, July 18. Book at trybooking.com/DCSNM
• Swinger Hill Heritage Walk, 9.30am11.30am, Sunday, July 27. Book at trybooking.com/DCSPU
• Unlocking History through Maps, Former ACT Surveyor General will amaze you with what old maps can tell us about our local history. Save the date, 5.30pm, August 13.
Nominations Now Open!
The National Trust (ACT) Heritage Awards is an annual celebration of outstanding practice in the field of heritage recognising excellence in the conservation, protection and interpretation of ACT heritage.
In 2025, awards are offered in the following categories:
• Architecture and built conservation
• First Nations Heritage
• Heritage landscapes and the natural environment
• Heritage Education and Promotion
• Heritage Resources or tools
• Local community projects
Previous entries have included restorations of historic buildings, conservation of timeless treasures, impactful events and advocacy campaigns, public art installations, historical publications, and many more.
How do I nominate a project?
For full details including suitable project types and nomination forms please visit the Trust’s website: www.nationaltrust.org.au/act-heritage-awards-2025/
Due to popular demand, the Acton Peninsula Walk was repeated on June 22.
POLITICS / The plans the government didn’t want you to see
Inflate ‘city shaping’ benefits, bingo, it all adds up!
If light rail heads south, who benefits? “The existing landowners from capital gains created by a multi-billion-dollar government project that has little or no public benefit,” say JOHN STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED.
Last week we highlighted the inexplicable appearance of a light rail business case option that diverts the route to Barton, through the so-called “dog leg”.
While this recommended option appears in the executive summary, it is different from the corresponding option in the economic analysis, which is based on the direct route through State Circle to Woden.
The “dog leg” has a longer transit time, and lower patronage, clearly suggesting that the interests of commuters are not the primary interest of its proponents. Cui bono? (Who benefits?) is the question that, if pursued and answered, may shed light on the inexplicable and confounding decisions and choices incorporated in the 2018 business case.
We have previously raised this
question in the context of the federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King’s unusual, unqualified and pre-emptive support for this stage of light rail.
We are drawing from the Light Rail Stage 2 Business Case prepared by Transport and City Services in 2018.
It was this business case – and one in 2019 – that the Labor Party, along with the Greens, did not want Canberrans to see, necessitating a motion in the Legislative Assembly, a prolonged debate, claims of executive privilege and a review by an independent arbiter before the documents saw the light of the day.
The claimed benefits incorporated in the economic analysis in the 2018 business case are in three categories: transport benefits, city-shaping benefits and wider economic benefits.
Bizarrely, while the executive summary of the business case presents the costs and benefits
in 2017 dollars, the economic analysis is presented in 2019 dollars.
Table 1 is a summary of the economic analysis as detailed in the business case for the following options:
• Option 1: City – State Circle – Woden
• Option 2: City – Capital Circle – Woden
• Option 3: City – Parkes –Barton - Woden
Inexplicably, inflating the costs and benefits from 2017 to 2019 dollars, as has been done, results in a decrease of 22 per cent and 14 per cent in capital costs for options 1 and 2 respectively, and more than a doubling of benefits, leading to a doubling of the benefit to cost ratio – all within the same business case.
We have previously outlined why the ACT government’s cost estimates are not cred ible. Likewise, we are unable to give any credence to the estimate of benefits.
No information is provided on the assumptions used to estimate transport benefits, however, they can only eventuate at this magnitude through a significant increase in patronage share and an assumption of slowing bus travel over the project period.
It is well known that the government’s projections on increased public transport share have been wrong for more than a decade. For example, public transport usage dropped from 6.9 per cent in 2016 to 5.9 per cent in 2021 while data from the ABS reveals that despite the almost $2 billion expended on Stage 1 of light rail, there has been a mere substitution of patronage from bus travel to light rail.
City shaping and wider economic benefits comprise 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the total benefits identified by the government. However, in Report No. 8 of 2021 on Stage 2A (Civic to Commonwealth Park), the auditor-general questioned the inclusion of such benefits due to the absence of evidence supporting their realisation.
That is also the case in this analysis. We also note that such benefits, if they exist, could also be achieved through other means, and as such, should not be attributable only to light rail.
Almost all the claimed wider economic benefits relate to land use agglomeration benefits – more than $400 million for either of the options. It is clearly far-fetched to believe that this claimed increase in employment and productivity are inhibited because of the absence of light rail, or conversely, that such a boost could only be achieved through light rail.
Inclusion of city shaping benefits should not be recognised under the Australian Transport Planning and Assessment Guidelines issued by the Commonwealth Government. In any event, pursuit of “city shaping” benefits in
of anticipated changes in the form of Canberra, that have not been revealed or openly discussed because of a lack of information or due to misinformation.
Fellow columnist Michael Moore recently noted the 1984-style propaganda around densification and the presentation of an indisputable reduction in housing choices as more housing choices.
The ACT government’s claimed justification for or validation of the light rail project is a further example of its rhetoric not matching the facts.
For example, the business case estimates about a million square metres of potential development in the various precincts along the light rail route and an approximate increase in population of 25,000 through substitution from other areas.
The much-touted infrastructure cost savings from densification are estimated at $29 million over a 30-year period. That amounts to less than $1 million a year (in present value terms), or about $40 for every person squeezed into high-rise living.
In other words, that is the government’s assessment of the extent of infrastructure cost savings through “cityshaping”. However, it is concerning that the obviously significant costs of densification have, on the other hand, been excluded from the analysis.
About 8 per cent of the city shaping benefits, around $325 million, relate to “land value uplift”. This may certainly be good news for the existing landowners along the route, but is bad news for home buyers and renters.
The justification for including these benefits is: “A change in land use will generate net economic benefit if the value of new use is higher than the value of current use, plus the cost of achieving change.
“In an unfettered market, such benefits would be
the property markets face many constraints, including planning regulations and transactional taxes and levies.
“If the introduction of the project unlocks, enables or attracts additional development into the corridor, away from other parts of the ACT, the balance of these constraints may [our emphasis] add up to a net benefit.”
The government goes on to state that the benefit from higher density, as well as the inevitable increase in GST and stamp duty paid are captured as a land use benefit.
The constraints on the housing market, relating to planning regulations and land supply, are entirely under the ACT government’s control. As for stamp duty – it is a tax that the ACT government promised over a decade ago to abolish.
In short, the economic analysis assumes that there will be no housing supply in other parts of Canberra – constraints – and then assumes that those self-imposed constraints will and can only be removed by the light rail project and then assumes that a by then supposedly nonexistent stamp duty will still be collected.
This is a prime example of circular reasoning and muddled thinking. It would be deeply concerning for Canberrans and indeed all Australians if the Commonwealth Departments of Finance and Infrastructure accepted the above as the basis for the federal government’s funding of this project.
It is indisputable that the estimates of transport, wider economic and city shaping benefits outlined in the light rail business case are deeply problematic. Cui bono? The existing landowners from capital gains created by a multi-billion-dollar government project that has little or no public benefit.
Jon Stanhope is a former chief minister of the ACT and Dr Khalid Ahmed a former senior ACT Treasury official.
An ACT government impression of light rail on Sydney Avenue heading to State Circle after completing the Barton “dog leg”.
Table 1: Summary of Costs and Benefits – Economic Analysis
ADVERTISEMENT
A bonding activity for students and seniors
School Volunteer Program of the ACT (SVPACT) president, Nola Shoring says volunteering tackles two elements of mental health.
“Not only are we helping school children who are struggling both educationally and emotionally, but we are giving seniors a purpose, by fuelling their sense of self-confidence.”
Established 20 years ago, the SVPACT is a voluntary mentoring program for seniors to visit schools across Canberra and help students in need.
“Something that has stuck with me was being told that I might be the only adult who has sat and listened to a child all week, month, etcetera,” says Nola. “And that’s what gets me out of bed.”
With children selected by teachers to be in the
Senior volunteers needed for supporting students at school
School Volunteer Program ACT is celebrating 20 years of mentoring students
Build relationships with students, teachers & other volunteers
Mentor vulnerable students while increasing your own well being To find out more contact
Nola Shoring on 0434 537 555
Please check out the website today svpact.org.au to view the simple steps to become a volunteer
program, Nola says volunteers are matched to the child depending on their own skills.
“Life experience is super important,” she says.
“Our volunteers don’t have to have teaching backgrounds to help.”
From engineers to public servants, Nola says all levels of experience are invaluable.
“Ultimately the program gives our volunteers a family,” she says. “They’re part of a team.”
Nola says they will host an information session for anyone interested at the Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning, Stirling at 10am-12.30pm, May 5.
The School Volunteer Program of the ACT. Call 0434 537555 or visit svpact.org.au
LOOKING
A SUSTAINABLE KITCHEN?
Are you interested in using plywood, recycled timber and other sustainable materials? We’ll work with you to design a kitchen that’s innovative, unique, sustainable and durable.
Kitchens, internal joinery & furniture.
FEATURE / apartment decarbonisation
Complex ways of electrifying apartment blocks
Switching from gas is more complicated for apartments than for free-standing homes, but could apartments lead the way, asks DR WENDY RUSSELL , who is leading research into co-ordinated approaches to apartment decarbonisation.
The path to net zero requires various changes from all of us. Emissions need to be cut at every level, from the power sources that fuel our electricity grid to the decisions we make in our homes.
