CLEANING and horticultural work will be impacted in the Woden and Weston Creek region this week following a vandalism attack last night at the ACT Government’s Holder depot.

“Unfortunately our Holder depot was attacked last night by a vandal who cut through security fencing before smashing windows and damaging tyres on eight cleaning and horticultural vehicles,” said Jane Carder, Manager, Place Management, Territory and Municipal Services.

“The vandalism is similar to that experienced at ACT Parks and Conservation’s Athllon depot in June. It is very disappointing as it will impact on cleaning areas of the city like Woden bus station and district parks in the Woden and Weston Creek region.

“We are assisting ACT Policing in their investigation into the incident and are providing them with CCTV footage of the incident.

“Staff resources now need to be redirected towards fixing the damage as quickly as possible so that we can get the vehicles back on the road and our staff delivering core municipal services.

“To report incidents of vandalism or suspicious behaviour please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.”

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SOME filmgoers might consider Uberto Pasolini’s gentle study of a man whom life’s pleasures have bypassed to be banal, shallow, lacking dramatic bite.  

But, as well as providing actor Eddie Marsan with a career-elevating role, it stands for the little man whom we might not notice as we go about our exciting lives.

Borough Council clerk John deals with people who’ve died without known relatives or friends. Watching his meticulous personal and working styles without visible enjoyments or diversions so pervades our perception of him that we might easily overlook that John’s situation parallels those of his clients.

That even tenor stops suddenly when his supervisor tells him that his position has been rationalised away. His last case is Billy, a Falklands war para, no other details. From skimpy initial clues, John travels around England to locate people who knew Billy in order to discover what kind of man he was.

The target audience for “Still Life” will be people of conscience and goodwill rather than seekers for excitement. The film turns out to be a detective story quite unlike the general example of that genre, a gentle journey among joy, laughter, sorrow, admiration, grief, achievement against seemingly impossible obstacles and other satisfying human understandings. No violence, no angry conflicts, no unbearable tensions, merely a steady and absorbing search for truth in a progress toward a double-barrelled denouement that some may find ingenious, even sad. But not without charm. And Eddie Marsan’s performance is virtuoso.

At Palace Electric

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KATY Gallagher has opened a new health care service at Civic’s Early Morning Centre to provide health care to Canberra’s homeless.

“The ACT Government, through our support funding to general practise has provided additional funding to establish a new treatment space within the Early Morning Centre, professionally fitted out to provide a clinical space for weekly visits from a GP and Nurse Practitioner service.”

The Interchange General Practice and the National Health Cooperative, supported by the ACT Medicare Local will deliver the health care services every Wednesday morning over a two hour period.

“The Early Morning Centre is a safe place for those who need to grab breakfast and other support services and so it makes sense to provide health care services close to where people already feel comfortable attending,” the Chief Minister said.

“We know that many homeless and vulnerable people feel unable to access mainstream health services and it’s just great to see our local primary care services joining together to provide this crucial service.”

Initially the new service will operate for a 12 month trial period during which an evaluation of the service will be undertaken along with feedback from patients to see whether the service meets their needs.

“I would like to thank the ACT Medicare Local, the Interchange General Practise and the National Health Co-operative, for their support of this initiative and for their ongoing support and care of the Canberra community’s most vulnerable citizens,” the Chief Minister concluded.

The Early Morning Centre runs at 69 Northbourne Avenue.

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THE Australian Sex Party has announced they’re setting their sights on the next ACT election with a core team of five.

“A five-person founding committee headed by Director Jorian Gardner and Australian Sex Party Federal President Fiona Patten has been formed to take the party towards 2016 elections in the ACT. Steven Bailey who takes on the role of ACT Election Team Leader and Party First Officer, Deborah Avery who is ASP Canberra Branch Secretary and Robbie Swan who is policy and communications manager make up the committee,” the party wrote in a statement.

“I believe that Canberra has changed over the last decade – even just the last few years”, said Director Jorian Gardner. “Our city is a vibrant, smart, forward-thinking community and I don’t think our political parties have moved with the times to reflect changing community views.”

The party has presented a wishlist of policies they think are a good idea:

• Taxation and regulation of the supply of Marijuana and other personal drug law reform
• Gender & Marriage Equality
• Affordable public transport for the ACT including light rail
• Greater budget accountability including lower ACT Budget deficits
• Restrictions of government and commercial data retention
• Legal euthanasia
• Increased support to Canberra small businesses including red-tape reduction
• Non-traditional farming practice for the ACT
• A secular education system with a National Sex Education Curriculum
• Increased support for the Arts
• National Censorship Laws
• National Pregnancy Termination Laws
• Ending tax exemptions for religion

The party has a facebook group which they invite you to like.

