CityNews 251016

BLAME-SHIFTING MINISTERS AND THEIR LOVE OF SPIN

‘Blaming the homeless when the government has cut funding for services is disingenuous as well as cruel.’

JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED look closely at how this government treats us.

Well written, well read Operation Kingfisher delay a discrediting disgrace

MICHAEL MOORE

Is it time to admit self government has failed?

‘I’m in Singapore where I’m turning horrible ACT debt into delightful swim-up cocktails…’

KEEPING UP THE ACT

OCTOBER 16, 2025

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

Retired mariner MICHAEL AICHHOLZER started life coaching at schools in 2022 and has never looked back

NEWS / plumber hits the target

Prizewinning plumber’s hidden talent

By Elizabeth KOVACS

From chemotherapy to hitting bullseyes, 20-year-old sharpshooter Alec Tompkins has been chosen as this year’s Aussie Plumbers’ Hidden Talent winner.

Pistol-shooter Alec won the 50-metre youth national title in his second outing at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) national championships in Brisbane in June 2024.

“Before nationals, I had a bunch of tests, and when I got back I had the biopsy and serious blood tests,” he says.

Diagnosed a week later with stage 3-4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer, Alec was immediately put into chemotherapy treatment.

Over four months, he had four rounds of chemo and 15 hits of radiation. His last round of radiation was on Christmas Eve.

Now in remission, Alec is back into the second year of his plumbing apprenticeship with Contemporary Plumbing.

A third-generation pistol shooter, he trains rigorously after work and

competes on the weekends.

nosis, Alec returned to the ISSF na tional championship (in Sydney this time) in June and scored two national titles and three second places.

hour and a half, and Alec says it can sometimes be tiring to hold the pistol aloft after a full day of manual labor.

prompted him to enter.

it,” says Alec.

sponsored competition saw him shoot a perfect X (the highest score in a single shot). This was followed up with four more shots that showed the process of an ISSF shooter. His final score was 99/100.

fore the livestream and I was a few seconds ahead of my family when they called my name,” he says.

said: ‘What! That’s pretty good!’.”

many of whom had shaved their heads in solidarity with him as he went through chemo last year, and his workmates.

money towards a house deposit, and recommends other plumbing ap prentices have a shot at next year’s competition.

Big day for car boot bargains

The Burra Community Association is holding its annual monster car boot sale at Burra Park, 9am-1pm on November 9. Organisers reckon it’s the largest in the Canberra Queanbeyan Region and they’re promising food and drink stalls and the Burra Rural Fire Service will be in attendance. Entrance is free and more stall holders are wanted (call 0417 676 664).

Lesley’s the new leader

Lesley Jordan, pictured, is the new CEO of Communities at Work. Her career spans health, com munity, aged care and human services. Communities at Work board chair Alan Greenslade said Ms Jordan’s appointment marked a new chapter for the organisation, building on its role as Canberra’s largest community organisation and increasing its impact for local children, families, and individuals.

Heather’s talking strokes

Heather Hart, of the Stroke Foundation, is the guest speaker at the next monthly meeting of the Gungahlin Day View Club at the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, Nicholls, from 11.30am on October 22. Interested ladies and guests welcome. Register at 0413 923933 before October 19.

Looking for peace of mind for your future?

With decades of experience, Linda will help you create a Will and Estate plan stipulating all your wishes and concerns.

Linda assists with:

• Wills and Testamentary Wills

• Power of Attorney

• Self-managed super funds

• Advice on potential claims against estates

• Advice for blended families

School Volunteer Program

If you have some spare time, a Working with Vulnerable People card, and want to give back to your community, this could suit you. Volunteers only need one hour a week during school terms.

We’re holding a workshop in Children’s Week to thank volunteers and welcome new ones

— Monday 20 October at 10am

or email shoringnola@gmail.com

More details: svpact.org.au

POLITICS / ACT Integrity Commission

Operation Kingfisher delay a discrediting disgrace

Following last week’s column, I have been approached by several people asking the question: what is Operation Kingfisher?

By dragging on for so long it is now a disgrace that discredits the ACT Labor government and investigations by the ACT Integrity Commission.

According to the Commission’s website: “Operation Kingfisher is an investigation into whether public officials within the ACT Education Directorate failed to exercise their official functions honestly and/or impartially when making recommendations and decisions regarding the Campbell Primary School Modernisation Project between 2019 and 2020”.

The Integrity Commissioner, Michael Adams KC, provided an important insight into Operation Kingfisher in late August. He told an ACT Legislative Assembly Estimates Committee: “One of the real problems here… is where you have the relationship between union officials and ministerial staff. Well, of course you do.

“The Labor Party, of course, has union representatives and membership. That is exactly what you would expect. But how do you manage it? How do you manage it in a sensible way?”

Operation Kingfisher includes examining the actions of the office of Yvette Berry, the Minister for

and 2024.

In both of those elections it would have been sensible for voters of the ACT to have been able to understand the role played by the minister when they were casting their vote.

The Commissioner added: “Of course, it is not only unions; there are a whole lot of people with lobbying interests and a whole lot of financial donations made from a lot of different sources. Donations are the lifeblood of political parties for elections.”

A challenge in the Supreme Court by former Education Directorate boss Katy Haire and another by a long-term political staffer, who is now chief of staff to Treasurer Chris Steel, appeared

Kingfisher is now a disgrace that discredits the ACT Labor government and investigations by the ACT

But I can advise that the Kingfisher investigation has never been paused, underway as no order of the court was imposed on the Commissioner that required him to cease investigative activity.

Ms Haire launched her challenge in 2023 and then was able to delay the proceedings until after the October 2024 elections. This legal action was a factor in blocking a report on Operation Kingfisher being available before the election. Ms Haire’s initial costs were covered by the ACT government. Well after the election, in May 2025, the court case was withdrawn by Ms Haire.

Another delay through the court system resulted through action by a Labor political staffer. On August 26 Justice David Mossop provided a legal win for the Integrity Commission allowing it to examine the contents of David Ferguson, a Labor adviser to the Chief Minister, the Attorney-

General as well as the Minister for Planning and the Minister for City Services and Transport.

This court decision allowed more than a million documents to be considered. It is likely that the Commission was seeking evidence of discussions between a range of staffers involved in the matter at hand. However, the impact of legal action taken by the Labor staffer, like that of the head of the Education Directorate, was to add to delays on the report being published.

Commissioner Adams said the Labor staffer “has placed an obstacle in the road. It is the nature of the beast, I am afraid”.

However, it is not just actions by government members that delay reports. Appropriate funding also plays a key role. Responding to questions from the Greens Andrew Braddock, the Commissioner explained: “The problem here, we know, in Canberra is we have limited resources for massive tasks”, and later: “Even in my small agency, we try to deliver a big kick but, frankly, the leg is not all that long”.

An indication of why the report is so important was explained by John Strong in The Mandarin in October 2023: “The revelations emerging from

Operation Kingfisher have shown the ACT exactly how much of their taxes, in the form of infrastructure spending, goes to businesses who kowtow to the CFMEU – it’s around 8.5 per cent above what’s considered a reasonable tender bid”.

Later Strong wrote: “The other cost is to the public servants who are often the innocent victims of bad politicians”. The extent of this insight remains to be seen.

Describing the delay to publish the report as a disgrace is pretty strong. However, the perception of huge delays in Operation Kingfisher undermines the credibility of the ACT government and the Commission. There is light at the end of the tunnel. The Integrity Commissioner told the ACT Estimates Committee in late August: “I am concentrating my efforts on Kingfisher, because that is the most urgent matter”.

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

A

‘The only one of its kind in Canberra, it feels special because it’s not just a new machine, it’s a new way of treating skin.’

Leading cold laser finds exclusive home in Canberra

The newest evolution in skin laser technology is available at Atelier Medical Aesthetics in Kingston.

Owner Dr Hollie Berghofer says she’s pleased to be the first to bring the machine toCanberra in joint ownership with fellow clinic Skin Society.

“At Atelier Aesthetics, we’ve always believed in evidence-based treatments that look natural and feel effortless, and UltraClear fits that perfectly,” she says.

“Through an exclusive partnership between Atelier Aesthetics and Skin Society, the UltraClear laser is now available locally for the first time.

“The only one of its kind in Canberra, it feels special because it’s not just a new machine, it’s a new way of treating skin.”

Where most lasers work by heating the skin, the UltraClear uses a cold fibre laser that delivers similar, or better, results without overheating or damaging the surrounding tissue.

“This means less pain, faster recovery and safer results for all skin tones,” says Dr Hollie. The machine is equipped to perform many levels of treatment, from deep, micro-coring treatment that tightens and remodels skin to superficial treatments for an instant glow-up before a big event.

“The laser can be completely customised to

your skin,” says Dr Hollie.

“We can do everything from a light, brightening ‘freshen up’, to a deeper resurfacing that remodels collagen, tightens skin and softens lines, texture and scarring.

“It’s one of the few treatments that can truly do it all – smoother, clearer, tighter, glowier skin with minimal downtime.”

Dr Hollie says Atelier Aesthetics offers evidence-based treatments that look natural and feel effortless by enhancing natural beauty, not changing it.

“The UltraClear fits that perfectly,” she says.

“We can treat fine lines, texture, pigment, scares (even laxity) all in one device.

“It’s powerful, yet incredibly gentle on the skin barrier, which means you heal faster and still get those high-impact results.”

Dr Hollie says no two skins are the same with tone, texture, age and sensitivity all playing an important role.

Many older lasers are only safe for lighter skin types, which can drastically shorten the reach of the treatments for clients.

“Everyone deserves access to high-level rejuvenation, and this technology finally makes it possible,” she says.

The only exceptions to the treatment are those with active infections, recent sunburn or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Recovery time for the treatment will last

around five to seven days at most, although Dr Hollie says clients will see a clean, luminous “laser glow” within days, with new collagen forming over the following weeks.

“It’s the kind of result that just keeps getting better, and while some are thrilled after one session, a series of treatments can really transform the skin long-term,” she says.

For anyone feeling uncomfortable in their skin but are unsure about getting laser treatment, Dr Hollie says it starts with a conversation, not a commitment.

“It’s completely okay to feel unsure, especially if you’ve heard stories about harsh lasers or long recovery times,” she says.

“We take the time to explain everything, assess your skin properly and make sure you feel confident and informed before we do anything.

“Sometimes even just learning what’s possible can shift how you feel about your skin.”

Dr Hollie says it has been an exciting partnership between Atelier Aesthetics and Skin Society to bring the world-leading technology to the ACT.

“It’s all so our clients can experience the future of laser treatments without having to travel interstate,” she says.

Atelier Medical Aesthetics, 125/25 Eastlake Parade, Kingston call 0493 281557 or visit atelieraesthetics.com.au

Services include UltraClear® laser, scar management, wrinkle and volume treatments, skin boosters, facial and eye rejuvenation, PRP/PRF therapies, advanced skin needling, Rejuran treatments and more – helping you look refreshed, confident, and authentically yourself. At the heart of this practice is a simple belief: Aesthetic medicine should enhance your natural beauty, not change it.

COVER STORY / Michael Aichholzer

The coach who loves giving kids their own voice

In his series of stories of remarkable Canberrans, DAVID TURNBULL meets former mariner Michael Aichholzer, who in 2022 started life coaching at Braidwood Central School and each term since then new schools have joined in.

Michael Aichholzer openly admits he ran away from home at 15 to join the Navy to get away from his father.

“Dad was violent to mum and me regularly,” he says. “He worked hard, drank hard and played hard. That’s how blokes were back in the ‘60s and he wanted me to be the same.”

Retired from the Navy, Michael started running life-coaching sessions at high schools in and around Canberra, helping adolescent boys navigate the road to adulthood, and he’s been overwhelmed by the demand.

He’s now doing sessions at seven schools, and it’s growing every term.

Michael was born in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1961, and migrated to Australia with his parents and two sisters in 1966. He has two brothers who were born here.

The family moved all over NSW and Queensland as his dad followed work.

“Dad was a meat worker and we were uprooted every year or so,” he recalls.

“I had to get out because I didn’t

want to be the same as him. Problem was I jumped out of the frying pan into the fire – the Navy was full of blokes just like my dad.”

Michael was married and di vorced with a young daughter before he was 20. “I was just trying to fit in, behaving the same as all the other guys.”

Years later, he rang his exwife and daughter, apologised for how he’d walked out on them and established what is now a healthy relationship.

In retirement, he’s trying to give back to the community.

The turning point came when Michael met his second wife, Catherine. Her father was a big, powerful man, an ex-RAF physical training instructor and professional wrestler, strong, but with a loving, caring side.

“Emile taught me you could be a real man and be gentle and caring at the same time,” Michael says.

After 35 years in the Navy, Michael retired with an adjustment disorder that was triggered by PTSD he’d suffered during active service in Iraq.

“I don’t have any specific university qualifications in psychology or anything. I have a bachelor of arts in international development, and a masters in strategy and security,” he says.

“But I’ve got my own journey, and a lifetime of experience training young people.”

In 2022 Michael started doing life coaching at the invitation of Braidwood Central School after the town had faced a series of tough challenges. The teachers were impressed enough

to ask him back.

Deputy principal Letisha Salzke says: “Our students had seen years of drought, the bushfires of 2019 and 2020, then the covid lockdowns, and we wanted to support their wellbeing.”

Each term since then new schools have joined in.