Home electrification is a good example. Moving away from gas will reduce our pollution and may save us money. It’s also something we soon won’t have much choice about.
The ACT government has signalled in its Integrated Energy Plan that the gas system in the ACT will be decommissioned over coming years, and well before 2045. So, electrification is something we all have to get on board with. But it’s easier for some homes than others.
Switching from gas is more complicated for apartments than for free-standing homes. Reasons for this include that apartment complexes have a single connection to the electricity grid, which is expensive to upgrade. And changes to the energy system may face various other infrastructure requirements and challenges.
Apartment electrification is also more complex, because it requires decisions to be made collectively about the whole complex, including decisions about investment costs. But could this “hard case” actually teach us something about how to transition?
In early stages of transition, electrification is generally consumerled – people make the switch when they’re ready, including having the resources and capability.
This is fine, but it can reinforce inequities, as early adopters save money from electrification, and late adopters are potentially left holding the baby – the gas network, whose fixed costs will fall on fewer customers.
Not knowing how many people will make the shift and when can create uncertainties for a distributed energy system that needs to match supply and demand. New technologies such as electric vehicles add to these uncertainties.
Apartment buildings may need to take a more co-ordinated approach. This means planning ahead and staging electrification changes so that supply and demand are co-ordinated within each apartment complex.
This co-ordination may require the addition of electricity generation such as solar panels, local energy storage solutions such as batteries or hot water, and collective solutions such as “district” hot water and heating or virtual power plants.
Investment in energy efficiency and low emissions appliances, and changes in routines and practices, are also likely to be important, both for individual households and at a building level.
These planned and staged changes
will generally need to involve all apartments in a complex, including rentals as well as owner-occupied apartments. Thus, apartments could help us to explore co-ordination, collective solutions, new paths and new ways of working together.
At the Australian National University’s Centre for Energy Systems, we are researching co-ordinated approaches to apartment decarbonisation.
We use this term to include electrification, energy efficiency, energy demand management and reducing
energy use, because all of these are important. Our project looks at technical, social and policy aspects, and the challenges and opportunities that apartments bring up.
The research team will use energy modelling to explore options for apartments and how they stack up in terms of emissions reductions, costs and savings.
It will integrate these models with insights from social research into the needs, aspirations and challenges of apartment residents and owners, and the challenges and opportunities of the strata system.
We think the main insight will be that there’s more than one way to electrify a building. In demonstrating options and new approaches, we hope the research will help apartment owners’ corporations, government and industry to make more informed decisions about electrification of these complex buildings.
And we hope that this will contribute to more co-ordinated and equitable approaches to electrification of precincts, neighbourhoods, towns and cities.
More about the project at energysystems.anu.edu.au/research/ projects/act-apartment-decarbonisation or email project lead Wendy.Russell@ anu.edu.au or Michael.Thomas@ anu.edu.au
Apartment electrification is complex because it requires decisions to be made collectively about the whole complex, including decisions about investment costs.
THE GADFLY NEWS
Mr Prime Minister, meet the President…
Fake news? Through the worldwide resources of CityNews, ROBERT MACKLIN received an exclusive transcript of the unknown meeting when Albo actually, really met Donald Trump in Canada.
Scoop! Unbeknown to the press team following our international gadabout Prime Minister A Albanese, he and America’s monarch-in-waiting, President D J Trump really did have that meeting in Calgary, Canada.
And through the worldwide resources of CityNews, we received a transcript of the meat of the meet after they chose a “Top Secret for Eternity” label on it. It took place in the helicopter taking DT to Air Force 1 at the Calvary airport. We have edited it for obscenities and profanities.
AA: G’day Mr President.
DT: Who the (edited) are you?
AA: Anthony Albanese. I snuck in while no one was watching.
DT: Whadaya want?
AA: Just a bit of a chat. Otherwise, my opposition leader…
DT: What’s that?
AA: We have them at home. Leader of the Liberal Party, Sussan Ley.
DT: Chinese?
AA: I don’t think so. She’s a farmer. Flies her own plane.
DT: Keep an eye on her. What’s your biggest building?
AA: I don’t know. Probably the Barangaroo Casino.
DT: Really? You have a casino. I used to own six of them. Anyway, a liberal, that’s bad enough.
AA: I blew them out of the water in our last election.
DT: So did I. Hey, your initials are AA. What’s that you’re drinking?
AA: Billy tea. I carry my own little bags. The pilot gave me some hot water.
DT: Oh, right. How long’s it been?
AA: Maybe half an hour.
DT: Well, good luck with it. Never touch the stuff myself…
AA: Oh, my initials, no,no,no…anyway Yours are DT ! I was that before you were an Apprentice.
DT: I was a TV star; my ratings were sky high?
AA: And how are they now?
DT: (edited)
AA: The Chinese called me young and good looking.
DT: You’re going bald.
AA: (edited)
DT: Speaking of initials, what’s this A.U.K.U.S thing?
AA: AUKUS – Australia, UK, US.
DT: (edited) Forget it. I stand for America first!
AA: That would make it USUKA.
DT: Right, he-he, Usuka.
AA: No, you sucker.
DT: Your deputy just gave Pete Hegseth $800 million. You sucker.
AA: I’m sure you got your cut.
DT: (edited) Anyway, I’ll get your tariffs on beef.
AA: Americans eat six billion hamburgers a year. Seventeen point five per cent is Australian beef.
DT: That’s crazy. You can’t have point five per cent of a hamburger. Take that out and what’s left?
AA: I don’t know. I’ll ask Jim Chalmers when I get home. He’s the numbers man.
DT: Just thinking… six billion, that’s
about what my bank balance looks like. How about you?
AA: Not quite. But my mother always said: “Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves.”
DT: I wish I had a mother.
AA: Chin up. You’ve got a very big family.
DT: Yeah, some people say, the biggest in the world… Gotta get out here. You stick to that tea.
AA: Thanks mate; will do. And thanks very much for the face-to-face. Frank and fearless I call it.
DT: Yeah…we did say ‘for eternity’ didn’t we.
robert@robertmacklin.com
Clear skies key to hotter days
By Poppy Johnston
Disappearing clouds are contributing to faster global warming and tumbling temperature records.
Scientists have seen a decline of somewhere between 1.5 per cent and three per cent in the world’s storm cloud zones each decade over the past 24 years.
The shrinking coverage, observed by a National Aeronautics and Space Administration-led team, results in less sunlight reflected back into space, allowing more in to boost global warming.
Overall clearer skies, a trend driven by evolving wind patterns, the expanding tropics and other shifts linked to climate change, is now thought to be the largest contributor to the planet’s higher absorption of solar radiation.
Christian Jakob, a co-author of the study and director at the Monash-led Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, said the major heating consequences of shrinking cloud cover was now evident.
“It’s an important piece in the puzzle of understanding the extraordinary recent warming we observed, and a wake-up call for urgent climate action,” Professor Jakob said. –AAP
An unseen photo of the moment when Anthony Albanese didn’t meet President Trump. Fake image: AI
POLITICS / how Canberra voted in the federal election
Diverse Canberra starts to change the ballot box
Now most of the dust has settled from election 2025, and with the benefit of some hindsight, it’s a good time to look at what happened in the federal seats here in the ACT.
And there are some surprises and some, yeah, well, we-didn’t-listen moments.
The parties
People lie, numbers don’t, so let’s dig straight into the numbers. We’ll focus on first preference votes because that’s really where the action is. Why? Because this is who we wanted to see elected first. I’ve highlighted the leading party in yellow.
First to the overall House and Senate vote here in the ACT since 2019.
I’m sure you, like me, have seen some of the very interesting trends this data picks up. And reinforcement of the norm.
To the expected. Labor in the House of Reps in Canberra in 2025 actually got their primary to the highest level this decade. On a 2PP level it was glory days of 72.4 per cent. Correlation to the Voice result, you say? Well the numbers are the same, but correlation does not equate to the same people behaving the same way, right Coalition?
Though see how broader analysis can obscure what may be happening
at a more local level. You would think on those numbers we are a true Labor town. But no, we are actually far more diverse than that. Take the seat of Bean.
The slow burn and very street-smart campaign of Jessie Price took everyone, including me (sorry, Jessie!) by surprise. With a 26.4 per cent primary vote she came 700 votes shy of knocking off David Smith who had a primary of 41 per cent (essentially the same number as 2022).
Jessie Price was second on primary to David Smith in a virtual majority of booths, yet the Libs finished last in some.
was very solid, and David Lamerton’s creative corflute in Bean had it a prime collectible by local teens.
While Labor kept all of their lower house seats, the Senate first preferences tell a different story and reveal that there is more happening in the burbs of the Berra.
For the Liberal Party it was ugly. The silver lining to the cloud were some of their candidates who kept up the enthusiasm in the face of the tsunami against the party. Will Roche
While Labor kept all of their lower house seats, the Senate first preferences tell a different story and reveal that there is more happening in the burbs of the Berra.
That is the Pocock wave continued. Labor did not get a quota in 2025 and had to go to preferences to get Katy Gallagher re-elected.
Looking at the Senate table reveals who David Pocock is getting votes from, and it is basically everyone, but main contributors are the Liberals and the Greens.
