ACTPS Head of Service Kathy Leigh has celebrated the 21st birthday of the service by announcing the winners of the annual ACT Public Service Awards.

“Wednesday, 1 July 2015, marked 21 years since the creation of the ACTPS. The ACTPS is small and yet it delivers the services of two levels of government, both State and Local. ACT public servants cover a full spectrum of roles: from frontline services in our hospitals, schools and emergency services, to advice on international trade and investment in the ACT, growing the ACT and regional economy and social policy,” Kathy said.

“As a result of our small size the ACTPS must deliver its services in an agile and collaborative way, working closely with our Federal, State and Regional colleagues and the community to ensure excellent service to Canberrans.

“The ACT Public Service Awards for Excellence are an annual event recognising the outstanding contribution of individuals and teams within the ACT Public Service. The awards have seven categories that are underpinned by the ACTPS values. The award categories are: Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence and Executive Leadership.

“This year our winners are exceptional examples of the ACTPS’ values in practice. In particular, I would like to recognise the Asbestos Response Taskforce. They have been recognised for their capacity to work collaboratively in pursuit of an enduring solution to the practical, financial, social and health impacts of continuing contamination of more than 1000 Canberra homes.

“I congratulate all recipients on their awards,” Ms Leigh concluded.

The 2015 ACT Public Service Awards for Excellence Winners

Respect – Disability ACT and Therapy ACT Change Management Teams

Community Services Directorate and Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
The Disability ACT and Therapy ACT Change Management Teams have been selected as the recipients of the Respect Award because of their professional, respectful efforts managing the transition for clients to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Integrity – Canberra Hospital Palliative Care Team

Health Directorate
The Canberra Hospital Palliative Care Team has worked together to take the responsibility and accountability for decisions and actions for health support and care. Each and every member of the team provides the utmost patient care with compassion, understanding, dignity and respect.

Collaboration – Joint winners University of Canberra Government Team and the Asbestos Response Taskforce.

University of Canberra (UC) Decision of Government Team
Chief Minister, Treasury and economic Development Directorate, Environmental Planning Directorate and Justice and Community Safety Directorate
The UC Decision of Government Team has been selected for its collaborative efforts to support the ACT Government’s legislative changes to enhance the University of Canberra’s ability to grow and remain competitive as an elite education provider.

Asbestos Response Taskforce
The Asbestos Response Taskforce is recognised for its outstanding capacity to work collaboratively in pursuit of an enduring solution to the practical, financial, social and health impacts of continuing contamination of more than 1000 Canberra homes. The work of the Taskforce is critical, significant and complex on so many levels and has impacted many in our community on a deeply personal level.

Innovation – Elections ACT

The Elections ACT team has been selected for creating Australia’s first interactive, online electorate boundary mapping tool to engage the public in consultation for the 2015 redistribution of electoral boundaries for the ACT Legislative Assembly.

Leadership – Joint winners Louise Owens and Michael Reid

Louise Owens
Education and Training Directorate
Louise Owens, is a creative, innovative and passionate leader who has fostered a strong and united North Ainslie community culture through her role as the Principal of North Ainslie Primary School.

Michael Reid
Community Services Directorate
Michael Reid has shown exceptional leadership over the past 12 months in his stewardship in Care and Protection Services and Youth Services Case Management Integrated Management Systems projects.

Excellence – Joyce Thanabal

Health Directorate
Joyce has been recognised for her work as a Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Canberra Community Dialysis Unit. She is a highly skilled and compassionate leader who has lead her team through much organisational change.

Executive Leadership – John Hinchey

Justice and Community Services
John Hinchey has had almost 25 years’ experience in the ACT criminal justice system and a strong sense of social justice. As the ACT’s Victims of Crime Commissioner for over five years, he has strengthened the relationship between key agencies, introduced new systems of triaging and case management, and has been instrumental in driving consideration to reforming the victims of crime compensation scheme.

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JOY Burch has welcomed last night’s decision by the Australian Education Union ACT Council to endorse in principle the third offer made under Enterprise Bargaining Agreement negotiations.

“Under the terms of the deal more than half of all teachers in the ACT will be earning $100,000 or more by the end of the agreement as a result of a 12.6% pay rise over four years,” Joy said.

“The ACT Government will also provide $7 million in additional funding to assist teachers with administrative tasks, and a further $900,000 will be allocated to the employment of more school psychologists.

