and can’t feed your pet or water your pot plants? What a loss of freedom if you can’t go away, and if you can’t rely on the good will of your neighbour to watch out for your place while you are away! What about in times of crisis- a fire, an accident, a burst water main, or electricity pole down in the wind? Friendly neighbours will always take the trouble to check how you are going, and will help you out or share information where possible. Goodwill can be lost easily by believing or repeating stories or gossip Good will is easy to lose, and takes a little effort to create and keep. Knowing the person in good times is always an insurance against a mistake, accident or misunderstanding in rough times. Treating each other with respect, and listening to another point of view is vital. Gossip involving neighbours often spreads quickly, and as is often said, bad news travels faster than good. If we do not know a person first hand, it is much easier to believe something said by others, or even to make assumptions about their motives when something happens. It is too easy to develop suspicions without proof For instance, the bin is tipped over. There are young people in the house next door, who have been seen hanging out in the driveway at night. Of course it was them. We may never test the truth of this belief. But next time something happens, eg a letterbox is damaged, we are more than likely to believe the same young people are responsible. If people are wrongly accused, they can become anti-social. Find ways to build social connection among neighbours Street parties are not everyone’s cup of tea, but they are a great way of getting to know people in your street. Sometimes people even find they have skills to share, or information to pass on. Even chatting at the local shops can be helpful. The potential for hearsay to

It takes time to create a sense of belonging and connection. Many of us nowadays think time is a scarce commodity. We may complain that we hardly have time to spend time with family, so why would we bother building bridges with neighbours… That may be a policy that works in fair weather when all is going smoothly in our street. What about a time when a crime is committed, or a public nuisance? A flood, a burst water main or fallen power-line? Not to mention a fire- who has a ladder or a hose? There are many good reasons to take the time to know your neighbours, at well least enough to know who is in their household, and if they go away for a significant period. We may value our privacy because we are so busy, but others in our street may value an occasional kind word because they may be isolated or unwell. Whilst we cannot legislate for kindness, we will all benefit from it when the need for community solidarity arises. The Chair of the Social Inclusion Board noted in his Introduction to the ACT Government Report on Open Forums 2005 that: ‘Canberra has been through a period of social, cultural and economic transformation…there has been a significant growth in the number of households of one or two person(s)….In the past, many cohesive neighbourhoods were based primarily on larger families, and children provided some of the social ties of a community… There is also evidence that…Canberra in particular has a transient population, with approximately thirty per cent of Canberrans moving house each year.’ The people who have lived in a neighbourhood longer are in a good position to introduce themselves to new arrivals. Never under-estimate the power of a friendly greeting from an insider to an outsider coming in. Establishing a friendly and supportive neighbourhood is not difficult, but it takes good will and a decision to make that effort. Don’t wait till you have a problem before you talk to your neighbour If you let time go by without meeting your neighbour in a friendly natural way, something they do may begin to annoy you. It is after all easier to be annoyed with the neighbours than with your boss, the government, your own children, dog, garden, or heaven forbid yourself! Bad-mouthing the family next door may be a nice easy way to let off steam, but how easy is it in the long run if there are tensions between you and the neighbours? Chickens come home to roost! The lost opportunities when we don’t trust our neighbours The down side of not being able to talk to your neighbours Do you want to live in a stand-off situation where you avoid coming across them near the front gate, or worse, in a virtual war zone where you are nervous about one them or their kids deliberately damaging your plants, letterbox or car? Who will watch my place or water my pot plants? On the lost opportunity list, what about when you want to go away become rumour and social division is less if people are able to chat and find out first hand how their neighbour ticks. If you don’t want to hold or attend a street party, just be friendly when you cross paths, see them working in their garden or collecting the mail. A neighbour may hold the key to something valuable you want to know…ah yes, I can recommend a reasonable plumber. If there is a problem between neighbours that concerns you, contact Conflict Resolution Service on 6295 5998 If a misunderstanding or annoyance has arisen between neighbours, and you don’t feel able to express your concerns face to face, contact Conflict Resolution Service for advice, referral, conflict resolution strategies mediation, or counselling Appreciate your neighbours as a friend in times of need Remember to value your neighbour, as there may very well be a time when you need one another. Not to mention positive feelings are better for your health than negative ones, and social connection is the best medicine. This project aims to educate the community in ways to prevent, manage and resolve conflict in their neighbourhoods. The Conflict Resolution Service is a community organisation funded by ACT Government to provide a free and accessible mediation service to the Canberra region for neighbourhood disputes; parenting couple and family disputes; and community disputes which may include charitable organisations or sporting organisations. Mediations will also be provided on a fee for service sliding scale basis for disputes involving property settlements exceeding $30,000; corporations and workplace disputes. Conflict Resolution Service is now located on Level 3 Griffin Centre Genge St Civic. Call us on 6162 4050 for advice or information on resolving disputes or visit

