CityNews 250814

Dragon or lizard, it still needs saving, Mr Albanese

ROBERT MACKLIN

Andrew across the ages KEEPING UP THE ACT

Tall tales but true about toilets CLIVE WILLIAMS

AUGUST 14, 2025

WHEN WE WERE LIVING IN THE SEVENTIES

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Better Believe it, Frog’s working on a special album

By Elizabeth KOVACS

Record shop owner Brian “Frog” Harris is rolling up his sleeves and personally supporting Believe, the first album in 11 years from star singer John “Swanee” Swan.

And believe Frog does, himself a veteran of more than 45 years in the music industry.

“Swanee is one of these characters, these legends, that have been out of the spotlight for a whole stack of reasons for a long time, but remains much loved,” says Harris, a former record company executive and long-time owner of Songland Records in Coole man Court, Weston Creek.

Swanee, the older brother of singer Jimmy Barnes, is known for his ‘80s hits If I Were a Carpenter and Lady What’s Your Name. He replaced Angry Anderson as lead singer for the Party Boys, scoring a number one hit with He’s Gonna Step On You Again, before going solo after two years with the band in 1989.

He was SA Senior Australian of the Year in 2015 and 2017 awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM), “for service to music as a performer, and to the community through charitable

should stand up on its own, the music is also something else,” says Frog. Believe features 16 tracks, 15 duets and 14 covers of music by the likes of Santana, Stevie Wonder and Ian Moss.

as someone working in the “grey area” between artists and people who buy their music has given him a good idea of what the public likes to listen to.

Joining the process two thirds of the way into its recording, Frog says Believe is

“When [Swanee] played me the songs he had already worked out, I said they were great songs, but the album needed to be balanced,” he says.

“I suggested some songs to him and he took all of those requests on board.

“Those songs were added into what he already had and that made the

“Every track on the record is war-

Similar to Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, Frog says Believe

Once the tracks were finalised, Frog took over running the project to organise the packaging, manufacturing, promotion and contact with Swanee’s fans.

While the norm for many new releases is to stream them automatically, Frog has put his foot down.

“I don’t care about [streaming] simply because the artist won’t make enough to even buy a Chiko Roll,” he says.

“Swanee and I spent two years creating this magnificent album, and I’m not giving it away.”

Available on vinyl and CD, Frog says the permanency of buying music is a much more special bond for listeners than simply streaming a song or two.

“It’s really important that a person is acknowledged as both a musician and as a human, and [Swanee] totally deserves the permanency in someone’s life,” he says.

Although hard to choose a favourite song, Frog has a soft spot for Brother of Mine, a song by Steve Kipner and Tommy Emmanuel, sung with Swanee’s brothers, Jimmy and Alan Barnes.

“That was the start of the project,” says Frog.

“This album is about family, it’s about friends and it’s about soul, because the whole seed for this project was that he wanted to record a song with his two brothers.”

In its first week of release, it charted at No. 1 on the blues chart, No. 2 in NSW and ACT, and No. 37 nationally.

ris, Ian Moss, Melinda Schneider and Rick Springfield. Frog says his industry experience

Unlike most new releases, Believe will not be made available on streaming platforms for “a long time, if at all”.

Believe, available at johnswan.net.au, Songland Records, Cooleman Court, Weston Creek and record stores.

Arts & Entertainment 23-26

Crossword & Sudoku 27

Dining & Wine 25

Gardening 22

Keeping Up the ACT 11

Letters 12-13

News 3-13

Politics 4, 10

Streaming 24

Cover: Norman Gunston and Denise Drysdale, Living in the Seventies exhibition. Story Page 5.

Since 1993: Volume 31, Number: 32

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Joe Camilleri, Diesel, Colin Hay, Jack Jones, Wendy Matthews, Russell Mor-

How do people treat each other so abominably?

“Shockin’ me right outta my brain” was the Skyhooks’ lyric in Horror Movie, which bemoaned the television reporting of the Vietnam War.

How much more are we shocked outta our brains with the addition of appalling images on social media?

During the Vietnam War era, it was not the images that offended, but rather the reality of what people were seeing as the war dragged on.

Social media brought the plight of people even closer, especially in Pales tine and Ukraine. However, atrocities are also being committed in such areas as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, Mali and Sudan.

Images are coming to our personal devices wherever we are, whenever we open them. It is no longer just the nightly news.

The images reveal returning to a time where some people have no humanity for others, no compassion. In Australia, and perhaps in Canberra specifically, we have the good fortune to look through a very privileged lens at the rest of the world.

It is incomprehensible, when looking through this lens, to understand how people can treat each other so abominably.

Starving and killing babies, small children and teenagers is simply bar-

baric. Revenge killing, particularly when it is at a disproportionate level, is even more appalling. It is an offence against international legislation, an affront to the UN Charter on Human Rights and is certainly immoral. There are less extreme situations that also lack humanity.

The transition of the US from a tolerant, accepting society where there was pride in welcoming people from all over the world to the current violent, intolerant and divided community it has become is sad to witness. Even more upsetting is how this has been exacerbated by recent policies of the Trump administration and their minimal regard for the rule

Our own backyard is worth examining for our humanity. It has been reported that there are around 1700 people each night in Canberra who sleep without a roof over their heads.

of law, national or international.

Although much more subtle than the war-ravaged Ukraine and Gaza, the Trump administration has systematically undermined health care and preventive health in the US. Babies have died and will continue to die in increasing numbers. The measles outbreak through lack of vaccination provides just one example of the current deaths.

Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr has also slashed the funding for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta. Surveillance, monitoring and warning around disease prevention is now much more tentative. This is not just for the US but also for the world –

Queenbee Women’s Health

as up until recently the CDC has been a world leader in public health.

The Trump administration has also withdrawn humanitarian funding from the WHO and impoverished countries that are attempting to constrain diseases such as HIV, Ebola and covid. Not only are these diseases killing many people, but withdrawal of treatment also means even more people will be infected. This is regularly being infected with more than one disease at the same time.

How much of a difference is there between deliberate taking of life and taking of life “by omission”?

The WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health, chaired by Sir Michael Marmot, identified that wealth and health go hand in hand. Statistically, the wealthier you are, the healthier you will be – and the longer your life expectancy.

Although there are a myriad of factors at play in this socially determined impact, suffice it to say, opting out of responsibility for thinking and acting on the disadvantage of others lacks humanity. This applies in Australia and across the world.

Our own backyard is worth examining for our humanity. It has

been reported that there are around 1700 people each night in Canberra who sleep without a roof over their heads. Some will be on the streets or in parks, others will be sleeping in their cars. Despite this, over the last decade the ACT government has cut funding to public housing while the need has grown.

Last week this column explored the disproportionate number of indigenous people detained in the Alexander Maconochie Centre. This is just the most obvious of the many disadvantages that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders suffer.

When more than 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, they demonstrated their humanity. The Australian government must take stronger action to prevent deliberate starvation, and other forms of inflicted suffering.

We can, and we should, expect more humanity and compassion from the Australian people and especially from our governments.

When more than 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, they demonstrated their humanity. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP

I’m livin’ in the 70’s Eatin’ fake food under plastic trees

My face gets dirty just a-walkin’ around I need another pill to calm me down

independence of Papua New Guinea, the Indonesian invasion of East Timor and the subsequent murder of five Australian-based journalists at Balibo.

Living, laughing and loving in the seventies

Gunston, the fictional character who would front up to interview real-life politicians, or for controversial sporting heroes such as Rugby League’s Graeme Langlands, who scandalised fans by wearing white Adidas boots

The exhibition also focuses on the boom in Aussie culture under the Whitlam government, seen through arts identities such as Bob Ellis, Anne Brooksbank, Judy Cassab and Brett Whiteley, and in a formidable line-up of movies, not least Jim Sharman’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Peter Weir’s Picnic at Hanging Rock and Ken Hannam’s Sunday Too Far Away, all launched in 1975.

There’s also the advent on the small screen of Countdown, with Ian “Molly” Meldrum, who introduced Abba and championed AC/DC.

meant that 1975 also proved a time of significant social change and awareness, with the introduction of Medibank, the new Australian honours system, no-fault divorce, the Victorian government’s Life Be In It health campaign, and the publication of Animal Liberation by Australian philosopher Peter Singer.

Rising like a colossus among a year of momentous events is the singular figure of Edward Gough Whitlam, the very tall Prime Minister of Australia who was in November 1975 sacked by Governor-General Sir John Kerr and replaced after a quick federal election by Malcolm Fraser. Many of his admirers regarded it as the end of a golden era of social reform and artistic licence.

Designated International Women’s Year, 1975 was a year of feminism, with the publication of Anne Summers’ book Damned Whores and God’s Police, but there was also

his memory, and on the décor of the NLA’s exhibition of posters, photos and artefacts from the era.

You can fairly bet that the moment you see those orange walls you’ll experience an instant flashback.

Each individual viewer will

cross-dressing Aunty Jack, who would threaten to “rip yer bloody arms off” and who famously stepped from black and white to colour TV on ABC TV in March 1975.

Others will be looking out for Garry McDonald as Norman

On air, Double Jay Rock began broadcasting in January 1975, with the first record played being Skyhooks’ outrageous number, You Just Like Me ‘Cos I’m Good in Bed.

It was a good year for Skyhooks, whose 1975 national tour promoted the number Living in the ‘70s, a success only eclipsed by their 1975 single, Ego Is Not a Dirty Word.

The sense of revived nationalism

With this in mind, Hansen and his colleagues have devoted the last part of the exhibition to what is nowadays simply known as The Dismissal. Director-General of the National Library Marie-Louise Ayres notes that there are twice as many Australians in 2025 as there were in 1975. Hansen, too, sees it as “different from what Australia is now, with a sort of non-digital childhood… a vibrant, colourful time which was fun, but serious, too.”

Grahame Bond as the cross-dressing Aunty Jack.

Margaret Fulton’s elevation of the humble crockpot.

Norman Gunston and Denise Drysdale… Gold Logies time.

On the march in Melbourne during International Women’s Year.

November 11, 1975… Prime Minister Gough Whitlam meets the press on the steps of (Old) Parliament House after being dismissed by Governor-General Sir John Kerr.

LEGAL OPINION / Housing ACT

For

all

the indifference, the buck stops with Berry

For doing nothing, Yvette Berry is pulling $324,000 a year. Do you think that’s value for our money? Shouldn’t she require Housing ACT to abide by the law, asks HUGH SELBY.

Little Dion was watching Bluey when I called by his home. Like so many his age he loves that show. It is praised for its positive depiction of family life, constructive parenting messages, and a positive father figure.

There’s no dad in Dion’s life, and all the Bluey characters have a home setting rather better than what Dion and his gran enjoy.

But today, there was a change for the better.

Three men, skilled tradies, repaired his roof. They repointed the cement, replaced broken tiles and, hallelujah, replaced the three skylights into the rooms without any window. Now only light will enter.

