A+ Magazine summer issue

SUMMER 2015/16 KATY GALLAGHER: HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS FOOD PHENOMENON CANBERRA’S STELLAR SWIMMING HOLES CITY TO THE LAKE: A CITY SHAPING PROJECT

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See what Canberra’s national attractions have to offer, broaden your palate and taste locally crafted produce in Canberra’s acclaimed restaurants and cafes or shop ‘til you drop at Canberra’s retail hotspots.

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Welcome to Abode Hotels And welcome to summer in Canberra.

GENERAL MANAGER’S WELCOME

A perfect season to visit the capital, take advantage of the welcoming summer sun and extended daylight hours that urge you to explore the delights of the city for hours on end.

Wherever you go throughout your day, you will always return to a warm welcome at your home away from home at Abode Hotels where you can enjoy some downtime with our A+ magazine.

Rien Donkin General Manager, Abode Hotels

CONTENTS

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CANBERRA’S STELLAR SWIMMING HOLES

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KATY GALLAGHER: HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

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NATIONAL TREASURES: THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA

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CITY TO THE LAKE: A CITY SHAPING PROJECT

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CHRISTMAS IN CANBERRA

SHOPPING: CHAIN VS BOUTIQUE

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A SUMMER ADVENTURE

YERRABI POND

KIDSPOT POOLS FOR KIDS

A NATURAL CHOICE

A QUICK TRIP THROUGH HISTORY

Writer/Editor Amy Brosnan

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FOOD PHENOMENON

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DAUGHTERS AT HALL

A VIEW FOR TWO

THE COLOURS OF CANBERRA

IKEA - HOW DID IT GET HERE?

HERITAGE AUSTRALIA: THE GREAT WAR

PUBLISHED BY:

Creative Direction Amy Brosnan & Andrew Sanchez Art Direction, Design & Photography Andrew Sanchez Advertising Enquiries Sean Smith sean.smith@abodehotels.com.au

abodehotels.com.au

KATY GALLAGHER: HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

Christmas is a special time for many people. It’s a time when families and friends come together from across the country and the globe to spend some much-needed time together. We spoke with Senator for the ACT, Katy Gallagher, about how she celebrates the holidays and what this time of year means to her and to Canberra.

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“I love being in my home city at Christmas time.

The lead up to Christmas with all the concerts, celebrations and lights gives that wonderful strong sense of community that Canberra is well known for.” exhibitions on during the summer months including the blockbuster exhibition, Tom Roberts, displaying 130 of his best works.

Christmas fruit pies at the Old Bus Depot Markets Photo credit: VisitCanberra

Being with family at the end of the year is a special time for the Senator. As she explains it,

outdoor spaces like the National Arboretum, Weston Park, Namadgi, Tidbinbilla or I’ll even try a section of the Centenary Trail.”

“It’s one of my favourite times of the year. The weather is great, the pace of the year slows down for a few days, the kids are off school and usually some holidays are just around the corner. On Christmas Day, my sister and brothers and our families get together and enjoy a relaxing informal Aussie-style Christmas lunch.”

Summertime in Canberra is also special as the Senator describes our town as the solar capital of Australia for a clear and simple reason - we enjoy more sunny days than a lot of other cities and towns around Australia.

Being in Canberra is important to Katy as she appreciates the city’s way of celebrating and the excitement for the time ahead, “I love being in my home city at Christmas time. The lead up to Christmas with all the concerts, celebrations and lights gives that wonderful strong sense of community that Canberra is well known for.

“With Canberra being a pretty busy city, I love the quiet and calm that settles over the city for a few days and of course being able to wind down a little with my family is something I cherish.”

A social scene to rival the most high profile individuals, Katy is a busy woman throughout the summertime,

Katy urges the public to take advantage of this fact and see it as a fantastic opportunity to get out there and get active, “Cycling is a major sport in Canberra and the ACT boasts some of the best on-road and off-road cycling tracks in Australia. While Canberra itself has a wide range of events to enjoy, so does the Capital Region. Towns like Bungendore, Goulburn, Braidwood, Cooma and Yass are all within a short driving distance from Canberra City and provide an interesting historic perspective on the region, but also a chance to enjoy some local food and wine which is increasingly popping up on lists of ‘must-taste’ regions of New South Wales and Australia.

“There is definitely no shortage of cultural events during the festive season in Canberra.”

On why she thinks Canberra has seen a significant increase in interest, Katy explains, “Over the past five years Canberra has enjoyed a growing reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

“With our city-state style, and as a beautifully planned modern city nestled in the middle of the Australian bush environment, visitors to Canberra can enjoy a unique cultural experience and take in a bushwalk, trail ride or bump into a mob of kangaroos all on the same day.”

So, there you have it – visiting Canberra in the summertime is an exceptional idea, from the words of the Senator for the ACT, herself.

“Canberra is a growing city so there are always a number of new attractions and shops to take my friends and family to when they come and visit.”

“The summer months are busy social times in the annual calendar; these usually include plenty of BBQ’s, long hot summer nights, friends and family coming and going. There are also wonderful places to visit and revisit both outdoors and indoors. Who needs more than that?

In discussing the growing number of visitors to the capital over the years, Katy is proud of her town and its progress,

“It’s hard not to visit the amazing national institutions and they all offer kid-friendly options - the [Australian] War Memorial, Questacon, the National Museum [of Australia], the National Library, the NGA (National Gallery of Australia) and the [National] Portrait Gallery are all favourites.

Also high on the list is to visit our fabulous

“Our growing reputation as a food and wine hub is attracting a new group of ‘foodie tourists’.

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“There will also be an exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander objects on show this year as part of the Encounters exhibition at the National Museum of Australia.

“There is no doubt that Canberra has become a much more popular choice as a destination for people to visit over the summer months.

“We are also lucky to boast some of the best nature walks and cycling tracks in Australia, all within a stone’s throw from the city centre.

The national galleries have a range of exciting

Senator Katy Gallagher

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DID YOU KNOW? You can create delicious meals in your room with the help of the Abode Pantry at reception, providing for your needs throughout your stay including food, beverages and other essentials.

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FOOD PHENOMENON

One definition of the word phenomenon is something impressive or extraordinary.

A food phenomenon can therefore be defined as the same but with food and definitely something you want to be a part of!

Canberra is making waves when it comes to experiencing a food phenomenon.

Whether it’s maniacal milkshakes, healthy juicing obsessions or the moving and grooving food truck industry, you will experience more than amazing dishes with the friendly vendors behind these exceptional feats in food making.

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PATISSEZ THE FREAKSHAKE™ PHENOMENON

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The almighty FreakShake™ is taking the world by storm and has cemented its status as a bona fide food phenomenon.

Take the trademark symbol we just put next to the term as proof!

We spoke with owner of Pâtissez and creator of the FreakShake™, Anna Petridis, about how she got Pâtissez off the ground and why everyone is freaking out over her shakes.

How did you get Pâtissez started and what was the idea behind opening?

After My Kitchen Rules we sold our last business (which, funnily, was a school uniform business) and decided we really wanted to be in food. We sat down and started throwing ideas around - the Pâtissez concept changed about fifty times before we settled on the final idea. We just wanted to open something fun and different, not your typical patisserie.

Everything had to be really loud in its appearance and 100% ‘Instagram-able’.

want to eat good food. They’re fussy and they know what they like. If you can make it in Canberra you can make it anywhere.

What’s your favourite thing about running Pâtissez?

Endless scope for creativity. No matter how tired I am or how long the days are, I never stop getting excited about creating something new. I think people are over the traditional idea of a patisserie [because] they all look the same and we most certainly don’t!

Why Canberra?

Canberra is actually awesome and it just keeps getting more awesome. In my opinion, we have the best cafes/restaurants per capita in the country.

We thought there was a real hole in the market that needed to be filled by something like Pâtissez and we went for it. Canberrans

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“Different to other people’s shakes, I wanted to take ours to the next level...”

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How did you come up with the FreakShakes™?

The FreakShakes™ were my idea and was one that none of my business partners liked! They all thought it was lame and nobody would go for it. But I’d been following a couple of other businesses who were doing some cool shakes and I just kept on with the project.

I thought if it didn’t work, it didn’t matter, I’d just take them off the menu. Different to other people’s shakes, I wanted to take ours to the next level - we’re a patisserie so they had to be treated like any of our other desserts which are 100% house-made and hand-crafted.

Why do you think they’ve become a worldwide phenomenon? Apart from being delicious!

Our products are extremely photogenic and being in an age where everyone documents their every move online, these two came together beautifully. The big rule we had when coming up with Pâtissez [was that] everything had to be photo-worthy. I wanted people to have to take a photo before they consumed. This ethos worked! Coupled with our regular presence on social media and our casual, very personal posts, people connect with us.

our own thing without the TV station really caring about us. If we had gone further, we wouldn’t have been able to do Pâtissez.

I feel like everything I have done in my life has led me to Pâtissez - it has brought out the best in me and while I’ve never worked so hard, nor have I ever been so exhausted in my life, I just have this feeling that I am doing what I’m supposed to be doing.

While there are others out there who are doing similar things, no one takes it to the level that we do; we make fresh ingredients every day to keep up with supply for these things. No one else can be bothered doing that!

What’s next for you and Pâtissez in the near future?

We are in the final stages of opening our next location on Marcus Clarke Street across the road from ANU (Australian National University). It’s going to be absolutely amazing and our flagship store. While Manuka is great, it is tiny and not purposebuilt for Pâtissez; it’s a sushi shop that we took over and shoved Pâtissez in! Marcus Clarke [Street] will be a true reflection of what we’re all about and we can’t wait to show people what we can do.

Next step [is] overseas! Since the social media madness, it’s really put us out there and we are in talks with a few big overseas investors who are in love with our concept and want to bring it to their country. We should have locations in Sydney next year as well.

Anna Petridis Creator of the FreakShake™ A little bit about Anna…

I was born and raised in Canberra and I’ve always worked with my family from a young age. Business is my thing, I went to university and did all that and hated it. For me it was so boring and I didn’t understand paying so much to learn off someone who I thought couldn’t cut it in the real business world. So I worked with my family and ran [their business] Savvy with them and from that I learned excellent sales skills and a lot about business, but I was still bored. So I decided to put mum and I up for MKR - I originally wanted to go for Masterchef but I also wanted to do it with mum because I’d learnt off her. I’d cooked with her my whole life and it was something I wanted to do with her. So we did it, most certainly didn’t go the way we had planned and we learned a lot about the TV industry. The silver lining was that because we were eliminated so early, we could just go off and do

On family and friends…

My dad, brother, mother and I are extremely close. We are all involved in Pâtissez and there are no souls on this earth I would rather do it with. I also have a partner and we’ve been together for five years - we have plans to get married but we want to set ourselves up first!

I have a very small group of friends.

Since Pâtissez went big, a lot of people have disappeared from my life. It’s been such an interesting ride and I couldn’t be happier! The small crew I have around me are incredible. As far as hobbies go, I’m an avid snowboarder and surfer and am typically very fit and active...that however has gone out the window since we opened [Pâtissez]. The hours we pull haven’t really allowed for much else!