This column answers questions I’m frequently asked about investing in property. Should I buy in Canberra? Invest where the fundamentals are right, to gain strong capital growth. Canberra has steady growth in some areas, but it’s not ‘hot’. And with the right property manager you don’t have to live where your investment is. Why specialise in Brisbane? Experts agree that SE Queensland is outperforming the rest of Australia — strong population growth, excellent new job creation, affordable real estate, and a tight rental market. Now’s the time to invest, before prices skyrocket like in Darwin and Perth. How fast do properties sell? Fast — so fast many Brisbane agents complain they have nothing to sell. What if I have problems renting my property? Rents in SE Queensland are regularly setting new records. There are more renters than properties. How much do properties cost? Boutique developments of units, townhouses, and house and land packages are available at all price points, some under $300K.

When announced in October 2006 that the Griffith Library would close on 1 December 2006, people in the community were stunned, angry, devastated, furious and more. With no consultation, there was little time to do anything about this unpopular decision. A couple, regular patrons to the library, went there the following Saturday armed with a pile of template letters asking other library users to explain why they wanted the library to stay open. The letters which delivered by hand the following Monday morning to Mr Hargreaves and copies circulated to other ministers. Energy levels ran high that morning as the community rallied, completing and signing over 200 letters on the first day. The same operation was carried out the following Saturday and just as many letters, as well as a petition, were signed and delivered to Mr Hargreaves. Mr Hargreaves was very dismissive about the hundreds of protest letters, writing that they were not ‘letters’ but merely templates, despite being personalised content. Ironically, his response letters to the protestors were all copies. After many more letters and e-mails which were directed at his office, he refused to take calls, was not available for any meetings from concerned citizens. He voted against allowing extra time to debate the issue, and effectively gagged the Assembly, reiterating his views that there was no point in consulting with the community as he already knew that we would vote against closing the Griffith Library because the community wanted the Griffith Library to stay there!! Many people joined in letter-box dropping information about a rally and the community support for this venture was nothing short of amazing. At the eleventh hour, Mr Hargreaves agreed to attend the rally and take questions. ABC News estimated that 1,000 attended the Rally. Speakers flawed the closure arguement, hailing it as one of Canberra’s most unpopular decisions, inconsistent with the Government’s policies on improved services for the ageing, improving literacy rates and life long learning, or regard for social justice. It was clear that the closure of the library would impact adversely on significant numbers of people in the inner south including the elderly, school children and various disadvantaged groups. In all these cases, most would consider ready access to a library vital. It seemed such a retrograde step to take away a facility that from a user perspective was working so well, especially against relatively minor savings. The extent of concern and anguish this has caused cannot be over emphasised The Lunn report conveniently ommitted some of the library’s catchment suburbs such as Forrest, Yarralumla, Queanbeyan, Oaks Estate, and Jerrabombera. Addresses of the letter signatories demonstrated the widespread use of the library. Children from nine schools in the area regularly drop in on their way home from school for homework or leisure purposes. Young mothers with their toddlers came for Story Time. The elderly and people with a disability would not be able to readily travel to the libraries put forward as alternatives such as Woden and Civic. So started the South Side Community Library Taskforce, from a handful of people who banded together to address this unacceptable situation. Four women started meeting on Friday mornings under the trees outside the library for Story Time. They brought chairs, ground sheets, books, some cordial and biscuits. A large banner was hung between the trees. After Story Time each week we would sit in the sun (and sometimes the bitterly cold wind) brain storming what we could do. Numbers were dropping off; it was just too cold to bring little children out now that Autumn was on the way. It seemed a disgrace that here were little children rugged up in warm clothes and sitting outside when the library was still being used by admin staff – we were not even allowed inside to use a toilet. We came up with many vague ideas, but nothing concrete. We wanted to start a modest library with