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THE “CityNews” team was particularly taken with the devastation wrought on this shopping trolley seen outside the Canberra Centre yesterday.

If any readers would like to speculate on what tale of woe had befallen the trolley before its return home we’d love to hear it.

Have you seen something worth sharing around Canberra? Email it in to john@citynews.com.au .

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THE names of the seven members elected to the ACT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body were announced today by the ACT Electoral Commissioner, Phillip Green.

Mr Rod Little, Chair ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body raises the Aboriginal flag. Photo by Silas Brown

“Counting for the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body election took place today, using the Hare-Clark proportional representation system. A total of 377 votes was admitted to the count,” Mr Green said.

The successful candidates in the order in which they were successful are:

• Rod Little
• Fred Monaghan
• Dianne Collins
• Jo Chivers
• Jo Donovan
• Maurice Walker
• Ross Fowler

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ACTEW Water will be undertaking necessary work in the Ngunnawal area tomorrow – Wednesday 23 July – which may result in temporary discolouration of water at some properties.

Streets that may be impacted are those bordered by Horse Park Drive, Burrumarra Avenue, and Taylor Street in Ngunnawal and Mirrabei Drive in Amaroo. The necessary work being undertaken by ACTEW will provide for new connections for neighbouring residential suburbs.

Whilst it is difficult to predict to what degree the water will be affected, ACTEW Water advises that flushing will not assist to clear the water at this time, and that any impact should clear with normal use throughout the day. If customers experience ongoing discolouration beyond Wednesday, please contact the ACTEW Water customer helpline on 6248 3111.

ACTEW Water Customers are advised not to use washing machines and dishwashers during this period of possible water discolouration, as it may stain clothing or clog filters.

ACTEW Water would like to take this opportunity to apologise to our customers in the Ngunnawal area for any short term inconvenience this important work may cause.

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THE Australian Railway Historical Society (ACT Division) has been in touch with the thrilling news that after a 7 year restoration their titanic Garrett steam engine is close to running.

“6029 will be in steam this Friday and Saturday, if all goes well it will move under its own power around the museum tracks,” said Alan Gardnerof ARHS-ACT.

There’s more information on this huge project on the restoration’s blog.

This is a special one for the trainspotters.

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ACT Policing has charged an 18-year-old Curtin man following the aggravated robbery of a bus driver in Civic last night (Wednesday, July 23).

About 11.35pm, a male caught an ACTION bus from Watson to the City Bus Interchange. He was the sole passenger on the bus. Once the bus arrived at the City Bus Interchange the male approached the bus driver, produced a Stanley knife and demanded cash. The driver complied and handed over a bag of cash, mostly coins. The offender then fled on foot towards City Walk and the bus driver reported the incident to police.

About 12.45am, police noticed a male matching the description of the offender walking through Bega Court, Reid. The male fled when he sighted police. Police gave chase on foot and apprehended the male, who was in possession of a Stanley knife and a large number of coins in various denominations.

The male was conveyed to the Watch House and charged with aggravated robbery. He will face the ACT Magistrates Court later this morning.

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via www.act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

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Firefighters have extinguished a fire at a home in Hodgson Crescent, Pearce this morning which has caused some minor damage to the lounge room with heat and smoke damage to the rest of the three bedroom house.

ACT Fire & Rescue were notified following an Emergency Triple Zero (000) call at 3.53am and found a fire had spread from a wood fireplace.

Three occupants evacuated the home. One 45-year-old male patient was treated by ACT Ambulance Service intensive care paramedics for minor smoke inhalation and was not taken to hospital.

Two fire pumpers, one Commander and the Breathing Apparatus Van attended the fire and crews will shortly depart the scene.

4:47 AM

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SIMON Corbell says the ACT Ambulance service now has the best priority one response times at the 90th percentile of any Australian capital city, according to an independent review.

Simon says the report showed significant financial investment from the ACT Government had led to major improvements in the structure, governance and performance of the ACT Ambulance Service.