We are getting a bigger team on board which means I can start getting active again.

My favourite sport on the planet is UFC. If I had my time again, I’d be a cage fighter.

To find out more about Pâtissez, visit their Facebook page facebook.com/patissez.pty.ltd/.

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THE FIX: ORGANIC COLD PRESSED JUICE

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Juicing, a fitness fad or legitimate health phenomenon?

What got you into juicing and turning it into a business?

With the invention of the Nutri-Bullet everyone is jumping on the juicing train!

And for good reason.

For us, the journey to The Fix Cold Pressed Juicing was borne out of our own health challenges. At 24, Jovan was in peak physical fitness representing Australia in Judo but the discovery of a lump on his thigh turned his life upside down. Doctors diagnosed him with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s follicular Lymphoma.

At the time we were both working corporate jobs, him with KPMG and me with the Australian government in renewable energy.

Jovan and Lucianne, owners of The Fix Cold Pressed Juice, Canberra’s premier organic juicing company, currently produce the healthiest and most delicious drinks with all the vitamins you’ve either been looking for or desperately need.

We spoke with Lucianne about why they believe this particular health kick has taken off across the globe.

With our lives quickly spinning out of control, we began looking for answers. What we learned about nutrition and food would fundamentally change our approach to life.

Even though Jovan was exercising every day for many hours, he was also consuming lots of processed foods and sugars, alcohol and animal proteins (as many of us do). As icing on the cake, Jovan worked as an accountant

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“There is a strong entrepreneurial spirit here and a very supportive community who want to buy local.” in the stressful finance industry and was competing at a national level in his sport. It was a combination that placed a lot of stress on his body.

We learned about plant based nutrition and adopted a vegan approach to eating. We bought a cold pressed juicer and started juicing a litre of green juice in the morning and carrot juice in the evening for six weeks and eating a raw vegan diet. In that time, he received another scan and that scan showed

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“Juicing is the best way to get all the nutrients and vitamins your body needs without needing to sit down and eat a 1 kg bowl of raw veggies to get them.”

that juicer is still with us pressing turmeric and ginger in our factory!

The second thing I would suggest is juicing more veggies than fruit so that you can get the most benefit from the exercise.

Finally, I would make it habit. Pick a low stress time in your day, when you wake up or before you go to bed and make juicing your daily ritual. You will be surprised at how your body and mind begin to change.

What are the plans for The Fix in the future?

What are the benefits of your juices? And, how are they different?

Our juices are cold pressed which means we use a hydraulic press to slowly extract the juice from our fresh, organic veggies. Our machine Mavis, slowly presses the produce, breaking down the cell walls to release all of the phytochemicals and nutrients inside, whilst producing minimal oxidation. We also make a promise that we will never apply heat to our cold pressed juice. This means that our juices can be up to six times more nutritious because we keep the process cold and raw.

a 30% reduction in the tumour. The doctors couldn’t explain the dramatic reduction and wouldn’t hear a word about the juicing.

Suffice to say it was enough for us. And we have been sharing our juice with our community ever since.

Canberra is a great place to start a small business. There is a strong entrepreneurial spirit here and a very supportive community who want to buy local.

Why do you think juicing has become so popular?

I think people are really starting to realise they have to be responsible for their own health and that it is surprisingly easy to keep your body working optimally if you put the right veggies in your morning/afternoon juice. Juicing is the best way to get all the nutrients and vitamins your body needs without needing to sit down and eat a 1 kg bowl of raw veggies to get them. Nourishing your body with raw vegetables and fruits helps to prevent common lifestyle diseases.

As an example, you would be surprised about what lettuce can do for your body. Its natural salts help relax and reduce stress, so Jovan and I drink a lettuce-filled green juice at night before bed.

Beetroot is another great example as it contains betaine. Betaine is the substance that encourages the liver cells to get rid of toxins. Additionally, betaine acts to defend the liver and bile ducts, which are important if the liver is to function properly. There is a similar story for each ingredient that we put into our press. So together, you can just imagine the effect cold pressed juicing can have on your overall well-being.

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Aside from our new summer range of juice being organic, we are introducing herbs that have mood balancing properties. We have made this move based on our own experience. With a small business like The Fix, both of us lead pretty frenetic lifestyles driven primarily by our work commitments.

Even with healthy food habits, the long hours can get the best of us. At times, we found ourselves having feelings of stress and lethargy. Eventually we were directed to some pretty amazing mood elevating plants herbs to be specific.

The new range features a “Fix” to cater to every mood: Hold Your Horses includes ashwagandha, a powerful herb used to help the body cope with daily stress. Rearing to Go is an alternative to fizzy sugar filled drinks and includes higher energy fruit, vegetables and herbs such as astragalus which increases blood flow and naturally increases energy levels. Wake-up Call uses nut milk made up of brazil nuts, cashews and almonds which are instantly filling but also contain natural stimulants like kola nut and liquorice. This nut milk is the perfect alternative for people who want a morning pick up but do not necessarily want to rely on coffee to get them through the morning.

We want to be the change we wish to see in the world. So as of this month, we will be organic, our juices will be packaged in glass bottles and our blends of juice will be focused on promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Eventually, we want to be a prolific juice company in Australia known for making honest health products for our community.

We see our company as a social good, a solution to a growing health problem in Australia. For as long as the solution works, our company will continue to grow.

To find out more about The Fix Cold Pressed Juice, visit their website thejuicefix.com.au.

Jovan Pejic Owner - The Fix

What are your best juicing tips?

If you want to do it at home, then my tip is to get a good cold pressed juicer. We started out with an Angel juicer four years ago and

“We want to be the change we wish to see in the world.”

Lucianne Attard Owner - The Fix

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MR. PAPA: PERUVIAN STREET FOOD

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Food trucks are captivating the world with thousands of mobile food outlets popping up in cities and towns every year. Canberra is no different.

We spoke to Canberra food truck owners Carlos Ramirez, of the delicious Peruvian masterpieces by Mr. Papa and vintage clothing shop owner and dessert truck extraordinaire, Netti Vanthethoff of April’s Caravan: Miss Mae, to get to the bottom of the hype.

What’s the story behind Mr. Papa?

We have been operating for nearly two years since our first venture at The National Gallery of Australia for the ‘Gold and The Incas’ exhibition as well as the National Multicultural Festival in 2013.

Mr. Papa is all about my childhood dreams and memories back home. Mostly, my

“That is how enamoured I am of cooking. Since I was six years old, I didn’t want a Nintendo or Play Station, I wanted to cook.”

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adventurous weekends at my grandparents business – a fairly big family catering business in Peru. I used to enjoy waking up at 5am to go with my Uncle Carlos to the local farmers market to do the purchases for the events that day.

Meeting street food vendors in person at markets and eating at their tents used to be a like a dream. There was a story behind every dish and vendor.

That is how enamoured I am of cooking.

Since I was six years old, I didn’t want a Nintendo or Play Station, I wanted to cook.

All I wanted after school on the weekends was to be next to the kitchen at my grandparents’ business and enjoy the noise of it, the smell, be considered in case someone needed my help and of course taste everything. Years later I was in charge of going to the market by myself and cooking lunch for the staff. Win!

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If you would have asked me three years ago about Canberra and my plans to live and raise a family here, I would probably have said no for many reasons.

If you would ask me the same question now, my answer is that I love Canberra and I have a thousand reasons to be here. My daughter was born here and I am so privileged to have Canberra as my host and to let me share my culture and love through what we cook.

I would also love to see Canberra as Australia’s top food destination. I believe that is a dream that can be accomplished together if all of Canberra continues working in that direction.

Hopefully we will be able to see more food trucks going around the streets very soon.

was later converted into a proper food truck.

“It’s like opening a surprise gift box, you don’t know what’s in it but you know that it is going to be enjoyable.”

By creating Mr. Papa I want to pay tribute to what I learnt from my family.

As a funny reference, the name Mr. Papa comes from ‘papa’ which means potato in Spanish and it was chosen because it was the name of the first dish we sold back in the day – ‘Papa rellena’ (Peruvian stuffed potatoes).

Why did you decide to run a food truck?

To have a food truck and a catering business with the street food concept was something I always had in mind.

In 2008, after doing a hotel management internship at Hilton Hotels in the U.S., I decided to go back to Peru to think about my career and future plans.

In the meantime, I met a chef whom I admire and learned a lot from; Mitsuharu Tsumura (Peruvian-Japanese background). Together we opened Maido, a Nikkei style restaurant.

I worked there as a Maitre D’/Restaurant Manager for two years.

After this great experience, I arrived in Australia. I got to Canberra in 2010 where I worked nearly three years in the food and beverage management department of a popular hotel chain.

I always had the idea of a food truck in mind but I didn’t have sufficient funds to get it started. I saved some money until I found a guy on Gumtree selling an old truck which

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What do you love about it?

I love being able to express my culture to the different people I meet every day. I consider myself so lucky to have this window to showcase what we do and where I come from.

Mr. Papa combines Peru’s exciting street food cuisine with a cheeky touch. We showcase Peruvian cuisine which infuses a little bit of the many cultures that migrated to Peru over the last couple of centuries like Europe, Asia and Africa making their own contributions and traditions. That is what Peruvian food is all about.

Why do you think food trucks are so popular today?

I always believe that bringing a real experience to people is a must. Today you don’t just serve a plate of food. You are giving a piece of you and your own history. By doing it in a food truck we add a special look and feel that people enjoy and appreciate.

Signature Dish: “Chanchito’ (Peruvian-style Pork belly sandwich) Slow-cooked and juicy pork belly, golden-fried sweet potato, Creole salsa and home-made chillies all served in ‘Pan Frances’ Peruvian-inspired bread made by local bakers.

To find out more about Mr. Papa, visit their Facebook page facebook.com/mrpapaaustralia/.

It’s like opening a surprise gift box, you don’t know what’s in it but you know that it is going to be enjoyable.

The food truck phenomenon is something that has been always around but now it has been taken to the next level.

What do you love about Canberra? (For you and your business) Canberra doesn’t have that ‘boring city’ title everyone used to talk about. I can’t be thankful enough to Canberra and its amazing community. It has allowed us to make great friends and is a city that is growing amazingly with its food and cultural offering.

It’s a very supportive city that is always willing to help and explore new cultures and flavours.

Carlos Ramirez Owner - Mr. Papa

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APRIL’S CARAVAN: MISS MAE

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How did you get April’s Caravan going and then Miss Mae? The initial April’s Caravan was me, at my house, with a mammoth, outstanding, outrageous collection [of vintage items], and I needed some money and at this time I decided to let part of that [collection] go.

I wanted to have it more as an event rather than just be selling vintage clothing because that’s not what it’s about to me, it’s about the fun and the atmosphere.

A friend of mine help me set up a Facebook page for April’s Caravan. It was supposed

“Milkshakes, waffles, sugar; it’s bad but it’s so much fun.”

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to be called April’s but my friend set up the profile as a person, rather than a page and you have to have a first name and a surname so April’s Caravan became the name.

There were over 400 people that showed up to the first party at my house where I had bands playing on my porch and had all the blankets set out for scones and tea and the name April’s Caravan stuck with those people.