And that means things are about to get real at the next election because that perhaps indicates a softening in identification in Canberra towards the established parties. I expect to
see that trend continue in the lower house far more in 2028, both ACT and federal elections.
Candidates
For mine, Jessie Price ran the best campaign in Canberra. David Pocock was second, and for a third Labor, but special mention to Hannah Vardy.
Worst? Numbers don’t lie and the Libs, especially in the Senate, don’t just have hard work to do, but need a complete overhaul and rethink.
The only bottom in numbers in politics is when you hit zero, and so they can still and will fall if they don’t change and engage.
Why the Liberals didn’t ask Kacey Lam-Evans to run as their lead candidate in the Senate escapes me. She would have done far better than a 17 per cent primary.
The independents are the rising force by far in Canberra and with good reason. Why? They reflect us. It isn’t just gender parity, it’s also age parity. From Gen Z (bussin Hannah, real sigma work, no caps!), to the Gen X and over, they show the importance of good candidate selection in the modern era.
Labor have already worked this out and hence why they do so well locally in the lower house. For now. Renewal is on the cards for some candidates in Labor locally, because the Price was nearly right. Next time it will be.
Dr Andrew Hughes lectures at the ANU Research School of Management.
/ planning
Get planning right, but right from design stage
The whole development assessment process needed to be improved rather than removing third-party appeal rights, as proposed by the planning minister, several community council representatives suggested during discussion at an ACT Assembly Committee hearing.
The suggestions were made at the ACT Assembly Committee on Environment, Planning, Transport and City Services hearing into the Planning (Territory Priority Project) Amendment Bill recently.
I noted that the government had already abolished pre-DA community consultation, which should be an important part of the process, although the committee assured us it had not recommended that in its report on the Planning Act 2023
I was a senior ACT government planner when we introduced the High Quality Sustainable Design (HQSD) process in June 2001, in response to community concerns about poorquality redevelopments, particularly a proliferation of dual occupancies on street corners.
The emphasis was on “getting it right” at the design stage, before submission of the development application (DA).
A 24-page booklet, Designing for High Quality & Sustainability, set out the process as a detailed “step-by-step guide”. It was mandatory for a wide range of proposals – all new multiunit development including dual occupancies, new houses and large extensions in established areas and other non-residential development.
The booklet stated: “The aim is that designers consult with Planning and Land Management (PALM), Local Area Planning Advisory Committees (LAPACs) and neighbours during the site analysis and preliminary design stage, rather than only when the design is finalised, to ensure that the proposal responds to all relevant concerns.”
Five stages were identified in the booklet:
• Stage I was the Site Analysis Plan.
It says: “Site analysis is an essential step in the design process for a successful development. It enables designers and assessors to appreciate more clearly the development context and the issues to which the design must respond.”
• Stage II was the submission of a “design concept” and its presentation to the LAPAC and “any neighbours who may be affected at the earliest possible opportunity”.
It was also noted that “PALM may also discuss a proposal with the Commissioner for Land and
Legal Services
That Your Business Can Depend On
The community has little trust in decisions of the current planning authority despite their extraordinarily laborious internal processes now involving four stages of assessment of DAs with separate officers for each.
Planning”, who was an independent, expert decision-maker for more significant and contentious DAs.
• Stage III was: Design Review Panel (a small group of very experienced PALM officers) “reviews the site analysis and development concepts”.
• Stage IV was: “The proponent must submit a High Quality Sustainable Design Response Report that describes how the design responds to:
» the site analysis,
» the Quality Design Indicators,
» the Residential Sustainability Index (where applicable),
» comments of the Design Review Panel (where required),
» comments of LAPAC (where required),
» comments of neighbours, and issues raised in preapplication meetings
From offering insightful advice to guiding your business through legal challenges, we have a team that is dedicated to helping companies flourish. Whether you are a startup business or small to medium enterprise, we have the knowledge to assist with your commercial needs.
• Shareholders agreements
• Franchise agreements
• Sale & purchase of business
• Partnership agreements
• Debt recovery
• Loan deeds
• Business structuring
• Commercial Leasing
or correspondence from PALM.”
• Stage V was: “Manager Coordination & Quality Development, (PALM), provides written acceptance of the site analysis and the High Quality Sustainable Design Response Report”. “This enables ‘in principle’ acceptance of design concept prior to DA lodgement, subject to public comment, detailed assessment and final decision.”
Unfortunately, there was a change of government in October 2001 and the new Labor government embarked on its first planning system reform project, which abandoned HQSD, LAPACs, the Design Review Panel and the Commissioner for Land & Planning, in the name of “streamlining” the DA process.
Much later the Labor government re-introduced an external Design Review Panel and a Pre-DA Community Consultation process, only to abandon the latter again under the recent ACT Planning System Review and Reform program, as apparently developers “didn’t like it”.
This three-year program failed to address or seek improvement to any other aspect of the DA assessment process including subsequent review
of planning authority decisions.
In a move not suggested by the reform program, the planning minister has now proposed the removal of third-party appeal rights on public housing and health facilities.
The community has little trust in decisions of the current planning authority despite their extraordinarily laborious internal processes now involving four stages of assessment of DAs with separate officers for each.
Much more emphasis on the pre-DA design stage would enable issues to be resolved earlier, hopefully greatly improving the efficiency of DA assessment and reducing the need for subsequent ACAT appeals.
Consideration also needs to be given to reintroducing some form of independent, expert decision-making or review body, such as the NSW Local Planning Panels.
Richard Johnston is a former senior ACT government planner and a life fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia.
Tram’s a symbol of a government that’s lost touch
Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Greens former minister Shane Rattenbury like to dismiss critics of their light rail obsession as “Luddites”, but it’s hard to think of a more backward-looking project than the one they’ve forced on Canberra.
In an era of rapid technological change, billions are being sunk into a glorified tram system straight out of the early 20th century – a system that will take decades to crawl its way through the suburbs, if it ever gets that far, and will likely be redundant before it’s finished.
Stage 2A, linking Civic to Commonwealth Park, only began construction in early 2025 – years behind the breathless political announcements. Even this tiny extension won’t be operational until at least 2028.
And the longer-term Stage 2B extension to Woden? Still without costings, a start date or a clear way to cross Lake Burley Griffin and navigate the parliamentary triangle. It’s vaporware masquerading as policy. Meanwhile, Canberrans continue to sit in traffic. Worse still, this boondoggle is consuming funds and political energy that could be used to actually modernise the city.
For example, large swathes of Tuggeranong – among the most urbanised parts of Australia – have suffered for years with some of the country’s worst internet infrastructure. Only now, under pressure and years too late, is NBN Co promising to roll out fibre-to-thepremises in suburbs such as Kambah and Gordon by the end of 2025. But where has the ACT government been? Instead of fighting for decent digital infrastructure, it has been too busy drawing fantasy tramlines on maps.
If the government truly cared about 21st-century transport solutions, it would be investing in the infrastructure needed to support telecommuting and remote work. It would set telecommuting targets for its own departments. It would pressure NBN Co to prioritise the ACT. It would recognise that good internet access does more to reduce congestion and greenhouse emissions than a $2 billion steel-on-steel vanity project. And let’s talk about real transport innovation. While the light rail plods along with its expensive museum-piece tram, the world is racing ahead with autonomous electric vehicles. These are no longer science fiction. They are on our roads, and within 10 to 20 years will be common in Canberra. Compact, clean and increasingly affordable, smart electric vehicles offer the kind of flexible, decentralised transport network that cities of the future will rely on – not a fixed, inflexible tramline that can’t turn a corner.
The ACT government’s light rail project isn’t visionary. It’s desperate. It’s a political trophy being polished at ratepayer expense.
It is about headlines, not outcomes. And it’s only one part of a broader pattern of mismanagement and misplaced priorities. Yes, the government deserves some credit for pushing the ACT toward renewable energy targets. But a solar-powered tram is still a bad tram. This government has been in office too long. It has become arrogant, insular, and increasingly contemptuous of serious debate or dissent. Its priorities are skewed. Its vision is stuck in the past. And Canberrans are the ones paying the price –in higher rates, worse services and a future being mortgaged to prop up political egos. It’s time to call the tramline what it really is: a white elephant on rails, and a symbol of a government that has lost touch with the people it claims to serve.
John Franze, via email
Shameful or shameless deaths in custody?
It was distressing to read an article in The Guardian that essentially highlighted the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) maintaining the reputation of being the most poorly performing prison in Australia. Hardly an accolade for the ACT government. Luke Rich, age 29, died in February 2022 after hanging himself using a ligature point in a management unit cell. The prison authorities were warned that point could be used for that purpose seven years earlier. Of note, the article stated that up to $4500 (a pittance in the scheme of things) was spent
to remove identified ligature point risks, but that was after Luke had needlessly died. The article also reported that “work to reduce cell ligature points that has been carried out, or is being planned includes, but is not limited to:
• upgrades to cell furniture in the Management Unit, with $3270 spent to repair identified ligature point risks.
• upgrades to cell furniture across various accommodation units, including to reduce potential ligature risks. This work is scheduled to be completed by May 2026, with a total estimated project cost of $174,440.”
It seems that even after avoidable deaths, the response is to do too little too slowly.
In our AMC, deaths in custody seem to be “par for the course”, essentially normalised. Shameful or shameless?