Evaluating the implementation of key recommendations arising from the 2010 Lennox Review into the ACTAS the report found major improvements right across the service, including:

• The ACT now has the best priority one response times at the 90th percentile of any capital city in Australia.
• ACTAS has reduced its ambulance attrition level from 10% per annum – the worst of all Australian ambulance services – to 2.6%, which is far below the national average rate.
• Overall patient satisfaction has increased from 96% to 98% and paramedic attitude has increased from 97% to 99%.

  “The original Lennox Review, released in May 2010, made a number of recommendations that required major reform to areas of clinical governance, front-line resourcing, service delivery models and management team capacity to better prepare ACTAS to meet growing demand and continue to provide the high quality of ambulance services that the ACT community enjoy,” Mr Corbell said.

  “The government responded to these recommendations, with increased recurrent and capital funding of $35 million being provided to ACTAS in successive budgets since 2011-12, which has enabled the successful implementation of such major reforms over the past four years.”

  Mr Grant Lennox, who was engaged to evaluate progress against his original recommendations, states that “my evaluation findings are overwhelmingly positive, reflecting great credit on the ACT Government for allocating significant additional resources to ACTAS to ensure provision of a first class responsive ambulance service to serve the ACT community”.

  In the report Mr Lennox states: “The Government’s Funding injection to ensure the provision of a first class ambulance service to serve the ACT community has led to a revitalisation of the ACT Ambulance Service.

  “The energized management team now leads a professional workforce better focused on patient safety, clinical excellence and response performance.

  “All key areas of ACTAS from ambulance communications through to frontline emergency response, clinical governance, patient safety and complaints handling have all improved substantially, demonstrating a commitment to provision of a first class service.”The Government’s funding injection to ensure provision of a first class
  Mr Corbell said it was pleasing news in light of the increasing demand for ambulance services in the territory, which have increased from 34,000 responses in 2007-08 to 43,000 in 2012-13.

  “I join Mr Lennox in commending ACTAS staff and the Transport Workers Union for their shared contribution in successfully implementing such wide ranging reforms targeted at strengthening the service to the benefit of the ACT community,” Mr Corbell said.

  The post Ambulance service numbers much improved appeared first on Canberra CityNews.

SIMON Corbell has announced a review into the Residential Tenancy Act to ensure the Act operates effectively and fairly.

“This is an important review that will ensure we have an appropriate balance between the rights of tenants and landlords,” Mr Corbell said.

“It gives everyone an opportunity to have their say about whether the law is operating fairly and effectively.”

The review will also examine issues relating to share housing, sustainability in rental homes and the standard of rental accommodation.

“I invite all members of the community who are interested in residential tenancy issues and the operation of the Act to look at the discussions papers on Justice and Community Safety website at www.justice.act.gov.au and to make a submission by 12 September 2014.

“There is also an online survey if people prefer to provide input this way.”

To assist people with their submissions, the first discussion paper raises issues facing all tenants and landlords, such as the terms of a tenancy agreement, sustainability in rental accommodation, share housing, and end of tenancy issues.

A second discussion paper focuses on social housing, discussing issues that relate to Housing and Community Services as a landlord and social housing tenants.

“I look forward to receiving the community’s feedback to assist with our review of the Residential Tenancies Act.”

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CANBERRANS are again being urged to report infestations of the pest plant Madagascan Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) after it was discovered in Coombs.

“Fireweed was discovered on Monday at several locations around a pond in Coombs,” Stephen Hughes, Biosecurity Manager, Territory and Municipal Services said.

“Unlike the Fireweed infestations found last week on public and private land in Forde, Franklin, Chisholm, Casey, Lyneham and Crace, the recent incursion in Coombs is not associated with imported couch turf. We would like to stress to residents to look beyond areas with couch turf for Fireweed infestations.

“ACT Government weed management staff are undertaking a program to control the weed incursion as quickly as possible and remove the plants before they flower and their seeds spread. Our weeds team will be conducting further surveys to determine the extent of the infestation and will also conduct letterbox drops and erect signage in affected areas.

“Madagascan Fireweed is a small multi-stemmed daisy-like plant with bright yellow flowers often with 13 petals. It is often 10 to 60 centimetres tall. Like a daisy, the weed produces fluffy wind borne seeds. Plants can produce tens of thousands of seeds, making it highly invasive.

A major concern is the toxicity of Madagascan Fireweed to horses and grazing livestock as it can cause liver damage in these animals similar to the effects of in Paterson’s Curse.

“Madagascan Fireweed is considered one of the most damaging weeds to grazing land and the environment. It initially invades land along roadsides before spreading into neighbouring pastures and nature reserves. Locating and eradicating the weed quickly will save the ACT significant expenditure in future weed control and protect our native fauna and grazing lands.