“The new agreement will also include back pay for ACT public school teachers.

“With the further investments in administrative support, we believe this deal will address the key concerns raised by the AEU. We are pleased the AEU agrees in principle and is supportive of this deal.”

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STEVE Doszpot says the Barr government needs to better explain its land swap plans involving the Manuka Occasional Childcare Centre (MOCCA), Telopea Park School and the Canberra Services Club.

“Many residents in Manuka and Griffith have raised concerns about the lack of transparency from the Barr government. The land swap issue has been problematic causing concerns for stakeholders and it should have been better dealt with by the Barr government from the beginning,” Steve said.

“There has been stress placed on the Telopea Park School community, leading the Parents and Citizens Association to express no confidence in Education Minister Joy Burch over the matter. MOCCA has also been calling for answers. For months Andrew Barr had shown little interest in getting the issue resolved through community consultation.

“It appears the cycle of adhoc government decision making continues, as now some Griffith residents are concerned about the lack of consultation. They need clarity about what the plans are, with suggestions that a site for MOCCA is being sought near the Griffith shops.

“Everyone I speak to who will be impacted, believes the government has done a poor job managing the issue. If Andrew Barr cannot manage a land swap, how can the government be trusted to deliver other local services,” Mr Doszpot concluded.

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ANDREW Barr, Shane Rattenbury and Yvette Berry have opened “Common Ground” in Gungahlin, a unique housing project intended to tackle homelessness in Canberra.

The Government has invested $13 million into the project, which provides 20 units for people experiencing homelessness, and a further 20 units offered as affordable rental accommodation.

“Common Ground would not have been possible without the support of the community, businesses and organisations in the area. This is a collaborative project, and I must particularly thank the board of Common Ground Canberra, Northside Community Service, Argyle, Ikea Canberra and the Snow Foundation for their support,” Andrew said.

“Common Ground shows us what can be achieved when government, business, the community sector and the wider community work together for such a great cause.

“The project was an item in the Labor-Greens Parliamentary Agreement and I thank Minister Shane Rattenbury for his support of this project.

Yvette said that the aim of Common Ground was to successfully end chronic homelessness through housing the most vulnerable people in our community.

“It’s not a crisis service or shelter to homeless people – it’s a permanent housing solution,” Yvette said.

“Common Ground is different from traditional homelessness support services because it locates safe and secure accommodation directly with vital supports and services that are critical to helping tenants get the support they need to help break the cycle of homelessness.

“It’s important to acknowledge the significant community support Common Ground has received from groups like the Canberra Quilters, the Uniting Church Gungahlin, the Majura Men’s Shed, the Orana Steiner School, the CWA and many other generous community donors.

“This is an important day for everyone that has supported Common Ground, but it isn’t the end and I look forward to continuing to work together to build an even stronger and more supportive community here at Common Ground into the future.”

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ACT Policing is seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing man Daemon Wolfe.

Daemon was last seen leaving a house in Greenway on foot about 4.30pm yesterday (Thursday 2 July) and was last heard from about 7pm last night.

Daemon is described as being a Caucasian man, 5’10” (178cm) tall with a slim build, dark brown hair and short facial stubble.

When he was last seen, Daemon was wearing a grey beanie, a dark coloured jumper, black track paints with a stripe down the side of each leg and black and white jogging shoes.

Police hold concerns for his welfare.

Police are urging anyone who has seen or heard from Daemon to contact ACT Policing on 131-444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. Police remind people they should not report crime information via Facebook and Twitter pages.

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THE posters for the Spicy Ginger Noodle Bar make great play of their Chinese charcoal grill which I found intriguing.

They offer a “signature” lunch pack of three grilled meat skewers (lamb, beef, and chicken) with salad and rice for $7.99, a small can of coke was $1 extra.

They’re in the spot on Garema Place across from the games store where many a Chinese restaurant has come and gone over the last 15 years or so.

When I got there at 12.30pm there weren’t many customers but there was a lot of mess on the tables. The kitchen staff didn’t seem particularly thrilled to be working either.

You order at the cash register and get a receipt and then wait for your number to be called. For the noodle dishes this was pretty swift, but less so for the skewers. Number 21 came up long before my number 18 for the lunch pack.

They have chillies in oil on every table and with a whack of that over my sticks it turned into a pretty enjoyable meal.

They need to work on the experience. But what you get for the price is worth checking out.