The roofers clearly knew what they were doing, moving quickly and with purpose on the roof. That’s more than can be said for Housing ACT, which couldn’t be bothered to tell Dion’s gran that tradies would turn up at around 7am.

Because it is a “service” department there are straightforward expectations of those who work in

Housing ACT. One is showing respect to their clients, that is the tenants.

While there are some tenants both in the public and private rental market who live and behave like pigs in a sty, that is no excuse for Housing ACT treating their other tenants as scum.

It’s not a big ask to give a tenant sufficient notice that on a given date people are going to come by and get on with some long overdue work, in this instance many, many, many months.

That wait is despite the law making it crystal clear that urgent repairs (and all those in Dion’s home meet the requirement for being urgent) must be done within a month.

There’s one law for private landlords. There’s another law, called the law of indifference, that is followed by Housing ACT.

Amazon and Auspost tell us when a parcel is going to be delivered. Similarly, suppliers of furniture, white goods and electronic items tell us the likely delivery time.

My plumber fixes the day and then, on the day, gives me notice that they are coming. Likewise, the electrician.

That’s all too much for Housing ACT. They gave the roofers only the

address. Although Housing ACT has both the email and the mobile number for gran they neither used it themselves, nor gave it to the roofers.

The culture of an organisation is set by its management. With Housing ACT that culture is: “We care so little about you that we can’t be bothered to let you know what is planned for your home or when anything will be done”.

What would have happened if gran was out when the roofers arrived? She might have taken Dion out on his scooter or gone to the gym or set out to walk with him to the shops.

Presumably the roofers would have been allocated another job, possibly a half hour or more away, all time

needlessly wasted, but it still has to be

Ministerial and management shortcomings

Housing ACT has a management that is mismanagement. They have a Minister in Yvette Berry, whose office email is berry@act.gov.au. Despite all the media given to little Dion’s home problems, not only by CityNews, but also The Canberra Times, Yvette has never thought it necessary to explain the misconduct of her department, give gran any good news about when repairs would be done, or share with us her plans to make Housing ACT management develop a service-oriented culture for all who work there.

The buck stops with Yvette who gets up each morning and goes home each night to a place that doesn’t leak, doesn’t have a mould infestation, doesn’t have a wobbly toilet, and doesn’t have junkie gear through the garden.

For doing nothing she is pulling $324,000 per annum. Do you think that’s value for our money? Shouldn’t Yvette require her directorate to abide by the law? Shouldn’t she replace a management that is indifferent to the law? Should Yvette, too, be allowed to live under the “law of indifference”?

The answer seems to be “Why the fuss?”, not only for matters of hous -

ing, but also as Minister for Education when, as readers will recall, Lend Lease somehow got the Campbell Primary School work when Manteena should have got it. Neither Lend Lease nor Manteena did anything wrong, but one or more people, reporting to Yvette, did do something wrong. Just who “they” were and what they did might become clear when the Integrity Commission finds a way to finalise its inquiries. Could be this year, or the next. Who knows?

Meantime, today’s roofers were there to get on with a job that should have been done before the tenants moved in. How did this “back to front” happen?

It is asinine to spend thousands on renovating the kitchen and painting a place that had a roof leaking in multiple spots, leading to mould here, there and everywhere. Let’s not forget the joys of helping a toddler, Dion, use the wobbling throne under an umbrella.

Yvette has a lovely smile in her Ministerial headshot. I’d like to see the same on a gran who deserves it.

Former barrister Hugh Selby is a CityNews columnist, principally focused on legal affairs. His free podcasts on “Witness Essentials” and “Advocacy in court: preparation and performance” can be heard on the best known podcast sites.

Written by Jenny Ellis & Anne Brooksbank

Yvette Berry.

THE GADFLY BRIEFLY

Embracing the Future of Home Care: Goodwin’s Preparedness for the Suppor t at Home Program

Dragon or lizard, still needs saving, Albo

When I first heard of the kerfuffle over the fate of the earless lizard – some 27 years ago – I honestly thought it was a joke.

I guess that proves you can take the boy out of Queensland, but you can’t take Queensland out of the boy. Not all of it anyway.

match individual needs, Goodwin is commit ted to ensuring our clients receive truly person - centred care that evolves with them, empowering them to live full and independent lives at home, accessing Goodwin’s Clinical Care, Independence Suppor t and Ever yday Living ser vices ’

Man scrolls across lotto win

The New Supp or t at Home Program G ood win’s core mission alig ns with the new A ged Care Ac t’s rig hts - based f r amewor k, which p rioritises individual needs and choices in c are T he Supp or t at Home p rogr am, replacing the cur rent Home Care Packages and Shor t-Ter m Restor ative Care p rogr ams, will of fer a more

Over the decades since, as the environment enthusiasts have raised its continued reptilian existence to an issue of high spiritual and political moment, I’ve become a dedicated person.

I have never set eyes on one of the little chaps, but would now defend the species’ right to life as passionately as I would a koala’s.

nur sing ser vices and a broader r ange of allied health supp or t, desig ned to p romote sust ained health, ac tivit y, and so cial connec tions’, says F illing ham ‘Our trained nur se s are dedic ated to imp roving health conditions while encour aging clients to remain living at home T hey wor k in p ar t ner ship with clients’ G Ps and allied health teams, of fering a comp rehensive r ange of c are ’

Under the Supp or t at Home p rogr am, G ood win will of fer an exp anded r ange of ser vices desig ned to p romote client indep endence and wellbeing T his includes ac cess to essential assistive

I have never set eyes on one of the little chaps, but would now defend the species’ right to life as passionately as I would a koala’s.

safet y and ease of living within the home G ood win also supp or ts clients throug h targeted pathways

It would be far better (I suggest) to blame the great road busting machines crushing the poor little hard-ofhearing lizards and their even tinier offspring in their humble tunnels.

Vice-president of Friends of Grasslands, an obviously tearful Matt Whiting, says: “With so few of our earless dragons [read lizards] left in the wild, the loss of even one individual threatens the whole species.

ow n homes or within G ood win’s residential communities’, comments John Penc a, G ener al M anager, Residential Care and S treng thened Q ualit y St andards Lead

“This case is a travesty. This northern road is entirely unnecessary. The loss of our earless dragon [read lizard] is avoidable.”

‘The core principles of person - centred care, safet y, and respect have always been fundamental to Goodwin’s approach These new standards build upon an existing foundation of excellence, ensuring our clients feel safe, respected, and suppor ted, enabling them to live their best possible lives Our commitment’, Penca continues

One was their decision to call it the Earless Dragon. In the mind’s eye, there’s a mighty big difference between the tiny seven-centimetre head and body length of a earless lizard, and a dragon of the same size. Dragons breathe fire and those who kill them are mostly saints. Whereas a seven-centimetre lizard reminds us of a friendly Gecko.

T his supp or t ex tends f rom low to hig h levels of c are, assisting with needs such as injec tions, wound dressing, and continence requirements

Key Features of the Supp or t at Home Program

Koalas are cute, but we humans retain a “lizard brain”. While the koala’s cerebellum chooses to doze for 23 hours out of 24, we and the lizard have our “fight or flight” instinct whenever danger threatens. And nothing is more threatening than building a road over where we live. That’s NIMBY in spades. Until now, a protective government has resisted the Canberra Airport Group’s pressure to destroy the vital habitat of Canberra’s very own lizard, whose hold on existence is tenuous at best. Alas, in their struggle to retain government support, the Friends of the Grasslands Earless Lizard have made a couple of basic mistakes.

includes a Re storative Care Pathway, p roviding intensive allied health supp or t to help individuals regain f unc tion and indep endence F or those nearing the end of life, the dedic ated G ood win nur sing team supp or t clients’ end - of- life wishes with dig nit y and resp ec t T he E nd - of - Lif e Pathway ensures comp rehensive and comp assionate p alliative c are that c an be received in the comfor t of their ow n home

The other problem, I suspect, is the power of the airline and airport industry in our fair land… and the dollars they bring to the negotiating table.

s er vic e s and a broader range of allied health suppor t ,’ s ays Jamie Fillingham, Goodwin’s E xecutive Manager Home C are and Bu sine s s Trans formation, di s cu s sing the new Suppor t at Home program

Dr Copland backs him up: “The arguments in favour of this road are rubbish. No expensive breeding program can replace the need to retain quality habitat for our earless dragon [read lizard].

A Queanbeyan man, scrolling casually through social media, discovered he was holding a Saturday Lotto ticket worth more than $1.4 million. He held one of the seven division one winning entries nationally in the August 2 draw. Each division one winning entry won $1,428,571.43. The Lott reports that the unnamed man was scrolling through social media when he saw a post about a mystery Saturday Lotto winner in the area.

How Goodwin Will Supp or t It s Client s

The lizard supporters directed their lobbying to the then Labor Environment Ministers Peter Garrett and Tanya Plibersek, and Sussan Ley when the Libs ran the show.

Streng thened Quality Standards and Goodwin’s Commitment

The other mistake was to direct their fire against a plethora of lizardry dangers.

The new Suppor t at Home program, which will replace Home Care Packages (HCP) is designed

For example, the latest plea by the worthy executive director of the Conservation Council, Dr Simon Copland, blames “increasing road kill, increasing predation and dividing the population into two fragments, each too small to survive”.

being able to access more funding levels to bet ter

G ood win is dedic ated to making this tr ansition seamless for all its clients T he or ganisation under st ands that change c an bring questions, and its team is f ully p rep ared to p rovide clarit y and supp or t ever y step of the way ‘ We have p roac tively been hosting Town Hall Inf ormation ses sions for our clients, p roviding them with the necessar y infor mation to tr ansition to the new Supp or t at Home p rogr am We are integr ating these new features into our ser vice deliver y to ensure our clients continue to receive p er sonalised, hig h - qualit y c are that tr uly meets their unique needs’, says F illing ham

And you will not be surprised to hear that while they hummed and harred, Prime Minister Scott Morrison intervened on behalf of the airlines and the Canberra Airport Group.

B eyond the direc t ser vices of fered under Home Care, G ood win’s commit ment to excellence ex tends to ever y f acet of its op er ations T his unwavering dedic ation is f ur ther hig hlig hted by the up coming Streng thened Quality Standard s, which will under pin all aged c are ser vices, f rom in - home supp or t to residential c are

It didn’t matter that the earless lizard defenders had some runs on the board, Morrison was deaf to their pleas.

The current PM Anthony Albanese has not yet shown his hand. But if the flying fortress of Australia’s international goodwill could ponder the fate of the little mother-and-son lizards each time his aircraft passes over their shuddering home as he sets forth on yet another mission, perhaps he’ll find it in his heart to save them.