books, newspapers, magazines, computer access to the internet. We would need shelving, books, computers, insurance and above all MONEY. We were just four ordinary people, plenty of heart, energy and enthusiasm. Somebody was looking after us. After attempting to rent various venues we were put in touch with the people at Boomanulla Oval – they had a demountable on their premises no longer being used. They were so supportive and although needing some work, we rented the place for six months as an interim measure. When our story was published in one of the local papers, offers of help rolled in. Weekly meetings moved to daily. Fears were aired but everyone stayed positive. What could we lose? What if nobody came? What if we didn’t get enough books? What if nobody joined or donated to our cause? At least we could say we saw a great need for our South Side community and we did our very best to achieve a solution. The Griffith Library was the heart of our community. We plan to make the Goyder Street Library that heart. This exercise will hopefully demonstrate to the Government that the decision to close the library was wrong and if we can get enough people to join our library and use it, perhaps the need for a permanent library for the Inner South will be acknowledged. Annual membership fees $20 for a family, $10 for a single member, $ 5 for a child or concession member. People can also become life founding members. We hope you get behind this wonderful initiative. Congratulations to the Goyder Street Library and grateful thanks to Boomanulla Oval, Col Williams and Noel Ingram from Ngunnawal Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Soon the revitalised building will feature a stunning re-creation of the old smokestack, turning it into a tower of glass and light. This project will be made possible thanks to the generosity of ActewAGL, a major sponsor of the project. Visitors who don’t pre-book classes will not miss out. The innovative ‘Off the Street’ program will provide them with opportunities to walk straight in and make under the guidance of a highly skilled glass-maker. Workshop participants will be able to feel the heat of the furnace and experience the movement of molten glass in the ‘Hot Shop’, enjoy designing and assembling glass elements from a range of coloured sheet glass in the kiln forming area, or simply create their own wearable art through flameworking a glass bead with a hot torch. World-class glass art The Canberra Glassworks will be home to two unique and exciting gallery spaces. ‘Gallery One’ will host major survey and cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions, including in August 2007, the prestigious touring exhibition Ranamok Glassprize, which showcases the very best of Australian and New Zealand contemporary studio glass art. When not supporting larger exhibitions like Ranamok, ‘Gallery Two’ which is located in the base of the former Powerhouse smokestack, will host contemporary project exhibitions and installations. Canberra’s international reputation as a centre for contemporary studio glass will be a focus of the Canberra Glassworks’ inaugural exhibition, Heartland: Imagination Creation Inspiration, curated by Barbara McConchie, Executive Director of Craft ACT. A survey of 21 years of the Australian National University’s, School of Art Glass Workshop, the exhibition “will celebrate the artistic vision and strength that has defined this region, which is now recognised globally in the field of studio glass,” Ms McConchie said. Artists at work Canberra Glassworks will provide artists with access to equipment, studios and storage facilities and unprecedented opportunities to expand their skills and explore new directions in their practice. Four studios within the Canberra Glassworks will support an artist-in-residence program and be available for periodic rental. A monthly lecture series by local and international glass artists will be held at the Canberra Glassworks. The program aims to broaden awareness of glass art and will create opportunities for knowledge exchange around glass making in all its forms. The Kingston Powerhouse and the Kingston Foreshore Originally intended to be a temporary structure, the Kingston Powerhouse supplied Canberra with coal-generated electricity from 1915, continuing to operate as a powerhouse until 1957. The Powerhouse is the oldest public building in the ACT. With construction beginning in 1913, it was designed by J S Murdoch, the architect of other important heritage buildings in Canberra such as Old Parliament House, East and West Blocks and the Hotel Canberra. The Powerhouse and surrounding precinct is included on the ACT Heritage Places Register and the Register of the National Estate. The prestigious Kingston Foreshore continues to develop into an extensive waterfront housing and retail estate which is being established by the ACT Government’s Land Development Agency. The multi-award-winning Bus Depot Markets are near neighbours to the Canberra Glassworks.