Now he’s running weekly sessions at Braidwood, Gold Creek, Caroline Chisholm, Amaroo, Melba Copland and the Oranna Steiner School.

This has all grown from youth workers and teachers spreading the word.

“I think the thing that is different is that I’m not telling them how to act. I give them a voice, their own voice, and we talk about how they see the world and how they fit into it.”

The sessions, for students aged between 12 and 15, started off just for boys, but now female students have joined in.

The schools select young people they believe could benefit from the program, and the students are invited to participate. It is voluntary.

Michael uses what he calls “The Circle” – like the age-old practice of indigenous elders from around the world meeting around a campfire.

“Essentially, we sit in a circle, no top, no bottom, everyone equal, and we share our thoughts and feelings about key issues,” he says.

“It is always left up to the students themselves to choose whether they

want to take part.

“The truth is: they learn more from each other than they do from me. I just steer the conversation.”

The Circle is based on three core values: Strength (both physical and moral), Honour (honesty and integrity) and Compassion (how we treat others).

In a typical session, Michael will lead the discussion through subjects such as purpose and meaning, honesty, gender stereotypes, effective communication, social media, bullying, racial issues, positive body image, respect and everyday survival skills.

“There is no strict running sheet. There are issues, of course, that I want to prioritise, but it is vital that the young people themselves take the conversation to the subjects they want to talk about.

“These days, with social media… not all the role models are positive and young people get anxious and confused about what they are supposed to be.

“What I’m trying to do is to help them set their own values, to help them believe in themselves, and make decisions that are good for them.”

Contact Michael via silvermongo.com.au

David Turnbull is writing a series of profiles about interesting Canberrans. Do you know someone we should feature? Share the name in an email to David via editor@citynews.com.au

GPG Lawyers – Protecting What Matters Most – Your Family, Your Home, Your Future

GPG Lawyers provide high quality professional legal services in all aspects of Family Law, Wills and Estates and Conveyancing. We also provide services in employment law, criminal law and traffic offences.

Our family law services include postseparation parenting and property matters, surrogacy and binding financial agreements (which most people know as ‘prenups’ even though they can be agreed at any stage of a relationship).

Each of our lawyers bring their individual experiences in both the public and private sectors to provide quality, efficient and accurate legal advice following the breakdown of a relationship or the loss of a loved one.

We understand that people are looking for practical and workable solutions when navigating their legal matter and not every legal problem requires or should be put to lengthy and costly court litigation. We pride ourselves on giving realistic, clear and tailored advice.

Our focus is always on the client, their circumstances and their story and we bring care, skill and attention to every matter. We focus on the big picture while not missing the finer details.

We love when matters settle out of court so that parties can move on with their lives, but we also don’t shy away from the court room and will advocate strongly and confidently for our clients when litigation is necessary.

Alicia, Andrea and Mark have worked on simple and complex family law matters, including children’s matters involving relocation within Australia and overseas. They have years of experience representing clients in court to ensure parenting arrangements that promote the safety of the children.

They have also worked on complex family property matters involving multi-

million dollar settlements across family trusts, farming and mining matters. There is no matter too big or too small. Financial decisions arising from separation are difficult and confronting. For example, our clients want to know will they be able to afford the family home, relocate safely and afford a new house with the children, continue to operate the family business responsible for their income and day-to- day living expenses, or have superannuation left to support them after their working life ends.

GPG Lawyers are also innovators and have introduced new and different ways to assist parents navigating the family law system for the first time through their initiative “Late Night Lawyers”. This initiative allows you to contact GPG Lawyers for a free chat after business hours on possible pathways for resolving family law matters. People want the

security of knowing the best approach to resolving their matter before making key financial decisions.

Alicia’s practice also includes Wills and Powers of Attorney, Estate Administration, including Probate and Letters of Administrations applications, Estate disputes and Family Provision Claims.

She has also developed a strong clientele in relation to Employment Law across the Australia Government, ACT Government and local councils.

Both Alicia and Mark regularly appear before ACT and NSW Magistrates Court in relation to allegations of family violence, personal (non-family) violence and workplace protection orders.

Mark’s practice also includes appearing before ACT and NSW Magistrate’s Courts in relation to criminal matters and traffic offences including drink and drug driving and speeding.

We are connected with accountants, financial planners, superannuation experts and psychologists in the wider professional community who often play a vital role in family, estate and criminal law and can provide our clients with referrals to these important advisers to ensure they can make informed decisions every step of the way. In addition to our team of lawyers, GPG Lawyers proudly offers expert conveyancing via our Senior Conveyancer Andrea (Drea) Raymond who brings over 25 years of experience in NSW and ACT property transactions. She is passionate and wellconnected, ensuring a seamless, stress-free conveyancing experience backed by our dedicated legal team.

We’re here to help. Book online www.gpglawyers.com.au, phone (02) 6185 7007 or email admin@gpglawyers.com.au.

Is it time to admit self-government has failed?

Perhaps it’s time to admit that our experiment of a selfgoverning national capital city has failed.

It was never envisioned by its creators; the Australian Capital Territory was always seen as a national showcase under the aegis of the Federal Parliament, and so it should have remained.

It is not too late to revert to its original role. Indeed, the fate of a similar institution – the self-ruled Brussels, Belgium’s bilingual capital – is odds-on to be taken over by its national government.

The underlying reasons are also similar: both cities are going broke. According to the New York Times, “Prime Minister Bart De Wever has derided the city as a ‘failed state’ and hinted at an International Monetary Fund-like treatment”. As the NYT writer says: “There are no quick fixes for the city’s deficit problem.”

Canberra’s political problem is utterly intransigent. The conservative parties are strongly in favour of cutting the number of public servants in a bailiwick where at least half the voters are public servants; and many of the others are dependent on them to make a profit in private industry.

The result is that the Labor Party –and when necessary, the Greens Party

in coalition – has won elections for the last 24 years – with every chance of continuing the process.

That is asking for trouble. Democracy requires an active and electable Opposition to keep the government accountable, forthright and perceptive. This has not been the case for some time.

It also means that the arrogance of unbridled power has had its inevitable effect. The leaders develop the “tyranny virus” and listen only to

their courtiers.

Canberrans never wanted selfgovernment. In a poll taken in 1978 we were given three options: A: Full self-government with a locally elected parliament; B: Local government-style administration; C: Maintain the current federal control. The results were C: 63.75 per cent; A: 30.5 per cent; B: 5.72 per cent.

Despite this overwhelming desire for the status quo of federal control, in 1988 the federal government forced

Democracy requires an active and electable Opposition to keep the government accountable, forthright and perceptive.

This has not been the case for some time.

self-government upon us. The HawkeKeating government of the day focused on Labor Party domination and a chance to dump federal expenditure. We responded by electing jokers to the Assembly including three members of the No-Self-Government Party.

The long-term result is a ragtag government led by Chief Minister Andrew Barr sending the city’s credit rating tumbling as the deficits mount exponentially to pay for the 19th-century technology of a tramway, And a scrapping of the “garden city” of Walter Burley Griffin’s design and Charles Weston’s creation.

The downfall is nicely captured in a letter I received from a resident, Patrick Garratt last week. He arrived in Canberra in 1966 from Wagga Wagga to begin an apprenticeship in

horticulture.

“Self-government was the end of our magnificent garden city,” he wrote. “It had been a great training city for gardeners and horticulturalists to learn and gain experience. Apprentices changed locations each month – Yarralumla nursery, Botanical gardens, turf nursery, tree surgery and Commonwealth Park.

“The place started to fall apart when self-government started closing suburban depots and let horticultural contracts to private enterprise.

“I’m now 76 and ashamed of how the capital of this great country looks. I had the privilege to travel to Europe, UK and the US on a Churchill scholarship. My memories of the great gardens and wonderful cities remind me of how our city should look.”

Perhaps we might also warn Indonesia about building their new capital in Borneo. Orangutans don’t pay rates.

robert@robert macklin.com

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‘These facilities will see Norwood Park well into the future and will give our clients’ families a modern, comfortable environment’

Completion of new crematorium facilities in sight

Construction of a new stateof-the-art crematorium and administration building at Norwood Park Crematorium in Mitchell is well underway, with its December completion in sight.

The crematorium opened in the early ‘60s and general manager Michael Bridges says the new facelift makes for an important time in the history of the park.

“The new facility is being built to service the growing population of the ACT and surrounding region,” he says.

“These facilities will see Norwood Park well into the future and will give our clients’ families a modern, comfortable environment to visit and arrange their loved one’s memorials using the latest technology.

“We are hoping to see it fully operational for the community in early 2026,” says Michael.

The new facilities will also see the commissioning of a new cremator that, Michael says, will be better for the environment.

Producing fewer greenhouse gases, the new cremator will halve the time from 1.5 hours to 45 minutes during each use. It is expected to be three times more efficient than the current machines.

“It will be more efficient, save energy and will be cleaner and greener,” says Michael. “It will nicely complement the new state-of-

The idyllic view from the new building at Norwood Park Crematorium… “The park is a peaceful and naturally beautiful place to visit with the sounds of nature,” says general manager Michael Bridges.

the-art building.

“The current facilities have managed more than 60,000 cremations, and the new facilities will expand the longevity of the older infrastructure.

“We don’t want to waste the current facilities and will continue to create meaningful cremations with our machines.”

Within the new premises, funeral directors will have 24/7 access to a breakout room for drivers and team members to rest before travelling back to their destination.

“We want to be able to reach more people,” says Michael.

“This means catering to the needs of our partners.”

Currently known for its peaceful and scenic location in Mitchell, Michael says the upgrade will enhance the site’s natural beauty with an expansive view of the surrounding valley.

“The park is a peaceful and naturally beautiful place to visit with the sounds of nature and is famous for the number of blue wrens and other bird species that inhabit

“These facilities will give our clients’ families a modern, comfortable environment to visit and arrange their loved one’s memorials using the latest technology,” says Michael Bridges.

the park,” he says.

“We will continue to provide a peaceful space for our client’s families.”

Open every day of the week from sunrise until sunset (including public holidays), Michael says the current facilities are not being disturbed by the construction.

“Our reception is open from 8.30am, to 4.30pm on weekdays and our dedicated staff can help with all enquiries,” he says.

The new facilities will expand the crematorium’s footprint by offering its

services to surrounding communities and those in the Southern Highlands.

“We are proud to see this upgrade happen,” says Michael.

“We are continuing to provide meaningful services for the community to properly mourn and commemorate their loved ones in a time of need.”

Norwood Park Crematorium. 65 Sandford Street, Mitchell. Call 6241 3177 or visit norwoodpark.com.au

Since 1966, Norwood Park has provided a beautiful and tranquil setting for memorials and ceremonies in the ACT. The landscaped grounds sit elevated above Canberra and are one of Australia’s most established memorial parks.

• Indoor and outdoor chapel areas

• On-site function room/catering and picnic areas available

• Custom plaques and a large selection of urns

• Over 20 acres of various memorial gardens

• Friendly and supportive staff

• Our grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset

phone: 6241 3177

www.norwoodpark.com.au info@norwoodpark.com.au

POLITICS

Message is all about getting the base fired up

All through human history emotive messaging has been used by those seeking political outcomes. What has changed though is how we consume that information, and where that information comes from.

Everyone will claim the “greater good” argument. That it is they who are the victims of the others. They who have to watch while the others squander opportunity, with no regard for cost, only narrow self-defined outcomes.

And yet, for each side to be effective they need the other. Each side can’t exist without the contrast with the other. Labor’s messaging is less effective against the Greens than it is against the Liberals. The Liberals need a left Labor leader for the ultimate differentiation in their messaging.

Yet the effectiveness of some of this messaging is like the message itself – narrow. Some, but not all. The right emotive messaging stirs up the base, acting as a call to action.

A great example of this were the “Cooee” posters, some of which are in the Australian War Memorial, which targeted those on the land with a direct call to action to join up.

The 1949 Ben Chifley “Light on the Hill” address, borrowed from

the Bible, is often still referred to by Labor luminaries in giving speeches to the base.

Methods have changed since then, but the objectives are the same: to get the base fired up, something Barack Obama was brilliant at in the early uses of the digital platforms.

With the advent of more and more social-media apps, and more and more of us carrying around communication devices in our pockets, we consume more media than we ever have. And

We don’t analyse by reading from different sources. We filter based on a private company’s algorithm. We are provided with the same content because they want us to spend longer on the platform so they can sell more advertising spacel.

we are also far more accessible.

Before mobile devices we could switch off. Literally. Switch off the TV. The radio. Read newspapers that offer different perspectives and take nearly the entire weekend to get through.

But now we are flooded with information. Notifications. Pings. Alerts. We need password managers to remember things. Apps have replaced our memories and knowledge base. Yes, we have advanced in information and knowledge, but we have also left the front door unlocked and open to nefarious actors who only see opportunity.

Now, that same device is also one of the most sophisticated political weapons on earth. It can do just as much harm as anything else.

During the anti-lockdown and antivax peak period just a few years ago, I looked at the content the top influencers in that moment were making. It

was smooth, well edited, filmed in HD, and made a good argument for their views. It moved and changed behaviours of people not just in that cause but some who were fringe to it or only connected digitally.

That plausibility of their cause was assisted by questionable emotive messaging produced by the government at the time, notably the Sydney Woman ad. Why questionable? The woman depicted in the ad was in an age bracket who, at the time, could not access the vaccine. Disinformation? Maybe.