I really think he’s that kind of guy.

robert@robert macklin.com

‘T he new Streng thened Quality Standard s, also ef fec tive as f rom Novemb er 1 , 202 5, reinforces ac count abilit y and continuous imp rovement across the sec tor G ood win f ully embr aces these st andards, which alig n with our long - st anding dedic ation to exceptional c are Our goal is to emp ower our diver se client groups with greater choice and control, enabling them to live life

T his unwavering dedic ation to p er son - centred c are, safet y, and resp ec t for ms the corner stone of all G ood win’s ser vices, ex tending seamlessly into how the or ganisation helps clients plan for their fu ture

“I had a check of the winning numbers, and they all seemed to match my ticket,” he told them.

His winning entry was purchased at Karabar Newsagency.

Goodwin Advance Care: Planning Your Future, Your Way

Church garage sale

St Ninian’s in Lyneham is holding a clothing and garage sale, 9am-1pm, on August 23 offering secondhand clothing, bric-a-brac, household items and toys. They’re also offering morning tea and a sausage sizzle. St Ninian’s, at the corner of Mouat and Brigalow streets.

Goodwin Advance Care empowers individuals to plan their future health and personal care This ser vice respects client choices and facilitates the documentation of preferences, ensuring wishes are honoured even if direct expression becomes challenging This ser vice underscores Goodwin’s person - centred philosophy, providing peace of mind

A talk from Mr Trump Stephen Trump, from Red Cross, is the guest speaker at the next lunch meeting of the Gungahlin Day View Club at the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, Nicholls, from 11.30am on August 27. Mr Trump will talk about Red Cross aged care and emergency services. RSVP via text or call to 0413 923933 before August 24. Visitors and interested ladies welcome.

Penc a concludes: ‘G ood win is enthusiastic abou t the new A ged Care Ac t, anticip ating a fu ture where choice, control, and individual rig hts are p ar amount for older Austr alians We are p roud to lead the implement ation of these vit al refor ms, p ar t nering with clients to ensure t ailored supp or t for living life to the f ullest.’ ww w. goodwin.org . au/home - c are

The Canberra Grasslands Earless Dragon… more a lizard than a dragon.

The doctor will see you soon – his mum says so!

History bounces around. It’s 1993 and a small medical practice in downmarket Redfern. Most of the patients are unemployed, or worse, indigenous and unemployed like Jimmy.

My mum was beyond comparison, the worst medical receptionist of all time. We were at the bottom of a 15-storey public housing tower architecturally designed to crush the human spirit.

House calls involved trips from Bondi to Kenso to Newtown, but some of the scarier ones involved just catching the elevator or schlepping the stairs, with a bag full of Medicareissued opiate injections and recently released Long Bay Jail prisoners checking out the merch I clutched tighter than my bag in kindy Still, it was good. Once the punters knew you were one of Dr Kelly’s, they’d mostly leave you be. Their knives and stares were as nothing to his acid wit and gruff affection, and those of us starting the journey in his rooms were under his protection. It was like working for Gandalf. Loved, loud, intolerant of fools.

“Son,” said Dr Kelly, “you inevitably learn more about a person’s mental health from their fridge than from your poorly wielded stethoscope.”

have pulled a hamstring, with their exertions that day.

It’s 1926 and dad doesn’t want to go to his first day of school, scared. It’s 1972 and I feel the same. Dad didn’t get to go, I did. Eventually, I learned to spell butterfly and interconnectedness and chaos theory. Also pretentious and get back to work.

It’s 1788 and a few miles down the road Jimmy’s ancestors see some European ships in a place definitely not called Botany Bay, and History ensues. The butterflies of fate must

In 1993 I did some house calls with Bernie and questioned why he so rudely helped himself to something from their fridge upon arrival. “Son,” he said, “you inevitably learn more about a person’s mental health from their fridge than from your poorly

With a clenched fist resembling a bronzed frozen chook, she feared no one, and things went well. A few hours in, though, I needed a quick break for a coffee and a wee, but she was having nothing of it!

wielded stethoscope.” Old school, brilliant, wonderful human.

As was his long-suffering receptionist, Aunty Barbara. She was so calm in any given crisis that when Bernie advised that the only time Barbara missed Mass at Lane Cove was in 1943 when she led a crack team of French Resistance girls, armed with nothing but bad accents, in smuggling Allied secrets in the baguettes in their bicycle baskets, I believed the lot.

In that same 1943 mum and her scared teen sisters saw terrifying men in a big ship land in their harbour. Historians say it was the Allies winning the war. Mum remembers it differently and bonded firmly with the women she met here who remembered 1788.

One Saturday I was charged with running the show and Aunty Barbara was not around, presumably assisting at Mass or organising freedom fighters, and my mum volunteered to sit at the front desk and tell people to

sit down and figure out roughly what order they were to be seen.

With a clenched fist resembling a bronzed frozen chook, she feared no one, and things went well. A few hours in, though, I needed a quick break for a coffee and a wee, but she was having nothing of it!

Every time someone walked out of the office she’d intone the single word “Next”, and point at some unfortunate, like she’d seen done on TV shows. By noon I was a decaffeinated wreck with a bladder full enough to go back way before 1788 and extinguish the great fire of London.

“Mamma mia!”, said I, simultaneously quoting dad and Abba. “Whatsa matter you?”, I complained, still steering clear of the ham fists. You will see every one of them, now, she said. Nobody misses out. And no whining from her bambino Antonio.

I knew she and the family never saw doctors back home. And that

when they got a fever in those days, the awful could happen. Less than half of their siblings had made it to 10, and she would not tolerate these little Aussies waiting, and if I was late getting my devon sandwich and cannoli (glorious combination) then so be it. She loved those 1788 women and their grandkids in the clinic, and I was beyond lucky to see them. Loss and pain can make you bitter, or make you better.

Dr Kelly used his privilege and decency to champion his patch, mum used her hurts to help anybody. Ultimately, whatever side of the harbour we were on, in 1788 or 1943 or every day in between, our unique capacity for love is limitless.

Our indigenous Australians were so decent, dignified, mum was honoured by knowing them, even after all they’d been through they connected and shared. They gave her optimism, and me, too.

Antonio Di Dio is a local GP, medical leader and nerd. There is more of his Kindness on citynews.com.au

Keeping a roof over your head is hardest here

The ACT government regularly attempts to adopt irrelevant and inappropriate measures of performance to deny problems outright and/or to misdirect discussion on possible solutions.

One such example is the rather extraordinary claim on page 21 of the 2024-25 Budget Paper 3, that:

“Housing and rental affordability in the ACT remains relatively better than other jurisdictions predominately as a result of the higher household incomes.”

It is disappointing, but not surprising, that the mainstream media blindly reports such claims. The chart produced by the government as evidence in support of its assertions is based on the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) rental affordability measure.

That measure reflects the proportion of median income required to pay median house rental. It is no secret that the median income in the ACT is relatively higher than in other jurisdictions, and as such, rental affordability in the ACT looks better than it is.

By definition, the measure includes the income of people who may not be in the rental market at all, ie those who are in their own homes. We acknowledge the measure may be relevant in a different context, but not when considering the affordability of rents for people living on a median income who are looking for a house to rent.

The data from the Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services released on January 30 paints a very different picture of rental affordability in the ACT.

Chart 1 shows the proportion of lowincome private rental households paying more than 30 per cent of their income on housing costs. This is the standard measure of housing stress, and the Commission’s data shows that the ACT, across all jurisdictions in Australia, has the highest level of housing costs.

The Commission sourced the data from an unpublished ABS survey for 2019 (the latest year available). More recent data, sourced from the Department of Social Services, and published by the Commission also paints a most disturbing picture.

Chart 2 reflects the income units that are eligible for Commonwealth Rental Assistance (CRA) who were paying more

“Canberrans generally recognise the need for public housing and do not unreasonably object to it in their street. The proposals that are opposed are invariably deficient, breaching privacy or are contrary to planning rules.”

JON

STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED turn their focus to the shameful state of renting and public housing in the ACT.

than 50 per cent of their income on rent before the CRA in 2024.

The ACT has by far the worst outcome with 43 per cent of income units in this category, compared to the national average of 33 per cent. Aboriginal people in the ACT fare worse with 37 per cent paying more than half of their income on rent.

While rental assistance from the Commonwealth partly alleviates housing stress, according to the Commission’s data the proportion of Canberrans who pay more than 50 per cent of their income, even after CRA, remains the highest in Australia.

It is not surprising that the CRA does not completely eliminate housing stress – the Commonwealth cannot be expected to undo the rental stress caused by the supply constraints and the extractive land tax and rate hikes imposed by the ACT Government that are inevitably passed on to renters.

However, it’s surprising that while Chief Minister Andrew Barr has complained about the poor quality of advice from the ACT public service, it did not occur to him as the then-treasurer, or either of the two housing ministers (Yvette Berry and Rebecca Vassarotti), when presented with the misleading picture of rental affordability that was published in the budget papers, to ask: what about those on incomes below the median who are actually renting?

Market failure for low-to-moderate income households, due in large part to the ACT government’s policies, should in principle be addressed by provision of public housing.

We have previously written about the ACT government’s disappointing and embarrassing record on public housing despite its own lofty, but misleading claims about its commitment to public housing.

We reported, for example, that from 2015 onwards the government repeatedly

Chart 1: Lower income private renter households paying more than

claimed to have committed $700 million to public housing under its renewal program, which was not evident from the audited statements and annual reports.

In reality, what we found was a massive raid on public housing through the sell-off of prime land with the proceeds directed towards light rail under an agreement with the then Morrison government.

Chart 3 exposes the changes in public housing stock and tenancies from 2015 to 2024.

Through the two growth and renewal programs, dwelling stock increased from 10,833 to 10,952, which is lower than the number of dwellings in 2012. The number of households in public housing actually decreased by 297 (2.8 per cent) in the ACT.

It is noteworthy that the ACT government has just announced amendments to legislation that will prevent any challenges to development applications for public housing.

The government appears to believe Canberra residents are preventing it from delivering public housing. This is insulting and manifestly incorrect. Canberrans generally recognise the need for public housing and do not unreasonably object to it in their street. The proposals that are opposed are invariably deficient, breaching privacy or are contrary to planning rules.

A question that we expect to be explored through debate in the Legislative Assembly is whether private developments that include a small buy-back by ACT Housing will be exempt.

On a positive note, the proportion of stock in acceptable condition (as measured by at least four working facilities and no more than two structural problems) has increased from 73.4 per cent in 2021 to 76 per cent in 2023 (Chart 4).

Unfortunately, the good news ends there – this is well below the 81 per cent acceptable stock in 2016, and the ACT remains the second worst jurisdiction in this regard. The benefits of the improvements, albeit minor, do not extend to Aboriginal households or those with a disability.

Shamefully, only 58.5 per cent of the stock occupied by Aboriginal households was deemed to be in an acceptable condition in 2023, a decrease from 60 per cent in 2021. The corresponding figures for people with disability are 60 per cent in 2023, down from 69 per cent in 2021.

The deterioration in stock and how Aboriginal households and households with a disabled member have fared through the two growth and renewal programs is evident in Chart 2. Surely this cannot be a result of objections by Canberrans to the construction of public housing in their suburb?