After every Anzac Day there is a rush of baby boomer commentary about the Vietnam War. The ‘conventional history’ now suggests that Vietnam was a civil war, and that we (the US, Australia, New Zealand, Thais, Philippinos, South Koreans) were aggressors. This is just absurd. Vietnam and Laos and Cambodia were part of the long Cold War conflict that commenced in earnest in 1945. The Korean War and Malayan Emergency could equally be characterised as civil wars too. The difference in the outcomes in Korea and (then) Malaya reflected the defeat of the communists who were the aggressors in all these Asian conflicts and heavily supported by the Soviet Union and China. Malaysia and the Republic of Korea are now prosperous democratic states, whilst Laos, Vietnam, North Korea (PDRK) are one party states with appalling human rights records, Cambodia is barely any better. I feel sorry for the people of Vietnam as the real losers, they lost their country to totalitarianism (the number of legal political parties is always a good indicator). However we can just ignore what happens there as we don’t have to live with it day to day. If we do have a problem with ‘civil wars’ perhaps we should equally leave the people of Sudan, Somalia, and Afghanistan to their own devices too? We could also add Cyprus, Kashmir, Solomons, Rwanda …etc etc. Scepticism and cynicism should not just become an excuse for inaction.

The new Canberra Glassworks, due to open on 25 May, will become Australia’s most important centre of glass making and glass exhibition. The ACT Government has shown incredible foresight, converting a 92 year old, former industrial building into an iconic new centre for the arts. As Australia’s newest cultural attraction, the Canberra Glassworks will provide cutting-edge exhibitions of glass art, hands-on experiences for visitors and unique access facilities for artists. The grand opening weekend marks the culmination of years of planning and construction work creating a unique venue dedicated as a world-class glass art centre. The central attraction of the Glassworks is the dramatic view of glass blowing in the centre’s ‘Hot Shop’, viewed from a raised platform. Visitors will be able to see world-class artists in action and to take part in the excitement of glass blowing first-hand. Visitors to the building will be inspired by the design and architecture of a contemporary space within an historic building. Canberra’s iconic Powerhouse, one of the city’s oldest buildings, has been ‘reborn’ as a state-of-the-art venue to showcase Canberra’s world-renowned glass art and artists. The new Canberra Glassworks will be open to the public every Wednesday – Sunday. Visitors will be able to learn how to work with glass, meet artists, view work in progress as well as exhibitions within the centre’s two galleries. Guided tours of the spectacular building and the ‘Off the Street’ program will allow visitors to get behind the scenes and have unique hands-on experiences with glass. Visitors will be among the first to see Australia’s first cultural facility devoted to contemporary glass practice and relax in the café or enjoy shopping for exclusive, hand-made glass at a range of prices. The opening weekend celebrations will offer visitors the opportunity to tour the historic building, see the ‘Hot Shop’ in action, view the inaugural glass exhibition, talk to the Canberra Glassworks team or find out more about enrolling in a workshop program by a leading glass artist. Bookings for tours of the facility on 26 – 27 May are essential. Telephone Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 to book in or for more information about the program email [email protected].

A publishing staff has no monopoly on knowledge. An article written first hand by someone who is close to the action, went through the experience or has a deep expertise on the subject matter, is likely to be more interesting and informative than something ‘reported on’. Readers know what they want, so putting them in the driver’s seat makes sense. A website that allows readers to upload articles and pictures, reply to articles or rate them, as well tally the most popular submissions, will quickly breed some of the best and most diverse printed reading material in the market. And the best thing is – it allows you to have a yawp! Get published, go to www. theword.com.au

Megan Hayes and Miki Noy were two of the ACT ACT Contingent Leader Calwell & Wanniassa Bendigo branches recently provided great financial support to ACT Scouts to assist some of its youth members attend the most recent Australian Scout Jamboree, 2007. Held in January in northern Victoria, and attended by 12,000 Scouts from Australia and overseas, 335 young people and approximately 85 adults from the ACT attended this huge 12 day event. Scouts at the Jamboree participated in various activities, including flying, a giant water slide, adventurous pursuits, exploring and relaxing in Bendigo and on the Murray River, watching big arena acts, having a market day, and much more. It was a rewarding and busy time for young and old.
Bendigo Bank supported a number of families with the costs of sending their children to the event and their donation is greatly appreciated.