It was fear messaging targeted at a group of people reminiscent of the influential but stereotyping Grim Reaper ad from the 1980s. This particular ad is still rightly hated by all in the LGBTIQ+ community.

Why do these methods work in 2025? Because now we snack on information. We rarely digest. For those who’ve got this far, this is perhaps one of your longest reads this week.

That means we don’t take it all in. We don’t analyse by reading from different sources. We filter based on a private company’s algorithm. We are provided with the same content because they want us to spend longer on the platform so they can sell more advertising space

to fund the freemium model.

If you are a small fish in a big political ocean, to capture our attention often means pushing the boundaries.

We are seeing this right now. Rocks thrown in the morning at police lines so it makes the cut for the nightly news. Content with emotive grabbing titles such as “Protest turns violent”, or “Taunted by them, so we pushed them back”. It works, for some.

The danger is that some information is seen as truth, and that truth to a very small minority means action. Threats against our politicians are at record highs. Many women who want to enter politics are deterred by threats and abuse. Even journalists face increased harm levels.

These aren’t just harmless barbs in video form. They are undermining what our democracy could be and should be as we enter the second half of this decade.

Dr Andrew Hughes lectures at the ANU in political marketing.

means investing in long-term savings and peace of mind.

Record year for heritage award nominations

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Welcome to our regular column on National Trust of Australia (ACT) activities.

The Trust announced the 2025 ACT Heritage Awards at a ceremony on October 8. The Minister for Heritage, Chris Steel MLA, presented the awards. You will see a full list of the award winners elsewhere on this page.

The awards recognise excellence in heritage practice in all its forms, and the amazing efforts by the ACT community to preserve our history, places and stories. This year there was a record number of nominations, all of very high quality.

Special congratulations to Peter Freeman and Canberra Modern, who received, respectively, the Trust Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Advocacy Awards.

Our popular Trust tours and walks sell out quickly, but there are still tickets available for our Griffith houses and garden city landscaping tour on Sunday, October 26. We will be opening bookings shortly for our walk on Sunday, November 23, Mt Franklin Shelter to summit with members of the Canberra

The Trust has nominated the historic Cargill’s Cottage for heritage protection. The cottage is significant for its association with the development of Canberra by the Federal Capital Commission, The Causeway and the city’s dairy industry.

We provided comments on the draft Environmental Impact Assessment prepared for Light Rail stage 2b. You can see a copy on our website. While supportive of the EIS, we noted that significant work was required to help the community understand the detailed impacts of the

proposed construction.

The Trust is concerned that several high-country huts badly damaged in the Black Summer bushfires have not been rebuilt and have raised these concerns with the ACT Government.

The ACT Heritage Council has accorded provisional heritage registration to McKeown House in Watson, the first Canberra house to be designed by renowned architect Enrico Taglietti. The Trust will be recommending permanent listing.

We remain concerned about the state

of disrepair of a heritage bus shelter in Forrest and have pursued this with the ACT Government. We have also taken up with the government the heritage impact of building work in the historic Reid Housing Precinct.

If you are passionate about the heritage of the ACT, please consider joining the Trust and helping us in our important work. You will find membership details at nationaltrust.org.au/ membership-act/ Best wishes to you all.

Gary Kent, President

Awards that recognise Canberra’s precious heritage

2025 National Trust (ACT) Heritage Awards winners are:

• ARCHITECTURE AND BUILT CONSERVATION

Winner – West Block Restoration - Oceana Property and Precept Property Partners

Highly commended - Old Parliament HouseConservation and Double Glazing on Chamber Windows - Museum of Australian Democracy

• FIRST NATIONS HERITAGE

Winner – Gulamon and Boomerang ExhibitionPaul Girrawah House

Highly commended – Djara Exhibition - Canberra Museum and Gallery

• HERITAGE EDUCATION AND PROMOTION

Winner – ‘Tales from Two Cities: CanberraQueanbeyan across two centuries’ - Mark Butz

Highly commended – Sonic Suburbia: Stories of Calthorpes House - ACT Historic Places.

• HERITAGE LANDSCAPES AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Highly commended – ‘Your Guide to Natural Temperate Grasslands’ brochure - Landcare ACT

• HERITAGE RESOURCES OR TOOLS

Winner – National Carillon Heritage Façade Restoration - Digital Innovation - Duratec and the National Capital Authority

Highly commended – NCDC Unearthed: Architecture and Landscapes ExhibitionUniversity of Canberra

• LOCAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Winner – Kambah Turns 50 events - Kambah Turns 50 Organising Committee

Highly commended – Canberra Tracks Signage for Indigenous Cultural Trees –Ginninderra Catchment Group

Two National Trust Council Award winners were also announced:

• OUTSTANDING ADVOCACY

Awarded to Canberra Modern, comprising Edwina Jans, Amy Jarvis and Rachel Jackson. Through advocacy and an annual program of events, Canberra Modern has very successfully promoted the protection and appreciation of Canberra’s outstanding midcentury modern places.

• LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Awarded to Peter Freeman OAM, who has dedicated more than four decades to the conservation, documentation and celebration of Australia’s architectural heritage through his practice as an architect, conservation architect and historian.

Details of the award recipients may be found on the Trust’s website: nationaltrust.org.au/act/

The National Trust acknowledges the support of the Awards sponsors – the ACT Government, Capital Holdings, the Hyatt Hotel Canberra and Eifer.

Tuggeranong

It’s time to treasure Tuggeranong a little more PLANNING /

Is Tuggeranong’s development framework effectively addressing the needs of residents or are the claims of ACT government neglect valid? Firstly, some background.

Settlement of Tuggeranong began in 1974 when its initial forecast population capacity was 170,000, including 40,000 in west Murrumbidgee.

By 1984, the estimate had been reduced to 90,000 with development of west Murrumbidgee and in south Lanyon curtailed due to environmental, heritage and infrastructure cost concerns and changing demographic and housing demands.

By 1996, major suburban land release was complete and its population was more than 91,000. By 2016, ageing in the earlier settled suburbs had led to a decline in population to 85,200, which contributed to the closure of several schools and an increased demand for services and facilities for older residents.

In 2024 the ABS estimated the Tuggeranong population had increased to 89,300. Since 2015, the population of the district has increased by 2958. Suburbs to have experienced growth were the town centre (3488), Kambah (598), Monash (109), Wanniassa (91) and Gordon (84). Small declines were experienced elsewhere through ageing.

is based on assumptions about the level of development and redevelop ment likely and demographic change.

The recently released 2025 Projections project a 2045 population of 101,500.

The 2025 Projection, through “dynamic modelling’’, is said to better incorporate suburb level migration, ageing and infill than the 2022 Projection that had projected a 2045 population of 87,500.

The increase in projected population should result in increased infrastructure funding.

As the District Strategy observes Tuggeranong has many attributes including views of the Brindabellas, proximity to rural areas, recreational opportunities provided by Lake Tuggeranong and along the Mur-

proximity of homes to centres, schools and quality transport, pedestrian, cycle and open-space networks.

The environment could become increasingly attractive to those seeking more affordable and appropriate housing and who do not wish/ need (through the ability to work from home) to live in an increasingly congested inner city.

The government’s proposed “missing middle” reforms, particularly subdivision in the low-density RZ1 areas, should provide a modest stimulus to redevelopment. Increasing the block consolidation provisions, government involvement in block amalgamation and redevelopment of Housing ACT

Since 2016, Wellcare Australia has partnered with people across Canberra to provide respectful, recovery-focused NDIS support that’s built around you.

Additional employment and improved transport connections would increase the demand for housing in Tuggeranong.

sites to higher density, as has occurred in Kambah, would further stimulate activity.

Infrastructure needs: Population growth could be accommodated more cost-effectively than elsewhere due to spare capacity in the District’s social and physical infrastructure. Additional infrastructure expenditure is required to upgrade and replace ageing infrastructure and to respond to the needs of a changing population. Growth would support existing centres and improve the utilisation of recreation and community facilities including schools.

Employment and Transport: Additional employment and improved transport connections would increase the demand for housing in Tuggeranong. The creation of an ACT government employment hub should be pursued and every effort made to maintain or increase employment at the town centre.

The identified light rail route along Athllon Drive

Our approach is guided by quality, integrity, and partnership — but most importantly, by you. With Wellcare Australia, you will always have choice and control in your plan, backed by a team that treats you with dignity and respect. Talk to us today about what’s right for you.

does not serve the majority of the District’s population. Its construction would require significant reconstruction of the $100 million road duplication expected to commence in 2026.

A review of transport requirements is needed given changing transport demands from demographic changes, increased working from home and emerging autonomous vehicle technology. In this context, the uber-expensive light rail is a high-risk strategy that could divert limited resources from other projects.

A more effective strategy could be to enhance the existing R4 and R5 bus services and the frequency and coverage of the bus network including the provision of an eastern rapid service. Redevelopment, particularly at centres along bus routes, could result in more redevelopment than that generated along the light rail route. The extension of light rail from Civic to Woden, by increasing travel times, could hinder redevelopment in Tuggeranong.

Mike Quirk is a former NCDC and ACT govern ment planner.

Soldiers do what they have to in time of war

Life on a battlefield is not for the faint hearted and disgustingly inhuman – kill or be killed.

My duty as an infantry soldier was to hunt and to close with your enemy in all types of weather and terrain and KILL. Period!

In combat your adrenalin rush is super high, and one becomes insensitive to any form of humanity such as life.

My comments come from my ancient heart as an Australian Army soldier of 27 years and as a veteran of the bloody Battle of Long Tan (August 18, 1966, South Vietnam) and other countries my government sent me. My family never saw me for a sum of fiveplus years due to my military commitments.

Ben Roberts-Smith (BRS) earned his Victoria Cross for Australia and Medal of Gallantry in some faraway foreign land that his Australian government saw fit to send him in order to fight an enemy of a terrorist regime.

Columnist Hugh Selby is a disgrace (“National embarrassment: take the medals back now”, CN October 9) stating that it’s time to take back BRS’s bravery decorations.

Soldiers do what they have to in time of war and sometimes unpleasantries of combat happen, brutal and inhumane.

Therefore, Hugh Selby, pull ya head in and there will be no further trial by media nor public outcry for BRS to hand back his well-earned bravery decorations.

I suggest Hugh Selby thanks the Australian Defence Force service personnel, past and present, for allowing him the freedoms he has in our great nation, Australia.

Ross E Smith, OAM via email

Time the AWM honestly told the story

If the Australian War Memorial does not get cracking soon on telling the Ben RobertsSmith story confidently, honestly and clearly, then it will permanently damage its own reputation and legacy, especially if any of this story continues to be exhibited in the memorial’s Hall of Valour (“National embarrassment: take medals back now”, and “Bomber’s wars on wet blankets and woke warriors”, City News October 2 and 9).

The Roberts-Smith story is certainly not just about him and his medals, as numerous high-level inquiries, court cases and other expert investigations have shown.

A thoroughly revised display and interpretation space for the story in the memorial’s Afghanistan war gallery should include mention of Mohammed Essa and his son Ahmadullah, who were killed in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan in 2009 by unconscionable military activity.

The murder of these two men, and the subsequent contemptuous abuse of Ahmadullah’s prosthetic leg, are integral parts of the Roberts-Smith story.

After all, this time the two men’s wives, children and other family members deserve to see how Australians are willing to address and consider the circumstances of these deaths and learn from them.

Sue Dyer, Downer

Tram obsession looks like obstinate stupidity

No one should doubt the experience and wisdom of Jon Stanhope, a former chief minister of the ACT, and Dr Khalid Ahmed, a former senior ACT Treasury official.

Their recent analysis (“You were warned, but you didn’t listen, Mr Barr”, CN October 9)

once again sounds alarming warning bells.

The progressive downgrading of the ACT’s credit rating from AAA to AA+ and now to AA tracks the path of the ACT government’s sustained financial mismanagement.

Stanhope and Ahmed say the reasons cited by S&P Global for the credit downgrade refer to the “territory’s significant budget deficits and large capital spending pipeline, including an extension to the city’s light rail”.

It is high time the ACT government does not just blunder on and create a financial disaster for the ACT’s ratepayers. The lack of foresight on the part of the ACT government is now looking more like obstinate stupidity.

Murray May, Cook

Looking for a ‘Whitlam’ in the Liberal Party

From the late ‘50s, and through the ‘60s, the ALP was unelectable as a direct consequence of the ideological battle that became known as The Split, and gave rise to the creation of the Democratic Labor Party.

During that time, the flow of DLP preferences ensured that coalition governments continued to be elected federally and in most of the states.

The current ructions in the Liberal Party, also have their genesis in an ideological battle for the hearts and minds of both branch members and the electorate.

During their days in the political wilderness, voters rightly decided if the ALP couldn’t govern itself, they certainly couldn’t be trusted to govern the country.

For Labor, it wasn’t until Gough Whitlam became leader that their electoral fortunes changed. There may well be a “Whitlam” in the Liberal Party, but it’s not evident to me.

Ian De Landelles, Murrays Beach, NSW

‘Firebomb’ gully was a lovely experience

Robert Macklin in his column “Sad things Mr Weston could not have imagined” (CN September 23) goes dramatically off track in his assessment of the causes of loss of views from his back deck.

It seems that you can blame suburban expansion, the Barr government and, of course, “the bloody tram”, for every ill that supposedly befalls our city.

Walking through the “firebomb” of a gully between his estate and Cooleman Court this morning was a lovely experience – the grassy swale lined by both eucalypts and sheoaks, and the rocky outcrop overlooking it.