“Due to its bright yellow flowers, Madagascan Fireweed is likely to be noticed by passing motorists. I urge residents to report Madagascan Fireweed and help us manage the infestation. Residents who remove this weed should wear gloves, as it can irritate the skin, and double bag the weed when disposing of it to ensure it is not spread further.

“The ACT Government is reminding local businesses and residents that it is illegal to intentionally or recklessly import a pest plant into the ACT, with fines being up to $5,500. It is also an offence to intentionally or recklessly propagate a pest plant in the ACT.”

Madagascan Fireweed sightings can be emailed to fireweed@act.gov.au or reported to Canberra Connect on 13 22 81. Take note of the exact location of the sighting and include a photo of the plant for confirmation. For more information about weeds, visit the Weeds of National Significance website at www.weeds.org.au/WoNS/fireweed/

[Photo by Michael Coleman]

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SAUNTERING down London Circuit this cold grey morning I couldn’t help but be taken by this wonderful example of a personalised plate.

It’s not entirely clear what sort of thought process leads to this kind of outcome, but we thank the owner.

If you’ve seen something interesting around town do please take a picture and send it in to john@citynews.com.au .

The post As seen in Civic… When you’re just not sure if it’s your car? appeared first on Canberra CityNews.

Firefighters are currently on scene at Chapple Close, Isaacs investigating a smoke-logged, double-storey house.

A single occupant has self evacuated.

Update to follow.

10:44 AM

Firefighters are now investigating the roof space of the home to try and find the source of the smoke.

No fire at this stage.

Then occupant made an Emergency Triple Zero (000) call at 10.20am.

Update to follow.

10:59 AM

ACT Fire & Rescue has discovered the cause of the smoke to be from an air conditioning unit in the roof space.

Firefighters are now ventilating the home.

Two fire pumpers are on scene along with the Breathing Apparatus Van and two Commanders. The Hazardous Materials unit has also been requested to shortly commence atmospheric monitoring before the resident can return to the home.

11:10 AM

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CANBERRA’S Office of Regulatory Services has produced a fact sheet on how real-estate agents can prevent property fraud, in the wake of a South African scam coming to town.

They have this advice for homeowners:

• Regularly check that their property manager/agent has their current and correct contact details on file.
• Set up a password or secret question that will confirm their identity when dealing with their property manager/agent.
• Ensure that their property manager/agent has a process in place to verify any requests to change their contact details by sending notifications to both the old and new addresses, both electronic and postal.
• Ensure that their property manager/agent has their correct signature on file and that they check signed documents to confirm they match.
• Protect their personal information and prevent identity theft by using secured mailboxes for mail deliveries and shredding or burning letters before disposing of them.
• Be wary of giving their personal and/or financial information to third parties, either by phone or email.
• Regularly change passwords to their email and banking accounts.
• Never click on any links contained in emails from unknown sources.
• Install anti-virus/anti-malware software on their computer and keep it up-to-date.

As for real estate agents, they have this advice:

“In order to protect your business from involvement in a possible scam, it is essential that you have a due diligence framework in place which alerts you to potential improper activity or conduct,” the fact sheet says.

“It is imperative to ensure that the person you are dealing with is the real owner of a property.

“You should be especially vigilant if the client is overseas or remote, or if dealings with that person are not face-to-face and unreasonable excuses are given for their unavailability to meet.

Be alert to the following warning signs that may indicate suspicious contact from people other than the owner of a property:

• A recent change in address or other contact details that has occurred at the time or shortly before receiving instructions to sell a property are received.
• Contacting an agency via email or phone to request that all future correspondence be sent to a new email address and all contact be made via a new phone number.
• New email addresses are generic such as Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail.
• The transaction involves people located overseas, or documents issued overseas, especially from countries known for scams.
• There is a request for funds to be sent to a different bank account to that normally used by the client including, but not limited to, offshore accounts.
• Advice is received that the sale is urgent, for example, because of an overseas investment opportunity.
• Comments by the ‘vendor’ that, if the sale is successful or quick, future work or other incentives will be provided to you as the agent.
• The use of poor English and poor grammar which was not apparent in other correspondence from the real owner.
• Supplying a signature which does not match the copy of an owner’s signature held on your files.
• Supplying photocopies of a fraudulent passport, driver’s licence or other proof of identity document. These fraudulent documents may feature identical identification photos despite being issued several years apart.