SAILING ACT Sailability ACT put in a brilliant performance at the 2007 National & International Regatta in Adelaide at Easter. After a season of dedicated training, under the expert coaching of Michael Leydon, all the hard work paid off for Sailability ACT sailors who took on the unfamiliar waters of St. Vincent’s Gulf off Adelaide to win or place in most divisions. Sailability ACT also took out the coveted Team Trophy over teams from all Australian states plus teams from Japan, New Zealand and Italy. Ten Sailability ACT sailors, six with disabilities, journeyed to Adelaide to contest the event in which over 65 sailors, many with disabilities, took part. In the Access 2.3 Novice Division our sailors took the trifecta, with 13 year old junior Nathan Kelly 1st, his mother Karen Kelly 2nd and Australian Team Special Olympic sailor Bronwyn Ibbotson 3rd. In the Access 2.3 Intermediate Division Christine Elliott was 3rd. In the bigger boats the Access 303 Singles Division, Michael Leydon was 2nd after a closely fought race, and in the Access 303 Doubles, Michael Leydon and Debbie Boys went undefeated throughout the event for 1st place. With the addition of the Team Trophy Sailability ACT bought home a swag of Trophies and proved themselves a formidable force in Access Dinghy racing.

There were a lot of bleary eyes when the first of the Kaleen- Heydon Guides rose at 4.30am on April 14 to take part in the Balloon Fiesta as ground crew for the Liberty House Balloon. The girls helped launch the balloon, chased it around Canberra and went crazy rolling all over the balloon to deflate it. Pilot Paul Gibbs was enthusiastic about their involvement “I was a Scout myself here in Canberra, so it is great to be involved again. We really want to encourage grass roots community involvement in the Balloon Fiesta and working with Guides is a great way to encourage that.” The girls were delighted with the event and already eagerly look forward to taking part in the Balloon Fiesta next year. 1st Kaleen-Heydon Guides meets every Tuesday night during term in Kaleen. For more information, contact Nikki Coleman on 6253 8232 or 0405 619 715.

On Sunday, 20 May 2007, the Evan Hourigan Memorial Walk will take place. The walk has been organized by Evan’s friends and work colleagues to celebrate his life that was so tragically cut short. Evan was a proud and popular Canberran, participating in many sporting and social events in Canberra and the surrounding region. Evan was an accomplished sportsman, playing Australian Rules football from an early age for the Belconnen Magpies and represented the ACT in a number of junior representatives sides. He also represented the ACT in junior basketball over a number of years. Most recently Evan was a member of the Bilbys triathlon club and the Team QUON cycle group. He was a keen and competitive triathlete, and it was whilst competing in one of these events that he died. He was 34 years old and was married with a young son Kai, who is now 15 months and is expecting his second child in July this year. Evan touched so many lives in so many different ways, and in honor of his life a Memorial Walk from Commonwealth Park of approximately 5.5 kilometers – commencing at the end of Anzac Parade at 10.30am – crossing both Commonwealth and Kings Avenues bridges is to be held. At the completion of the walk there will be a free BBQ, activities for the kids and lucky door prizes. To participate in the day please register at ehouriganmemorialwalk@walturn. com.au. Information on how to make a donation or obtain further information can be found at www.richardson-orourke.com. All proceeds from the day will assist Evan’s young children with their development and educational needs in the future.
When: Sunday, 20 May

Trying to come to terms with the sudden death of our daughter Tanya has been the hardest thing Doug and I have ever had to deal with. The overwhelming sadness in knowing that her children have lost their mother and that we have lost a beautiful daughter has been an enormous emotional and draining burden for us to bear these past months. Tanya had her life tragically taken in a car accident whilst driving her two children aged nine and six to school on the 26th of February 2007. The events of that day have changed our lives and those of our granchildren completely and irrevocably. Tanya had just turned 31. Tanya was a loving and caring mother, trying to run a small business from home in an attempt to give her children a good start in life. Although she was a single mum Tanya had an amazing ability to reach out to people who were in need of a friend or someone they could lean on. She had so much to give and so much to live for. Tanya was our oldest child and her brother and sister have left home to pursue their own careers. At this stage in our lives we never imagined that we would be caring for two small children seven days a week. This has become a physical, emotional and financial challenge for us, and it is heartbreaking to see how much these young children miss their mother. Doug and I are now very aware that we are not alone when it comes to grandparents thrust into the role of raising grandchildren full time. There are clearly many grandparents out there who have had to take on new roles as parents and carers due to circumstances beyond their control. We are hoping that through making our circumstances public we can raise the awareness of people facing similar situations, and that we can all work towards achieving more support for not only the children involved but also for grandparents raising grandchildren. Donations are accepted by Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club, American Express and cheques in Australian dollars posted to the Paperchain Bookstore 34 Franklin Street Manuka ACT 2603 Australia Sites you can visit for further assistance include: www.seniors.gov.au (Aged and Community Care InfoLine 1800 500 853) www.facsia.gov.au (13 6150 or 13 1202 for non-English languages) www.fsa.org.au (1300 365 859) www.community.nsw.gov.au/ (6299 1111) www.barnardos.org.au (1800 061 000) www.marymead.org.au (02 6162 5800) If you are experiencing challenges, or know someone who is, contact some of these organisations. Even ask a friend to help you find your way through the system. You are invited to contribute your stories online at www.theword.com.au