Janine Haskins, prison reform advocate
North West Shelf gas decision lopsided
In February, the federal Labor government kicked its promised environmental reforms, and the hoped-for stage three reform considerations on the interaction between climate and environment laws, well down the road.
Then in late May, as soon as it had packed away its corflutes for the 2028 election, the government rushed ahead and provisionally approved the North West Shelf gas plant extension, for operation up to 2070.
Too bad that many recently optimistic voters now feel dudded and left in the dark about the specific public benefits of such decision-making.
But no doubt Bean MP David Smith is breathing a huge sigh of relief over the timing of this post-election fancy footwork, given that his 2022 election margin of 12.9 per cent was reduced significantly this time to 0.3 per cent by a community-backed independent candidate.
Surely our ACT federal government representatives appreciate how lopsided and out of touch the North West Shelf decision appears to their electorates. Saying nothing does not help.
Already Labor appears to be leaving many behind as it focuses on currying favour with Woodside Energy Group and helping it leap ahead for an inexplicable number of decades.
Given ACT voters‘ rejection of the Coalition’s fantastical nuclear energy policies, and the increased support shown for pro-climate action independent candidates on May 3, will the MPs for Bean and Canberra now stand up with some of their many backbench colleagues and at least query the pros and cons of any future plans to increase fossil fuel production and emissions release from existing and new production sites?
Our local federal representatives do have a clear role to play in helping constituents understand when we will become, and benefit from, being a global renewable energy powerhouse.
Sue Dyer, Downer
Missing middle’s all about developers
The proposed “missing-middle” residential redevelopment plan (for flats, multiple-occupancies, townhouses permitted everywhere) will offer neither housing affordability, nor optimum living amenity, for families in particular.
Sadly, that’s because the scheme is private property developer focused. It will result in the loss of important trees and gardens, and problems with parking, traffic and utilities. The missing middle campaign is largely about increasing rates revenue, and pressurising existing owners.
What is really needed to accommodate anticipated growth, and deliver housing affordability and amenity, in and around the ACT, are sensitive and sensible, government-planned-and-developed, new suburbs and satellite towns (there are actually locations aplenty for that).
They would offer good-sized, single-dwelling blocks of land, always in good supply, for direct sale only to bona-fide owner-occupiers, at say, the publiclyascertainable cost to produce, plus a modest margin reflecting the block’s characteristics.
This will precipitate a way overdue housing market correction everywhere, which may require some shortterm government financial compensation for some borrowers and lenders (paid for by scrapping many resultant no-longer-needed government assistance programs).
In parallel, we need to totally reform the current land rates revenue system, say, by replacing it with a modest increase in the GST, with distribution extended to local governments.
Jack Kershaw, Kambah
A simplistic and deceptive narrative
Columnist Michael Moore (CN July 19) is right to call out the Barr government’s urban consolidation propaganda.
It and its Greater Canberra cheer squad hyperbolically promote middle-missing housing as the solution to housing supply and affordability.
It is a simplistic and deceptive narrative promoted by governments at all levels. It ignores the role of market conditions (eg interest rates and land values) and, most importantly, the fear of political backlash from introducing the taxation reform needed to improve supply and affordability.
In addition to planning reforms aimed at widening housing choice and improving the design and construction quality of higher density dwellings in established areas, a wide range of actions are needed from all levels of government. They include the:
• Winding back of negative gearing and the capital gains tax concessions to provide resources for public investment in social housing;
• Increasing the construction workforce by skills training and immigration;
• Development of appropriate greenfields areas to ensure housing choice and to moderate the increase in detached housing prices;
• Increase transport connections and dispersal of activity to sub-centres to improve metropolitan accessibility;
• Restricting investor housing loans to moderate increases in demand from falling interest rates and to fund more productive endeavours;
• Abandoning buyer assistance schemes which only increase demand and prices;
• Reviewing expenditure priorities (e.g. superannuation concessions and transport infrastructure) to divert funds to housing;
• Determining a level of immigration that meets workforce and education sector needs and reduces pressures on infrastructure;
• Build-to-rent schemes and
• Encouraging cost effective building techniques.
The Albanese government should start the politically difficult conversation with the community about the need for taxation reform. Will it have the courage to take it out of the too-hard basket?
Mike Quirk, Garran
Wood burning the most expensive form of heating
Letters defending wood heaters, such as those by Ian Pilsner and Vi Evans (CN June 19), demonstrate that the ACT government has failed to educate the community about wood-heater pollution and that these heaters should be banned as, even when confronted by irrefutable evidence about the harm they are causing, some people will double down.
Despite the incontrovertible evidence that wood heater pollution is a public health emergency, a small minority would rather bury their heads in the sand than face up to what their wood burning causes – lifelong chronic illness and, in some cases, death.
Ian Pilsner claims that he burns wood to save money, but wood burning is the most expensive form of heating unless the burner illegally scavenges for wood or purposefully cuts down trees for fuel.
This damages the environment we all share and, when the wood is burned, creates 450 times as much pollution as a house using gas central heating, according to England’s Chief Medical Officer. If a resident is genuinely struggling, there are ACT government programs they can turn to to install a reverse-cycle system, the cheapest and safest form of heating.
Finally, the argument that we have
occasional bushfires so wood burning is acceptable doesn’t hold water. Wood heaters poison our air for significant parts of the year, creating chronic levels of pollution where we live that, as citizen scientists have demonstrated, often eclipse levels found in Beijing during Canberra’s colder months.
It seems ridiculous that you can’t smoke a single cigarette near a public building, yet a small minority of Canberrans are legally allowed to create a poisonous cocktail of toxins, spread it across their neighbourhood and fill their neighbours’ homes with it.
I, for one, am fed up with having my child wake in the middle of the night, coughing, crying and asking for his inhaler as our house fills with smoke because a small minority prioritise their comfort over the community’s basic right to safe air.
Calum Paterson, via email
So, Ian, how many people freeze to death?
Could Ian Pilsner (letters, CN June 19) please advise how many people freeze to death in Canberra every winter?
I am sorry, but I have not heard of any. I have only heard about as many as 63 people die prematurely in Canberra from exposure to residential wood heater pollution as found in a study by Prof Sotiris Vardoulakis, director of the Environmental Public Health Centre at the University of Canberra, and people, such as Fraser resident David Bolton, whose case CityNews highlighted in June 2023.
Can Mr Pilsner also advise where this free firewood is located. Is he referring to the collection of firewood from our parks and reserves? We are constantly warned by ACT government authorities and conservationists that illegal activity damages the environment by robbing our small native fauna and reptiles of homes and shelter from larger predators.
I agree with Mr Pilsner that smoke from bushfires can also be harmful, but these are mostly rare events, usually at a distance, and may burn for a day or several days at the most. However, when a bushfire or hazard reduction burning occurs, we can be given advance warning enabling us to take steps to protect ourselves from the impact of that type of smoke.
On the other hand, smoke from a wood heater can be generated within close proximity to us. It can be next door or across the road. The smoke is concentrated, and can be continuous as the wood heater is left to smolder. It can also be prolonged, lasting for days, weeks and even months with the smoke seeping into our homes. Mr. Pilsner says bushfire smoke smells different from wood heater smoke. So does tobacco smoke! Does he wish to bring back smoking in the workplace? I think not.
We are more educated and informed today about the health damage from smoking and second-hand tobacco smoke just as we are about the environmental health impacts from wood heater smoke filling our neighbourhoods and homes.
Darryl Johnston,
Tuggeranong
The erosion of natural justice
The arguments against the ACT government’s annual kangaroo massacre are overwhelming:
• the inherent cruelty to kangaroos, the trauma to humans who care about them,
• the paucity of evidence that there has ever been any plausible justification for killing kangaroos,
• and the degradation of the ACT reserves by, among other things, the removal of kangaroos.
The erosion of democratic institutions and principles of natural justice is rarely mentioned, but very serious indeed.
First, by turning the ACT Kangaroos Management Plan of 2017, along with the deeply flawed desktop “kill calculator”, into legislative instruments, the government has removed all options for the public to seek administrative review of the killing program on any grounds – environmental, animal welfare, probity or any other.
The ACT Ombudsman is also legislatively prevented from investigating the misbehaviour of public servants who are acting on behalf of the territory for the alleged “management” of the environment. Additionally, the government has legislated horrendous penalties to deter the public from entering reserves to bear witness to the killing. Many people have observed the cruelty but, since the only way
to get evidence of it is illegally, by entering a reserve, their evidence would probably be ruled inadmissible in a court of law.
In any case, few would dare come forward to give evidence, for fear of losing their life savings or their freedom.
Remind you of anything?
Frankie Seymour, Queanbeyan
Stop
the
kangaroo
cull now, Minister Orr
It seems to me that politicians in the ACT have forgotten what their jobs are.
Suzanne Orr is the Minister for the Environment and she has portfolio responsibility for the annual kangaroo “cull”.
Like all Labor members of the Legislative Assembly, Minister Orr distances herself from the kangaroo “cull’’, deflecting questions and ultimate responsibility to the Conservator of the Environment Directorate.
The conservator is a public servant on a short-term appointment who is not an elected official. He is not ultimately accountable to the electorate.
It is Minister Orr who is the elected representative who is supposed to represent her community’s views.
Slaughtering our national icon in huge numbers is out of step with community sentiment. I call on Minister Orr to listen to her constituents and stop the “cull” NOW!