And then, suddenly I became April. I stole my caravan’s identity. That caravan is now called June. When I launched June – which is the real April – I thought I can’t call her April because everyone thinks I’m April. And even I respond to April now.

So, that caravan is called June and Miss Mae, came later.

I launched Miss Mae at Lonsdale Street Roasters in 2010 and she was completely different but all I had was the money to do little bits here and there but I have amazing

friends with skills like you wouldn’t believe that will come on board and help me do whatever the next thing is.

Miss Mae was going to happen prior to arriving at The Hamlet, she was actually going to be a coffee van but that all changed and we moved to the milkshakes, and the desserts are coming soon but we’ve got the waffles and other little bits.

She was also at the Old Bus Depot Markets, The Fringe Festival and other places. We’re also about to start doing a smaller food van as another pop-up to take to festivals.

Why did you want to run a food truck?

One of my first jobs was at New Zealand Natural Ice Creamery. The Hokie Pokie was awesome. I used to love filling up the topping bottles because they came in these massive buckets and the topping would spill onto my arms and it was amazing – the caramel,

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BEHIND THE CARAVAN NAMES The first van was called April’s because it was purchased in April.

I remember when it arrived. I had purchased it from Melbourne for $800 and it was being driven down.

I was sitting with my friends at The Front in Lyneham and when I saw it I thought, he should not be driving this thing, it had no structure in its walls or anything.

What do you love about it?

“Everything I do is about relationships and the interaction...” everything. I think I worked there for about three years.

Also when I was young, I remember my mum wanted to open up a little diner and I was so excited and then so upset when she didn’t do it. That was my fantasy, to be a part of something like those places.

I have three kids, so I know how awesome it is for them to come down and have a waffle here. My eldest child used to work at Miss Mae and my middle child now works here.

It’s also nice to be able to have something different. I’m not just vintage clothing, it’s about creating a fun atmosphere. Milkshakes, waffles, sugar; it’s bad but it’s so much fun.

When someone walks in to the space and I see and hear their reactions and the amount of photos that get taken of all the colours, I love that.

That’s what I love. I like that I’ve built a playhouse that families can come and interact with each other. Everything I do is about relationships and the interaction, whether it’s with the furniture, the space as a whole, each individual piece, rather than just what you’re getting off the menu. It’s fun. It’s hard doing as many things as I do but I’ve got an amazing team behind me, they’re awesome and I’m so lucky.

Why do you think people love food trucks?

It brings you back to that interaction and that fun where you’re not stuck in a mall or at a table, you can move around. It’s an old thing – where people would go outside. You think of carnivals and fairs and it’s all about the fun of it. Even ice cream trucks like Mr. Whippy, you think about that song from the truck.

You could easily ride down to the shop, get a better tasting ice cream, and for cheaper, but you heard that noise from Mr. Whippy and it’s just brings in that fun so you go for it. I think people like that. A bit of clean fun is nice.

What is next for Miss Mae? I’ve just completed an office fitout down at the Nishi Building, so I might be doing a little more styling work for April’s Caravan. But I think [I’ll be] focusing more on setting up spaces. I like space and dealing with it.

Miss Mae might be leaving The Hamlet but will still be available to book for parties and other events!

The work that has gone into my caravans is crazy because of how I bought them and the state they were in. They were both trashed. So, she was April and that’s when April’s Caravan came about. When I bought Miss Mae, I thought well one of my closest friends who has helped a lot and been a great support, her name is Minh Mae and for the year or two before I bought it, we had been joking about us now being named April and Mae. So when I got the new caravan, I thought, well I’ve got April’s, this has to be Mae. And I love Mae West too, I mean who doesn’t?

So it became Mae and it was completed first. When April was finally finished, everyone still thought my name was April so I thought why not stick to the theme and called it June! And my Aunt’s name is June, too.

I think the next one is going to be completely obscure. But, in any case, you’ve got to get to know these vans and discover who they are and then give them the name to fit.

To find out more about April’s Caravan: Miss Mae, visit their Facebook page facebook.com/Aprils-Caravan-Miss-Mae-/.

In terms of the new mobile food van we’ve got, I haven’t quite figured out the plans yet.

We haven’t even figured out if it’s a boy or a girl. It hasn’t arrived on my doorstep so we’ve got to see it and figure out who it is. I’m really hoping to have that ready in about a month’s time to start getting it out there. I really don’t want anything more than that – I want a holiday!

But, if there’s ever an opportunity anywhere for me to throw a bit of colour, I’m happy to do that. I always feel better when I create.

Netti Vanthethoff Owner - April’s Caravan: Miss Mae

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PACKING TIPS FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT

Whether you’re really bad at packing or just detest the task, here are some handy tips to make your life a little bit easier when heading out on a holiday.

HAVE A PACKING PLAN Think about where you’re going, how long for, temperature changes and what is necessary. Plus, how to fit a few of those unnecessary items because sometimes you just need them!

REMEMBER THE WEIGHT LIMIT If you’re travelling by plane or joining a tour bus, weight limits are usually enforced. If you want to escape fees or being told to ditch half of your belongings, keep this in mind and either strategically plan what can be distributed between your carry on and checked luggage or go down the more traditional/practical route and…

REDUCE Think about what you can wear multiple times with many different tops or jackets, as examples. This leads to the realisation you could be bringing one pair of pants instead of two and the rest is all downhill from there!

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COVER UP To avoid a serious mess when arriving at your destination or back home, wrap your toiletries such as shampoos, conditioners and moisturisers in plastic bags or Ziploc bags before placing them in your toiletries bags.

STOP, DROP AND ROLL! Stop what you’re doing, drop the clothes you’re folding and then pick them up again, but this time roll the clothes into neat little sausages that place perfectly in your suitcase or duffel bag. Not only does it save space, but rolling your clothes helps decrease the chance of wrinkles!

FOLDING Some clothes you will need to fold, such as suits, dresses and silk and rayon fabrics. Do a bit of a web search on the best folding methods for these items to make sure you get it right.

PLACE FOOTWEAR AND HEAVY ITEMS ALONG THE BASE For obvious, gravity-related reasons. Your shoes and heavy items won’t damage your clothes or lighter items if there’s nowhere for them to move! For high heels of any kind, remember to place them on their sides so that no holes are poked through your luggage or other belongings.

ON A SIMILAR NOTE… Keep all light and squishable items on the top to keep them un-squished and clean.

WRAP IT UP Wrap fragile items and breakable souvenirs in your bulkiest clothing or several clothing items and place them in the middle of your suitcase or bag to protect them from the knocks or bumps involved in any journey.

If you can, put these items in your carry-on luggage to keep a closer eye on them.

FOR POST-PACKING: Label your luggage with your details in case it gets lost and remember to lock it up for safety! Especially if travelling a great distance with many stops via many countries.

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CANBERRA’S STELLAR SWIMMING HOLES

There’s nothing better than getting back to nature in the summertime and being outdoors before the cold returns. And who needs the coast when Canberra has so much to offer?

First bit of good news, along with being absolutely beautiful, these spots are completely free! *Remember to check water quality conditions and bushfire conditions before you make your plans to head out. Phone reception is also quite low in these areas (which might come as a welcome break).

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voyage with plenty of native birdlife to discover along the way.

Like the other spots, there are picnic tables and swimming areas but no barbecues here so you will have to plan your picnic accordingly. With bushfire season in fullswing, building natural fires is a major no-no.

Note: No dogs allowed and no rubbish bins.

URIARRA CROSSING Dogs are allowed at this one! Pack up the pooch and head out for a day of fun in the sun, sand, rocks, mountains, grass and so much more. There’s even an off-leash dog exercise area!

Uriarria Crossing is split into Uriarra East and Uriarra West, both splendid alternatives to the Cotter Reserve if it’s too busy. Uriarra Crossing is again, a little quieter than the Cotter but still a very popular spot for Canberrans.

A perfect place for relaxing in the calm streams of the river and sitting under trees with your four-legged pal.

Note: No rubbish bins.

COTTER RESERVE The classic Cotter Reserve. Canberra’s favourite for swimming, barbecuing and playing in the sunshine throughout the summer months.

In particular, the Cotter Bend where Paddy’s River meets the Cotter River, is the best place for swimming. Surrounded by giant trees with hanging branches, this spot is perfect for spending the day with friends and a picnic in the shade. The water will still be a little chilly but a welcome relief on those sweltering summer days. You can also go fishing! Just watch out for the humans.

You’ll find electric barbecues, toilet facilities, drinking water and plenty of picnic tables to settle in for the day.

You can also explore the Cotter Caves for a bit of an adventure between cooling off periods. Take the Bullen Track and follow the signs.

Note: No dogs allowed and no rubbish bins.

CASUARINA SANDS Also in the vicinity of the Cotter Reserve is Casuarina Sands. At the edge of the Murrumbidgee River, Casuarina Sands is another great spot for swimming, fishing and picnicking.

With a playground for the kids, electric barbecues with picnic tables and toilet facilities you can easily spend the day here taking in the sunshine, going for walks or even canoeing and kayaking! It’s a perfect place to launch.

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For the hikers of the group, this section of the Cotter Reserve is the beginning of the picturesque 27km Murrumbidgee Discovery Track along the river. It’s also mountain bike friendly if that’s how you choose to get around.

Note: No dogs allowed and no rubbish bins.

There is drinking water.

PINE ISLAND Minutes from Tuggeranong’s city centre (and Abode Tuggeranong) lies Pine Island Reserve off Pine Island Road in Greenway.

The Deep South’s answer to a stellar swimming hole, Pine Island has a fantastic playground, electric barbecues and picnic tables, perfect for birthdays or other celebrations that involve a nice dip in the river.

It is also another entry point to the 27km Murrumbidgee Track. Another option is taking your mountain bike south to Point Hut or the longer and more scenic route that heads north to Kambah Pool. But, if that seems like a bit much, there are shorter loops that wind around the reserve.

Note: During Daylight Savings, the gates are open from 8am to 9pm only.

THARWA SANDWASH

KAMBAH POOL The ‘pool’ has plenty of room for everyone to take a dip, do some fishing, go for a canoe ride and interestingly, it is home to Canberra’s only known nudist bathing area (there are signs posted around the area to avoid a shock).

A beautiful section of the Murrumbidgee River, Kambah Pool displays a diverse range of habitats and has spectacular views of the area’s natural beauty.

It’s a great spot for bird watching and is another entry point to the 27km Murrumbidgee Discovery Track.

Note: Gates to Kambah Pool are open from 8am to 9pm during summer. No rubbish bins.

Toilets are located at both car parks.

WOODS RESERVE, GIBRALTAR CREEK In the south, on the banks of Gibraltar Creek lies Woods Reserve. A popular place for picnics, swimming and functions for a big family or group of friends. You can also camp and dogs are allowed, just on a leash.

Gibraltar Falls is located upstream, just a few minutes’ drive south on Corin Road. At the Gibraltar Falls car park there is a picnic shelter, gas BBQ and amenities block. You can also take the short gravel track to look out over the falls and the creek.

A great little picnic spot, Tharwa Sandwash is quieter than the others and you really get the feeling of being out in the bush.