Maintenance of the cycle path is needed, yes, and the swale drains are choked with

dose of dorin

leaf litter that blocks runoff. But 30-metre tall Roman candles waiting to explode?

What’s so special about this gully, Mr Macklin, other than the tops of the trees now blocking your views?

All of Weston Creek is threaded with similarly aged native trees, wide fairways of them stretching between houses in all directions. They make this town what it is

Your gully may lead to Cooleman Court (where shopping and parking is far from the Dantean nightmare you describe), but if there ever is another firestorm like 2003, Cooleman Court would be well ablaze before the flames reach the gully, given the prevailing westerly fire weather winds.

In any case, if a non-Labor government

is ever elected in the ACT, somehow I think their inevitable “emergency budget repair” would involve a lot of costly light rail contract cancellation and consequent cutting of funding and staffing to (amongst others) suburban greenspace maintenance.

Rob Lipping, Holder

Highly risky experiment in electricity supply

The opinion of the former chief scientist Alan Finkel quoted by Ray Peck (letters, CN October 9) does nothing to change the fact that the development of the AEMO grid is a highly risky experiment, and if it fails it will result in unreliable electricity supply.

We won’t know if the experiment is a success until the grid is nearing its final configuration of 500 widely dispersed generator sites, and the expanded transmission line network is substantially in place.

This compares to about 50 base-load generator sites and the simpler grid that would be sufficient.

The environmental degradation will be considerable and opposition to developments for that reason alone is likely to grow. There are many other unknowns.

Can the configuration maintain supply without interruptions caused by the frequent faults that will arise from natural and system events over such a wide area, and at what cost?

Unless transport can be electrified, the experiment would be deemed of marginal value. Will the production and recycling of

the relatively short life-cycle component modules be sustainable? For example, if the world were to move its car fleet to EVs, battery supply would have to be at least 5TWH annually, just for that segment of energy storage.

John L Smith, Farrer

Correct call for a planning commision

Richard Johnston (letters, CN October 2) hit the nail on the head with his call for an independent planning commission in the ACT. It is a widely shared view that developers call the shots in the ACT and that the ACT Planning and Land Authority falls well short of the mark in its role as a professional planning organisation. Of course, that reflects what the ACT government wants to see.

Richard highlights the damning finding of the Tasmanian Planning Commission against the construction of the proposed Hobart Stadium. He also contends, correctly, that the respective ACT and national planning authorities are toothless tigers, a widely held view. How could the NCA possibly support the extension of light rail into the Parliamentary Triangle – indefensible on financial, environmental and transport planning grounds?

A competent planning commission in the ACT would have strongly opposed an extension of light rail. They might also have recommended against approval for some other developments such as the high-rise monstrosities in our town centres.

Colin Lyons, Weetangera

Beware, CSIRO land is ‘contaminated’

We are all aware that negotiations are currently under way between the ACT and Commonwealth governments regarding the future of the former CSIRO Research Station in north Belconnen.

As a former CSIRO soil scientist I am fully aware of the lingering contamination on the site from agricultural chemicals.

Before any determination is made on the future use of this land there should be an investigation (Commission of Enquiry) into the contamination and the most suitable use of this land in the future.

That may not necessarily be development, but something more akin to a native grassland or nature reserve.

Dr Chris Watson, Latham

Suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome?

Columnist Michael Moore (“Liberals aren’t liberals, they’re really conservative”, CN October 2) is another person who seems to suffer from Trump Derangement Syndrome in his defence of Jimmy Kimmel and John Lyons.

The mainstream media in the US and here in Australia have always given Trump a hard time and failed to properly recognise any of the many good things he has done for his country and others, especially in his attempts at world peace, which the previous government under Joe Biden saw two major wars start in Ukraine and Gaza.

He states Trump hates liberals, but no mention of Labor PM Anthony Albanese “hating Tories” or failing to meet with likely next leader of the UK Nigel Farage, because according to Albanese he is too far right, yet

he is leading the polls there and appealing to the majority of British people, hardly far right. It is more that Albanese is far left, so anything to the centre is far right to him.

He states that domestic terrorism is the work of the right wing, but if he had bothered to look at more recent research such as that from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies he would have found that in recent years violent attacks from the left wing have increased and this year has seen the majority of domestic terrorism from the far left.

He also doesn’t take into account that a lot of terrorism is from radical Islam, who the left love to support, I guess that is why he has trouble understanding why Liberal leader Sussan Ley would rescind the recognition of Israel. What did that great, centrist Labor PM Bob Hawke say about Israel?

Maybe Michael and others should ask themselves why nearby Muslim countries such as Egypt and Syria don’t support Palestine.

Ian Pilsner, Weston

Descent into a dark age of hate and ignorance

In America, the progressive centre, motivated by compassion, fairness and empathy, is called the radical, lunatic left.

The mainstream media is called fake for presenting the pros and cons of issues.

The criticisms are from an immoral foppish philanderer with fake skin, fake hair and fake religiosity.

An inveterate liar guided by the deceit that if you tell a lie often enough it becomes the truth. A vicious bully, except when it comes to holding Putin and Netanyahu to account for their atrocities.

A divider, who incited rebellion, manu -

factured the existence of an enemy within, repressed the disadvantaged, preferred the wisdom of his gut and hip pocket to scientific or historical evidence.

Boosted by a self-aggrandising techbillionaire oligarchy intent on restricting freedom of expression and the dissemination of knowledge, he is facilitating a descent into a dark age of hate and ignorance.

Supported by an obsequious and increasingly morally bankrupt Republican Party

Can sufficient Americans be shaken from a stupor fuelled by this Mephistopheles and his moronic, plutocratic and authoritarian oligarchy? If they can’t, America will never again be a beacon on a hill or truly great.

Mike Quirk, Garran

Funded council waves through light rail stage 2

The Conservation Council ACT Region recently made a submission on the draft environmental impact statement for light rail stage 2b.

Climate Action Canberra’s contribution to the Council’s submission pointed out that the draft statement had not met the requirement that it assess alternatives to the proposal and identify the consequences of not proceeding with the proposal.

The Council ignored Climate Action Canberra’s contribution. Its submission endorsed light rail stage 2.

The Council’s submission was not endorsed by Council members Climate Action Canberra, Pedal Power ACT, 350.org Canberra or Extinction Rebellion ACT. Most of the Conservation Council’s funding comes from the ACT government.

Leon Arundell, Downer

‘Blaming the homeless when the government has cut funding for services is disingenuous as well as cruel.’

Blame-shifting ministers and their love of spin

“Blaming the very people our elected representatives and public servants are expected to serve is a common response by ministers and senior public servants.” JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED look closely at how this government treats us.

Statements and comments by ACT government ministers that defy logic, common sense or which contradict evidence in their own agencies’ reports, have become a regular occurrence.

It is often unclear if a particular public comment is designed to divert attention from poor performance, to shift blame from a “stuff up” or simply an ill-thought-out and ignorant explanation or excuse.

Unfortunately, it’s not only ministers but also professional senior public servants who, out of misplaced loyalty, join in to support their minister. Blaming the very people our elected representatives and public servants are expected to serve and assist is a common response.

For example,

Health Minister Rachel StephenSmith sought to justify the worst hospital wait times in Australia by claiming that not only had the overall complexity of patients’ presentations increased, but that there was also an increase in people attending the hospitals who did not need to be there – both could not be the case at the same time and, in fact, neither was correct.

them.

A senior health bureaucrat also infamously advised Canberrans not to turn up at the emergency department with a “minor” problem such as a headache or pain in the arm, despite these being generally accepted symptoms of a possible stroke or a heart attack, respectively. Such advice is surely more than a tad irresponsible.

Housing Minister Yvette Berry, when confronted by data on the decrease in public housing stock claimed that her much touted “growth and renewal” program wasn’t actually intended to increase (grow) the stock of public housing.

Ms Berry had earlier claimed that the ACT’s homelessness was a result of interstate migration – in other words, people were apparently coming to Canberra to become homeless!

Transgressions on our common sense of decency, whether in utterances or in actions, are most worrying.

On another occasion, the minister refused to answer a question or seek the advice of her department about a raft of unfilled clinical positions because, apparently, it would take too much effort. We are uncertain whether it occurred to the minister that it is part of her job to know about unfilled positions and, indeed, to fill

Then there is Chris Steel , while treasurerin-waiting, urging more borrowings at a time the territory was – and still is – borrowing, including in order to pay the interest on past borrowings.

The then Treasurer, Andrew Barr, instigated an astounding debt strategy under which debt would apparently become smaller relative to the economy. That strategy would have entailed a doubling of the economy in just four years because debt was growing at that rate – so unlikely that it could reasonably be considered impossible.

The “strategy” clearly failed to placate the rating agencies, and the ACT has, relatively, the second highest level of debt In Australia and is heading towards an annual interest bill of a billion dollars.

Our fellow columnist, Hugh Selby, recently wrote about “common decency” and how the actions of ACT Corrections management in conducting a strip search on a distressed Aboriginal woman with a heart condition and a history of sexual abuse, could readily be seen to be unacceptable even without a lengthy court case.

Transgressions on our common sense of decency, whether in utterances or in actions, are most worrying. Statements defying common sense or based on silly logic or wrong arithmetic, while at one level laughable, may if pursued have significant adverse financial or economic consequences.

However, those defying common decency can potentially shift the community’s perceptions of what is not acceptable, distort its values and fundamentally change who we are.

Common decency can indeed be distorted – repeat something often enough and what was “unacceptable” becomes “tolerable” then “acceptable”, and ultimately “preferred”.

For example the relocation of more than a thousand voiceless public housing tenants from Northbourne Avenue to pay for the tram progressed into the attempted forced evictions of more than 300 mainly elderly women and disabled people.

While the heartless eviction of these long-term public housing tenants has resulted in legal action before the Supreme Court for breaching human rights, the Canberra community has, if the deafening silence accompanying the evictions is a guide, apparently been desensitised to the massive decline in public housing and the wholescale eviction of tenants.

The treatment of prisoners and Aboriginal people in general, and the treatment of vulnerable homeowners by the asbestos taskforce are further examples about which we have written.

Relevantly, City Services Minister Tara Cheyne has reportedly claimed that some homeless people “would prefer whatever their lifestyle might be in that situation”. Yes, it’s a matter of choice, she said and that it is “not as simple as putting people into

housing or into a hotel”.

Ms Cheyne’s comments were in the context of homeless people being moved by City Services rangers from Civic to clear the space for a festival. She did not provide any evidence of how many, if any, of the homeless people had been offered accommodation which they refused.

Community advocates and service providers advised that some people could not be housed due to the lack of availability and diversity of housing, and the absence of mental health and other support services to maintain tenancy. Nevertheless, neither Ms Cheyne nor her colleague and Minister for Housing, Ms Yvette Berry have provided any response or clarification.

We do not believe that Ms Cheyne or the ACT government is acting on any grand plan to change the ACT’s nation-worst standards on housing the homeless.

Data published by the Productivity Commission, however, leads us to accept and endorse the view expressed by community advocates.

We have previously written about the nominal decrease in public housing dwellings in Canberra as well as the more significant decrease in stock relative to population.

In 2023-24, the wait time for households in greatest need (ie, homeless, in housing inappropriate to their needs, in housing that is adversely affecting their health or placing their life and safety at risk) was seven months.

In just two years the 75th percentile wait time has blown out from 18 months in 2021-22 to 32 months in 2023-24.

However, it is unlikely that any of the homeless who were moved on by the rangers are on the waiting list. It would be difficult for them to qualify under the eligibility criteria, which requires them to demonstrate that they can maintain a tenancy, that they do not have significant mental health or drug and alcohol issues, which may be the cause of their homelessness in the first place.

3.9 per cent , with WA, NT, Tasmania and Queensland recording increases ranging from 9.1 per cent to 69.7 per cent. The decrease in per capita expenditure in the ACT (that is, considering the population increase) was even larger at 7.6 per cent. The proportion of clients receiving support to maintain a tenancy dropped from 33 per cent in 2021-22 to 24.5 per cent in 2023-24.

We do not believe on the available evidence that Ms Cheyne or the ACT government is acting on any grand plan to change the ACT’s nationworst standards on housing the homeless or those for whom life is a perpetual struggle.

We think this even though housing as a human right has now been written into law by the most “progressive” government in Australia. What a hypocritical attempt to justify the unjustifiable.

However, Canberrans walking past homeless people in the street can at least now feel comfortable that they (the homeless) are just exercising their choice and that this has nothing to do with our policies, priorities and services.

Blaming the homeless when the government has cut funding for services is disingenuous as well as cruel. At least rangers moving the homeless showed more empathy when one of them reportedly said quite eloquently that they feel like an a#$%*@e.

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

A second opinion on hearing loss – you need professional advice, not a sales pitch

A woman came into my clinic for a consultation about her hearing aids, telling me her hearing aids were 4 years old and she had never found them to be of much help. She said the salesperson quoted her $14,000 for a pair of hearing aids, however, the monthly special of 20% discount meant they cost her $11,200. So, she ‘only’ paid $11,200 for hearing aids that did not help her. Sadly, I hear this all too often.

Here are some things to do to avoid this type of problem:

1. Visit your GP. If you or someone you know has a problem with their hearing, visiting your GP to check for wax in the ears, and to get advice is a starting point.