Rebecca Marks, Palmerston
STARS OF SMALL BUSINESS
Working for the best possible solution
At Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law, we pride ourselves in our proven track record, our commitment to excellence, and expert knowledge of family law. We understand how difficult and emotional family law matters can be; we are compassionate and empathetic, guiding you towards the best possible solution.
For separating couples:
• Parenting arrangements
• Dividing property and superannuation
• Family violence matters
New or existing relationships:
• Best arrangements for your children
• Protecting assets and yourself
• Preserving entitlements
Anna Neilan Family Lawyer
Lucy Stramandinoli Family Lawyer
are some of Canberra’s hard-working SMEs and small-business operators.
Ex-Government Furniture co-owners Taylor Radnell, left, with Tilly and James Fullerton. Canberra Business Chamber CEO Greg Harford.
Steve says every client’s financial journey is different
Offering more than just financial advice, DW
Private Wealth principal and financial adviser
Steve Wang says they provide clients with a “clear, personalised strategy to grow, protect and pass on their wealth.”
“Our tailored approach, combined with deep expertise and a genuine focus on long-term relationships is what sets us apart,” he says.
“Trust is at the foundation of everything we do and our clients rely on us to provide advice that’s not only technically sound, but also aligned with their best interests.”
Working with professionals, business owners and high-net-worth individuals who want to make confident, informed financial decisions, Steve says every client’s journey is different, which is why they cater their advice to each individual.
“We take the time to understand their goals, family situation, values and risk appetite before designing a plan that reflects where they are today and where they want to be tomorrow,” he says.
“Whether they’re building wealth, transitioning to retirement or thinking about intergenerational planning, we’re here to provide clarity and structure.”
Steve says it’s never too early or late to take charge of finances.
“Start with a conversation,” he says.
“With the right advice and a well-structured plan, you can turn uncertainty into confidence and build a future with purpose.”
DW Private Wealth. Level 1, Unit 6-8/45 Novar Street, Yarralumla. Call 6154 6150 or visit dwprivatewealth.com.au
comes to providing safety gear and equipment.
“We know what working people are after”, says Pat, who runs the business with his son Shane.
Pat says Seears Workwear has grown to provide one of the largest ranges of workwear in Australia.
“We have brands such as Akubra, Rockport, Swanndri, Levis, FXD and Timberland just to name a few,” he says.
Seears first opened in 2002 in a much smaller version of the shop today. Beyond hi-vis clothing, safety boots and safety equipment, it also sells a huge range of outdoor clothing, casual boots, Leatherman tools, ice boxes and torches.
says they stock a wide range of safety boots, from brands such as Steel Blue, Puma, Blundstone, New Balance and Mongrel. Customers after height safety, safety cones, barriers, safety tapes, spill kits and fire extinguishers are also well catered for.
Seears Workwear can also assist companies through their corporate uniform services, which provide customised embroidery and printing for promotional clothing and business uniforms.
Seears Workwear, 60 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Visit seearsworkwear.com.au or call 6280 4111.
DW Private Wealth principal and financial adviser Steve Wang.
Panacea Landscapes
Canberra & East Coast Soft-Landscaping Experts
• Led by a qualified horticulturist and landscape designer with over 15 years of experience
• Specialising in soft-landscape design, garden transformations and ongoing maintenance programs
• Serving residential, commercial, strata and real-estate clients with friendly, reliable service
• A family-owned local business committed to the highest quality workmanship and tailored solutions
Contact
Shannon Blackbourn 0498 287 789
STARS OF SMALL BUSINESS advertising feature
Christy’s a trusted local choice for body sculpting
Family owned and locally operated, Total Body Contouring owner Christy Christensen says she is proud to be working with cutting-edge technology to help Canberrans feel like the best version of themselves.
“We are Canberra’s trusted local choice for body contouring, offering expert care and results our clients love,” she says.
With years of collective experience within the organisation, Christy says they are constantly keeping up to date with new and revolutionary technology to create a pain-free experience.
Their newest machine, the emerald laser, is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared, fat reduction treatment that uses low-level green laser technology to shrink fat cells without pain or downtime.
“The emerald laser is suitable for individuals with a BMI up to 40 and helps reduce body circumference safely and effectively,” says Christy.
“With no bruising or swelling, it’s a gentle and convenient option for those seeking non-invasive body contouring.”
Exclusive to Total Body Contouring in Canberra, Christy says the technology benefits fat loss and enhances how clients feel about their body.
With up to 50 per cent off some treatments, Christy says it’s a good time to prioritise yourself to feel and look great.
“We also offer private complimentary skin
Total Body Contouring, Shop 3/22 Franklin Street, Griffith. Call 6239 7347 or visit totalbodycontouring.com.au
Emerald Laser returns excellent fat loss results
Emerald Laser delivers impressive, measurable fat loss results without surgery or downtime. Clients love that it’s completely non-invasive, pain-free, and leaves no marks or side effects. Backed by science and approved by the TGA, Emerald Laser is the safe, effective choice for body contouring.
Only four years into owning her own landscaping business, Panacea Landscapes owner Shannon Blackbourn has already won a couple of awards. She scored first prize at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show in the Balcony Garden Competitions in 2024 and secured third place in her 2025 submission.
Working in the landscaping industry since age 16, Shannon says owning her own business has been “a rollercoaster, but one I wouldn’t have any other way”.
“My introduction to horticulture was as a young child, in my Grandma Shirley’s garden,” she says.
“All the places Shirley lived were full of beautiful flowers and although I didn’t realise it at the time, it would be my chosen path.”
Leaving school at 16 to begin her work in landscaping, Shannon says she is thankful for the local gardener and landscaper who took a chance on her despite her lack of experience.
“He took a chance on me even though I didn’t even know how to mix two stroke petrol or that there was even more than one type of grass!” she says.
Now working on projects from tiny gardens to large estates, Shannon says she can’t imagine a life without gardens.
“I didn’t get the chance to think about juggling a business and family, it all just happened at once,” she says.
“I plan to keep going and hope one day to mentor other young people in the industry and give back the opportunities and guidance that was given to me.”
Panacea Landscapes. Visit panacealandscapes.com or call 0498 287789.
Total Body Contouring owner Christy Christensen.
STARS OF SMALL BUSINESS
one sweet bite at a time
Now almost 10 years in remission from breast cancer, baker and business owner Theresa Patsos says baking has been a valuable form of therapy for her after she lost all feeling in her fingers from her treatment.
“I love to bake for family and friends and I noticed a little tingle in the tips of my fingers when I started to bake,” she says.
“The more I baked and iced cookies, the more I noticed the numbness in my fingers lessening.
“I realised that cookie making was my healing therapy.”
Opening her business Sweet Bite Made with Love by Me in 2019, Theresa now works as a full time baker.
Specialising in corporate cookies, cakes and cupcakes, Theresa says she is living the dream to be running her own baking business.
A one-woman show, Theresa says she enjoys ensuring every order is baked, packed and delivered perfectly.
“I’ve gone from owning a shoe shop to operating a bakery business,” she says. “And I love it.”
Theresa also offers a Turkish coffee fortune-telling service (similar to reading tea leaves).
“It works out really well because coffee and cookies go so well together!” she says.
Sweet Bite Made with Love by Me. Visit Instagram at madewluvbyme or Facebook at Made With Love By Me
Founded by Raffy Sgroi, HerZest is committed to empowering and uplift ing small businesses with a focus on women in business and leadership.
HerZest executive officer Davina Brown says their mission is to provide a dynamic platform where entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals can come together to “learn, thrive and collaborate”.
“HerZest is a dynamic network designed to support, inspire and uplift women in business, leadership and life,” she says.
“We have created a safe and supportive space where women can truly show up as themselves and celebrate each woman’s unique journey while championing her goals.”
According to Davina, every woman deserves a tribe that empowers her.
“HerZest is that tribe,” she says.
Whether clients are dealing with start-up launches, team leadership or seeking fresh energy for their career, Davina says Her Zest provides mentorship, networking and motivation to get them flourishing.
“Our mission is to provide a dynamic platform where entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals can come together to learn, thrive and collaborate,” she says.
“We believe that success is not just about revenue growth or milestones. True success lies in continuous learning, personal growth and fostering meaningful connections.”
HerZest. Call 0414 907921 or visit zestcanberra.com.au
For seven years, Daniella Pozzolungo and husband Mihajlo have been running their company PupDigital, providing digital marketing expertise.
Based in the ACT and servicing clients nationally, Danielle says their combined experience in marketing made a big impact on why they decided to start their own business.
“We both came from really different backgrounds and I couldn’t help but think that we could do it better than these big corporations,” she says. From Google and Meta ads to website design, Daniella says they cover a wide variety of services, including social media management.
“We make it simple and easy to understand with quality, down-to-earth marketing services,” she says.
A family run business, Daniella says they don’t outsource anything ensuring their focus is entirely on their customer’s experience and outcome.
“We focus on getting you results that matter,” she says. “We don’t just set and forget, we’re constantly monitoring and refining our approach to increase the value from our campaigns.”
According to Daniella, they don’t take a “cookie-cutter approach”, understanding that no two businesses are alike.
“Supporting small businesses, such as ours, is very important as we are supporting the local economy and ensuring our customers are getting the best possible service,” she says.