A great spot for launching canoes, the unspoiled Sandwash will provide a scenic

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Take advantage of the beautiful summer sunshine and spend the day outdoors!

Of course, this adventure includes the best food, drinks and diverse Canberra experiences to make your season visit the best.

We have put together a full day’s itinerary to make sure you see the best of Canberra in the summer.

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Sleep. It’s summertime, possibly summer holidays – get a sleep in.

You deserve it.

Rise and shine for breakfast at Local Press Café in Kingston and get a cool cold pressed juice and a blast of that summer sun while sitting in the outdoor area.

This health-conscious establishment is perfect to give you the boost to start the day with food that is both delicious and good for you! In the stunning locale that is the Kingston Foreshore, you won’t be disappointed.

Are you feeling an animalistic adventure?

Because it’s time for a fun day with some furry friends at the zoo! The National Zoo & Aquarium is not just for kids and families, it’s the perfect place for everyone to learn something new about familiar and exotic animals and even presents the opportunity to get up-close and personal with one of your favourites! With a café and seating areas in the centre of the zoo, you won’t need to bring lunch as the snacks are plentiful. But, the seats are there for everyone and there are other picnic tables throughout the park if you want to bring your own.

After heading back to the hotel for a lie down, it’s time to grab some afternoon tea at Adore Tea in Federation Square. This sweet spot for tea and treats is the perfect way to continue the day. Serving both iced and hot, Adore Tea will fully satisfy your tea needs. Afterwards, Federation Square is ideal to get a little boutique shopping in with stores that hold everything from antique jewellery and furniture to plants and pet needs.

To continue the full haul around the capital, head down to Lake Burley Griffin to stroll through Westside Acton Park and pick up a snack or two from the long list of culturally diverse food vendors ready and waiting to serve you the best. Known as the Shipping Container Village, Westside Acton Park is a great space by the lake that brings people together for food and fun in an open setting. Take the stairs up to the top levels and get a wonderful view of Canberra across the lake.

Wear a hat and get excited for a day of learning and playing with wildlife from around the world.

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Take a small drive from the city and grab a late afternoon cocktail at Haha Bar or La De Da in Belconnen. These two mean business when it comes to their cocktails, canapes and sweet summer tunes that blare through the speakers while you watch the sunlight over Lake Ginninderra. A DJ is a staple in the upstairs La De Da and includes a cosy balcony for you to look out at the passers-by. Enjoy the warm summer air and the people-watching that comes with such a central location.

For dinner, it’s over to Braddon where open air and open seating food options are in their prime. Stroll through Lonsdale Street, landing at The Hamlet also known as food trucks galore. Pick between savoury, sweet, Peruvian and more! With vendors like BrodDogs, Mr. Papa, The Spit Shack and April’s Caravan: Miss Mae, you’ll be stuck for choices when it comes to your main meal. Once you’ve made the impossible decision, take a seat at one of the many picnic-style tables and tuck in.

After dinner has settled, take a night time drive to Scrivener Dam and watch the water as it fiercely pours down. More calming and romantic than it sounds. The lights that surround the dam, the overhanging trees and the perfect balcony viewing spot to enjoy the water and the night sky will make for a perfect moment.

To finish off the evening, get a final sugar hit from the dessert kings themselves at the one and only Dessert Castle at University Lodge in the city. Choose between cakes, gelato, pies, cookies, waffles, macaroons or brownies – and that’s not even the full list! You might regret it later, but after such a jam-packed day of jet-setting, it might balance out. In any case, treat yourself and worry about the calories later (if at all).

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Enjoy your summer day out. We promise to have your room perfected by the time you return.

Photo credit: VisitCanberra

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SUMMER TUNES A good way to get into the summer spirit is through music!

Take a look through our list of summerthemed songs with shameful references to things being hot, sunny or sweaty.

Others references include vacations, no school and being lazy – all from the past eight decades!

1940’S You Are My Sunshine - Bing Crosby 1941 On The Sunny Side Of The Street - Billie Holiday 1944 I Got The Sun In The Morning - Judy Garland 1946 The Things We Did Last Summer - Jo Stafford 1946 Sunflower - Russ Morgan 1949

Whether they’re originals, covers or instrumental, these tunes will surely get you in a summery mood and ready for this special time of year.

*Keep in mind, there are PG songs and some not-so-PG songs in this list.

1950’S Summertime Blues - Eddie Cochran 1958 Song For A Summer Night - Mitch Miller & His Orchestra 1956 Summertime, Summertime – The Jamies 1958 Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong 1957 One Summer Night – The Danleers 1958

1980’S Suddenly Last Summer – The Motels 1983 Boys Of Summer - Don Henley 1984 Cruel Summer - Bananarama 1983 Vacation - The Go-Go’s 1982 Summer Of Love - The B-52S 1986 Holiday Road - Lindsey Buckingham 1983 Summer Rain - Belinda Carlisle 1989 Walking On Sunshine - Katrina And The Waves 1983

1990’S Steal My Sunshine – Len 1999 Summertime - Dj Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince 1991 That Summer Feeling – Jonathan Richman 1992 Sun Hits The Sky - Supergrass 1997 Walkin’ On The Sun - Smashmouth 1997

1960’S A Summer Song – Chad & Jeremy 1964 Sunny Afternoon – The Kinks 1966 Summer In The City - The Lovin’ Spoonful 1966 Hot Fun In The Summertime - Sly & The Family Stone 1969 All Summer Long – The Beach Boys 1964 Heat Wave – Martha Reeves And The Vandellas 1963 Summer Wind - Frank Sinatra 1966 Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer - Nat King Cole 1963

1970’S Hot Stuff – Donna Summer 1979 In The Summertime - Mungo Jerry 1970 Summer Breeze - Seals & Crofts 1972 School’s Out - Alice Cooper 1972 Summer Nights – Olivia Newtown John & John Travolta 1978 Everybody Loves The Sunshine – Roy Ayers Ubiquity 1976

Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles 1969

2000’S

2010’S

Hot In Herre – Nelly 2002 In Summer – Olaf The Snowman (Or Josh Gad) 2013 Island In The Sun – Weezer 2001 In The Summertime - Thirsty Merc 2004 Summer Love - Justin Timberlake 2006

Summertime Sadness - Lana Del Ray 2012 Or Bonus Alternate Version: Summertime Sadness – Lana Del Ray & Cedric Gervais (Remix)

Soak Up The Sun - Sheryl Crow 2002 Summer - Calvin Harris 2014 Summerfling - K.d. Lang 2000 Long Hot Summer - Keith Urban 2010 Pocketful Of Sunshine - Natasha Bedingfield 2008 Summerthing (feat. Mike Taylor) - Afrojack 2015 Hello Sunshine - Super Furry Animals 2003 Cool For The Summer - Demi Lovato 2015 Brighter Than Sunshine - Aqualung 2003

DAUGHTERS AT HALL: THE STORY OF JENNY & JESSICA

In the beautiful and tranquil village of Hall lies the Hall Premier Store, a significant heritage building to the townspeople.

When asked about the decision to take over the reins of Hall Premier Store, Jenny told the story,

Perhaps the first registered business in the ACT, it proudly opened its doors to this small, rural community in 1889.

“We were travelling in Europe late last year and heard of the potential sale of the store and were very excited at the prospect of buying it.

Some 126 years later, and after many owners, it is still operating today as a fully equipped and charming shop and café.

It has served as a grocery store and service station for the local community, but over the years the large conglomerate supermarkets have taken the trade and the store diversified into a news agency with a partial assortment of grocery items and some café-style food and drinks.

This year, new owners, Jenny Berron and Jessica Smith, a mother and daughter duo, have purchased the store and are carrying on the legacy of Hall.

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“What excited us both, getting involved in such a business, was being able to express our naturally friendly and happy personalities in serving the community and developing a rapport with our customers - something we were not always able to extend in our previous careers.

“We both have very fond memories of Hall.

Our family goes back seven generations to 1882 of residing, attending the local school and working in Hall.”

“We were really keen to provide a relaxed, stress-free, semi-rural place where people could enjoy a true, homemade meal and baked goodies, as well as buy a few grocery items like newspapers.”

The ladies purchased the store and aptly named it, Daughters At Hall, incredibly fitting given the long and active history their family has shared with the community.

The Hall community recognised Jenny and Jessica from their family heritage and welcomed them with open arms, offering their support.

Previously, Jenny worked in sales and Jessica in the security industry but both believed a career change would be ideal for them both.

As Jessica explains,

With this and the support of family and friends, the ladies began to review the needs of the locals and quickly realised the demand for a good meeting place, and somewhere they could sell local produce.

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“The wonderful community of Hall and its surrounds have a way of making you feel that you’re in a small country town when really, it’s just a short drive from the CBD.” Spending time at Daughters At Hall, you will find yourself unwinding and de-stressing while enjoying a first class meal, amazing coffee or a tasty milkshake. It will leave you satisfied and happy that you made the short trip. Everyone stops and says hello or simply waves. You’ll feel very welcomed not only by Jenny and Jessica but also the locals.

Make sure you stop in during your visit to Canberra.

Daughters At Hall is located at 5 Victoria Street, Hall.

To find out more about Daughters At Hall, visit their Facebook page facebook.com/Daughters-at-Hall/.

As far as plans for the future goes, Jenny explains, They use recipes that have been in the family for decades and source ingredients as locally as you can get from Hall and Canberra’s surrounds. As Jenny explains, “Above all, almost everything is made by our family and ourselves which we think is a rarity these days – the person serving you the meal is the same person that created it.

“We love when our customers ask, “did you make that amazing cake right here?, or, “wow it’s your Nanny’s recipes?” that’s the best part.”

In this very peaceful village, Daughters At Hall is the place to come and experience a meal that will remind you of home cooking at its best. A meal that reminds you of what your parents or grandparents used to make in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

Jenny’s pure love for the village of Hall is clear, “Sitting outside the café amongst the surroundings will give you a real sense of life in the old days and there are few better ways to remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city life. One of the best things about Hall is there are no traffic lights, and angle parking. A true country town experience right in the National Capital!

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“We have exciting plans for significant renovations in 2016 with a full working kitchen to further promote the extremely tasty wines and healthy and scrumptious produce from the local area.”

Daughters At Hall is so much, to so many people. It is the meeting place for residents and small businesses. It’s the hub of the village for the One Tree Hill walkers and cyclists. It’s the local’s essential stop for bread, milk and a paper, and it’s the lolly shop for the nine busloads of school kids that fill the store every afternoon with their pocket money in hand to buy their favourite treats – the rows of lolly jars is, in itself, something to see!

Jessica Smith Owner - Daughters At Hall

But, mostly it’s the freshly roasted coffee, delicious home baked cakes and the friendly smiles and warmth that you’ll be greeted with that was once a given when visiting a country town.

And finally, from these two daughters of Hall, what the store means to them is pure and sweet, as Jessica explains, “It’s our home and has been since 1882 and we look forward to welcoming you.”

Jenny Berron Owner - Daughters At Hall

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NATIONAL TREASURES: THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA special workshops related to our exhibitions and collections, in which kids can create artworks and pieces to take home, and special activities and performances linked to major events and festivals around the country.