Jon Stanhope is a former chief minister of the ACT and Dr Khalid Ahmed a former senior ACT Treasury official.

(excluding Commonwealth Rental Assistance).

New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999

Chart 3: Housing Renewal Programs and Provision of Public Housing

Tables 18A.3 and 18A.4.

Chart 4: Public Housing Dwelling Condition – Acceptable Proportion

Photo: Paul Costigan

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How compassionate care saved Eti the sick cat

Six emergency vet visits in four days showed me just how extraordinary Canberra’s veterinary professionals truly are.

When Eti the cat became critically unwell one Sunday, I was housesitting for owners overseas. Nearly a week of emergency dashes and daily procedures followed, with veterinary teams working tirelessly around the clock to save its life.

At Canberra Veterinary Emergency Service, Curtin Veterinary Clinic, and Canberra Cat Vet, I was deeply moved by the staff’s calm, kindness, and expertise. Even after hours, they supported me through a stressful time with remarkable compassion.

As the daughter of a retired veterinary nurse, I know this level of dedication is routine. Vets and nurses care for traumatised animals and distressed owners while coping with compassion fatigue and burnout. Australia needs 4000 more vets, and many are leaving under relentless pressure.

Eti survived because of their care and determination. These professionals deserve more than just thanks, they deserve our patience, understanding, and recognition that they’re not just treating animals, but saving family members.

Next time you visit your vet, thank them. They truly deserve it.

Tahlee Bearham,

Canberra

Why we need a credible self-defence posture

Columnist Robert Macklin’s latest piece (CN July 31) rightly exposes a blind spot in our strategic thinking: the assumption that the RAAF would play a meaningful role in a future conflict with China.

If Australia ever finds itself in a shooting war with Beijing, kangaroo culling won’t be our concern – we’ll be chasing them for rations.

The idea that our F-35s or Super Hornets could fly from Darwin to Taiwan, operate in contested airspace, and make it back home is military fiction.

It’s a nine-hour round trip requiring about seven in-flight refuels. That’s assuming the pilots aren’t bored out of their minds, hallucinating from dehydration or bursting at the seams after hours in the cockpit.

And those refuels? They depend on A330 tanker aircraft – big, slow and defenceless. Refuelling is not an all-weather operation. In combat conditions, they’d be flying targets.

If we’re serious about contributing to regional defence, a handful of nuclear-powered submarines each with about 80 tonnes of ordinance would be far more effective. Subs don’t need refuelling mid-mission, and they don’t light up radar screens like flying fuel trucks.

Why we spent $15-20 billion on jets that

can’t reach the likely theatre of conflict without a logistical miracle is a mystery. “Toys for the boys” springs to mind.

China isn’t about to bomb Canberra – or any Australian city. It simply doesn’t have the reach. What we need isn’t a fantasy of long-range strike capability, but a credible self-defence posture.

A smarter investment would have been a modern, well-paid conscripted national defence force – one that not only prepares us for real-world threats but helps train and educate the next generation along the way.

William Ginn, via email

Sad architectural conservatism monument

Opposite the Sydney Building, looking south towards City Hill, we’ll see a fine piece of architecture in the form of a new theatre complex.

However, opposite the Melbourne Building, in the same prospect, is planned a collection of very prosaic, high-rise, commercial buildings – uninspiring in this nationally significant gateway location.

They’ll stand as a sad monument to architectural conservatism, neat and tidy, but boring, with off-the-shelf facade systems, repeating the anonymity of the developer’s existing group of commercial buildings at the junction of Constitution Avenue and the City Hill precinct.

If the development has to be of a private

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED Keeping

local

commercial nature (and it’d be better if not), then the National Capital Authority must insist on a more architecturally inspiring outcome – look at New Acton for instance.

Jack Kershaw, Kambah

Support the light rail business battlers

I was reading the dining column by Wendy Johnson that referred to the effect light rail construction is having on businesses in Civic, in particular the Chinese restaurant Little Steamer (CN July 31).

Little Steamer’s chef Wei He and wife Kim Zhang deserve honorable mention as “Little Aussie Battlers” especially during very trying times of this blasted construction of light rail on their doorstep.

No doubt other businesses have also been massively affected with little foot traffic and having to use alternate routes amongst building materials/ footpath obstructions. But they battle on!

Over some years I have had the pleasure to dine at Little Steamer and may I say the food and service are both beyond reproach… just a tad more in cost, but the best in Chinese cuisine Canberra has to offer!

This family business and others along this stretch of construction works are doing it tough, so come on, Canberra, give them some support.

Ross E. Smith OAM, JP, via email

Exposing what they don’t want us to see

Thank you, Michael Moore, for your article in City News (“Independent exposes Steel’s shonky budget ruses”, July 31).

It highlights the independent MLA for Murrumbidgee Fiona Carrick’s analysis of the ACT budget and exposes the missing information the ACT government doesn’t want us to see. This further emphasises the need for good independents like Fiona.

I do wonder why the federal government is hellbent on propping up the Labor ACT government and its lack of accountability to the ACT community.

Penny Moyes, via email

Fix blimp and the problem goes away

Kangaroo culling procedures need an overhaul – as does the direction of our tag-team of letter writers on this subject, stunning all with tales of sorrow and tragedy.

If a shooter with excellent equipment cannot crosshair the skull of the animal through a quality scope and with the correct ammunition in the chamber squeeze the trigger, he’s useless and should be sent packing. It’s all about quality control and the lack of it on the part of the shooter. Fix this blimp and the problem goes away.

John Lawrence via email

What if the ‘roos don’t always come back?

Those people who think kangaroos will always survive in this country, no matter how many are slaughtered, by the meat industry, farmers or governments like the ACT constantly “culling” them from nature reserves, could not be more wrong.

The same was said about the koalas, which were slaughtered in their millions, now on the brink of extinction due to disease and habitat loss.

It is a well known fact that genetic decline can

Doing it MyWay

Peter French (aka Peter from Rouge Mountain), wrote this and says it can be sung “with a bit of effort” to the same tune as the famous Frank Sinatra hit My Way. So now my friends, my trip is near, It’s time to go back home to Curtin. My friends, I’ll say it clear, I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain.

There’s no light rail to get me there, Whenever I travel, on any day! Without a car, or bike to borrow, Taking a bus is the only way.

It’s a simple trip, along a street, That can be a potholed roadway. But I’m really worried, I have no choice, To take a bus, I have to use MyWay!

Regrets, I had a few, My business in Civic is slowly failing. But sadly, I’m not the only one, Other proprietors are also wailing!

We’re all slowly going broke, Customers are nowhere to be seen. But our pollies don’t really care, And it’s all the fault of the Greens!

Burley-Griffin had a vision, A bush capital, beyond compare. But ‘gifted’ amateurs fiddled the plan, His dream has become a nightmare. Civic’s now a wasteland, And we all know what’s to blame. We have our very own white elephant, It’s called the Gungahlin train.

So, with your heart in your mouth, You tap your card, hoping it just might play. But once again, Chris, it’s another flop, Just walk home, try another day! So, you can plan each charted course,

Each step along the byway.

But in the end, it’s just hit or miss, especially when you use MyWay!

And when you thought it couldn’t be worse, I have some bad news for you. It’ll make you worry, it’ll make you cuss! Around the corner is MyWay Plus!

play a major role in species inability to survive and genetic decline is inevitable as populations are mass slaughtered and populations fractured.

So should we not be seriously concerned when we hear of millions of kangaroos in western NSW dying in 2018 from an unidentifiable disease, leading to a crash of some five million in the overall population of red and grey kangaroos? And that was just one of several mass mortalities in recent decades, with starvation and commercial culling ruled out by experts.

So the ACT Conservator, in telling me that despite the mass shooting on our reserves every year the kangaroos will always come back, seems to me to be on rather shaky scientific grounds.

Jennifer Macdougall, via email

Halve the benefits and double the costs

Reading the excellent articles in City News of July 31 by Richard Johnston and Michael Moore leads me to suggest that whenever the ACT government makes a prediction, we should halve the so-called “benefits” and double the time frame and costs!

Reading further into the magazine though, I thought the comic strip Keeping Up the ACT was just plain nasty.

Lynne Bliss, Swinger Hill

Homeless need compassion and support, but…

I am writing to raise a concern about ongoing activity near the carousel in Civic.

For some time now, there has been an individual camped (moved all his household belongings) out in the immediate vicinity who appears to be homeless.

While homelessness is an issue that deserves compassion and support, the situation has unfortunately escalated to include behaviour that I believe poses a serious risk to public safety.

There have been repeated instances of alcohol consumption in public, and troubling reports of drug-related activity. This is particularly concerning given the proximity to a space designed for families and children.

I find it deeply distressing that such behaviour is occurring so openly in what should be a safe and welcoming environment for our community’s youngest members.

I have urged Canberra MP Alicia Payne and the NCA to investigate the matter and take appropriate action to ensure that both the needs of vulnerable individuals and the safety of families are properly balanced. Three weeks have passed with no response. Support services, mental health outreach and relocation assistance may be necessary – and I fully endorse a compassionate approach that respects human dignity while safeguarding public spaces.

Sharon Castano, via email

Vinnies should address its own crisis

The letter from Mark Gaetani, pictured, national president of the St Vincent de Paul Society (CN August 7) promising“millions of potential winners” and “improving outcomes for lower and middle-income households” certainly belongs in the political sphere.

With its tradition of Christian charity in a secular society that boasts the most generous and multi-faceted social welfare and yet is afflicted with unprecedented levels of violence, abuse, loneliness and mental suffering, often concerning single-parent families, I expected a different appeal from the Society.

Instead of economic modelling and taxation proposals, the Society should address its own crisis, which concerns the need of its members and the real need of most of the people who call for help. These are not satisfied by delivering more of the same social welfare in the form of transaction cards, clothing vouchers and whitegoods.

Fortunately, there are still some members and employees who see the need for an appeal to our humanity. That is to understand the difference between providing a meal to the hungry and sharing a meal with the hungry.

The more we satisfy our need to love our neighbour the more the loved one will

come to realise the dignity and richness of being human.

John L Smith, Farrer

Emissions target won’t send us broke

Anthony Hordern (Letters, CN August 7) need not worry that meeting the ACT’s emissions target might send us broke.

The target applies only to 6 per cent of our carbon footprint, and it doesn’t apply until 2045.

Leon Arundell, Downer

Anthony was indeed a very lucky boy

Anthony Albanese likes to present himself to the public as the boy who grew up in public housing with a single, disabled mother.

Today it would seem fair to say that he was indeed a very lucky boy. The wait times for public housing make it seem almost as likely as winning the lottery.

under a Labor government that has been in office so long that it has forgotten about the people it is supposed to represent.

I don’t feel there is a lot of support for increased public housing because, due to lack of proper management, many public housing properties fall into disrepair.

The latest ACT budget cutbacks will see reduced inspections of public housing properties with perhaps one inspection every two years. This will lead to further deterioration of the already very poor standard of many public housing properties in Canberra.

