Canberra CofD News Stories
The following articles and stories have appeared in various media types and publications over the last few months.
May
Oracle of Delphi
A freak thunderstorm at the Botanic Gardens over the Easter weekend saw bolts of lightening cause significant damage to a number of high end cars and the destruction of the statue known as the Oracle of Delphi.
The statue was an anonymous gift to the Botanic Garden less than a year ago, along with a donation of funds which the Gardens used to develop the area around the statue. It has proven to be a popular picnic area for locals since its unveiling.
ACT Water
ACT Water have announced there is no call for alarm. Recent calls to investigate water contamination in and around Canberra have no basis according to recent tests by ACT Water. The agency said the minor water discolouration in some areas is the result of high rainfall in the watershed areas that supply the ACT. Testing has shown no danger to public health and the water is being continuously monitored.
Cable News Blog responded to ACT Water’s announcement arguing that no normal watershed causes pink discolouration and that the incidents of contamination in Canberra were not widespread enough to have come from the water storage dams. She has called for an investigation and public water testing.
Missing Bear
The Kodiak bear, Bethel, is at large after her escape from the Canberra Zoo and Aquarium. Bethel mysteriously disappeared from her enclosure two weeks ago. Residents are warned that if they see the bear they should go indoors and call ACT Wildlife.
A reward of $20,000 has been offered for information leading to Bethel’s recovery.
Golden Age for Canberra
A number of articles in various forms of media talking about the launch of the light rail, construction of the new national high speed rail network and Honour the Arts breaking ground on its new building in Kingston.
Arthur Pace reported: I say with some satisfaction that Canberra is at last returning to the vision of Walter Burly Griffin. With the opening of the first stage of the light rail system we are finally on the path to a Golden Age as we move away from the ubiquitous car and towards a more communal transport system.
Naturally there are some issues (let’s not talk about the new bus timetables) but once these are worked out and the next two stages of the light rail are finished, the inhabitants of Canberra will see a reduction in crime and an improvement in their lives as Canberra becomes a more sustainable city.
So, bring it on I say, lets build up Canberra as the flagship city of the new millennia.
#me too
Maria van Haeften, Wires local reporter, broke her silence today regarding rumours that she was filing charges against Nathan Bradbury, Wires’ prime time news reader, for inappropriate behaviour.
Ms van Haeften was joined by two female producers and perhaps most surprisingly given Mr Bradbury’s history of womanising three men have also raised complaints. Wires released a statement asking the press respect Mr Bradbury’s privacy in this time.
Fighting in the South
There has been heavy gang activity and fighting in the South of Canberra. The heaviest fighting was centered around the Tuggeranong Homestead and there are reports of dozens of injuries. Police are asking for members of the public who may have witnessed the events to come forward.
June
Vampire’s Kiss
The police released a statement during the month advising patrols had been stepped up due to a number of disappearances in the North of Canberra.
“Vampire’s Kiss is a modern menace to society. It’s not an excuse for vigilantism and it’s not an excuse for gang violence.”
New abattoir
A new Halal abattoir has been set up in Gordon. Residents are grumbling at the speed of the construction and lack of consultation but the move has been welcomed by the religious community and farmers in the region.
“This abattoir not only opens up a new market for Canberra farmers it means certain religious communities now have access to fresh local produce they haven’t previously had before.”
Missing Pets
The RSPCA released a warning to residents of South Canberra to keep your pets inside. A number of pets have gone missing over the last month.
The Arts
A private Egyptian exhibition is coming to town. Hosted by Honour the Arts the exhibition will feature never before seen Egyptian artefacts from a number of private collections. The exhibition will be on display in their new premises when it opens in February next year.
Missing Bear: Found!
The Kodiak bear taken from the zoo last month has taken the life of its rescuer Alison Jensen, former model come PETA (Australia) spokesperson. Emergency services who attended the scene were reportedly horrified by the carnage left behind.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” one shocked RSPCA person said. “The violence of the woman’s death is upsetting, but the part I’m really struggling to come to terms with is the death of all the animals she was looking after.
July
#me too
The pressure on the Wires Network and Nathan Bradbury has continued this month with the Network’s lawyers requesting a stay in proceedings. Ms van Haeften’s publicist issued a statement labelling the move cowardly and desperate:
“the evidence against Mr Bradbury’s inappropriate behaviour continues to mount against him, the stay in proceedings is a last ditch, desperate attempt to prevent the court’s justice. Mr Bradbury’s victims deserve better than this.”