Local couple Doug and Melita Flynn became full-time parents to their daughter’s children aged 9 and 6 years after the tragic death of 31-year old Tanya in a car accident earlier this year, joining the growing number of Australians raising grandchildren. More grandparents are caring for their young grandchildren for longer periods on a regular basis. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, grandparents are included in the regular childcare arrangements for over 20% of children below school age. In 2003, there were 22,500 Australian families in which grandparents
were the principal guardians of their grandchildren (31,100 children aged 0-17 years). Reasons for involving grandparents in care are varied, from unaffordable childcare costs, parents unable or unwilling to take on the job or sudden deaths, illnesses or financial crises that impact on what was otherwise a well functioning family unit. Grandparents left suddenly to raise their grandchildren as the primary caregivers may just as suddenly face their own major personal, social and financial upheaval, often with little or no outside support. They are usually retired or planning retirement and compared with younger parents, often have fewer financial resources and less physical stamina. Their capacity or opportunity to continue in the work force may also be reduced. They may face a range of difficulties, including parenting at an older age, difficulties accessing relevant and timely assistance or legal costs. Many ‘baby boomers’ – once believing they ‘had it made’ in their retirement, are now often faced with the shattering truth that all they have worked for towards being self- funded retirees and therefore less of a burden on the tax payer, was all in vain. In order to care for their grandchildren many are forced to sell assets and continue working well past their planned retirement date. Often they feel alone and helpless, ineligible for government financial support they have “too many assets” or too much “disposable income”. Beyond financial nightmares, grieving parents are also facing the bureaucratic minefield of family law, taxation and family support payments. Peak organizations like Council on the Ageing (COTA) have identified a range of issues for grandparents raising grandchildren, particularly the need for recognition by governments, respite care, access to legal aid and parity with foster carers for payments and support services for their grandchildren. The determination of most grandparents to give their grandchildren healthy, happy and well-rounded lives is a strong driving force, but it cannot work miracles. It is also fair to say that both the Federal and ACT governments are concerned about the difficulties grandparents face raising their grandchildren and healing the family, with minimal or no demand on government services. In 2004 COTA conducted surveys on perceived existing support mechanisms, additional support required, the financial and legal issues faced by grandparents and any concerns about the well being of their grandchildren. You can order copies of the report by calling 02 9286 3860 or by email: [email protected] In four months a total of 499 grandparents raising 548 grandchildren took part in the project, making up 308 grandparent-headed families. The February 2005 report told of these, 63% were couples, with 68% of all grandparents being 55 years of age or over. The eldest was 82 and she was raising three teenagers (13, 15 and 17) on her own. Of the grandchildren, 53% were under 10 years of age, the youngest being just 12 weeks old. Just over half of the grandparents are raising two or more grandchildren, with some having up to six in their care. The impact on grandparents’ personal finances, health and wellbeing can be considerable. Here are quotations from grandparents from the workshops: A 63-year-old grandmother said, “My husband feels cheated of his retirement plans. He can’t get past the anger at the mother.” A 65 year old grandmother said, “I had retired shortly before the children came to me, and now I have virtually no life of my own. I cannot go out at nights or at weekends, and see my friends only rarely. Also, I do not have enough money to follow my own interests anyway.” From the investigation into the needs of grandparents caring for grandchildren, a number of recommendations were made to the former