[This article is the twenty sixth in a series on cheap lunches to be found in and around the city. If you have any suggestions leave them in the comments or email them to john@citynews.com.au . The complete series can be found on our cheap lunches tag]

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RUNNING for 128 minutes, London-born filmmaker Asif Kapadia’s documentary about jazz singer Amy Winehouse is a collage of interviews with family and people involved in her life and career and movie images from her family archives and, not surprisingly, the media scavenging that no celebrity can avoid.

That intro, stating the bleeding obvious, should surprise nobody. Kapadia punctuates interviews, conversations, performances and still pix with an eclectic catalogue of moving images made of and around this young woman of Jewish extraction that should, rightly, have ended up in the editing suite trash can.

Backed by noisy music (percussion, plucked strings, voice – Amy insisted she never wanted strings backing her) those punctuations deliver visual interventions that are any or all of unfocused, badly lit, with content uncomposed or irrelevant. They drove me to the border of nausea.

Kapadia obviously had reasons for this invasion of an otherwise intelligent film that invites the filmgoer to take their minds beyond what’s on the screen and ask “why?” and “how?”. I interpret them as metaphors for the mental befuddlement that alcohol, party drugs, physical fatigue from a demanding profession and exhausting professional and personal relationships that blighted Amy’s life and took more from her than they gave back.

Amy wrote the lyrics of most of a repertoire that exposed her emotional turmoil. Helpfully, the texts accompany them on the screen. Hearing them with eyes closed often does not make them clear.

Her natural singing voice came from the adenoids more than the larynx. Like all modern jazz or rock singers, her voice would be close to inaudible were she not giving a blowjob to the microphone.

Kapadia’s construction of the film’s denouement is a masterly compendium of unhappy portents rising to the inevitable crescendo on the footpath outside her London house. The film makes no reference to the disposal of her estate. It provides the filmgoer with a sorrowful coda. Throughout, it does scant credit to the media, the music industry, her family or her lovers, who all exploited her.

With one exception. Near the end, an all-too-short passage during which Amy and Tony Bennett rehearse a duet is beautiful. And Bennett is in no doubt, as those moments confirm, that Amy was a jazz singer equal to those greats Ella and Billie.

At Palace Electric

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NOW that Arnold Schwarzenegger has retired from gubernatorial duties, the best description for the timeline in the screenplay that Laeta Kalogridis and Patrick Loussier confected to wring more juice from the Terminator franchise is “crazy”.

Arnie once again plays the android Guardian sent in the first Terminator film to kill Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke) and who, after a change of heart, becomes Sarah’s protector. Australian Jai Courtney plays Kyle, sent back to 1982 by John Connor (Queensland-born Jason Clarke) to save his mother who is at risk of being destroyed when Skynet in 2017 is about to destroy humanity before climate change does so.

If you think that’s confusing, don’t be alarmed or distressed. You’ve chosen to watch “Terminator: Genisys” because either you are a “Terminator” fan from way back or you’re bored and need a mindless diversion.

From out there beyond the known universe in a time that has yet to arrive, a society of antagonistic animal or mechanical beings is sending its colonisers to dispossess us puny earthlings from our home turf and prepare it for occupation.

That plot became rancid long ago. What it now says to us mere earthlings is: “Buy a ticket to see the new impossibilities we’ve created for your entertainment”.

The film’s best moments are when 68-years-old Arnie smiles. He knows what it’s about. The Guardian’s builders programmed it to arrange its face just so when it wants to display pleasure. It’s a satire on Arnold Schwarzenegger. And very funny self mockery. Well done, big fella.

At all cinemas

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The Master Builder’ Association says CFMEU members tore up their membership cards at a protest in Dickson today.

According to the Executive Director of the MBA ACT Kirk Coningham more than 50 construction workers, including eight formwork companies and their employees, protested outside of the ACT CFMEU’s offices against union attempts to force them out of work.

“Our members reported that union officials had been on sites over the past two weeks telling these small businesses that they were no longer allowed to work in the ACT and that their workers had to apply for jobs with larger formwork operators with union EBA’s,” Kirk said.

“You have to admire the courage of these hard working people. It takes great strength to stand up to such a powerful and wealthy organisation knowing full well they will be attacked and further bullied for making a stand.

“But fundamental rights are at stake here. A law-abiding business should be left to succeed or fail based on the value it brings to clients. It should never be dependent on the whims of an outside entity with its own commercial interests.