PupDigital. Email hello@pupdigital.com.au or visit pupdigital.com.au
Sweet Bite Made with Love by Me custom made ‘HerZest’ cookies. Davina Brown, left, Melanie Greenhalgh and founder Raffy Sgroi.
“We focus on getting results that matter,” says Daniella Pozzolungo.
“ My first meeting with Steve was an eye-opener. My friend who recommended Steve to me was correct, Steve knew what questions to ask as I really had no idea. He then directed me along a pathway, but kept checking that I understand what he was suggesting and why. I have been delighted with Steve’s manner and approach to teaching me about finance. He has been positive and encouraging. I am learning more on each visit. I do enjoy talking with Steve at each session. I am no longer frightened that I will have no money to furnish my old age. Steve has explained to me how my money is working for me and I do not have to worry about my old age.”
Gabrielle - ACT
STARS OF SMALL BUSINESS
From a waltz to a samba, Dale’s Ballroom Dancing has been offering dance classes for more than 25 years.
With more than 30 years of experience, Dale Harris says dancing is for everyone. “Our adult classes are open to anyone and we are happy to adapt to suit the needs of our audience,” she says.
Currently, Dale offers two levels of expertise in her adult classes on Wednesday nights.
Her beginner classes go from 7.30pm-8.30pm and cover the basics of a variety of dances, her intermediate/advanced class level, from 8.30pm9.30pm, tackle the harder dance skills to learn.
“Dancing is 10 times better than doing a crossword puzzle at the table or taking the dog for a walk,” she says. “It keeps your brain and body active while you think about the steps and move.
Recently moving to the Weston Neighbourhood Hall to host her adult classes, Dale offers seven-week courses, although she says it’s also okay to “just turn up”.
Dale’s next seven-week course starts on July 30 for anyone wishing to start from the beginning.
A new selection of kids’ medal classes for students up to 19 years old are also available to book, with semester two starting on July 3.
Dale’s Ballroom Dancing, Hilder Street & Gritten Street, Weston. Call 0407 066110 or visit dalesballroomdancing.com
Professional, fun tuition in Ballroom Dancing
– Individuals or Groups
– Perfect for Wedding Parties BY APPOINTMENT
“Whether it’s helping someone fall back in love with where they live or turning a tired home into a standout property ready for sale, it’s incredibly rewarding,” she says.
“I love what I do and feel lucky to work with some of Canberra’s most skilled and dedicated tradespeople.
“When you choose Renovation Matters, you’re choosing a team that values quality, trust, and heart, and delivers results you’ll love.”
Renovation Matters. Call 0427 696662, or visit renovationmatters.com.au
Opening in 2023, Brindabella Medical Centre practice manager Anne Lowes says their doctors believe in ensuring every patient receives care that respects their wishes and needs.
“Brindabella Medical Centre is not about volume, we are about quality care,” she says. Committed to ethical practice, Anne says their doctors care about their patients and take the time to listen and learn about each individual ensuring they cater to their patient’s needs.
“It’s a comforting feeling knowing when you go to the doctor, you will always be seeing your doctor, who knows you and your history,” she says.
“It’s important that our patients aren’t starting over every time with a stranger and being required to tell their story over and over again.”
Being a SME business, Anne says the medical centre feels like a family and she’s grateful there isn’t a “corporate feel”.
According to Anne, their team of nurses, doctors and reception workers are some of the “most beautiful, kind and genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.”
A mixed-billing practice, Anne says they also have an onsite pathology five days a week.
“We strive to deliver outstanding healthcare services and are committed to improving the overall health of the community,” she says.
Brindabella Medical Centre. Suite 2/80 Morisset Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6188 8400 or visit brindabellamc.com.au
• ADULT INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED Wednesday 8.30pm-9.30pm • KIDS MEDAL CLASSES
Recommence on the 3rd July at the Pearce Community Centre, building 2, Collett Street Pearce.
Phone:
BECAUSE THE RIGHT RENOVATION MATTERS
Brindabella Medical Centre, our experienced, friendly doctors take the time to understand you, not just your symptoms. We care for
workers, and locals with dedication and heart.
Now welcoming new patients
Same-day appointments often available
Bulk billing for eligible patients
Dale Harris leads a lesson at one of her dancing classes.
Renovation Matters owner Kim Persson.
Brindabella Medical Centre in Queanbeyan.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Todo’s ‘living sculpture’ is a metaphor for life
By Helen Musa
In a poignant reminder of the ephemerality of art and life, a new sculpture has been unveiled at the ANU to replace a glass sculpture shattered in a 2020 hailstorm – and this one’s built to last.
Utsuroi (transience) is the work of 2014 CityNews Artist of the Year, Japanese-born sculptor Kensuke Todo, and can be seen in the courtyard of the ANU’s JD Hancock Building, which houses a science library.
The result of a commission from the ANU Drill Hall Gallery, the custodian of artwork on campus, it consists of three bronze fabricated rocks balanced evenly on a brass staircase with water cascading down, driven by a small motor. Its diamond formation, mirrored in the water below, also recalls the double-helix structure of DNA.
I caught up with Todo on a grey, rainy afternoon recently, but the gold of the brass still dazzled.
That won’t be for long though, as in keeping with the Japanese aesthetic principle of Wabi-sabi, the golden colour will abate and age over the years, for all is change, as Todo says, echoing one of the basic precepts of Buddhism.
The sculpture was recently unveiled by ANU Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell, who said at
the time: “By symbolising this meeting point, the sculpture recalls both the ANU motto, naturum primum cognoscere rerum (first to know the nature of things), and the Japanese architectural concept of ma,” a reference to the interval between incidents or things.
But it was less ma and more the enduring art of sculpture that was on our mind as we talked.
“I see it as a living sculpture,” he tells me.
“It’s transient, nothing stays the same and we are always trying to balance things in life
so my sculpture is in perfect equilibrium.”
Certainly, he says, it is a metaphor for life but even rocks have life and death – that’s the cycle of life.
As well, Todo says, water is a metaphor for link for intellectual vigour, ideas and knowledge.
And would Utsuroi say the same?
“No, it won’t, in 10 to 20 years’ time it will be nothing like this.”
But it does represent a balance between art and nature. The bronze rocks are already
patinated, he notes, and the staircase suggests human progress and technology.
When the Drill Hall approached Todo some years ago, he was flattered.
“As an exchange student at ANU back in 1999, I would have never imagined that I could reconnect with the ANU community as a professional artist,” Todo says.
Present-day Drill Hall director Tony Oates suggested the rock forms in the existing courtyard garden as a possible starting point, but told him, “it’s up to you”.
Back in the studio, Todo thought: “There’s a rock garden, I don’t want to compete but I can contribute.”
Then he saw the shape of an internal staircase which he has very closely replicated, although not quite. He says the sculpture’s staggered gradient of the staircase symbolises progress, imagined as a continual interchange between nature and technology.
Todo tells me he’s not really a rock person but can “kind of reflect myself in a rock form… rocks are everywhere and they’re all different, but they’re all the same.”
He started work on it in June, 2023.
Sculptor Nick Stranks, famous for repairing the Dog on the Tuckerbox statue after it was vandalised in 2019, cast the bronze rocks, while Todo fabricated all the staircases in his own studio at Strathnairn.
“I was worried about how it was going to turn out. I’ve never used brass before and it’s painful to work,” he says.
He built a one-to-one model, tested it with running water in the studio.
“I had never played with water before. I built a section and tested it, then showed it to the Drill Hall, telling them, “if you’re happy I’ll go ahead, but this is the last time we can change it.”
Todo enjoys talking about ideas, but when it comes down to it, he’s much more interested in what people gain from just looking.
“They’re not going to miss it. They’ll see it, it has good visibility,” he says.
Japanese-born sculptor Kensuke Todo with his sculpture Utsuroi at the ANU… “Nothing stays the same and we are always trying to balance things in life so my sculpture is in perfect equilibrium.” Photo: David Fanner
Kensuke Todo’s sculpture Utsuroi in the courtyard of the ANU’s JD Hancock Building. Photo: David Fanner
STREAMING Wounds open when a body is found on the beach
Netflix has served up an Aussie beachside murder mystery to give crime show junkies their new hit.
It’s called The Survivors and it’s based on the book of the same name by Jane Harper. Harper’s name has been in the spotlight in recent years after another popular adaptation of her best seller The Dry, which starred Eric Bana.
The film was praised around the world; so has The Survivors hit the same heights? Maybe not quite, but it still does a fine job trying.
The story is set in the fictional town of Evelyn Bay in Tasmania, the state where the show was also filmed.
The people who live there are still haunted by a super storm 15 years ago that caused the deaths of three young people. Kieran Elliot, the younger brother of one of the victims, moved out of town in the aftermath, too devastated and guilt ridden to stay any longer.
The story opens with his return home for the first time since the disaster, but his decision to come back coincides with a whole new tragedy that once again shakes the town to its core.
When a young woman’s body is discovered on the beach, old wounds re-open as Kieran and the people of Evelyn Bay search for answers that may shake them even more than the mystery itself.
It’s a well-worn set up but the stunning scenery of Tasmania immediately gives The
Survivors a stage to set its action.
Playing Kieran is Charlie Vickers who recently scored a massive gig with his casting as Sauron in The Lord of the Rings spin-off, The Ring of Power on Amazon Prime Video.