Rental for a public housing property is based on the income of the tenant. If the occupancy of the property changes and a child becomes an employed adult, or someone else moves in or out, the rental is adjusted to reflect those changes. How will the government know who is living in the properties if they never go there?

I know one public housing tenant who has lived in their house for more than 23 years and in that time there has only been one maintenance visit, which was to replace the gas hot water system with an electric one.

A quick search of the wait times for public housing in the ACT indicate that it will take about nine months for priority housing or up to four years for a new applicant and even longer if you have special needs.

These wait times are totally unacceptable under any government, but even more so

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

We pay our taxes whether they be directly to the federal government or through rates and an increasing number of levies and the money should be spent to ensure that the vulnerable in society are taken care of.

Public housing has been overlooked, underfunded and neglected in the ACT for far too long.

It should go without saying that regular

maintenance of the homes and regular rental inspections should just be a normal part of life.

Write a letter to your local member, get people talking, take an interest in what’s happening in your suburb.

Mary Holmes, via email

Time Liberals stopped the

navel gazing

In Canberra, two experienced Liberal MLAs are effectively serving their community as independents, playing no role in developing and selling party policies.

The Liberal Party was founded by Sir Robert Menzies at a Non-Labor Unity Conference on October 16, 1944. In his memoirs, Afternoon Light, he wrote: “We took the name ‘Liberal’ because we were determined to be a Progressive Party, willing to make experiments, in no sense reactionary, but believing in the individual, his rights, and his enterprise and rejecting the Socialist Panacea.”

I hope that this necessary navel-gazing ends quickly as democracies demand effective oppositions.

I also hope that the Liberal Party opts for the real world as its founder would want, not some unicorn alternative universe where nuclear power plants produce pixie dust and climate science is dismissed with a quick wave of the wand.

Noel Baxendell, Holt

Anna Neilan Family Lawyer

Lucy Stramandinoli Family Lawyer

Take a seat for tall tales but true about toilets

“A gentleman is someone who gets out of the bath to go to the toilet.”

–Freddie Truman

“My mother is so neurotic. She spreads toilet paper on the seat even at our relatives’ house. At the dinner table.” –Wendy Liebman

It might not have occurred to you to think about the design of toilets at foreign destinations, but when you travel as much as I do, it pays to know what to expect and to be on top of the situation, so to speak.

Around the world, toilet designs vary widely, reflecting different historical, architectural and societal considerations.

American toilets are characterised by relatively shallow bowls that hold a pool of water. This design serves several purposes: the water pool helps to suppress odours by immediately submerging waste, faecal waste in water is less likely to stick to the bowl, making cleaning simpler, and it has health considerations.

However, American toilets typically require more water per flush compared to other systems, leading to higher consumption in regions where water conservation should be a concern.

In parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, squat toilets are the most common design. They feature

a ground-level fixture over which users squat. This design has significant cultural and practical reasons for its prevalence: a squatting posture positions the body naturally for elimination, reducing strain and promoting complete bowel emptying. This posture also lowers the risk of conditions such as haemorrhoids and constipation. Squat toilets use less water than traditional Western designs, making them more environmentally sustainable in water-scarce regions.

“Toilet design worldwide highlights the intersection of culture, technology and environment.”

In some cultures, direct contact of one’s buttock with a toilet seat is considered unhygienic – squat toilets eliminate this concern. Squat toilets are also simpler to construct and maintain, making them ideal for developing countries. Despite their advantages, squat toilets may pose challenges for elderly or disabled users, requiring good balance and physical effort to stand up that can be difficult for some.

Japan is renowned for its advanced toilet technology, particularly with bidet-style toilets. These toilets often include heated seats, water jets for cleaning, air dryers, and even sensors to control flushing and lid movement. The emphasis on hygiene and comfort in Japanese culture drives these features. In public toilets, music or white noise are added to ensure privacy.

Many European and Western countries, such as Australia, prioritise water conservation, which has influenced toilet design.

Dual-flush systems, where users

choose between a low-volume flush for liquid waste and a higher-volume flush for solids, are standard in most homes and public facilities.

Additionally, toilets in parts of Europe often include separate bidets, reflecting a cultural emphasis on cleanliness.

In Western countries, toilet paper remains the standard due to historical and infrastructural norms.

Recycled toilet paper is of course not paper that has previously been used in a toilet, it’s paper that’s been recycled to become toilet paper. In India, water-based cleaning of the anus is favoured, with the use of handheld faucets or buckets.

Sometimes one comes across toilet oddities, such as the hotel in Albania where the toilet was located in the shower cubicle. It could have been a builder’s error, but was actually quite practical!

In summary, toilet design worldwide highlights the intersection of culture, technology and environment. Each system addresses particular needs: some countries prioritise comfort, some hygiene – and others sustainability or low cost.

Incidentally, the “poop” deck on a sailing ship had nothing to do with pooping. Poop in this case originates from French “la poupe”, meaning the stern of a ship.

On a lighter note: A pirate stumps into a bar and the bartender says: “Hey Pete, I haven’t seen you in a while. What happened?”

“What do you mean?” says the pirate. “I feel fine.”

“Well, okay, but what about that hook? What happened to your hand?” “We were in a battle. I boarded a ship and got into a sword fight. My hand was cut off. I got fitted with a hook. I’m fine now, really.”

“What about that eye patch?”

“Oh, one day we were at sea and a flock of birds flew over. I looked up, and one of them pooped in my eye.”

“You’re kidding,” says the bartender. “But surely you couldn’t lose an eye from a little bird poop?”

“Probably not – but it was my first day with the hook.”

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

Photo: Miriam Alonso

Hugh Schedules Andy Engineer Chris Carpenter

Sharif Tiler James Carpenter Matthew Plasterer

Jimmy Electrician Bryan Cabinets

Sam Plumber

Taking its name from former Tasmanian premier Philip Fysh (1877-1878 and 18871892), and adopting the Old English suffix of “wick” meaning “dwelling place”, Fyshwick was first developed in the early 1900s, with an area built as a wartime internment camping in early 1918.

An oasis to an abundance of businesses, Fyshwick is a great place to seek furniture, services and help from just about anyone!

Here are some of Fyshwick’s leading businesses…

“It’s extremely important that we provide the right equipment and the best safety products to our clients,” says Pat.

“We want to get it right the first time so that we build long-term relationships with our clients.”

Providing clothing and safety items for a wide variety of industries, Pat says they can help labourers, chefs, blue and white-collar workers all the way to government departments, such as Defence,

Hemp for all ailments and concerns

South Pacific Hemp offers a thoughtful range of products to help through the colder months, says store manager Sue Booth.

delivery service, Pat says they also provide a full embroidery and screen printing service.

“We are competitively priced and are prepared to negotiate on bulk orders,” he says.

“These are just some factors on why we believe Seears Workwear has become a household name.”

Seears Workwear, 60 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 4111 or visit seearsworkwear.com.au

“We get to know the story and origin behind each wholesaler, we pride ourselves on know ing these individual companies’ stories and telling our customers exactly where the products originated,” she

“The global market for hemp is predicted to nearly quadruple in value between 2020 and 2027.

“This is because of hemp’s hardiness across a wide range of climates, its ability to grow in and improve poor soil, as well as absorb more carbon dioxide than any other crop, and that every part of the plant is useful.”

Sue says she also takes pride in having vast knowledge about the different hemp products and uses.

“We have a green hemp healing balm that is good for arthritis, psoriasis, bruising, nerve pain and eczema,” she says.

cherry balm or black sheep, which can help with nappy rash, inflammation, bites and stings.

“The store also has a range of clothing and linen, fabrics, bedding and cushions all made to promote wellbeing.

“Hemp protects your skin by naturally filtering UV light. It also resists bacterial growth and breathes excellently, preventing odours.”

Sue says hemp gives years of wear, while its breathing ability, antibacterial and antiviral properties help promote good sleep.

South Pacific Hemp, 84 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0431 318898, visit southpacifichemp.com.au or email sthpacifichemp@gmail.com

Seears Workwear owners Pat Seears, right, with son Shane.

FABULOUS FYSHWICK

Independent printers take pride in their work

For more than 30 years, Elect Printing has been a part of the Canberra community, offering their services for schools, government departments, small businesses and trade works,

“We are Canberra’s largest privately owned printing house,” says director Maria Nesic.

“It’s something we pride ourselves on.”

Employing 24 staff, Maria says their “for the community, from the community” approach extends beyond the company’s printing services, sponsoring support programs such as the Canberra Ronald McDonald House and Karinya House.

“We have some of the best printing equipment in the region, including cutting-edge digital presses, a new Heidelberg press and traditional foiling and embossing,” she says.

With no project too big or small, Maria says they can print anything from a single print-out all the way to 5000 books.

Specialising in offset printing, digital printing, large-format printing, prepress, finishes and embellishments, Maria says the friendly team are there to talk customers through the entire process.

Maria says they bring beautiful finishes to every job, delivering a “product of quality that’s made with care by a passionate team.”

“Contact us online or just come in for a chat to see how we can help you,” she says.

Elect Printing. 112 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6925 or visit electprinting.com.au

Barbecue experts who value hands-on experiences

For almost two years, the team at Canberra BBQ and Outdoors have been providing expert knowledge on the Weber barbecue range.

Family owned and operated, store owner Michael Halewicz says they are the only Weber Premium specialists in Canberra.

Recently taking out the top spot in Outstanding Customer Experience and Outstanding Marketing Initiative at the 2025 Weber Conference in Adelaide, as well as winning the High Achiever Award, Michael says it’s the little things that they do that sets them apart.

“We have a full-time chef that can teach you how to double-click the tongs,” he says.

“We run multiple food demonstrations throughout the week for our customers to learn how to cook the perfect steak or sausages on a Weber barbecue.”

Alongside the demonstrations, Michael says they also conduct their own cooking classes in-house for customers to participate in.

“It’s a hands-on experience to try before you buy,” he says.

Also specialising in outdoor kitchens, Mi chael says they will soon be exploring outdoor furniture and shade covers to help customers make the perfect outdoor barbecue setting.

“We are also looking forward to releasing the new Weber Genesis and Weber Spirit barbecues shortly,” he says.

Canberra BBQ and Outdoors. 26 Pirie Street, Fyshwick. Call 6152 8028 or visit Canberra BBQ & Outdoors on Facebook.

Canberra BBQ and Outdoors store owner Michael Halewicz.

FABULOUS advertising feature

Furniture for all budgets and styles

James Fullerton and Taylor Radnall have more than 25 years of experience in picking out quality pieces of furniture.

Following their moving the company, ExGovernment Furniture, to 26 Molonglo Mall, just off the Shell service station roundabout, James says the new location puts them “in the heart of it all”.

“We are in the home of furniture, and we are now in prime position to reach a larger audience in Fyshwick,” he says.

With new furniture arriving each week, James says they have something for everyone.

“We’ve got chairs as low as $5 in store, all the way up to some really nice vintage leather couches that will last forever,” he says.