On a daily basis, kids can get excited about the Trailblazer activity, which takes each young explorer on a 30–40-minute selfguided tour through the Museum, using a special pack available at the Information Desk in the Main Hall. The goal is to help children navigate as many galleries as possible to learn as much as they can about Australian history through different stories and objects on display. With sticker rewards and an activity booklet to take on the trip, the kids will certainly be entertained and will definitely learn something!

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iscover where Australia’s stories come alive at the National Museum of Australia. Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Museum’s stunning architecture offers visitors an extraordinary place to explore the rich and diverse stories of our country and our people.

The Eternity gallery brings to life the personal stories of 50 ordinary and extraordinary Australians.

The National Museum of Australia opened in 2001 in a building designed by Australian architects Ashton Raggatt McDougall and Peckvonhartel, following an international design competition. The building reflects the many intertwined stories that make up Australia’s history. One of these tangled threads is represented in the dramatic orange loop that rises 30 metres above the Museum’s entrance. The building design won the prestigious Blueprint Architecture Award for the world’s Best New Public Building of the Year in 2001.

The Journeys gallery explores the fascinating journeys of people and objects that connect Australia to the world.

The National Museum of Australia is the place to get to know the real, the treasured, the surprising and the inspirational objects from Australian history. See some of the nation’s most popular and important objects, from Phar Lap’s heart and Holden Prototype No. 1 to bark paintings and a piece of ochre used

by Aboriginal artists over 50,000 years ago.

The Museum tells the story of Australia’s history across five galleries: Eternity, Old New Land, Landmarks, First Australians and Journeys.

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The Old New Land gallery examines Australia’s diverse and unique species and environments by exploring how people have responded and adapted to the land over time.

The Landmarks gallery is located over two levels and features over 1,500 objects. It explores Australian history since European settlement, through stories of Australian places across the continent.

The First Australians gallery is located over two levels and traces the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their spirituality, diversity, identity and survival.

Open Collections takes you behind the scenes to view more than 2000 objects from the Museum’s Indigenous collections, including many artefacts rarely seen by the public. Open every day for 15 minutes on the hour, 10am–4pm.

A visit to the National Museum of Australia is the perfect outing for families as many exhibits engage children in learning through hands-on experiences. The Museum has fantastic school holiday programs, including

Kspace is the Museum’s new interactive adventure game for kids. In this brand new experience, children will build their own time travelling robot then blast off to explore a mystery location in Australia’s past. It is open to school groups and general visitors seven days a week at specified times. Remember to check the session times and booking requirements for this one, as it is very popular among school groups and families.

A great way to experience the Museum is to take a guided tour through the Museum’s many exhibitions (fees apply). The Museum’s expert hosts will bring stories to life and reveal the history behind the objects on display. For something special, try the Ultimate Museum Experience. Enjoy a meal with a glass of wine in the Museum’s stunning waterfront cafe, peruse the collections with a personalised tour and receive 10% off purchases at the Museum Shop! A museum experience doesn’t get much better than this. You can choose either a one-hour Museum Highlights Tour (10 am or 1 pm) or a one-hour First Australians Tour(3 pm) to include in your package.

Stop by the Museum’s shop to find unusual and high quality homewares, arts and crafts, fashion accessories, Aboriginal giftware, gourmet treats and more. With prices to suit every budget you’re sure to leave with a souvenir.

The National Museum of Australia is truly a notto-be missed experience when visiting Canberra.

Opening Hours 9am to 5pm daily (closed Christmas Day). Free general entry.

Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Canberra; Freecall 1800 026 132; nma.gov.au A+

SHOULD CANBERRA ADOPT LOCKOUT LAWS?

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worn in by Sydney in late 2013 and later in cities like Adelaide, it is still being debated whether or not lockout laws have seen major improvements in city night time social scenes. The question today is if such a measure is needed for a smaller town like Canberra.

Talks have already begun within the ACT Government about the topic and the public are currently split between for and against attitudes. Many believe lockout laws in problem areas could reduce the number of fights and other alcohol-fuelled incidents but others believe it won’t make much of a difference.

According to officials, Sydney’s late night atmosphere in particular has seen significant improvements but a lot of citizens claim no real difference has occured and plenty of antisocial behaviour still goes on.

To pair some figures with the argument, the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research released a full year’s worth of data that compared the changing nature of Sydney’s violence in the Central Business District.

The data showed assault hotspots for the year in 2013 before the 1.00am lockout and 3.00am last drinks laws were implemented and compared them with those same hotspots in 2014 and then again in 2015 after the laws were applied.

The data proved that a decrease in density of assaults occurred in major violent zones A+

on Sydney’s George Street, The Rocks and on Oxford Street and had decreased slightly in Kings Cross and Woolloomooloo. The data also revealed an increase in violence density in Pyrmont, sections of Surry Hills and Redfern – areas which fall outside the government’s lock-out zone.* In regards to Canberra’s alcohol-related issues, the NSW/ACT Alcohol Policy Alliance (NAAPA) has some points to make.

Canberra business owners may suffer.

But, is that worth our safety? Or is the lockout needed in the first place?

An alternative idea put forward by ACT Policing is to implement risk zones throughout the capital where higher penalties are issued for alcohol-related offences in those areas at select times; as a first-response effort in dealing with alcoholfuelled violence.

Canberrans are drinking more in a single occasion than the entire country with the proportion of males and females drinking at risky levels on a single occasion (more than four standard drinks) at 55.2% for men compared with 48.2% nationally, and 33.5% for women compared to 27.6% nationally.*

The figures show alcohol-related violence is on the rise in Canberra and a change needs to be made but does it need to be as extreme as lockout laws? Or is ‘extreme’ not a fair term to associate with lockout laws?

Over a four year period there has been a 32% increase in the number of alcoholrelated emergency department visits from 5,084 in 2009-10 to 6,702 in 2012-13, indicating the amount of these incidents are on the rise.*

Arguably, the majority of these violent offences are committed by males that some say is a result of a ‘macho’ culture and violence is embedded in their personality - something alcohol cannot change. The same goes for females. Do we then need to be combatting this social issue instead of alcohol restrictions, or both?

What the organisation asks for is a major reform of the Liquor Act (2010) that begins with a reduction in late night trading hours, action to address discounting and promotion in both on and off-licence venues as well as measures governing and controlling outlet density.

The problem business owners and other individuals fear is the effect lockout laws will have on the economy. Larger economies like Sydney’s are almost guaranteed to stay afloat but with restrictions on trading hours,

The debate goes on.

At present, the ACT Government are looking at figures compiled by the NAAPA and have released a discussion paper, Proposals for Regulatory Reform which included public comment and consultation. The responses are currently being assessed. *Information obtained from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research and NSW/ACT Alcohol Policy Alliance

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YERRABI POND

Escape to the beautiful and natural surroundings of Yerrabi Pond where you can view local wildlife, enjoy a picnic or indulge the senses at the unique galleries and cafĂŠs on the waterfront.

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egarded as one of the best family-friendly suburban parks in Canberra, Yerrabi Pond is located at the edge of Gungahlin and is an ideal location to visit or bring the family to spend some quality time together.

from food through to art.

Yerrabi Pond is also the perfect location to explore nature with the opportunity to ride or walk through the heritage of Gungahlin with the 4km Yerrabi Pond loop or the 2.3km Forde loop.

Some of the native residents you might catch sight of include Black Swans, Dusky Moorhens or even the Superb Parrot. Keen anglers can also enjoy a spot of fishing with Yerrabi Pond stocked with over 50,000 native fish to help improve the waterways.

An innovative play space and adventure playground will entertain the young ones with attractions including a giant Tarzan swing, wheelchair access liberty swing and a tandem flying fox; older kids can enjoy the skateboard area while parents enjoy a coffee and a meal by the pond.

So, if you feel like a great day out exploring parks in the nation’s capital, enjoying an outdoor picnic or barbecue and supporting local business, make the trip to Yerrabi Pond (accessed off Mirrabei Drive and Gundaroo Drive).

Waterfront businesses at Yerrabi provide a variety of services. Indulge all your tastes

All this is just a ten minute walk (15 if you dawdle) from Abode Gungahlin.

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The Yerrabi Pond Business District offers a taste of world cuisine.

Stray Leaf Gallery

Samekesh

Morrissey Property

Stray Leaf Gallery is Gungahlin’s own art gallery dedicated to showcasing the wealth of creative talent from the Canberra region.

The latest innovation from this small but dynamic gallery is the support and promotion of the amazing creativity and depth of talent held by Canberra’s high school and college art students. You will be amazed and inspired by what is on display. A visit to Yerrabi is not complete without a visit to Stray Leaf Gallery.

For early risers, there’s only one place for coffee and breakfast in Yerrabi and that’s Samekesh. Run by creative chef Mel and ageless surfer Shayne, Samekesh is open from 7am, seven days a week serving everything from a full meal to a light snack.

Did we mention Mel’s homemade chutney and jams? Why not take a jar back home with you? They also stock a wide range of clothing, jewellery and giftware sourced by Shane when on his surfing trips to Indonesia.

Morrissey Property is a residential real estate sales agency developed by the Morrissey family with over 40 years combined real estate sales and development experience.

Their passion, expertise and hardworking nature coupled with their long term relationship focus are a recipe for your success. Morrissey Property proudly received the Allhomes Sales Person of the year Awards for 2013 and 2014.

Find our more about Stray Leaf Gallery, visit their Facebook page facebook.com/ strayleafgallery/.

The Saffron Room Canberra’s only Persian restaurant, The Saffron Room serves authentic, delicious Persian cuisine in the midst of an engaging mix of eclectic objet d’art. The Sunday lunch and dinner buffets should not be missed talk about great value for money! Is that a group of Middle Eastern diplomats sitting by the window? Yes it is, we told you the food was authentic!

Find out more about The Saffron Room, visit their website saffronroom.com.au.

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Find out more about Samekesh, visit their Facebook page facebook.com/Samekesh/.

NH8 NH8 is Canberra’s newest Indian restaurant.

Taking its name from National Highway 8 (India’s version of Route 66), NH8 takes you on a gastronomical tour of the regions between Delhi and Mumbai traversed by NH8. At NH8, it’s all about the flavours not the heat. Eat in or order takeaway and have it delivered direct to Abode.

Find out more about NH8, visit their website nh8.com.au.

Find out more about Morrissey Property, visit their website morrisseyproperty.com.au.

Da Nunzio Da Nunzio Italian Café Bar Ristorante offers authentic Italian meals based on simple and fresh ingredients bursting with flavour.

A perfect place for dinner tonight. There’s a large wall paper photo of an Italian guy on a Vespa in an Italian village, could he be Nunzio’s dad?

Find out more about Da Nunzio, visit their website danunzio.com.au.

Advertorial

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A VIEW FOR TWO

Nothing compliments a night out with your sweetie quite like a gorgeous view to take in along with your love.

Here are some of Canberra’s greatest viewpoints to take a meal, drink, dessert or just to escape the busy streets and appreciate your time together and the world around you.

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View from Mt. Ainslie Photo credit: VisitCanberra

MOUNT PLEASANT LOOKOUT General Bridges Drive, Canberra

this giant hillside and serves as a wonderful representation of Australian nature.