Rampart Trucking Company
George Rutherford was arrested by police following allegations that he had threatened the daughter of Mr Spiro Giannopoulos, Chief Operating Officer of Rampart. Rutherford, who is involved in a long running workers’ compensation dispute with Rampart, denies the allegation. Police are also looking for a six foot, male caucasian with shoulder length brown hair in connection with the case.
The article is accompanied by a picture of Mr Giannopoulos and his daughter in a playground, the caption reads: Mr Giannopoulos and his daughter in better times before her chemotherapy.
Missing Family
In bizarre news the family of missing mother and gym instructor Susie Kwon has disappeared from their residence. Mrs Kwon’s husband and two children vanished from their family home sometime in the night on 15 June. This is just months after Mrs Kwon herself disappeared. Police are looking for anyone who might know something about their disappearance.
“Vampire” causes chaos in morgue
A vampire has been blamed for the disappearance and feared death of Dr Kora Mortis, Medical Examiner. Cable News has been advised that Dr Mortis was examining a ‘Jane Doe’ who had been brought in with a stake through their heart. Eye witness reports suggest the corpse animated and “bit her neck” after Dr Mortis removed the stake during the routine examination.
“Then they just disappeared,” an eye witness said. “One minute she was there, screaming for us to help her and then they were gone.”
Police have asked for anyone who has any information to come forward.
Carjacking Gang
A carjacking gang has been causing chaos up and down Northbourne Ave. Cars and trucks entering and exiting Canberra have been stopped and raided during the month. The thieves haven’t hurt anyone but have so far gotten away with cars, trucks, money and goods.
Blood Eagle Raid
This story dominates the media for weeks after the event describing the horror visited on the President of National Chapter Blood Eagles Mason Stone after his death at the Blood Eagles Chapter House in Philip.
Articles cover a variety of angles including: Speculation it was a Yakuza hit Rumours it was a vigilante hit from the group, NVK, targeting vampire’s kiss distribution Occult ritual gone wrong Right-wing Christian gang.
Biker gangs across Australia publicly condemned the attack and offered their support to the Blood Eagles.
New President Deimos Galatos released a statement asking people respect their privacy in this devastating time.
“People think we’re different, but we’re just like you, we have wives, husbands, partners, families, give us time to grieve for our losses.”
Members of the Blood Eagles gang from across Australia have flooded into Canberra over the last two weeks in preparation for the funeral.
August
Wild times at the Zoo
Another break-in, another break out - the Canberra Zoo has been the target of a number of thieves and animal liberationists over the last few months. This month saw yet another breach in the Zoo's woeful security that has resulted in a number of animals being let loose and the subsequent death of a number of the zoo's more gentle residents.
Witnesses to the carnage say the Keta the Serval was found in the otter den, while Pinduli and Zuberi - the zoo's two male hyena's were found in the meerkat enclosure, a feat which zoo keepers are chalking up to hyena ingenuity. The tawny lions were found at the zebra's watering hole, however, reports indicate all of the zebras remained unharmed. This was not the case for the Fallow deer or the Parma Wallaby which reportedly fell victim to the Cheetahs and tigers respectively.
Of concern, Jake and Mischka the White Lion brother and sister duo appear to be missing as are Ailsa and Jura the cheetahs, Ravi the tiger and an unreported number of monkeys of various breeds and reptiles.
There were also reports of confused graffiti at the scene, 'Fuck PETA’ and ‘Bears Lives Matter’ and a number of other animal liberationist slogans.
The CEO of Canberra Zoo has resigned ahead of news that many zoos around the world are now reconsidering their partnerships with the Canberra zoo. The zoo remains closed until further notice and police are looking for any leads people may have.
Abattoir burned down
The new hallal abattoir has burned down. Anti-islamic graffiti was found at the scene and police suspect arson.
Candelight vigil for missing mum Susie Kwon
A moving candlelight vigil was held for missing mum Susie Kwon and her two children, Tamsin and Broderick. Ms Kwon's husband, Jeremy Maddocks gave a harrowing speech as he relived the night his children were taken from him and plead for the return of his wife and children.
RSPCA urging people to keep their dogs inside
A number of dogs have gone missing in the South of Canberra, a number of which have been found dead and horribly mauled. There are rumours of a dog fighting ring and the RSPCA has advised residents of the South to keep their animals inside.