“Even more importantly, these workers should be allowed to choose who they want to work for, not be told who they must work for. The union is removing this fundamental choice from the very people they are supposed to support. Little wonder union cards are being torn up in response.

“We hope that the proud example set by these small businesses and workers will encourage others in the industry to break their silence and stand up against the bullying and intimidation that has become part of the construction industry here in Canberra.

“We also hope that the rest of the union movement stands with us in supporting the rights of these workers and the good name of the union movement that does such excellent work particularly here in the Territory.”

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Annie Byron, left, and Paula Delaney Nazarski in “Head Full of Love”. Photo by JamesPhoto

It builds on the tradition of indigenous theatre that is, in the words of its director, “…one of only a few ways to speak our stories on to the public record and communicate with a wider community.”

It’s a story of two older women, which in itself is unusual.  Towards the end of the play, Tilley (Paula Delaney Nazarski) an Aboriginal woman from Alice Springs, tells Nessa (Annie Byron) a white woman from Sydney, that she needn’t worry about being found by the authorities that pursue her, because no one sees old women.

It’s always a pleasure to watch seasoned, accomplished actors ply their trade and these two are each other’s perfect foil. They meet during the annual Alice Springs Beanie Festival when Nessa flees Sydney to escape a mental health facility and a fractured family relationship. While their backgrounds are poles apart, both women face grief and loss over their families, and their own kinds of ill health. A friendship develops between them and we discover a world of chronic poverty where diabetes and kidney disease are endemic.

Designer Simone Romaniuk uses corrugated iron, milk-crate furniture and well-placed projected images to conjure up the land around Alice Springs.  The quirky and beautiful crocheted beanies created throughout the play are objects into which stories and feelings are both literally and metaphorically woven.

This show is powerful without being bombastic and moving without sentimentality. “Head Full of Love” is touring Australia until late September and is commended and recommended.

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Firefighters have returned to Canberra Concrete Recyclers, Pialligo Ave, Pialligo to work on continuing to extinguish a fire in a pile of builders waste.

ACT Fire & Rescue was notified last night at 8 o’clock by an Emergency Triple Zero (000) call and went to the scene to begin operations in putting out the fire. Crews worked through the night and made the area safe covering the pile of builders waste with foam solution. Due to safety concerns, crews left the scene at approximately 10pm due to the darkness and the nature of the material in the area.

Firefighters have returned today at first light with two Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) tankers and one Commander to continue operations. Heavy plant machinery on site is also being used to allow firefighters to get to the seat of the fire.

The size of the builders waste pile is approximately 40 metres x 30 metres.

Volunteer firefighters from the ACT Rural Fire Service have also been called to assist in fire operations at the builders waste fire.

Two CAFS tankers, one bulk water carrier, one heavy tanker and an officer have joined the units from ACT Fire & Rescue.

Firefighters continue to extinguish the burning pile which is isolated from other areas of the business.

11:12

Firefighters are continuing to extinguish the builders waste fire and operations are expected to continue through the day and into the evening.

As a result of the Pialligo fire, some smoke has impacted on parts of Canberra and surrounding districts.

14:28

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TWO men in a white Toyota Camry are alleged to have been responsible for three aggravated burglaries in Wanniassa, Mitchell and Mawson early this morning.

About 5am, police received a report that two men had used a crowbar to force the front doors of the Coles Express Service Station on Sangster Place, Wanniassa, robbing the tills and the cigarette cabinet. They also took off with bags of confectionary and a drink. The offenders fled in the white car with no registration plates.

About 5.20am, police were alerted to a car being driven into the front doors of Repco, on Hoskins Street, Mitchell. Two men were seen to leave the area in the white car, this time without headlights on. The business appeared to have been ransacked, though police are yet to confirm if any items were stolen during the incident.

By 5.50am, police were responding to an aggravated burglary at the Woolworths petrol station on Mawson Drive, Mawson, where the two offenders, wearing masks and gloves, gained entry by damaging the front doors and took a number of items. The Camry was seen leaving the area.

The offenders were described as being men of slim build and about 5’9” to 5’11” (175cm to 180cm) tall, wearing hooded jumpers, masks and gloves.

Police are seeking witnesses and CCTV footage in the surrounding areas. All premises were unoccupied at the time of the incidents.