As pleasant as it sounds, this lookout provides fantastic views of our beautiful city whilst also paying a fitting tribute to the country’s military efforts. Less frequented than the more popular Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain, this date will be a quiet and calm one.

Mount Ainslie is approximately 846 metres high, so make sure you plan for the outdoor date with plenty of water and engage in sun-smart activities like wearing hats and sunscreen on those hot summer days.

One for the military buffs, Mount Pleasant is reached by a short drive through the Royal Military College, Duntroon that will take you to the top of the mountain. The lookout is home to the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery National Memorial. The focal point of the memorial is two giant artillery guns built in 1820 sitting either side of the main lookout point. It is here that lies the grave of William Throsby Bridges, the first Commandant of Duntroon and the only Australian soldier who perished in World War I to be buried in Australia.

The mountain is also a designated saluting location with the well-known 21 gun salute occurring here on ceremonial occasions.

Better visited during the day, this view is best served with a scoop of ice cream or tasty snack picked up on the way out after breakfast or lunch to enjoy while taking in the history and the view of the capital.

MOUNT AINSLIE Mount Ainslie Drive, Majura Mount Ainslie is the perfect opportunity to achieve some fitness goals. You’ll be rewarded with the beautiful view of the precisely-planned Canberra after getting a little exercise in. A popular pastime for many Canberrans, walking up Mount Ainslie is something many hope to achieve.

Park your car at the Australian War Memorial and follow the signs to start your trek to the top. Once you’ve reached it, you’ll be blown away in realising the full impact of Canberra’s planning. There’s nothing quite like getting a full view of just how precise that plan was.

There are plenty of seats and viewing points providing panoramic views of the city once you’ve arrived.

BLACK MOUNTAIN 100 Black Mountain Drive, Acton To pair with this view, a delicious picnic dinner or late night sweet treat is the perfect fit. The most well-known landmark throughout Canberra, Telstra Tower is something you can see across the city and can be thought of as Canberra’s Empire State Building, Big Ben or Burj Khalifa. It is one of our defining landmarks, a structure that clearly identifies you are now in the capital city.

Drive up the mountain at night and park your car, sit on the hood and get that wonderful view of our northern side. After dinner or your snack, head inside Telstra Tower to see this enormous structure and get those 360 degree views of the rest of Canberra and beyond. Telstra Tower is open from 9am-10pm every day and doesn’t cost much to get in.

A perfect late night date.

View from Red Hill Lookout Photo credit: VisitCanberra

RED HILL LOOKOUT Red Hill Drive, Red Hill Driving through one of Canberra’s more affluent suburbs, Red Hill, you will soon arrive at its very own lookout.

A picture-perfect setting to book in at the Little Brother Café that sits at the top of the hill and does not disappoint with its views of the city and fantastic food.

The observation area provides a detailed story of Canberra as ‘the garden city’ it was known way back when the city’s design was first imagined by Walter Burley Griffin.

Take in the view, take in a coffee at the café and enjoy a day witnessing the city below as you peacefully watch the day go by.

Along the walk, you’ll be accompanied by the various flora and fauna that preside on

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CITY TO THE LAKE: A CITY SHAPING PROJECT

*Artist’s impression.

A revitalisation project we haven’t seen before, City to the Lake is set to reshape the face of the city centre like we’ve never imagined.

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n 2013, the ACT Government released details of the City to the Lake project, which included plans for a new waterfront, convention and exhibition centre, aquatic facility, city stadium, and additional homes in southern parts of Canberra’s CBD.

*Artist’s impression.

“West Basin will be Canberra’s great meeting and event space – a truly public waterfront.”

The $10.1 million funded in the 2015-16 ACT Budget will see the construction of a new public park at West Basin.

The design of Stage 1 includes:

It is one of Australia’s largest urban renewal projects that will be delivered in stages over the next 20 years. It covers an area of over 70 hectares, intended to accommodate over one million square metres of new floor space on prime central city and waterfront land.

Now embedded in The City Plan, City to the Lake aims to create new and exciting places where people want to live, work and play.

The ACT Government Coordinator-General - Urban Renewal, Ben Ponton, explains the idea behind City to the Lake, “The vision for City to the Lake is that it will be a major contributor to the heart of the National Capital where the everyday life of the city meets Lake Burley Griffin.

“It will be urbane, diverse and pedestrian friendly, awarded for its sustainability, authenticity and design excellence.”

As a sign that the project will be led by the construction of the major public domain elements, the first stage in the ACT Government’s plans to connect the city centre to Lake Burley Griffin is the West Basin waterfront. It is positioned on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin, bounded by Commonwealth Avenue and Parkes Way. When complete, the waterfront will be an exciting destination, where people meet, celebrate and socialise. As explained

by Mr. Ponton,

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• A new park, playground, barbeque facilities and recreation areas at ‘Point Park’ - the southern headland of West Basin, adjacent to Commonwealth Avenue bridge; • two signalised intersections on Commonwealth Avenue to enable easier vehicular access to the waterfront and Commonwealth Park and; • new paths connecting Commonwealth Avenue to the waterfront, and upgrades to the western section of Barrine Drive as it transitions into a new shared zone.

Businesses, new or old should get excited as great opportunities are on the way! As described by Mr. Ponton, “Some of the features beyond Stage 1 of the waterfront include a generous boardwalk, new jetties, separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians and several pavilions on the promenade for cafes and restaurants.”

World class architecture and public domain with diverse spaces for intimate and larger gatherings will be hallmarks of the urban development project. It is intended that this will be closely followed with the release of the first sites fronting the new public waterfront for mixed-use development with active ground floors fronting the waterfront.

In June this year, the community and key stakeholders were invited to provide

“West Basin will be Canberra’s great meeting and event space – a truly public waterfront.” feedback on the proposed design for the West Basin waterfront, and have their say on the types of commercial activities, community facilities and events that would bring them to the precinct in the future.

There is strong support for the proposal, with 78% of those surveyed indicating the proposed design fits very well or well with their idea of a liveable Canberra and the city they want for the future.

It’s exciting times for Canberra as we move towards developing into the truly great city we are.

Stay tuned for more details as the project progresses!

More information on the City to the Lake is available at citytolake.com.au.

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KIDSPOT POOLS FOR KIDS

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simple fact of life: when it gets hot, kids get irritable. As sweet and calm as they may be at other times, this is a fact.

Adults also get irritable in the heat. We have a perfect solution for both: some serious pool playtime!

located all around the capital and are the places young Canberrans go to learn how to swim. With warm air and warm water, these pools are best for babies and they even employ an underwater photographer from time-to-time to capture those special moments to keep.

Canberra is full of indoor and outdoor pools that accommodate perfectly for the littler fish in the family with kids programs and pools for even the newest newborns. You won’t be hard-pressed to find the perfect pool to cool you and your family.

CISAC Clue Blue is another adventure waterpark only indoors so you can easily avoid any sunburn. In the heart of Belconnen, the pool serves as both a training and exercise centre for the public but an awesome waterpark sits on the sidelines that includes fountains, waterfalls and an island to jump off for the bigger kids! The park is designed for ages two years and up as the pool starts off shallow and gradually gets deeper as their confidence grows.

Starting with, Big Splash. Holding its status as a major attraction, the gates open in November and stay open all seven days of the week. Canberra’s very own adventure waterpark, Big Splash includes nine slides, kid’s pools, Splash Island, a play pool and a 50 metre lap pool!

Some of the names of the slides include The Twister Slide, The Speed Coaster and The Hurricane Slide so you know you’re in for a great day of fast-paced fun. For the smaller kids, there are large inflatables that are a bit calmer including slides, toys and the play pool. There’s plenty to do and you can spend the day, bring your own food or grab some snacks from the cafeteria.

Prices and open times can be found on the website.

For a more relaxed or educational swimming session, King Swim Centres are 36

Close to the city is Dickson Aquatic Centre that has both indoor and outdoor areas for everyone. This includes a 50 metre heated pool, a shaded and shallow pool (one metre depth) for kids still learning and the outdoor splash park! There are picnic facilities around the pool, a café and ample grassy areas for the kids to run around or take a break.

Moving to the centre of the city is Canberra Olympic Pool. Here is the infamous five metre diving board where those who dare push their comfort zones and make the leap into the deep below! There are other dive boards that are less high and less

intense but just as fun. The 50 metre heated pool inside is a quieter option to avoid the crowds outside.

And finally, it’s back to the North to Gungahlin Leisure Centre, Canberra’s newest pool centre with fresh and modern facilities. The staple 50 metre lap pool is present here along with a 25 metre pool that links up to the kids area which includes another indoor splash park that leaves you guessing when and where you’ll be sprayed with water!

Canberra is the ultimate playground for children as it brings together exercise, learning and outdoor exploration.

Your kids will be entertained for days!

Got a recommendation or question for our Kidspot activities? Tweet us @abodehotels with the hashtag #kidspot A+

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THE COLOURS OF CANBERRA

A little article for the shiny happy people who love a bit of colour and want to find it in Canberra.

We’ve gone around the city and found the most colourful people, places, buildings and plants we could find.

If you need a little pick-me-up on a dark and gloomy day, here’s where you need to go: Captain Cook Memorial – Not only a wonderful homage to our first settler, this memorial is surrounded by beautiful blossom trees that mesh perfectly with the lush green grass they sprout from. The colour from the trees and the ground bounce off the fountain memorial and display beautiful reflections back to you.

Garema Place – Here you will find the colourful people. A social centre where Canberrans go to express their opinions, meet with friends or relax alone. Take a seat at one of the nearby eateries or watering holes and people-watch the day away. It is also the chosen venue of many community events that usually involve some kind of fairy lights or colourful banners.

International Flag Display – Make your way to Commonwealth Place along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin to see the colours of the world. Literally. The flags of 90 different countries are posted here celebrating the United Nations and our relationship with the

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countries that maintain a diplomatic presence in the capital. Even at night the flags are lit up, blasting their country’s colours into the sky.

National Musuem of Australia – Its design was inspired by a jigsaw puzzle and the colours on the inside and outside of this building aim to please as they reflect the colours of Australian culture, indigenous heritage and the natural environment.

ActewAGL Building – A little burst of colour on the first floor housing sculptures that look a bit like shark fins but actually represent The Journey, an artwork by Canberra-based Frost Design and Coolon Lighting Pty Ltd. It consists of 37 sculptural forms emerging from the concrete floor to become winding light-filled shapes named ‘Ossolites’. The art display changes colour via movement sensors and interacts with people passing by going from purple to blue to pink, green and red and back again. Stay for a minute or two and enjoy the calm changes from one colour to the next.

Parliament House – Out the front of this important house is the Forecourt mosaic, an Aboriginal artwork designed by Indigenous artist, Michael Nelson Jagamara, a celebrated artist from the Papunya community in the Northern Territory. The mosaic is based on Jagamara’s painting, Possums and Wallabies Dreaming, which describes a large gathering to enact ceremonial obligations. It derives

from the sand-painting tradition of the Warlpiri people and has complex layers of meaning known only to Warlpiri elders.