Back in Australia with a far more intimate drama, in The Survivors Vickers creates an intriguing picture of a man being consumed by the past.
As Aussie productions go this one is pretty slick and at six, 45-minutes episodes certainly doesn’t outstay its welcome.
It’s a beachside mystery that’s easy to get swept up in.
EVERY year around this time Disney Plus’ hit series The Bear serves up another exceptional season.
The Emmy-winning show is now back for a fourth installment and it’s turning up the heat more than ever.
Despite its title, The Bear is not about a grizzly ursine creature, but rather a chef working in Chicago.
Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) is on a mission to transform a sand wich shop into a five-star dining experience after it was left him to him it in the wake of
HELLENIC CLUB
his brother’s suicide.
Over its three seasons so far viewers have watched literally blood, sweat and tears poured into the culinary metamorphosis that is sizzling with addictive character drama.
Season three ended with Carmy reading a brutal review of his new restaurant that threatens to upend its reputation.
What’s made The Bear stand out is its
commitment to intense authenticity. Many real-life chefs say the show recreates the stress and chaos of working in a kitchen eerily well. It’s a fascinating inside look at a world many don’t get to see and the show’s bite-size, 20-minute episodes make saying: “I’ll have just one more” a little too easy.
THIS week the third and final season of Squid Game finally hits screens.
The popular South Korean drama about adults recruited to play deadly children’s games is one of Netflix’s most popular shows
Almost four years on from when it first arrived though, does the hype still exist? The excitement around its final installment has felt kind of quiet, considering this is a show that once had more than 300 million viewers and was the subject of endless internet memes propelling its popularity through the stratosphere.
Season two last year still proved incredibly popular, but perhaps the gimmick that Squid Game first hooked so many audiences is starting to wear a little thin now. A good time to call it game over.
Canberra Choral Society and National Capital Orchestra join to perform The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by British composer Karl Jenkins, and Human Waves by Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin. Conducted by the NCO’s music director Louis Sharpe, it features soprano Jillian Halleron and Liam Meany on cello. Llewellyn Hall, July 5.
says: “We’re a group of men who meet together to sing and have good times.”
LUXX NOIR LONDON
LAGANJA ESTRANJA
TERESA GIUDICE WHITNEY ROSE
EUREKA O’HARA ASHLEY MADISON
Yerin Ha as Mia and Charlie Vickers as Kieran in The Survivors, which is adapted from Jane Harper’s best-selling crime novel.
The Bear’s Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White).
Toni Childs... The Playhouse, July 5.
Photo: Rae Mitchell
DINING / Uptown Vibes, Braddon
Working hard on a great mood
In today’s crazy hospitality world, new places survive only with a unique proposition backed by wellexecuted, reliable food and service.
Enter Uptown Vibes in busy Braddon. My recommendation for lunch or dinner is to head upstairs to a table alongside the floor-to-ceiling windows, enjoying the view of the massive mature tree that proudly grows outside on Lonsdale Street. It’s a gorgeous setting.
Uptown Vibes, as its name suggests, works hard to provide a great atmosphere in all its zones. That’s whether you’re there for a casual brekkie, more formal dining, a quick coffee and treat from the downstairs bakery, or a drink in the bar area. When at Uptown, shop the small but mighty retail and pantry section, with reputable brands.
We were lunching and left impressed, even though Uptown had only been open for lunch and dinner for a few days on our visit.
First up was an amazing tuna tartare ($28) from the menu’s small share-plates section. Thumbs up to chef Leo Bueno, who heads the kitchen, applying his flair for dishes celebrating Australian and European influences. Leo hails from the former Italian restaurant and wine bar Brunello.
eggplant and zucchini caponata ($18), served with a Napolitana sauce, zippy fried capers, and tiny slices of green onion. Although flavoursome, we agreed the sauce could have been punchier.
The tartare was pretty on the plate, and the texture of the soft, carefully cubed fresh and flavourful fish was enhanced by ever-so-thin crispy potatoes. What a memorable dish.
We’re all pork belly fans, and one of our party declared Uptown’s version one of the best he’d ever had. The pork was bold in flavour, not fatty and the skin super-duper crispy ($22 for three pieces). It was slow-cooked for 36 hours and stunning with tangy guava sauce and fresh, funky, fennel slaw.
The good vibes continued with the layered
WINE / Retsina
From the menu’s large, shared-plates section, we opted for the “golden cauliflower” ($34), 100 per cent proof that vegetarian dishes can be anything but boring. The head of cauliflower is roasted until it’s dark golden in colour, which contrasts beautifully with the slices of the bright pink and green pickles placed on top. The dollop of goat’s curd adds creaminess, and the hit of smoked paprika takes the dish to the next level.
We devoured the seasonal greens, also presented with a twist. On top of the beans, peas, beans and zucchini were loads of caramelised nuts ($16). Love thin fries? Uptown serves theirs with oregano. Dip them into a superior herb aioli ($10).
A bar menu is available all day, and Uptown Vibes offers a solid wine list, cocktails, mocktails, aperitifs, digestives and beer. We thoroughly enjoyed the 2023 Tolloy Pinot Grigio from Italy ($75 a bottle).
Never thought I’d meet a retsina I liked
Looking back on the second day of my recent tour of Greece: the morning was blessed with a trip to Vergina and Pallas.
It’s where we had an ancient archaeological site to ourselves and were uplifted by the extraordinary nature of the displays of Greek antiquity in the museum at Pallas.
The guide on this day trip then took us to a café halfway between Pallas and Thessaloniki where, for 10 euros ($A17.80) each, we had one of the best meals experienced on tour.
The price included a local dry white wine that was passable but went well with the food, especially the light and fluffy zucchini balls. But before the jug of unidentified local wine was placed on the table, a half bottle of retsina was proffered. It was like drinking pine disinfectant, completely unpleasant, horrible. We asked them to take it away.
From what I had read before I set off, Greek wine has been tainted with the poor reputation that retsina has imparted. Indeed, on the tour, we were often expressing the view that house wine was fine so long as it wasn’t retsina. Retsina is produced when pine resin is added to a base of white wine, usually a cheap varietal, creating a pine resin flavour and, for me, aromatics reminiscent
of a recently cleaned toilet.
This process is said to mimic traditions that are more than 2000 years old; when ancient Greeks sealed amphorae with closures of pine and other resins. They apparently liked the taste that the residue of the seal left behind.
I never thought I’d meet a retsina that I liked.
So, imagine my surprise when I tasted a wine that is subtly infused with pine flavours that actually adds to the balance and complexity of the wine: it was called Tear of the Pine 2022 and was excellent.
I had extended my stay in Greece by one day after the tour ended in order to attend a wine
tasting in Athens where five Greek wines were on taste.
The Tear of the Pine was easily the best. The wine is made with Assyrtiko, a white grape variety that thrives under conditions of minimal rainfall and a prolonged summer heat. The yields are small and the wine from this grape type is therefore quite expensive.
But the expense appears worthwhile: there was a delightful harmony between acidity and fruit. Tear of the Pine is a textural wine that was enhanced by a hint of pine, just as where you get a hint of eucalypts in some Australian wines that are near native forest: enhancing rather than detracting.
The wine also had flavours of hazelnuts and light brioche. It takes retsina from the cheap and unpleasant to complex and enchanting. Good winemaking prevails.
In being surprised, I told my tasting companions my favourite story on that subject: I once went for a meal at a Chinese restaurant where I ordered the chicken surprise.
The waiter brought the meal, served in a lidded cast iron pot. Just as I was about to serve myself, the lid of the pot rose slightly and much to my alarm I saw two small feathery eyes looking around before the lid was slammed back down.
I thought I might be delirious so I reached for the pot and on lifting the lid, I again saw two little eyes looking around before the lid slammed down. Now, really annoyed, I called the waiter over and asked for an explanation.
“Please sir,” says the waiter, “what did you order?”
I replied: “Chicken surprise.”
“Ah! So sorry,” says the waiter, “I bring you Peeking Duck.”
SUNDAY
Talking to the names making news. Sundays, 9am-noon.
Photos: Wendy Johnson
Tear of the Pine… made with the white grape variety Assyrtiko. Photo: thegreekprovidore.com.au
By Jackie WARBURTON
The most popular citrus tree to grow in our region is Meyer lemon that has smooth skin and slightly orange in colour. It’s sweeter and more cold hardy than the Eureka or Lisbon.
Meyer lemons are often used for cooking with fish and seafood, whereas Eureka lemon, with its thin edible rind and strong acidic flavour, is used for marmalades and lemon pies.
The Lisbon lemon is a large-size fruit with large pith and is more textured than the others, mild in flavour and used for baking. This variety is different in that the fruit grows inside the shrubs and is a larger, very thorny tree. When choosing the right lemon for the garden, it might depend on its uses in the kitchen.
If garden space is tight, growing a citrus tree in a pot might be an option. The dwarf variety Lots a Lemon is a smaller Meyer lemon that bears the same size fruit as its parent tree and is perfect for patio or pots in that it grows to 1.5 metres tall.
Lemons are only a small part of the citrus
family that grow well in our region and others to try are cumquats and calamondins, which are often mistaken for each other. To tell them apart: cumquats have small rounded fruits and calamondins have small oval-shaped fruit.