2. Qualifications. Always check the qualifications of the person you are dealing with. A person without professional qualifications has no business advising you about your hearing. They need to belong to a professional association with a Code of Conduct, so you know they are acting in your best interests, not their own.

years. If you are not sure about their advice, then seek a second opinion. The wrong hearing aids can be an expensive waste and could lead you to stop wearing them. You should always have a trial of hearing aids to ensure that they are right for you.

6 Pensioners and eligible DVA card holders often have entitlement to free services. If you are covered by a government concession, then let the clinician know (even though your clinician should ask). Eligible clients may obtain free hearing tests, consultations, and free hearing aids (referred to as fully subsidized hearing aids).

“A person without professional qualifications has no business advising you about your hearing. They need to belong to a professional association with a Code of Conduct, so you know they are acting in your best interests, not their own.”

– Dr Vass

These hearing aids are appropriate for many people, however if you have great difficulty hearing in background noise (for example a restaurant), then you may want to consider partially subsidized hearing aids. This is when the government pays a certain amount, and you pay for additional features and benefits. Your decision should be based on the following:

you are dealing with a qualified clinician, then they belong to a professional association. The best contact is an independent complaints body referred to as Ethics Review Committee. You can email ethics@auderc.org.au and view the website www.auderc.org.au. You can make an anonymous complaint and your complaint will be handled in a confidential and professional manner. If you are in the ACT, contact the ACT Human Rights Commission email human rights@act.gov au and the website www.hrc.act.gov.au

3. Independent advice. You should get independent, professional advice.

4. There are a wide range of hearing aids out there. Finding the right hearing aids for your communication needs can be challenging. Hearing aids vary in price and performance. Bluetooth® connectivity and rechargeable hearing aids are available on most hearing aids, along with apps that allow you to control your hearing aids from your mobile device. Be aware that just because a hearing aid is more expensive, that doesn’t mean they are the best hearing aid for you.

5. Just as hearing aids vary in performance, clinicians may also vary in performance due to training, experience, and skills. Make sure that you are comfortable and confident in their advice. You are likely to be with this clinician for the life of your new hearing aids, typically 4 to 5

(a) Can you afford the more expensive hearing aids? Don’t go into financial stress if you can’t afford them. (b) Are you clear on the free vs partially subsidized features & benefits? Never believe someone who tells you the free hearings are not good or of poor performance, this is simply not true. (c) If you try the partially subsidized hearing aids and are not happy, then return them. Do not keep hearing aids because you think the failure is yours or that you will improve over time. If the hearing aids are not working for you in the trial period, then they will not work for you in a year or two.

7. If you have a complaint, then seek help. Your clinician should be able to help you through most of your needs. Sometimes, a problem may be beyond the expertise of even the best clinician. However, if you have a complaint there are things you can do. If

ALL ABOUT WODEN VALLEY Valley of wisdom or is it named after wildlife?

Woden Valley is said to be named after a nearby homestead, whose owner Dr James Murray titled it Woden in October, 1837, after the Old English god of wisdom.

It was a fitting name from Dr Murray, who wanted to spend his life pursuing wisdom.

But another man, Dr Harold Koch, questions this and be lieves Woden Valley’s origins come from the Aboriginal word for possum.

The Aboriginal word, either “wadyan” or “wadhan”, became known to English speakers as “Woden”.

The traditional custodians of the district are the indigenous people of the Ngunnawal tribe.

In this advertising feature we speak with local organisations prospering in Woden Valley.

Current services range from flyer, brochure, catalogue and letterhead printing to signage solutions involving A-frame signs, pull-up banners, window decals and more.

Also on offer are branded packaging solutions, custom business card services and even graphic design services.

With a dedication to ensure branding

“shines across all formats”, Geoff says they continue to be committed to providing the very best in printing and marketing services.

Kwik Kopy Phillip, 2/10 Townshend Street, Phillip, call 6281 7700 or visit kwikkopy.com.au

Builders who believe great design is a dialogue

With more than 27 years of experience across residential, commercial and bespoke design projects, Arkitex founder and director, Alessandro (Alex) D’Ambrosio says they don’t just deliver drawings, they craft spaces that improve how people live, work and connect.

“At Arkitex, we approach each project as an opportunity to blend creativity with functionality,” he says.

“What sets us apart is our commitment to thoughtful, client-focused design where innovation, sustainability and context all play a central role.”

Bringing a deep understanding of architectural principles, planning regulations and project delivery, Alex says they strive to stay at the forefront of design trends and technologies.

With a masters in architecture and an unrestricted A Class builders licence, Alex says the most rewarding part of his job is seeing their clients’ visions come to life.

“From that first sketch to the final reveal, we love the collaborative journey transforming ideas into tangible spaces

that truly reflect our clients’ goals, lifestyle and personality,” he says.

Whether a client is building from scratch, renovating or reimagining a space, Alex says they will be there from start to finish.

“At Arkitex, we believe great design is a dialogue,” he says.

“We are passionate about creating architecture that feels purposeful and personal.

“We welcome projects of all sizes and stages, and are always excited to explore new ideas.”

Arkitex. Unit 5/24 Torrens Place Torrens, call 0413 570599 or visit arkitex.com.au

But what you might not know is that we do so much more.

ALL ABOUT WODEN VALLEY advertising feature

Restoring balance with kinesiology and mind body medicine

Offering a holistic approach to healing through kinesiology and mind body medicine, Jodie Evans is the newest medical professional at the Woden Wellness Centre.

With more than 20 years of experience in holistic and energetic healing, Jodie specialises in helping clients release stress, emotional blockages and unhelpful patterns by giving them a pathway to return to balance and vitality.

“Kinesiology is a gentle, yet powerful way to communicate directly with the body’s innate intelligence,” she says.

“Through muscle monitoring, we can identify where stress and imbalance is being held, and then use a blend of traditional Chinese medicine and modern therapeutic tools, such as acupressure, flower essences, nervous system regulation and visualisation, to restore balance.”

Jodie says her sessions provide a safe, supportive space for self-discovery and healing.

“Clients come seeking relief from ongoing pain, emotional overwhelm or feeling stuck and leave feeling lighter, clearer and more aligned,” she says.

Jodie works alongside other practitioners at Woden Wellness Centre to support wholeperson health.

Other services available include chiropractors, counselling, naturopathy, myofascial unwinding, hypnotherapy, cranio-sacro therapy and breathwork.

“This team shares a unified goal of supporting whole person wellness by addressing the physical, emotional and energetic aspects of health,” says Jodie.

Located in the heart of Woden, Jodie says the centre

Woden Wellness Centre, Unit 2, Gadal Chambers, 48 Corinna Street, Woden, call 6281 5494 or visit wodenwellness.com.au

Celebrating positive ageing in Canberra

Nominations for the 2025 COTA ACT Positive Ageing Awards are open.

COTA ACT CEO Jenny Mobbs, says this is a great opportunity for Canberrans to honour the people, organisations and services who help make the ACT a great place to grow older.

There are two overall categories for award winners, those who work with seniors and make a significant contribution/difference, as well as seniors themselves who have made a significant contribution/difference.

“The awards recognise extraordinary seniors, com munity groups, businesses and advocates who promote inclusion, connection and wellbeing for older Austral ians,” says Jenny.

For more than 10 years, the awards have recognised resilience, inclusivity, exceptional support, initiatives and compassionate service.

Jenny says the awards are an opportunity to showcase the creativity and generosity of Canberra’s senior community.

“They highlight the individuals and organisations ensuring ageing is a positive and celebrated experience for all Canberrans,” she says.

“The awards shape and celebrate Australians as they positively age.”

Nominations close on October 31 and the winners will be announced at the Positive Ageing Awards Ceremony at the Hughes Community Centre in November.

Nomination forms can be filled out online, or physical copies can be sent upon request.

“We will go out of our way to help Canberrans have their say for nominations,” says Jenny. “Just give us a call.”

For details or to submit a nomination, visit cotaact.org. au/events/awards

COTA ACT, Hughes Community Centre, 2 Wisdom Street, Hughes, call 6282 3777 or visit cotaact.org.au

Positive Ageing Awards

the importance of aged care, education and resourcefulness,

HALL

A bustling little village with a twist of local history

Hall is a small village north of Canberra that features buildings that pre-date the establishment of the ACT (and its forerunner the Federal Capital Territory).

The village was unofficially established in 1861, with a group of homesteads, workers’ cottages, a store and a post office. It was named in honour of the village’s first landowner, Henry Hall.

Home to around 300 people, these days Hall has all the perks of a small country town combined with proximity to Canberra.

Here are some of the businesses proud to call the historic village their home.

More than a location, it’s an inspiration

Drawn to Hall for its sense of community, character and slow lifestyle, jeweller and designer Venetia Major decided to set up her workshop and gallery in the village after working 15 years in the industry.

“My location on Victoria Street has become a space where creativity meets craftsmanship, and where clients can be involved in every step of the design journey,” she says.

“Hall is more than just a location, it’s an inspiration.

“The village’s calm and welcoming atmos phere encourages thoughtful, considered design and genuine relationships.”

Each piece Venetia makes is crafted by hand in her workshop using traditional techniques with modern design.

From reimaging cherished heirlooms, designing custom engagement rings or crafting something entirely new, she says her goal is to create pieces that tell stories that last for generations.

Venetia says her brick-and-mortar store has allowed her to build a personal connection with her clients.

“I love that my clients can visit, see work in

became a jeweller to create beautiful, meaningful work in a place that values craftsmanship and connection.”

Venetia says being part of the community also means giving back, and she regularly supports local initiatives and enjoys collaborating with other local businesses and makers who “share the same passion for quality and authenticity.”

Venetia Major – Bespoke Jewellery, 3/8 Victoria Street, Hall, call 6230 9587 or visit venetiamajor.com.au

Clinic brings elite knowledge to injury recovery

Many injuries require more than one way of treatment.

With a long history of working with elite sporting teams, Dr Wilson Lo opened up his medical practice, Bruce Sports Medicine, two years ago in Hall with the aim of offering the same services to the general public.

A multidisciplinary allied health team, the medical practice covers physiotherapy, osteopathy, sports podiatry, acupuncture, dietetics and counselling.

“We are Canberra’s own multidisciplinary sports medicine clinic offering services with our sports doctors, orthopedic surgeon and allied health providers,” says Dr Lo.

“This includes rehabilitation classes in our onsite gym for pre and post-surgical programs, weight management and osteoarthritis in our GLA:D program.”

Hall has had a long history of having a medical practice on the main street, and Dr Lo says he is honoured to continue the tradition on the same plot of land as the previous practice.

“The peaceful rural setting is the perfect place to start your road to injury recovery,”

Offering seven consultation rooms and an onsite gym and free parking for patients, Dr Lo says the heritage village makes for the perfect location to rest and recover.

Dr Lo says being part of the community is important, and the practice is the major sponsor of Canberra Brass’ annual Brass on the Grass concert at the old Hall Primary School grounds.

Bruce Sports Medicine is about to start a comprehensive multidisciplinary weight management program.

Bruce Sports Medicine, 9 Victoria Street, Hall, call 6253 5386 or visit brucesportsmedicine.com.au

DIWALI FESTIVAL

Indian family festival lights up Canberra’s streets

Keep an eye out for houses decorated with candles and lights when the most popular Indian celebration, Diwali, the five-day festival of lights, brightens Canberra streets this coming week.

Traditionally it sees Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Newar Buddhists attending luminescent displays, prayers and events culminating in Diwali Day on Tuesday, October 21.

It has been described as being “like Christmas” in that it’s a family celebration with gifts and sweets exchanged.

For each religion, Diwali marks different historical events and stories, but all share a common theme of symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.

It’s a time to celebrate not only with the Indian diaspora, but other cultures who also observe Diwali such as Nepalese, Singaporean and Malaysian.

Diwali has a lot of social and business aspects to it. During this time, people might decide to buy a new car, property or business. It’s also a time to reconnect with others, give employees bonuses and give gifts to clients.

Diwali – what it means

Light is a metaphor for knowledge and consciousness, and is used during the celebration to illuminate temples, homes, shops and office buildings.

Primarily a Hindu festival, variations of Diwali are also celebrated by adherents of other faiths around the world.

The Jains observe their own Diwali which marks the final liberation of Mahavira.

The Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas to mark the release of Guru Hargobind from a Mughal prison.

Newar Buddhists, unlike other Buddhists, celebrate Diwali by worshipping Lakshmi, while the Hindus of Eastern India and Bangladesh generally, celebrate Diwali by worshipping the goddess Kali.

During the festival, the celebrants illuminate their homes, temples and workspaces with diyas (oil lamps), candles and lanterns.

Hindus, in particular, have a ritual oil bath at dawn on each day of the festival.

Diwali is also marked with fireworks as well as the decoration of floors with rangoli designs and other parts of the house with jhalars.

Food is a major focus with families partaking in feasts and sharing mithai.

The festival is an annual homecoming and bonding period not only for families, but also for communities and associations, particularly those in urban areas, who will organise activities, events, and gatherings. Many towns

organise community parades and fairs with parades or music and dance performances in parks.

Some Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs will send Diwali greeting cards to family near and far during the festive season, occasionally with boxes of Indian confectionery. Another aspect of the festival is remembering the ancestors.

In India during the season of Diwali, many rural townships and villages host melas or fairs, where local producers and artisans trade produce and goods.

A variety of entertainments are usually available for inhabitants of the local community to enjoy. The women, in particular, adorn themselves in colourful attire and decorate their hands with henna.