The Beijing Garden – A centennial gift to Canberra from the Beijing Government in 2014, the Beijing Garden sits within the lovely Lennox Gardens at the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. It includes a grand welcome gate of red, green and gold followed by beautiful sculptures, pathways and plants. Take a seat anywhere and enjoy the tranquillity.

National Botanic Gardens – The one and only. Where has more colour than a garden dedicated to celebrating the many colours and patterns of Australia’s natural environment? The gardens are free so spend the day and wander through the beautiful grounds.

It’s important to steal a moment out of our ever-busy lives and take in our surroundings.

Celebrating colour is a fantastic way to stop and appreciate the beautiful world we’ve been given.

Have a colourful day.

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SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY There is arguably nothing more stressful than having a loved one in hospital.

The Canberra Hospital Foundation supports families that find themselves away from home while they support a loved one receiving treatment at the Canberra Hospital.

One important way the Foundation does this is through providing accommodation during such a difficult time. Abode is proud to support the Foundation with the donation of a two-bedroom family room for that purpose.

We like to think we are helping by ensuring that families have one less thing to worry about as they concentrate on their loved one’s recovery.

CHRISTMAS IN CANBERRA

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hen the city slickers go away, the visitors are left to play! Less people around means more room on the roads (no traffic), less people at restaurants and bars (guaranteed bookings and fast service) and less people in the urban open spaces (more room to breathe!).

Visitor numbers fluctuate when it comes to Christmas time in Canberra but whether there are masses of people around you or hardly any at all, there is plenty to do as we celebrate Christmas as a city.

To begin your city exploration, start with the basics. That would be the national museums and memorials, of course: • National Gallery of Australia • National Museum of Australia • National Archives of Australia • National Library of Australia • Australian War Memorial • Questacon • National Portrait Gallery • Museum of Australian Democracy • National Film and Sound Archive of Australia There is much to learn, explore and appreciate when making your way through any one of these national gems. From science and fun to observing Australia’s oldest documents, there is a lot to see and so little time to see it.

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City Walk, Canberra - Christmas in the city, 2014 Photo credit: In The City Canberra

You’ll find many fantastic restaurant precincts throughout the capital that provide delicious dishes and best beverages from varying cultures and flavours of the world. Some of these locations include: • Kingston Shops • Manuka Shops • Griffith Shops • City Centre • Emu Bank, Belconnen • Kingston Foreshore • NewActon precinct • The Marketplace, Gungahlin Once the mayhem of Christmas and Boxing Day shopping has passed, retail therapy becomes enjoyable again. Guaranteed, there will be more people in shopping centres than in other areas of town, using their gift cards and Christmas cash while the sales are on, but compared to the holiday hordes you’ll hardly notice. The best places to shop ‘til you drop include:

these include: • The Cotter Reserve (playground, swimming, fishing, picnicking) • Kambah Adventure Playground • Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (Bushwalking, picnicking) • John Knight Memorial Park • The National Zoo & Aquarium • Weston Park And not to mention, the beautiful lakes around the capital. You’ll find them in the centre of the city, the northern ends of Belconnen and Gungahlin right down to the southern spots in Tuggeranong. Go for a stroll, a sit down or a bit of fitness. The view and the wildlife won’t disappoint.

If you’re a Canberra visitor or welcoming Canberra visitors this summer, take advantage of the extra space to move around and make your way through the capital and experience it all!

• Westfield Belconnen • Westfield Woden • Canberra Centre • Lonsdale Street, Braddon (for the boutique experience) • Manuka Shops • The Hyperdome For families, the long list of open spaces to get outdoors and enjoy a picnic, fly a kite in an open field or discover the best playgrounds is almost endless! Some of

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TIME TO GET MOVING!

It’s time to get back into fitness!

That’s what we say every summer, right?

Well, perhaps it’s time to turn your dreams (or that nagging feeling that you need to get fit) into a reality!

In Canberra, this is easy to do. We have a fantastic supply of gyms, swimming pools, outdoor fitness areas, jogging (or walking) tracks and ample mountains to climb in varying sizes for varying fitness levels.

LET’S BEGIN WITH WALKING The lakes are the perfect place to get a nice calm walk in. Lake Burley Griffin is where you’ll find the masses going for a jog, sprinting or on a casual stroll while taking pictures for social media; everyone is welcome here. The same goes for Lake Ginninderra in Belconnen, Yerrabi Pond in Gungahlin and Lake Tuggeranong in Tuggeranong.

With parks and play areas along the way, there’s room to rest or let the kids run off a little extra steam. Some even enjoy walking up the likes of Mount Ainslie or Black Mountain, but that’s if you’re feeling really ambitious or if it’s just what you like to do.

MOVING UP TO CIRCUIT TRAINING Canberra has recently experienced a fitness reawakening and interest has spiked. With obesity numbers on the rise and Australia creeping up the ranks in the list of the world’s fattest countries, some changes need to be made. The ACT Government has certainly recognised the issue and have funded a variety of outdoor and free fitness areas throughout the capital. Currently, there are 20 suburbs that have outdoor circuit fitness areas for public use. Some of these include Tuggeranong’s Town Park that has an aerobic walker, parallel bars, leg press, trapeze rings and an overhead challenge. Phillip’s Edison Park in (Woden) has chin-up bars and a sit-up bench and Harrison (near Gungahlin) has a sit-up bench, pull up bars and parallel bars! The rest

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you can find at tams.act.gov.au/outdoorfitness - the ACT Government site dedicated to outdoor fitness.

GO FOR A SWIM The many swimming centres around Canberra for your exercise efforts include CISAC in Belconnen, Canberra Olympic Swimming Pool in the city, Gungahlin Leisure Centre and Dickson Aquatic Centre in, you guessed it, Gungahlin and Dickson and the Lakeside Leisure Centre in Tuggeranong. All include 50 metre lap pools, so getting your stride going and working off those extra pounds will be easy to get into.

However, if you feel like getting back to nature for this one, head back to page 22 for Canberra’s natural swimming holes.

OTHER FITNESS ACTIVITIES Whether it’s Tai Chi, boxing, karate or boot camps, all you have to do is put out a call into the universe via Google’s search engine or social media and you’ll find the many individuals, independent businesses and gym chains that offer such services around the capital.

It’s time to get back out there and take control of your fitness! Before winter hits us again and the struggle to leave your warm, comfortable bed becomes far too great.

You can do it!

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A NATURAL CHOICE

Abode Narrabundah is Abode’s second pet friendly hotel.

A little bit about Abode Hotels’ newest star location, Narrabundah.

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Hotel Foyer

Studio Room Outlook

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standout suburb of beauty in a city full of life and greenery, Narrabundah was the obvious selection to expand the Abode Hotels name.

Narrabundah’s original residents moved in by the late 1920’s and the suburb is known for its community values, native and exotic plant life and panoramic views of the capital.

The town centre includes a supermarket, bakery, welfare centre, top tier restaurants, a real estate agency and more, with plans for major growth in the near future. The suburb also boasts a golf course, pitch and putt course and many playing ovals.

Some of the noted elements of Narrabundah that residents enjoy include peace and privacy, local amenity, established gardens and open spaces, safety, central to the rest of Canberra, a keen sense of community and well-planned and well-laid out areas resulting in an aesthetically pleasing suburb – much to look forward to for your stay.* Perhaps the best thing about Narrabundah is the open spaces bursting with natural beauty.

If you are interested in a quiet stroll, spotting fascinating Australian animals and plant life from all corners of the world then Narrabundah is the suburb to explore.

*Information obtained from the ACT Planning and Land Authority.

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Home to the Narrabundah Tors, a walk

to Carnegie Street will lead you to great granite boulders to climb and take in the breathtaking 360 degree views of Canberra.

The Mill Creek Corridor invites you to see its connection with the Jerrabomberra Wetlands and eventually Lake Burley Griffin that allows a diverse range of animals and plants to thrive within it. The creek is currently subject to a Landcare program that will enhance the Corridor’s size and beauty.

A grand open space that joins Narrabundah Neighbourhood Oval and Mill Creek Oval is perfect for kicking the football, exercise of all kinds and has play equipment for kids and families.

The open spaces don’t stop there with six informal and formal playing fields for sports including cricket, football and rugby and more informal recreational activities.

And not to mention, Narrabundah Baseball Park; home of the Canberra Cavalry. Plans are firmly in place for future expansion of existing urban open spaces and plans to create new areas.

Minutes from the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, a short drive from trendy shopping and restaurant precincts in Manuka and Kingston, and perfectly centred between the city and the airport, Narrabundah is already a hit amongst Abode Hotels guests. If you haven’t already, give it a try the next time you’re in town.

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IKEA - HOW DID IT GET HERE?

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KEA is quickly becoming the goto place for new homeowners, experienced homeowners and homeowners that just want something new, pretty and easy enough to put together.

The flat-pack megastore taking the world over has finally made its way to our grand capital. Opening in November, IKEA was welcomed by thousands at its new Majura Park location who couldn’t wait to start arguing with partners, friends and family members over missing screws, leftover pieces and the age-old question, ‘did we really need this?’.

When you think about IKEA, you think delightful Swedish items created just for your bedroom, living room, kitchen or outdoor areas. Combining this with the (somewhat) easy instructions that come with it and the prices, it’s hard to pass up on IKEA. IKEA began in Sweden in 1943 and as of August 2014 has 315 stores across 27 countries. IKEA’s business vision is to provide a wide range of well-designed, functional home furniture pieces with low prices meaning many can afford the IKEA lifestyle.

There is certainly something for everyone at IKEA whether it is new furniture or, a place to escape the furniture shopping in the form of a welcoming cafeteria with the world-

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famous IKEA meatballs. A great option for the partners wanting to sit out on the IKEA extravaganza, where they can enjoy a nice meal and above all, a seat.

An interesting story about IKEA is the one of its founder and senior advisor, Ingvar Kamprad.

Ingvar was born on a farm called Elmtaryd near rural village Agunnaryd in Sweden.

He began his career at the age of six selling matches and slowly moved up to Christmas decorations, fish and pencils, making house calls on his bicycle.

In celebration of doing well in school despite having dyslexia, Ingvar’s father rewarded him with a small sum of money. With this money, he created IKEA, an abbreviation of his name and where he was from; Ingvar Kamprad from Elmtaryd in Agunnaryd.

In the early days, Ingvar began selling his products and transporting them using milk trucks. As well as his own products, he sold furniture made by local manufacturers but they eventually started boycotting Ingvar’s business because of the low prices he was selling for. In response to this, he began designing and manufacturing products inhouse and continuing to sell at low prices.

In doing so, he developed the revolutionary innovation known as flat-pack furniture that he began selling from his own warehouses.

The IKEA concept was complete – simple, affordable flat-pack furniture that is designed and distributed in-house.

IKEA value the opportunity to ensure the masses are capable of affording modern, stylish and quality furniture at prices that don’t break the bank.

With this vision, IKEA grew first within Sweden then to Denmark, Germany and Norway and later, the world. In all this time, Ingvar has never borrowed money or issued any stock as he lives by his philosophy that he and IKEA earn their money before spending it and will not depend on any financial institutions.