Anyone who may have witnessed the aggravated burglaries or any suspicious activity early this morning at Wanniassa, Mitchell or Mawson are urged to call 1800 333 000, or via act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. 

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AS seen in Civic this morning.

Canberra’s street art ground zero at Tocumwal Lane also sports a surprising collection of derelict bollards.

Seen something around town? Take a picture and send it in to john@citynews.com.au .

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THE ATO is warning the public to be aware of an aggressive phone scam circulating where fraudsters are intimidating people into paying a fake tax debt over the phone by threatening jail or arrest.

Second Commissioner Geoff Leeper says the ATO is very concerned about taxpayer privacy and is reminding people of the key differences between a scam of this nature and a genuine call from the ATO.

“We make thousands of outbound calls to taxpayers a week, but there are some key differences to a legitimate call from the ATO and a call from a potential scammer” Geoff said.

“We would never cold call you about a debt; we would never threaten jail or arrest, and our staff certainly wouldn’t behave in an aggressive manner. If you’re not sure, hang up and call us back on 13 28 69.”

Things to remember

• The ATO would never cold call you about a debt. If you have a debt you will receive a letter or SMS to remind you that a payment is due in the first instance.
• The ATO would never threaten jail or arrest.
• If you receive a call from the ATO and are concerned about its legitimacy, ask for the caller’s name and phone them back through the ATO’s switchboard on 13 28 69.

Geoff says that scammers pretending to be from the ATO are generally more common during tax time and encouraged people to be vigilant and to protect their personal information.

If people think they may have fallen victim to a phone scam they should contact the ATO on 13 28 69.

For more information and examples of recent scams visit the ATO website or SCAMwatch.

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THE ACT Asbestos Taskforce has been tweeting as the first demolitions of bought-back “Mr Fluffy” houses began in Wanniassa this morning.

You can follow the action below.

Tweets by @TaskforceACT

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ACT Policing is seeking witnesses to multiple incidents of vehicle damage that occurred in Turner yesterday (Sunday, July 5).

ACT Policing responded to reports of 22 vehicles and six storage units being damaged in McLeay Street, while two vehicles and three storage units were damaged in Condamine Street.

Police believe these incidents are linked and may have occurred between 1am and 4am.

Officer-in-Charge of City Station, Acting Station Sergeant Carolyn Uhe said if your vehicle was damaged on Sunday morning ACT Policing would encourage you to contact Police Operations on 131444.

“It’s obvious those responsible for these mindless acts of vehicle and property damage have no idea how upsetting their actions are to the owners of the motor vehicles,” Acting Station Sergeant Uhe said.

“It is very distressing for the victims to find their vehicles and property damaged and personal belongings stolen.”

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have any information that could assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. Police remind people they should not report crime information via Facebook and Twitter pages.

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JOY Burch has expressed her sadness over the passing of CIT Chief Executive Adrian Marron following his long battle with illness.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time,” Joy said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the many staff and students at CIT who worked so closely with Adrian.

“It was clear from the very beginning of my time working with Adrian that he was a man who possessed great skill and experience in vocational and skills education and in public TAFE in particular.

“I was pleased to work with Adrian. He had passion, skill and foresight and was a true servant of the public good.

“He will be missed, but his legacy will continue through the many students’ lives he influenced and through the institution, CIT, that he made so strong.”

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SIMON Corbell has announced new laws to allow venues to establish outdoor bars.

“This is great news for Canberra’s hospitality industry,” Simon said.

“The ACT Government recognises that the sector is evolving, and the removal of these historic constraints on the service of alcohol will let venues provide the sort of service Canberrans are seeking.

“These new laws will allow venues with approvals for patrons to drink alcohol in outdoor dining areas to serve alcohol from a bar set up in the outdoor dining area.

“Currently the Liquor Regulation 2010 prohibits outdoor dining areas at licensed premises having a bar.

“The prohibition exists for historic reasons which are no longer relevant in today’s society, and is an unnecessary constraint on business and customer service.

“This reform is an example of the ACT Government’s commitment to an ongoing program of reforms to reduce regulatory burdens for business.”

Information to assist businesses seeking to establish a new outdoor bar, including easy-to-follow advice on what approvals may be required, is contained in A Guide for Outdoor Bars available on the Access Canberra website www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au

The guide provides information on issues to consider when setting up an outdoor bar, such as staffing, security and safety requirements. It also outlines the approval process for simple setups and for more complex proposals, such as those that require a permanent structure.

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