Recently receiving a huge haul of bookshelves, home furnishings, sofas and storage supplies, James says they provide quality items at a half of the cost.

“We’re the one-stop shop for household furniture,” he says.

“We are here to make furniture upgrades easy, making it easy to move on to the next stage of home improvements at a fraction of the cost.”

According to James, Ex-Government Furniture supplies 90 per cent of the furniture around Fyshwick, making them the industry professionals to beat.

Ex-Government Furniture, 26 Molonglo Mall, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture.com, facebook at exgovfurni ture or on instagram at exgovfurniture

Artist creates space for quality art supplies and classes

An artist of 25 years across all mediums, with a specialty in oil and acrylic, Margaret Hadfield is the owner and operator of Artists Shed, and more recently, the event coordinator for Canberra’s first Art Fair at EPIC, September

“The shed is my primary job,” she says. “And I love what I do.”

The shed is split into three components, a studio to teach art, a shop full of handpicked art supplies to sell and an art gallery to display and sell her pieces.

“It’s hard to find quality art supplies,” says Margaret. “I only stock the items that I believe in and can vouch for.

“I’ve made it my mission to supply quality materials for my students, and for the greater art community to purchase.

“I don’t provide cheap, nasty items that won’t support a piece of art.”

Margaret’s classes run throughout the week and she says they fill up quickly.

With under a month to go, Margaret says she is thrilled to organise Canberra’s first Art Fair at EPIC.

“When I came to Canberra, I first sold my art at an art show, which was more than 20 years ago,” she

“It’s a daunting step, but I feel that I’m responding to the need for artists to have a space to sell their work.

“Many of my students have already jumped on board and are eager to see their art displayed.” Artists Shed. 1-3/88 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0418 237 766 or visit artistshed.com.au

Margaret Hadfield, owner of Artists Shed.

Ex-Government Furniture co-owners Taylor Radnell, left, with Tilly, and James Fullerton.

FABULOUS FYSHWICK

Funeral services with respect, honour and dignity

Tobin Brothers, part of the Invocare branch of funeral services alongside White Lady Funerals and Simplicity, has three sites across Canberra.

“Our support centre and state-of-the-art mortuary’s location in Fyshwick is the perfect place to house our hearses and support both the community as well as our valued team members,” says Cassandra Proctor, operations manager for Invocare ACT.

“It is our mission to stand alongside our clients, their families and friends during pivotal moments in their lives, offering compassion, exceeding expectations and delivering exceptional service.”

Offering ritual washing facilities for different faiths, Cassandra says it is important that Tobin Brothers

caters to a wide audience, ensuring every person is given the respect, honour and dignity they deserve.

“We actively seek new strategies, opportunities and technologies that enable client families to honour their loved ones in meaningful ways,” she says.

“Our team is deeply passionate about the service we provide, viewing our work as a true vocation that transcends traditional job roles.

“At Tobin Brothers, we are committed to ensuring that every farewell is a meaningful tribute, making each moment count during times of need.”

Tobin Brothers. 8 Whyalla Street, Fyshwick. Call 6295 2799 or visit tobinscanberrafunerals.com.au

be an expensive adventure, says store-owner John Rivers.

“At Handyman’s Trading Post, people can find a great range of new, factory used and used parts and pieces at half the price,” he says.

Now settling into a new location on Newcastle Street, Fyshwick, John says Handyman’s Trading Post is pleased to again be providing affordable tools and items for home-improvement projects.

With a wide range of new and used windows, doors, hardware and other building materials, John says Handyman’s Trading Post is a leading supplier of factory-second and used windows and doors, with new stock arriving each week.

“We’re also the experts at delivering purchased windows and doors safely to your home or job site,” he says.

says they can alert customers when products from their list have arrived in store.

“Our range of other items is constantly changing, with great deals to be had on modern and antique tools, cladding and piping, floorboards and timber, door and window latches etcetera,” he says.

John says customers can save hundreds, or even thousands, by buying secondhand windows and doors. Items he says are often the key feature of renovations.

“For more than 42 years, Handyman’s Trading Post has supplied Canberrans with quality and affordable home and commercial building materials,” says John.

The Handyman’s Trading Post. 167 Newcastle Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 4036. On facebook.com/p/ Handymans-Trading-Post or Instagram at htpcanberra

and

Having first opened more than 30 years ago, and changing hands in January, the Australian Flag Company has gone on to supply its finely crafted flags throughout the entire country, says managing director Abu-Shankar Babu.

“We supply and manufacture a complete range of national flags for all countries,” says Abu.

“We also provide specific company flags, corporate flags, flags for school houses, DFAT, Defence, AFP, specific ideas and specialised designs.”

Today, the company has gone on to sell accessories, banners, badges, souvenirs and, as Abu puts it, almost anything to do with flags.

in the heart of Fyshwick

“A flag has long been viewed as a symbol of respect by those who view it, and of pride by those who fly it,” he says.

“We take an enormous amount of pride in both making and selling something that means so much to so many people.”

Abu is in partnership with Personally Yours business owner Asha Rani, who provides embroidery services.

With both companies working together under the same roof with the same staff, Abu says the businesses complement each other nicely.

“You can personalise a flag all in one location,” he says.

Australian Flag Company and Personally Yours. 218 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 4166 or visit australianflag.biz or pyours.biz

GARDENING

Spray to see off vegetable bugs

By Jackie WARBURTON

The green vegetable bug is a nuisance in the garden in spring and summer.

The best time to break its breeding cycle is when it’s young and its shield is soft.

Given it can reproduce up to four times a year, an infestation can build up in no time.

Green vegetable bugs begin as small black nymphs; they moult life stages and look different as they grow.

The problem is that they pierce and damage fruit, removing nutrition and moisture. That, for us, is flavour.

So, once they’ve been spotted, spray with an organic mix of water, horticultural soap, chilli powder

and garlic. This will keep the adults at bay and suffocate any young. Repeat spraying every few weeks.

Also, keeping garden beds tidy and free of debris and old garden growth helps keep these types of pest issues away.

NOW’S the time to get the winter fruit trees in the ground while they’re dormant and the soil is cold.

Some fruit trees do better in our region and knowing the “chill hours” required helps with choosing the right fruiting tree. Chill hours are important in showing the tolerance of the tree. There is a mathematical equation along with maps of chill hours that can be researched further, but in Canberra we are rated as cool-to-cold with medium-tohigh chill.

This information is useful for buying trees online. While a low chill plant might still grow here, it

may not flower or fruit – so a little bit of research is needed to choose the right fruit trees for our region.

In the garden or the orchard, all fruit trees will need an area that has at least four to six hours of daily sunshine to produce well.

The soil where trees are to be planted should be turned over with added compost, back filled, watered in and mulched with light bark. Stake if necessary.

Water only occasionally if there has been no rain. Plant around the base of fruit trees with flowering plants such as thyme, rosemary and calendulas, in fact any flowers that bloom at the same time as the fruit trees to encourage the bees.

NOW flowering in the glasshouse are the cymbidium orchids. While they grow well in our climate and need a little winter protection, they’re tougher than they look.

In Canberra they’re potted plants, unlike in tropical regions. But even as a potted plant, they flower well and can be moved around as a bonus. Their colour range is vast.

They like to be pot bound to induce flowering and, with the correct bloom food or foliage food, they are terrific large, indoor plants, with flowering that can last

up to six months.

The growing media for orchids is a little different than potted plants and coarse bark is all that is needed.

I sift potting mix to remove the fines and use the coarse material to pot my orchids and use the fines for potting plants.

Water with foliage food for any newly potted plants and switch to flower food once there is new growth. The best place to ask questions or buy orchids is the Spring Floral Spectacular next month. Combined with an orchid show and a conference, this is the Horticultural Society of Canberra’s event for the year and not to be missed.

It’s at the Fitzroy Pavilion, EPIC, September 20-21. More at hsoc.org.au

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

Jottings…

• Prune apples and feed with boron for flower and fruiting.

• Keep sticky weed, chickweed and spurge weeded while young.

• Place manure under fruit trees and water in.

• Turn over compost and add blood and bone.

The green vegetable bug… they can reproduce up to four times a year and an infestation can build up in no time. Photos: Jackie Warburton

Cymbidium orchids… while they grow well in our climate and need a little winter protection, they’re tougher than they look.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The reel world of South America comes free

By Helen MUSA

Now marking its 20th year, the Latin American Film Festival is one of the most joyous events on the Canberra calendar – and it’s entirely free to the public.

Always full of excitement, drama and very often politics, it has been shown everywhere from the NGA to the National Museum, but since 2018 has settled comfortably into the ANU’s Kambri precinct under the watchful eye of the ANU Film Group, who say this year’s will be “the best ever”.

The hosting of the festival is a rotating affair and this year it falls to El Salvador. When I catch up with festival curator Cristian Figueroa and his colleague Eduardo Cardoza, at the embassy of El Salvador, I find them brimming with enthusiasm for a perfect example of “soft diplomacy”.

Starting on August 14, the festival will feature a movie a day, usually with local culinary delights, including drinks and coffee.

Figueroa says there’ll be 13 participating countries – El Salvador, Costa Rica, Mexico, Uruguay, Panama, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Chile and Colombia, most screening in Spanish, but in

the case of Brazil, also Portuguese, all with English subtitles.

Fittingly, the opening night choice will fall to El Salvador, whose film, Indomable/ Untamed, is Nigel Marven’s 58-minute documentary showing the spectacular beauty of a volcano-rich country which, though it has endured a turbulence past, is now recognised by Australia as a safe for visitors.

The underlying purpose of the festival is to expose Latin American culture to Australians,

special pleasure in showing their films to audiences of Latin descent.

With that in mind, the main focus has continued to be on Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, but in recent years, the festival has expanded to Wollongong, Hobart, Perth and Darwin.

“It’s an opportunity to strengthen relationships, especially for small countries,” Cardoza says.

attention to families, with animated films for general screening. One such from Uruguay, is José Infantozzi’s Becho, which conjures up the gifted Gerardo Matos Rodríguez, who composed the famous tango, La Cumparsita.

Another, from Mexico is Uma & Haggen, a fantasy animation about a Meso-American princess named Uma and a Viking boy named Haggen, who come from opposing worlds.

There’s no shortage of variety, even a hor-

ror movie from Ecuador, Chuzalongo, which follows a mythological Andean creature who takes the form of a child and then turns into a monster that feeds on blood.

Politics are never far from the festival’s Cuban offerings and this year’s choice, Rigoberto López’s El Mayor, looks in a fictional way at the life of political and military leader Cuba’s 19th century war for independence, Ignacio Agramonte Loynaz.

Javier del Cid’s El Ojo y El Muro from Guatemala is set in the 2030s, where the city of Gabhán is under a totalitarian government. But Alba, part of an underground network, provides vital assistance at a hospital.

Most of the films throw light into the societies of present-day Latin America, with Argentine director Marcos Carnevale’s Goyo telling the story of a museum guide with Asperger’s syndrome, who falls in love with a new security guard.