Such events are also mentioned in Sikh historical records. In the modern day, Diwali mela are held at college, or university, campuses or as community events by members of the Indian diaspora. At such events a variety of music, dance and arts performances, food, crafts and cultural celebrations are featured.

Time for serious shopping…

Diwali marks a major shopping period in India and is comparable to the Christmas period in terms of consumer purchases and economic activity.

It is traditionally a time when households purchase new clothing, home refurbishments, gifts, gold, jewellery and other large purchases particularly as the festival is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and such purchases are considered auspicious.

Other goods that are bought in substantial quantities during Diwali include confectionery and fireworks.

Photo: Subharnab Majumdar

ASSOCHAM, a trade organisation in India, forecasted that online shopping alone to be more than 300 billion rupees ($A5.5 billion) over the Diwali season.

About two-thirds of Indian households spend between 5000 rupees ($A91) and 10,000 rupees ($A185) to celebrate Diwali.

Diwali’s international appeal

Many governments encourage or sponsor Diwali-related festivities in their territories.

For example, the Singaporean government, in association with the Hindu Endowments Board of Singapore, organises many cultural events during Diwali every year.

National and civic leaders such as the former Prince Charles have attended Diwali celebrations at prominent Hindu temples in the UK, such as the Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden, using the occasion to highlight contributions of the Hindu community to British society.

Additionally, cities across the UK show support of the celebrations through Diwali lights, decorations, and cultural festivities such as dance

performances, food stalls and workshops.

Since 2009, Diwali has been celebrated every year at 10 Downing Street, the London residence of the British prime minister.

Diwali was first celebrated in the White House by George W Bush in 2003, and its religious and historical significance was officially recognised by the US Congress in 2007.

This month, the state of California made Diwali an official state holiday.

Every year during Diwali, Indian forces approach their Pakistani counterparts at the border bearing gifts of traditional Indian confectionery, a gesture that is returned in kind by the Pakistani soldiers who give Pakistani sweets to the Indian soldiers.

In 2023, a Diwali celebration in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India, broke the Guinness World Record for the largest display of oil lamps with 2,223,676 displayed on the eve of Diwali.

What’s on where for Diwali

Diwali Gala Dinner: Friday, October 17, 5.30pm-10.30pm, at The Abbey, Nicholls, hosted by the Canberra India Council, featuring a threecourse meal, performances, and dancing. Tickets are available on TryBooking.

Diwali Mela Lantern Festival: Saturday, October 18, 5pm-8pm, at Queanbeyan Showground. A free community event with market stalls, food vans, live performance, children’s activities including lantern making and a spectacular finish with fireworks.

Diwali Mela at Albert Hall: Sunday, October 19, 11am-8pm, a celebration hosted by the Sri Vishnu Shiva Mandir. A community festival of “lights, fun, food and frolic”.

Diwali and Lakshmi Puja: Tuesday, October 21, is the official date for Diwali in 2025.

ROAD TRIPS

Going on holiday doesn’t always mean going far

Going on holiday doesn’t always mean going far. From relaxing farm homestays to garden festivals, some trips are only a short drive away.

Arts and crafts at relaxing farm stay

After suffering a devastating loss in 2020 when the Black Summer bushfires tore through her Batlow property, leaving all but a shed in cinders, Brindabella Farm Stay Retreat owner Anne Hallard says she has returned better than ever, with more immersive experiences on offer.

Reopening just before Christmas 2023, Anne says she had to start thinking about how to improve the experience and encourage local, rural tourism.

Dabbling in agri-tourism, Anne now offers arts and crafts workshops alongside her stays for those wishing to do something creative while relaxing.

“Our retreats are designed for adults to have some peace and quiet,” she says.

“The workshops offer visitors the chance to leave with something they’ve made.”

With an interest in supporting the local community wherever possible, Anne’s past workshops have included perfume making, custom lampshades, resin cheeseboards and Christmas wreaths.

“We had the men from the Batlow Men’s Shed make 48 cheese boards for us, many of which used wood from the fires,” she says.

“It was a great opportunity to increase the local economy and promote tourism.”

With a big calendar year ahead of her, including chocolate making, printmaking, resin jewellery and alcohol ink workshops, Anne says she’s now on a roll.

“It’s busy, but it’s fun busy,” she says. “We are promoting fun within the region.

“People can come to the farm and relax without having to travel great lengths.”

In the future, Anne says they will be looking at moving into wellness by providing pilates and yoga as available activities.

Brindabella Farm Stay Retreat, 4388 Batlow Road, Batlow NSW, call 0438 604 416 or visit brindabellafarmstayretreat.com.au

PARKES sits in the central part of NSW, only three hours drive from Canberra, and surrounds itself with beautiful landscapes and bushland, says visitor service lead for Parkes Shire Council, Lisa Moon.

“Home to the Parkes Radio Telescope, which is famous for being Australia’s key player in the Apollo moon landing and star of the movie,

‘The Dish’, it’s the perfect place to stay whilst exploring Central NSW,” she says.

“The Parkes region also offers historical adventures, agricultural experiences, and amazing events like the Parkes Elvis Festival and Trundle Abba Festival.

“If you love cycling, the Parkes region has some of the best gravel riding in NSW. Come and explore and soak up the country ambience by riding one of our 14 fully mapped, gravel cycling trails ranging from 20-120 kilometres.”

Geographically, Parkes sits in the middle of many other regions, including Orange, Forbes and Cowra, says Lisa.

“This makes us the perfect home base to explore Central NSW.”

Parkes Shire Council, Parkes. Call 6862 6000, or visit visitparkes.com.au

Snowy Mountains

Brindabella Farm Stay Retreat

Nestled on 80 acres amid Batlow’s foothills, it blends luxe privacy and down-to-earth charm. With three private suites, gourmet kitchen,

plunge pool, hot tub, pizza oven and sweeping views, it’s ideal for couples, families or friends. Spend your days wandering mountain trails, sampling local cider and art, or just soaking in

the quiet. Whether for a spontaneous weekend, a romantic getaway or a memorable gathering, Canberrans will love how easy and utterly rejuvenating this rural hideaway feels.

ROAD TRIPS advertising feature

Annual garden festival returns to Crookwell

A scenic drive to Crookwell on November 1-2 will be a highlight for any keen road-tripper to see the Crookwell Garden Festival.

Over the weekend, more than 800 visitors are expected to visit nine private gardens that will be open to the public.

Festival secretary Catherine Harbourne says it’s the perfect time to take a trip out and enjoy everything Crookwell has to offer.

“It’s such a lovely time in Crookwell,” she says.

Open from 9.30am to 4.30pm both days, the gardens range from access to Markdale (an Edna Walling designed country garden), Binda Mill and Bindalea to local township gardens, all within a bus ride of each other.

After a few tumultuous years due to lockdowns and heavy rain, Catherine says the annual event has returned back bigger and better than before.

“Tickets cover entry to the gardens over both days,” she says.

“You can jam it all in one day or spread it out and enjoy all that Crookwell has to offer.”

A free Garden Lovers Market will be held at the Crookwell Public School, 9am-2pm on Saturday with an array of garden-themed plants, products and services from local stallholders.

Crookwell Garden Festival, 9.30am-4.30pm, November 1-2, tickets at crookwellgardenfestival.com

For nearly 30 years, Lolly Swagman has been part of the complete Southern Highlands experience, says owner Ian Richardson.

Located in the very heart of Berrima, the store stocks more than 1300 different treats, with something to appeal to everyone.

“Right now we are heading towards tulip time as everything comes out of winter and starts to blossom,” he says.

“People are looking for more springtime flavours in the zestier, fruitier and tangier lollies and are less interested in the warm and cozy treats they went for in winter.”

Featuring their own Mrs Swag’s Fudge, alongside an eye-watering selection of chocolates, hard candy and lollies, Ian says they stock everything from American Reese’s, Hershey’s and candy corn, as well as English bon bons and chocolates, sours and super sours, Dutch liquorice and Scottish tablet.

“We’ve just restocked an old favourite, chocolate-covered orange peels,” he says.

“We’ve also got an expanding range of Japanese lollies, which are always hugely popular.”

Ian says the store is a common stop on people’s trip to Berrima.

“We love saying hello to Canberrans who pop by on their trips,” he says.

“Berrima is such a lovely place to visit all year round and we love being part of your holiday.”

Lolly Swagman, 11 Old Hume Highway, Berrima, call 4877 1137, or visit lollyswagman.com.au

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Author Merindal Bobis places her trust in trees

By Helen MUSA

“Teach me how to walk…how to pass lightly as butterflies,”

Filipina-Canberra poet and novelist Merlinda Bobis wrote in her 2023 Hymn to Trees as an incantation.

Now in her latest book, In the Name of the Trees, the much-awarded Canberra author places her trust in trees and their close relationship with humankind.

Published by Spinifex Press in October, it is part of a planned trilogy, the second after The Kindness of Birds.

When I meet her over lunch, she tells me her plan is for a third novel, dedicated to the world of fish.

Bobis, already well known to Canberra readers as winner of both the Christina Stead Prize for Fiction and the Philippine National Book Award in 2016, was this year named one of the top 10 female novelists shaping the literary scene in southeast Asia.

In this new novel, dedicated to “hardwood women, tough, brave, flawed,” trees and human beings are inextricably interwoven.

The Dao (Dracontomelon dao, Pacific

walnut) gives its name to an 11-year-old schoolgirl; her mum, Pili, is named after the Pili tree (Canarium ovatum); and Lola (meaning grandmother) Narra is named after their names learned by young Dao as she grew up.

In the distant past, there is also Lola Banaba, the healer from Spanish colonial times who knows how to treat diabetes with leaves from the Banaba tree (Lagerstroemia speciosa, the giant crepe myrtle). Trees give their names to the chapters in the story, which spans four generations of women enduring war, colonisation and displacement.

Bobis has a keen eye for the botanical world, even in this “far country”, Australia, where some of her characters settle in a renovated Canberra ex-govie.

Returning for deep research to her homeland in Bicol, Luzon, she immersed herself in the forest and describes climbing inside the magical Great Dao Tree, more than 100 years old, whose roots form a cave where one can hide and whose bark is “like flesh, reptilian”.

Throughout the book, the chapters –mostly named after trees – include Narra, Sweetgum, Dao, Gundhay, Pili, Garal, Banaba.

And the ubiquitous “no-tree”, the coconut.

“The coconut is no tree. It’s a monocotyledon,” as Dao says.

“It was uncanny. I had a plan, but the stories were given to me by the trees,” Bobis says.

The work, though poetic in texture as she intersperses English with her native language, is definitely prose fiction, but also charts the complex history of the Philippines, from Spanish colonialism to the American

and Japanese occupations, through to modern times.

Especially, there’s President Corazon Aquino’s so-called “total war” against Communist forces in the 1980s – a policy that drove many Filipinas to flee to Australia after human rights atrocities.

The story focuses on Lola Narra, her clever daughter Pili, and her daughter Dao, and begins in autumn in Canberra, though Bobis is keen to avoid spoilers, hinting only at the narrative showing how Bikol residents took refuge in the hills and encountered Australians.

But the trees, too, have personalities, including the Silver Dollar Stringybark and the Golden Wattle, the national symbol of Australia, planted in the Canberra backyard by Dao’s father Federico when the family became Australians.

Bobis’ “hardwood women” embody the resilience of women worldwide.

Like their namesake trees, they have special capacities for healing, seen when in a Philippine ritual of retrieval, Lola Narra tries to heal her granddaughter Dao, who was paralysed in an accident that killed her father.

“Stories heal, but stories can kill, too. They can be dangerous,” Bobis says enigmatically. You’ll have to read the novel to find out how.

In the Name of the Trees by Merlinda Bobis (Spinifex Press).

STREAMING

New Monster: the shocking ‘Butcher of Plainview’

“The lowest and vilest alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin than does the smiling and beautiful countryside.”

That may be a quote from the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, but it came to mind in frightening clarity when watching Netflix’s new series about a very real crime horror story.

The third instalment of Ryan Murphy’s Monster anthology show has just hit Netflix with huge viewership, once again setting out to disturb its audiences by exploring the lives and psychology of America’s most infamous serial killers.

In its third season the titular “monster” is Ed Gein, a man who earned himself the name “The Butcher of Plainview” for a string of shocking crimes committed in Wisconsin in the ‘40s and ‘50s.

Gein gained notoriety after police discovered he had exhumed corpses from local graveyards, fashioning macabre mementos from their remains.

He also confessed to the murder of two women, but the true number of his victims is still disputed.

So notorious were these crimes that Gein’s story actually went on to inspire major horror films of the 20th century such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Silence of The Lambs, even Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.

So what made Gein tick? It’s a question

the show sets out to answer and the resulting viewing experience is harrowing to say the least.

In previous seasons the show has focused on the urban back alleys of Milwaukee where Jeffrey Dahmer stalked his victims in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

The second season then honed in on the

glamour of Beverly Hills where Lyle and Erik Menendez murdered their wealthy parents, sparking one of the most watched court trials in history.

However, the Ed Gein story goes back further in time to the 1940s in rural America.

Gone are the claustrophobic cityscapes

that conceal the crimes of the killers.

In this season, the setting feels far more unnerving, taking place at a farm well removed from prying eyes. Gein’s sins are separated from the populace by silent fields of snow, the horrors unfolding behind the doors of lantern-lit barns.

The production is top shelf. The setting and cinematography is expertly crafted and that’s to say nothing of the acting.

Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam plays the killer with ice-cold commitment.