The philosophy has seemingly worked as Ingvar Kamprad is now known as one of the richest people in the world as IKEA continues to grow.

Officially open in Canberra, here’s a map to the store so you too, can begin your flatpack journey to fun.

CANBERRA CITY

IKEA

CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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ABODE HOTELS BALLOON PACKAGE Hot air ballooning is without a doubt one of the best ways to take in the stunning landscape of Canberra.

In celebration of the Abode Hotel balloon landing we are proud to present you our balloon package.

Feel the magic of soaring over a changing landscape at sunrise, suspended in a basket under a glorious hot air balloon.

Take in the panorama view below; from the lush greenery of Lake Burley Griffin and its famed landmarks to the rugged Australian landscape over the Arboretum, Canberra’s numerous tourist attractions are available for soaring over!

Prices start from $630 per night in a Premium Studio or $660 per night in an Executive Studio for 2 adults and includes flights for 2.

Call 1300 1 ABODE (22633) today to check availability and take the flight of your life. *Bookings must be made minimum 7 days in advance. If the flight is cancelled it can be either rebooked or refunded. All flights include champagne and fruit juice. Offer only available at Abode Woden.

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SHOPPING: CHAIN VS. BOUTIQUE

Shopping at Canberra Centre Photo credit: VisitCanberra.

Are you a vintage op-shopper or a massproduced, latest fashion lover?

Whatever the case, shopping is a necessity in life, especially around Christmas time!

But, which is better, buying from the big chains or quaint boutique experiences?

An argument can be made for both.

The big shopping centre chains and the chain stores within them are almost guaranteed to hold what you are looking for. With many items to choose from based on extensive marketing operations and surveying to find out what you, the masses, want to buy, they are usually pretty on top of things.

The options are also vast. From crockery to sportswear to mobile phone accessories, you’re sure to find endless amounts of miscellaneous items you either do need or don’t need but want anyway.

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An added bonus to shopping centres is the chain food outlets! You’re guaranteed a food court at these locations and can grab a sweet snack, quick drink or a long lunch between shopping spurs.

Boutique experiences can also mean you find those undiscovered gems that are one-ofa-kind and either from a time gone by and/ or made by an artistic soul who poured their heart into that one piece that is now yours and yours, alone. It’s a sweet experience.

Now onto the boutique experience.

So, which do you prefer?

With this type of shopping adventure you can expect a more personal experience with both the shop owner and fellow shoppers.

Boutique stores are usually family-run businesses or a new business opened by an owner with a passion they wish to share with the world.

This means you’ll get every background story of every piece (if you’d like to hear it), a dedicated person to help you find what you need and to make sure you’ve got what you came for by the end of your visit.

Luckily for you, Canberra is stocked with both! You’ll find the boutique experiences along the lines of Braddon’s Lonsdale Street, Manuka Shops and Federation Square, as a few fabulous examples. The big centres includes Westfield in both Belconnen and Woden, the Canberra Centre in the city and The Hyperdome in Tuggeranong to help you decide.

Perhaps you’ll need to spend the day experiencing both to make an informed decision…

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A QUICK TRIP THROUGH HISTORY

Aerial view of Canberra, Civic Centre, ACT 1964.

Photo credit: National Archives of Australia

The construction of Canberra - From 1913-today

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The Minister for Home Affairs, King O’Malley, drives the first peg in the site for Canberra.

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he construction industry in Australia has certainly taken off in the last decade. Especially so for Canberra. Since its beginnings after the official naming ceremony in 1913, our small city has seen significant growth in just about every suburb.

In particular, town centre development including Tuggeranong, Belconnen and Gungahlin continues at a rapid rate in terms of residential and commercial growth, becoming social hubs that stand tall against the city centre. New suburbs also continue to pop up regularly as more people choose to make Canberra their home.

Let’s take a look back through history of constructing the nation’s capital, paying particular attention to the major milestones we experienced along the way.

In 1913, Canberra was officially named the capital of Australia. Member for Parliament, King O’Malley, drove the first peg and the pressure was on. From here, works began to turn this patch of bushland into a major city worthy of the title. Already settled, Canberra had many homes and marketplaces set up around the territory but the boom was coming once Canberra was officially and literally put on the map.

In the same year, Walter Burley Griffin, the designer of our fair city, was appointed Director of Federal Capital Design and Construction for three years. *Fun fact: In 1914, Jervis Bay was officially added into the Australian Capital Territory as a seaport for Canberra to serve as its ‘Pacific City’.

As building continued, The Great War began and the Molonglo Internment Camp was used to house German Nationals, then later for workers’ families and eventually turned into the industrial suburb we know today as Fyshwick.

Photo credit: National Archives of Australia

As the war came to an end, the building of Tuggeranong that was commissioned and set to house 10,000 people, among other projects, was put on hold as we came to terms with the devastation of the war and how to move forward.

In 1924, the first sale of leases occurred to the public and J.B. Young Ltd. – an early chain of retail stores – bought the first block on Giles Street in Eastlake (now Kingston).

The Federal Capital Commission was created in 1925 and were first tasked with building Canberra as soon as possible for the relocation of thousands of public servants and Parliament who were scheduled to arrive by 1927.

In 1928, the great Albert Hall opened and patrons were welcomed to the biggest event in Canberra since its naming ceremony. The Hall was named after the Duke of York and was planned to stand as the cultural heart of the city.

Our first pool was built in 1931 in Manuka and the Federal Highway from Goulburn to Canberra was finished and the people flooded in! This was followed shortly by the completion of our first airfield near Duntroon in 1936.

The year 1939 meant the beginning of a new war and the city’s current population was set to grow again as public service families, military personnel and diplomats made their way to the capital. The Australian War Memorial was opened in 1941 and with a visit from Queen Elizabeth II in 1954, the population grew to 39,000. Suddenly, a new plan was needed to focus on the development of the city and in 1957, The National Capital Development Commission was created to do just that. The Commission was first responsible for the development of Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin and new suburbs Woden Valley, Weston Creek, Belconnen, Tuggeranong and Gungahlin.

Throughout the ‘60’s and ‘70’s it was all about tourism and finishing those suburbs. In 1962, Kings Avenue Bridge became the first bridge built to cross the eventual, but not yet complete, Lake Burley Griffin. Blundells Cottage was restored as a museum, the Royal Australian Mint opened, Anzac Parade was complete and the Aboriginal Tent Embassy was established. The population of Canberra continued to rise and new town plans for Belconnen and Tuggeranong, in particular, were unveiled. The Woden Plaza opened as did Belconnen Mall and the National Athletics Stadium, later known as Canberra Stadium.

The ‘80’s and ‘90’s saw the construction of an extremely large telecommunications tower, now known as Telstra Tower atop Black Mountain. These two decades also saw the opening of the High Court of Australia, the new Parliament House, the Australian Institute of Sport, and the Canberra College of Education became the University of Canberra. Canberra’s population officially reached 300,000 in 1995.

The early 2000’s saw the opening of the National Museum of Australia, devastating bushfires throughout many suburbs and the rebuild of each, the design team was chosen for the National Arboretum and the Mount Stromlo Observatory was reopened to the public.

Construction and expansion continues today as we see positive results for the ACT economy’s health - the commencement of construction on new homes was up by 76% in the June quarter of this year, as one example of this.* Suburbs currently being built include Lawson, Coombs, Wright, Denman Prospect and the list goes on.

Canberra is an amazing city still developing and certainly moving up in the world. Watch this space. *Figures obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics

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HERITAGE AUSTRALIA: THE GREAT WAR

The Australian War Memorial

The end of 2015 marks the end of the centenary year of the landing at Gallipoli in World War I. As we remember the Anzacs, we plant ourselves in the mindset of those who gave up everything to protect our home, our ideas, values and above all, our freedom.

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Australian soldiers Photo credit: VisitCanberra

T

ermed The Great War, World War I was set to be the war to end all wars. Unfortunately, as we know, this was not the case.

Men and women from around the world went off to war hoping for a positive end and safety for their families back home and for their countries.

Perhaps the saddest part of any war is the desire to fight being etched in the minds of the young; encouraging teens or even younger to give up their youth and march to their deaths as they believed it to be brave, what was right or as many thought in World War I, an exciting adventure.

They did so without understanding the full effects of war and what it means to kill someone or see your friends be killed; how could you know at such a young age?

The legal age to enlist in World War I was 21 or, 18 if consent was given by a parent or guardian. Boys aged 14-17 were able to join as buglers or other musicians but nothing more. Many went on to falsify documents, lying about their age to join as soldiers. The amount of boy soldiers who enlisted this way is unknown but expected to be well in to the thousands.

The youngest known boy attempting to become a soldier, was Perth-born Reginald Garth. Reginald was twelve years old when he stowed away on a war ship as he followed his three older brothers and his father to be a part of their ‘big adventure’.

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Thankfully, Reginald was sent back to Australia as soon as he was discovered.

Sadly, only one brother of the four Garth men returned home from war.

Two standout exhibitions include:

Private James Charles Martin from Tocumwal, New South Wales, is still believed to be the youngest soldier to have died on active service. He enlisted at the age of 14, stating his age as 18 to officials.

He arrived at Gallipoli on September 8 1914 and died just over one month later on October 25.

Take a step back in time and into the shoes of Australia’s bravest, as you make your way through the country’s finest memorial in an exhibit that commemorates and pays a fitting tribute to the soldiers, nurses and families of The Great War.

As grateful as we are to these brave men and women who fought for our freedom, the statistics stand as a tragedy with the amount of Australian deaths before war’s end totalling 60,284, wounded totalling 155,133, prisoners of war totalling 4,044 and those who suffered from sickness or nonbattle injuries totalling 431,448.*

The Front Room National Film and Sound Archive: Sights and Sounds of World War I

Our hope remains that lessons will be learnt from war, humanity will find another way to address serious conflict and malicious oppressors will disappear altogether. One can hope.

If you feel like paying your respects or learning something about our soldiers, nurses or families of war, a range of exhibitions that include artworks, letters and sculptures are on display across the capital to remember our fallen and surviving heroes of The Great War.

The War Memorial: Australia in the Great War

www.awm.gov.au

As the nation’s living archive, the NFSA pays its tribute to the Anzacs through video, sound and picture covering Gallipoli, the home front, enlistment and our memories as a nation in the years after the war. www.nfsa.gov.au

*Information obtained from the Australian War Memorial.

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supporting young men in Canberra since 2002 Through our free counselling, volunteer mentoring and education programs in Canberra, we help socially isolated or troubled young men get their lives back on track.

We also change the lives of our volunteers.

Because we believe everything is possible.

Need to talk?

Want to get involved?

menslink.org.au

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Gungahlin Chemworld Chemist

the Museum experience

Enjoy the ultimate Museum experience at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra, with a guided tour, a main meal and glass of wine from our stunning waterfront cafe, plus 10% o purchases at our beautiful Museum Shop #.

$35 per person* Tickets are available from the Museum or online at nma.gov.au/tours #The

Museum Shop discount applies to full-priced items, single transaction only, and cannot be redeemed for cash.

*Valid until 31 March 2016. Image: Adam McGrath, Hcreations.

nma.gov.au