Just as up-to-date is the closing night film from Colombia, Laura Mora’s The Kings of the World, winner of the Silver Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival, about five children who live as a clan on the streets of Medellín, but go on a dangerous journey.

“Our festival shows that we are very diverse,” Figueroa says. “ We don’t all do things the same way, but we do share a lot.”

The 20th Latin American Film Festival, Kambri Cinema ANU, Until August 31. Free entry. All details at anufg.org.au

From Mexico, Uma & Haggen, a fantasy animation about a Meso-American princess named Uma and a Viking boy named Haggen, who come from opposing worlds.

STREAMING

Creepy and she’s kooky, mysterious and spooky

It may be named after hump day, but audiences have found Netflix’s hit series Wednesday anything but a drag.

Back for its second season this month, the show about the iconic character from the Addams Family has turned into a blockbuster.

Its first season in 2022 managed to amass more than 300 million viewing hours, hooking households around the world with its story of a strange young girl on a quest to solve a string of murders at her supernatural school.

What that sort of viewership means to Netflix is reflected in the insane pay rise for star Jenna Ortega.

When season one came out the 19-yearold was being paid $US30,000 ($A46,000) an episode. In season two she’ll reportedly now take home around $US250,000 ($A385,000) an episode or around $2 million for the season. Not a bad wage for a 22-year-old.

Ortega is ultimately what has brought the viewers in.

Her moody and macabre portrayal of Wednesday Addams became an internet sensation after she reinvented the character from the shows in the 1960s and the 1990s.

That means fans from previous generations were on board as well as a new one entirely. Couple that with director Tim Burton also lending his unearthly talents to the show and there’s a recipe for a hit indeed.

Before the black-and-white 1960s version of The Addams Family the characters first appeared in a cartoon by Charles Addams that was published in The New Yorker in 1938.

That means this strange gothic brood has been kicking around pop culture for almost a century and it seems they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

Maybe they really are immortal.

WHEN Conclave hit cinemas late last year it sparked a storm of intrigue around the world with its behind-the-scenes look at how a new pope is chosen.

But it wasn’t until six months later that the film truly cemented itself in the public consciousness.

Concalve took on a whole new aura following the death of Pope Francis, an event that shook the world and ignited huge interest in the film.

As the world waited for the announcement of who would be the new head of the Catholic Church, Concalve offered a glimpse into the highly secretive process that is kept firmly behind closed doors.

Starring Ralph Feinnes, the film offered a fictionalised account of this process.

The papal conclave is locked away to cast their votes, not allowed any form of media or communication with the outside world.

It is only when white smoke is released from the Sistine Chapel that those beyond it are told a new leader has been chosen.

Conclave admits to taking liberties with its plot, but the research is still very grounded in how the actual selection takes place and online purchases of the film exploded as the real-life cardinals gathered to make their vote this year.

Those who missed Conclave at the movies can now watch it with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video.

APPLE TV+ has launched a new blockbuster on its platform this month with

ARTS IN THE CITY

an intriguing point of difference.

It’s called Chief of War and it stars Jason Momoa as a Hawaiian warrior in the 1700s caught in a brutal conflict where opposing factions compete for control of the islands.

This nine-episode series is made by Hawaiian creators with a dedication to accurately capturing the history and culture of the setting.

Much of the show is spoken in Olelo Hawai’i, a traditional language. It might take a bit of adjusting but certainly adds to the show’s atmosphere.

It’s a brutal and bloody affair, unflinching in its depiction of the tribal warfare

That has resulted in some calling it Game of Thrones in Hawaii, the show that Jason Momoa also starred in.

Momoa comes from a Hawaiian background and his passion for the project here is clear to see.

Only the first of episodes are out right now but so far the set up and execution have been impeccable.

Don’t expect a tropical getaway here. This is paradise lost.

Canadian classic comes to town

The Drawer Boy, a modern classic of Canadian theatre by Michael Healey, is coming to town. Directed by Zac Bridgman, the plot follows Miles, a young actor who moves in with two ageing bachelor farmers to do research for a new play and finds more than enough theatrical material in his two new housemates. Belconnen Arts Centre, August 21-30.

At last, National Opera’s produc tion of Richard Strauss’s opera, Der Rosenkavalier, in condensed form, will take the stage under the direc tion of Caroline Stacey, with Rowan Harvey-Martin holding the baton. The Street Theatre, August 23-31.

Inferno, Mikaela Stafford’s free, immersive installation, centres on a large-scale resin sculpture that emerges from a 12-metre digital screen to blend 3D motion graphics, kinetic sculpture and dynamic lighting with a soundscape by Kate Durman. At the National Film and Sound Archive, August 22-November 16.

Opening at the same time around the corner, at the ANU Drill Hall Gallery, will be Light Source, which celebrates the role of light in abstract and expanded cinema. Curated by Martyn Jolly and Tony Oates, August 22-October 19.

In a concert postponed from June, Turkish-Australian soprano Ayşe Göknur Shanal returns to Canberra with a passion project, a concert of all-Cuban music simply titled, Cuba. Smith’s Alternative, Civic, August 21.

The National Capital Orchestra’s Community Play Day 2025 will allow local musicians aged 16 and over to rehearse and perform alongside a full symphony orchestra in a oneday celebration. Audience members are welcome to attend the 4pm “play through” concert. Albert Hall, August 24.

The Australian Haydn Ensemble will be here with Haydn’s Miracle, works by Schubert, Purcell and, of course, Haydn. Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, August 21.

Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams… her moody and macabre portrayal became an internet sensation.

Jason Momoa in Chief of War, a nine-part series set in Hawaii.

Callum Doherty plays Miles in The Drawer Boy. Photo: Chris Baldock

Lunetta’s lovely dishes of intrigue

Sisters under the stars. While Lunetta and Lunetta Trattoria, on top of Red Hill, are in the same orbit they promise different but complementary dining experiences – one more formal and one casual.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the trattoria on more than one occasion, we headed up the hill to Lunetta for a leisurely lunch. The stunning fitout is calm, cool and collected. The views are spectacular. The menu features intriguing dishes, and we were ready to explore.

Our adventure began with exquisite Sydney Rock Oysters, sourced from Merimbula, and served with a superbly executed and refreshing white chardonnay and pepper berry mignonette (six for $42).

Quality of produce is key for Lunetta, and the line-caught tuna from Ulladulla was a showstop per. Thinly sliced and raw it was fabulous with wedges of local fig, slices of juicy citrus pieces, burnt honey and whole hazelnuts for texture ($36).

The wood-fired molasses sourdough was a massive serve ($8 each). Light and fluffy inside, it was superwood-fired molasses sourdough sticky with molasses outside. The whipped Pepe butter was gorgeous, but the stickiness of the bread crust was too fiddly to deal with for many of our group.

Lunetta is accommodating and happily adjusted the ravioli dish from five pieces ($39) to six for our number of guests ($47). We loved the fermented chilli and ricotta created with buffalo mozzarella.

Service was caring but almost overly attentive, and it wasn’t long before our dishes began to emerge from the kitchen in quick succession. We asked for a slower momentum, not wanting to feel rushed.

Once more, Lunetta happily accommodated. I was surprised some plates were cleared before

WINE

Desserts were memorable and beautifully presented, including the lemon tart, with a nice thin base, creamy texture, and the right amount

and the 2021 Henschke Keyneton Euphonium Shiraz $32 for a 150 ml glass.

A family taste or two to shape a review

I’m infrequently sent wine by generous winemakers.

Two wines that were sent to me, one late last year and one quite recently, were tasted by me and my two adult children at dinners a few weeks apart.

At the first dinner it was just the three of us, but at the second there were two friends present as well.

The first wine, which was served with a spicy chicken dish, was a prize-winning 2022 Devil’s Corner Mt Baudin chardonnay. This Tasmanian wine won a gold medal at the 2023 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards.

The wine is named after one of the peaks in the Hazards Mountains that serve as a backdrop to the vineyard. It sells for $75 a bottle.

I didn’t tell my adult children what the varietal was and was pleased when my daughter, who works in hospitality, could boldly say: “It’s a coldclimate chardonnay. It has that stone fruit flavour that is distinctive of, I reckon, Tassie.”

“Yes,” I said, “the citrusy finish in particular shows it’s made in the new style of chardonnay rather than the buttery, oaky chardies of the past, albeit that the oak comes through in what is a textural wine, one to put away as it will only get better for at least the next five years.”

Everyone thought this wine was well made, although my daughter thought the tannin line could have been more pronounced, giving a cleaner finish.

One of the dinner guests, on tasting the pinot noir that followed the serving of the sangiovese, said: “Oh, I preferred the Freeman wine, this is like drinking water in comparison.”

Bravo to both wineries for the opportunity and their generosity, which reminds me of a story:

A man was stopped in the street by a homeless beggar who asked for money for food. The man replied: “I’ll tell you what I can do, seeing as I’m on my way to the pub, how about I buy you a drink?”

The beggar says no and, “I don’t drink, I’m just looking for money to get something to eat.”

My son just said: ”Nah, sorry, I still don’t like chardonnay.”

The second wine was a Freeman Sangiovese 2023, which costs $40 and is also available from the winery direct at www.freemanvineyards.com.au.

The Freeman vineyard is located in the Hilltops region not far from Canberra.

We had the wine with a mild, sweetish chicken curry. The covering letter from Brian Freeman, the winemaker, mentioned that the sangiovese on the Altura estate vineyard had been grafted on to 40-year-old shiraz vines in 2010.

The vines are now producing grapes with concentrated flavour. This was evident from the richness of the dark-cherry flavour profile.

“Well how about I give you a couple of good cigars that I sometimes smoke.”

The homeless man replies: “Sir, thank you but I do not smoke, I only want something to eat.”

“How about we head to the TAB and I’ll place a bet on some horses, I received a tip on, and you and I can split the winnings?”

The homeless man again protests: “I really appreciate your generosity but I do not gamble, I’m just looking for something to eat.”

“Okay, I’ll tell you what we are going to do, come back home with me and my wife will make us some dinner. I would really like her to meet you.”

The homeless man is flabbergasted and says: “Do you think she would mind a homeless man sitting at your table for dinner?”

“Mate, doesn’t matter. She needs to know what happens to someone who doesn’t drink, smoke or gamble.”

SUNDAY ROAST

Talking to the names making news.

Sundays, 9am-noon. IAN

Freeman vineyards at Hilltops… the sangiovese on the Altura estate vineyard had been grafted on to 40-year-old shiraz vines in 2010.

BOOK REVIEWS / New Zealand crime

A wave of crime fiction from across the ditch

New Zealand crime writing is notable for incorporating NZ’s unique cultural landscape, including Maori culture and history.

Michael Bennett, an award-winning screenwriter and director, as well as an award-winning crime writer, is Maori, of Te Arawa descent.

His latest novel, Carved in Blood (Simon and Schuster), is the third novel in his series featuring Maori detective Hana Westerman.