His performance may take a while to get going but Hunnam knows how to get under his audience’s skin over time.

He’s joined by Laurie Metcalf, who also delivers a remarkably eerie performance as Gein’s estranged mother.

There’s also an appearance from Addison Rae, an internet net celebrity who became famous from Tik Tok but has now turned her career towards acting.

The experience compared to her co-stars shows though and her casting may be more a case of creating spectacle than

Despite all of its slick production values though, what does a story like this actually achieve?

It’s a question that bubbles up with every new season of Monster. The first set of episodes focusing on Jeffrey Dahmer

sparked huge controversy when the real-life families of victims spoke out saying they weren’t consulted about the show, some even feeling “retraumatised” by watching it.

The families of the Menendez brothers also slammed season two, calling the show “slanderous” and a “train wreck.”

Well no matter how much criticism is levelled at Monster it doesn’t stop this streaming locomotive always leaving the station. At this point, one has to wonder, do the creators care?

The series amasses huge amounts of viewers and it seems that in its third season it’s far more self aware of what it’s putting out there for mass consumption.

One of Gein’s fascinations is a hyper-violent comic book the audience repeatedly sees him utterly consumed by.

As he reads it the camera inches closer and closer to his eyes until it is just centimetres away, leaving viewers staring directly into dilated pupils devouring what’s in front of them. It feels like Monster might just want its audience to catch a reflection.

Madcap hour of puns, and silliness ARTS IN THE CITY

By Helen MUSA

Kids and families can dive into hilarious chaos with The Listies: 110% Ready! Billed as a madcap hour of puns, gags and improvised silliness centred on the everyday scramble of getting out the door, the show comes fresh from a run at Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre. Richard Higgins and Matt Kelly bring their antics for four performances of serious silliness at The Q, Queanbeyan, October 24-25.

The Australian String Quartet will perform Franz Schubert’s gripping Death and the Maiden, written from the depths of despair, alongside Britten’s String Quartet No. 2 and Paul Stanhope’s first quartet, Elegies and Dances, as part of its national tour, Convergence. Gandel Hall, National Gallery of Australia, October 19.

Walkley Award-winning journalist and historian Margaret Simons will deliver this year’s Rod Wallace Memorial Lecture for the Friends of the National Film and Sound Archive. She will explore the future of broadcasting, the predicted end of terrestrial television and why the ABC still matters. Arc Cinema, October 20.

Elizabeth Cameron Dalman, her company and visiting Taiwanese

artists will perform repertoire from her Australian Dance Theatre years, works from Mirramu Dance Company and a new piece, Family Tree. The program, ECDysis, marks Dalman’s 60-year career and the 60th anniversaries of both Australian Dance Theatre and the Canberra Theatre Centre. The Courtyard Studio, October 24-26.

The Alma Moodie Quartet will welcome clarinettist Olivia Hans-Rosenbaum from Amsterdam for Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet and Hindemith’s grand First String Quartet. Wesley Music Centre, October 21.

The Canberra Mandolin Orchestra, directed by Michael Hardy, presents Lounge Jazz in an intimate new Fyshwick venue, weaving sultry vocals from multilingual chanteuse Theodora Volti with the tones of

mandolins, guitar and bass. Expect smooth classics made famous by Nina Simone and Nat King Cole. Grainger on Geelong, October 25.

The Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s 2026 season has a line-up of highlights in Llewellyn Hall including Verdi’s Requiem, Debussy’s La Mer with Deborah Cheetham Fraillon’s Star Filled Sky, Hitchcock’s Psycho with live score, the return of The Music of Hans Zimmer.

QL2 Dance brings heroes, villains, damsels in distress, power and submission to the stage in Main Character Energy – The Chaos Project, where dancers aged 8-16 will work alongside professional choreographers including QL2 alumni Jack Ziesing, Ruby Ballantyne and Olivia Wikner. Belco Arts, Belconnen, October 24-25.

MUSICAL THEATRE

Musical crew ready to do it again

By Helen Musa

After sell-out seasons in 2009 and 2013, Everyman Theatre is remounting its Broadway parody The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) by Joanne Bogart and Eric Rockwell.

Most of the original cast are back, reuniting to bring the house down all over again, but there’s one “fabulous new recruit” – Will Collett, returning from South Korea to join Hannah Ley, Louiza Blomfield, Duncan Driver, Jarrad West and musical director Nick Griffin in making his Everyman debut.

Collett is no stranger to the Canberra stage. Since graduating from the ANU in psychology and composition, where he studied with Jim Cotter. He’s appeared in shows as varied as Hello Dolly, Assassins, Dogfight and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

He’s been living in Seoul since 2023 as a diplomatic husband, having taken leave without pay from the public service, and is busy master ing Korean.

Collett says he’s been acting in musicals since high school in Orange, so when he arrived at the ANU he naturally sought out opportunities and found himself in Gowrie Varma’s memorable 2016 production of Sweeney Todd at the ANU Arts Centre.

It’s essentially a celebration of musicals, from a place of love”.

He’s never seen the whole of Musical of Musicals before, but after listening closely he decided it too is “a really fun show… written for audiences who are in the know about musicals and who will notice every new joke or melody.

Each vignette (15 to 20 minutes) is inspired by a famous musical theatre writer – Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Kander & Ebb, Jerry Herman and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

“I’m a big Stephen Sondheim lover, and in his

section you’ll feel a bit of Sweeney Todd, a bit of Company, a bit of A Little Night Music. The way it works is great… the Sondheim section is a little complex,” he says, noting how some melodies sound instantly familiar because they’re clever echoes of classics.

Another surprise inclusion is Hannah Ley. Like Collett, she is no stranger to the Canberra stage, having played leading roles for many years. She left for England in 2015 with husband Duncan. In 2023, she followed him into the Chesil Theatre Company in Winchester, where she performed in Nasty Neighbours and Private Lives, as well as working as movement director and choreographer on productions including A Christmas Carol, Shakespeare in Love, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Home, I’m Darling, and 5 Stories from 15 Heroines.

Ley returned to the stage in 2024 to play Brooke in Legally Blonde, then Sandra in Made in Dagenham, and is currently rehearsing for The Wizard of Oz as Glinda.

“Returning to Canberra after a 10-year absence and to be performing Musical of Musicals again after 12 years is a dream come true,” she says, adding how excited she is to see old friends, drink good coffee, walk around Lake Burley-Griffin, reconnect with the mums’ group she joined 13 years ago, and visit her old workplace, the Canberra Theatre Centre.

In the meantime, it’s a case of dusting off the sequins and polishing the chorus shoes for what Everyman director Jarrad West describes as “five musicals for the price of one”.

The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!), ACT Hub, Kingston, October 17–25.

SUNDAY ROAST

DINING / Rizla, Braddon

It’s happy birthday time for Rizla, now six years old and holding strong in a competitive hospitality market with an offering that celebrates fabulous wines and memorable dishes

Share plates are the name of the game, dictated in part by the size of the kitchen (small, but mighty), but diners can also let Rizla “sort it out” for $85 a person.

We shared and then shared some more, loving our little possie in the outside, semi-enclosed garden setting at the front of the restaurant.

The finger lime mignonette served with fresh Sydney rock oysters ($6 each) was fresh, inviting and perfectly balanced. We loved that it wasn’t too acidic.

Rizla’s tuna tartare was sublime, and we scooped it up with house-made potato crisps ($27). The dish showcases how Rizla worships quality ingredients and takes time to plate perfectly.

Fun and deeply delicious was Rizla’s creamy chestnut soup, served in a small shot glass ($6 each). It was sweet, nutty, earthy and rich.

We were all surprised and delighted with the fennel which, when braised, transformed into the tastes of pear. Rizla’s kitchen creates this dish with sensational stracciatella, currants and a perky pepita praline ($24).

Chicken skewers have been on Rizla’s menu for yonks, always moist and creative. Today’s biji skewers feature banana ketchup, curry leaf, and bhel ($17 for two skewers with each stacked with large cubes of meat).

One of our party, who used to live in Braddon – Rizla’s neighbourhood – had memories of the confit tomato and was keen that we give this dish another go. We were glad we did.

Two pieces of tasty toast with macadamia butter were placed on a wooden board and slices of tomato were set on top, with dobs of black garlic in between. Fresh green micro herbs added that finishing touch. Yum.

Rizla is famous for its parmesan fries ($13), served piping hot with chives and fennel salt ($13). We couldn’t resist ordering a second lot.

Wines are fascinating and the descriptions on Rizla’s list are fun and lively. While specialising in high-quality, intriguing rieslings, Rizla’s wine list includes wonderful reds, rosés and other top drops. Staff delight at advising.

with dobs of black garlic.

Our 2021 Von Winning Haardter Herrenletten Riesling, from a large vineyard in Germany ($130 a bottle), promised, and delivered, “power and persistence”.

From Australia, we savoured the 2021 Vickery V Reserve Riesling from Mason Woodcarvers Vineyard, Eden Valley ($110 a bottle), described on the wine list as one of the last made by “the Godfather of Australian Riesling, John Vicker”’. It’s a complete package.

Service at Rizla is second-to-none. It’s engaging, informative and fun, without interference. Concerted effort is made to make diners feel welcome, relaxed and at home.

WINE / Kiwi savvy b, please

Is all the love for NZ savvy b cooling?

My Japanese friend, Moeko, was on an Australian working holiday and she secured a job at the Tathra pub.

Her English is very good and they soon had her serving the public. But one day she was confronted by a request she could not, at first, fulfill.

A customer had ordered a beer and “a glass of Kiwi savvy b”. She asked the customer to wait while she found her manager who translated that this was a request for a glass of New Zealand sauvignon blanc.

She duly served the customer, but later shared with me that sometimes the Australian way of speaking baffled her. I tried to cheer her up but I don’t think she got my joke about confusing the word jacuzzi with yakuza: I told her I was in hot water with the Japanese mafia.

Many glasses of Kiwi savvy b are consumed by Australians.

Around 80 per cent of NZ’s

enced: passionfruit predominates with a floral hint.

This wine had three months in oak and that is reflected in its complexity. It is textural and crisp with a mineral finish, rather than the flavour of asparagus or apple that you get in the finish from many NZ savvy b’s. It paired well with the lemon chicken that I served for dinner where both my adult children also tried the wine.

vineyards are white wine varieties: 65 per cent of total plantings are sauvignon blanc.

According to a NZ government source, Marlborough sauvignon blanc, in particular, is one of Australia’s favourites wines: it is the most consumed white wine in Australia.

One other source says that 67 per cent of the sauvignon blanc we drink in this country is imported, and NZ accounts for just under two thirds of those imports.

The same website asserts that “women buy and consume the vast majority of savvy b.”

Reading about sauvignon blanc, it appears that the love affair with Kiwi sauvignon blanc is cooling and many Australian wineries are now producing alternatives to the gooseberry or tropical fruit flavoured, herbaceous Marlborough wines.

I was lucky enough to be asked to try one of those alternatives recently: a Tasmanian Devil’s Corner Resolution Sauvignon Blanc 2024. It sells for around $40 a bottle.

The influence of the cooler Tasmanian climate is evident in the brightness of the fruit. The wine is gold in colour with a green hue.

The bouquet is very similar to the Marlborough savvy b’s that I’ve experi -

My daughter, who works in hospitality, confessed that she is not a fan of this varietal as she doesn’t like the way many of the wines finish with an overwhelming taste of fruit salad but, she added, “this would be a sauvignon blanc drinker’s dream.” She mentioned that at her place of work they only sold Shaw and Smith, an Adelaide Hills sauvignon blanc, a wine influenced by the cooler climate of the hills, and that it was a popular wine with the 2025 having a citrus finish. It’s on the wine list because there are frequent requests for a savvy b.

It is the versatility of the sauvignon blanc varietal that will be the key to maintaining its popularity: from the “wet rocks” style of the French Sancerre to the tropical fruit bowl of many NZ sauvignon blancs, this varietal can produce a taste profile to suit many palates.

New, super quiet AirPods are worth a shout out

Apple’s wireless earbuds first arrived in 2016, but this new version gives your ears impressive hearing superpowers, tracks your heart rate, controls your camera, and does it all for hours longer.

Until Apple’s AirPods arrived in 2016, no-one sold earbuds that went into both ears individually, without a cable stretching behind your head to connect both buds.

However, like Edmund Hillary scaling Mt Everest, and Sir Roger Ban nister breaking the four-minute mile, once Apple had achieved the feat, doing the same was no longer impossible.

September’s release of the AirPods Pro 3 (RRP $429), turns the dial up to 11 by improving on key features, including a “completely redesigned acoustic architecture” for the best AirPods audio I’ve heard yet.

This is joined by greatly improved noise cancellation, four times stronger than 2019’s AirPods Pro 1, and two times stronger than 2022’s AirPods Pro 2, equalling the noise cancelling capabilities of Apple’s over-the-ears AirPods Max headphones – all while fitting into your ear and not over it.

As I type, I’m on a plane from Hong Kong to San Francisco, with these

level – although obviously not to complete silence.

There are now five differently sized silicone tips, two more than before, including an XXS size, which can be mixed and matched as desired, further enhanced with a fine layer of foam within the tips, for better sound isolation to boost the noise-cancelling effect.

Eight hours of battery life with noise-cancelling “on” is impressive,

This turns the dial up to 11 by improving on key features, including a ‘completely redesigned acoustic architecture’ for the best AirPods audio I’ve heard yet.

too. That’s two more hours than AirPods Pro 2. With hearing-aid mode “on”, the new AirPods work for 10 hours, or four hours more than AirPods Pro 2, making AirPods a genuine challenger to dedicated hearing aids costing thousands more.