Calamondins can be grown as an effective evergreen shrub with bright orange decorative small fruits in the winter and the fruit ripening from July to October.
The added bonus for growing calamondins is they can be a small, bushy, evergreen tree that grows to two metres.
They can also be grown in a pot or a topiary with year-round colour. The fruit can be used for marmalades and jams, but is not edible straight from the tree.
All citrus have shallow root systems and need to be covered with mulch or compost to prevent them from drying out. Importantly, consistency in watering will give the best outcome for citrus with less in winter.
The most important job now for all citrus is to spray the bark and leaves with winter oil to smother bronze orange bugs, scale and aphids that are wintering in the tree.
Doing this several times over winter will break the breeding cycle of these pests, and their populations will be greatly reduced in summer.
MAINTAINING colour in the garden over winter can be tricky, but a plant that will put on a show is Starry Night (Leptospermum obovatum) with its gorgeous burgundy, purple evergreen foliage. It’s a great native as an informal screening plant that grows up to three metres tall and has soft foliage and masses of white blooms in spring.
It’s also terrific for attracting bees, butterflies and other insects. It’s considered a honey producing plant and for small birds nesting Ensure there is a dish of water nearby for the wildlife.
jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au
• Plant male asparagus crowns with a little lime in the soil.
• Liquid feed garlic to keep it growing fast and strong.
• Prune any camellias that have finished flowering.
• Fertilise azaleas and rhododendrons as they begin to bud.
Calamondins…
with
Photos: Jackie Warburton Starry Night… a great native as an informal screening plant that grows up to three metres tall.
HOROSCOPE PUZZLES
By Joanne Madeline Moore
June 30-July 6, 2025
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Neptune is slowly meandering through your sign, which is fabulous for visionary thinking, creative pursuits and spiritual insights. Even though you may appear confused to others, if you listen to the wisdom of your inner voice, you’ll intuitively know what is right for you. Sensible Saturn is also transiting through your sign, which will help you be more disciplined and stay grounded. So, it’s the perfect time to dream a dream and then make it a reality!
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)
This week Venus (your ruling planet) makes positive aspects to Saturn and Neptune, so put aside regular time for art and beauty, work hard on a creative project, or study a spiritual discipline. Plus, with Venus and Uranus (the disruptor) linking up in your sign (on Friday), try to view personal transformation as terrific, rather than terrifying. Be inspired by birthday great, His Holiness the Dalai Lama (who turns 90 on Sunday): “True change is within.”
GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)
An unexpected romantic attraction, sudden friendship secret or shocking fever dream could rattle you (especially on Friday). So, try to settle down with a long meditation session or some other form of relaxation. Then Venus shimmies into your sign (from Saturday until July 31) when you’ll be at your charming, persuasive, loveable Gemini best. So, make the most of it, and call in a few old favours! Sunday favours self-pampering and social networking.
CANCER (June 22 – July 23)
This week the Sun and Jupiter are both transiting through your sign, so it’s time to present a sunny, positive face to the world as you express your generous, loving nature. Be inspired by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (who celebrates his 90th birthday on Sunday): “Forgive others… be kind, honest and have positive thoughts.” Sunday is all about combining professional projects with helping others, as you mix business with plenty of compassion.
LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)
Are people aware of the substantial amount of work you’re doing behind the scenes? Don’t be disappointed if others aren’t showing their appreciation at the moment. Your efforts will be applauded (and rewarded) further down the track. In the meantime, focus your attention on helping those around you (family, friends, colleagues and strangers) in creative ways. As birthday great Princess Diana said: “Everyone has the potential to give something back.”
VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
Courtesy of lucky Venus, professional projects are favoured as you rub shoulders with influential people. Don’t be a Virgo wallflower though. Speak up and promote your talents! If you hesitate, then promising opportunities will pass you by. With bold Mars barnstorming through your sign (until August 6), confidence and an adventurous attitude will take you places. The weekend is wonderful for catching up with friends and socialising with colleagues.
LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
Librans are natural matchmakers and love to counsel others. This week, Venus (your power planet) transits into the dual sign of Gemini, so there’ll be two distinct sides to every relationship story. When giving advice, make sure you communicate clearly and are scrupulously fair to all parties involved. Travelling and exploring appeal, as the planets stimulate your latent adventurous side. It’s also a good time to reconnect with your international friends.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
Pluto (your boss planet) is transiting through your domestic zone, and love planet Venus is visiting your relationship zone. So, the focus is firmly on family and close friends… anyone who is a part of your cherished inner circle. It’s time for good food, relaxed entertaining and cosy companionship. As birthday great the Dalai Lama observes: “A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation of your life.” Sunday favours working on a creative project.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
Sagittarians can easily become preoccupied with the busy distractions of daily life, full of noisy notifications and garrulous gossip. This week the Sun and Jupiter (your ruler) light up your intuition-and-secrets zone (in the perceptive sign of Cancer), so aim to spend some quality time on your own. Slow down, meditate, contemplate and listen to the quiet voice within. Your motto is from birthday great Princess Diana: “I work on instinct. It’s my best advisor.”
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
Have you been less than 100% honest with a family member? Neptune is meandering through your home zone, which could lead to confusion involving your true motives. Someone could question your version of events, or you could disappoint a loved one by blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Saturn (your patron planet) is now transiting through your domestic zone too, so it’s time to get real, face facts, and set the record straight.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
Expect the unexpected this week – especially involving family, friends, housemates and domestic shenanigans. Venus hooks up with Uranus (your patron planet) on Friday, when you’re inclined to unpredictable behaviour like starting a radical new project or falling in love very fast. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater though! Your mantra is from birthday great Princess Diana: “I don’t go by the rule book… I lead from the heart, not the head.”
PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
You could encounter some unexpected phone calls, emails, texts, tweets or snail mail. If you are dealing with important money or business matters, then a conservative approach reaps rewards. Protecting and stabilising current resources is preferable to looking at your financial situation through rose-coloured glasses. Mercury (planet of communication) is moving through your work zone, which enhances your already impressive Piscean powers of persuasion.
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2025
forced to do? (8) 9 To have lessened, is to have done what? (6) 10 What might we call a devotee? (8) 11 Which horse won the first two Melbourne Cups? (6)
What does a tramp carry? (4) 13 Name the source
formerly delivered frozen water? (6) 24 To be inhabited, is to be what? (8)
What is favourable judgement? (6)
2 What is a prohibition? (7)
3 Name another term for tomato sauce. (7)
4 What are lowest points? (6)
5 What is a small assemblage of houses (7)
6 To be eating sparingly, is to be doing what? (7)
7 Which vessels are used for transporting passengers over water on short journeys? (7)
13 What is the name of the receptacle for store-bought biscuits or cigarettes? (7)
14 Name a long triangular flag. (7)
15 To be displaying boredom, is to be doing what? (7)
17 Name a river in south-eastern Tasmania. (7)
18 To try to equal, is to do what? (7)
20 To dwell permanently, is to do what? (6)
FEATURE / sleep apnoea Snoring snoozers are biggest losers as the world warms up
By Abe Maddison
In a wake-up call for untreated snorers, researchers have warned that sleep apnoea will become more common and more severe because of global warming.
Rising temperatures will increase the severity of obstructive condition and its health and economic burdens are tipped to double in most countries over the next 75 years, the Flinders University study found.
Sleep apnoea – a condition that disturbs breathing during sleep and commonly causes snoring – affects almost a billion people globally.
Lead author Bastien Lechat said higher temperatures were associated with a 45 per cent increased likelihood of a sleeper experiencing obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
“We were surprised by the magnitude of the association between ambient temperature and OSA severity,” Dr Lechat said.
“Our findings highlight that without greater policy action to slow global warming, OSA burden may double by 2100 due to rising temperatures.”
The findings varied by region, with higher rates of obstructive sleep apnoea projected in European countries than those in Australia and the US.
If untreated or severe, obstructive sleep apnoea increases the risk of dementia and Parkinson’s disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression, reduced quality of life, traffic accidents and general mortality.
In Australia, the economic cost associated with poor sleep, including sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnoea, has been estimated at
$66 billion a year.
The study, published in Nature Communications, analysed sleep data from over 116,000 people globally using an under-mattress sensor to estimate the severity of the condition.
Researchers matched sleep data with temperature information sourced from climate models.
Health economics modelling also showed the increasing impact on wellbeing and economic loss due to the condition’s prevalence alongside rising temperatures.
The estimated total economic cost associated with the condition was around $US98 billion, including $68 billion from wellbeing loss and $30 billion from workplace productivity loss.
The study was skewed towards high socio-economics countries and individuals, likely to have access to more favourable sleeping environments and air conditioning, senior researcher Danny Eckert said.
“This may have biased our estimates and led to an underestimation of the true health and economic cost,” Professor Eckert said.
The research highlighted the importance of developing effective interventions to diagnose and manage obstructive sleep apnoea.
“Higher rates of diagnosis and treatment will help us to manage and reduce the adverse health and productivity issues caused by climate-related OSA,” Prof Eckert said.
“We want to design intervention studies that explore strategies to reduce the impact of ambient temperatures on sleep apnoea severity, as well as investigate the underlying physiological mechanisms that connect temperature fluctuations to OSA severity.”
A dangerous sleep condition will become more severe as temperatures heat up, researchers have found. Photo: (AP PHOTO)