Hana has left Auckland and the police force and moved to Tata Bay to work with the local Maori community. It’s winter and everyone is waiting for the rising of the Matariki, a sacred constellation in Maori culture.

One of the Elders describes the stars as “the prow of a waka, A canoe… to carry us to our real home. All year long the navigator of the canoe collects the souls of those who have passed in a net. Then the waka disappears and when it emerges again, the souls are released. And they become new stars”.

Hana’s daughter Addison announces that she is getting engaged and would like to have the engagement party the night the Matariki rises. When Hana’s ex-husband Detective Inspector Jaye Hamilton goes to buy champagne for the party, he interrupts a violent robbery and is shot.

With Jaye critically injured in ICU, Hana immediately contacts Elisa Williams, the

detective inspector in charge of the investigation, and volunteers to be part of the team on the case. Hana respects Williams, who is of first generation Samoan descent and sees her as “the kind of cop that can make true systemic change. Brown, young, smart. Brave as hell”.

The investigation initially leads to a suspect who works as a courier for a Chinese organised crime syndicate. But Hana eventually wonders if Jaye was in the wrong place at the wrong time, or was he the target

of the gunman?

In Carved in Blood, Bennett blends a meticulously plotted police procedural in a poignant story of tragedy and hope for the future.

ALTHOUGH he lives in Melbourne, Geoff Parkes was born and raised in NZ, which is the setting for his debut novel, The Deep Dark Bush will Swallow you Whole (Penguin).

Parkes is a sports writer and his weekly

column The Wrap has become a regular Monday morning must for rugby followers around the world.

In an interview, he revealed: ‘I’d always fancied the idea of writing a novel which provided a strong sense of the rural New Zealand I grew up in. Next came the idea of centering it around a shearing gang: this was something I’d had personal experience with, plus it provided a bunch of diverse characters to play with”.

sorry to say, she is still a missing person”. Over the past 12 years, four other girls have disappeared in the area. The police have a theory that there is a serial killer in the area but Emilia believes that with Sanna, it’s a local from Nashville who knows what has happened to her. She tells Harten: “Your countryside, your native bush, it is perfect for swallowing secrets.”

Emilia knows it was one of Sanna’s workmates in the shearing shed, Ryan, who reported her missing. She asks him to help her discover the truth.

In 1983, Emilia Sovernen arrives in Nashville, a small fictional town in King Country in NZ’s North Island. She has travelled from Finland to find out what has happened to her sister Sanna, who disappeared 18 months earlier while working for a shearing gang on a farm outside the town.

Tom Harten, the detective inspector in charge of the original investigation tells Emilia that despite bringing in “detectives from outside. No assumptions were made about potential suspects. We stripped everything right back… until we find some hard evidence, something that links her to a person of interest or a location, then I’m

However, Ryan has problems of his own. His mother has died and he needs to sell her house. The shearing gang had been his vacation job as he’s studying law at Otago University and many in the small town, especially his mates from school, believe he’s pretending to fit in before becoming a city lawyer.

Parkes divides his narrative between Emilia’s attempts to investigate and 14 months earlier in the summer of 1981 when Sanna joined the shearing gang and became Ryan’s secret lover.

The end result is an atmospheric, complex story of love, jealousy and revenge. It is an impressive debut.

Author Michael Bennett… blends a meticulously plotted police procedural in a poignant story of tragedy and hope for the future.

Photo: Matt Klitscher

HOROSCOPE PUZZLES

By Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

New Moon week is the ideal time to ditch bad habits and start afresh. It’s a juggle to get everything done but keep calm and don’t lose your cool! You’re unusually focused, but are you focusing on the right things? Work, health, wellbeing, diet and fitness are the main areas where you need to make some overdue changes and adjustments. But – if you are too hasty and hot-headed – you could find yourself in the middle of an argument, an accident or a crisis of confidence.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

The New Moon highlights children, teenagers, friendships and leisure activities. There are also opportunities for advancement via connections within your local community, especially if you are collaborative. It will take creative teamwork and sustained effort to turn a lucky break into a long-term success. It’s also time to get some firm direction, as you formulate your personal goals and dreams for the future. Remember – you can’t hit a target if you haven’t got one.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

This week the Sun, New Moon and Uranus activate your home zone. A fresh domestic start is likely – but there could be surprises, hiccups or disruptions along the way. Some possible scenarios – problems with a housemate, a real estate sale falls through, a house move is delayed, or a family member behaves in an unpredictable way. Whatever happens – expect the unexpected! Monday is the best day for socialising, creative ideas and lively communication.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

The New Moon highlights a fresh start involving communication, education, local travel, a relative or neighbour. And, with vivacious Venus and lucky Jupiter both jumping through your sign, there’s never been a better time to be more charming, more sociable, more beautiful, more loving and more generous. Your mantra for the moment is from birthday great, fashion designer and style icon Coco Chanel: “A girl should be two things – classy and fabulous.”

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

The Sun (your ruling planet), New Moon and Sun/Uranus square shine a bright spotlight on money matters. Lavish Lions are drawn to luxury-living, and you’re inclined to buy expensive things that you don’t really need. This week, do your best to avoid being an impulsive binge shopper. Spontaneous spending sprees now could lead to financial headaches later. The more creatively and proactively you nurture your nest egg, the more it will gradually grow.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

The silvery New Moon lights up your sign, Virgo, so it’s the perfect week to update your wardrobe, change your appearance, launch a project, apply for a job or start a new phase of your life. Personal projects, ambitious goals and dynamic friendships are also highlighted. On Sunday, too much nervous energy and impatience could disrupt a burgeoning work project or a professional partnership, as the Sun/ Uranus square shakes up your career zone.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

This week dynamic Mars is charging through your sign – and the New Moon lights up your solitude and contemplation zones. So, it will be a delicate balancing act between proactively making things happen and taking the time to relax and slow down. If anyone can manage a tricky juggle, it’s the sign of Libra (symbolised by The Scales, signifying balance and harmony). But expect some disruptions on Sunday, especially if you are travelling.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Saturday’s New Moon highlights your hopes-and-wishes zone, so be proactive about setting goals, dreaming dreams and creating your preferred future. It’s also a good week to fire up an old friendship or heal a troubled relationship. Positive changes are coming, so focus on exciting projects that make your heart sing. As the Sun moves into Virgo, keep things simple! Be inspired by birthday great, Coco Chanel: “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Have you been dragging your heels at work? Your career is set to improve, as the late week New Moon signals an exciting new chapter. So, make the most of any fresh ideas, professional projects or job opportunities that come your way. But the Sun/Uranus square increases exuberance and decreases patience. So slow down and be careful you don’t overindulge, over-exaggerate, over-promise or overcommit, especially involving relationships and work.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

The New Moon activates your education and adventure zones, so start thinking about what you’d like to learn and where you’d like to travel in the future. But Uranus disrupts the applecart on Sunday, when you may have to rearrange your daily routine or change your work plans. Don’t get cranky, Capricorn! Be inspired by singer, songwriter and musician Tori Amos (who turns 62 on Friday): “Sometimes you have to do what you don’t like to get to where you want to be.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Each New Moon indicates a shift of gear in a particular area of life. This week the heavens highlight a fresh start involving money, an intimate relationship or trust issues. You’ll feel restless, so it’s a good time to travel, experiment and explore. You’ll also be extra curious as you dig up gossip, uncover a secret or start a few controversial conversations! However – if you are too blunt and impatient with loved ones – expect some surprising blowback.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Monday’s lively stars will pique your Piscean curiosity. Then Saturday’s New Moon encourages you to get a burgeoning romance, business partnership or joint venture moving. Are you unhappily single and searching for love? Be on the lookout for a creative thinker who is a good talker. Your motto for the week is from writer Dorothy Parker (who was born on August 22, 1893): “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2025

knowledge crossword No. 1025

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Josh and Ash, who have just got married, want to know if there was anything special they needed to do in relation to their taxes as a married couple.

In congratulating them, I said there was not very much that was different in lodging tax returns as a married couple.

"But I will explain the position so that you are aware of potential pitfalls," I said.

“Ash, if you are changing your name, then you will need to notify the ATO and provide details of your marriage certificate number so that they can update their records.

1 What is a kind of woman’s vest, worn for extra warmth? (7)

2 What are sights, or visions, called? (5)

3 Name a cylindrical rocket-launcher. (7)

4 Name a wise and trusted counsellor. (6)

5 To surpass, is to do what? (5)

6 Name the district that falls under the pastoral care of a bishop. (7)

7 Which lively dances are popular in Scotland? (5)

13 Who collaborated with Sullivan, Sir William … ? (7)

15 Name the Canberra NRL club. (7)

16 Name the presiding officer in the House of Representatives. (7)

17 What do we call a concealed marksman? (6)

18 Australian actor, star of The Mentalist, Simon …(5)

19 Name a Brisbane correctional centre. (5)

20 Name a month containing 31 days. (5)

"I have a few clients who have had problems with this when they try to ring the ATO, so I recommend you go online to make the change. As you would know, everyone is much more sensitive to scams these days so it's impossible just to make a phone call and say I changed my name and expect that it will be updated.

"Also, people sometimes discover that the ATO has incorrect information about them and that may also need to be updated.” I told them the main practical point was that they were taxed separately, so nothing changed for them.

"You lodge your returns as you have done previously in your own name and under your own tax file number," I said.

"However, there is one area where you do need to report spouse information and that is for the Medicare Levy surcharge.

"If you have hospital cover this will exempt you from the Medicare Levy surcharge.“

I asked if they both had hospital cover.

Josh replied: “Ash has hospital cover and I don’t as I don’t think it’s necessary.”

I replied: “That's awkward for you, Ash. The Medicare Levy surcharge is payable when your joint income exceeds a certain figure (in the 2025 year that figure is $202,000).

"That threshold is not applied to your taxable income; it is applied to your adjusted taxable income, which includes negative gearing losses and reportable fringe benefits.

"So although your taxable incomes, when added together, may be below the threshold, your adjusted taxable income seems to be marginally above it.

"The sting in the tail, which will affect you both as a couple, is that as only Ash is covered for hospital cover, you are both treated as if neither of you has hospital cover and you are both liable for the Medicare Levy surcharge.

"Josh I would highly recommend that you join a health fund for hospital cover straight away. It is usually cheaper to be in a health fund than it is to pay the surcharge.”

Ash said: “Oh, my goodness, I am up for the surcharge, even though I was in a health fund?”

I reluctantly told her that was the case.

Ash said it didn't seem fair and I told her I agreed.

"Unfortunately that is the law," I said. "However, it can be remedied quickly by getting Josh to join a health fund.

"This is a trap for couples when they first get together. It is also a trap if you each have single insurance and then have children so your children do not have cover. Again you both would have to pay the surcharge."

If you need guidance on the moves you need to make for tax when you have a lifestyle change or any other tax matter contact the experts at Gail Freeman Pty Ltd on 02 6295 2844.