Another new feature turns AirPods Pro 3, (and the existing Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation after free software update) into an interpreter, able to translate between English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese by year’s end –and more languages throughout 2026. The person you’re in front of speaks in their language, and the translation is spoken by AirPods right into your ears.

If you both have compatible AirPods, you’ll each hear a translation. If you only have one set of AirPods, what you say is displayed on your iPhone’s screen for the other person to read.

Google’s Buds have offered a similar feature for several years now, and the Google and Apple Translate apps also exist, but with Apple finally offering live translation via AirPods, global language barriers will fall faster than ever.

Meanwhile, the new heart rate sensor and calorie tracker works with 50 different fitness training workouts using the iPhone’s built-in Fitness app, and with the new AirPods design, a stronger fit and greater in-ear stability means they won’t fall out during activities including running, HIIT and yoga.

This is also boosted by a new IP57 dust, sweat and water resistance rating, meaning tough and sweaty workouts are no problem. That said, this isn’t waterproofing – AirPods are not (yet) designed for use when swimming.

You can also now press on the stem of an AirPod when the photo or video camera is open, turning AirPods into a remote control – while also

using the AirPods as the microphone source.

There are more features besides, and it’s important to note that the Samsung and Google equivalents to these buds have been introducing features to compete, making them ever better value, but as of now, those features play catch up to the AirPods Pro 2, and not the “just released” AirPods Pro 3.

Neither Google nor Samsung’s earbuds have a dedicated clinicalgrade hearing-aid feature as yet either, so while both do offer ways to boost sounds around you, it’s just not the same.

Opening your wallet to upgrade to audacious aural advances is up to you, but whether you heard it here first, or not, these are set to be Apple’s most popular AirPods yet!

Alex Zaharov-Reutt has loved tech since his father bought him (aged four-and-a-half) a computer from Dick Smith in Fyshwick in 1979. Hear his tech show on 2CC every Saturday from 10.30am.

WHAT’S ON MELBOURNE

MONDAY – BIG 3

PRAWN LINGUINI, RUMP STEAK, AND BATTERED WHITING $21 EACH

TUESDAY – KIDS EAT FREE ONE FREE KIDS MEAL WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY ADULT MEAL OVER $25

WEDNESDAY – SCHNITZEL CLASSIC CHICKEN SCHNITZEL $18

THURSDAY – SIZZLE & SIP

PARRILLA GRILLED STEAK OF THE DAY WITH A GLASS OF HOUSE WINE $40

TRIVIA NIGHT

Tuggeranong

Monarch Window Cleaning

Topiaries… generally small-leaf plants that are horticulturally clipped to desired shapes.

Maple trees... the foliage comes in all shades of green and there are some spectacular red varieties.

When topiaries look terrific

By Jackie WARBURTON

Topiaries, or living sculptures, can be a statement; while they look terrific in a large garden on a grand scale, topiaries are also well suited to pots and can break up a hard surface in a small courtyard garden.

Topiaries are generally small-leaf plants that are horticulturally clipped to desired shapes.

There are many types of topiaries to choose from such as a living pergola, clouds, shapes and spheres.

Living pergolas need to be pruned to maintain shape, but it’s an easy solution for privacy to high neighbouring windows and also provides shade as well.

Topiary cloud pruning is all the

piece of art.

NOW that overnight temperatures have warmed, the nets need to be put over apple and pome fruits to stop codling moths entering the fruit.

Codling moths come alive when night temperatures are around 15C. Moths lay their eggs on the leaves and then the larvae burrow into small fruits and spoil them.

This year I am having success with spraying kaolin clay over the trees. It’s a natural insect barrier and suitable for all fruit and vegetable trees.

Kaolin clay has also been found to protect plants for heat extremes and help retain moisture. I plan to reapply every few weeks through the growing season.

SUMMER vegetables can be planted now, but if you missed raising seed yourself, there’s an annual

stalls and Fiona Buining from Ainslie and Urban Farm and I will be there for talks and workshops.

MAPLES now are in full leaf and if they are in shade they will be attractive to aphids.

These small trees are suitable for all small gardens, courtyards, pots and oriental-themed gardens. They are shallow rooted and need moisture in the summer. Their flowers are insignificant, but it is the foliage for which they are grown. In spring and summer the foliage comes in all shades of green and there are some spectacular red varieties, such as rubrum and Bloodgood.

Their size can be from four metres to dwarf small variants grafted on to small rootstock. Plant maples in early spring or autumn and, in both cases, plant into prepared soil.

Mature maples can be pruned now they are in their growing season. Remove branches back to a main trunk to keep the shape of the tree and prevent water shoots or fast-growing shoots from the branches.

Removed any dead, diseased or damaged wood when the weather is warm and dry. Maples need a little protection from the hot winds in summer but overall, a great tree for a courtyard or small garden.

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

Jottings…

• Cut bulb leaves once they have withered.

• Plant runners off old strawberry plants in new compost soil.

• Sprinkle dolomite lime to prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes.

• Plant blue flowering plants for the bees.

HOROSCOPE PUZZLES

By Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The New Moon and Venus rev up your relationship zone, so you’ll experience the greatest satisfaction if you share your goals and dreams with other like-minded people. Collective collaboration is the key. But you need to think long-term and be patient. Do your best to get the balance right between being creative and being productive; between having inspirational ideas and making practical progress. Resist the urge to be bossy on Friday and Saturday.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Venus (your ruling planet) and the New Moon stimulate your daily routine and wellbeing zone, so try to find a nutritious diet and fitness program that you enjoy and will stick to. But there’s the potential for a Sun-Pluto power struggle on Friday or Saturday, with an authority figure, work colleague or loved one. So calm down Bulls, and try to communicate with extra care and diplomacy, otherwise you could overreact and do or say something you later regret.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

This week your creativity and peer group zone is being activated by the New Moon and Venus, so it’s a fabulous time to create, inspire, socialise and fraternise. And an exciting new romance or friendship may be just around the corner! Are you single and looking for love? You could be introduced to your future partner via a close friend or a casual acquaintance. The weekend is productive for ticking the to-do list and catching up on a backlog of paperwork.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

A fresh start is likely on the domestic front, as Tuesday’s New Moon highlights your home zone. When it comes to relationship issues, are you trying to fix a frustrating situation? Prepare for some resistance from other people (especially your partner or a close friend). Quick fixes won’t work. You need to slow down and think things through in a realistic and responsible fashion. The weekend favours reading, writing and long-term planning.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

You’re in the mood to talk, text, tweet, publish and/or podcast as Tuesday’s New Moon activates your communication zone. Then on Friday/Saturday there’s a challenging connection between Pluto and your ruler, the Sun. So try to avoid partnership dramas, family squabbles, online arguments and run-ins with authority figures. If you are the person in charge, resist the urge to be bossy and over-bearing. Behaving like a demanding Diva will get you nowhere fast!

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Tuesday’s New Moon signals a fresh financial chapter. On Friday and Saturday, the Sun/Pluto square could stir up trouble, especially at work or within your neighbourhood. A double dose of diplomacy is required if you want to keep the peace. The focus is on long-term relationships. How to nurture them, keep them… and then let them go if you have outgrown each other. Enjoyable mutual interests are essential to satisfying romantic and platonic relationships.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

With a New Moon stimulating your sign (and Jupiter jumping through your life direction/professional zone) be more proactive about where you are heading. Don’t just sit on the fence and hope that things will magically change. It’s the ideal time to set intentions and make wishes involving personal projects, physical appearance and individual goals. Most of all… enjoy yourself! On Friday and Saturday, friends and finances are a volatile mix.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

On Thursday the Sun transits into Scorpio and on Friday/Saturday, the Sun squares powerful Pluto, which boosts your temperamental streak and your control-freak tendencies. You may feel like you’re stuck in a self-sabotaging rut or even going backwards. The more stubborn you are, the more challenging things will be. As comedian (and fellow Scorpio) John Cleese observes: “You don’t have to be the Dalai Lama to tell people that life is about change.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Tuesday’s New Moon is the perfect time to revise, reassess and reboot your Sagittarian hopes, goals and dreams. Think of creative ways you can navigate the unpredictable economic landscape, adapt professionally and pivot personally. Taskmaster Saturn encourages you to be more responsible at home and more accountable with family members. If things aren’t going well with loved ones, then it’s time to communicate clearly and cooperate often!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

It’s full steam ahead at work, as Tuesday’s New Moon activates your career zone. However, when it comes to friendships, financial matters or local community connections, things are moving a bit slower. And that’s OK! If you’re a clever Capricorn, you’ll adjust your energy and output to the required pace. Your motto is from birthday great, actress Carrie Fisher (who was born on October 21, 1956): “Sometimes the tide’s in, and sometimes it’s out.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Are you restless for physical adventure and mental challenges? The New Moon illuminates your travel and education zone, so it’s time to explore, study and experiment! Negotiation planet Venus also encourages you to compromise and hold out the olive branch of peace (especially to a stressed friend or work colleague). Attached Aquarians – don’t put your career before relationships. Singles – you could meet your soul mate while one of you is on holiday.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Someone could pressure you to reveal information that was given to you in confidence. Hence your current moral and philosophical conundrum as you ponder “Is honesty always the best policy’? With the Sun, Mercury and Mars all activating your foreign travel zone, adventure and faraway places beckon, so start planning your itinerary now. It’s also important to keep up to date with your international contacts. Who knows where they will eventually lead?

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2025

1 Who gathers information for a newspaper? (8)

2 What was the former name of Tamil Nadu? (6)

3 Which underwear garments are worn by women? (8)

4 What, formerly, was an amount of five pounds? (4)

5 What is a single respiration? (6)

6 Which person lives in seclusion? (6)

12 What is an alternative term for violent storms? (8)

13 Name a British fighter aircraft much used in WWII. (8)

15 To breathe out, is to do what? (6)

16 Name a port on Roebuck Bay WA. (6)

17 To be wicked, is to be what? (6)

20 What is the fifteenth day of March? (4)

Public toilets can be a “microbial soup”, especially when many people use them and cleaning isn’t frequent as it should be.

Is it okay to sit on public toilet seats?

Is it okay to sit on public toilet seats? It’s a good question and LOTTI TAJOURI has the answer…

If you’re a parent or have a chronic health condition that needs quick or frequent trips to the bathroom, you’ve probably mapped out the half-decent public toilets in your area.

But sometimes, you don’t have a choice and have to use a toilet that looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in weeks. Do you brave it and sit on the seat?

What if it looks relatively clean: do you still worry that sitting on the seat could make you sick?

What’s in a public toilet?

Healthy adults produce more than a litre of urine and more than 100 grams of poo daily. Everybody sheds bacteria and viruses in faeces (poo) and urine, and some of this ends up in the toilet.

Some people, especially those with diarrhoea, may shed more harmful microbes (bacteria and viruses) when they use the toilet.

Public toilets can be a “microbial soup”, especially when many people use them and cleaning isn’t frequent as it should be.

There’s also something called biofilm, a mix of germs that builds up under toilet rims and on surfaces. Are toilet seats the dirtiest part?

No. A recent study showed public toilet seats often have fewer microbes than other locations in public toilets, such as door handles, faucet knobs and toilet flush levers. These parts are touched a lot and often with unwashed hands.

Public toilets in busy places are used hundreds or even thousands of times each week. Some are cleaned often, but others (such as those in parks or bus stops) may only be cleaned once a day or much less, so germs can build up quickly. The red flags that a toilet hasn’t been cleaned are the smell of urine, soiled floors and what is obvious to your eyes. However, the biggest problem isn’t just sitting: it’s what happens when toilets are flushed. When you flush without a lid, a “toilet plume” shoots tiny droplets into the air.

These droplets can contain bacteria and viruses from the toilet bowl and travel up to two metres.

Hand dryers blowing air can also spread germs if people don’t wash properly. As well as drying your hands, you might be blowing germs all over yourself, others and the bathroom. What can you do to stay safe?

Here are some easy ways to protect yourself:

Use toilet seat covers or place toilet paper on the seat before sitting.

• If the toilet has a lid, wipe it before use with an alcohol wipe and close it before flushing to limit toilet plume exposure. (But note, this doesn’t fully stop the spread).

• Wash your hands properly for at least 20 seconds using soap and water.

• Carry hand sanitiser or antibacterial wipes to clean your hands afterwards if there isn’t any soap

• Avoid hand dryers, if you can, as they can spread germs. Use paper towels instead.

• Sanitise your phone regularly and don’t use it in the toilet. Phones often pick up and carry bacteria, especially if you use them in the bathroom

• Clean baby changing areas before and after use, and always wash or sanitise your hands.

So, is it safe to sit on public toilet seats?

For most healthy people, yes – sitting on a public toilet seat is low-risk. Most infections don’t come from the seat itself, but from dirty hands, door handles, toilet plumes and phones used in bathrooms. Instead of worrying about sitting, focus on good hygiene. That means washing your hands, opting for paper towels rather than dryers, cleaning the seat if needed, and keeping your phone clean. And please, don’t hover over the toilet. This tenses the pelvic floor, making it difficult to completely empty the bladder. And you might accidentally spray your bodily fluids.

Lotti Tajouri, associate professor, Genomics and Molecular Biology; Biomedical Sciences, Bond University. Republished from The Conversation.