The post Tips to stop scammers selling your house appeared first on Canberra CityNews.

THE old conference room at the Namadgi Visitor Centre has been converted into the new Namadgi Community Access Exhibition Space.

Namadgi Visitor Centre

An exhibition of artworks by the National Parks Association of the ACT, side by side with Ngunnawal paintings and artefacts, will celebrate the opening of the new space.

National Parks and Catchments, Business Operations and Visitor Services Deputy Manager, Jennifer Griffiths, said the show, which opened yesterday, would be the first of many great displays in the revamped space.

The idea is to host exhibitions for a variety of indigenous and non-indigenous artists, Ms Griffiths said.

“The plan is to have a new exhibition every three months, giving the public the opportunity to experience art in the natural setting provided by Namadgi National Park.” She added that they would be working closely with the Tuggeranong Arts Centre to organise exhibitions.

It’s sensible that they’ve opened in July, giving organisers a couple of months to plan for their next exhibition in October, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the park.

Namadgi Community Access Exhibition Space, Naas Rd Tharwa, opening hours 9am -4pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday. Inquiries 6207 2900

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WHEN I chat to people about beer, it still surprises me how little people recognise American beer. Many people associate America with bad beer, beers like Coors lite, Bud lite etc… This perception was developed through the halcyon years up to the 1980′s where, much like Australia, stock standard lagers, devoid of taste or any discernible characteristics flooded the market.

In 1981, just 80 breweries existed in the United States. It wasn’t until the work by Jim Koch of the Boston Beer Company (Sam Adams) in the mid 1980′s as well brew pubs like Manhattan Brewing Co. and Yakima Brewing and Malting Co. that American beer finally began to bounce back. These early craft beer pioneers have now helped the resurgence that now sees well over 3,000 breweries in operation in the United States.

The epicentre of craft beer in the United States is the West Coast but, although a point of conjecture, the hub of craft beer in the United States is probably found in Oregon.

Undoubtedly, residents of California, Colorado and Maine might have a thing or two to say about this. Oregon currently has 173 brewing companies operating within the state, with its largest city Portland, being the city with the most breweries in the world.

I sat down recently with Andy Waters, sales representative with Bridgeport, an Oregon brewery who are celebrating 30 years of service to the craft beer market. It’s interesting to note that iconic Australian craft beer Little Creatures Pale Ale was in fact developed by the doyen of Australian craft beer, Phil Sexton, with a recipe he took back after working at Bridgeport.

Andy Waters sees Australia taking up the American beers more and more. During Canberra craft beer week last year, the RUC (Rugby Union Club) put Bridgeport’s Kingpin (a red ale) and Hop Czar (a hugely hoppy IPA beer) on tap and received great feedback.

Speaking with Marc Grainger of the Transit Bar, he’s excited by the prospect of his bar taking on the American beer market and putting on Bridgeport’s Kingpin and their iconic Pale Ale.

King O’Malleys, in Civic, have also had great success with their American beers. The behemoth Canberra Irish pub, whilst not neglecting their roots, they have faded out some of their green, white and orange for the traditional stars and stripes, pouring Sierra Nevada Pale Ale on tap, as well as stocking beers by Rogue (of Oregon) and Founders IPA (from Michigan).

Denman cellars in the Chisholm shops continue to impress me. On a recent trip to their location, I ended up with bottles of Stone beer and Dogfish Head brews. And of course, what article about this week in beer…could be complete without a mention of Plonk.

Anthony Young, owner of Plonk, continues to champion the cause of craft beer in Australia, but their range of US beers (including almost every Rogue beer ever made) means an American craft beer journey in Canberra would not be complete without a pit stop here.

So, although I am the first to champion the cause of Australian craft beer, I encourage everyone out there to dip their toes into what sort of ales are coming to Australia from the other side of the Pacific.

What’s impressing me?

• Cavalier Brewing; A tap takeover is on at The Durham Castle Arms, with their Courage (blond ale), pale ale, their 9% coffee stout and their low alcohol, sour berliner Weiss beer
• Nathaneal Kennedy; Who is Nathaneal Kennedy? Ok, so I know this is a beer article and all, but I also love my whisky. Check out what this Canberra guy is doing for whisky in Canberra ­ www.nathanealkennedy.com

Adrian Moran has been pouring beers for over nine years and runs a weekly podcast devoted to craft beer
Twitter: @ausbeerjourney
Website: www.ausbeerjourney.wordpress.com

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